Grow Through It And Lead

Today we will be talking about Depression with Ms. Veronica Shrieves-Brown who has her own personal story to share. Ms. Shrieves-Brown has a degree in both Psychology and Sociology. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of Social Work. As a Social Worker/Case Manager, she has dealt extensively with abused and neglected children, parents who have been addicted to drugs and women and children who are victims of domestic violence. She has provided counseling services for emotionally, sexually and physically abused children and adults. Ms. Shrieves-Brown is the recipient of many awards for academic achievements ranging from the Dean's list to Certificates of Appreciation for hard work on behalf of the tiniest victims of substance abuse.

Born in 1964, in the Deep South, Michael Benjamin, aka Alabama Mike, developed a love for music from his gospel singing father, Joseph Benjamin, Sr. His father, a steelworker and mother a housewife, Alabama Mike longed to go out into the world and make his own mark. It was when he was in the US Navy, stationed in Alameda, California, right in the heart of the San Francisco Bay area, that his love for the blues really began to take root and it brought him to where he is today. Still living on the West Coast, Alabama Mike's music is loved from London to the Bay. Don't miss this powerful and heartfelt interview about his struggles, disappointments, and how he found international success in singing the blues!! Alabama Mike will be releasing "Tailor Made Blues," his follow up to the highly acclaimed "Day To Day," distributed by I.D.C. on July 15th.

Imagine running for the train, then somehow getting your leg caught underneath the wheel. In 2001, April Holmes was involved in a rush-hour train accident in Philadelphia. After several hours of emergency surgery, she woke to the news that her left leg was amputated below the knee. April Holmes went from an all-star high school and college athlete to a promising Paralympian. Best known for her deep faith and resilience, April is active in her church and uses her faith and experiences to uplift those who, like her, have acquired their disability through tragedy. A high school 400-meter champion, Holmes later earned multiple NCAA All-American honors as a sprinter at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. When she lost her leg in a train accident in 2001, she didn’t despair about her new situation. She chose to use it to empower herself as well as those around her. Tune in to hear Ms. April Holmes tell her story of triumph.

Doug Bates is the owner of CMIT Solutions of Fayette and Coweta Counties. He spent the first 24 years of his career working with world-class organizations such as GE, TYCO International, and Lego Toys identifying and providing solutions for customers on a domestic and global scale. He spent most of his time traveling, and being away from his wife and kids. He is now happy to be at the next phase of his career and gets great satisfaction out of preparing breakfast for his kids each morning.

Matthew Loney is the President of Stevi B’s Pizza. Loney, 31, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s corporate operations and franchise sales and support programs. Immediately prior to joining Stevi B’s, Loney was vice president and general counsel for Mellow Mushroom, an Atlanta-based casual dine-in pizza chain with more than 90 units. His past professional experience also includes practicing law at the Atlanta-based firm of Alston & Bird where he served clients operating in the franchise industry. Directly after law school, Loney practiced with an international law firm in Phoenix, Arizona. Tune in to this inspirational interview!