Whether you’re celebrating with mom, being a mom or remembering the special times, enJOY your moment…I certainly am with my mother & sons!
Candace Reese ~ The CEO Pundit™ (BOYmom) & Mom (GIRLmom)
It’s that time of year again….time to celebrate those who chose to give us life and if you were fortunate, guided you through the toughest challenges that arose during your matriculation through it. But as an entrepreneur/CEO and once again, a single mom, I see a much bigger picture that applies to my daily life and reaches further than just family. Really think about it: we’ve all met a CEO, if you’ve shared space with your mother. I understand there are single dads who are equally qualified for this title, but you have a day coming. 
Right now, my focus is on paying homage to those outstanding ladies who truly understand selfless servitude.
ed of my sisterfriend and fellow mompreneur, Robin May mentioning “oxygen therapy”; each time we board a plane, we’re constantly reminded to place the mask on ourselves first, prior to placing it on our children. But the natural instinct is to take care of everyone else prior to ourselves. We remedy this challenge and allow our focus to be on our craft by delegating tasks that are easily taught and managed by our team members. Cheers to CEOs and moms globally…be CONFIDENT; be UNIQUE; and in all things, BOLDLY choose JOY!
Candace Reese ~ The CEO Pundit™
Candace Reese & Dr. Carla Reese
Since my little sister doesn’t like her name in lights, she thought she would escape me this month after multiple attempts at connecting with her to fact check her credentials and title…but all good. I still choose to feature you, Dr. Carla Reese!
What I do know is that she graduated from high school as valedictorian, finished Tuskegee University summa cum laude in three years, garnered her master’s degree from Tulane University and earned her medical degree at University of Alabama School of Medicine at Birmingham (UAB). Specializing in addiction psychiatry, Dr. Reese completed her residency in 2012 at University of Maryland Medical Center, where she was previously named chief resident and is currently completing a fellowship. Pink and green make her smile, as she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Yes, she’s the truth, and I’m extremely proud and in awe of her many accomplishments. But most important to me, she is firmly grounded in her spirituality, a loving wife to USCG Commander Warren Judge, an amazing sister, caring daughter, fabulous aunt to my sons and truly my BFF.
Well, this wraps up my salutes to the fascinating ladies who encourage my life on a daily basis. In the past, I proudly proclaimed that ‘I don’t do women’…they’re messy, catty, unreliable, and of the devil! I had to come to the hard realization that a lot of my issues were based upon fear, given my challenges growing up and being let down or bullied many times over by girls I would have given the world to just to be my friend. However, when you learn better, you MUST do better.
Candace Reese ~ The CEO Pundit™
After examining and accepting that these were my issues based upon experiences that I could not change, I understood that I had to change myself and my mindset. Upon making that discovery and committing to be a better me first, I started to attract amazingly inspirational, powerfully professional, phenomenal women in my life on a consistent basis. There have still been challenges with some, because for those who are all or nothing and serve others with their whole heart, the key is to meet people where they are, and not place the same expectations upon them as you place on yourself in how you live, love and work.
There is truly nothing like the love, kindness and support of a sisterfriend…whether near or far. I dwell in gratitude for the short and long-term relationships forged between myself and the ladies I admire…for the many laughs, cries, calls to action and bonding moments, SALUTE!
Karmetria Burton & Candace Reese
I just left another amazing event featuring my one of my final Ladies Making History this month, Karmetria Burton. We recently met through one of my life-long friends/colleagues, who happens to be her nephew. I can hardly believe I had not crossed paths with this phenomenal beauty prior to this year; but timing is certainly everything. Along with making a new and powerful personal connection, we are now bringing her in to build a commanding platform for her personal, corporate and philanthropic brands as a new member of our Envision Global Corporation family!
Karmetria is a business savvy and strong business acumen professional with over 10 years of experience with Fortune 500 Companies. She currently serves as General Manager-Strategic Programs- Supply Chain Management with Delta Airlines, where she is responsible for reporting and analysis, supplier performance, sustainability, supplier diversity and B2B supply chain sourcing.
Karmetria Burton at Delta Star Awards 2013
Karmetria approaches the position with a broad perspective having been a minority business owner herself. Her ultimate goal is to develop a quality Best-In-Class Supplier Diversity program that makes Delta an industry leader. The first step was implementing the Supplier Diversity Champions program, which raises in-house awareness of the importance of the supplier diversity strategy. She also established the Individual Procurement Meetings, at which qualified diverse suppliers are strategically introduced into the procurement process. The on-boarding process has enabled Delta to procure business from several of the most innovative, competent and competitive MWBEs. Recently, Delta also instituted the Best Practices Business Series, which focuses on supplier diversity and procurement best practices.
Delta was awarded the 2011 George Lottier Rising Star Award and the Executive of the Year award by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC). Karmetria’s efforts have been recognized by the Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC) as the Advocate of the Year. In the past, she earned the 2005 Trailblazer Award presented by the Black Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs. The awards represent her extraordinary efforts to develop women and minority business owners.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson & Karmetria Burton
Providing expertise in implementation and managing diversity management initiatives,including managing external affairs; problem resolution management, event planning, community relations, supplier diversity procurement, employee relations and retention, project management and training are many of the daily duties Karmetria oversees. She boasts a proven success in motivating, leading, directing people and influencing teams and her strengths lie in strong presentation and communication skills, with an innate ability to articulate results to a variety of audiences. Her higher education instructional experience includes teaching business and diversity related courses at Ga. State, Kennesaw State, Shorter College, Strayer University and Monroe Community College.
A prolific corporate presenter and inspirational speaker, Karmetria holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Southern University-Baton Rouge, La., and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska. Mrs. Burton has instructed business, procurement and diversity related courses at Kennesaw State University as well as Shorter College, Strayer University, Georgia State University and Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. Karmetria is currently a PhD candidate at Argosy University-Atlanta.
Look out for her at your next high school, college, non-profit, corporate and faith-based events!
I was fortunate enough to grab a moment with Karmetria after her presentation How To Do Business With A Fortune 100 Company today, and below is a video of what/who inspires her, as well as how she sees her legacy…cheers, Karmetria!
Ludacris & (his mom) Ms. Roberta Shields
I am late posting today, because I was trying my very best to interview my next featured lady prior to posting today. However, the show must go on, and the extremely busy Ms. Roberta Shields still deserves her salute, considering she’s probably busy saving the world again at this very moment! Whether it be working with alongside her nonprofit initiatives in the past or interacting socially, I have enJOYed every moment of this lively, socially-conscious lady.
We all know her best as mother to one of the most successful artists, actors and entertainers in the world, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. But you should also know that she is an amazing force behind his scandal-free career, philanthropy and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Roberta Shields
In a much more simple wrapping than I would prefer giving her, Ms. Shields serves as president of the Ludacris Foundation, one of the highest-profile and most productive philanthropic operations in the celebrity world; is a speaker and facilitator; golfer, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She possesses an MBA from Johns Hopkins and has yielded much business success in her own past ventures, beyond those garnered with her famous son.
The Ludacris Foundation logo
In her own words, Ms. Shields has a passion for people and feels blessed with a joy for life.
We all know how I feel about JOY and you…cheers, lady!
Candace Reese & M.C. Lyte
Anyone who loves hip-hop, especially the early years of the genre, has to pay homage to one of our most prominent pioneering lady lyricists, MC Lyte. We originally met several years ago at a philanthropic function, and caught up (<–from the photo) this year as she was presenting at the Atlanta stop of the AT&T 28 Days campaign. I had not yet had the pleasure of enJOYing her as a speaker, but just as with her music, she completely moved the crowd with knowledge, stories from her journey and uplifting wisdom.
Born Lana Michelle, legendary icon, DJ, voice over talent, actress, entertainer, inspirational speaker and entrepreneur, MC Lyte is still making the crowds move across the globe. She first appeared on the scene in 1988 with her debut album Lyte As A Rock. At the tender age of 17, she began schooling other MC’s in the art of rhyme, and since that time she has proven that greatness always prevails with a total of ten albums (9 plus a “GREATEST HITS”) to her credit. Lyte is the FIRST rap artist ever to perform at New York’s historic Carnegie Hall and the FIRST female rapper to ever receive a gold single. MC LYTE’s inspiring 1993 classic anthem, “Ruffneck,” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Single. In fact, she was the FIRST female solo rapper ever nominated for a Grammy! Ten years later, her 2003 album “Undaground Heat vol.1”, hosted by Jamie Foxx, garnered this rap legend her second career Grammy nomination. It was released on her own label SGI/CMM. The single “Ride Wit Me” also received a BET Award nomination for Best Female Rap Performance. In 2006, MC Lyte became the first solo female rapper to be honored/inducted on VH-1’s HIPHOP HONORS.
DJ MC Lyte
Lyte serves as a beautiful example that females can rock the mic just as good, and oftentimes, even better than men. Lyte’s lyrical skills have also been tapped into by Hollywood. She co-wrote and performed the television theme songs for Fox’s “Dark Angel” and BET’s “Holla.”
MC Lyte
A pioneer in the industry, MC Lyte opened the door for future female Hip Hop artists by daring to do what had never been done while doing something she loved. A role model to women and respected by men everywhere, Lyte never compromises who she is and consistently displays that a woman can turn heads fully clothed! Whenever possible, she enjoys traveling across the nation to use her expertise and story of success to motivate others to take ownership of the world around them while striving to be the best they can possibly be.
MC Lyte founded Hip Hop Sisters Network, which includes Hip Hop Sisters Artistry, providing a platform for female artists to showcase their talents in an environment of encouragement and respect, as well as Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, which is a non-profit charity that promotes positive images of women of ethnic diversity by bringing together leaders from the world of Hip Hop, the entertainment industry, and the corporate world. HHS provides national and international support to women and youth around the globe on the topics of: Cultural Issues; Financial Empowerment; Health and Wellness; Mentorship; and Educational Opportunities. Advisory board members include Faith Evans, Ledisi, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chilli, Russell Simmons, Cheryl “Salt” James, Malinda Williams, Kelly Price, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Kenny Lattimore, Melanie Fiona and Dr. Benjamin Chavis.
HHS logo
Author of “Unstoppable: Igniting the Power Within to Achieve Your Greatest Potential,” Lyte is also very active in many social projects, including anti-violence campaigns and Rock the Vote. MC Lyte is the presiding President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy, co-host of the nationally syndicated Café Mocha radio show, and she is also a proud honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
MC Lyte, your mic still sounds nice…cheers!
Follow MC Lyte on Twitter @MCLyte
Angela Rye, Esq.
I met Angela Rye through a close colleague over 8 years ago, and since that time, we have shared numerous client accounts, as well as her invitation for me to lead the PR/Media management & panelist booking of the Emerging Leaders Town Hall at the Congressional Black Caucus Convention over several years in the past. A tough, no-nonsense attorney by trade, Angela balances the challenges of working in politics through her spiritual foundation and civic outreach.
Angela Rye is one of the most dynamic young leaders on Capitol Hill. She has been featured in The Root 100, MSNBC’s “BLTWY Power List: 35 Under 35 Who Changed DC”, the Washington Post’s “Who Runs Gov”, and recognized as one of DC’s Most Influential, among others. Ms. Rye currently serves as Principal of IMPACT Strategies.
Most recently, she served as the Executive Director and General Counsel to the Congressional Black Caucus. In her role as executive director, Rye was tasked with developing the overall legislative and political strategy for the caucus. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Rye was Senior Advisor and Counsel to the House Committee on Homeland Security under the leadership of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman. There, she was charged with developing the general political strategy for the Committee with a focus on assisting disenfranchised, small minority owned businesses.
Upon moving to the Nation’s Capital, Rye co-founded IMPACT, an organization that seeks to encourage young professionals in three core areas: economic empowerment, civic engagement, and political involvement. The five year-old organization has quickly become a powerful voice and advocate for today’s young professionals of color nationwide. Rye continues to serve as IMPACT’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. During her tenure with the organization, IMPACT has formed partnerships with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Rainbow PUSH’s Wall Street Project, Young & Powerful, Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute, Black Leadership Forum, and others.
Rye began her career in legislative advocacy upon graduating from Seattle University School of Law, at the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), which is the umbrella association for the Nation’s 120 historically and predominately black colleges and universities on Capitol Hill and with the Executive Branch. At NAFEO, she served as the Coordinator of Advocacy and Legislative Affairs. Prior to NAFEO, Rye had the privilege of serving as a Legal Extern in Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ Los Angeles office. While working in the district office, Rye learned about legislative procedure and organization, as well as developed favorable public policy for constituents, and assisted in the mobilization and organization of community members to make a difference locally.
Team IMPACT (Angela Rye, Esq. center)
Rye also served as the Western Region Director for the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) where she managed and supervised the Western Region Executive Board. Formerly the Legislative Affairs Chair of the Greater Washington Area Chapter (GWAC) for the Women’s Law Division of the NBA, Rye is committed to shoring up efforts to increase knowledge of the political processes for her colleagues and peers. Rye’s reputation for advocacy led to her recent appointment to the American Bar Association’s Government Affairs Committee, where she serves as the YLD Liaison. She is also Vice Chair of the National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Rye learned the importance of advocacy through her family’s political and community activism. She now resides in Bowie, Maryland and is a member of Reid Temple AME Church.
For your persevering work as a necessary voice for this generation…cheers, Angela.
Find Angela as a featured blogger on The Huffington Post, as well as providing political commentary on MSNBC & TVOne. Find her on Facebook & Twitter @Angela_Rye.
