Our Panelists
Director of Community Programs/Prophet
LeKesa “Kesha” Whitner
The Director of Community Programs at Northside Development Group and founder of the nonprofit Children and Choices. With over eight years leading Start Me Spartanburg, she has empowered local entrepreneurs through education and resources. Kesha serves on various boards, including the South Carolina Community Loan Fund and Spartanburg Preparatory School, focusing on economic development and support for underserved populations. She is also the first woman of color in over 30 years to run for Mayor of Spartanburg and Spartanburg County Council District 1.
Real Estate Investor | Speaker
Laquita Brooks
Laquita Brooks, known as The Motivational Maven, is a real estate investor, motivational speaker, and coach dedicated to transforming lives with straightforward solutions. Passionate about real estate, she specializes in purchasing and renovating distressed properties from Detroit to New Orleans while teaching others how to fix and flip homes. Raised in Louisiana with a Christian background, she uses humor and relatability to inspire others. Overcoming challenges like colorism, she transitioned from a teen mom to a successful entrepreneur. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, her development courses, The Ultimate Vision Board Party and Your First Flip Webinar, Brooks empowers individuals to overcome limitations and achieve their goals. If she can do it, so can you.
Media Publicist | Activist | Talk Show Host | Speaker | Host
Robin Shockley
Robin Shockley is the Founder of Focus Forward with Robin, a columnist, awards director, ambassador, entrepreneur, media publicist, actress, talk show host, community advocate, motivational speaker, and author of 60+ faith-based devotionals. Her mission is to connect those in need with resources, inspiring others to discover their purpose and build a lasting legacy through service. As the Founder of Girls Gifted 4 God, she leads vision board workshops, speaking events, and offers platforms for brand growth.
In 2023, Robin launched Swift Magazine, featuring stories and tips to empower single women. Through interviews, she helps small businesses build confidence and create meaningful impact. For bookings, contact her at Swiftmagazine22@gmail.com.
Pastor
Aventer Monique Cotton Gray
Aventer Gray is the Co-Pastor alongside her husband, John Gray, of 'Relentless Church’ now ‘Love Story Church’ in Greenville, SC. Aventer is a force to be reckoned with as a speaker and a mentor.
In addition to her speaking ministry, Aventer Co-Starred in the hit Docuseries “The Book of John Gray," which aired 24 incredible episodes on Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Own Network'. She is also the Founder & President of the 'Reign Dance Company,' where she uses dance as a catalyst for healing and hope. She has more initiatives coming under the 'Aventer Gray Co' umbrella, such as "Word 2 The Wives", "Ave Mentors," & most recently she launched a lifestyle incentive brand "ArtistMe" {I'm More than the Artist, I'm the Art), making women aware of the artistry that lies within. "Artistry Created by God," and much more coming. She has been featured on many platforms in ministry, arts, and entertainment. She will always bring a faith-based balance to everything she does, acknowledging that God is in the details of everything we do and experience. She covers the HerSTORY Women’s Ministry at Love Story church, is a Juneteenth Upstate Board Member in South Carolina, and much more. Aventer Gray is a Woman on the rise as she steps out of the shadows and continues to create her lane fueled with undeniable vision, passion, and anointing.
Pastor
Chante McKnight Buchanan
Pastor Chante M. Buchanan, known as “Pastor C,” is a devoted leader, educator, and entrepreneur. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education from Southern University and Kaplan University. Pastor C. has developed educational programs, including summer learning initiatives and childcare consulting. She owns Chan’s Scholar Toddlers Early Learning Center in Amite, LA, and Future Scholars Academy in Mauldin, SC, earning the nickname “The Daycare Doctor” for her expertise. She and her husband, Pastor Junious R. Buchanan Sr., are proud parents of seven and serve their community at Love Story Church in Greenville, SC.
Ceritified Emotional Intelligence Coach
Dr. Shadai Wilburn
Dr. Shadai Wilburn is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach and serves as the Founder of EI Institute, Inc., and Excelsior Coaching & Consulting, LLC. With a rich background in education and personal development, Dr. Wilburn is deeply committed to addressing the unique needs of marginalized communities. She holds pivotal positions as the Director of TRIO Upward Bound and Interim Dean of Educational Opportunity Programs, providing meaningful support to at-risk students at Greenville Technical College. Dr. Wilburn finds fulfillment in motivating individuals to take proactive steps toward positive change, and her commitment to empowering others is resolute in making a significant impact.
CEO of Cummings Consulting and Management, LLC
Theresa Cummings
Theresa Cummings is a dynamic leader with 28 years of expertise in operations, professional development, and organizational growth. Her diverse experience spans Training & Organizational Development, Human Resource Management, and Manufacturing Supervision, with career highlights including driving process improvements at Harley-Davidson, leading High Performance Work Teams, and developing strategies at Simmons Bedding Company that earned a spot on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. In 2004, Theresa founded Cummings Consulting & Management, LLC, delivering training and development solutions to major clients such as AT&T, Comcast, Boeing, and NASA. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from Webster University.
Certified in High Performance Work Organizations, DiSC, The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, and Outward Inclusion, Theresa brings deep expertise and insight to every project she leads.
Certiified Coach | Mental Health | Counselor | Speaker | Faciliator
Andrea Mancuso
Andrea Mancuso is a seasoned coach, facilitator, motivational speaker, and mental health counselor with over 14 years of experience as a School Psychologist in New York City. She is the founder of Intentional Healing & Wellness and the host of The V Spot podcast, which she created to celebrate the power of vulnerability. Based in Brooklyn, Andrea supports individuals, organizations and school communities to Heal Bravely and thrive.
Inspirational InfluenceHer and Evengelist
Pamela Ferguson-Jennings
Pamela Ferguson-Jennings, originally from Upstate South Carolina, is a seasoned Realtor with 20 years of experience, specializing in New Construction. Beyond her thriving real estate career, Pamela is also an author, business owner, and evangelist, using her talents to inspire and uplift others. A proud mother of two and a new grandmother, Pamela embraces her multifaceted roles with passion and purpose, empowering others both personally and professionally.
Clinical Pychotherapist
Dr. Danielle White
Dr. Danielle White, a Houston native, found her passion for volunteering early, inspired by her mother’s example. Living with Ulcerative Colitis for over 20 years, she turned challenges into opportunities, volunteering with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and earning recognition as Youth Ambassador in 2002 and 2010.
Since 2018, Danielle has hosted “Life After Diagnosis,” a panel on autoimmune diseases, while supporting organizations like the Lupus Foundation, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 2023, she chaired a Baylor College of Medicine fundraiser, raising $100,000 for youth healthcare, and will return for 2024.
As a psychotherapist at The Harris Center and founder of Never Walk Alone Counseling, Danielle continues to inspire others through her dedication to service and mental health advocacy.