Left to right: Sean Norris, Glenda Pearson, Dr. Gerald Kiner, Commissioner Erika Sugarmon, Shep Wilbun, and Lynn Whitney
Empowerment Extravaganza: Daughters of Zion, Commissioner Erika Sugarmon, Shep Wilbun and Top Experts Elevate Entrepreneurial Dreams during Saturday Masterclass
Tonya Davis Senior Writer, March 16, 2024
Memphis, TN —
In a groundbreaking display of empowerment and vision, the prolific poverty-fighting organization – Daughters of Zion – and the esteemed Shelby County Commissioner, Erika Sugarmon, took the stage by storm at a recent Saturday Masterclass Event that left attendees spellbound. Led by the visionary Dr. Gerald Kiner, the event drew Shelby County Government’s largest turnout to date, with several dozen local entrepreneurs eager to enhance their skills and opportunities.
Standing tall among a lineup of luminaries were the charismatic Erika Sugarmon, the legendary Shep Wilbun, and a panel of distinguished figures, including the insightful Sean Norris of Truist Bank, the astute Glenda Pearson, the business maven Lynn Whitney, and the motivational force Dr. Gerald Kiner. Their collective wisdom on navigating Shelby County’s government, honing business strategies, accessing grants, and securing financial stability resonated deeply with the captivated audience.
Erika Sugarmon, the esteemed Shelby County Commissioner, delivered a powerful message, urging attendees to see possibilities instead of limitations. Meanwhile, Shep Wilbun, a legendary advocate, community leader, and head of Shelby County’s Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance, emphasized the importance of official registration for necessary support.
Glenda F. Pearson, head of Shelby County Government Purchasing Department, highlighted the crucial role of knowledge in business success, echoing Lynn Whitney’s call to believe in one’s enterprise. Sean Norris of Truist Bank urged entrepreneurs to cultivate relationships with their bankers, emphasizing the value of understanding and cooperation.
Dr. Gerald Kiner, the guiding force behind Daughters of Zion, encouraged attendees to invest their time wisely in pursuits that could elevate their businesses, rather than binge-watching on Netflix.
The effusive praise from participants like Chiquita Starks, Tangela Jones, Pamela Holmes, and Wayne Dowell underscored the impact of the event and the caliber of insights shared.
“I loved that everything was done in the spirit of excellence. All presentations were personable, passionate, professional, and purposeful,” affirmed Chiquita Starks.
“The program and speakers were phenomenal. Kudos to the organizers,” Tangela Jones said.
“Very resourceful information,” said Pamela Holmes.
“The Masterclass had it all and said it all,” exclaimed Wayne Dowell.
“Great Masterclass as usual,” responded Verlene Mill.
Pat Edwards-Sipp shared her enthusiasm, stating, “Today’s speakers were excellent, and the content was outstanding. I learned a lot that’s going to help me take my business to the next level. Thank you, Dr. Kiner, and the team for pulling all the speakers together to help us build our businesses.”
As the event concluded, participants left armed with a renewed sense of purpose and a concrete roadmap for success in Shelby County’s competitive business landscape. The resounding success of the Masterclass Event highlighted the unwavering dedication of Daughters of Zion under Dr. Gerald Kiner’s leadership and the trailblazing influence of Commissioner Erika Sugarmon, signaling a bright future of growth and empowerment for Shelby County’s local business community.
Business Owners and Entrepreneurs in Attendance
- Darrell Turner – New Life Personal Care Agency
- Tangela Jones – Oaks Notes
- Verlene Miller – Modest Properties, Inc
- Patt Sipp – Benchmark Realtors
- Regina Crossland – Hawkins Printing
- Betty P. Tayler – Arize V Renaissance Etc LLC
- Hayel Mansour – Triple S Enterprises
- Pamela Holmes – Hajile Custom Designs
- Yolanda Emodogo – Bookkeeper
- Jeri Freeman – no business
- Stuart P. Lott
- C. Starks
- Tarika Walker
- Joe Kent
- Chandra Pointer
- Derrick Jones
- Wanda Thomas
- Althena Laney
- Ronda Freeman – Compass Career College LLC
- Akeba Ballard
- Kelvin R. Shorts – Big Brixx Logistics and Transportation
- Tasha Hawkins – Ms Tasha’s Water Ice LLC
- Kendall Bean – Welding on Wheels LLC
- Donell McNeal – Blessed Hands Detailing Mobile
- Barnell McNeal – Memphis Towing and Wrecker
- Wayne Dowell – Noah;s Delivery
- Toni Brown – Teebee Wellness
- Jessica Cummings
- Gabrielle Cummings – Aspie Tortoise
- Adrian Hall – P.E.A.R.L WITH YOU, LLC
- Jamil Hammond – Kawahhty Floor Care
- Brenda Thomas – Lubren’s Catering
- Paielea Mungen – Helping Hands Caregivers
- Queen Middleton
- Sherita Wright – Wright Way Child Care
- Kim Byrd – Kim Byrd Homecare Agency LLC
- Tameka McGhee – Friends and Family Circle of Love LLC
- Jacquelyn Bracey – Coutre Event Rentals
- Ashley Daniels
- Alexis Brown – Muffin and CoCo
- Chrystal Epps – Anchored Redemption LLC
- Nina Booker – Beauty is in You
- Oscar Telford – OK Cleaning Sources
- Rochelle Bowen
- Chandra Pointer -Essentia Medical Solutions LLC
- Aiyanna Jones – All About You Home Healthcare
- Amber Crawford – No Mistakes Allowed LLC
To access Daughters of Zion’s unlimited free premium business coaching, grant writing, and RFP writing services, sign up at through their secure link: http://daughtersofzion.org/intake-form/
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