Shayla Riley is a professional, skillful, driven and dedicated Property Management and Real Estate Professional with extensive experience in the coordination, planning, accounting of multi-million dollar lease-up properties in the Downtown area. She is proficient in the sales and marketing of luxury rentals, as well as Real Estate Brand Development and New Construction Management. She has over 15 years of real estate experience and is invested in improving the urban and multi-family landscape of Columbia, SC with the newest addition—the Land Bank Lofts. She was recently appointed the Chair of the Alternative Housing Committee for the Apartment Association for Greater Columbia. She is also a dedicated mother to one daughter, Kyndall, who is a second grader at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.

Ivan Earle went straight from high school to a full-time job working at a local plant in Columbia, South Carolina.

His dreams were very basic – and on his $12,000 annual salary, they had to be. Five years later, he started his new career with Primerica on a part-time basis, forever changing his family’s legacy for generations to come. He found great joy in helping families change their financial lives the education and training.

Dr. Sharon R. Earle, is a graduate of Lander University (B.S., Elementary Education), Clemson University (M.Ed., Guidance/Counseling & Personnel Services) and SCSU (Doctor of Education). After over 22 years in public school administration, Sharon merged her talents and commitment full time to assist in forming their multi-million dollar Fortune 500 Company.

For Ivan and Sharon, being one of Primerica’s million-dollar earners, and respected leaders of the African American Leadership Council has llowed them to have a level of success where they have freedom, time, and money. More importantly, however, it means they get to spend more quality time with their children, help their family and build a business together.

Malcolm Richardson is the owner of ClearVision Media, a video production company specializing iin all videography needs.  He has worked in broadcasting for almost 20 years at local media stations WLTX, Fox57, and the City of Columbia. A Spring Valley graduate and South Carolina State University Alum, Malcolm strives to continue to grow his company and make a mark here in Columbia, SC. He teaches Journalism part-time at the SC Science Academy, and recently started a new business venture, Neo Soul Group, LLC, where he promotes local artists and gives them an outlet to display their talents.  Malcolm enjoys spending time with his seven-year-old daughter.

@malcolmpr  Instagram

Columbia resident Alana Simmons is an educator and community advocate.  She has taught elementary, middle, and high school chorus and is the founder and CEO of Hate Won't Win Movement, Inc., a non-profit organization that gives back to families and communities affected by hate crimes, discrimination, and bullying.  She is a graduate of Elizabeth City State University  with a B.A. in Music Education, concentration in Piano, and Norfolk State University with a M.A. in Music Education, concentration in Voice.  She is a former Miss Black VA, Miss Essence VA, Miss Essence USA, Miss Elizabeth City State University, and Miss CIAA.  Alana is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the National Association of Music Educators.

@_alanasimmons_ Instagram

Shanita Brown, LMT, BCTMB, is a licensed massage practitioner with a knack for educating and providing clients with quality integrated therapeutic massage treatments.  She puts the 'well' in wellness and the 'be' in believing the power of massage therapy. 

Since 2006, she has been studying massage therapy and practicing as a full-time licensed massage therapist since 2009.

Shanita has traveled to other countries, including China and South Korea, to research and study holistic healing practices.  She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and is a Certified Nursing Assistant.

@mymassagemobile Instagram

Currently residing in New York City, Columbia native Lauren Grant curates memorable experiences for corporations, nonprofits, and personal celebrations. TGA has an impressive portfolio, collaborating with organizations, including: REVOLT TV, Nielsen, American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s), Cantu Beauty and Essence Music Festival. Lauren’s hands-on approach and attentiveness signifies her understanding and ultimately executing their vision. Lauren is a graduate of the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, receiving a Bachelor of Science and MBA with a concentration in Business Administration and Marketing, respectively.

@thegrantaccess Instagram

@ellegee47 Twitter

 Born and raised in Lancaster, South Carolina, Leticia McIlwain has over 10 years in IT expertise.  In her current position for an educational software company, she assists customers in the optimization of South Carolina's IEP, RTi, 504, ELL, and Gifted and Talented processes including data integration for Excent Software Corporation’s full suite of products.  Her prior position was the Database Administrator for Powerschool, Richland County School District One's Student Information System.  Leticia holds a B.S. degree in Integrated Information Technology from USC and is PowerSchool certified and a MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist).  She is  currently pursuing SQL Server DBA certification.

Chad Smith has been a licensed barber for 14 years. In his senior year at Spring Valley High School, Chad attended Harley's Beauty & Barber Institute and received his Barber license at the age of 18 years old after completing on the training at Brierson Barber and Beauty.  He has worked at the Carolina Barber and Beauty Shop for over 10 years.  He has  developed various youth programs in Richland County, including Football 101.  Chad volunteers with schools within the Columbia area as a mentor, and lead the Richland County Polo Road Steelers to win the championship game in 2010.  As Head Coach of the Steelers, he coached boys ages 10-13 in the fundamentals of football.  You can catch Chad on ESPN Radio 1230 AM on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4PM-6PM, where he discusses all things football.

The R.C. Wilson Group, LLC develops community-based alternative education and treatment program for adult offenders, juvenile offenders, and troubled youth. The Group consults with agencies and organizations to enhance fiscal and social advantages.
Roscoe also  offers community development concepts that improve the connection between families and needed services in their communities from health services to behavioral health modification.  He is on the Board of the Greater Columbia Community Relations Committee, and is a Chief Consultant at the Solomon & Associates Consultant Group, LLC.