Paul’s professional career began as an investment banker and included a senior position with a top international firm. Paul is also a philanthropist.  He co-founded and chairs a foundation that focuses on school rehabilitation in the U.S. and Jamaica.

Paul received his life coaching certification from the International Coach Federation. Upon completion he immersed himself in the art and science of matchmaking by training with Harvard Business school graduate and matchmaker extraordinaire, Rachel Greenwald. Finally, to ensure he was as knowledgeable as possible about the dynamics of human relationships and love, Paul undertook a literary review of hundreds of books and academic journals on psychology, sociology and behavioral science. Paul then put his acquired knowledge to the test by practicing pro-bono throughout 2009.

Paul’s expertise and unique understanding of people, love and relationship have made him one of the most sought after experts on dating, self-actualization and relationships. Paul’s work has been featured in the Washington Post, Essence, Dr. Drew’s LifeChangers, The Root, The Grio, AOL Black Voices, ABC news and Hot 97. In addition to participating in numerous relationship and community-focused panels, forums and conferences, Paul served as the first male speaker for the 2011 Black Enterprise Women of Power Conference and was also the keynote speaker for the 2011 iDate Matchmaking Conference, the largest internet dating conferences in the United States.

Getting to Know Paul Brunson

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?

In the summer of 2008 I managed a summer camp for youth and upon registering the entire camp (roughly 100 students) I realized not one of the students lived with both parents in the household. This made it clear to me that efforts to strengthen the nuclear family were needed.

What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?

While I’m active in each of these areas, I limit my commitments substantially. Frequent use of the word “NO” has become something I have learned is good. The ability to say NO without feeling self-doubt is crucial to our success in whatever we do.

Why is it important for young professionals to invest in learning themselves and learning to date?

Truly knowing who you are (your values, your personality, your needs versus your preferences, and how you receive love) is the gateway to becoming your optimal self. Once you become “the one” it’s much easier to find “the one.”

What is the biggest mistake young professionals make when it comes to finding love?

Not putting forward an equivalent amount of effort into our romantic endeavors as we do in other areas. I often ask my clients (who are mostly successful young professionals) to estimate how many hours they prepared in order to receive their degree, enter their career, lose weight, etc. Then I ask how many hours they have prepared to find love. Let me just say, I’ve never heard anything near the equivalent. Everything we want in life (of high value) requires working our asses off to obtain it. Love is no different.

What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?

Wow, this is hard to answer because I love so many aspects about my job (working directly with clients, television appearances, hosting events, etc.) that said, the most rewarding is speaking on college campuses or to high school students. For example, three weeks ago I was speaking to a group of HS seniors about chivalry. After the talk, the young men walked the young ladies in the session to the bus. As they walked along the street I saw how the men made sure the ladies walked inside (and not near the street) – just how I taught them. How could anything be more rewarding than that, inspiring young people to be better.

Lastly, give me three words to sum up Paul?

Just do it!
Contact Paul @PaulCBrunson (Twitter) on fb.com/PaulCBrunson (Facebook) or via info@onedegreefrom.me (Email)

With more than a decade of experience in major gift fundraising, millennial giving strategy, as well as experience as a consultant to many area non-profit organizations, Joshua Humbert brings an exceptional understanding of the core principles of development to the conversation of philanthropy.

He lectures, hosts events and programs that identify, develop and engage the foundation’s membership base to become philanthropists. He currently oversees the foundation’s 2000 More Campaign, serves as Managing Director for the Foundation and is a member of its Board of Directors. Prior to his career in philanthropy, Joshua served as a successful investment advisor with Merrill Lynch’s Private Client Group, which managed $110M in private equity.

Although he was on a desirable path to success in the corporate world, his passion and concern for people in need resulted in a shift in his career. Wanting to know more about how he could make an immediate impact on the community, Joshua took a job as Associate Director of Development for Jubilee Housing, where he successfully led and closed out a $1.5M renovation campaign within the $50M residential real estate re-development campaign in the urban core of Washington, DC.

With his early success, Joshua rounded out his philanthropic experience at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Mr. Humbert served as Regional Director of Development, where he was responsible for managing a $4M dollar development budget, overseeing the fundraising priorities and serving as the development liaison to their 35 member regional board of directors. Shortly thereafter he became Associate Director of Development for Emerging Markets at the University of Maryland. Currently, he is a Development Director for Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Joshua holds a degree in Political Science from Norfolk State University and is enrolled in the Masters in Philanthropy program at Indiana University.

Getting to Know Joshua Humbert:

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?

I’ve always cared about people, specifically people in need. If you spoke to my mom, she would tell the story about how when I was about 10 years old, she came home after a long day at work to learn that I had completely emptied the refrigerator and gave our food away because I wanted to feed the neighborhood. I exhibited philanthropic habits at an early age. Although I didn’t know the definition of true philanthropy at the time, I knew I wanted to help people in a very personal way. At this point in my life, I’m happiest when I see others achieve their true philanthropic potential. I want people to feel that same altruistic high that I felt as a ten year-old helping to feed the neighborhood, the feeling I still feel when I help other people give back. As a person of faith, I know it’s God’s purpose for me. I am truly living a purpose-driven life.

What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?

Philanthropy is the private sector of the heart. When you are living and working your purpose, it seems impossible to balance each because they reside in concentric circles. Some in my network support professional goals, some philanthropic and some are purely social. These separations help influence my quest for balance. Then, there’s a smaller inner circle that I connect to on a deeply personal level. These people pour into me, help keep my pursuit of my long-term goals on track, strengthen my areas of weakness and tell me the truth when others won’t. In short, they have my back. I feel replenished by my inner circle; they pour into me as much as I pour into others.

Why is it important for young professionals to develop a legacy of philanthropy?

There is a natural synergy between philanthropy and a young professional’s quest for achievement. Philanthropy fosters and displays values that link people to specific causes and communities that in some cases, raises their business and personal profile. It is no secret that there has always been a strong connection between the business community and philanthropy. That’s why the EnVest foundation engages professionals across career interests. While participating in EnVest’s philanthropic curriculum and attending our networking events, our members have the opportunity to develop life-long philanthropic habits; thus, redefining the profile of a philanthropist. At EnVest, we understand that your growth as a professional undoubtedly plays a role in how you can make a difference in your community and in the lives of others.

What is the biggest mistake young professionals make?

Two Common Mistakes:

Rushing to the bright lights of an elevated position and not having the exposure and experience needed to be impactful enough to stay in that elevated position. But in the same vein, not being scared to claim what is rightfully yours in life allows you to never park a Honda where your Bentley should be.

Developing the skillset to shut-up and listen allows the consistency of exposure to sink-in and lets you understand people’s wants and needs. This has placed me in positions and rooms that otherwise would be accessible. In simple terms, don’t block your blessing along your path to success and life fulfillment.

What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?

My love of people and seeing them fulfill their full potential in life and hoping they incorporate their own power of philanthropy sooner than later, especially in the millennial generation. This motivates me to continue the work of the EnVest Foundation.

Lastly, give me three words to sum up Joshua?

Here’s five: Understand matters of the heart.

IMPACT Leader(s) of the Month: Tina and Trina Fletcher

Tina and Trina Fletcher are community leaders and entrepreneurs motivated to inspire and dedicated to serve. Born and raised in rural Arkansas, Tina and Trina are determined to positively impact local and global communities – one person at a time.

Tina holds a Bachelors degree Political Science and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas and a Masters degree from Harvard University in Secondary Education. She has worked in the United States Senate, the Southern Education Foundation and in the Office of the First Lady Michelle Obama. Tina currently serves as a Finance Assistant for the Obama for America campaign and most recently served as a teacher at Anacostia Senior High School in Washington, D.C. where she was named the 2010 Teacher of the Year.  She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the N.A.A.C.P. and serves as a board member of three non-profit organizations.  

Trina is an honors graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology. She received her Master’s degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas and is currently a graduate student in George Washington University’s Engineering Management program. She has interned with Norfolk State University, Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar, and Kellogg’s. Trina was named an Inspiring Woman by the WNBA’s New York Liberty and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She currently serves as a board member on the Social Justice Committee for the YWCA of Greater Washington, D.C.

Tina and Trina, both 25 years of age, are the co-founders of the Dream Girls Mentoring program; a mentoring program for girls aged 5 to 18 residing in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Tina and Trina enjoy traveling and speaking about the significance of education and mentoring amongst other topics. In the near future, Tina plans to earn a Ph.D. in Political Science and Trina plans to earn a Ph.D. in Engineering – both hoping to become college professors.

Getting to Know Tina and Trina

1. What inspired you to create DreamGirls DMV?  Was this your first entrepreneurial venture?

TINA:  It actually started last spring, as the D.C. Public Schools school year was finishing, I would ask a lot of students about their summer plans.  Many of the female students had none, so I decided to take a group of girls to a Mystics game in June. Then, we took them to another game in August. From there, we created Mentoring With the Mystics, a mentoring program where the girls were able to sit courtside at the games, meet the players afterward and interact in a positive atmosphere.  After its success, many of the parents encouraged us to start a larger-scale program, so we launched DreamGirls DMV last fall. 

TRINA:  In addition to the high school girls, we bought in young, professional women to come to the games and sit with the girls and eventually serve as mentors.  Once we launched DreamGirls DMV, we reached out to Jeri Ingram, the program director of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, which is a facility in S.E., DC, which was donated by Venus and Serena Williams.  It serves as our headquarters now. Dream Girls went so well the first year that the YWCA has reached out to partner with us, and are covering all of our expenses for this year.  The only way we were able to do this was through networking – because we had no initial funding.

2. What is it like working with your sibling? Do you think it’s made running your own business easier? Or more difficult?

TINA:  It’s really easy because we have the same passion. We’re so passionate about Dream Girls DMV, so it’s easy for us to want to work really hard for this program and this business. 

TRINA:  At the same time, it is difficult because we are both extremely competitive and have very different backgrounds. I’m an engineer, and Tina’s an educator, so we have different ways of doing things. As long as you and your business partner have the same goals and passions, everything should be fine.  Regardless, communication is the key to success – whether you’re working with your sibling or not.

3. What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments? 

TRINA:  It’s difficult. When I was working full time for Johnson and Johnson, I was still traveling and speaking and coaching a girl’s basketball team.  It was hard, and the main reason I followed my heart and left my job to go back to school and commit more time to doing the things I love and am most passionate about.  I think it’s possible if you have good time management skills, especially if you have a great mentor who can talk to and help you balance your schedule.  However, there may come a time when you have to make a choice – and that might mean leaving that good moneymaking job in order to do what you really want to do.

TINA: Sacrifices are key. I was teaching, and now that I’m on the campaign, so my jobs are always time consuming that I have to prioritize.  For me, my job comes first. Speaking and mentoring are what I’m passionate about and come next, so yes, my social life has paid a high price.  Going out with friends is important, but I love my job and I love mentoring, so I sacrifice my social life.

TRINA: At the end of the day, it’s about being happy.

4. What are the biggest mistakes young professionals make? 

TRINA: Not seeking professional advice! Even with the nonprofit process, we were going online, trying to find information and do everything ourselves. We could have saved a lot of time and money had we just ASKED someone.  Take advice, pursue pro-bono services, all of that.

TINA: Our generation, the Millenial’s, we’re very competitive.  So many think they can do it all on your own, but sometimes you need to seek advice – not only form mentors, but people our own age. 

TRINA: We’re firm believers that the more people we help, the more blessings we’ll receive.  So the more people we can help – sometimes before ourselves –  we think that’s a good thing. 

5. What advice would you give other young entrepreneurs who desire to excel in the nation’s capital? Specifically, for other young women of color who are entrepreneurs

• Find mentors in the city in whatever area you’re interested. There are a lot of professional women of color in this area who are doing great things and are willing to help.  Especially if you are new to DC – find those women!
• Find your niche – find that one thing you are really good at and capitalize on it. 
• Be willing to work with someone else! 
• Be realistic – we see the founder of Facebook and think, “oh, I can create something like that…” and be a millionaire next week. It doesn’t always happen like that – you have to be patient.
• Be willing to be flexible.
• Set goals.
• Have good time management.

6. What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)? 

TINA:  As a teacher and a mentor, it’s watching these students grow and overcome stereotypes and all of the things people told them they wouldn’t do.  Watching them go off to a Xavier University or a Pennsylvania State University. Kids from S.E., DC, Anacostia High graduates, with the help of our mentors, are going to college fearless become someone has enabled them.

TRINA: Through Dream Girls, we’ve had girls say to us, “if it wasn’t for you guys, I wouldn’t have graduated.” Motivating people saves lives.

7. What’s next for you guys? Any upcoming projects we look out for?

We wanted to wait until we established a strong foundation with Dream Girls before growing, but we are in the process of finalizing our non-profit paperwork so we can start a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program for minority youth, an LGBT mentoring program, and a collaborative program with all Greek Letter Organizations to combat community-based issues.  We’re also consulting in our areas of expertise.

8. Lastly, give me three words to sum up Tina and Trina.

TINA:  Dedicated, motivated, inspired.
TRINA:  Passionate, determined and fearless.

Richardson began working for President Obama at his Senate Office in August 2005, serving as Deputy to the Policy Director.  Shortly after Obama announced his presidential run, Richardson joined the Obama for America campaign as the State Policy Director for Iowa, a role she assumed in several states throughout the presidential primary. In July 2008 Richardson became the Policy Director at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and also joined the DNC as part of then-Senator Obama’s Congressional Liaison team. After the presidential general election, she joined the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team.

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Los Angeles, California, Richardson has a BA from Howard University, a JD from Howard University School of Law, and a Masters in International Affairs from the London School of Economics.

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INTERVIEW | Getting to Know Karen Richardson

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
I always had the heart and passion of a public servant, and it was just a matter of finding the perfect vehicle when I started working for President Obama in 2005. While it was a combination of experiences that led me to pursue a career in public service, it wasn’t until I started working for President Obama, when he was a U.S. Senator, that I became certain that I wanted to work in the public sector. I observed and learned quite a bit in a short amount of time about politics, the nature of public service, and what it meant to serve, that I quickly became inspired to work in this arena.

What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?
Balancing my professional and social commitments has always been somewhat in contention. This is the case especially because I love my job, the people with whom I work, and the work that I do. In this field, however, your work is never finished. You realize that work will always be waiting for you, even after you take one or two hours to go to dinner, to exercise, or do whatever activities you do to decompress. As it turns out, balancing these two things ultimately ends up ensuring better job performance. Time management is also key to balancing these commitments effectively.

What is the biggest mistake young professionals make?

I think young professionals should use their networks strategically and cultivate the relationships with people with whom they have come in contact. This is a fantastic city with many people who have been in this arena for a long time and can offer really sound advice. Cultivate these relationships and don’t be afraid to ask for someone’s time.

What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to excel in the nation’s capital? Specifically, for other young women of color?

 If you’re new to the city and to this field, I would spend your first months observing, listening, and learning about the city, the people, and how the government works.  While it’s important to socialize with people who have similar interests, it’s important to diversify your networks as well. Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and to be assertive in pursuit of your goals.  I find that, quite often, young women in our community are hesitant to be aggressive in this regard. In an environment with many well-educated, ambitious, and talented people, don’t let anything hold you back or prevent you from going after what you want. 

What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?

I am very blessed to have a job that I enjoy, to work with and amongst amazing thinkers, and to work for this President and on behalf of the American people. I am fortunate to work on issues that are impacting people positively every day. For example, I started working on health reform early on and it has become a passion of mine, particularly having worked on the issue during passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and because I now witness how the law is benefiting Americans, young adults and African Americans included, across the country. I also work with the National Security Staff (NSS) on a variety of foreign policy and national security issues, which impact not only people abroad, but individuals here at home.  In short, it’s humbling to work for a cause bigger than myself in this capacity, at this time, and in this place. 

Lastly, give me three words to sum up Karen?             

Disciplined, adventurous, and loyal.

Traci has experience in the fast-paced world of politics and government, having served as a media specialist on Capitol Hill, with the District of Columbia government, and in mayoral, state legislative, gubernatorial and presidential campaigns.

Prior to joining the Clinton campaign, Traci served as a Vice President and Deputy Director for the multicultural practice at Ogilvy Public Relations in Washington, DC. As Deputy Director for the agency’s multicultural communications, Traci provided the day-to-day management and oversight of several high-profile accounts and public affairs campaigns, including the African American Medicare Prescription Drug Campaign for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Readiness Initiative and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.

As the Director of Communications for the District of Columbia’s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in 2002, Traci was responsible for planning economic development-related events, as well as leading all communications efforts related to development in the city. She also served as Press Secretary for the 2002 reelection campaign for Mayor Anthony Williams. In 2000, Traci served as the Communications Director for the Tennessee coordinated Gore/Lieberman campaign. She also served as a Communications Specialist at the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) and worked in the United States Senate.

Traci is a 1990 graduate of Tennessee State University where she received her degree, cum laude, in Criminal Justice. She currently serves on the following boards: the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBCLEO) Foundation and the College of Public Service and Urban Affairs Board of Advisors at Tennessee State University.

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INTERVIEW | Getting to Know Traci O.

What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?

I have been fortunate to maintain a fairly balanced life when it comes to my professional, philanthropic and social commitments. In DC, you find that all three of these sectors are often intricately linked and it’s important that you define your own balance and determine what the trade-offs are. I think I do a pretty decent job with it.
What is the biggest mistake young professionals make? Young professionals (and seasoned ones too) often name drop, discuss internal office business, or have negative conversations about people or matters in very public settings (i.e. the Metro, events, restaurants & bars). This is a networking town and if you choose to discuss these things in open forums … be aware that people are listening in.

What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to excel in their profession, specifically for other young women of color?

My advice to other young women of color is to always remain true to yourself and never lose focus of what you are trying to achieve. As you grow professionally, you may have to take what seems like one or two steps back to get three steps ahead; however, if you keep sight of your goals, you will get there. All that you desire in your personal and professional life may not come today or all at once, but I am a true believer that perseverance and hard work will always pay off.

What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?

This is a hard one. Each employment opportunity has advanced my career. I have worked on local, state, and national political campaigns; at every branch of government (local, state, federal); have worked at a women’s issues focused political action committee; at a national legal association; two of the world’s leading PR agencies and now in a corporate office. I believe every job has been a stepping stone for me and has allowed me to have and maintain a solid foundation for each new experience. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for each opportunity. One of my most exciting career moves was being asked to serve as a deputy communications director/director of African American media for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign – that was an historic and unforgettable experience and I’d do it all over again.

What’s next for you in your career? What should we look out for?

I enjoy working at The RLJ Companies (the holding company formed by Bob Johnson after he sold BET) where I have been employed for almost three years. As the principal who oversees corporate communications and public affairs, my role encompasses every job I’ve ever had.  I don’t have any immediate career moves in the near future and see myself working to promote and execute the RLJ brand and the innovative and cutting edge work being conducted across the companies.

Lastly, give me three words to sum up Traci.

Loyal! Energetic! Real!

Congratulations to our May IMPACT Leader of the Month: Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, Chief Executive Officer of Green For All.  Under her leadership, Green For All has become one of the country’s leading advocates for a clean-energy economy, and one of its most important voices on the intersection of economics and environment.

Phaedra has led Green For All to several groundbreaking policy victories at the federal, state, and local levels.  At the federal level, she led a successful effort to include two key provisions in the House’s climate and energy bill:  securing funding for job training, and guaranteeing broad access to clean-energy jobs.

Under Phaedra, Green For All has helped states like Washington and New Mexico pioneer state-level green jobs and energy-efficiency programs.  And the organization is helping cities like Portland and Seattle craft groundbreaking energy-efficiency home retrofit programs that use innovative financing mechanisms and community agreements about job standards to cut energy bills, create green jobs, reduce pollution, and expand business opportunities.

Green For All is redefining the face of environmentalism.  Through partnerships with popular artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, Drake, Wiz Khalifa and Wyclef Jean, Green For All is reaching new audiences about the benefits and opportunities of going green.

Prior to joining Green For All, Phaedra was a leader in California’s labor movement, heading both the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council and Working Partnerships USA.  This has given her a unique perspective that has enabled her to bring labor, environmental, business, grassroots, and government leaders together in common purpose.  Her ability to speak to all of these groups has made Phaedra one of America’s preeminent leaders on green jobs and green pathways out of poverty.

The scope and scale of Phaedra’s many achievements have won her wide praise and recognition. In 2011, The Grio recognized Phaedra as one of their 100 History Makers In The Making.  In 2010, for the second year in a row, Ebony included her in its Power 150 and Essence named Phaedra one of the 25 Most Influential African in 2009 and one of the 21 Leaders of the New School in 2010. Black Enterprise Magazine honored Phaedra as one of their 2010, 40 Next: Emerging Leaders for Our Future. She has been featured in various outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and The Huffington Post, and on ABC, BET, CNN, MSNBC, and NBC.

Phaedra leads on numerous boards including serving as the Chair of the Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship, the Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change for the Joint Center, the Economic Policy Institute, the Leadership Council of California Forward, the Tipping Point Community Board, and the Partnership for Working Families. Phaedra serves as a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum.

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INTERVIEW | Getting to Know Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins

What inspired you pursue a career in environmental justice?

I grew up in a working-class neighborhood in a little town called Suisun which is in the SF Bay Area.  Although my community was full of love and support, it was a tough place to grow up, in part because it was surrounded by industrial plants and refineries which polluted our air.  Children throughout the neighborhood — including myself — suffered from asthma, yet our parents couldn’t move us to a cleaner and healthier environment simply because they couldn’t afford to.

I saw up close how poverty and pollution are linked, so rather than saying I pursued a career in environmental justice, you can say that it pursued me. I saw injustice on a daily basis.  And now, I’m really fortunate to be in a position to do something about it.

After years in the labor movement, I got this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become CEO of Green For All, where I dedicate myself to helping build a clean-energy economy, one that both makes our communities cleaner, and creates new jobs — especially for those most in need.

I frequently think back to my upbringing, and work every day to ensure that children and parents don’t have to go through the same experiences that my community did when I was growing up.

What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?

The key for me and I think most who work in non-profit organizations is to remain focused on why we go to work every day: to help those who are shut out of the rooms where the deals and decisions are made.   Too often, the circles of power get so caught up in who is winning and losing that they forget about the issues facing people in need.  That’s why it’s so important for organizations like Green For All to serve as the voice for forgotten families and fight for their issues.  We can’t leave any communities behind. 

What is the biggest mistake young professionals make?

My biggest mistake came early in my career; I thought that being smart and being prepared were the same — they’re not.  It doesn’t matter how capable you are; if you’re not ready to seize life’s moments, you’ll get nowhere.  As people always say, success comes when preparation meets opportunity.

What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to excel in the nation’s capital? Specific ally, for other young women of color?

Creating networks are essential for success.  That’s why it’s important to get out there and not only build relationships, but also build a community that supports and lifts each other up.  It’s not enough for young professionals to get in the room; you’ve got to also help others follow you down that same path.  That’s how true progress evolves.

What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?

I judge my success by the impact that Green For All has on others.  There is no more rewarding experience than helping put a person back to work in a quality job that helps the environment.  It simply doesn’t get better than that.

What’s next for you in your career? What should we look out for?

I will continue to help others make an impact.  I’m proud to be working with so many agents of change and, together, we’ll ensure that the next chapter of the American story is greener, healthier and full of equal opportunity for all.

Lastly, give me three words to sum up Phaedra.

Hope wins.

His family is from Jamaica, West Indies has overcome remarkable adversity to get to where they at now – only thanks to the grace and mercy of The Lord.

Michael’s family history and journey is powerful.

He was born on Christmas Day of 1982 with a heart murmur and was named after his father’s respect of former Prime Minister Michael Manley and labor national hero Alexander Bustamante.

Michael survived four car accidents, his mother is a breast cancer survivor who also is an occasional in home nurses aide, his father just retired after 29 years of cleaning emergency rooms in Saint Barnabas Hospital and his oldest brother is a 21-year Army veteran who just returned from service in Iraq.

Michael’s elementary school in The Bronx (P.S. 79) is featured in “Savage Inequalities of Public Education” by Jonathan Kozol. But, Michael’s circumstances did not define him. He and his family continued to press on towards higher goals.

His mother, who for a time slept on church pews in Jamaica gives God thanks that the journey has led Michael to becoming the African-American outreach director for the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama.

The Bronx, New York native is an Associate Director for the White House Office of Public Engagement.

He nationally directs outreach to the African-American and minority business community.

He previously coordinated outreach to county officials, state attorneys general, secretaries of state and financial officers.

Blake worked on the Obama for America campaign, first as Iowa’s Deputy Political Director and Constituency Outreach Director and concluded as the Michigan State Deputy Director and Political Director.

Blake worked in 8 states over a 20 month period specializing in political and constituency outreach, especially to African American and faith communities.

Prior to the campaign, Michael was the Director of External Affairs for the Michigan House of Representatives serving in Michigan Speaker of the House Andy Dillon’s cabinet where he engaged with all constituencies to promote the Speaker’s agenda. Before that appointment, Blake successfully co-organized three state house of representative campaigns in the 2006 election cycle.

Before his career in public service, Michael was an Associate Producer for Comcast Sportsnet Chicago where he wrote highlights and collaborated on features for the daily sportscasts.

Michael Blake is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism from Northwestern University. He is also an alumnus of the Yes We Can political training program in Washington, D.C. He started his political career as an intern for Illinois State Senator Jeff Schoenberg.

He is a proud member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. church in Washington, D.C. where he is a steward board member and co-chair of the 2010 Men’s Day season.

Back in New York, Michael was a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist denomination and has preached around the country since the age of 13.

He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and resides in Washington, D.C.

Recently, he was selected as one of Grio’s Top 100 History Makers in the Making. He was also named as one of MSNBC’s 10 Black Politicians on the Rise.

Michael goes by the motto – Dear God, may today be a great day. Greater than the great day I had a day before. But, my goal has not been met unless tomorrow is the greatest of them all.

INTERVIEW | Getting to know Mike Blake

What inspired you pursue a career in politics and to join the Obama campaign?

With all that I have been given and the multitude of blessings, I felt indebted to our people to give back.

When I was working for a TV station, I felt that I wasn’t helping people, and it was a time for a change.

I feel that the most comprehensive way to help people is through public policy providing changes in their lives.

So, when I was working in Michigan after the President began his run for the presidency and after going through then Senator Obama’s Yes We Can training and feeling a sense of duty to help the person who gave me a chance, I had no choice but to work on the campaign.

I did not see the campaign as just a historical opportunity. I felt it was a moment to bring transformational change to our people.

There’s nothing like the Iowa caucus. There’s nothing like seeing lines of people participating in the political process. There’s nothing like being apart of history.

What have you learned about the President through your White House or Campaign experience that you did not know before you met him personally? What is the key to balancing a your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?

I learned to not just be an organizer but be one who can organize, activate and mobilize people.

You can have a remarkable story to tell but need storytellers who continue to tell it even when you’re not around.

A validation of leadership and influential impact is can you mobilize the masses even when you’re physically not there.

It’s a skill I never thought about before embarking on this journey.

But, I also learned how to understand the concerns of stakeholders, feel their passion and see how much they belief but yet stay focused on realizing that I serve the President and the country.

You must remember who you work for and why. That sense of commitment and loyalty helps you balance your emotion with your purpose.

It is easy to get pulled into the emotion of the moment even if you may feel that your heart is taking you that direction.

But, it’s important to balance your beliefs with the execution of the mission.

Convey how we are helping our people & empower them, even in the moments of disagreement.

What is the biggest mistake young professionals make?

We focus on the immediate opportunity too often rather than what is the long lasting change we want to deliver.

We will get many remarkable opportunities presented to us – that is inevitable when you’re gifted.

But, we need to focus on the end goals and then create a plan where we work backwards from there.

Our impatience mixed with a dose of ability can lead to a combination that disrupts our pre-ordained position of favor.

We can get in our way because we think we are supposed to have it now.

The time will come for it – whatever the it may be.

We just need to be ready.

What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to excel in the nation’s capitol?

In an environment that is very transactional and there can be wavering focus on our purpose – which is to help people, plain and simple – do not become discouraged rather find a specialty, find your ability and stay committed to the end goal.

I understand that you think that we should be able to find ways to get through the haze of it all.

But, people are people.

So, let us not focus on why it is so hard and why people make it hard on us purely because of our age and perception that we don’t know as well as they do.

Let us focus on the reality that in this world with these remarkable challenges, we are here now for this moment and regardless of our age, our ability will shine through the clouds of disbelief and disenchantment.

Public policy is about people.

Let us not focus on how others make it difficult for us.

Let us focus on the difficulties that our people continue to face and that we are the new faces of hope, change and game changing solutions.

What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?

By far, being on the campaign was my most rewarding experience.

Especially, the beginning & end shall forever stay with me.

Being in Iowa and seeing the momentum build over a ten month period and then ending in Michigan, the state where I started my career in public service, I felt that I was able to start something special and leave a lasting impact in communities in need.

The moment when tears flowed from my eyes on January 3rd, 2008 when realizing that we were going to win the caucus, the moment of watching on a TV screen that the President was the nominee or even sharing with the President that Senator McCain pulled out of Michigan and realizing that we were on our way, it solidified my decision to believe in change.

When I was on the bus heading to the inauguration with Dr. King’s family, it embarked in my heart the words of Jim Wallis, we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

I’ve been given this surreal opportunity to be the national director of African American outreach for the 1st African American President.

Jena Roscoe – a remarkable woman who held my job under President Clinton once told me – for some reason, God decided that of all the African Americans who have lived on this earth and all those who follow, that he chose you to direct African American outreach for the first African American president.

It is far bigger than me. It’s about our people.

What’s next for you in your career? What should we look out for?

I honestly don’t know what specifically is next but do know it will achieve two goals: helping to provide transformative policy, communication and outreach change for African Americans and ensuring that the President gets more time to help our people win the future.

Down the line, I’d like to get a JD/MBA to enhance my critical thinking skills and abilities to consider legal, business and economic solutions for our communities.

Whether it’s in one of those fields or through public office, I wish to be apart of the coalition to provide global economic development and parity.

Lastly, give me three words to sum up Michael.

Not About Me

Eric S. Casher is an associate at Meyers Nave, where he’s a member of the firm’s Public Contracts and Construction Practice Group.  Eric was born and raised in the Bay Area.  A product of public schools, he went on to U.C. Berkeley, where he majored in Sociology and minored in African-American Studies, with a 3.48 cumulative GPA.

After working for several years, he enrolled at UC Hastings College of the Law, where he was active in BLSA and student government.  While in law school, Eric served as a judicial extern, a tutor, summer in-house counsel and a summer associate for a large firm.

Eric balanced all of this with his passion for critical race theory and social justice, which led him to join the Hastings Race & Poverty Law Journal, eventually becoming Editor in Chief his 3L year.  The Hastings community recognized his leadership that same year by awarding him Student Leader of the Year for 2006.

After successfully passing the California bar, and while working as an associate at a large firm, Eric juggled his responsibilities with grassroots organizing duties as Northern California coordinator of Young Lawyers for Obama.  From there, he rose through the campaign ranks, eventually being appointed to the National Finance Committee for the Barack Obama Presidential Campaign.

After the election, he received the honor to be tapped as a U.S. Speaker and Specialist Grant Recipient for the Department of State.  This distinction included trips to Africa and Europe, with his last trip being a trip to Sweden in May 2010.  He is a founding member of Generation 44, a group of over 300 young lawyers participating in state trips during primary and general elections and responsible for executing multiple fundraising events.

Busy as he is, Eric still finds time to sit on the boards of Coro and Global Exchange, and chaired the young professionals’ finance committee that supported Kamala Harris’ successful campaign for California Attorney General.

He manages to juggle all of these responsibilities while also being a proud husband and first time father  to his son, Nico, 1.

Sinorice Moss has challenged kids across the nation to Dare to Dream! Moss, a Florida native, played college football at the University of Miami, where he was a standout wide receiver as well as a champion track star. He was selected in second round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami by the Giants and was a member of the Superbowl winning team in 2007 that cut short the New England Patriots previously undefeated season. Moss is currently on the roster of the Philadelphia Eagles and looking to set another major city on fire with his playing abilities.

A true world-class athlete, Sinorice Moss’ explosive performance on the field is matched by his unwavering commitment to the youth who are following in his footsteps. Through his own dedication and hard work, Sinorice is a living example to the youth he supports and advocates for, proving that any individual with a similar mindset can always accomplish his or her dreams.

Sinorice founded the Dare to Dream Foundation in order to help challenge children and teachers take an “I can” attitude in life. This will help to empower kids with the proper mentality of making dreams come true and to provide them with the educational tools to succeed in life.

In his spare time, Sinorice has also held guest starring roles in several TV shows and films, including the hit independent film “This Time” which co-starred Reagan Gomez. The movie dealt with the complex range of feelings that a loss loved ones whom enter the battlefield but do not return home bring about in the lives of millions of Americans.

Moss is the younger brother of Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss, who was also a standout wide receiver for the University of Miami prior to entering the NFL. He has one son, Sinorice Moss Jr.

INTERVIEW | Getting to Know Sinorice Moss:

1. What inspired you to start the Dare to Dream Foundation? What made you want to include teachers? Is there a story behind that? Two years ago, I noticed that a number of schools in Miami were shutting down due to poor test scores and a lack of funding.

I wanted to find a way to jump directly into the classrooms to provide support for individual students, because they were the ones suffering the most from the school closures. That’s when I decide to start the Dare to Dream Foundation. I wanted students to feel that they had people on their side who inspired them not only to have big dreams, but also to accomplish them.

I wanted to include teachers because they are such an important part of the equation. They come in to work every day to fight what sometimes seems like a losing battle, especially in some of the more under-funded school districts. Teachers can have such a huge impact on the development of students. One particular guidance counselor of mine in high school, Ms. Black, challenged me to think beyond graduating high school. It was because of her encouragement and support that I went on to attend the University of Miami.

2. What is the key to balancing a thriving football career with running a non-profit? My team, both on and off the field, is the biggest key to my success in football and in my non-profit. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who support you and believe in you.

While I’m playing football, it’s difficult for me to be as involved with Dare to Dream as I usually am during the off season, so I am grateful that there are people who are willing to help me.

My football teammates and friends are also very supportive, constantly calling me about Dare to Dream, upcoming events, and ways they can help. A lot of them show their support on Twitter, and I’m so thankful that they are enthusiastic and willing to help out.

3. How has football helped you succeed in running your non-profit? You can’t just wake up and decide that you’re going to play in the NFL. You need to train, learn the plays, and work with your team, all of which takes time, effort, and determination.

The same goes for the Dare to Dream Foundation. I spent over two years building the foundation, and it took a lot of hard work from many committed individuals to get where we are today. That is the message that I want to send to the students we work with, that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to, but it still takes a lot of time and willpower.

4. What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to start or run a foundation? I would say to make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons. A lot of people, not just athletes, start non-profits for marketing or PR reasons, and their foundations don’t end up doing anything.

The second piece of advice is to surround yourself with mentors and knowledgeable people who can help you along the way. It’s really important to have a support system and a team of advocates that will fight for what they believe in. I wouldn’t have been able to get Dare to Dream off the ground without the help and advice of my friends and family.

5. What’s been the best experience of your football career thus far (or the most rewarding)? What’s been the most fulfilling experience with the Dare to Dream Foundation?

Winning the XLII Super bowl with the New York Giants in 2007 was probably the best experience of my career so far. Winning the Super bowl has been my biggest dream ever since I was a kid, and to be able to accomplish that dream is an unbelievable feeling that I still experience every day.

I think the most rewarding experience, though, was when I was able to come back from injury last year. I got hurt and I wasn’t able to play football at all during the season. I spent those months healing and getting back into football shape, but it was a long and incredibly difficult process. Luckily, I was able to stay motivated and had a lot of people helping me along the way. It is a blessing that I will be with the Philadelphia Eagles next season and I am still able to play the game that I love.

With Dare to Dream, I think the most fulfilling experience is the ongoing one of seeing teachers and students taking the initiative, setting goals, and pushing themselves to accomplish them, just like I did.

6. What’s next for you and the foundation? What should we look out for?

I’m just excited to continue to expand the Dare to Dream programs. Most of our programs are currently in New York and Florida, but we are constantly reaching out to different communities, cities, and states. We can’t wait for Dare to Dream to become a truly national organization that is able to help students and teachers across the country.

7. Lastly, give me three words to sum up Sinorice. Compassionate, optimistic, and committed.