Dr. DeShonda Jennings is more than the loving mother of five — she’s a champion for parents, educators, and childcare professionals. This year, she’s using her platform to spotlight those who care for children every day and to recognize the often-unsung heroes behind early childhood development.

A Heart for Parents & Childcare Professionals

As a mother of five, Dr. Jennings understands firsthand the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices that go into raising children. She knows how much work it takes — from balancing schedules to seeking quality care — and she wants to use her voice to lift up other parents and those who care for little ones.

This year, she’s leading the way in honoring the people who make childhood possible: the parents, daycare providers, teachers, home-based child care professionals, and others. Through her role in the upcoming Childcare Conference & Award Ceremony, she is calling attention to the dedication, creativity, and heart that these individuals pour into their work.

About the 2025 Childcare Conference & Award Ceremony

The Childcare Conference is designed to uplift, educate, and celebrate those in the childcare space — as well as parents who partner in their children’s growth. The event will feature:

• Powerful keynote sessions
• Breakout workshops on business, leadership, funding, family engagement, and more
• VIP sessions (like getting Grant & Funding strategies)
• Networking with peers, experts, and advocates
• An awards ceremony unveiling honorees across multiple categories

Speakers, including Dr. Jennings, will dive into topics such as:

• Bridging parent–professional partnerships
• Financial strategies for childcare programs
• Leadership in early childhood settings
• Navigating current trends in childcare and education

The conference also offers two ticket tiers:

• General Admission — $147 (includes conference access, lunch, networking, vendor access) childcareconference.org
• VIP Ticket — $297 (includes VIP seating, VIP luncheon, special breakout sessions, swag, and more) childcareconference.org

VIP seats are limited, so early registration is encouraged. childcareconference.org

A hotel block is available at Four Points by Marriott / Sheraton near Richmond Airport, allowing attendees to stay close to the venue and local attractions. childcareconference.org

The Awards — Recognizing Excellence from All Corners

One of the highlights of this conference is the Awards for Childcare Excellence — a red carpet event that honors both childcare professionals and parents. Categories include:

• Infant Teacher of the Year
• Toddler Teacher of the Year
• Pre-K Teacher of the Year
• Early Childhood Educator of the Year
• Childcare Professional of the Year
• Home Day Care Leadership
• Family Day Home Leadership
• Homeschool Educator
• And others childcareconference.org

Nominations open now and run through September 30, 2025. childcareconference.org Voting begins July 1, 2025. childcareconference.org While voting helps gauge interest, final recipients are chosen based on how well the nominees meet the criteria, not just popularity. childcareconference.org

To receive an award, nominated individuals must attend the conference — awards will not be mailed. childcareconference.org

Why Dr. Jennings’s Role Matters

By centering her story — as a mother of five — Dr. Jennings gives this event personal weight. She helps bridge the worlds of parent and professional, showing that strong childcare is a community responsibility. Her leadership and visibility bring attention and credibility to those often working behind the scenes.

Her keynote will not only inspire those in attendance, but also remind all participants — whether parent or provider — that they are seen, appreciated, and essential.

How to Get Your Ticket & Be Part of This Celebration

To join the conference and awards, people can purchase tickets via the official site: childcareconference.org.
(That’s where you can nominate someone, check workshop schedules, and reserve your spot.) childcareconference.org

Invitation is open to:

• Parents
• Daycare providers
• Home-based childcare professionals
• Educators
• Community leaders supporting families and early education

Whether you want to learn, connect, or receive recognition — this is your opportunity.

At some point in the entrepreneurial grind, every high achiever faces the same question: Is all this hustle really building the legacy I want? Scaling a brand takes more than clever marketing and social media trends—it takes mindset alignment, financial literacy, purpose-led decisions, and a story that reaches beyond borders.

The 15 leaders featured here aren’t just building businesses—they’re dropping hard-earned wisdom that can change how you grow, lead, and impact. Each one shares a tip rooted in real experience, crafted to help you build an empire that actually lasts.

This list was curated by entrepreneur and speaker Taurea Avant, who brought together this group of extraordinary changemakers to be featured in the book Elevate & Empower, launching at the Legacy Leaders Workshop happening Thursday, May 22. We thought it only made sense to share their top leadership and business-building tips in this powerful article.

LaShana West: Your business can’t grow beyond your mindset. Before you build systems, scale strategies, or chase clients, address your internal roadblocks. Healing past trauma can unlock future income. When you lead from wholeness instead of hustle, your clarity increases—and so does your cash flow.

Too many entrepreneurs try to fix external problems without addressing the internal wounds driving them. Start with your belief systems. Mindset isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation your business is built on.

Nichica F. Melton, M.Ed.: Clarity kills chaos. If your calendar is packed but your results are flat, simplify. Use time-blocking to control your week and commit to no more than three top priorities a day. Overwhelm isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a sign of broken systems.

Productivity is more about discipline than doing more. Focus isn’t about having time—it’s about making intentional decisions and protecting your energy like a high-value asset.

Lisa Stringer Bailey: Pay yourself first, always. If you’re waiting until the end of the month to see what’s “left,” you’ll never create real wealth. Automate a percentage of your income into savings or investments and treat it like a non-negotiable bill.

Money mastery isn’t about big wins—it’s about consistent habits. Wealth is built in percentages, not paydays.

Dr. Dominique Carson: Your body is your most valuable business asset. Prioritize physical restoration with regular breaks, massage therapy, and movement. A burnt-out body can’t build a booming business.

Physical health and business growth go hand-in-hand. Energy, focus, and endurance all start with how well you take care of your body.

Dr. Dawn Menge: Use storytelling to simplify complex ideas. Whether you’re teaching, selling, or leading, narratives create emotional connection. People won’t remember data—but they will remember how your message made them feel.

Leaders who leverage storytelling build deeper relationships, higher trust, and longer-term loyalty. Start every message with “why this matters.”

Naomi Carrington-Hockman: Speak with clarity and confidence. Rambling loses respect. Know your key point, say it early, and reinforce it with presence. Whether on stage or in a Zoom room, your tone, timing, and takeaways define your impact.

Great communicators aren’t wordy—they’re intentional. Influence is built when your message sticks and moves people to act.

Dr. Toccara Nicole Steele: Your book should be your blueprint. Don’t stop at publishing—build products, services, and offers from your content. Every chapter holds an opportunity to create value beyond the page.

Think of your book as intellectual property, not just inspiration. Extract and expand to scale.

Shanita Crafter: Your emotional health determines your business ceiling. Set boundaries, take breaks, and get support when needed. Healthy leaders build healthy legacies.

If you’re emotionally exhausted, you’re not equipped to serve others. Build emotional recovery into your business plan.

Crystal D. Woods: Healing is a business growth strategy. Don’t ignore emotional pain just because you’re meeting professional goals. When you confront what’s hurting you, you create space for clarity, creativity, and deeper alignment.

Running from your story weakens your brand. Stand in your truth and let healing shape your leadership, not hinder it.

Dr. Obioma Martin: Self-love is a leadership strategy. When you prioritize inner peace, your decision-making sharpens, your relationships improve, and your tolerance for nonsense disappears. Lead from overflow—not depletion.

Confidence starts with how you treat yourself. Model the grace and discipline you expect from your team and clients.

Ronald Holloway: Build with people in mind, not just profit margins. When your business solves real problems and serves real needs, revenue becomes a byproduct of impact.

Purpose-driven ventures create sustainable income and community trust. Listen to what your audience truly needs—not just what’s trending.

Taurea Avant: Your book should work harder than you do. Use it to secure media, land speaking gigs, build your list, and attract aligned clients. If your book isn’t getting you business, it’s not being leveraged correctly.

Authors don’t need more hustle—they need more strategy. Your message is your magnet. Use it.

Dr. Lena Payton Webb: Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s brand power. When you own your story, you create resonance. Curate your narrative with intention and share it consistently across platforms.

Authentic storytelling builds brand authority. You become the guide your clients are looking for when you show them you’ve walked the path.

Teri Thompson: Invest in the next generation. Teaching youth entrepreneurship plants seeds that grow into scalable, sustainable impact. Your legacy is measured by how many leaders you help raise.

If you mentor young entrepreneurs, you multiply your influence. Build a legacy that outlives you by pouring into those coming behind you.

Ernee Peppers: Don’t just speak—perform. Stage presence can 10X your perceived value. Walk in like the deal is already closed. Confidence sells before you even open your mouth.

Public speaking is a business development tool. The better you own the mic, the more doors you open.

Daria Rosen: Build your business to match your life—not the other way around. Create routines, products, and timelines that honor your season of life, especially during hormonal or emotional transitions.

Your business should serve your health, not sabotage it. Structure creates freedom when aligned with who you are now.

Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually matters. These 16 leaders aren’t giving fluff. They’re handing you the same insights they’ve used to build powerful, profitable, purpose-filled businesses.

Want more of their wisdom in the room with you? Join them at the Legacy Leaders Workshop in Dubai, where they’ll dive deeper into the tools, frameworks, and mindset strategies that are shaping the next generation of impactful leaders.

All attendees will receive a FREE copy of the book, Elevate & Empower—a playbook of tips, frameworks, and legacy-building strategies.

It’s time to stop grinding and start growing.
Lock in your spot at www.LegacyLeadersWorkshop.com
Grab your merch and books at www.AuthorAllstars.com/shop

This is your moment. Own it. Build it. Lead it.

In a world where financial struggles often feel inescapable, Anthony Potter Jr. stands as a beacon of hope, proving that transformation is possible no matter where you start. From earning a mere $27 paycheck to becoming a successful financial professional, speaker, and author, his journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, mindset shifts, and the power of purpose.

Now, with his latest book, From $27 Paycheck to Purpose: 7 Steps to Transform Your Struggles into Strength, Anthony is on a mission to empower individuals with the tools they need to break free from financial uncertainty, master personal growth, and build a life of meaning and impact.

From Rock Bottom to Reinvention

Anthony’s story is one of perseverance. Raised in Lithonia, Georgia, he began his career as a pharmacy technician, but life had bigger plans. A near-fatal car crash became the turning point that ignited his commitment to personal development and financial literacy. Determined to create a better future, he immersed himself in the world of wealth creation, life insurance solutions, and financial education—ultimately transitioning into a career that would allow him to uplift others.

Through his experiences, Anthony realized that financial empowerment isn’t just about making money—it’s about shifting your mindset, investing in yourself, and building long-term security. This philosophy became the foundation of his book.

A Blueprint for Transformation

From $27 Paycheck to Purpose isn’t just another motivational read—it’s a step-by-step guide to turning life’s challenges into fuel for success. Anthony walks readers through a structured seven-step framework that covers:

• Personal Growth: Overcoming self-doubt and embracing self-improvement.
• Mindset Shifts: Viewing setbacks as lessons that pave the way for success.
• Financial Literacy: Building a solid financial foundation to create wealth and security.
• Investing in Yourself: Recognizing that self-education and skill-building are the keys to long-term success.
• Discovering Purpose: Aligning passion with impact to create a meaningful legacy.

Through raw storytelling and actionable strategies, Anthony gives readers the roadmap to not only survive but thrive—turning financial struggles and personal hardships into powerful stepping stones.

Beyond the Book: A Mission to Empower

Anthony’s influence extends far beyond the pages of his book. As a captivating speaker, he engages audiences across the country with his powerful insights on financial success and personal growth. His workshops, coaching, and wealth-building strategies help individuals break free from paycheck-to-paycheck living and step into financial freedom.

But his impact doesn’t stop at financial education. Anthony believes that true transformation comes from within. By fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and an unstoppable mindset, he helps people achieve not just financial security, but also a purpose-driven life.

Join the Movement

With From $27 Paycheck to Purpose, Anthony Potter Jr. is leading a new wave of financial empowerment and personal reinvention. Whether you’re struggling with money, searching for direction, or simply ready to elevate your life, this book provides the tools you need to make it happen.

Are you ready to turn your struggles into strength?

Get your copy today and start your transformation!

www.AnthonyPotterJr.com

All Social – @AnthonyPotterJr