Diversity Dialogue

Joyce Vaughn has worked in the marketing industry for ten years, gaining experience in higher education communications, healthcare marketing, and promotion for the tech industry. As the Marketing & Events anager for MGMWERX, she is passionate about telling the MGMWERX story and building business relationships. In addition to her professional involvement, she is also closely involved with the local community. Outside of the office, Joyce serves as Vice President for the Family Sunshine Center Board and a board member for the Five Points Cultural Commission.

Local business man and community leader, Vladimir Averett, graduated from Alabama State University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. While a student at ASU, Everett joined the Gamma Sigma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  After graduating from ASU, Everett opened Heritage Barber Shop at 1334 Carter Hill Road across from the campus. With a goal of building a franchise, Averett now owns the Heritage Complex where other ASU graduates have also opened businesses including the Diva’s Lounge Hair Salon and Evening Out Formal Wear.  The complex also contains an eatery, Ninja Wings & Hibachi.   Vladimir is employed at the barbershop along with ten black men who were either students or are Alums of ASU.  Each of the barbers enjoy cutting hair and interacting with customers.   Vladimir shared a passion for being a barber and ministering to the community with his father, Mr. Melvin Averett.   This passion led him to guide several of his past barbers to become entrepreneurs themselves.  Heritage Barbershop contributes regularly to the community by providing mentorship to young people, offering free haircuts during back-to-school season and throughout the school year.  Additionally, Mr. Averett and fellow barbers host an annual Heritage Barbershop@ASU event to provide haircuts to students at no charge.   Vladimir has been recognized by various organizations for his hard work, but this recognition means the most.  His goal to grow his business and impact the community, with an image that is highly spoken of and distinguished is becoming a reality.  A native of Phenix City, AL, Vladimir is one of four children.  His wife of 22 years, Yolonda Averett, is also a graduate of ASU.  His daughter Nia is a sophomore in college and his daughter Mya is a senior in high school. 

As one of the two women owners of Stratice, LLC, Jordan Franklin is taking on the human capital management industry with an unparalleled force. After graduating from her alma mater, Hendrix College, Jordan Franklin landed a position with a staffing firm where she found her niche is recruitment and sales. In six short months, Jordan became the top salesperson and the office manager in Montgomery, AL. Following her success, she moved to Stratice where she assumed the role of Chief Exploration Officer (CEO). In two years, Jordan shifted the focus of Stratice to human capital management and expanded their reach from the east to west coast. As a partial owner, Jordan spends her time traveling between Stratice’s different offices and clients, leading the sales team and upkeeping relationships with current and potential clients.

While her passion is helping others pursue their passion, she strives to maintain a healthy work/life balance. In addition to her impressive resume, you can find her spare time filled as a mother of three, collector of bold art, and board member of community-oriented nonprofits.     

The leader behind the scenes is no other than Stratice’s COO, Scott Franklin. Motivated by the numbers, Scott keeps the team on track with responsibilities ranging from human resources to sales. Scott attended AUM and has worked with Alabama Medicaid as a Business Analyst/Project Coordinator through multiple projects. When he’s not in the office, he can be found coaching 5/6 year old football or rooting on the Arkansas Razorbacks!

Brit'tney Powell is a Kansas City native who resides in Montgomery, AL. She is the mother of two girls, who have always inspired her business endeavors. As the creator of Kay Couture Clothing and Cosmetics, it was her oldest daughter Kate'lyn who inspired the name with her sweet sassy personality.

Kay Couture's clothing has every style you need from dressy, to casual everyday wear. It is the woman that makes the clothing and every woman should feel good in whatever she wears. To complement each outfit, Kay Couture Cosmetics is sure to have a lip gloss and lipstick to provide the perfect finishing touches. Her Cosmetic line has now expanded to a full cosmetic workup. Her line is also now featured on walmart.com.                                                         

Brit'tney has also been featured in People Magazine three times and in Health Magazine. She has also been featured on the cover of Black-Tie Magazine. Her clientele includes Lil' mo, Crystal Westbrooks, Gwen Stefani, Ann Nesby, Fantasia, Jamecia Bennett, Meelah, Tamika Scott, Toia Jones, Olrick Johnson, Cheryl Mcwhorter, Emerald Khan, Taraji Henson, Demetria Mckinney and several celebrities from Vh1's Love and Hip Hop.

Brit’tney Powell is not only a stylist she is also a motivational speaker inspiring young women across the country. She has also put on several events bringing attention to the growing number of women who suffer from domestic violence.

Accomplishments and Honors:

• Speaker for the imperfectly perfect women's conference in Birmingham AL, June 2016
• Speaker for the uncensored natural hair and health expo in Montgomery AL, August 2016
• Charity fashion show for survivors of domestic violence July 2016
• Headline speaker for the Birmingham AL fashion expo August 2016
• Charity Auction to support Greater Harvest Church September 2016
• Headline speaker for the Mother and Daughter tea in Montgomery AL March 2016
   

Brit’tney is the first African American woman sole proprietor with an online distribution deal with Walmart, she's one of 3 women sole proprietors and one of the 5 African Americans with this deal.

Anwar Shahid is originally from Atlanta, GA now residing, since 1996 in Montgomery, AL with his wife Mrs. Attorney LaKesha B Shahid. He is an Army Reserve Veteran and Founder/CEO of Propelled Technologies a Veteran Owned Small Business Cybersecurity Firm where he serves as the CEO. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from Alabama State University backed up with over 20 years’ experience in Cyber. He also holds 7 Cybersecurity Certifications that include the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).  He is also Natural Professional Bodybuilder. 

Anwar is also involved through professional, social and community activities, such as International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², EC-Council, The U.S. American Legion, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, American Sustainable Business Council, National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC).