Unfiltered

Saelese is a serial entrepreneur, Corporate and Commercial Attorney-at-Law and Motivational Speaker. She believes that business owners should take a proactive approach to minimising legal and other risks in their enterprises.   It is her life’s goal to find a perfect synergy between the professional and creative sides to her personality. She is a strong advocate for the need for increased female empowerment in society and encourages those around her to use their voices to shake things up.  As a very solution oriented individual, this year she is focused on building her legacy as one of impact through transparent conversations that influence meaningful change.

Farah is an internationally recognized Facilitator, Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Interact Consulting. She partners with ambitious women Entrepreneurs and Leaders who find themselves frustrated and unfulfilled, despite outward signs of success. When they work with her, they re-imagine their business, crafting a lucrative purpose-driven enterprise that delivers more confidence, more connection, more revenue, and more meaning. Having rebuilt her own life and business from scratch after struggling through her own life-changing experiences, Farah knows exactly how to forge a new path towards a meaningful life and offers her clients a proven blueprint for their own success. In her 25 years of experience, she has designed and facilitated leadership programs for global organizations including Johnson & Johnson, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Decathlon, Pfizer, Hitachi Energy, British Deputy High Commission, Swiss Re, Ali Baba, Coca-Cola, to name a few.

Monique was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and is the youngest of four children. She is the mother of two daughters, and new grandmother to her grandson, affectionately known as Grandmaster J. Monique has never turned away from developing her talents, and always challenges herself to do more for her family and community. Monique is the Best Selling Author of THE LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL, published in January of 2019, and Best Selling Co-Author of H.E.R. Story Anthology of Healing, published on January 13, 2022. She is also the chair and creative director of I AM MY BROTHER’S KEEPER! Non-Profit Organization, the chief cleaning specialist of her small business, Monique’s First Class Cleaning Business, an aspiring actress, a drummer, and an active member of the Outreach Program at her local church. Monique continued to follow her dreams of acting, just prior to the COVID pandemic, appearing on the CBS hit tv drama, GOD Friended Me, and she was cast in the short film The Red Bill, as one of the main characters. Due to shut downs across the globe, and the hold on film production, her career was also on hold. But Monique kept pushing forward and also had appearances on the Dr. Oz Show, System 20 episodes, and on the Mel Robbins Show Hoarding and Guest Updates episodes. Her Motto: “Every accomplishment, no matter how small is a WIN! Make sure you celebrate your WIN!”.

After encountering the ugly face of domestic violence and developing four different health conditions, Shana Gourdine’s life took a new turn. But, she couldn’t give this a room to ruin her life, so she embarked on a journey to elevate her self-esteem and uplift people who were going through such issues. Consequently, Shana writes relatable books from her experiences to help individuals learn to love themselves again after going through disappointments, trauma and disability. Moreover, Shana fits in several other shoes as a poet, motivational speaker, podcast host, spoken word artist, self-love life coach, advocate for domestic violence awareness and chronic illnesses. Shana has published several titles and co-authored several others in a writing journey that spans three years. In her writing and motivation journey engagements, Shana has won the Purple Ribbon Award of Courage, Viewer’s Choice Award, and Global Africa Fashion for Peace World 2021. She has been featured as the Best Seller on Amazon and nominated for both Women on the Rise and Women Influencers awards. She has also featured on Spotlight Magazine Cover, Hopez Magazine, Dream Spire Book Magazine, Channel 13, Channel 10, Troy Record Paper and Spectrum News.

Nancy Schwartz is the Founder and Principal of Envision Healthy Retirement. She spent her career in corporate leadership roles, founded the successful retained search company, SearchExecution, and was previously Client Partner at Korn Ferry.  In those roles, Nancy worked across a variety of industries in markets ranging from global multinationals to early-stage private equity and venture capital. Her innovative and solution-oriented approach to solving complex issues earned her high praise and recognition.   Also, a classically trained ballerina who has worked for nationally known ballet and modern companies, Nancy embraced nuanced movement, discipline, artistry, and the importance of balance. She built several professional dance companies, focusing on the creation of new works with innovative programs and performances. She also built a not-for-profit dance studio, which fostered the inclusion of all arts into dance choreography. Today, she is passionate in continuing to study both modern dance and ballet, and also enjoys performing new works. Nancy is an advocate of personal growth and enrichment, and has graduated from Tiny Habits®, Retirement Options, HeartMath, and Health Coach Institute, to name a few, as a Health and Lifestyle Consultant and graduated from Skidmore College. She is a member of select mentorships in both health and business. She is dedicated to her client’s success and growth as they transform into a life they envision and own.  

Aaron Edwards Hall is a stand up comedian who has been doing comedy for the past 15 years. He is respected in the industry by names such as Earthquake, Chris Spencer, and David Arnold. From a small town in Illinois (Lebanon) just outside of East St. Louis. He was raised by his mother who influenced him alot with her love for Christ, her strong will, and her crazy sense of humor. Inspired by comedians Bill Cosby, Cedric the Entertainer, and Eddie Murphy, Aaron Edwards Hall is a natural born leader blessed with the favor of God over his life. He was a student athlete, as well as the president of his student body at Columbia College, where he graduated in 2005 with a B.S. in Business Marketing. Embarking on comedy started with guidance from above. Aaron wrote a 15 minute set in 15 minutes and made it to the showcase round of BET’s Coming to the Stage auditions, only having performed the set twice.“ After arriving in Los Angeles, Aaron quickly began networking with some of Hollywood’s best. Faced with the reality of needing to make a living until his entertainment career kicked into high gear, the practical side of Aaron was directed to corporate America, where he quickly became successful going from poverty to a six-figure income. Aaron made his television debut on Season 4 of Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes, which kicked his comedy career into high gear. He has also appeared on Aspire’s Season 2 of We Got Next, JUCE TV LIVE, which was aired on TBN, Comic Edge on Aspire TV and Laff Tracks on TruTv. He has toured Japan, entertaining the troops. He toured with National Headliner Earthquake, and shared the stage with Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart, and Dane Cook. Aaron performed at Improvs, Funnybones, colleges, corporate events and churches nationwide. So, get ready for the world’s next generation of funny! Aaron Edwards Hall.

Shiraz Baboo is an Award-Winning Author of Rewrite Your Reality, International Speaker, and Energy and Money Flow Coach. Entrepreneurs and Coaches who hire Shiraz unlock greater personal freedom resulting in more time, happiness, and income. He teaches you to enrich your success while maintaining calm confidence no matter what’s going on.

Dr. Denise J Charles J.P. is the author of Your Baby is Coming Now Push, How to Have Mind Blowing Sex Without Losing Your Brain and Tonight I am a Butterfly: Celebrating Seasons of Change. An experienced educator, who has taught for several years at the Secondary, College and University levels, she holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with High Commendation from the University of the West Indies. She is also a qualified trainer, who has worked extensively in developing programmes for teachers and trainers across Barbados. She is a former Tutor at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College and also served as Academic Coordinator for the Bachelor’s and Masters Programmes in Curriculum offered by Mount Saint Vincent University Canada and taught by Distance in Barbados. She is currently employed by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training as an Education Officer. Dr. Charles is a certified and experienced counseIlor/relationship coach and together with her husband Gabriel, founded Better Blends Relationship Institute, in 2008. The Institute regularly presents seminars to singles’ groups, couples’ groups across Barbados as well as provides personal and couples’ counselling in the areas of relationships, family and personal development. In Barbados, she has served as the columnist for “Sex Talk” in the Sunday Sun’s Easy Magazine and was the resident relationship expert on the Mid-Morning Mix on CBC TV 8. For 3 years she also hosted her own radio talk-show Love Life on Life 97.5 FM and VOB 92.9 FM. She is a NIFCA award winning poet and spoken word artist and a certified cultural practitioner. Denise has been married for 37 years to Pastor Gabriel Charles J.P. and they are the proud parents of three creative adult sons. They also lead a community-based ministry Inside Out Missional Community. She is passionate about writing, motivational speaking, personal development, the creative arts and education reform.

Alana brathwaite is a life coach and mentor from the beautiful island of Barbados. She has recently contributed to an anthology "Her Story" with 25 other women from around the globe this being her first time as an author. The divorced mother of one daughter is hoping to use her life experiences and trauma to motivate persons on how to become the best versions of themselves and leave the Old them behind. With a background of customer service and sales Alana has always been able to connect with people easily this has allowed her to start her inspirational page on Instagram called inspirebya_b. All the while in her journey Alana is hoping that she can make an impact on people helping them to transform their lives.

Being new to the entertainment industry in Trinidad and Tobago as a vocalist, Nelly started attracting the positive attention that most hope for very early. At 26 years old, approximately 4 years experience in the music industry, Nelly Cottoy’s name is being spread wildly across the globe. Her petite frame should not be used as an indicator of expectation. In most instances, responses of surprise follow her performances. The fearless spirit she possesses has allowed her to embrace any and all situations thrown her way.   At 12 years old Nelly became immersed in the performing arts. She began with Unique Dance Crew at that age and two years later at age 14 formed her own dance team; Inkredible Kreations Dance Company. From then to now, Nelly and her dance company have provided their talent to the likes of Patrice Roberts, Devon Mathews, Richard Trumpet, Iwer George, Blaxx, Skinny Banton, Marzville, Yankee Boy, RKG, Crazy, Pelf, JoJo, KMC and Motto among others. The fact that Nelly has been able to watch from the side lines for numerous years gives her a competitive edge. Much of her knowledge came from being part of the process with more established acts than herself. She had the opportunity to soak in every bit of positive energy and aspects of their artistic approaches into her persona. Nelly, drew inspiration while plotting her way to attack the entertainment industry.   Nelly is focused on 24/7 on perfecting her craft. Her songs to date are Jockey Rider, Dancehall, Take People Man, Trendsetta, Pick Up Something, Boom Pon Di Hood ft Razor B, Machine gyal and most recently trending Wifey. Her music is definitely creating memorable opportunities for her thus far. Nelly’s passion for dancing and drama are quite evident during all of her performances. It should also be noted that Nelly Cottoy is a certified dance Instructor with the Ministry of Community Development, she won the National Youth Award from NYAC (National Youth Action Committee) and The Top 20 Stars of Tomorrow Dance Award recipient 2013 and she is also the National Youth Soca Star Champion 2017, among being recognized and awarded as the Urban Music Awards Best New Emerging Artiste 2018. The name Nelly Cottoy is now a household name as Trinbagos multitalented Dancehall Queen who has a bright future ahead of her in the industry.