Urban Leaguer

U
Volume 3
Issue 1
RBAN
L
Summer/Fall 2011
EAGUER
Achieving • Growing • Reaching Higher
URBAN LEAGUE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
An auxiliary of Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
From the President’s Pen
commencement of another
term, our focus remains the
same if not greater from the
previous year. We are very
excited to cheer on the 8
returning
Executive
Board
members, introduce 2 new board
members and celebrate a host of
new
members
to
the
organization. We welcome you
all to the movement of the
Urban League, the Urban League
Young Professionals and the
benefits we will gain by having
you serve alongside us.
Kira Van Niel
President
To
my
Fellow
Professionals:
Young
Welcome to another exciting
year,
Young
Professionals!
Although the August General
Body Meeting signified an official
I must admit, the 2011 National
Urban
League
Conference
created the perfect setting for
celebration, challenge, reflection
and action. Built into a most
appropriate Jobs and Education
Conference
theme
were
transitions of administrations,
dynamic workshops and panel
discussions, and merriment as
chapters celebrated their impact
throughout the past year.
Because of the hard work of the
Executive Board, Urban League
Affiliate and the members and
volunteers of ULYP over 2010 –
2011 year, St Louis took home
the 2011 National Urban
League Young Professional
Central Region Chapter of
Excellence Award. Over the last
11 years, ULYP has helped to
create a legacy within our
community by developing and
deploying
talented
and
courageous young men and
women both professionally and
civically. As a two-time
recipient of this national award
(2009 being the first under Past
President Barry Neal), this
accomplishment continues to
strengthen our resolve to take
our work to the next level.
the strong support of our own
organization by paying our
dues. The initiatives planned
for the year offer many
opportunities for National
Urban League and Young
Professional
engagement,
Affiliate education, youth
interaction
and
member
enrichment. We are a group
with talent and high potential
and are positioned to effect
change in the St Louis
community.
Lets
remain
poised and prepared to
continue on this path, YPs. We
are ready, now let’s get to
work!
In
order
to
continue
progressing, it is essential that
we take a look at where we
stand as an organization and
the legacy we want to further.
We
must
continue
to
encourage high committee and
program involvement, local
advocacy on public issues, and
Inside this issue:
Article
2-3
For Members Only
4-6
Marines Key Leaders Workshop
Urban League Renaissance Gala
7
8-11
YP Happenings
12
YPs in The Community
13
YPs Parnters in Progress
14
YP Ads/Businesses
15
About ULYP/Meet the Board
16
Special points of interest:
The African American Community and Money
Meet members who go above and beyond.
Urban Renaissance Gala 2011
YP Moore invited to Marines Key Leaders Workshop
St. Louis is Chapter of the Year
Public Relations raises funds for new YP website
YP Businesses
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
A Journey in Finance: The African-American Community and Money
By: Orvil Savery
The African-American middle class is growing at a
rapid pace. For decades, this group has grown to
become one of the most highly educated and
affluent in the U.S., with significant funds set aside in
savings and investments and strong rates of
homeownership. In short, African-Americans are in
need of help to understand what these growing
changes mean to current and future generations.
While they remain concerned about the financial
crisis, African-Americans tend to be more upbeat
about the economy and the country’s ability to
rebound. However, the challenges that face AfricanAmericans lie in part with-in the community itself. As
a group, the African-American community is less trusting of advisors and financial professionals than other
groups. The problem lies in the fact that trust does not manifest overnight. It takes not only engagement and
commitment from people in the financial services industry, but also from members of this group. The
benefits to this group are in a large part, too large to ignore. A 2011 survey taken by Prudential found that
only 20% of African-Americans believe that they are on track to meet their savings goals for retirement, and
nearly twice as many say they haven’t even started. Even worse, 60% of African Americans surveyed have
less than $50,000 in company retirement plans, and only 23%
have more than $100,000. This same survey affirms the fact
that only 1 in 4 African-Americans currently use financial
advisors, compared to 1 in 3 for the general population. Of
those who do, the numbers are heavily weighted to only the
top earners who make more than $100,000 a year. What
does that mean for the rest? These people not only have less
-detailed financial plans, but they take a riskier approach to
their investments. Accompanied by greater uncertainty
about their retirement security, this inevitably leads to
people falling short of their goals. Furthermore, AfricanAmericans tend to view 401(k) and company-sponsored
retirement accounts as a tool for emergency savings. Compared to the general population, they are three
times as likely to withdraw funds to pay off debt or meet other household obligations and expenses, which
potentially is a disastrous strategy for retirement security.
Page 2
URBAN LEAGUER
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
So if African-Americans don’t get their advice from financial services companies, where do they go for
advice? Most are self-directed; relying on books, seminars, and company web sites that provide unrealistic
fix-all approaches. For example, roughly 29% of African-Americans who make financial decisions on their
own actually put money in IRAs. For those who get guidance from an advisor, that number makes a
substantial increase to 53%, which in terms of retirement dollars could mean a big difference in
maintaining their current lifestyle in retirement. This variance shows that people are still in need of
guidance. Take for instance in a general portfolio, African-Americans hold fewer stocks and bonds (27% vs.
46%) mutual funds (26% vs. 46%)and Invest less in retirement accounts than the general population. Those
findings change dramatically however, if a financial advisor is in the picture.
In the simplest terms, a financial advisor helps set goals and creates
a sound plan to achieve workable results. But for many AfricanAmericans, the gap between these two points has become very
wide. Many feel that it’s important to maintain their current lifestyle
in retirement, yet only a third of these people are confident they
would be able to do so. Clearly, there is a role for professional
guidance and financial literacy that can alleviate worry and ensure a
more secure retirement.
Orvil Savery
Financial Services Professional
Mass Financial Group, Inc.
16690 Swingley Ridge Rd Suite 240
Chesterfield, MO 63017
636-728-2496 (office)
osavery@financialguide.com
Orvil Savery is a Financial Services
Professional at Mass Financial
group
in
Chesterfield
and
specializes in helping people make
sound financial decisions for their
future in terms of today.
The views and comments expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are not intended to represent any views of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
ULYP MISSION STATEMENT
The goals of the Urban League Young Professionals are to serve as a base of support for the Urban
League of Metropolitan St. Louis and its respective initiatives; to increase community involvement of
members through development and programs; to strengthen leadership and professional development of
members through organized directives; to promote the Urban League and its mission; and to provide a
comprehensive orientation to the Urban League movement for new members.
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
Page 3
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
For Members Only
June
I’m the daughter of Robert Brock and Roy Jean Spence. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri. I attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri where I majored in
Marketing and graduated May 2004. While at Lincoln University I became a member of Delta Sigma Theta in April 2002. In December 2010 I received my Masters in
Business Administration from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. I’m currently a Certified Veterans Service Representative for the Department of Veterans
Affair Regional Office in St. Louis, Missouri. I am a faithful member of the Friendly
Temple Missionary Baptist Church. I believe God has shown me favor in blessings
beyond my imagination. I joined the Urban League Young Professionals in March
2011. I’m currently apart of the Membership Committee, Organizational Change
Committee, and Public Relations Committee.
Shayla Yvette Brock
July
Alisha N. Hill, a native of St. Louis, joined Edward Jones in 2007 as a Branch Office
Administrator Recruiter. In this role she assists financial advisors in Canada and U.S.
with staffing their branches by recruiting and hiring qualified candidates to support
client acquisition strategies. Before joining Edward Jones, Alisha earned a B.S. in Sociology with a concentration on Employment Relations and an M.A. in Human Resources
Management from Webster University.
Alisha N. Hill
Alisha marries a challenging career and her passion for volunteerism by contributing to
the United Way and being apart of the Edward Jones Charmaine Chapman Society
Committee. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc and Urban League Young
Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis. She served as the Membership Chair of the
Urban League Young Professionals during the 2009-2010 year.
August
Patrice French, a Texas native, is currently the Program Coordinator of Multicultural Education at Saint Louis University. Her work entails advising several student organizations, facilitating diversity & inclusion workshops and trainings across the University, and executing department-sponsored cultural programs for the campus
community. Before obtaining her current position at SLU, she pursued her Bachelor
of Science in Social Work Degree at Texas Christian University and her Master of
Social Work Degree at the University of Michigan. "Peace cannot be achieved
through violence, it can only be attained through understanding." - Ralph Waldo
Emerson
Patrice French
To be eligible for Member of the Month, members must be financial and be active on at least
one committee. Members are selected by the current ULYP Executive Board.
Page 4
URBAN LEAGUER
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
For Members Only
WELCOME TO THE MOVEMENT
ULYP welcomes New Members!
Total Membership = 66
2011-2012 ULYP Chapter Year
Full Member Roster
Membership Chair, Delicia T. Stephens
Terrell Anderson
Lakenya Henderson
Jarrett Nobles
Debra Bass
Kimberly Hicks
Kwame Ofori
Jania Bell
Angela Holmes
Clarissa Okpaleke
Kimberly Burke
Ebony Hutchinson
Jasmine Pampkin
Catrina Chambers
Sheldon Jackson
Caitlin Parker
Jihan Clay
Dauffus Jackson
Angela Pierce
Christina Cofield
Justin Johnson
Diana Redden
Eric Cooper
Leonard Johnson
Dan Redden, Jr.
John Cothrine
Nate Johnson
Daniel Rounds
Christina Dancy
Christina Jones
Qiana Scruggs
Deshone Davie
Danielle Jones
Johnnie Singleton
LaShara Davis
Alain Justilien
Adewale Soluade
Anson Donnan
Evan Krauss
Genesis Steele
Vincent Flewellen
George Ladd
Delicia T. Stephens
Michele Fontaine
Travis Lane
Tyra Suggs
Crystal Fowler
Kenya M. Leonard
Donald Taylor, Jr.
Brandie Franklin
Ebony Lincoln
Conchetta Thompson
Patrice French
Rachelle Morgan
Marketha Triplett
Craig Glover
Nichole Moton
Kira Van Niel
Kelly Griffith
Barry Neal
Sheles Wallace
Lena Hampton
Benjamin Nesbitt
Frank Williamson
Arica Harris
Elisha Newsome
Quentin Womack
If your name is not on this list please follow-up with our
ULYP Membership Chair, Delicia Stephens
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
Page 5
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
For Members Only
Summer/Fall 2011
Marcus Creighton is a St. Louis native with a B. S. in Marketing from Arkansas State
University He is a Financial Advisor for MetLife and is a Leader’s Conference and Million Dollar Round table qualifier. Marcus is current President of the St. Louis alumni
chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He works tirelessly in the community and
is affiliated with several organizations including the Urban League, Urban League
Young Professionals, National Sales Network, The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition
and others.
June
Marcus Creighton
Nichole
Moton is a Sales Manager for the Crowne Plaza St. Louis
Downtown, where she sells meetings, conventions, and reunions. Shereceived her
B.S. from Saint Louis University in Hospitality Management. She has been a member of ULYP since 2009 and has served on the community service, public relations,
membership and resource committees. This is her second term as resource chair.
Nichole was 2010 Member of the Year recognized at the 2010 Gala. She is also a
member of YWCA Metro St. Louis Young Ambassadors, National Coalition of Black
Meeting Planners, and Church on the Rock.
July
Nichole Moton
Terrell Anderson is a native of Chicago, Illinois.
He relocated to St. Louis in 2001.
He attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale where he earned a B.A. in Information Systems Technology with a minor in Administration of Justice. Terrell is employed as a Senior Implementation Manager with the Patrol Support Application
Monitoring Team at AT&T Services Inc. in the Information Technology Operations
Department. Terrell has worked for AT&T Services Inc. for 10 years. He is the proud
father of one 7 year old son. He enjoys motivating others to make the most out of
their opportunities and giving back to the community. He has been a member with
Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis for 6 years (May 2005)
and serves on 2011 Allocation Panel with United Way.
Terrell Anderson
August
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT CRITERIA
What specific positive contributions did this person make to enhance p and ULYP
Has the individual shown initiative and a vested interest in ULYP?
Is the individual visible in ULYP (attends meetings/events/activities) and consistent?
Has the individual made a personal effort to “go the extra mile”?
What are some examples of the individual’s interaction with Eboard and General Body members?
Does this individual exemplify the mission, vision & goals of ULYP as a representative?
Page 6
URBAN LEAGUER
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
YP Happenings
Summer/Fall 2011
Moore Invited to
Marines Key Leaders Workshop
Daffney
Moore was personally invited by Major
General Ronald L. Bailey, Commanding General of 1st Marine
Division to the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, for the
2011 Key Leaders’ Workshop hosted by the Marine Corps
Recruiting Command from July 18 – July 22, 2011.
Daffney was afforded the unique opportunity to
observe the screening, training, and professional
development of Marine Corps Officers. Additionally, she
gained insight into the rich heritage and tradition of the Corps
by developing an understanding of what makes a leader of
Marines.
The visit increased her knowledge of the
opportunities that a Marine commission offers. Moore hopes
to share the methods in which Marines are develop into
leaders of our nation’s Marine Corps with youth and leaders
in the St. Louis community.
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
Page 7
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
YP Happenings
Summer/Fall 2011
News Release
*************PREVIOUSLY RELEASED*************
For More Information Contact:
Barbara Bowman
Vice-President of Development
(314) 615-3635
Don’t Miss the Much Anticipated Urban League Young Professionals’
Urban Renaissance Gala!
ST. LOUIS, MO (May 9, 2011)Don’t miss an extraordinary evening of excellence and elegance. Get your ticket now before the word is out and there is standing room
only. Join the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis, an auxiliary of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.
for a night of cocktails, dinner, music and recognition of some of St. Louis’ finest up and coming outstanding men and women.
This year marks the Sixth Annual Urban Renaissance Gala encompassing networking with other business professionals, socializing with top
-tier executives and recognizing forward-thinking individuals. These deserving awardees are reaching new heights in their communities
and achieving success in their careers. Each year, the Urban League Gala draws more and more attendees who relish not only the charm
of this event but also the opportunity to say thank you to colleagues who are setting standards, raising the bar and beaming as shining
examples of professionalism.
Make plans to partake in one of the most popular, posh St. Louis events of the season. A Black Tie soirée complete with the smooth sizzling sounds of the Lamar Harris Band is a top notch, entertaining night of silk, satin, and sequins. On Saturday, June 4, 2011, the Renaissance Hotel will come alive with ladies and gentlemen at their professional peak. This year’s honorees include Craig Glover, Steven Harris
and Danielle Lee who will be recognized by ULYP as Young Professionals of the Year. Additionally, ULYP will salute Suesan Daily and Kimberly Burke as Members of the Year. Kenya Leonard will be recognized as Leader of the Year. Join us in congratulating them on being
stellar examples of professionalism in the St. Louis community.
Page 8
URBAN LEAGUER
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
YP Happenings
Summer/Fall 2011
Enjoy the Gala and let your hair down at the after party with music provided by DJ Tossin’ Ted of ProJocks Entertainment. More information regarding ULYP meetings and events can be found at www.ulyp-stl.org. This year’s Gala Committee, was chaired by Ms. Nichole
Moton. Tickets are available now for $50. Tickets can be purchased at Urban League Headquarters or by contacting Nichole Moton at
314-452-3288. Tables may also be purchased for $500. Any inquiries can be directed to gala@ulyp-stl.org.
This year’s Urban Renaissance Gala was made possible through the generosity of Platinum/Title Sponsor, Anheuser-Busch; Gold Sponsors,
Enterprise Holdings and Edward Jones; Silver Sponsors, UPS and US Bank. We would like to thank our generous, gracious sponsors who
support ULYP and allow it to host such upscale, stellar events such as the Urban Renaissance Gala.
The Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis is an auxiliary organization of the Urban
League of Metropolitan St. Louis, comprised of young urban leaders whose time, energy and talents are dedicated to improving the welfare of St. Louis community residents. The Young Professionals are committed to
seeking innovative solutions to persistent social problems, such as economic empowerment, education, civil
rights, civic engagement and financial management. Their goal is to form a cohesive group of young professional leaders whom can leverage their collective experience, education, resources and talents towards improving the lives of those in need. The Young Professionals host monthly meetings on the second Wednesday
of every month at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. located at 3701 Grandel Square. To join
the Urban League Young Professionals or participate in their programming, please contact Barbara Bowman
at (314) 615-3635.
###
For more information regarding the
Gala please contact Resource Chair,
Nichole Moton at:
resource@ulyp-stl.org.
See article in Town & Style July
27, 2011 edition which
highlights the Gala. Go to
http://www.townandstyle.net
/july27/
See Spring/Summer 2011
Urban Connection for
published press release.
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
Page 9
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
YP Happenings
Page 10
URBAN LEAGUER
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
YP Happenings
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
Summer/Fall 2011
Page 11
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
YP Happenings
Cardinals Games (Busch Stadium): YP’s worked 7/9 and 8/13 Cardinal games to raise money for our new website!
They donated over 7 hours of their time for each game. Thanks to all of you!
Windows on 5 STL: YP’s appear on Channel 5 on 8/8/11
to promote upcoming 2011-12 Chapter Year.
ULYP General Body Meeting (UL HQ) - 8-10-11 - Mr. James
Buford, President & CEO installs 2011-2012 officers.
Tavis Smiley’s American I AM TOUR (Missouri History Museum): YP’s set up information tables as a
Membership Drive and Networking Event.
Page 12
URBAN LEAGUER
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
YPs in the Community
Community Service Chair, Suesan Daily
Craig Blac’s Community Cuts for Kids
(Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club) - August
14, 2011: Our first YP Community Service
project for our 2011-12 Chapter Year. YP’s
donated 16.5 hours to the community.
2011 Back to
School Store
(July 24, 2011):
YP’s helped
underprivileged
kids shop for
school supplies .
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
National Day of Service (June 11,
2011): YP’s partnered with
“Connect with a Purpose”,
Page 13
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
YPs Partners in Progress
Summer/Fall 2011
National Urban League Conference 2011—Boston Massachusetts— (July 27-30, 2011): St. Louis YP’s
bring home Chapter of the Year also known as Chapter of Excellence Award!
Page 14
URBAN LEAGUER
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
Dauffus Jackson
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
O: 314-838-4650
F: 877-781-2304
Contact publicrelations@ulyp-stl.org regarding
advertising your business or organization in our
newsletter.
Submit your
business profile
to be highlighted
in our newsletter!
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
Page 15
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”
Summer/Fall 2011
URBAN LEAGUE YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS
An auxiliary organization of the
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
VAUGHN CULTURAL CENTER
3701 Grandel Square • St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: 314-615-3600
E-mail: information@uylp-stl.org
Twitter: ulypstl
Facebook: Urban League Young
Professionals St. Louis
Linkedin: ULYP of Metropolitan St. Louis
Affiliate of National Urban League Young Professionals
The Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis is
an auxiliary organization of the Urban League of Metropolitan St.
Louis, comprised of young urban leaders whose time, energy and
talents are dedicated to improving the welfare of St. Louis community residents. The Young Professionals are committed to seeking innovative solutions to persistent social problems, such as economic
empowerment, education, civil rights, civic engagement and financial management. Their goal is to form a cohesive group of young
professional leaders whom can leverage their collective experience,
education, resources and talents towards improving the lives of
those in need. The Young Professionals host monthly meetings on
the second Wednesday of every month at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. located at 3701 Grandel Square. To join the
Urban League Young Professionals or participate in their programming, please contact Barbara Bowman at (314) 615-3635.
We’re on the Web!
www.ulyp-stl.org
Urban League Young Professionals 2011 - 2012 Executive Board
President
Kira Van Niel
president@ulyp-stl.org
Community Service Chair
Suesan Daily
communityservice@ulyp-stl.org
Vice President
Evan Krauss
vicepresident@ulyp-stl.org
Membership Chair
Delicia T. Stephens
membership@ulyp-stl.org
Secretary
Terrell Anderson
secretary@ulyp-stl.org
Resource Chair
Nichole Moton
resource@ulyp-stl.org
Treasurer
Catrina Chambers
treasurer@ulyp-stl.org
Professional Development Chair
Masherrl Conyer
professionaldevelopment@ulyp-stl.org
Parliamentarian
Dauffus Jackson
parliamentarian@ulyp-stl.org
Public Relations Chair
Kenya M. Leonard
publicrelations@ulyp-stl.org
Staff Liaison
Barbra Bowman
staffliasion@ulyp-stl.org
ULYP Newsletter Staff
Kenya M. Leonard
Daffney Moore
Delicia T. Stephens
“Empowering Communities, Changing Lives”