14th Annual Ariel Hunter-Chriss Women and Minority Owned Enterprise and Business Professionals’ Conference Benefiting College For Kids

February 6-7, 2020 Tarrant County College South Campus

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CONTENTS Welcome and Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Dr. Peter Jordan .................................................................................................................................................. 3

Ariel Hunter-Chriss Grant Fund............................................................................................................................... 4

Conference Agenda – February 6, 2020 ................................................................................................................. 5

Workshops .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Networking Social ............................................................................................................................................... 5

Conference Agenda – February 7, 2020 ................................................................................................................. 6

Morning Keynote Profile: Kimberly Shaw ............................................................................................................... 7

Lunch Keynote Profile: Anthony Grissett ................................................................................................................ 8

Recognition of Minority Business Owner ............................................................................................................... 9

Al Piper ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Thursday Workshops ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Building Your Internet Based Business: FBA Sellers, ETSY and EBAY ............................................................... 10

Corporate Structures for the Entrepreneur: Structuring Your Small Business................................................. 11

The Transformative Powers of Goal Setting and Why They Work ................................................................... 12

Friday Seminars: Breakout Session 1 .................................................................................................................... 13

Boots to Business: Veterans’ Business Opportunities ...................................................................................... 13

Business Marketing: Standing Out in Your Industry ......................................................................................... 14

Managing Multi-Generational Employees ........................................................................................................ 14

Developing a Product Idea: Getting People to Believe in Your Business ......................................................... 15

Friday Seminars: Breakout Session 2 .................................................................................................................... 16

Certificate and Training Programs that Will Jump Start Your Business ............................................................ 16

Securing Financing for New Businesses ............................................................................................................ 17

Build Your Personal Brand, Grow Your Capacity! ............................................................................................. 17

The Real Advantages of Starting a Business: What You Can Learn from Entrepreneurs ................................. 18

Advisory Council .................................................................................................................................................... 19

Hosted By .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Thank You To Our Sponsors! ................................................................................................................................. 20

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WELCOME AND PURPOSE

DR. PETER JORDAN

On behalf of Tarrant County College (TCC) South faculty, staff and students, I am pleased to welcome you to the 14th Annual Ariel Hunter-Chriss Women and Minority Owned Enterprise and Business Professionals’ Conference. We are proud to be the host of this important conference for entrepreneurs, business and community leaders. One benefit of conferences is they provide the opportunity for professionals to rise above the fray of our daily work lives to reflect on our purpose, to regroup, gain clarity and create momentum. I hope each of you will use this opportunity to strengthen professional networks, enhance skills and renew your drive. We live in exciting, yet, challenging times. Many of us are meeting the challenges of today with perspectives formed by unique backgrounds, broad education and diverse experiences. The two forces that help us succeed as professionals are

the currency of our toolboxes and our willingness to persevere.

It is fitting that TCC is the host of this conference. As one of the top 10 community colleges in Texas, we are mindful of the awesome role we play in forging economic development and growth for Tarrant County. We have had to reflect and regroup to harness new energy, which fuels a powerful strategic path for the College to serve our communities. We hope you will take the time to learn more about what TCC is doing to improve access, affordability and success for the more than 100,000 students who come to us seeking knowledge and credentials.

The single most important message I can offer you for making the most of this conference is that you adopt the TCC motto. Just remember: “Success [is] within reach!” Remain open to the possibilities and enjoy the conference.

Yours truly,

Peter Jordan

Peter Grant Jordan, Ed.D. President

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ARIEL HUNTER-CHRISS GRANT FUND In 2005, Dr. Mike Cady, then Dean of Continuing Education, was reading an educational journal and discovered that a city in south Texas had an African American Professionals’ Conference. He thought that it would be great to do the same in the DFW area. He assigned this task to Ariel Hunter-Chriss, the Assistant Dean of Continuing Education at the time.

In November of 2006, the first conference was held at the American Airlines Center. The 2007 conference was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Arlington, Texas. The third year the conference partnered with the Dallas County Community College District and was held at the Hilton Hotel in Desoto, Texas. In 2009, the conference moved to Tarrant County College Trinity River. In 2010, the conference was moved to Tarrant County College South campus, where it has remained.

In 2009, Tarrant County College District lost a treasured member of its family, Ariel Hunter-Chriss. In honor of Mrs. Hunter-Chriss, the African American Professionals’ Conference was renamed to the Ariel Hunter-Chriss African American Professionals’ Conference. This year, the name of the conference has been changed to recognize and inspire Women and Minority Business Owners while still honoring its original name-sake, Ariel Hunter-Chriss. The conference is now named the Ariel Hunter-Chriss Women and Minority Owned Enterprise and Business Professionals’ Conference.

In memory of Ariel Hunter-Chriss, a grant fund in her honor has been established through the Tarrant County College Foundation. Taking into consideration Mrs. Hunter-Chriss’ passion for youth education programs, the proceeds from this conference and grant fund will be used to provide an opportunity for worthy students to attend College for Kids.

The College for Kids Camp is a summer enrichment program for students in grades 1-8. Students can enroll in a broad range of classes including academic, arts and crafts, science and technology, and health and fitness. Courses are taught by experienced and motivated faculty who encourage and challenge students in an atmosphere that supports inquiry and exploration. College for Kids Camp has and continues to impact the lives of more than 700 students in Fort Worth and surrounding areas annually.

Tarrant County College South Community Education and Engagement would like to invite you to donate to the Ariel Hunter-Chriss Grant Fund. You may contribute by using one of the following methods:

• Online: www.tccd.edu/foundation and click on “Give Now” • Mail: A check payable to the Tarrant County College Foundation (please indicate Ariel Hunter-Chriss Grant Fund on the check or in an attached letter). Mail check to: TCC Foundation, 1500 Houston Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102

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CONFERENCE AGENDA – FEBRUARY 6, 2020

WORKSHOPS

TIME Working Workshop LOCATION 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Building Your Internet Based Business: FBA Sellers, ETSY and EBAY

Facilitator: Ms. Catherine Peña SETC 1218

Corporate Structures for the Entrepreneur: Structuring Your Small Business

Facilitator: Professor Michael A. Jackson, J.D.

SETC 1306

The Transformative Powers of Goal Setting and Why They Work. Facilitator: Mr. Steven LeMons

SETC 2216

NETWORKING SOCIAL 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the SETC Fusion Room (SETC 1100)

Friday’s Events

Thursday’s Events

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CONFERENCE AGENDA – FEBRUARY 7, 2020

TIME EVENT LOCATION

8:30 am to 9:00 am Registration and Continental Breakfast Dining Hall SSTU 1114

9:00 am to 10:00 am

Opening Ceremony Mistress of Ceremonies – Dr. Terry L. Aaron, Executive Director of Community Education & Engagement Welcome - Dr. Peter Jordan, President TCC South College for Kids Video – Dr. Terry L. Aaron Keynote Address – Ms. Kimberly Shaw, President of the Regional Black Contractors Association

Dining Hall SSTU 1114

10:00 am to 10:20 am Networking Break and Exhibitor Viewing SSTU Building

10:30 am to 11:20 am Breakout Session 1

Boots to Business: Veterans’ Business Opportunities Ms. Valerie Groll and Mr. Myron Pullum

Fort Worth Room SSTU 2201

Business Marketing: Standing Out in Your Industry Ms. Brandi Jones

Texas Room SSTU 2210

Managing Multi-Generational Employees Mr. K. Harold Jackson

Living Room SSTU 2105

Developing a Product Idea: Getting People to Believe in Your Business

Dr. Regina K. Cannon and Ms. Talia S. Dancer

Forum Room SSTU 2207

11:20 am to 11:30 am Networking Break and Exhibitor Viewing SSTU Building 11:30 am to 12:20 pm Breakout Session 2

Business Certificate and Training Programs that Will Jump Start Your Career

Mr. Ernie Gines

Fort Worth Room SSTU 2201

Securing Financing for New Businesses Ms. Yolie Molina

Forum Room SSTU 2207

Build Your Personal Brand, Grow Your Capacity! Ms. Tarsha Polk

Texas Room SSTU 2210

The Real Advantages of Starting a Business: What You Can Learn from Entrepreneurs

Facilitator: Mr. Rodney Johnson Panelist: Mr. Devoyd Jennings, Mr. Gary Moss, Mr. Cle Royal, and Ms. Gwendolyn Wilson

Living Room SSTU 2105

12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

Lunch Master of Ceremonies – Pastor Fernando Rojas Welcome – Pastor Alcee Chriss Video Tribute to Ariel Hunter-Chriss – Dr. Terry L. Aaron Keynote Address – Mr. Anthony Grissett Recognition of Minority Business Owner – Mr. Al Piper College for Kids Scholarship Announcement

Dining Hall SSTU 1114

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MORNING KEYNOTE PROFILE: KIMBERLY SHAW

Kimberly D. Shaw began her career with the Regional Black Contractors in 2015. She excelled as an Office Manager and was promoted to Vice President of Operations. As Vice President, she initiated several programs. Some of these programs are the Senior Citizen Home Repair program, the Second Chance Hiring program, Scholarship Give-a-way, Back-to-School supplies initiatives and Drug-Rehabilitation support to local facilities.

Kimberly is the current president of the Regional Black Contractors Association. She is totally committed to expanding the membership and creating an equitable playing field by supporting the African American Contractors. She is also focused on enhancing the Workforce Development program by supporting Industry Partners who provide employment opportunities for under-served individuals.

Kimberly’s diverse and multi-cultural experiences have enabled her growth and development. Her early successes include Talent Recruiter for Pride Staff and the North Texas Tollway Authority. She also held a position with Eagle Barricade, LLC, where she was introduced to the construction environment.

On a personal note, Kimberly is the proud mother of three active and engaging boys (Michael 14, Tristan 9, and Roman 3). They aspire to be future leaders in our community as demonstrated by their volunteer work in out-reach programs, and their participation in beautification projects in the Dallas Fort Worth area. She spends as much of her free time as possible with her family and close friends. Her hobbies are reading, traveling, physical fitness and spiritual growth.

Kimberly believes that the road to success should be lined with courage and faith. She is a strong advocate for equal rights for gender and racial equality.

I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity. - Oprah Winfrey

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LUNCH KEYNOTE PROFILE: ANTHONY GRISSETT

Anthony Grissett is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. Attended the University of Florida and Florida A&M University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. After working in the oil & gas industry, banking, marketing and sales, and upon his mother’s layoff after a 30-year career in the food service business, Anthony was reminded of a commitment he made to himself at the age of 16 - to own his own businss. This led him to apply for a McDonald’s franchise.

Anthony was accepted into the McDonald’s training program and after training for three years was offered his first restaurant in 1992 in Duncanville, Texas. After grinding it out in one restaurant for over 10 years, Grissett Enterprises, LLC/Dba McDonald’s currently has 10 restaurants, serving and developing over 450 employees in the Arlington, Irving, and Hillsboro markets. Anthony’s proudest accomplishment is marrying an amazingly supportive, intelligent and God-fearing woman, Arminda Grissett. They recently celebrated 35 years of marriage and have enjoyed nurturing and developing 3 amazing children Austin, Alina, and Alex Grissett. Two of their 3 children are actively involved in the family business. In addition, his wife Arminda has been an approved owner for McDonald’s since 2006. The Grissetts have enjoyed serving their community and are dedicated to helping others accomplish their dreams. Anthony serves on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Texas and is a former President of the West Zone of the National Black McDonald’s Owner Operators Association. He is a member of New Life Fellowship and serves with the Greeters Ministry. In addition, he serves on the Business Development Board of Frost Bank. Their goal in serving the community is to assist in the education of all their employees, to provide exceptional management development training, and to assist each employee in realizing their highest potential and pursuing their dreams!

Anthony Grissett Former President, West Division National Black McDonald’s Owners Association (NBMOA) Current Member NBMOA Board member of RMHC of Greater North Texas Keynote Speaker – Martin High School’s Black History Month 2017

Arminda Grissett Board member of Ronald McDonald House of Ft. Worth. Co-Chair Public Relations Committee for Dallas Co-op. Member of NBMOA, Ronald Committee, WON DFW Co-op Board of Directors T. A. Howard Elementary School Career Day Guest Speaker 2017 Arlington ISD Destination to Success 2016 & 2017 Career Job Fair Guest Speaker National Business & Professional Women 81st Convention Youth Conference

Guest Speaker 2017 Irving MacArthur High School Internship Class 2016 Sponsor

Anthony & Arlington Branch of NAACP Business Leader Award 2017 Arminda Grissett Recipient of the 2019 RMHC Gerry Newman McTLC Award of Excellence. This award is given to one Owner/Operator worldwide for their philanthropic efforts in

support of RMHC

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RECOGNITION OF MINORITY BUSINESS OWNER

AL PIPER

Al Piper is a partner with Pro-Source Insurance Agency LLC/HARNEM Insurance Group Inc., an independent insurance agency. He is an insurance broker/agent that provides AUTO, HOME, BUSINESS, BONDS, LIFE and HEALTH insurance. He has been an insurance professional for 39 years. Al began his career as an All Lines Insurance Adjuster and has served as Regional Claims Manager and Field Operations Manager in the property and casualty insurance claims industry.

Al has been an insurance course developer and instructor at Tarrant County College South Campus for the past 18 years. In addition, he teaches insurance agent and adjuster pre-licensing courses at the National Institute of Adjusting LLC, Mountain View College and Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders (a non-profit). He was also an instructor of Casualty and Liability Claims courses at Vale Training Solutions, Arlington, Texas.

Al is graduate of Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas with a Bachelors in Business Administration with a major in Business Management with a minor in Economics. Al holds the professional designation of Associate In Claims (AIC) from the Insurance Institute of America.

Al volunteers as a board member of Tarrant County Crime Stoppers. He is also Vice Chairman of Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of Deacons at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Texas. He has served as President of Historic Southside Neighborhood Association and President of Fort Worth Association of REALTIST.

Al was awarded the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Theta Sigma Chapter’s 26th Annual Calvin Littlejohn Bigger and Better Business Award for Business Excellence. He was an All-District and All-City high school football running back in Shreveport, Louisiana, his hometown.

His professional hobby is photography; he specializes in shooting various types of events, weddings and portraits. He looks forward to retirement and becoming a cattle rancher.

Al has been married to his lovely wife of 40 years, Brenda J. Piper.

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THURSDAY WORKSHOPS

BUILDING YOUR INTERNET BASED BUSINESS: FBA SELLERS, ETSY AND EBAY Facilitator: Catherine Peña

When people talk about traditional e-commerce, they generally think first of the big three internet selling power houses: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), ETSY and Ebay. This startup workshop introduces you to the entrepreneurial mindset and provides experienced-based, hands-on training and the internet based business development process. Participants will gain entrepreneurial confidence and acquire the necessary skills to start and grow an internet based business. Join Catherine Peña as she discusses the process of establishing your internet based business, the behind the scenes differences among these companies and the tips you need to succeed on each platform.

Catherine Peña is a certified Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) mentor and workshop volunteer. Ms. Peña brings 20 years of online experience having worked on websites for USA Weightlifting, 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Games and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Catherine has also worked with several marketing agencies where she focused on branding, websites and social media.

Catherine is a Fort Worth native who graduated from North Side High School. She then attended Texas A&M University receiving a Bachelors of Science Degree and acquired her Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

In carrying out e-commerce, the most important thing is to keep doing what you are doing right now with passion, to keep it up.

- Jack Ma

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CORPORATE STRUCTURES FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR: STRUCTURING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS Facilitator: Michael A. Jackson, J.D.

Attend this session and understand the various legal forms of a business and the opportunities and challenges associated with each. An overview of other legal considerations impacting veteran-owned businesses will also be presented. Additionally, how the owner is paid, taxed, exposure to legal liability and the importance of seeking legal counsel will be explored.

Michael currently serves as Assistant Professor of Business at Tarrant County College. Michael teaches classes in the areas of: Business Law, Business Principles, Principles of Management, Business Ethics, Principles of Management and Human Resources Management.

Michael grew up in Fort Worth and graduated from Polytechnic High School. He continued his education earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master of Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School of Management in Kansas City, Missouri, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Drake University School of Law in Des Moines, Iowa. Michael met the requirements to obtain his FINA (SEC) Series 7

(securities/stockbroker) and Series 66 licenses. Michael worked for a period as a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial.

Michael’s diverse work experience has included: Iowa Department of Human Rights, the Jasper County Attorney’s Office in Newton, Iowa, and the United States Attorney’s Office-Northern District of Iowa. Michael worked for BNSF Railway Company in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Texas. During his time with BNSF, he worked in such areas as: Strategic Planning and Analysis, Service Contracts, Strategic Staffing, and Corporate Diversity. Michael built and operated businesses in: human resources consulting; real estate brokerage/property management, and mediation. Michael currently serves as volunteer mediator, trainer and former board member for Dispute Resolution Services of North Texas where he has received several accolades for mediation.

Michael also serves as a highly sought-after trainer and facilitator for Mediation Training teaching in such areas as: Generating Options in Mediation, Writing the Mediated Settlement Agreement, Ethical and Professional Responsibilities in Family Mediations, Diversity, and Landlord/Tenant Disputes.

The moment you give up, is the moment you let someone else win. - Kobe Bryant

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THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWERS OF GOAL SETTING AND WHY THEY WORK Facilitator: Steven Lemons

For those committed to achieving above-average results both personally and professionally, setting goals is necessary for success. High-achievers are not only familiar with goal-setting principles but have also mastered the process. However, research suggests there is a portion of the population who treat goal-setting much like a New Year’s resolution: something desired, yet when a more strategic and sustained effort is required the desire diminishes.

If this sounds like you, you may not be aware of the untapped yet powerful tools for harnessing and transforming your goals from a mere thought into possibilities and successful results. This session provides techniques for doing just that. It could be your catalyst for tapping into your personal power and energy. Come uncover the energy that could transform your thoughts, catapult your ideas into tangible deliverables, and generate consistent and measurable results.

Steven LeMons is a nationally recognized content presenter and facilitator, and one the most engaging speakers at corporate events and on campuses today. Audiences from boardroom executives to college students, all reap benefits from Steven's real-world content and dynamic style. Every presentation is a moving and uplifting experience. Having held national training manager, regional facilitator, and director of corporate development roles, Steven has conducted hundreds of workshops throughout the United States and Canada and has gained a reputation for exciting presentations that achieve outstanding results.

Steven is on the front lines of helping individuals reach their goals by presenting real-world content that helps attendees manage the challenges of the world we live. His latest project, The Journey was created to empower students in non-traditional ways that enable them to change their mindset and leverage their abilities instead of focusing on their disadvantages. The Journey prepares and equips high school students with ideas for transitioning into a college environment and also provides first generation, scholastically underprepared, and economically disadvantaged college students with valuable tools for increasing their academic effectiveness, goal productivity, and ultimately, their success in life.

I hated every minute of training, but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

- Muhammad Ali

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FRIDAY SEMINARS: BREAKOUT SESSION 1

BOOTS TO BUSINESS: VETERANS’ BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Valerie Groll and Myron Pullum

Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP). This session will provide an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and spouses are encouraged to attend.

Valerie Groll serves as a Veterans counselor at Tarrant County College-South working with veterans in transition. She has been in higher education for over 21 years and has worked at Tarrant County College in the Vet Success Center for 6 years. She is an LPC-licensed practicing counselor, a national certified counselor-NCC and a Certified Career Services Provider. She moved to Texas 7 years ago when her husband retired from the US Air Force after serving for 22 years. She is currently pursuing her doctoral in Community Care and Counseling-Traumatology from Liberty University.

Myron L. Pullum has more than 20 years of experience in management, training, sales and marketing. A native of Baltimore, MD, he made his journey to the state of Texas by way of a distinguished career in the military.

Myron began his military career as a personnel management specialist. Later on he decided to pursue his desire for aviation and became an air traffic controller. After a distinguished career in the military he retired to North Texas. Subsequent to retirement he became a bank manager here in the area. He spent several years as a banker and is currently an insurance sales and financial services professional, specializing in strategic financial planning for individuals,

families and small businesses. Myron frequently conducts insurance seminars on business succession planning and exit strategies for business owners. He also conducts insurance and financial well-being seminars for individuals.

Myron is a small business advisor and a university level business instructor for more than 10 years. As an adjunct with Tarrant County College, he teaches small business taxes and a course in starting your business with the Small Business Development Center in Tarrant County. Myron firmly believes in the necessity of networking, which can facilitate synergies between like-minded individuals.

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BUSINESS MARKETING: STANDING OUT IN YOUR INDUSTRY Brandi Jones

Want to come up with sustainable techniques to use your unique resources to attract and engage customers and grow your business? Overwhelmed by seminars telling you that you have to do 15 things a day to stay relevant? You DO NOT have to spend all day on the computer or your smart phone. BUT you DO have to engage with customers and attract them to your product or service. Brandi Jones will share strategies for growing a business by expanding your market reach. Slow, careful, small steps will get you much further than a huge, overwhelming marketing campaign that you cannot possibly keep up.

Since 2017, Brandi Jones has served as the social media specialist at Texas Baptists. In addition to managing the corporate Texas Baptists accounts, and overseeing more than 50 ministry accounts affiliated with Texas Baptists. Brandi teaches workshops locally and internationally on how to reach more people for Christ using social media. Prior to serving at Texas Baptists, Brandi managed the social media at Minnehulla Baptist Church, a small membership church in South Texas. It was through this position she realized the importance of assisting churches with limited resources. This year, she will be publishing a number of social media resources online catered to small membership church leaders.

MANAGING MULTI-GENERATIONAL EMPLOYEES K. Harold Jackson

In this workshop, participants will gain a greater appreciation of each generation (from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha) and develop effective strategies to help foster more effective working relationships and improve business results. K. Harold Jackson will share the strengths of each generation and how to communicate and work to each employee’s strengths. Attendees will also gain insight on attracting and retaining talent from multiple generations.

Professor K. Harold Jackson was born in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Wilmer-Hutchins High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from North Lake College in Cedar Hill, Texas, his MBA and post baccalaureate accounting certificate from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. Professor Jackson is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and a member of the American Accounting Association.

Professor Jackson has taught Accounting at North Lake College and is presently teaching at Tarrant County College, South Campus, where he is an Assistant Professor. Prior to entering the teaching profession, Professor Jackson worked for the General Motors Corporation for many years. He was elected five times to three-year terms as Bargaining Chairperson of his local Union and two times for three-year terms as the top negotiator by his peers. He has negotiated for wage increases, better working conditions for workers, and health benefits on a local and national level.

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DEVELOPING A PRODUCT IDEA: GETTING PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN YOUR BUSINESS Regina K. Cannon and Talia S. Dancer

When it comes to starting a company, one of the major challenges prospective business owners face is convincing other people to get behind their idea. The key to acquiring employees, investors and early customers is turning your idea into an untapped market that others are overlooking. In this session, Dr. Regina K. Cannon and Talia S. Dancer will help you discover how to turn your idea into a product or service that identifies a need and why you have the winning solution to satisfy it.

Dr. Regina K. Cannon, Associate Professor of Business Administration at the TCC Southeast Campus. Dr. Cannon started her teaching career at TCC in 2004 as a fulltime faculty member in the Department of Business, teaching in the areas of Business, Management, and Human Resources Management.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Cannon graduated from South Oak Cliff High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Paul Quinn College and her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership from Amberton University. She started her corporate career at Chrysler Financial and the City of Dallas where she served in the role as an Internal Auditor. In 2000, Dr. Cannon founded her calling to share her knowledge and became an Adjunct Instructor. In 2004, this led to an opportunity to become a fulltime faculty member at the TCC Southeast Campus. In 2016, she earned her Doctoral degree in Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University. Outside of work Dr. Cannon enjoys spending time with her husband and children.

Talia S. Dancer is a Hospitality Management Instructor at the TCC Southeast Campus, where she also teaches Business classes and a new Bartender/ Mixology course. She started her teaching career at TCC in 2008 as an Adjunct Instructor and later accepted a full-time position the following academic year.

As a native of Fort Worth, Ms. Dancer graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1996 and then went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Texas Christian University. She worked as a news producer for several television stations, including KXXV-TV (Waco, TX), CBS 11 and NBC 5 (Dallas-Fort Worth). During this time, she experienced first-hand what it was like to be in a newsroom during the September 11th attacks in 2001. This is the same

year she decided to return to school to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Texas at Arlington. After earning her MBA in 2003, she landed a position as an event coordinator for the Fort Worth Public Library, where she planned book signings, festivals, art receptions, and more! She was also in charge of executing marketing and communication efforts as well.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her doggie, Lil Man Crockett, and taking on bartender gigs for fun and extra cash!

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FRIDAY SEMINARS: BREAKOUT SESSION 2

CERTIFICATE AND TRAINING PROGRAMS THAT WILL JUMP START YOUR BUSINESS Ernest Gines

This session will highlight TCC programming aimed at preparing you to start your own entrepreneurial venture or to become a small business manager. You will learn the management, leadership and communication skills you need to run and grow a business. Current program options will be discussed to include:

• Degree -Business Administration: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management, AAS • Certificates

o Level 1 - Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management I o Level 2 - Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management II

Prior to joining the South Campus team, Dean Ernest Gines served as a department chair twice for Information Technology at the Southeast Campus. Dean Gines also served on several district initiatives such as Achieve the Dream and numerous other programs.

In the Fall of 2001, Dean Gines began teaching computer courses at the Southeast Campus. During his career at TCC, he has been honored twice in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and has received the Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Teaching in 2009 and was a nominee for the Chancellor Award in 2002 and recognized by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) in 2003 and 2010.

Dean Gines attended National University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science and furthered his education by receiving his Master of Arts in Information Systems and Computer Resources from Webster University. The interesting part of this challenge is he had to wait several years before completing the program as he was also active duty in the United States Marine Corp. He and his family were transferred to Okinawa, Japan for three and half years. He took this time to obtain another degree, a Master of Science in Management Science from Troy State University.

The best investment you can make is in yourself.

- Paulina Lopez

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SECURING FINANCING FOR NEW BUSINESSES Yolie Molina

Would you like to learn more about where to get capital for your small business? Confused by all the options? This session is for those entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing small businesses that are navigating the complex process of capital access. Yolie Molina will explain the different types of financing (debt or equity), where to obtain the appropriate financing, the loan application process and loan criteria. After this workshop, you will have the tools necessary to make an informed decision about what type of financing is best for your business.

Yolie Molina has worked in the banking and financial industry for over 25 years. For the past 5 years, she has served as a Loan Officer, Market Manager and Sr. Business Development Officer with LiftFund. Previously she worked for Chase, Bank of America, BBVA and other financial institutions. Some of her achievements and awards include: Branch Manager of the Year Award and The Best of the Best in Banking Award. She also helped initiate Bank on Dallas in conjunction with the City of Dallas and the Mexican Consulate. She participates in the Financial Fitness Week with the United Way.

Yolie was awarded the 2017 Volunteer of the Year by the South East Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND, GROW YOUR CAPACITY! Tarsha Polk

Personal branding is the process by which you market yourself to others. How can you develop your brand and unique characteristics? Do you need useful tips to reinvent yourself and your brand now, to unleash and be recognized for your distinct value? Join Tarsha Polk to discover these and other methods to developing your personal brand into a powerful asset for your business.

Tarsha is professionally known as “The Marketing Lady”. She is an experienced professional with over 20 years of combined marketing, sales, corporate training and entrepreneurial expertise. She is a member of the Dallas Business Community; has received numerous awards and has held a variety of leadership roles.

Tarsha currently serves as the Director of the LiftFund DFW Women’s Business Center (WBC). At the WBC, her team provides support and guidance to entrepreneurs seeking to start or grow their businesses, and connect them to business and financial resources in their community.

In her free time, she volunteers with organizations helping high school students learn about entrepreneurship.

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THE REAL ADVANTAGES OF STARTING A BUSINESS: WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM ENTREPRENEURS Facilitator: Rodney Johnson Panelist: Devoyd Jennings, Cle Royal, Alisa Simmons, and Gwendolyn Wilson

At first glance, starting a new business may sound easy, but anyone who’s ever braved the task, will tell you otherwise. This panel will discuss the process and activities related to understanding the case for turning an idea into a sustainable business. Our panel of experts will explore the primary characteristics of a successful business owner and share techniques you can use to launch a dynamic small business.

Rodney Johnson serves in the North Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network serving in the role of Director of the Tarrant SBDC. He brings firsthand experience within the entrepreneurial ecosystem as an end user of the college system, SBDC and the Small Business Administration. He has extensive financial management experience and is a former small business owner of R4 Industries, Inc., a family owned business. In previous careers, Rodney has worked with IBM as a Global Partner serving in the role of Vice President of Global Services. He led the Western Region for the Business Consulting Services group of Manufacturing.

He worked with The Houston-Johnson Consulting Group as Vice President of Operations for Business Development. Houston-Johnson Consulting is a process improvement company dedicated to improving efficiency and reducing cost within organizations of all sizes. As a business owner, he assisted other entrepreneurs by leveraging resources in the Dallas and Fort Worth market areas to build the entrepreneurial community. Rodney is a distinguished Alumni of the 2011 SBA Emerging Leaders Program.

Rodney has directed multiple clients through the Six Sigma process to improve operational productivity and has implemented KPI measurement systems designed to measure operational process performance. He engineered operational gap assessments for clients which resulted in significant results using Continuous Improvement methodologies.

His effective leadership, successful team management and small business ownership contributes to his resourcefulness in support of business development and economic growth for Tarrant County businesses. Rodney's background in corporate, academic and business environments will serve him well in his new leadership position with the SBDC and Tarrant County College.

Rodney holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Industrial Management and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering. He is certified in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and carries a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.

He has served as Chairman of the Board with the Arlington/Mansfield YMCA and was an active Executive Board Member of the Arlington/Mansfield Area YMCA for over 16 years. He recently launched a STEM program for the citizens of Grand Prairie, TX where he gives leadership to 23 students as they learn how to CODE while building and programming robots.

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ADVISORY COUNCIL Dr. Terry L. Aaron Executive Director for Community Education & Engagement, TCC South Ms. Erika Zimmermann Coordinator of Community Education & Engagement, TCC South Mrs. Vonda Douglas Administrative Office Assistant for Community Education & Engagement, TCC South Ms. Maretta L. Collins Community Engagement Specialist, CEE, TCC South Mr. Nathaniel Smith Community Engagement Specialist, CEE, TCC South Mr. Rodney Johnson Director, Small Business Development Center, TCC Mr. Andrew Nash Director of Operations, Dallas-Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. Pastor Alcee Chriss Jr. Aletheia Temple Church

Pastor Fernando Rojas Iglesia Bautista Azele Avenue Ms. Nita Haliburton CTE Advisor, Business & Technology, TCC Southeast Ms. Maria Valdez Administrative Assistant I, History Department, TCC South Mr. Myron Pullum Adjunct Faculty, TCC South Ms. Carole Davis Community Engagement Specialist, CEE, TCC South Mrs. Falon R. Fentress Community Engagement Specialist, CEE, TCC South Mrs. Coletta Strickland President, Fort Worth Tarrant County Minority Leaders & Citizens Council Professor Michael A. Jackson, J.D. Business & Technology, TCC South

Community Education and Engagement Staff Lucy Armendariz Linda Anderson

Linda Barbee Dorothy Berry Kay Donovan

Michelle Foley Diana Mora-Cano

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HOSTED BY

Departments

Community Education & Engagement VetSuccess Center

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

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Congratulations to the 14th Annual Ariel Hunter-Chriss Women and Minority Owned Enterprise and

Business Professionals’ Conference

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7451 McCart Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76133

Congratulations to the 14th Annual Ariel Hunter-Chriss Women and Minority Owned

Enterprise and Business Professionals’ Conference