Board
Leadership
Patrice Bayyan
Founder
For more than two decades, Patrice has partnered with numerous executives and leaders in driving talent management and workforce development initiatives that maximize the effectiveness of integrated systems, processes, and people practices. Her “go-first” leadership approach has enabled her ability in driving strategic and cultural change initiatives from start-ups to enterprise-wide transformation projects on local, national, and global levels. She designs curricula and customized trainings for non-profit, education and corporate entities with one of her most delivered subjects on Value Alignment in Driving Organization and People Success.
Patrice holds an MSL in Organizational Leadership & Change. In her spare time, she enjoys playing board games, especially chess and checkers, fishing excursions and spending time with family.
Motivation:
What drives her is a relentless commitment to helping foster whole communities,
which she believes starts with whole connections, whole relationships, whole people.
Vince Bayyan
Co-Founder
Social Entrepreneur
Human and Resource Development Consultant
Training Facilitator
Vince Bayyan is a proven Development professional with a twenty-five year plus track record of success in the areas of leadership and organization resource development.
Born and raised in Harlem, New York and a graduate from Hampton University, Vince is passionate about engaging young people and professionals from diverse backgrounds in what he calls the process of “information transfer and personal transformation”. During his professional development career, Mr. Bayyan has secured over $5 million dollars in funding from grants, corporate sponsorships and targeted donor campaigns. He has served as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for The College of Dramatic Arts at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill as well as Director of Development and a Major Gifts Officer at smaller universities. Mr. Bayyan has served in the capacity of Executive Director for several non-profit organizations and on the boards for arts based organizations headquartered in the North Carolina Triangle area. He currently serves in the capacity of Southeast Regional Development Director for the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, teaching valuable life skills that blend lessons from Martial Arts, Chess and the positive energy of HIP-HOP culture. He and his wife Patrice are Co-Founders of the Austin and Betty Cross Guardian Initiative, a donor-advised fund that supports youth aging out of foster care and other guardianship situations.
Mr. Bayyan and wife Patrice reside in Knightdale, NC where they are owners/operators of the Arts Conference Event Center (ACE) at Steeple Square. The 5000 square ft. facility is available to rent for residents celebrating a special occasion or in need of a meeting space. In addition, Vince and Patrice use the space to facilitate what they refer to as “EDUTAINMENT” activities focusing on art, arts education, business, holistic health and other issues of importance to the community.
Vince enjoys creative writing and has written ads for radio, scripts for television, short and feature length films and stage plays. He enjoys fishing, chess, martial arts, and facilitating developmental workshop on a broad range of subject matters.
Donna Coletrane Battle is a spiritual practitioner focused on justice as it relates specifically to the intersection of race, gender, and spirituality. Donna is a mother, wife, sister, and friend who also coaches leaders, pastors those without a pastor, partners to cultivate healing in relationships, and commits everyday to a life of being present, though not always successful! She holds a BA in Public Relations from NC A&T State University, a MDiv from Duke University and a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern University.
Donna Coletran Battle
Tel: 919-412-0018
Shon Nelson
Shonquez Nelson is an expert in marketing and strategy, Shonquez has a unique ability to identify opportunities and maximize their potential. He has a keen eye for spotting trends and creating innovative solutions that drive growth and success. He is a former professional athlete turned successful entrepreneur, real estate investor, and coach.
Shonquez also has a huge heart for the underserved community and is dedicated to helping all people, regardless of background or circumstances, find a way to build wealth and manage a 9-5 job. Through his coaching and mentorship programs, Shonquez empowers individuals to take control of their financial future and achieve their goals. His passion for giving back and making a positive impact on the world sets him apart as a compassionate and driven leader in both the business and philanthropic realms.
In addition to his professional achievements, Shonquez is a loving father and family man. He prioritizes spending quality time with his children and instilling in them the same values of hard work and perseverance that have guided his own journey.
Sonja Bennett-Bellamy is a former television news director and award-winning television broadcast journalist with more than 25 years of experience in public information, media, sales and marketing, public relations and fundraising.
Previously served as chief communications officer for a nationally recognized four year teaching and research institution of higher learning. Experienced in formulating communications and marketing strategies for complex organizations in both public and private sectors. Strong writer and adept public presenter with the ability to communicate messaging across diverse populations.
She is a strategic communications planner with the ability to craft and execute messaging campaigns in support of internal and external communications objectives.
Special Projects and Events Coordinator - Social Media Strategist
News Savvy Media Relations Professional
Sonja Bennett-Bellamy
John Tillman
John Tillman is a visionary business executive with a successful track record of starting, growing, and guiding companies to leadership positions in their industries. His passion is helping individuals and organizations accelerate their success and achieve their full potential.
With an initial investment of only $7,000, John built an enterprise that grossed over $10 Million per year while providing life enhancing services to youth, adolescents and families throughout North Carolina. His educational and behavioral healthcare services company became an industry leader by exceeding customers' expectations, staying on the cutting edge of innovation in clinical and business best practices, and creating a "can-do", team-oriented corporate culture".
With more than 20 years of progressive business experience in training, marketing, human services, and economic development, John now applies his cumulative experience, knowledge and skills to assist entrepreneurs, executives and not-for-profit managers to achieve rapid short-term results as well as sustainable improvements to their overall business model and strategy.
Tel: 919-412-0018