YOUNG URBAN MOGUL - Key Persons
Ayisha Smith, the Director of Development is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, but resonates most with Tampa Bay, Florida where she's spent the majority of her life prior to moving to Dallas, Texas in July of 2018. Ayisha worked as a corporate professional for the "Big Four" Professional Services Firm, Deloitte, where she excelled within their Internal Client Services industry. Ayisha holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Bethune-Cookman University and has since earned her MBA in Strategic Management from the University of North Texas. As of recent, she has now become a certified business consultant, specializing in brand strategy for small businesses. Recognized as a role model to many, Ayisha has made her mark through her organizational involvement, academic scholarship, and personal platforms with one goal in mind…to empower, inspire, and impact the lives of her generation and beyond.
Dyzhane Bellamy often referred to as DeeDee serves as the Chief Financial Officer. DeeDee is an Alumna from the great Bethune-Cookman University C/o 2017 and currently a graduating 3L at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University College of Law. Upon graduation and passing the bar, DeeDee looks forward to strengthening her community with her legal knowledge and background. It is her goal to pursue a career in Civil Rights Law, Criminal Law, and Business Law. In her opinion, it is very imperative, especially in the African-American community, to continuously give back as you progress in life. It is a blessing to be a blessing.
Job Titles:
- Co - Director of Initiatives
Josiah Kinsey serves as the Co-Director of Initiatives/Events. Josiah was born and raised in Miami byway South Carolina. Upon graduating high school, he attended Bethune Cookman University. At Bethune Cookman University Josiah was an active leader holding several leadership positions. Josiah graduated in 2017 with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Now Mr. Kinsey currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia where he attends Clark Atlanta University in hopes of obtaining his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Additionally, he is in the United States Army serving as an Army Officer.
Marc Whittaker Bennett serves as the Co-Director of Initiatives/Events and is a recent graduate of Florida State University where he earned his Master's degree in Higher Education. In 2017, Marc completed his undergraduate studies at Bethune-Cookman University earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. Originally born on the island of Roatan, Honduras, Marc, and his family moved to Miami, Florida when he was two years old. Early on Marc developed a thirst for knowledge and knew that his passion would be in education. Growing up in the inner city of Miami, Marc realized a bevy of barriers that plagued Black men of all ages in his community but never accepted them as his reality. Recognizing education as a tool and its ability to transcend the lives of people, particularly those of first-generation college students, Marc strives to create unique experiences that cater to the needs of students.
Nana Kwarteng, the Chief Operating Officer is a Residence Coordinator at Florida State University. Born and raised in Orlando, FL, he is the oldest of 3 children which he believes correlates to his natural ability to lead. His education portfolio includes a 2017 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bethune-Cookman University followed by a 2019 Masters of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from SUNY Buffalo State. His passion for inspiring and impacting the lives of young adults began after his experience as an Orientation Leader in undergrad. After seeing how much he contributed to the success of students and their time at the university, Nana began to explore other roles such as serving as a Resident Assistant, Student Government Association Class President, and a Recruiter a Student Admissions Recruiter. As time progressed throughout college, Nana found himself constantly involved on campus committees and eventually turned his passion into his current career field. He enjoys advising and mentoring first-year students. With him being a first-generation student, he believes this is his way of paying it forward. Nana, is currently in his first year in his MBA program at The Florida State University.
Obianuju Orjioke serves as the Director of Education and Outreach. Obianuju was born in Lagos, Nigeria. At the age of eight, she relocated to Australia where she finished her secondary schooling. She has a bachelor's degree in History, with a concentration in West African History from Bethune-Cookman University where she graduated with honors. At B-CU Obianuju was considered a leader among her peers. She created an organization, Sister2Sister, to help African-American women find their voice and feel empowered. Obianuju has currently finished her Master's of Science in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Florida. Obianuju currently works in Atlanta, Georgia as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She is passionate about creating equal access opportunities on national and global levels. Obianuju sits on the board and several organizations both nationally and globally.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Founder
Rodney Ellington Jr, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Young Urban Moguls, Inc. Born and raised in Miami, FL. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Africana Studies from Bethune-Cookman University. At B-CU Rodney has held several leadership positions from SGA, President of Black Males Think Tank & NAACP as well as other positions. Rodney has recently completed his Masters of Science degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Florida. With this degree, Rodney hopes to apply his knowledge and experience in helping create an inclusive space for students from socioeconomic backgrounds. A true HBCU advocate, Rodney's passion involves advocating for underrepresented populations to ensure they have limitless access to equal educational opportunities. Rodney is currently working at the University of Georgia as Program Coordinator for the department of Academic Engagement where he assist students from disadvantage backgrounds. Rodney is Currently enrolled as a doctoral candidate at the University of Miami.
Sapheria Emani Samuels, born in St. Petersburg Florida, serves as the Director of Marketing. Sapheria attended Bethune Cookman University and she received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in social work. Furthering her education at Georgia Southern University, Sapheria obtained a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration. Sapheria's has a great passion for student development, mentoring, and helping others achieve personal goals and growth.