Dr. George Fraser

Thousands of people over the last ten years have gathered together for knowledge sharing by or for African American and Black people. The luminaries are the who’s who of speakers, academicians and community leaders nationally and internationally. They are dedicated to one cause and brought together by one man – Dr. George Fraser.

There are many key people on the FraserNet team that you won’t see on stage like Alexandria Boone (Conference Manager), Bernadette Mayfield, Charmaine Ward (Volunteer Manager) and the Fraser family members especially Jean. There are behind the scene team members that you will see on stage like Greg Williams – George’s partner, Dr. Kwa David Whittaker, Veronica Conway (Conference Coach) and me Dr. Joel Martin (Director of Education)…and then there are the multitudes of  sponsors, faculty members and guests who are so vitally important. This is a birthday card of sorts to everyone, to an organization and importantly to the man who dreamt it into existence. Many many more Dr. Fraser. Keep making your magnificent difference creating a stellar PowerNetworking environment “where people gather together to get ahead” for wealth building, health, entrepreneurship, spirituality, corporate contribution, connection, education for youth and fun.

“It takes teamwork to make the dream work!” George Fraser

“This is not an issues conference, it is an education and training conference…” George Fraser

For more information and to join us for this year’s celebration, click here.

PNC Conference Preview

Professional development is about being a lifelong learner. It means always asking the burning questions “What’s next in my life, my business and for my community”. It demands investments in ones education. It takes connecting with others and being willing to confess, “I don’t know it all.” It takes getting up and going out to new places to learn new ideas. It takes caring about the people next to you in your business, at a conference and next door. Professional development is fueled by a vision and a passion for excellence, empowerment and education. This too is what fuels a successful business – and life. Dr. Joel P. Martin, Positively Powerful Triad West Inc.

The love for your business is Loretta Love Huff. She has created two opportunities for professional development: The retreat ReEnergize Your Business: April 28th to 30th and her presentation featured by the National Bank of Arizona, Unleash Your Inner Leader, Thursday May 12th from 5:30PM – 7:30 PM . Loretta Love Huff is a successful coach known as The Dream Leader for Business. For more information, contact Loretta Love Huff.

Here’s what’s she promises during just day one of her three day ReEnergize Your Business.

• The exact 7-step process of her BAMBOO (Business Acceleration Model that Boosts Outrageous Outcomes™)
• Confidence, knowing you can truly trust yourself
• How to de-stress and stay focused on the perfect path for you
• Freedom from the money baggage you inherited as a child
• Clarity about what’s blocking you from the progress you yearn for

Here’s what to expect during her Unleash Your Inner Leader: “Some say leaders are born and not made. This myth has kept many professionals from expressing their personal leadership, pursuing their purpose and creating the lasting legacy they were meant to leave in their organizations and communities.  In this session, attendees will discover what it takes to step out with confidence, influence with integrity and live a life with passion and purpose.”

Give your business more love. The National Bank of Arizona’s Women, Wine and Leadership programs are one of the services of the Women’s Financial Group (WFG) dedicated to providing networking and resources to female business owners. It is the creation of Deborah Bateman, Executive Vice President of Specialty Banking, member Executive Committee and Board of Directors National Bank of Arizona. Ms. Bateman will be receiving the 2011 Positively Powerful Woman Of Philanthropic Leadership Award on May 20th at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix for this and many other contributions.

Rev. Dr. Cathy Clardy Patterson, Pastor, Fountain of Life Church will receive the first Positively Powerful Woman Award for Spiritual Leadership for her vision as expressed through the founding of Fountain of Life Church and her global ministry; for  serving on the ministerial staff at Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix; for her academic credentials and contributions; for her success in the world of business as only the second African American woman in U. S. history to be named a Managing Director of a major investment bank; and for being a role-model as a community leader.

Rev. Dr. Cathy Clardy Patterson founded the Fountain of Life Church (“FOL”) in 2006 with 12 individuals “like the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Disciples they set forth in obedience to the Word of God.”  Rev. Patterson believes that the church, following in the footsteps of Jesus, must meet people where they are and minister to their needs.

Rev. Patterson entered the ministry in 1999 and was granted a license to preach by the Presiding Elder of the Phoenix-Albuquerque District of the Desert Mountain Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (“AMEC”).  Rev. Patterson was ordained by the AMEC in 2002 as an Itinerate Deacon and upon her successful completion of the denomination’s 5-year course of study she was ordained as an Itinerate Elder in 2004.  Rev. Patterson earned her Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Rev. Patterson’s academic credentials also include: a Juris Doctorate from The Harvard Law School; a Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University (where she was designated a University Fellow by the faculty); a Bachelor of Science in Management and Industrial Relations from Minnesota State University at Mankato where she was the first graduate of the University’s Honors Program.

Rev. Patterson has had a wide-ranging career in law and finance.  She practiced law at major firms in both Washington D.C. and New York.  Rev. Patterson eventually was lured to Wall Street where she held a series of progressively responsible positions at two of the largest investment banks in the world. During her tenure on Wall Street she closed more than $16 billion in complex structured securities transactions.  Ultimately she became only the second African American woman in U. S. history to be named a Managing Director of a major investment bank.

Rev. Patterson moved to Arizona to accept a position as a Sr. Vice President of ING /Pilgrim Securities.  Currently, in addition to her pastoral duties she is the CEO of a consulting firm. 

Rev. Cathy has always given back to the community.  Since her arrival in Arizona she has served on the ministerial staff at Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix where in addition to having the opportunity to preach and teach the Word of God she served as the Vice Chair of Tanner Community Development Corporation.

Rev. Patterson has also been active in a number of civic organizations, having served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Phoenix and a member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for Arizona Opera.  She is currently the Chair of the Board for Arizona Cares, Inc, and a member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. 

Rev. Patterson has been happily married to Mr. Ross Patterson, Jr. for 21 years. Mr. Patterson has a heart for mission work whenever there is a need he is the first to respond.  His recent missionary endeavors have included extensive work with the Lost Boys of the Sudan, survivors of Hurricane Katrina and developing an outreach ministry for men.

About the Awards Program. The Positively Powerful Woman Award is given to servant leaders who have founded or lead legacy organizations that have stood the test of time. On May 20th, 11:30am to 2pm, at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix we will honor women as royalty for their hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. Following the Luncheon will be networking and “Conversations On Leadership” for professional & business development. Positively Powerful Guest Speakers include Diana Gregory, Susan Ratliff and Dr. Kay Lovelace-Taylor. You will leave inspired to go for your vision with new friends and information that will assist you in getting where you want to be…faster. The public is invited to attend. Dr. Joel P. Martin Triad West, Inc. president is the producer. Click here to become a sponsor and to attend the Awards and Seminar which follows.

“An award-winning entrepreneur with a passion for empowering others!”

Colleen J. Payne-Nabors will receive the 2011 Positively Powerful Woman Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership for her vision as expressed through the founding of six successful companies including the award winning Mobile Cardiac Imaging, LLC, (dba) MCI Diagnostic Center. Under her leadership as founder and CEO, MCI Diagnostic Center has become one of the most successful and well-positioned companies in the medical industry. Inc. Magazine listed her company as one of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

MCI Diagnostic Center provides “excellent patient care and state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments with the most advanced, modern equipment available.” It has grown to include a team of dedicated physicians who are experts in their fields, a staff trained at many of the country’s leading teaching hospitals, Board Certified radiologists, a skilled management team and medical professionals that are courteous and compassionate. MCI Diagnostic Center is located at 7018 South Utica Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma  74136. For more information, phone them at 918.744.1001 or email them at mobile@mobilecardiac.com.

Colleen J. Payne defeated all odds, overcame all obstacles and built this multi-million dollar business from the ground up. She is a superb business person who has a passion for assisting others.  Because of her humor, candor, integrity and ability to empower others, she is a sought-after speaker who works with organizational leaders who want to create, organize and lead successful businesses that have a competitive edge. Her book I Did it My Way and…It Worked! is a savvy, no-nonsense approach to business and entrepreneurship.

Colleen has written numerous leadership and business articles, and has been featured in many publications, including Washington G2, Black Enterprise, Influence Magazine, and Inc. Magazine. She has appeared on national and local television with segments on Fox News, ABC, CBS and NBC. She was named as one of Tulsa’s Most Influential People in 2008, was the SBA’s Small Business Person of the year in 2007 for the State of Oklahoma, and was selected as Business Innovator of the Year in 2003 by Black Enterprise Magazine.

About the Awards Program. The Positively Powerful Woman Award is given to servant leaders who have founded or lead legacy organizations that have stood the test of time. On May 20th, 11:30am to 2pm, at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix we will honor women as royalty for their hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. Following the Luncheon will be networking and “Conversations On Leadership” for professional & business development. Positively Powerful Guest Speakers include Diana Gregory, Susan Ratliff and Dr. Kay Lovelace-Taylor. You will leave inspired to go for your vision with new friends and information that will assist you in getting where you want to be…faster. The public is invited to attend. Dr. Joel P. Martin Triad West, Inc. president is the producer. Click here to become a sponsor and to attend the Awards and Seminar which follows.

“Kristi went through the fire. She has an empowering story to share.”

The 2011 Positively Powerful Woman Award for Nonprofit Leadership will be given to entrepreneur, speaker and author Kristi Lee for her leadership role in the founding of the National Association for Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Phoenix Chapter, the NAAAP Mentor and Professional Development Programs; for her service to the State of Arizona as Commissioner of the Governor’s Asian American Advisory Council, and for her  co-founding of the global organization Bridging The Gap Consulting which works to facilitate educational, trade and developmental interests of United States individuals and the people of China.

Kristi has an extensive business background with more than 20 years in marketing and retail. Her previous corporate experience includes responsibility for product and marketing decisions for more than 2,300 Albertson’s Food and Drug stores in 38 states, and negotiations with national brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Proctor & Gamble, Maybelline and Revlon.

Kristi is  the Vice Chair for NAAAP.  NAAAP Phoenix’s mission is to be the proving ground for Greater Phoenix Asian American Professionals, forging leaders of tomorrow through professional development, cultural awareness, community service and mentorship.  She helped create the Professional Development program in 2008 and created the vision for the NAAAP Mentorship Program in 2009.  She is also the facilitator for Public Speaking workshops for the NAAAP leadership team. Kristi has been a Commissioner of the Governor’s Asian American Advisory Council, and a member of the Business On Board program sponsored by the Arts and Business Council of Greater Phoenix.

About the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix (A&BC) and the Business on Board Program:The Executive Director of A&BC is Debbie Paine, the first recipient of the Positively Powerful Woman Award for Nonprofit Leadership. Eugene “Gene” Kochert of Intel Corporation is Board President and Jeannette Thomas is the Community Development Manager. Their mission is to grow leaders and inspire involvement to enrich the entire community. BoB is a dynamic six-month training program that identifies, recruits and trains business professionals for nonprofit arts and human services board positions with modules on Board Rules and Responsibilities, Effective Nonprofit Board Leadership, Legal and Ethical Responsibilities, Fundraising, Financial Responsibility, Diversity, Advocacy and Politics, and The Art of Networking.

In addition to the BoB and educational programs, the Council has become a one-stop shop for the arts by including opportunities for governance training, new educational opportunities for artists, and functioning as a strategic partner for capacity building. The Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix provides increased benefit to business by way of exposure throughout the community, growth and enrichment in leadership skills and experience for executives and key management, and business-to-business opportunities.

Kristi is a founding partner of Bridging the Gap Consulting, a firm that specializes in cultural sensitivity training, conversational business Chinese, corporate and individual training on how to conduct business in China, Her company also coordinates Chinese students with exchange programs as well as summer camps and provides translation services for all versions of media and presentations.

Kristi recently co-authored, License to Dream – Every Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom Through Network Marketing, which was launched worldwide. She and her co-authors were featured in the highly respected Networking Times March 2011 issue, “The Rising Economic Power of Women”.  She is an accomplished speaker and sales trainer and has great passion for empowering women around the world.

Five years ago, faced with her corporate job moving out of state and going through a divorce, she went on to build a successful network marketing business with Send Out Cards, an international greeting card and gift company.  She has team members in 30 states, Australia and Canada and is in the top 250 income earners of the company.  In December 2010, she received the prestigious “Freedom Award” voted by the top leaders of Send Out Cards in Arizona for “Exceptional Leadership and Dedication”.

About the Awards Program. The Positively Powerful Woman Award is given to servant leaders who have founded or lead legacy organizations that have stood the test of time. On May 20th, 11:30am to 2pm, at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix we will honor women as royalty for their hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. Following the Luncheon will be networking and “Conversations On Leadership” for professional & business development. Positively Powerful Guest Speakers include Diana Gregory, Susan Ratliff and Dr. Kay Lovelace-Taylor. You will leave inspired to go for your vision with new friends and information that will assist you in getting where you want to be…faster. The public is invited to attend. Dr. Joel P. Martin Triad West, Inc. president is the producer.

“She 
tirelessly offers her time and expertise to nonprofits. Deborah has a huge heart!”

The 2011 Positively Powerful Woman Award for Philanthropic Leadership will be given to Deborah Bateman Executive Vice President of Specialty Banking, member Executive Committee and Board of Directors National Bank of Arizona for her establishment of the Women’s Financial Group (WFG) dedicated to providing networking and resources to female business owners; for giving over 500 hours each year to community organizations including the Arizona 
Foundation for Women, American Heart Association’s Heart Ball, Juvenile 
Diabetes Research Foundation, The Phoenix Zoo, and Arizona State University’s 
Women; for serving as an Arizona Skills Standard Commissioner for the Arizona State Department of Education; for being a board member of Homeward Bound, FreshStart and ChildHelp; for increasing awareness to women’s causes; and for charitable efforts in the last three years that have resulted in raising almost $5 million for the benefit of organizations in Arizona.

In her role, Deborah develops, implements and monitors NB|AZ sales, service, and marketing strategies. She is also responsible for several of the bank’s key departments, including Private Banking, Executive Banking, Internet Banking, Nonprofit Banking and WFG. She has more than 35 years of banking experience as Senior Vice President with JP Morgan Chase in New York, Chicago and Phoenix including assistance in the institution’s merger with Bank One.

An active member of the community, Deborah finds substantive ways to make her difference. She brings boundless joy, passion and heart to every commitment. She’s served as Chair/Co-Chair of the 2011 Arizona Foundation for Women’s Sandra Day O’Connor Luncheon, the 2011 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Promise Ball, as well as the 2009 and 2010 Arthritis Foundation’s Oscar Night America.

It’s no surprise that she has received numerous honors. In addition to being one of this year’s Positively Powerful Women she has earned the national 2010 Stevie Award for Best Executive in the Financial Services Industry, Arizona Foothills, 2011 Women Who Move the Valley Phoenix Business Journal, 2011 Women in Business Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2011 Bronze Sierra Award YWCA, 2010 Tribute to Women, Corporate Business Leader Award National Association of Women Business Owners, 2010 Visionary Award SCORE, 2010 Phoenix Small Business Award and Trends Charitable Foundation, 2010 Trendsetters and many more.

Join us by clicking here as Deborah receives the first Positively Powerful Women Award for Philanthropic Leadership. She is a spiritual and loving woman with commitment to her family. She is the embodiment of servant leadership – and that you can bank on. She is a role model for what it takes to be a successful woman in a vital company and important industry.

About the Awards Program. The Positively Powerful Woman Award is given to servant leaders who have founded or lead legacy organizations that have stood the test of time. On May 20th, 11:30am to 2pm, at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix we will honor women as royalty for their hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. Following the Luncheon will be networking and “Conversations On Leadership” for professional & business development. Positively Powerful Guest Speakers include Diana Gregory, Susan Ratliff and Dr. Kay Lovelace-Taylor. You will leave inspired to go for your vision with new friends and information that will assist you in getting where you want to be…faster. The public is invited to attend. Triad West, Inc. Dr. Joel P. Martin president is the producer.

About the National Bank Of Arizona: Founded in Tucson in 1984, National Bank of Arizona is a full-service community bank offering personal and business financial solutions for every aspect of your life. As Arizona’s fourth-largest bank with over $4.5 billion in assets, NB|AZ has the resources people need, delivered with the local responsiveness and personalized service people want. With branches in more than 50 communities, they are committed to growing Arizona – to being the only bank anyone could ever need. For more information, please visit www.nbarizona.com.

“My desired focus is to connect individuals with resources that drive success and assist them with meeting their greatest potential.“

The 2011 Positively Powerful Corporate Woman Award will be given to Vivian Squire for her many contributions as a skilled organizational leader and corporate contributor focused on rapid executive, individual, team and operations improvement; for her commitment to leadership development, diversity and managing change; for her representation of the third-largest public power utility in the nation; for her management of the company’s Corporate Mentoring Program; for being the former Chair of one of the company’s affinity groups, The African American Cultural Committee; and for her commitment to entrepreneurs as company representative to The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce. Vivian Squire, a 27-year veteran, is the Supervisor, Human Resources Learning & Development Services: Employee & Management Development of Phoenix-based Salt River Project (SRP) Agricultural Improvement and Power District, a political subdivision of the state of Arizona.

SRP is the largest provider of electricity to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area providing electricity to nearly 934,000 retail customers, operating or participating in 11 major power plants and numerous other generating stations, including thermal, nuclear, natural gas and hydroelectric sources and importantly and as it concerns this year’s award recipient, employing more than 4,400 people. Vivian Squire’s human resources policies and management impact the professional wellbeing and development of each employee.

With a smile, Vivian manages a team of human resource professionals who plan, organize, develop and coordinate corporate learning and the development of human performance improvement solutions needed to achieve corporate goals effectively and efficiently. With a commitment to excellence, she oversees the development of program content, training delivery methods with staff and executives to identify and maximize opportunities that increase organizational learning and employee performance. With success, she has advised on and guided several business units’ on their business development and growth strategies through the process of defining the value they bring to the organization.

Like the first winner of Positively Powerful Corporate Woman Award Angela Curley of Henkel North America, this visionary woman does the work that she does not for glory but for the development of others. Join us by clicking here as she receives the 2^nd annual corporate woman award. We know that her energy will continue to make a difference for her company and humanity. Vivian Squire is a role model for what it takes to be a successful woman in a vital company and important industry.

I’ve heard some wonderful stories about the November 4th “mock elections” and this one is a spectacular display of transformational leadership in action by 5th graders.

“Our school is going to be the first in America to be named Barack Obama Elementary school!” fifth-grader Teonte Jackson said. “I feel proud.”

Jackson is flying high. In Ludlum Elementary‘s “mock-election,” Jackson was named: President Barack Obama. His classmate, Jalani Johnson, was his running mate.

“My name is Jalani Johnson and I am also Joe Biden,” Johnson said.

Students here said the mock elections were so invigorating, they begged for something more permanent. Led by 10-year-old lobbyist Samantha Alburez, this trio surprised the Hempstead School Board on Thursday night with unexpected and overwhelming written requests, delivered as stirring oratory.

“Ludlum is a diverse school, so naming our school Barack Obama would honor the diversity of the staff and students,” Alburez said.

You must see the video. The printed word cannot express the strength, vision, passion, and pride of these young people. Kudos to those who created their context of greatness, Principal Mrs. Jean Bligen (left) especially.

Oprah’s Favorite Things is an annual segment that appears on The Oprah Winfrey Show. In the segment, which is typically aired during the holiday (or summer) season, Winfrey shares products with her audience that she feels are noteworthy or that would make a great gift. In addition, the audience members present during the taping of the episode receive items from that year’s list for free.(Wikipedia)

So in the tradition inspired by Ms. Winfrey, from time to time Positively Powerful will endorse, recommend, and salute to the skies some of our favs. We won’t be getting a commission for this or anything in return, but will be doing this because it is true to our cause. We believe in transformational education, learning, and sharing brilliance. So please meet TED! TED is not a person.

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.

The annual conference now brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).

This site makes the best talks and performances from TED available to the public, for free. More than 200 talks from our archive are now available, with more added each week. These videos are released under a Creative Commons license, so they can be freely shared and reposted.

We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we’re building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world’s most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other. This site, launched April 2007, is an ever-evolving work in progress, and you’re an important part of it.

You can join TED for free. You’ll receive regular emails on what going on it the world. Here is a clip with anthropologist Helen Fisher, PhD on “The Science Of Love And The Future Of Women.”

Dr. Joel Martin says, “There are many groups dedicated to entrepreneurial success, I say not only is this one of premiere in the Valley but anywhere. I’ll be speaking at the Boot Camp about personal and organizational branding. This is also the event I’ve selected to launch my new book: GET THE “ME” BRAND AWARENESS (MBA) THE POSITIVELY POWERFUL WAY.”

This is one of the events that I, like hundreds of others, look forward to. Each year, Susan brings together a stellar group of women speakers, business experts, exhibitors (corporate products and services for professional and personal development shopping), fun activities, meet and greet networking opportunities for use in accelerating ones business plus each year her event raises funds for a worthy local nonprofit organization. Here is information on this year’s:

The 2011 Women Entrepreneurs Small Business Boot Camp is proud to support Wings to Fly, a national, non-profit organization that promotes life long self-esteem in young women. Beginning with a fun, educational and inspirational one week educational camp, Wings to Fly focuses on the 4 building blocks of life: emotional, physical, spiritual and financial. By integrating inspiration, knowledge, research based resources and coaching into her daily life, a young woman can aspire with confidence and self respect to design the life she dreams and become a leader of tomorrow.

Susan Ratliff is President of an award-winning display company that helps thousands of businesses stand out from the competition. She is an author and authority on trade and consumer show marketing that gives relevant tools and practical strategies to maximize return on investment. Susan learned the exhibit business from the trenches, discovered the shortcuts and made the mistakes so her audiences don’t have to. She knows what attendees want, how exhibitors think and what they both need to be successful. As the producer of the Bootcamp, Susan insures that the event is unforgettable.

Susan Ratliff is also a POSITIVELY POWERFUL WOMEN AWARD recipient. This award is given to women in business, corporate America, non-profit organizations and the arts who have led or founded legacy organizations. As with the other years’ awardees, Susan received this recognition because she empowers her organization to breakthrough performance, makes a significant contribution to communities and is a positive role model.