What A Word!

Mendel Murray, MBA, was born in Mount Vernon, New York and is the youngest of three children born to Lloydette and James Murray. He has an older brother Devin and sister Nichelle whom he credits with coaching him on how to be successful and being constant examples of hard work and determination.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Bridgeport, Mendel now works for Sonoma State University as an academic advisor and NCAA eligibility coordinator for student athletes.

Previously working at the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Mendel one day aspires to climb the ladder of the NBA, to become a Director of Player Development for an NBA team. One recent project for which Mendel is particularly proud is co-authoring Suited for Success Volume 2, which highlighted 25 Black Men seeking to share their advice, wisdom, and experiences to the next generation of young men.

Mendel has had his share of uphill battles through highschool and college. As a result, one of his major goals is to make a difference in the lives of youth through his involvement with various programs in underrepresented communities. Resource mentioned https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/1078imbppb5p Social Media: Instagram @mendeljjames_21 Facebook: Mendel J. James Closing Word “The Lion Attitude” featuring Dr. Eric Thomas and Chris Ross

Although, Adrienne Benton grew up as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, it was in 1999 that she wholeheartedly gave her life to Jesus and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. Now, she revels in the daily opportunities given her to stay intimately connected with the lover of her soul who is unlike none other. “Lord there is none like you” is the song her heart sings. Chaplain Adrienne Townsend Benton formerly served as an Associate Dean of Women for Lamson Hall located on the campus of Andrews University. Simultaneously, she served as an associate minister on the pastoral staff of Andrews University’s New Life Seventh-day Adventist Fellowship from 2002 to 2008. Her responsibilities included providing pastoral care, planning, and implementing opportunities for students to come in contact with Jesus Christ. Chaplain Benton holds an A.S. in Early Childhood, B.A. in Elementary Education and Psychology, MA in Curriculum and Instruction, and the Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. In addition to this, Chaplain Townsend Benton was commissioned into the U.S. Navy Chaplain Candidate program in June 2005. Lieutenant Townsend Benton superseded into active duty in June 2008 as the first US Navy Seventh day Adventist female Chaplain. In her varied assignments she ministers to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families and has used the gifts God has seen fit to entrust her with to meet the specific needs of this community. Chaplain Townsend Benton is in awe of a God who has called her to non-traditional ministry to show how Christ is real and relevant to the needs of people in everyday living. She is married to Theron Benton and they currently live and serve in South Carolina. Chaplain Benton was asked why she chose this particular ministry path. Her response was simple, “The opportunity to bring hope and the light of Christ to precious souls in the dark corners of life is a mission that I am privileged to embrace daily.” Website https://www.forwardmovementministries.org Social Media: Facebook: Forward Movement Ministries ; Instagram: @fm_ministries . Resource Mentioned: A Greater Force than Failure: Intentional Time With God by Adrienne Townsend Benton; Closing Word: Good things take time by Pastor TD Jakes

Born in Mandeville Jamaica March 1985. Moved to Bronx NY at the age of 6. Went to PS 103 elementary school on carpenter Ave in the Bronx. Moved to Mount Vernon, NY in the sixth grade. Went to Mount Vernon public schools for middle and High School. Went to Lehman College graduated cum laude with a degree in economics. Later attained a J.D from Albany Law School. After Law School started teaching criminal justice at Rockland BOCES. Took a civil service exam for senior accountant in the Mount Vernon Comptrollers office. Scored in the top 3 and instead of being offered the senior accounting job was appointed to the position of 1st Deputy Comptroller by the City Comptroller at the time, Maureen Walker. 1st Deputy Comptroller comes with a great deal of responsibility being 2nd in charge of the entire City’s finances. Worked in that capacity from 2014 to 2018. In 2018 the former Comptroller lost her elected seat to the current Comptroller Deborah Reynolds. In this change in administration, Reynolds let me go and brought in her own team. Started working as the fiscal analyst for the Westchester board of legislators. After two years working for the board of legislator I was offered a job as a senior budget analyst for Westchester county’s budget department this is the position I currently hold. Closing Word by Inky Johnson: “Control the Controllables”

Tricia M. Ferrell was appointed as a Judge of the Nassau County District Court in March 2008. She was subsequently elected that same year to serve a six-year term and re-elected in 2014. The Judge adjudicates criminal matters and previously presided over the Driving While Intoxicated Court as well as the Domestic Violence Court. Presently, Judge Ferrell handles cases assigned to a criminal court part designated for defendants with privately retained counsel. Prior to sitting on the bench, Judge Ferrell was employed in 2006, as the Director of Compliance for Nassau County, where she managed the internal controls for various departments countywide. The Judge also formerly held the position of Deputy Village Attorney, where she prosecuted cases for the Village of Hempstead. Judge Ferrell’s legal career began as an eager Nassau County Assistant District Attorney in 1998, where she prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases. Judge Ferrell earned her Juris Doctor degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1998. Notably, the Judge was honored with the Law School’s Alumni Award for Judicial Service in 2014. Judge Ferrell graduated cum laude from the City College of New York. Judge Ferrell is actively involved in the legal arena and holds membership in the Nassau County Criminal Courts Bear Association, the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, where she recently presented for its Chamber Chat Series. As a Nassau County Bar Association member, she is a longtime and energetic youth mentor, serving the Uniondale middle school population and she was a Co-Chair of the Bar Association’s Judicial Section. She is also affiliated with the Theodore Roosevelt Inn of Court, the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New York State District Court Judges Association, where she formerly held the office of secretary. Judge Ferrell is committed to community service and is an active member of the Uniondale Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (“NAACP”), Freeport-Roosevelt Branch. The Judge is a dedicated long-standing member of the Hempstead Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Over the years she has served her church and the church community at large in many capacities and most recently served as the Women’s Ministries Leader. Closing Word by Former First Lady Michelle Obama

Dwayne A. Caines has been an agent of change for the last 25 years and a dynamic force in Bermuda’s business environment. After graduating from Bermuda Institute, he attended Oakwood University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations. A year after receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, he attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan to commence graduate work in Public Relations.

Mr. Caines has a very diverse business background as he has worked for Bermuda Broadcasting Company, Bermuda Telephone Company, Bermuda Department of Tourism and he is most notably known as the Corporate Communications Manager/Public Relations Manager of the Bermuda Police Service. In May 2019, Mr. Caines was elevated to the post of Secretary and Chief Operations Officer for the Corporation of Hamilton.

In Mr. Caines’ spare time, he is an avid sportsman and a community activist. Dwayne has traveled over the Caribbean and the United States as a motivational speaker conducting workshops for companies and organizations whose aim is simply to bring the best out of people. Dwayne has been the keynote speaker at several graduation ceremonies here in Bermuda and in Jamaica and has conducted workshops for The Bermuda Department of Education, several church groups, the Co-educational Facility, civic organizations and has spoken at numerous male leadership workshops.

He has developed interactive workshops and seminars to help members of organizations reach their full potential and to strengthen the bonds of those in the organizations. He endeavors to help organizations design strong community-based programs and motivational seminars to help those who have lost their passion to find it again.

He is a community-focused gentleman who enjoys working with young people, with a determination to empower them to become active in their communities and advocates for social change. Mr. Caines taught Social Studies and English for the GED Program at his church for 16 years, created a Rites of Passage program for male youth and has been involved in mentorship programs such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters where he was a past Vice-President for 10 years.

For the last six years, Mr. Caines along with his brothers have hosted the Back to School Extravaganza where over 3,600 bags have been given away with countless school supplies and over 500 young people each year have either had their hair cut or hair braided. He continues to be involved in the community by currently serving as the Vice-Chairman of the Coalition for the Protection of children and is involved with community activities with his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.

Mr. Caines has also written and directed numerous plays and is often invited to inspire youth through motivational speaking in both Bermuda and in America. Mr. Caines has written/co-authored a book with his twin brother, Wayne Caines called "Double Vision." Mr. Caines is married to Roshanda and has three daughters, Deshay, Dasha and Dori. Closing Word Every Kid Needs a Champion by Rita Pierson; Social Media Facebook: Dwayne Caines, Caines Brothers, Instagram @candycaines06; Resource Mentioned: Double Vision: A Journey to Success by Wayne Caines and Dwayne Caines

Elan Suave (“Elan”) is a 16-year-old indie hip-hop artist from New York City. He wants to be a star.

He began his quest for stardom in March 2018, at age 14, with the release of his first song. By December 2018, he released his 1st EP, “Elan’s World". The EP was accompanied with two music videos for the most popular songs: “One On One” and "Hundreds". The "One On One" video was placed in 100 media and lifestyle outlets, including BetJams and Footlocker in the USA, while the song, "Hundreds”, was added to Spotify’s Discover Weekly. The EP was followed by four singles in 2019, all of which were added to Spotify's Discovery Weekly. This helped Elan to amass over 1M Spotify streams in 2019.

Elan continued his journey in 2020 with the release of his 2nd EP, $uave $eason, in February. Through 53 media outlets, the EP was placed in stores, shopping malls, and digital platforms worldwide. Elan released two music videos for the most popular songs on the EP, “Found Me” and "Jealousy". The videos are on YouTube. Both songs were added to Spotify’s Discovery Weekly. Elan next released two singles, "Sleepless Nights" and "Hard". Hard was added to Spotify Discovery Weekly. They were followed by the single, "Dangerous", on July 31, 2020. These songs are preludes to the release of his 3rd EP, $uave $eason Vol 2, dropping October 9, 2020. Elan is demonstrating that his quest for stardom is more than wishful thinking. Rather, he has the talent to be a star. Website: elansuave.com ; Social Media @theofficial.elan @bbpllcmusic ; Youtube : Elan Suave; Closing Word: The Process featuring Gary V, Jay Z and T.D. Jakes

On November 11th the United States of America recognizes the service and contributions of Veterans. I am honored to introduce my guest Rebeca “Becky”Davila. She is a Veteran and has a compelling journey. She is of Puerto Rican descent and was born and raised in the Bronx NY. In 2005 she joined the Navy and completed successfully 5 years active duty and 3 years reserve duty. She currently serves as a Deputy Sheriff and has served in that capacity for the past 5 years. Becky is a member of the worship team at the Kingsboro Temple of Seventh-day Adventist. She lives by the motto: you don’t have to look like what you’ve been through! Closing Word: How to Live the Life You Never Imagined by Richard Pimentel, Veteran

My guest, Junior Bevel, grew up in a really large Traditional Jamaican family filled with musical talent. He has an extensive musical history which includes touring the world as a singer and musical director. Great opportunities include: The Patti LaBelle Tour, Donnie McClurkin, Verizon Wireless HSTS Winner, McDOnalds Gospel Competition Winner, GGS Germany/France Tour MD, OGK Jamaica Tour Headliner. Jr. Bevel is thankful for all the individuals that have helped build the journey: Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, EYC, Oakwood University, LMS, OGK, Sean Tillery, Beautiful Minds, TheCollectiveGrey. His Purpose: To create a mood that will promote good vibez and bring positive energy amongst the people. Website: https://unitedmasters.com/a/juniorbevel ; Social Media: Instagram @jrbevel ; @collectivgrey ; Facebook Junior Franc; Twitter @juniorbevel; Shout out by Zina Howard; Closing Word “Grind!” by T.D. Jakes

When my guest, Crystal E. Ward was a little girl, she vividly remembers accompanying her father to the bank. He would show her the increase to his passbook savings as he made his weekly deposits. She also remembers sitting at the dining room table and watching him faithfully write up his tithe envelope. While she never had an official discussion about money management in her household, these encounters remained etched in her mind and served as the foundation for her skill in managing her personal finances.

Crystal E. Ward is a financial services professional, a certified personal and professional development coach and sought after speaker and facilitator on various topics of faith, finance and personal and professional development. She shares her experiencing in climbing the corporate ladder from an intern to analyst to a former Senior Vice President in Commercial Banking. Currently as chairman of the board of a $36MM Not For Profit and Finance Chair of her church, she shares why she believes that money is not to be hoarded, but to be used as a tool to live ones purpose. As she now follows her calling to ministry, she plans to continue impacting the world through financial literacy and inspiring individuals to live their God given purpose! Website: http://www.crystaleward.com; Social Media: Facebook: Crystal E. Ward; Closing Word: Gratitude featuring Freddi Fri

Beverly “Song” Burton, born Beverly “Ann” Burton was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Passionate about music and ministry, she is a singer/ songwriter who has been blessed to share her orginal songs and arrangements with many people within the 50 states, Bermuda, and London. She credits family worship and her parents for giving her a firm musical foundation.

After establishing a short career as a science teacher for 6 years, Beverly has gone on to establish the Beverly Burton School of music and start her journey in 2018 as a full time musical artist!

Beverly is also passionate about her personal musical abilities and ministry and has just recently released her first vocal project, “NAKED the mini project”. That project showcases her vocal and piano ability, and highlights her journey of stripping off everything that covered her path and passion to sharing her music.

She is releasing 2 singles this spring “Life is a game” and “Fill me up” and is currently in the studio working on her new Album to be released this Fall entitled “CHANGED” .

“I don’t want to be anything else but me”, those are the words that she strives to live by. Website: gotobbsm.com; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BR6J6DB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_JxLDFbZZ60TA6 ; Instagram @beverly_song_burton ; @gotobbsm; @booksnmoteevation ; Youtube : Journey with Beverly Song Burton ; Shout Out by Lesia Clarke; Closing Song: “It only takes a little Faith” by Beverly Burton