Celebrating Performing Arts
July 11-13
panel discussion
brought to you by opportunity for Engagement
Sponsored by
​Host:
Nina Dortch
Public Relations Director,
Opportunity 4 Entertainers and Performing Arts
​Nina Dortch Public Relations Director, Opportunity 4 Entertainers and Performing Arts
With over two decades of experience in Human Resources and Recruitment Leadership, currently serves as the Public Relations Director at Opportunity 4 Entertainers and Performing Arts and as a Talent Advisor Consultant in the Automotive Coating Industry. She is dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering community growth. A mother of two beautiful girls, Nina balances family and career gracefully, sharing her life with her partner, David Clausell. She is passionate about mentoring and guiding emerging leaders, helping them achieve their fullest potential.
Based in Mobile, Nina proudly calls the vibrant city her home, having embraced its culture and community with open arms. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Nina's transition to Mobile has deepened her appreciation for the local talent and the warmth of its people. At Opportunity 4 Entertainers and Performing Arts, Nina orchestrates events, fosters connections, and champions the organization's mission to empower performers and artists from all walks of life.
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Our Panelist
Friday, July 12 at 6:50 PM
Community: Education, Workforce, Culture, & Health
Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile
Education
Dr. Reginald A. Crenshaw,
District III Board Member,
Mobile County Board of School Commissioners
Dr. Reginald A. Crenshaw focuses on improving graduation rates and reducing dropout rates in Mobile County. With degrees from Morehouse College, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Southern Mississippi, he is dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes and supporting teacher development.
Workforce
Cedrick Graves,
Human Resources Business Partner
AM/NS Calvert
Cedrick Graves, a Mobile native and Columbia Southern University graduate, specializes in health, safety, and human resources. He emphasizes the importance of aligning moral values with professional goals to achieve success.
Culture
Derrick Turner, Site Director,
Alabama Career Center
Derrick Turner, with over 25 years in the State of Alabama Department of Labor, will discuss workforce development and community engagement. A Tuskegee University alumnus and former open mic poetry artist, Derrick is passionate about helping individuals find meaningful employment.
Health
Latrinia “Trinia” Franklin, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant, Urology Associates
Latrinia “Trinia” Franklin brings her extensive background in pediatrics, adolescent medicine, and urology to the panel. A graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, she is active in community service through organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Jack and Jill of America.
Our Panelist
Saturday, July 13 at 6:55 PM
DEIB: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile
Diversity
Cierra Johnson-Belser, MBE, VP, Strategic Growth and GM, Staffing Services
Cierra Johnson-Belser is a DEI advocate with over 10 years in workforce development, focusing on recruitment strategies and diversity initiatives. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Birmingham Business Journal's Leaders in Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Equity
Leavie D. King, III, M.S. Founder | CEO COACHEDUP
Leavie D. King, III, CEO, MS, BA, CPS, CSP is a dynamic award winning speaker, trainer and coach, who possesses an inspiring gift for developing and delivering transformational messages that leave a life-changing impact on his audience. His electrifying delivery style and relevant content sets him apart from others in the motivational speaking field. Whether standing on stage and captivating an audience with his heartfelt and compelling message or conducting workshops and trainings, King’s impact resonates with audiences throughout the country. His experiences and accomplishments are diverse and vast, providing him with the unique ability to relate to all audiences. King graduated magna cum laude from Faulkner University, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in management. King founded COACHEDUP where he serves as Founder & CEO, in 2003, to fulfill his passion as an entrepreneur, speaker and coach. A sought-after speaker, King is renowned for delivering messages that allow audiences to recognize and reach their desired success and leaving them with a “can do” attitude. We invite you to follow and journey with Leavie as he inspires audiences. Connect with us via Facebook @coachedup2success, Intsagram @coachedup2success or via our web page www.coachedup2success.com.
Inclusion
Bryan Fuenmayor, AMVAC
Bryan Fuenmayor, a Venezuelan immigrant and US citizen since 2019, is committed to community organization and advocacy. His motto, “Be together, not the same,” highlights his dedication to inclusivity and collaboration.
Belonging
Jason Lewis, Retired US Navy Chief
Navy Counselor Chief Jason J. Lewis of Africatown, AL and has served his country for 24 years. In 2018 Jason Lewis and his wife Karen Lewis began VETS (Visualize Everyone That Serves) 501 (c) 3 working with the youth and community in Pensacola, FL, Mobile, AL (Africa Town, Happy Hill, and Prichard) returning to establish
sustainable community enrichment programs and neighborhood preservation initiatives. Chief Lewis communicates all Public Relations/ Internal Affairs for BUDAL GIE based in Benin, Africa. He plays a critical role in the logistical planning and execution of multiple ventures in the City of Mobile (Africatown). As an entrepreneur he’s been entrusted by the Clotilda Descendants Association, The State of Alabama Tourism, Leaders in Africatown and the City of Mobile to give a Return Pilgrimage tour for Africatown (giving tourist an experience to take with them after visiting the Port
City).
Our Panelist
Sunday, July 14 at 5:10 PM
Unity: Connecting Age, Race, Religion, & Communities
Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile
sunday host
​Host:
Kelly Finley
News Director/Anchor/Host, 92ZEW, WNSP, The SOUL &
The CRAB #TellMeSomethingGood, The Community Round Table, 251 NOW with Kelly Finley
A 24-year news veteran, she joined 92ZEW in 2019, where her newscasts air weekdays, and she highlights local greatness in her "Tell Me Something Good" segment. Kelly hosts "The Community Round Table," introducing nonprofit organizations, and launched "251 NOW with Kelly Finley" in January 2020, a show on local happenings, businesses, and community leaders. Kelly is President/CEO of KFin Productions, a social media company in Mobile, Alabama, providing broadcast/social media consulting, brand management, and public speaking services. In November 2022, she received a “Grind Award” for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses. She co-hosts "AP & Kelly, aS wE C it!," a syndicated sports talk radio show on SEC football. Her career includes international stints and various U.S. cities. Kelly was the first civilian Family Readiness Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as the director of communications for the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail. She is on the executive board for Visit Mobile, AIDS Alabama South, and Door To Serenity and is a member of the PL Wilson Detachment Marine Corps League. Kelly holds a B.A. in Radio/Television from Wayne State University. She and her husband, Judge Karlos Finley, have three teenagers.
Age
Brianna Burrell, Miss Alabama 2023
Brianna Burrell, a Mobile native and Miss Alabama 2023, promotes STEM engagement among students of color. Her initiatives have earned recognition from various organizations, and she continues to inspire through her community service and educational pursuits
race
Karlos F. Finley, Esq.
Executive Director of the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation (ARC)
Karlos F. Finley, Esq. is the Executive Director of the Africatown Redevelopment Corporation (ARC). With over 20 years in law practice, he has served as an Assistant District Attorney in Mobile County, operated a private practice, and was a Municipal Court Judge from 2015 to 2022. He holds a B.S. from the University of Mobile and a J.D. from Miles School of Law, where he was valedictorian. His family has deep roots in Mobile since the 1870s, with his grandfather, Dr. James A. Franklin, Sr., being a pioneer in Africatown healthcare. His parents were Civil Rights activists, and his father founded Alabama's first African American chain of drug stores. Finley is President of the Mobile Bar Foundation, a Board Member of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, and President of the Friends of African American Heritage Trail, Inc. He is a member of the Mobile and Alabama State Bar Associations and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Karlos Finley is married to Kelly A. Finley, and they have three children.
Religion
Nikeland Nichols, Executive Director, P.U.S.H Inc & Vice President, Destiny Vision Christian Center
Nikeland Nichols is a community leader and motivational speaker, dedicated to supporting youth and families through his nonprofit P.U.S.H. Inc. He combines his corporate experience and passion for music and entertainment to make a positive impact in Mobile County.
Communities
Dr. Valerie D. W. James, MAOM, LSSGB, LSSBB,
President/CEO
VisionSpot Enterprise
A Harvard-certified leader, author, and founder of VisionSpot Consulting Group, LLC, Dr. Valerie James has over 25 years of experience in corporate leadership and global business management. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, she left executive roles to support leaders and advise Fortune 500 clients. Raised in Los Angeles, Dr. James founded the Solutions Maximizing Brilliance (SMB) School of Leadership, recognized by Manage HR magazine. She has received numerous awards, serves on community committees, and is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Fellow and the American Heart Association's Mobile Alabama Inaugural Woman of Impact.