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LITERARY EXCELLENCE

 

*Please note: If it says "No Bio Entered" beside your image than you have not submitted a bio.

Please submit your bio to: Editor@ACHIMagazine.com by June 30th for your bio to be added. (It will not be accepted after this date)*

Ticket sales end on July 13th.

 

ACHI Author Award

Candace Werts

Candace Werts, is a female author with a passion in writing Erotica Romance for the entertainment of the adult community. Becoming author has always been a dream of hers and it became reality with the creation of The Made Series.

Due to the lack of books that feature interracial couples, it was exciting for Candace to write a series featuring multicultural characters. These stories contain fashion, friendship, love, and the finest things that life can offer.

 

Shyla Miles

I am a God-fearing, self-published, author from Suffolk, VA. I enjoy expressing myself creatively through all areas of writing. When not writing, I find pleasure in helping others pursue their passions. My idols are Shonda Rhimes and Mara Brock Akil, both who are renowned African-American, trailblazing women in the screenwriting industry.  

Rhodonna Boyd

Rhodonna Boyd has a passion to inspire others towards all that God has created them to be. She does this through writing books, blogs, and articles, in addition to teachings, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring to help build faith in all and the confidence of women. Rhodonna also does Confidence Coaching and is developing an organization to help build the image of women and girls, particularly plus-sized. 

Tumeki Griffin

I am Authoress Tumeki S. Griffin. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you. I am a self-published Author of two books, my 1st "Your Mind's Eye" and 2nd "I Am A Concealed Weapon". I absolutely love to write to inspire by using my own personal life's journey of how I over came many of the challenges that mostly everyone face. I like to think that I am the balm for the soul as I have you laughing out loud and allowing you to see your healing through my desert moments. My books are geared toward motivating you to find your purpose now! 

 

Linda Wilder Dyer

Linda’s earliest memories are of reading books and putting pen to paper to write for hours; even if it meant sneaking flashlights under the bed covers.

This Norfolk native was a child who grew up as the “chubby-nerdy girl” enjoyed an un-likely long successful career as a model and still dabbles when she has the time. This led her to write curriculum for modeling and manners classes that she was asked to teach. A publisher saw her work, and asked if she could produce enough text for a book. Five months later her first book went to press.

Her books on manners and self-esteem for young children and teens include,  Pretty Me-A Handbook for Being Your Best, Finishing Touches for Girls, 

Finishing Touches for Teens, Sugar and Spice and Boys At Their Best. Her programs based on these books have been taught since 1986 and have been enjoyed by thousands of young people across the country. She has been recognized by the National Education Association, Statewide PTA Association of VA and the American Booksellers Association, Girl Scouts and many others. She is a frequent motivational speaker of the subjects of self-confidence, career skills and body image. A familiar face and voice to PBS and NPR affiliate WHRO in Norfolk, VA; she is an avid arts advocate for youth. 

 

She serves on the Board of Directors of the Governor’s School for the Arts and on the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Virginia. She is a tireless volunteer who has worked with numerous charitable organizations in Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and New York.

 

She is the Director of Development for The Hurrah Players-Virginia’s Leading Family Theatre Company and is proud of the work they do, not only in performing arts education for youth, but in teaching important life-skills such as self-confidence.

Having raised millions of dollars for organizations thru major gift procurement, grant writing, special events, sponsorship procurement and planned giving, she attributes her successes to her ability to create valuable, long term relationships.

She is a violist with Symphonicity-the Symphony Orchestra of Virginia Beach and the founder and violist of Botanica String Quartet. She performed in 2003 in the historic Virginia Beach sister cities Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with our sister cities of Bangor Ireland, Moss, Norway and Miyasaki, Japan. 

However, nothing makes her more proud than her two daughters-Ashley Brooke Dyer and Elizabeth-Claire Dyer.

Tracey Hardney Scott

Author Tracey Hardney Scott is a noted motivational speaker and host of her own talk show Sista 2 Sistah can we Talk? Her fist Book the BS Theory Embracing the gift of women's intuition is a bold and direct approach to advising Women to utilize the gift to avoid toxic relationships and to cease being co-conspirators in emotional crimes against themselves. Tracey Hardney Scott is the proud mother of a son Michael and the step mother to twins Eboni and Devontay she is happily married to Randolph Scott and they reside in Prince George, Virginia with their chocolate Pit Sheena. She has already pen her follow-up book The BS Theory 2 They will stop feeding you BS if you stop providing the spoon.

Tracey Mclean

WINNER

 Author Tracey McLean is a Richmond, VA Native. She is the CEO of Adyme Entertainment and Adyme Publishing she is the author of Shaquana Hill, Memoirs of a Baby Mother and upcoming book Memoirs of a Baby Father. Author Tracey Mclean is a wife, mother of 10 and a step mother of 8. She is very strong in her beliefs and put GOD before all. Her favorite Quote is “Many follow but few are chosen” Author Tracey Mclean is (CHOSEN). Author Mclean is licensed in Real Estate Agent and she is also licensed in Nursing. She is a woman of many skills under her belt from building

and exterior and interior designing of homes, to designing clothes and having a spring release of her bathing suit line Armana-Marlene in spring of 2015. Author Tracey Mclean Mange’s  Artist such as  VA’,AJA, Troy The Rapper and TaeM .with sports management of   a up and coming football player .She also plans  the  release of her play Nov 1,2014  Memoirs of a Baby’s Mother . Author Tracey Mclean is a Sag actor with a vivid imagination!  Author Mclean is also name ADYME in the new reality series Baby Mamas of VA that airs on CW. She has written and directed her own television series Orphans and television sitcom Blended Family that will air fall of 2014 .She has more books coming out in 2015 such as Dirty Laundry; Blood is Thicker than Water, Diamond’s Cage. An Erotica Series called Chocolate with all including   a soundtrack. Author Tracey Mclean is on a mission watch her build her empire.

ACHI Orator Award

Cherese Jackson

Cherese Jackson, co-founder of New Direction Coaching Associates, is a life and business coach who has traveled extensively as a developer of Non-Profit & For-Profit organizations. She is a speaker, author and member of the International Association of Professional Life Coaches, National Association of Professional Women, member and writer for the Great Black Speakers Bureau, the Black Life Coaches Network as well as senior editor for The Guardian Liberty Voice. 

Born and raised in Manchester, England, I realized at an early age how truly blessed I was to have the opportunity to live in the United States.  From a very young age I possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for sales. After launching and running a chain of salons for 14 years, I was inspired to get my certification to be a speaker, trainer and a coach for the John Maxwell Team. I have no idea what my ‘Why’ will be this time next year, but for now – it is to inspire and empower women around me – to believe in themselves, and to intentionally strive to reach their true potential and to find their purpose for their life.

Hayley Williams
Lakeisha Mcknight

WINNER

From United States to Africa, Professional Speaker Lakeisha McKnight has been known to speak with authority and effectiveness, stirring the hearts and minds of 500,000+ business professionals, students, and families. She is the author of the Amazon #1 Best Selling book entitled "Professional Speaking: How Anyone Can Master the Art & Business of Speaking." Lakeisha McKnight has received over 40 awards community service career including a presidential citation from Former President Bill Clinton. She has also been awarded as an Entrepreneur of the 2010-2011 year with Cambridge’s Who’s Who for the expansion of her small business, The ILEAD Company, establishing a growing location in Nigeria, Africa.

Nina C. Brewton describes herself as “a writer who speaks and a speaker who sings.” Whether hosting, performing or writing, she seeks to inspire others in all she does. The native of Wichita, Kansas is a veteran of the United States Air Force and currently lives in Hampton, Virginia with her husband Raphael. From large assemblies to intimate classroom settings, Mrs. Brewton is available to speak, perform or host your next event - at your school, church, conference or private function. She is the author of a memoir, Dramas of a Bald Head Queen, and Heart of a Queen – Poetry and Prose from the Soul. She is currently working on, a tribute to sisterhood, Sangin’ Like Shug Avery.

Nina Brewton

ACHI Poet Award

Portia Bryant, artistically known as Absolute, is a highly sought-after performer, presenter, and innovator. She is best known for her hit single “Butterfly” which continues to touch hearts. She successfully accomplished a host of conferences from coast to coast. She has more than 10 years’ experience working to empower, uplift and minister to those in need. Her gift of gently walking her clients out of their stagnant circle of comfort, into levels of success never before attained.

Portia Bryant
Shakena Davis

Woman. Mother. Poet. ShaKena "MISKEENAH" Davis is an American writer whose name reflects the humble of her titles. Jersey born, commonwealth raised; from countryside stays adapted as home to Iraqi deserts where words enthralled her soul, MISKEENAH bleeds colored ink--distinct--between the lines of empty spaces where black and white mines of normality don't exist. Bold in her craft, candid with her verse, cathartically swooning obese hearts and toothy smiles like testimonies in church, MISKEENAH is life birthing truth, redacted.

Her compassionate, warm, and honest approach empowers her audiences and inspires them to blossom. As she challenges, teaches, and inspires, this advocate and ambassador for life has a heartbeat to see others propelled and operating in their fullest potential. 

Krishna Ruffin

Krishna began writing poetry at the age of 10yrs old and subsequently went on to write, produce and perform in community Stage Plays, Skits, Musicals.  She also enjoys performing her original poetry as ministry and uplifting all those who hears her speak.  Her most recent accomplishment is writing and publishing her first book entitled “The Day I Lost My Mind”, available on Amazon.com.

Tinita Tennant at 28 years old has been writing poetry since age 12. Tinita has stood on many stages and her voices has captivated many audiences from churches, universities, open mics and community events. She describes poetry as art of words in written and verbal form. Her mission is to not only use her poetry for self-expression but to inspire, uplift and inform communities as well as tell the stories of others.

Tinita Tennant

"Amanda Leonard is a woman of God, Poet, Author, Singer, and Community Service Organizer. She is Owner of Worthy of Love, a business and ministry which encourages others to “Flourish With Christ” through her books, poetry, community outreaches, and speaking engagements. Her love for writing started at an early age, as she used it as part of her healing process. At the age of 32, she now uses her gift of writing to provide income for her family, and more importantly

Amanda N. Leonard

WINNER

to encourage others. Most recently, she has performed at  poetry events, TV extra work, Christian video acting and recorded spoken word and background vocals with Christian hip-hop artists such as Prophetic Stylez, Sean Slaughter and Mehlek Pfisha. She has a powerful testimony of God's grace...from being sexually abused as a child by her father, to being abandoned by a mother who was tired of life's struggles... rape, and more. Her story is realistic, raw, and encourages all who listen to embrace all things, in order to Flourish into what God has called them to be. Because of her experiences in life,  Amanda's heart is for "reaching people where they are at," which is why she founded and developed "You're Worth It," a community outreach effort which collects and delivers blankets, food, and clothing to the homeless in her local area of Hampton and Newport News Virginia."

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