January Guest Speaker Bio- Jerrilyn Black of J. Francis Black Life Coaching

Described by many as a natural people person with a great sense of humor, Jerrilyn Black is a certified life strategies coach, with a master's degree in social work, and a passion for working with individuals from all walks of life.  Jerrilyn’s experiences assisting clients and loved ones through the ups and downs of life have helped her to realize that many of us are not following our life paths due to fear, anxiety, and stress.  Having once been held back by mountain and molehill sized anxieties; Jerrilyn understands the potential barriers to change. 

Jerrilyn also knows that once we overcome those obstacles that we are capable of living our dreams.  Jerrilyn creates a nonjudgmental space for others to share their stories, experiences, and dreams, and ultimately assists them in creating workable plans to achieve life success.  As a life coach with a background in social work, Jerrilyn uses a holistic, justice-oriented, person-in-environment approach  to help others realize their freedom to grow into their power, overcome doubt and fear, and live their best lives.  Jerrilyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago.  Jerrilyn’s background also includes casework with youth and families, community building, research and evaluation, and social welfare policy.

Click here for the interview. 

Other Post of Interest

Making Dreams Come True
Who Gonna Check Me Boo
The Benefits Are Endless

Spotlight Feature-Hope Marshall "I'd Seen the Enemy & the Enemy Was Me"

Meet Hope Marshall. One could say that her commitment to service began right after high school, when she enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Hope always had the desire to be a part of something bigger than herself. After 7 years of service, she returned to Maryland and later graduated from Towson University with a BS in Sociology/Anthropology.

As a civilian, I officially began my career in Human Services in 2006, specializing in challenging populations. Throughout this journey, I’d noticed that the individuals I worked with who had some semblance of independence i.e. employed, always fared a little better than the others who didn’t. I came to understand that it wasn’t the job per se’, that contributed to that independence, but more so the sense that it was the one thing that they had a say in. The one thing to look forward to each day. From then on, I made it my business to help people reach economic empowerment through meaningful work.

However, I did not have the proper credentials/experience to become a career/job coach, so I joined a national service program called AmeriCorps. For 2 years, I worked on a Veteran career management project, where I developed employment support programming for Veterans. During my service I was able to create a student Veteran club on campus, create and distribute a 25 page Veteran career resource guide, and held 3 career expos that included over 30 organizations from the community. I loved the work. This experience helped me land a position with St. Vincent De Paul, as a Career Development Specialist.

 My greatest accomplishment to date has been:

Two great things have happened, almost simultaneously:

Serving 2 years as an AmeriCorps VISTA. I have had both the honor and the privilege of meeting some great people, doing extraordinary things in the community. I saw, first hand, what can happen when people work collectively. My service solidified my belief in, and affinity to, grassroots-efforts. I gained a deeper understanding of the science behind career development. In addition, I was the recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award for my works with the Veterans Career Management Project.

Having the courage to start my own business. Pre-dawn hours and weekends find me tinkering around with “The Laffin' Afro”, which is home to wearable art, stationery and other items that lampoon the supposed-to-be's of femininity, with a unique blend of humor and empowerment. I created The Laffin Afro as a way to combat the messages of how women are "supposed" to behave.  There’s always some rule, top-ten list, Youtube video, or something else, relegating women to ‘get in their place’. Where ever that is. So rather than be upset about it, I point and laugh. In fact, among other things, catch new memes every Tuesday, #funnygirlfindings at www.facebook.com/Thelaffinafro, or on Instagram: @TheLaffinAfro.

The most challenging thing I ever experienced is:

Walking away from a “seemingly perfect” relationship. A few years ago, I threw caution to the wind and moved clear across the country-Oregon to be exact, to be with my then boyfriend, whom I was certain I would marry. However; once the excitement wore off, and the smoke cleared, I’d realized that although he seemed “perfect” for ME, I wasn’t the right woman for HIM. Knowing that, I could not longer, in good conscience hold onto him. So I let him go. I’d seen the enemy. And the enemy was me.

Most often, when we leave relationships, we tend to place the blame on the other person, as to why it didn’t work out. That relationship forced me to face to hard truths about myself. So, with my broken heart, pride and ego in shambles, my 14 year old Honda packed to the gills, my pet cat, and GPS, I found myself back in Maryland.

Most Valuable Lesson:

I spent a large part of my life, trying to create a safe bubble where nothing bad could happen.  It was exhausting.  I’ve since learned that bad things are inevitable. No religious dogma, no avoidance tactic, no relationship, or anything of the sort, will shield me from misfortune. This is not to say I go looking for trouble, but I’ve now learned to accept that the bad, is as fleeting as the good. My new motto is: no matter what happens, I’ll be okay.

Final Remarks: 

There is a quote from Frederick Buechner: “The place God calls you to, is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” It is extremely important to find your passion-something that you believe in whole-heartedly, and let it fuel you. Maybe you like animals. Maybe you play a mean ukulele. Whatever your gifts are, you can improve the lives of others with them. Always know that.  

Recent Spotlight Features

"A Life Change for the Better"- Tanya Baylor

"From Pain to Purpose"- Lakita Stewart-Thompson

Keeping You in the Know-August 2014

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BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women who are doing extra-ordinary things. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send your requests for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.

Spreading Love Abroad- Missions Trip to Jamaica

 Every year we rally together for a cause to champion during our Annual Community Service Project. One year we collected women’s unused undergarments in support of those victimized by rape. Another year we volunteered at a local homeless shelter. In recent years, many came for our highly sought after Poetry and Presents Poetry Event to raise money for a local women’s shelter during the Christmas holiday.

 

This year will be no different. For 2014 we are spreading BOND’s 
love beyond our borders in support of a mission’s trip to Petersfield, Jamaica. We are asking for your support in collecting personal care items (list found below). Our BOND Member Rachel, whose heading up the mission trip, shared with me the very things that are so easily at our disposal and often take for granted are considered luxury items for many in Jamaica. Items such as soap, shampoo, dental floss or even hand sanitizers are such coveted items and are costly to purchase in Jamaica. So as you can imagine, they desperately need our help.

 

I know we can rally together to collect these items. I’m requesting that you ask friends, co-workers, neighbors, local church and/or associates, to aide in our efforts. Below are the items we are seeking to collect. Our goal is collect 500 for each item. What’s your personal goal? Any amount is alright with us. Do we have your support?

 

Deodorant     Shampoo         Toothpaste        Toothbrushes               Soap              Lotion           Hand Sanitizer       Dental floss

 

Even if you aren't up to collecting items but want to give financial support towards us purchasing personal care items we have an online giving option available for you. Whatever amount you provide is greatly appreciated.

 

 Donating Options

1. During our May 16 BOND Gathering- For every item you bring this day your name will be entered into a drawing to win some fabulous prices. Click here for Gathering Details.     (Gift certificate for a massage, facial cleansing set, handmade soap, personalized stationery and much more)

2. May 24^th Drop Off- Meet us at the Wal-Mart near Arundel Mills Mall from 12:00-1:00 PM. Contact us to make arrangements for that day.

3. Mail in Donations: Rachel Barret Dolcine P.O. Box 421, Randallstown, MD 21133

4. Online Giving. HERE

 

 Deadline- May 31, 2014

Whatever you do will help us tremendously. Please let us know which item(s) you want to focus on and the amount so we can account for them.

Thank you for your support and rallying with us.

 

• Deodorant  
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Soap
• Lotion
• Hand Sanitizer
• Dental floss 

                  

Conversations Her Way- Discovering Who I'm Not- May 3rd in DC

Suffering In Silence- BOND's Call to Action

I can’t shake this!!!  I’m crushed.  I’m hurt. I’m saddened. I’m mad.  I’m angry. I’m at work and yet I just want to go home and cry. How could this happen?  How could someone who had so much more to offer this world and with such a promising future want to check out? Suicide is happening way too often these days.  There’s not a day that goes by that you don’t hear of yet another story of someone taking their own life.  It’s almost as if it’s common place now. We hear it so often that many have become desensitized by the unfortunate news.

The heartbreaking news of Baltimore’s own Karyn Washington, founder of the local For Brown Girls took her life is hard to comprehend. And while I didn’t know her personally, I knew of her through her most recent project Dark Skin Red Lip Project.

Honestly I don’t know all the details of her passing but one thing that I’m most certain of is there are too many Karyn Washington’s that are suffering in silence. There are too many “brown girls” who are at their wits end. I also know that we all matter.  You matter to me; you matter to your family and friends; more important than that, you matter to God.  We each are fearfully and wonderful made and because we are fearfully and wonderfully made that means you are precious in God’s sight. You are so special and significant that a price tag can’t even be attached to your life. You are beyond priceless.

If anybody that knows that work we do here at BOND Inc, you know that everything we do serves a purpose.  Our upcoming BOND Gathering in May “Mama Knows Best- The Lost Art of Wise Counsel” becomes even more crucial to women; especially women of color.  Our Gathering now becomes a serious Call to Action. Don’t you agree that something must be done about this increased rate of suicide among women of color? Wouldn’t you all agree that a conversation needs to be had and had soon?

I encourage you to mark Friday, May 16^th at 7:30 PM on your calendars. Its a FREE event so you don't have to worry about shelling out money. Just be there.  You don't have to worry about what you're going to eat because we have that covered too. Just come.  I encourage you all to come out in droves. This must be a standing room only Gathering.  I encourage you to share this Gathering with your sister- friends, your co-workers, your family, and colleagues. Any woman over the age of 25 you think can benefit from this Gathering, invite them to come. We’re coming together for a purpose and that purpose is to make a difference in the lives of as many women of color as we possibly can. Our purpose is to let our fellow sisters know that she matters. What better way than through mentorship and a positive network of support, encouragement and guidance. We can bring to a halt the spirit of suicide and the best way to do that is through love.  

Why don’t you join us.  To RSVP  and for more details CLICK HERE

Other Stories
Spring 2014 Newsletter
Mighty Woman. She's Earned the Right and Title

Black Women and Business Ownership-A Dream Deferred: Rachel Dolcine Interview

I tell you our Gathering topics get better and better by the year. As you know our mission is to uplift, motivate and empower women of color to reach their highest potential. What better way to empower women than by providing her with the resources to start her own business. Sometimes all we need is just a leg up. We are excited to share with you the interview with Rachel Dolcine of Compass Consulting and Training Solutions.  I think her company’s name says it all. She has a wealth of knowledge that’s insane and to top it all off she’s so very passionate about helping others start and run successful business. If you haven't RSVP'd to attend BOND's Friday,  March 21st Gathering "Minding Your Own Business" you still have time.

BOND Girl: Thank you Rachel for joining us. Please tell us a little bit about you and why you are so passionate about this topic?

Photographer- Jazzy Studios of Baltimore

Rachel Dolcine: I started my business Compass Training Solutions in 2010. After a year or two of doing small consultation contracts, I realized that there was a need for affordable and comprehensive consulting services, especially for nonprofits and start up businesses. 

When I started my business, I searched around for help. The price quotes I got were discouraging. Don't get me wrong, there should certainly be a cost for providing services to anyone. However, startup businesses and nonprofits don't always have the initial capital to invest hundreds of dollars in getting help. Does this make them less deserving of the best?

Last year, I was listening to an interview given by a Google employee. He said that (paraphrase) "if your intent is to make money, you may or may not succeed. If your intent is to make a difference in the world, the money will find you". This sums up my business model. With a foundation of service and enacting change, I don't spend most of my time planning how I will make my next dollar.  I spend my time developing services that will make a difference in the businesses of my clients.

My passion for small business and nonprofit development stems from my belief that I am called to serve. This does not imply that I work for free or don't make sound financial decisions. What my calling means for my business is that I take my focus off how I can make the most money and focus on how I can make the greatest difference.

I am also passionate about women. A majority of my extensive volunteer history has been spent working with organizations that provided services and resources to women. So I decided to add on consulting to my business product list and name.

BOND Girl: At a time and day as we're living in now, how significant is it for women of color to start and run their own businesses or organizations?   Are there any drawbacks?

Rachel Dolcine: It is so important for women of color to start her own business. We are the biggest consumers across various industries yet own a minuscule percentage of the income earned from our own dollars.  Business ownership is not a new concept for our women. From past generations until now, many cultures include women in the marketplace selling items raised or created by their own hands.  History is full of accomplished women of color business owners.

Photographer- Jazzy Studios
of Baltimore

According to a 2008 report by the Center for Women's Business Research titled, Businesses Owned by Women of Color Growing Faster Than All U.S. Firms,  "[businesses] owned by women of color provide 1.7 million jobs and generate $235 billion in revenue in 2008" (www.womensbusinessresearch.org).  Center for American Progress further concludes that "businesses owned by women of color play a critical role in the current market place through job creation and added innovation in a way that they never have before.  Today women of color own more and earn more than any other time in history and the projections show that this will continue to grow" (americanprogress.org).

The setbacks are the usual suspects- inequality in the marketplace, sexism and racism.  According to American Progress, “[yet] while women, particularly women of color, have proven themselves to be successful businesswomen, barriers to their economic empowerment continue to exist. Although women of color started companies at three times the rate of other women, their revenue was less than 25% of white men." Additionally, women of color face other challenges such as single parenthood, many of us living below the poverty line and head of household stresses.  These are challenges that prove most discouraging and daunting for a woman who dreams if owning her own business.

BOND Girl: Who do you think should attend and who could really benefit from this type of Gathering?

Rachel Dolcine: Any woman who wants to or is ready to start her own business or nonprofit but is fearful, nervous, unsure, excited or determined. Any woman who may own a business but need a boost of confidence,  a support system or networking opportunity.

BOND Girl: We often hear that black owned businesses are suffering? What do you think maybe the cause and what advice would you give to improve it?

Rachel Dolcine: Based on the statistics noted above, I wouldn't say the black owned businesses are suffering as an overall statement. There are certain minority owned, not just black, businesses that are suffering because of unstable strategic planning, lack of commitment,  lack of ethics, poor customer service, weak product,  poor financial planning...just to name a few.  An improvement plan for these businesses must include a comprehensive strategic look at their business by an experienced consultant. A consultant can assist with developing a business improvement plan, which in reality may be plans to close shop.

BOND Girl: What do you think are the main reasons women haven't taken that big leap of faith?

Rachel Dolcine: One reason-FEAR. Fear maims, cripples and kills dreams and potential.

BOND Girl: Rachel, if you could set the stage for the "Minding Your Own Business". 

What should our guest expect for that evening? What kind of topics do you expect that our guests will hear March 21st?

Rachel Dolcine: The evening will be spent exploring fears women have about starting a business, pitfalls to avoid, stories and lots and lots of answering of questions! I'm attending to have a conversation with my sisters and be a resource.

BOND Girl: Are there any other thought's you'd like to share with our readers?

Rachel Dolcine: Your next step may be a leap of faith.  Are you ready to take it? I will meet you on the other side. You will survive the leap.

 

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To read Rachel Dolcine’s full bio, CLICK HERE. Come see Rachel in action March 21st 2014. For more information and to RSVP for the March Gathering, “Minding Your Own Business” CLICK HERE. Please grab your seat now as the price will increase at the door.

Mama Knows Best- The Lost Art of Wise Counsel- Open Panel Discussion & Speed Mentoring Event

Want to be added to the exclusive guest list for this upcoming Open Forum Discussion and  

Speed Mentoring Gathering

                                      

 Free of Charge with Standing Room Only

Strictly on a 1st come, 1st served basis

" Mama Knows Best- The Lost Art of Wise Counsel"

 

Click Here to RSVP in Advance
 

 

 

Click Here to RSVP in Advance

 

Survey Says... Discipline Not Deprivation Highlights.

 The Atmosphere-Was warm, inviting, eye opening, exciting, comfortable, relaxed, informative, fun, uplifting, revealing and inspirational. We laughed, we shared, we questioned and because of our guest speaker, Dr. James we truly understood.



Our Speaker- She’s sharp, she’s witty, she’s comical, she’s warm, she’s sweet, she’s resourceful, and genuine. Bottom line the girl’s just downright powerful. Dr. James made such a delicate topic on finances so easy to understand. Her passion for empowering others on finances radiated throughout the room.

While the topic was on practical ways to save, Dr. James was so very giving and forthcoming. She shared so much that our queens (as she calls us) left full- fully empowered, inspired and eager to see a change in their financial future.  

We thank Dr. James, the Money Scientist for gracing us with her presence.  Dr. James has agreed to come back for Part II so stay tuned for the details.

I highly encourage you to get your financial future on track and if there’s anyone I would highly recommend you seek out to help you get there it would be Dr. James. She’ll take great care of you. Tell her BOND Inc sent you.  info@pocketofmoney.com, 443-304-8896, www.pocketofmoney.com, www.twitter.com/UrPocketofMoney
www.facebook.com/PocketofMoneyLLC or  www.pinterest.com/pocketofmoney

 Lock in the date March 21st for our next BOND Gathering. Same time, sample place. Topic coming soon. To be a part of our guest list CLICK HERE to sign up.   

Until Next Time

Discipline Not Deprivation Explained Interview

We here at BOND Inc are excited to share with you the interview with our upcoming special guest speaker Dr. Maria James, founder of Pocket of Money, LLC. What better way to start off a brand new year than to discuss such a topic as finances.

BOND Girl: Hello Dr. James, thank you for allowing the time to interview you for the upcoming January Gathering discussion on finances. Could you tell our readers a little bit about you?

Dr. James: I've always loved finance from the beginning. Coming from a large family, I discovered a lot about managing money growing up and discovered my skills with organizing and handling money. I opened an entrepreneurial business at the age of ten by selling juleps (a frozen treat made from juice) for 25 cents a cup during the summer and I learned important lessons about business and finance. Those lessons lasted forever and over the years I was always reading things that dealt with personal finance.

Graduate school allowed me to further develop strategic planning and scientific analytical thinking and apply those methods to money management. The Money Scientist was born. On a stipend of $27,000 (about $23,000 after taxes), I saved over $10,000. Applying scientific methodology to money allowed me to create a money strategy that elevated my lifestyle and grew a nonprofit. As of 2013, I have been the Director of Finance at HWHN for eight years. 

BOND Girl: Why should folks really be concerned about how they view money and their habits with money? 

Dr. James: Financial success is important as money touches every aspect of our lives. Your money mindset (your ideology around money or the way you view acquiring and spending money), greatly influences your money habits and therefore affects your financial success. Your money habits determine how well you'll manage your income, how well you'll save, and build wealth. Knowing your money mindset helps you to work with it and develop better money habits so you can build wealth.

BOND Girl: Where do you think most women go wrong when it comes to their finances?

Dr. James: I find many mistakes are more likely to correlate with age and lack of personal finance education. I believe not pursuing personal finance literacy is one of the top mistakes. Allowing someone else to handle all aspects of your finances, e.g. the spending plan, taxes, insurance, investing etc, is another top mistake. In the past this mistake was more commonly found in married women, but as more women are empowered about finances and take an active role in the money management, that is changing.

BOND Girl: Any recommendations for women who are looking to get married? How should they handle the topic on finances with their potential spouse?

Dr. James: Communication is king and queen.  Disagreements and miscommunication about money is one of the leading causes of marital arguments and divorce. Discuss with

your potential spouse your past financial history. Both parties should be well aware of any debt or financial obligations the other person will bring into the marriage. Discuss each person's money mindset and emotions surrounding money, what is each person's background e.g. from homes of lack or plenty.  Discuss how finances will be handled and how financial burdens will be shared, e.g. joint vs separate accounts. There is no one right way for sharing the finances, as long as each partner fully agrees and is committed to the plan. Do what works for you as a couple.

BOND Girl: What would you say to the sister who is over her head in debt and sees no end in sight?

Dr. James: There is hope. When you feel out of control of your money, there's a lot of stress and confusion as to what should be the next step, where to start. The first step is to determine who you owe and how much you owe them. Get very clear on the numbers, this can be overwhelming but it is a necessary first step. The next step is to design a money strategy to determine how much you can use to pay down the debt and how to cut costs or increase income to pay down the debt even faster. The third step is to pick the account with the smallest amount and pay that first. This provides a nice boost of confidence and strengthens your resolve, this is very important. Once that first account is completely paid off. You move on to the debt that has the next smallest amount, and the next and the next until you're done. You do what you can, the key thing is to make the commitment to paying off all your debt and to start!

BOND Girl: Dr. James, if you could set the stage for the “Discipline not Deprivation” January BOND Gathering- what should our guest expect for that evening?

Dr. James: All participants should expect an interactive workshop where they will receive information on key personal finance concepts that will allow them to get financially fit. The information will help them to save money, reduce debt, and position themselves to build wealth while still enjoying the now.

BOND Girl: So say I’m the type of woman who’s pretty good with saving money and paying my bills on time, would I find any benefit in attending this January Gathering?

Dr. James: Yes! Income and credit management goes much further beyond saving money and paying bills on time. If you're living within your means, but still haven't achieved financial success there is content for you as well. I will also talk about building wealth and using your money to make money.

BOND Girl: Are there any other thought’s you’d like to share with our readers?

Dr. James: Come ready to learn, ask questions and have fun!

BOND Girl: Dr. James, thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you on January 17^th. The RSVPs are steadily rolling in. I suspect that this will be a topic that many women can benefit from.

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To read Dr. Maria James’ full bio, CLICK HERE. For more information and to RSVP for the January 17th 2014 Gathering, “Discipline Not Deprivation” CLICK HERE. Please grab your seat now as the price will increase at the door.