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Summer 2013
OTHER INTERVIEWS
LARRY MC CARTER
ANISE M. ANDERSON, M.Ed.
DEE WILLIAMS
Page 4
E 4 KIDS
38 KINE CORDER
FEATURES
46 LARRY McCARTER
59 ANISE M. ANDERSON, M.Ed.
52 DEE WILLIAMS
44 GIRLS TALK BOUTIQUE SPRING
FASHION SHOW 2013
E 4 KIDS
IN THIS ISSUE
15 REALITI IN FASHION BY
ROSHONA MORGAN
64 WORDS FROM A PHAT GIRL
by KAT BLADE
16 “IF I KNEW THEN…” BY MS.
BLAKEY (ITBN)
36 “RED MEANS GO” BY
PATRICIA URBONAS CLARK
32 “THE BEAUTEE LINK” WITH
GENELL
20 AGNES LONG
MODEL SPOTLIGHT
26 BENNY BEKRO
PHOTO CREDITS
FRONT COVER:
KINE’ CORDER
PAGE 4:
PHOTOS BY KAY STARR OF
NLYTEN PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.
PAGE 11:
PHOTOS BY SIEGFRIED
FLASCHINSKI
PAGE 67:
MICHAEL ANTHONY
PHOTOGRAPHY
BACK PAGE:
PHOTOS BY KAY STARR OF
NLYTEN PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.
ADVERTISING
MY PINK PURSE
PG. 2
BLACK & MISSING FOUNDATION
PG. 3
SISTERS WITHOUT DRAMA CLUB
PG. 12 & 13
IDENTIFIZE CONSULTING
PG. 14
BVEN BOUTIQUE
PG. 18
HEIDI CALAWAY FASHION STYLIST
PG. 19
LR MEDIA GROUP
PG. 34
WECAN - WOODLAWN COMMUNITY
AND NEIGHBORS, INC.
PG. 35
CAKES BY SAMANTHA
PG. 50 & 51
RED MEANS GO/TURNING POINT
PG. 62 & 63
THE PHAT GIRLS
PG. 65
THE ART OF STARTING OVER
PG. 66
381 Fashion
PG. 67
ABOUT US PG. 7
STAFF AND CONTACT US PG. 8
SUBMITTING CONTENT PG. 9
ADVERTISE WITH US PG. 9
FAQ PG. 10
NEXT ISSUE:
ESCAPADES/E 4 KIDS COMING IN JULY 2013
JULY/AUGUST ISSUE WILL BE OUR FIRST COM-
BINED ISSUE.
some degrees of education and management/
business owners’ careers.
E 4 Kids Magazine focuses on careers in the
music, music, sports, web/gaming development
in some cases our writers for E 4 Kids will be
youth themselves doing the interviews and ask-
ing the tough questions. It will also be the youth
that will do the editing of the interviews. As the
magazines grow and get more and more expo-
sure through our readers, social networks, and
website subscriptions.
As we grow and so does some of the interests in
careers we will develop magazines that will
cover those specific industries. Now as most
people know there are publications for some
career industries called “Trade Publications”
and some of them are good and even great. But
all publications don’t cover the true facts of a
specific industry but what you get is a personal
perspective from people that you can’t seem to
relate to you and your dream or goals are not the
same. Not saying what they say are not impor-
tant and could work, but it’s not a perspective
that seems to fulfill your career goals or requests
for answers to your questions.
Now in this regard you may not get that per-
spective or even answer to your questions, but it
will give you an educational and development
perspective on what it takes to make it success-
ful in that career industry.
So if you are interested in business, entertain-
ment, fashion, sports, and other industries Esca-
pades Publications will strive to get you the
answer to your questions. If you read an inter-
view ad you come up with a question that you
would need answered then you can ask Esca-
pades Publications to get the answers or make a
connection to what we call our interviewees (or
Mentors) to respond back to you.
Escapades Publications also works with
people in the need of guidance in a spe-
cific industry by exposing you to industry
leaders that can partner with you and be-
come a mentor and guide you through the
rough patches of decision-making.
Through Escapades Publications you can
visit our social networks and website and
leave a message for one of our mentors
and ask the question that you may have.
Escapades Publications is always looking
for individuals, companies, and organiza-
tions that they can partner with in order to
develop an educational and knowledge-
able platform and plans to continue to
grow each and every day.
So join us as we develop relationships
through mentorships and education for
youth and adults alike.
ABOUT US
Escapades and its sister publications are all
a digital magazine for youth and adults to
help in learning about various careers and
job skills it takes to land a job and how to
keep the job. Learn what it takes to be in the
various career industries directly from the
industry leaders.
Escapades, E 4 Kids, and 381 Fashion are
all considered mentoring magazines and
will be developed and published in regards
to helping others become successful through
knowledge and experience. Escapades Pub-
lications are developed through partnerships
within the various industries and the leaders
in those industries. Escapades Publications
interviews executives, employees, and own-
ers in order to receive the insight from these
individuals and how they made it in their
industries. Our objectives are not to deter-
mine that each interviewee has the answer
for you to land a job/career or even have the
answers to how to secure that advancement.
What Escapades publications will do is
promise that we will give you an answer on
how some things work and some things
don’t work for everyone. In doing this we
grow relationships through partnerships and
mentoring opportunities to help guide you
through the difficult decisions about a job/
career within a specific career industry. The
interviewees talk you through some of the
things that they have done to become suc-
cessful and some of the things that they had
to make decisions on. This way if you come
across these same instances you have a
guide/reference to relate to in your decision-
making solutions.
Escapades Magazine focuses on careers that
relate to adult readers such as business,
government, medical and other professional
industries. This is not to say that our youth
are not interested in these careers but most
youth are interested in music, movies,
sports, web/gaming development and other
type industries. The things that seem to
cover both readers are fashion, traveling,
E 4 KIDS
Mentors teach us about life, education,
and careers. Join us to learn where you
fit in.
Serve.gov/mentor
Publisher/Editor in Chief:
Andre C. Smith
Business Manager Pippa F. Smith
Fashion Editor
Roshona Morgan
Interviewing Editors
Andre C. Smith
Modeling Editor
Christopher Bradford
Columnists/Contributing
Writers
Kathleen Blade-Owens
Patricia Urbonas Rankin
Clark
Isabella Viola
Radio Station Staff
Radio Station Senior Pro-
ducer
Pippa F. Smith
Hosts
Particia Urbonas Rankin Clark
Ric Morgan
- My work email address for E 4
Kids Magazine
escapademaga-
[email protected] - My
work email address for Escapade
Magazine
- For advertising submissions and
questions.
submis-
For submissions from interview-
ees
escapadesmagazi-
[email protected] – our radio
station email address.
Social networks
Escapades Magazine Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/
groups/EscapadesMagazine/) –
Facebook social media group
Escapades 4 Kids YouTube
(<http://www.youtube.com/user/
escapades4kids>) - You Tube
social media site address.
Escapades 4 Kids Twitter
(<https://twitter.com/
Escapades4Kids>) - Twitter so-
cial media site address.
Escapades 4 Kids LinkedIn
(www.linkedin.com/pub/
escapades-4-kids/5a/103/a02) -
LinkedIn social media site ad-
dress.
Escapades MySpace (http://
www.myspace.com/
escapadesmagazine) MySpace
social network address.
Publication sites
www.issuu.com/escapade4kids -
Magazine site
http://
escapades4kids.wordpress.com -
Publication website
CONTACT US Escapades Publications
1554 East 65th Street, #109
Chicago, IL. 60637 USA
Business Phone
872-223-3764 - Office number
773-288-3000 - physical location
number
Escapades Magazine
E 4 Kids Magazine
381 Fashion Magazine
(COMING SOON)
Email accounts
Email for Escapade Magazine
Publication
Email for E 4 Kids Magazine
Publication.
Email address for readers to re-
spond comments, suggestions,
and opinions.
STAFF
E 4 KIDS
If you would like to be part of
our staff and/or contributing
writers please contact us at
Escapades Magazine welcomes
submissions from freelance writ-
ers adult and youth. All of our
submissions are interviews. Fea-
ture interviews are designated
by the theme of each month’s
issue. All other interviews must
be submitted as designated be-
low:
Our Writer’s Guidelines:
We look for interviews (original
and reprint) in that we publish
interviews that deal with a career
or job position.
We always need images to go
with an article. Photos should be
high resolution (300 dpi) and of a
good size. Photos should also
have descriptions accompanying
them. Please don’t embed graph-
ics in Word documents—make
them an attachment (jpeg) in the
email. When downloading im-
ages from the Internet, please be
sure they are large enough for us
to use at 300 dpi.
When you’re sending several
images, please indicate which
you would prefer us to use if we
can’t fit all of them in the article.
Name each graphic by figure
number (i.e., Figure 1, Figure 2).
If you have original photos
(slides, prints), please make sure
you scan them at the appropriate
dpi.
The author is fully responsible
for identifying and obtaining
publishing permissions for all
information or images in the
interview.
Photography Guidelines
Escapades/E 4 Kids is a submis-
sion driven magazine. We are
always looking for more photo-
graphs! If you want to submit
your photographs to 381 Fashion,
please read the submission guide
BEFORE your submission!
General requirements
Current and unpublished work is
generally preferred. You should
have the copyright for the work
& be the holder of the model-
release For your submission pre-
view we’ll need up to 5 images
of story/theme & info of assis-
tants, models, stylists and loca-
tion. Image size minimum 600 px
high, 72dpi, JPEG, PNG or PDF,
and total of 5MB Please add
some info about yourself, and
about your artwork, link to web-
site is a must. After your photo-
graphs have be accepted be pre-
pared to send the images in Hi
Res Tiff/Jpgs!!!
Submission process
We can only process photographs
that was submitted in accordance
with the submission general re-
quirements. We will contact ap-
plicants that their photographs is
considered for a future issue of
381 Fashion. Due to the large
volume of applications we re-
ceive on a daily basis, we are not
able to reply to all applicants. We
might keep your contact informa-
tion for a possible future use.
NOTE: that Escapades/E 4 Kids
cannot guarantee acceptance.
Remember that we have to re-
arrange the contents based of
several submissions.
Contact: For submissions please email
Escapades at
Advertising rates include adver-
tising in publication, publication
social media pages
(announcements such as Face-
book, Twitter, LinkedIn, and
other social networks published
through Escapades for Kids).
* 6 month and 1 year agree-
ments available for Advertise-
ment
** 1 month and 2 month agree-
ments available for Classified
Ads
SUBSCRIPTION RATES (only
if you request a hard copy)
If you would like a digital copy
emailed directly to your inbox
each issue the cost will be $3.00
a month per magazine. Send us
If interested in advertising with
Escapades for Kids please con-
tact us for further details to:
1554 East 65th Street, #109
Chicago, IL. 60637-3843
Attn: Advertisement Department
E-mail: advertis-
Monthly Advertisement Rates:
* Quarter page: $15.00
* Half page: $25.00
* Full page: $50.00 (ONLY AD
SPACE BEING SOLD AT
THIS TIME)
** Classified Ads (5 Lines):
$5.00
an email at escapadesmagazi-
[email protected] or write to us at
the following with you’re the
following (Name – Full Name,
email address, and whether you
want either Escapades E 4 Kids
of both).
1554 East 65th Street, #109
Chicago, IL. 60637-3843
Attn: Subscription Department
ADVERTISE WITH US
SUBMITTING CONTENT
E 4 KIDS
WE WOULD LIKE TO
HEAR FROM YOU…
Send email to
escapadesmagazines.editor@
gmail.com
WRITE TO EDITOR;
CORRESPONDENTS
MUST IDENTIFY
THEMSELVES. NAMES
MAY BE WITHHELD ON
REQUEST. PLEASE
INCLUDE A DAYTIME
TELEPHONE NUMBER
FOR VERIFICATION.
ESCAPADES MY EDIT OR
CONDENSE LETTERS.
How can I get in touch with Escapades/E 4
Kids?
If you want to contact the Escapades/E 4 Kids
team, please send an email to esca-
If you need to contact Escapades or have any
questions/problems about this website, you can
send an email [email protected] dur-
ing USA working hours and we will get back to
you as soon as we can.
Why are my Escapades article pictures not
appearing?
No pictures appear automatically on the site,
they have to be approved by the Escapades
team. This will normally take no longer than 24
hours during working hours, but could take
longer.
If you have a question about your images not
appearing, please email esca-
I’ve seen your publications and they look
great. How do I get them?
Our publication is free digitally. Only sub-
scribed readers with a small subscription cost
can receive a hard copy of the publications.
Please contact Escapades team for details and
price rates.
Your magazine(s) sounds cool! Any writing
jobs going at Escapades/E 4 Kids?
Yes. We always entertain articles from contrib-
uting writers. Go to http://
escapades.wordpress.com and click on the
“Submit Articles” tab and follow the directions
to submitting content. Articles/photos are sub-
mitted without payment to writers. We do not
guarantee all articles/photos will be used. If you
are a published writer, or would like to be, we
do accept feature submissions, but bear in mind
we recommend that you look through the maga-
zine, identify the kind of material we publish
and tailor any ideas around our current work.
All material used will be property of Escapades/
E 4 Kids and the original writer(s). Any use of
article/photo will be the decision and permis-
sion of writer/photographer and if used in Esca-
pades/E 4 Kids will be notified or a notification
will be printed at the bottom of the article being
reprinted directing the readers to know that the
article was previously used in one of Escapades/
E 4 Kids issues/publications. Send ideas to
I’ve got a suggestion for a photo in the
fashion section!
We're always interested in seeing photos of
fashion teens. Please send any photos to us
in a fashion show, model layout (not bath-
ing suit; only casual, formal, or business
clothing) email photo with details of
model (name, city, state, age, school model
attends, and permission of use of photo by
teen model’s parent/guardian, and contact
information of photographer/parent/
guardian) before we use or review and
photo. All submissions will be verified
with photographer and parent/guardian.
Email to [email protected].
Can I buy a subscription to the maga-
zine please?
Why of course! Head to email esca-
[email protected] - most months we
throw in some wondrous free gifts, so go
have a look what's on offer at the moment.
You told me I’d won a competition, but
I haven’t had my prize yet. Is it time to
take a shotgun to the postman?
If your prize hasn't arrived, please email us
at [email protected] and let us
know.
I’m a sharp-dressing, smooth-talking ad
salesman and I want to buy some ad
space in your publication(s) magazine
and website. Shall we do lunch?
There are plenty of opportunities to adver-
tise in Escapades and/or E 4 Kids. Please
contact [email protected].
Hi there, I’m a PR executive with a fan-
tastic new product to promote in your
magazine(s) or website. Who do I con-
tact?
If you have anything good that you'd like
us to review or feature, drop us an email to
[email protected]. One email is
usually enough, and we do read every-
thing, honestly, so if you don't get a reply
it probably means we're really busy and we
will return your email as soon as possible.
I’ve spotted a mistake on Escapades/E 4
Kids. Do you give out tenners like the
magazine do?
No, or we’d go bust within hours. But let
us know at [email protected].
I’m a subscriber to Escapades/E 4 Kids
magazine (hard copy) and I haven’t received
my copy this month. Where is it?
Email our subscriptions department at esca-
[email protected] (Attn: Subscription
Department) and let them know.
One of your articles on God / sex / women /
men / monkeys / plastic mouldings has deeply
offended me. I want to complain in the
strongest possible terms. To whom shall I
address my letter?
If you have seen or read something in Esca-
pades/E 4 Kids or on http://
escapades4kids.wordpress.com that you con-
sider beyond the bounds of good taste and de-
cency, then send the information to esca-
[email protected] and we will endeavor
to deal with your complaint promptly.
F.A.Q. (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION THAT YOU
DO NOT SEE HERE THEN EMAIL US AT
Here at Escapades Publications would like
to welcome photographer Siegfried
Flaschinski and is great work.
Watch for Siegfried Flaschinski in our
upcoming new magazine from Escapades
Publications “381 Fashion”. 381 Fashion
Magazine is our first mentoring magazine
for the fashion industry. Learn directly
from the mover and shakers of the fashion
industry on how to make the fashion in-
dustry a successful venture.
381 Fashion Magazine will feature some of
Siegfried Flaschinski’s work such as this
fantastic photo shot.
Local Author and Illustrator to produce book series
for Adolescent Girls
SISTERS WITHOUT DRAMA CLUB
Could be the next Dr. Seuss series for teens and
tweens.
The new book "TOO..." is the premier book in a
new series called Sisters Without Drama Club.
The series will address issues that tween and teen
girls face as they grow into womanhood. Some
of the issues will include: Self-esteem, Bullying,
Dealing with Divorce, "I Hate My Parents,"
Crushes, Racial issues, Weight issues, Inner
Beauty, Career Journey and following your
Dreams, Sibling Conflict, "Are We Poor?" "Are
We Rich?" Contributing to the Community, Re-
specting Authority, and so much more!
PATRICIA URBONAS CLARK, AUTHOR. Born in Carlinville,
IL, is a long-time counselor and mentor to youth and has much
wisdom to bring to this new generation. She is also the mother of 7
and the grandmother of 5, so dealing with TEEN DRAMA is noth-
ing new. She has survived an abusive childhood, divorce, blending
two families, career changes, and parental loss.
Patricia has been a career social
services/health care administrator,
vocalist, writer and journalist, who
recently expanded her career options
to being a film and television ac-
tress, model, screenwriter, and radio
show host. She is currently on the
advisory board for ESCAPADES
MAGAZINE in Chicago, writes an
advice columns "Red Means GO!
for the E-Zine, and co-hosts a weekly radio show called TURNING
POINT on Blog Talk Radio. She has also been seen in several TV
productions shot in Chicago, including Chicago Fire, the Steve
Harvey Show, and 3 new ABC Pilots coming this fall. Patricia has
been in 2 films and has two more film productions in the near fu-
ture. She is also co-writing a book called "Thoughts from My Dark-
ness" with her youngest daughter, Kelsey Clark. She has developed
CANTHURTME Productions to address social and ethical issues in
written form. Find out more about Patricia at: http://
www.imdb.me/patricia.urbonas.clark; https://
www.facebook.com/PatriciaUrbonasClark; and
www.linkedin.com/in/patriciaurbonasclark
Patricia and her husband Brad reside in Bushnell, Illinois.
ALEX RUIZ, ILLUSTRATOR. Born in
Bronx, New York, Ruiz is an artist, actor,
animator, writer and songwriter. His work
includes print, animation, voice over and
background vocals. Ruiz has several graphic
novels, children’s book series, script writing
for TV/Film and an animated television
series in development, as well as his own
production company, Casa de Cuckoo Pro-
ductions.
He was the songwriter for a Spanish language educational show on Tele-
mundo called "Mi Escuelita". He was the Lead Animation Academy In-
structor for Disney. Ruiz has done background vocals for an album by J.M.
Dematteis, collaborated on a Rap single by the late, great Walter Payton
and William "The Refrigerator" Perry and does his own voiceovers for his
own animated productions
The idea for Casa de Cuckoo Productions came from the necessity of some
fellow artists to find work in their fields of expertise, no matter what it may
be. Ruiz is currently assisting not for profit organizations including the
Youth Communications of Chicago and The Little Walter Foundation in
obtaining grants, funding and support to assist children in the greater Chi-
cagoland communities.
Most recently, Ruiz has been working on "The Vibe and Bronx Show" as a
co-host, identifying different Art and Music genres, undiscovered and un-
signed talent in Chicago and the Midwest and illustrating Allen Rafalson's,
"The Santa Claus Trial", writing and illustrating, "Mingy Mungus, The
Legend of the Littlest Bigfoot" and Patricia Urbonas Clark's "TOO" just to
name a few. Links to Alex’s work: www.MingyMungus.com; https://
www.facebook.com/pages/Casa-de-Cuckoo-Productions-Inc; https://
www.facebook.com/AlexRuizAnimator
Ruiz currently lives in Chicago, IL.
The SWOD Club team, under the direction of CANTHURTME Produc-
tions, will be publishing the first book, entitled, “TOO…” for release this
summer. The long term goal is to write a 5 to 8+ book series addressing
issues that adolescent girls face. Patricia and Alex also hope to produce an
animated cartoon of the series to be picked up by a children’s programming
network.
Currently, the team is raising funds through Indiegogo, a crowdfunding
website for independent artists and producers. You may help support the
project at: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/too-premier-book-from-the-
sisters-without-drama-club-book-series/x/3098333. You may also LIKE
and SHARE the project at: https://www.facebook.com/
SistersWithoutDramaClub . Purchasing information will be available soon
at the Facebook link.
Because of her history of working with adolescents, older teens and women
of all ages and walks of life, Patricia plans to donate a portion of the net
proceeds to two non-profit agencies:
The YWCA TechGYRLS Program, which she formerly directed through
the YWCA Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment Center of Canton, IL:
https://www.facebook.com/yw.cantonil; and
Escapades Publications, where she currently donates her time and skills
acting on the advisory board; producing an advice column called Red
Means GO!; writing regular feature articles; and co-hosting and producing
a weekly radio show called TURNING POINT, which features success
stories of individuals in all fields who have struggled early on but achieved
success in their respective careers, due to a mentor, coach, parent, or other
support person. These stories are meant to inspire youth and adults who
may carry the same struggles, and need to find hope and guidance to suc-
ceed in their journey. http://escapades4kids.wordpress.com ; https://
www.facebook.com/EscapadesMagazines
REALITI IN FASHION BY ROSHONA MORGAN
If you would like to ask Roshona
Morgan a fashion question
please email us at
Submissions.escapades@gmail.
com
What is Fashion?
Fashion for some is like a religion and whereas I really love and appreciate the art of it, I consider myself to be more of a guru than a high priestess on the matter. There are so many fun (yes fun) things to consider within the art that is fashion. From flavor-able collections of colors and an array of styles to accesso-ries and my personal favorite, shoes; fashion just has a way of cheering you up or making you happy. It represents the possibility of something. What look are you going for?
Is it trendy, classic and time-less, or conservative? How do you want to feel in what you're wearing?
How about sexy, chic, and confident, powerful and au-thoritative, or perhaps sporty and fun?
Fashion is a very powerful force in our day to day lives whether we realize it or not. A few articles of clothing can create any of these looks for yourself and evoke all of these feelings.
As a fashion stylist I ask these questions because I believe its a great way to help my clients hone in on what they really want in their fashion lives and how they wish to define their fashion personal-ity. As I previously mentioned, fashion is art, and artist create masterpieces in an effort to express themselves. For this reason' one should utilize fashion as their own means of self expression. Like it or not appearance is the first way that we self represent. I'm not talking about vanity, I'm talk-ing about the person you put in front of the world. Are you 'repping' yourself as a diva, a
business person, or maybe you've just decided to roll with the 'I'm a busy mom and don't have time for all that fashion stuff' look. Whatever your choice, you should wear it with pride, and if you don't feel at least the slightest bit of pride in the way that you've chosen to present yourself to the world, then it's time to rethink your fashion sense and your wardrobe choices. If that sounds harsh well I apologize, but the truth is that your inside beauty gets lost if you deprive your outward beauty of having a chance to shine. When your inside and outside beauty are in harmony, the result is a self representation of confidence, and confidence looks sexy on everyone. So you see, you are the blank canvass in which art can be created. You can be your own masterpiece, and who can't appreciate great art?
Frequently I'll ask my clients to tell me what fashion means to them. I want them to tell me all about their likes and dis-likes within the fashion trends their seeing. Avid lover of fashion or not, I know I don't always like what's presented as the newest 'must haves' for the season either.
However, I do know what I like and am willing to try new things in the colorful world of fashion.
I swore I'd never wear a pair of skinny jeans/pants because I was convinced that only tall skinny women could or should wear them, but now you can't pry them off my body because they work with just about eve-rything.
At the end of the day, you just have to do what works for you and I don't mean back in the day (i.e. what used to work), I
mean now. I would encourage you to step outside of your fashion box (if in fact you are in one) and try something different, something colorful and flavorful. In the mean-time I'd like to hear from all of you about what fashion means to you. I'd like to know what you consider your personal style to be and why? Are you more influenced by what you see in
magazines, on the television or on videos, or do you have your own eclectic sense of what's hot?
I can't wait to hear your answers, but until then represent yourself as the masterpiece that you are.
If you would like to send Roshona Morgan a fashion question and have her answer the question here please forward your question to:
Escapades Publications
Attn: Realiti In Fashion by Roshona Morgan at
“Because we are our
brother’s keeper…” That is
the belief and the motto of the
organization. INTBN pro-
vides free health education
and educational support ser-
vices in The Gambia, West
Africa and Chicago, IL
U.S.A.
INTBN was first started and
developed as a registered a
nonprofit, charitable organiza-
tion in The Gambia, West
Africa. In 2004, Ms Victoria
D Blakey, who is from Chi-
cago, IL, began to teach basic
health education on communi-
cable as well as non commu-
nicable diseases to her
neighbors in a local commu-
nity while on a short stay in
The Gambia. These
neighbors, knowing that she
was a nurse would ask for
different kinds of medications
to treat various ailments. Ms
Blakey didn’t have any medi-
cine for them but what she did
have was the information and
or access to the information to
help individuals and families
take better care of themselves
and treat some minor prob-
lems with nutrition and proper
hygiene.
A few weeks later Ms Blakey
met a young school age local
girl on the beach selling man-
goes, bananas and peanuts
from a tray the little girl car-
ried on her head. It was in a
tourist area, which is not safe
for children, especially young
girls due to foreign as well as
well as local predators. On
her face this young girl wore
a grimace and a look of con-
fusion, but with deep knowing
eyes. She was not in school
and had never been to school
because she had to work to
help support her family. This
young girl touched Ms
Blakey’s heart and spirit to
fund this young girl’s educa-
tion and give minimal finan-
cial support to the family to
supplement the loss wages of
the little girl and other chil-
dren like her via the C.A.R.E.
Program (Children At Risk
Education). The short stay
became a very long stay and a
story that is continuing.
As time progressed so did the
projects and programs of
INTBN. Moved by the plight
of older women the organiza-
tion’s focus turned toward
helping them. It is docu-
mented that 2/3 of females 15
years and upward in The
Gambia are classified as illit-
erate so the organization be-
gan free literacy classes for
females 17 years and up.
INTBN also encourages and
supports women to develop
small local businesses with
it’s, “Self Sufficiency and
Economic Empowerment
Program”. This program is
open to females that have
successfully completed the
literacy program
While praying for clarity on
these new challenges in a new
land Ms Blakey received her
divine inspiration and under-
stood her purpose. Core es-
sentials were missing for
many, the ones needed to sur-
vive, progress and lead ful-
filled lives. Good health and
education, this is the mission
of INTBN.
MISSION STATEMENT: “Helping to enrich essential
building blocks in under
served communities that help
improve and empower the
lives of its people by provid-
ing free health education/
awareness and educational
support services.”
INTBN was registered in Feb-
ruary of 2005 as a non profit,
charitable organization in The
Gambia, West Africa. The
organization was self funded
and developed by Ms
Blakey. In June of 2008,
INTBN registered in the state
of Illinois, (Ms Blakey’s
home state) as a charitable
non profit organization to
serve the Chicago land
area. The organization has
been mainly self funded and
has partners that contribute
from time to time.
It only takes one person to
make a difference n the lives
of many!
E 4 KIDS
Victoria D. Blakey Founder/Chairperson
It's Nice To Be Nice (INTBN)
International
Gambia
(220) 796-4488
(220) 909-8062
Chicago
(773) 503-4488
Skype: victoria.d.blakey
http://www.intbn.org
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Its-Nice-To-Be-Nice-INTBN-
International
http://victoradblakey.blogspot.com/
It’s Nice To Be Nice (INTBN) International
E 4 KIDS
I remember when I was in my younger
years and I use to hear older people say
that. It actually kind of got on my
nerves. I didn’t understand it and I was-
n’t trying to hear it either, especially for
someone that I didn’t think understood
me. Usually when someone was saying
it to me they’d be sort of shaking their
head and muttering, umph, umph, umph.
Some of the time it would be an Amen choir
of friends and or relatives in the back-
ground testifying in agreement, with
their, “sho nuffs and tell it like it is” cho-
rus. Now your business becomes every-
body else’s business! Everybody had an
opinion, but nobody had any answers!
There probably was already some kind
of secret shame or fear hiding only GOD
love builds self esteem, confidence, respect
of self and others and pride. All these
things are building blocks and without one
these blocks you can not build the founda-
tion of a productive self.
But guess what!? Even people that have
what we consider the, “white picket fence
experience”, have no guarantee, because
what we see on the outside can be quite
different from what’s going on inside.
Life can be messed up and most of can
mess our lives up, but that doesn’t mean
things have to stay that way. We all want
to live the, “good life”!
So what does that mean? It means that
you have to cherish the one that’s with
you always, yourself! This is hard to do
knew how to handle. Geez!
Well I wish I would’ve known then what I do
now, but I didn’t like most of us. So you know
what? We do the best that we can with the
hand that we are dealt: simple as that! Look-
ing for help is not as easy as it may ap-
pear, especially when you’re carrying
around so much baggage. That baggage,
those issues that have been affecting
your life makes it hard for you to move,
even think sometimes.
Many of us did not grow up in the ideal
setting with both parents under the same
roof, both sets grandparents and other
extended family members. You know
the “Cosby Show” image of the family.
Although some will deny it, fact is most
of us crave this would’ve have been, will
be or is the type of family environment
to be a part of. I think that causes anger
in many children and adults. We all want
to be loved and the more people around
us that love us the more loving we are,
the more loving we become. All that
“If I Knew Then…” by Ms. Blakey (INTBN)
when you are young and have yet to develop
the mental and emotional tools to understand
and communicate with the world around you,
let alone understanding yourself. But we all
are born with an innate instinct and I want
you to tune into to it no matter what age
you are. That is the law of self preserva-
tion. What is that you ask? Well it’s what
gives you the will to live, not just survive,
but live: life not death. Not just in the
physical, but holistically: emotional, men-
tal, spiritual as well as the physical you.
The total package!
You have to believe that you’re beauti-
ful; inside and out! You have to believe
that no matter how ugly things may be or
have been.
Words to Inspire, Uplift and Comfort
E 4 KIDS
Date of birth: 07/20/1990
Age: 22
Birthplace: Jakarta/
Indonesia
Ethnicity: Chinese-
Indonesian-German
Eye Color: Brown/Green
Skin Color: Olive/Medium
Hair color: Golden Brown
Model/Actor
Height: 6' 2"
ht: 183 lbs.
Hair: Black Hair length: Long (Shoulder)
Eye color: Brown
Skin color: Brown
Ethnicity: French-African
Shoe: 10.5
Waist: 30"
Inseam: 34"
Shirt: Medium
Chest: 38L
Neck: 14.5
Sleeve: 30
Genell is a beauty professional
with several years of experience
in the beauty industry.
She started her career in nail
technology before continuing on
to study and work towards be-
coming cosmetologist.
After working many years in the
salon she decided to follow her
passion for makeup artistry.
And with her love for sharing
information she is now an aspir-
ing beauty educator, ready to
share her love of beauty.
CONTACT GENELL
BANKS
at
773-609-0811
www.etceterabeauty.com
Contact Name: Mattie Butler
Title: Executive Director
Phone: 773-288-3000
Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors, Inc.
6450 S Stony Island Ave
Chicago, IL 60637
HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER/CEDA
6450S. STONY ISLAND AVE.
CHICAGO, Il. 60637
773-288-3000
WECAN - WOODLAWN EAST COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORS, INC.
RENTAL HOUSING
EDDIE MAE & ALEX JOHNSON
APARTMENTS
5 LEVEL ELEVATED BUILDING 63
UNITS.
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65TH PLACE APARTMENTS
3 STORY BRICK
TIME OUT/SUMMER CAMP
DESIGNED TO ASSIST YOUTH IN
HOMEWORK COMPLETION, IN-
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AND PLACE TO COMPLETE A RE-
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND
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6146 S. KENWOOD AVE.
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1554-56 EAST 65TH STREET
65TH PLACE APARTMENTS
1411-15 E. 65TH PLACE
WECAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
6450-62 S. STONY ISLAND AVE., CHICAGO, IL.
60637
PHONE: 773-288-4202
wear a pale blue shirt, or match your eye
color. I have red hair and olive green
eyes, so my best head shots are the ones
that draw those colors out. Your EYES
are the windows to your soul—USE
THEM so that casting directors can see
the real you.
Don’t take rejection personally.
Casting directors have a very specific
look they want for each role. If they
want a guy who is 5’9” and you are 6’1”,
guess what, you probably aren’t going to
be cast for that role. Is it because you
lack talent? Of course not; it is because
you don’t fit the bill for that particular
character. So, do your research and only
audition for roles where you meet the
director’s criteria. If you aren’t even in
the ball park, you are wasting your time
and hers, and will look foolish.
NETWORK, NETWORK, NET-
WORK!
Get involved in social media—market
Dear BLUE: First of all, CONGRATs
on the brave move to pursue the acting
and film industry! As you know, it is
hard work and not for sissies! The
Hollywood glam stories you read
about everywhere are certainly not the
norm in the BIZ. I know actors who
drive hours to find work, sleep in their
cars or on a friend’s couch or floor,
shower at truck stops and live on
ramen noodles. They work long hours
for low pay and may get booked only
at the last second, so must always be
prepared to drop everything and work.
My advice to you is this:
Generalize your look.
Tats, piercings and blue hair are fine if
you are wanting to work at Hot Topic,
but not a lot of acting gigs call for this
look. So DIVERSIFY. Make the emo
character ONE of your looks; but cre-
ate for yourself a BLANK CANVIS.
Go plain, skip the heavy black eye-
liner, minimize the “costume” and
yourself. Connect with other actors
and production people. Create your
own website and fan page. There
are so MANY free services out there
right now! You can create a follow-
ing on Facebook, Twitter, and Wix
at no cost. Do extra work and use
that time to meet people. The
money sucks but the contacts you
make are priceless!
KNOW YOUR MARKET.
I am an over 35 (that is ALL the
age info you are getting from me!)
red headed short female. I learned
early on not to chase what I call
“Malibu Barbie” roles. I am not
5’11” with long beach-blonde hair
and a fabulous tan. But I AM a
sound, professional business woman
and have a very professional look.
It is THIS look that I submit for. It
isn’t about being the prettiest or the
hottest thing out there—it is about
matching your look with the de-
Dear RED: I am a fairly new actor to the film and TV industry who is
hitting the audition circuit like you wouldn’t believe! I go to everything I can find, but never get
cast. I have a unique look—several tats and piercings, and I like to wear my hair spiked with blue
tips. Not sure what I can do to get cast. I am beginning to wonder if I have any talent at all.
Can you help me? ~~Blue in the Windy City
Patricia Urbonas Clark, Philosopher, Counselor, Business Woman and Advocate;
Career and Personal Advisor; Actor, Model and Vocalist; Journalist and Radio
Host; Wife, Mother and Grandmother; Passionate Redhead…
Red’s borrowed words of wisdom:
"Don’t Take Anything Personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say
and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to
the opinions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering." - Don Miguel
Ruiz
mand of the industry. If you ONLY look
like a gang banger, then that is the only
role you might be cast for. But, again, if
you DIVERSIFY your look, and have a
believable representation of a specific
character, you are more likely to get cast.
IN THE BEGINNING WORK FOR
FREE.
Independent films are a great way to
build your resume and get yourself out
there. A lot of production crew mem-
bers for the majors do their own inde-
pendent film making on the side. Every-
one is trying to move up and are wearing
many different hats in the pursuit of that
“big break” we all want. Indies are the
way to go. You many get a great or sup-
porting role in an independent film
which can carry your reputation to the
next level.
GO PROFESSIONAL.
Invest in great head shots and business
cards—these are your lifeline to the next
job. If you can’t afford them, barter your
services for them. You do something for
me, I do something for you. Early on, I
needed some better pics. So I worked
with a photographer/videographer friend
on his commercial shoot. I actually did a
pretty good job at zombie makeup. He
in turn spent a couple of hours giving me
some great photos. I still use them! Or
network with film students who NEED
projects like yours to complete class
requirements. And students are in tune
with the most up-to-date techniques, so
the quality should be cutting edge.
DON’T GIVE UP.
Keep chasing the dream, improving
yourself (classes, seminars, experience),
learning from others’ mistakes and ex-
perience, and develop your skillset. You
never arrive in this business, but you can
repeatedly bloom. Look at every gig as an
opportunity to fine tune.
DON’T BURN YOUR BRIDGES.
This industry is full of opportunities to fail
as well as succeed. So put on your Big
Girl Panties and take the high road when
things don’t go your way. People will use
you and try to take advantage of you.
They may even burn you. Even if/when
that happens, don’t turn a negative into an
opportunity to be unprofessional. No Face
book slamming of a company that screwed
you over; no calling your network to bad
mouth an amateur director.
TAKE THE HIGH ROAD.
You will never regret it, and what goes
around will eventually come around. You
will look all the better for not being a
whiney baby in the face of a bad situation.
So handle yourself with style and grace.
Some people are hard to work with. This
industry is full of DRAMA. If not, not one
would succeed. Just keep it professional in
any and every interaction with colleagues,
and your solid, STABLE reputation will
take you places.
Last of all, HAVE FUN! This business is
amazing! You get to rub elbows with peo-
ple your friends and family only dream of
meeting. Keep it cool, don’t be a stalking
fan, show you can work without going
gaga on set, and the work will come. You
are building your brand, and being flexible,
respectful, and professional is the key.
Red means GO!
If you would like to hear Patricia
Urbonas Clark along with her co-
host as they interview various
people from the entertainment
industry and other career industries
then tune in on Escapades
Publications Internet Radio at
www.blogtalkradion.com/
EscapadesMaggazines
Can you describe your career for our readers? What are the
specific job responsibilities of your career choice?
I am an Author and Financial Advisor. As a Financial Advisor I
help clients make complex financial decisions while balancing the
delicate mix between enjoying life today and planning for a com-
fortable future. We set goals and it is my job to hold them account-
able for their goals and to motivate them to take action at the right
times. Every decision is a financial decision so I am right beside my
clients through many of their life transitions.
As an Author I write books that help people move gracefully
through life. My current book “The Art of Starting Over” A guide
to creating more power, peace and pleasure in your personal life, is
a blue print for starting over no matter how many times you need to
do it. I travel around the world speaking to groups about how to
attract more power, peace and pleasure into their lives. I show them
that it is better to focus on finding peace versus pursuing happiness.
As we all know most of the time when you are hired in a specific
job/career this position expands into covering some areas that
are not in your job description. What can you say has been
some of responsibilities that you have taken on that were not in
your initial job description?
In my job there is so much that has to get done that everything is in
your job descriptions. Clients expect to talk to you when they call
not an assistant. They want you to buy and sell stocks for them,
they want you to listen to their fears, they want you to draw up their
financial plan, they want you to have events so that they can social-
ize with you and they want you to make it to their child’s 5th birth-
day party. So there are so many tasks that have to get done by you
that you just have to stay organize, put all the tasks on the list and
check them off one by one.
Were your thoughts as a young person to actually get into the
job/career that you are in right now? And what if any would it
has been if you didn’t get into the career you are in now?
NO I didn’t dream of becoming a Financial Advisor. I dreamed of
working in the entertainment industry. My degree is in film and
television. However, the film and television industry has a high
turnover. One day you are working and the next day your show is
cancelled. In the case of a movie it only takes about 3 months to
shoot so when it is done you are hitting the pavement again looking
for a new movie. While I was in between jobs a friend of mind
talked me into starting a Real Estate and Mortgage brokerage.
Things were going very well and I decided I need other investment
options for my clients and began looking for what was next. I
learned about the stock market and decided to get my Series 7 & 66
license so that I could buy and sell stocks for my clients and also
advise them on their financial decisions.
Kine’ Corder is an author, lifestyle consultant, finan-
cial advisor and expert at seeking the maximum pleas-
ure out of life. Utilizing her strong financial back-
ground, a dynamic network of resources, unique set of
skills and personal experiences built over the past 15
years she is able to help clients create their perfect life-
style. Kine’ has traveled the world building an ever
expanding network of professionals from all walks of
life. Kine’ is the one person that can help you work
smart, have fun, pursue your dreams and look good
while doing it.
Kine’ gained international popularity in 2003 when she
appeared on ABC’s Extreme Makeover. She became
the official spokesperson for the show and this lead to
appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America, as
well as interviews with Elle, Marie Claire, TV Guide
and People magazine. She also hosted and acted on the
E! Network, VH1, The Parkers and various other tele-
vision shows.
Launched in 2009, Presidential Lifestyle is a lifestyle
management company. As President, Kine’ enjoys as-
sisting clients with their most difficult life plans
through one-on-one or group coaching. Kine is dedi-
cated to helping people understand that the
“presidential lifestyle” is not about spending all the
money you earn. It’s about living the life you desire in
the most time and cost effective way possible.
Kine’ believes: “Life is what you make it, so make it
good. When you find your peace you have the power to
attract more pleasure into business and personal life.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Kine’ holds a Bachelor of
Arts from Columbia College, Series 7 and 66 licenses
and a host of certificates gained to improve her consult-
ing and planning skills. She now resides in Atlanta and
enjoys playing tennis and babysitting for her friends as
well as volunteering with Operation Hope. As part of
the Banking on our Future project, Kine’ teaches fi-
nancial literacy classes to elementary and high school
students in a four week program.
Kine is currently speaking and promoting her upcom-
ing book “The art of Starting over: 30 Day Guide to
Creating more Power, Peace and Pleasure in Your Per-
sonal Life.” Critics agree this is the last self-help book
you will ever need!
Can you explain to our readers what educational back-
ground it takes to get into the career and position that
you are in now? And what is the educational background
that it takes to continue in this career and/or advance in
this career?
It is important to have at least a college degree. You do not
have to have an advance degree to get into the financial in-
dustry but it can help. Many people obtain their Master of
Business Administration (MBA) and/or Certified Financial
Planner (CFP) while on the job because it makes you more
marketable to clients and gives you a deeper knowledge of
all things financial. Some Financial Advisors studied finance
in college but other transitioned from other careers. There is
no one way to do it. Every story is different.
What do you think is the state of our educational system
today compared to how it was in the past? What do you
feel is a possible solution to our educational system and
how do you think we could implement programs to make
these changes?
First let me say that I don’t know that I am the expert on how
to fix the educational system but I will give my humble opin-
ion. I think that right now children, parents and teachers are
lazy. Children are more concerned with watching TV, listen-
ing to music and learning what’s cool and there is nothing in
the media today saying that being smart is cool. Couple that
with the fact that teachers are under paid and tired because
their class rooms are over populated. Then add that parents
are over worked and getting divorced at alarming rates. Add
all this together and you have a receipt for disaster in the
education system.
In the past it was a privilege to go to school and that has been
lost. There are too many children in one class and there are a
lot more emotional problems than teachers are unequipped to
deal with. The solution goes much further than the educa-
tional system. The solutions mean that parents stay married
or marry the right person in the first place. That if they do
not stay married that they stay dedicated to their children’s
success. Single parents will have to have a budget for tutor-
ing which means children may not get to wear designer
clothes to school. There will have to be sacrifice, less TV
and more studying. Teachers will have to come early or stay
late. Public schools have to raise their standards but that
means that taxes may go up so that every school will have
what it needs to help the children succeed.
More parents should volunteer at the schools. They can tutor
in the classes that they are good at. They can dedicate one or
two days out of the month. If everyone pitched in and did a
little bit more we could fix the problem collectively. It will take a
little sacrifice, dedication and a willingness to admit that we all
have faltered and we all need help.
In some cases our youth and some adults feel that the system is
failing our youth due to the factors of raises and bonuses for the
teachers. Granted there are several great teachers out there and
trust me I have a few, but there have been some that have been
questionable. But the questionable do not seem to be put on the
carpet to answer for the actions or in some cases the lack of ac-
tion they take to teach the youth. What are your feelings and
thoughts on this?
I truly do not know. Above all I believe that people who go to work
every day and do their job deserve recognition. The school system
just like any other company should have an incentive program. In-
flation goes up so there should also be a raise available for the em-
ployees. Some can get more based on performance and some just
get the minimum. I am better equipped to discuss incentive pro-
grams in business but from the teacher friends and clients that I
have the problem is the administration and bureaucracy that teach-
ers have to deal with just to do their job. I have never been a teacher
so it is my opinion that a teacher would better be able to handle this
question…I am just giving my opinion from the outside looking in.
Education is a big part of succeeding in your career, but with
the economy the way it is and the rising costs of tuitions in col-
lege and in some cases private high school institutions. We un-
derstand that there are grants and scholarships but to get them
now a days it is even harder because now everyone is trying to
get these funds and companies are taking their scholarships
away due to loss of revenue. What other options do you suggest
that youth and the parents look to do in order to make the op-
portunity to go to a good school available?
I don’t suggest other options. I suggest they apply to what they
think everyone else is applying to because chances are other people
are thinking they don’t have a chance either so they are not apply-
ing. You would be surprised how few people apply for scholar-
ships, grants and special funding. Most people are negative and self
-defeating so they talk themselves out of applying because they
don’t think they will get it. Apply and apply to all that you come
close to qualifying for. Don’t talk yourself out of anything. Go for
everything you can, including student loans.
What are your favorite things about your position; what makes
your day the most exciting and what is it that is the down points
about your position?
The hard part about being an Author is constantly promoting your
project. It sometimes feels like you can never rest because you have
to tell the world about your great accomplishment. The best part
about it is that you get the give the world this gift that came right
from your heart. It is especially sweat when someone tells you
how your work affected their life.
As a Financial Advisor the hardest part is when you know you
are giving a client good advice and they do not take it. When you
have to work to counter whatever incorrect information they got
off the internet and they do not understand that you are working
in their best interest. The greatest part is when you see a client
reach their goals. When they get to retire, send their children to
college, open a business or whatever else you have been planning
for. When you look up and realize you were a big part of their
success it makes you feel more successful. It makes you proud
that you were there with them.
Most youth and also some adults believe that as executives
and bosses your day is sometimes the easiest because they
think your position is to boss people around. Can you walk us
through a normal day at work when you get in until the time
you leave?
Each day is different for me. However, there are things that have
to happen each day but they can be adjusted because when prob-
lems arise you often have to handle them immediately. As an
executive it is important to prioritize but it is also important to
know when to take action. You have to know how to deal with
each one of your employees because each one is different. You
have to make sure that the money the employees are bringing in
is going out in the right rate. You have to save some of that
money and use some to grow the business. You also have to keep
the lights on, keep people motivated and remember the big pic-
ture of why you do what you do. Everyone has their part to play
on the team. All parts are important. The catcher, the pitcher, the
batter and the coach all play a part in winning the game, nobody
can do it on their own. Teamwork makes the dream work.
In your position/career do you manage a group of people and
what do you feel makes a great manager/supervisor? How
should a manager/supervisor look at managing a group of
people with the different attitudes and skills?
A great manager manages process not people. I make sure that
everyone sticks to the process. That everyone is clear on their
goals as well as the company’s goals. Once they are clear it is
much easier to help them stick to the goals and accomplish them.
The manager should also have goals and should not be afraid of
have others hold him/her accountable for them.
A manger has to know how to motivate and incentives their team.
Everyone is different and getting to know your team individually
will help you tighten the team collectively.
With the economy the way it is and the job market in a slump
(with several government agencies stating it is coming up)
what do you see as one of the hardest thing that people are
having with finding jobs and in some cases keeping their
jobs?
I am a diehard optimist so I don’t let the state of the world deter-
mine my life. People should continue to apply for jobs no matter
how hard it is to find one. They should take time to improve their
skills and they should utilize their network. In the meantime they
could also create their own jobs and start a business in a subject
or industry they are good at.
Good things come to those who work while they wait.
Job skills in some cases are becoming very hard to come by
through educational methods due to most people spending
more time working to make ends meet and people cannot
seem to find the time to go back to school. Do you feel there
should be more companies holding job skill workshops to
help their employees educate themselves?
In most industries you don’t learn job skills in school you learn
them on the job. School is to give you discipline and a working
knowledge of the subject. Sure companies should also host work-
shops and classes to keep their employees up-to-date.
In finance you need continuing education to keep your licenses
current but you should also educate yourself as products and rules
change so that you can advise your clients properly. Although I
believe that my company should assist me in this ultimately it is
my responsibility to get it done.
What are your thoughts on mentoring? Was there a mentor
in your life as you were growing up and what stood out about
your mentor?
I think that everyone should have a mentor, several mentors de-
pending on their stage in life. Some mentors may be for career
guidance while another may be for spiritual guidance. I have had
mentors growing up who taught me lessons and helped me
through the different stages of life. But I would have to say that
my most powerful mentor was my mother. She helped me learned
how to make decisions and that is the best skill you can possess
in life. If you know how to make good decisions you will make it
through many of life’s hard times.
What was your childhood like in school; most youth struggle
with fitting in and some play the game of flying under the
radar in order not to be bullied or teased. Where did you fit
in as a youth?
I was popular because I was confident and I didn’t care what the
crowd was doing. I used the tools my mother gave me to start my
own groups and when I wasn’t in a group I kept to myself until I
found someone I wanted to hang out with. I got teased like every-
one else…kids are cruel to each other sometimes but I didn’t let
that stop me or slow me down.
I knew what I was capable of and I put my best forward every
day. Getting good grades was important to me. I liked the idea of
being on the honor roll. School wasn’t hard for me. I
didn’t like it that much so because of that I was deter-
mined to do my best every day so I could get it over
with as quickly as possible.
In my family doing your best is the norm. I couldn’t
worry about what the other students would think. I
needed to be worried about what my parents and grand-
parents were going to think. I went to private school and
when someone is paying their hard earned money for
you to have a good education you better show up and
show out with every ounce of intelligence in your brain.
What advice could you give our readers about the
following things; education, career goals, personal
growth when related to your career, and what steps
do I take to keep my head above water in the current
economy?
Everything you need is already inside of you, you just
need assistance bringing it out of you. So surround your-
self with wise, ambitious, well-rounded people who
want to succeed. You teach them what you know and
you learn what they know. Share your experiences and
your resources.
It is my belief that how you do anything is how you do
everything. The same mistakes you will make in seeking
an education are the same mistakes you will make in
seeking a career. So my advice is the same. Do what you
know is right. Do your best at all times. Do not make
assumptions, do the research, ask questions and commu-
nicate. Be impeccable with your word. Integrity is better
than anything you will put on your resume. And don’t
take anything personal. Business is business and you
have to do what you have to do no matter what anyone
thinks about you or says about you. So what, you know
who you are and when you are done doing your best they
won’t have anything to say except…WOW!
Girls Talk Boutique
Spring Fashion Show 2013
Article by Patricia Urbonas Clark
Photos by Dan Jacobson and Ric Morgan
The ambiance at Chicago’s first professional Spring Fashion Show of 2013 was electric. The new fashion company—Girls
Talk Boutique, owned and operated by Jay Cox of Chicago, Illinois is taking the Windy City by storm! The GTB features cut-
ting edge day and evening wear from the L.A. market as well as Puerto Rico. The fashion is fresh, exciting, flattering to all
body types, and full of surprises. Check out the Girls Talk Boutique website at: girlstalkboutique.com, where you can order
from their full line of fashion wear, including dresses, separates, jewelry, bags and accessories. Availability in sizes small
through 3x. Call your girlfriends, call your sisters, call your mama, but don’t call your man! Unless he wants to watch you save
some serious money on looking fantastic!
THE Evening
The date? Saturday Nite April 13.
The place? Talian Studios of Chicago, Illinois
The theme? Eclectic times Electric!
The Location
Dan Jacobson of Talian Studios offered his usual FANTASTIC DISPLAY to new and experienced runways. Along with
fabulous lights and heart thumping sounds, Dan da Man set the scene for an exhilarating night of sight and sound. Dan has a full
range service in the fashion and photography industry, and is also a well-known local actor and film producer. Check out Dan’s
Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/dan.jacobson.75 to see some samples of his amazing work. If you are in the in-
dustry, or want to BE in the industry, knowing Dan Jacobson and his work will do your reputation nothing but GOOD! Dan’s
work can be seen in major modeling layouts everywhere, and he works with many actors in the production of professionally
made head shots. For the best quality out there, call Talian Studios and get noticed!
The Makeup
Freelance Chicago Makeup Artist Malina Madrigal transformed each pretty lady into a sultry confident runway model. Malina
is the owner and operator of Instant Beauty by Malina. Her company is based out of the Chicago Land area. Before assuming
her role as a makeup artist Malina’s goal was to be involved in the fashion industry, but soon identified that makeup was where
her heart and passion was.
Malina became a Certified Professional Makeup Artist at the School of London Eyes Inc. International Academy of Makeup.
She has been professionally trained, and is qualified and has mastered techniques in all aspects of makeup, including Beauty,
Fashion, Bridal, Glamour, Photography, Film, Television, HDTV, Print and Airbrush Makeup. You may reach Malina at: (815)
210-5890 or at her website: www.InstantBeautybyMalina.com. Let Malina’s talent and technique bring out the best in you!
The Show
All six models displayed the energy of twice their number
with featured clothing from both casual to office to evening
wear.
No discretion between size and direction. All women, all
preferences, were on target here...
Stretch...all seemed to be the theme! ADD+ heels and own
the DAY and NIGHT!
Every model possessed the runway with long legs, full body,
full THROTTLE!
Colors included multiple surprises in the 2-toned tights!
LOTS of TROP and JUNGLE influences. SPOT SOLIDS
and amazing mixes made this fashion shoot wanting me to
turn over my credit card!
JAY COX has an amazing
eye for fashion, and along
with her models: Brittany
Morgan. Marisol Lebron,
Yessenia Ramos. Yesie
Santiago, young and spirited
Ivenliss Rivera (only 9 years
old), and Michelle Spilotro;
as well as her staff: Brenda
Vasques, Sandra Morgan,
Sabrina Flores, Dania Corral;
and her amazing makeup
artist: Melinda Madrigal,
we at Escapades expect noth-
ing more than SWEET SUC-
CESS from this SWEET TROUPE!
Finally, my next big dream as an actor/model and journalist
is to sport GTB wear, a flawless makeover from Instant
Beauty by Malina, in a photo layout for Talian Studios. Be
watching for that upcoming link at http://
escapades4kids.wordpress.com/ or https://
www.facebook.com/EscapadesMagazines
For PROFESSIONAL FASHION WEAR contact Jay Cox
at:
Girls Talk Boutique Studio
2550 Nona St.
Franklin Park, IL
773-372-6697
or to order directly go to their website at:
girlstalkboutique.com or find them on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/girlstalk74
for PROFESSIONAL PHOTO SHOOTS contact:
Talian Studios
Attention: Dan Jacobson
1654 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL
224-558-3839
Or find Dan on Facebook
at:
https://www.facebook.com/dan.jacobson.75
for PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTRY contact:
Instant Beauty by Malina
Attention: Malina Madrigal
http://InstantBeautybyMalina.com
(815) 210-5890
Or find Malina on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/malina.madrigal
To find info on Patricia’s work go to: https://www.facebook.com/
PatriciaUrbonasClark. To find info on Ric Morgan’s work go to:
http://ricmorgan.net. And every Thursday afternoon at 2:00 PM
CDT be sure to listen to Ric and Patricia’s new weekly radio show
TURNING POINT on Blog Talk
Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/
escapadespublications/2013/04/25/
turning-point?
Larry McCarter Sr., President
Harvest Construction is a General Construction company that is serving in the
Building Rehabilitation business. The firm specializes in painting and carpen-
try, but not limited to other services that are married to rehabbing. Harvest
serves both residential and commercial clients throughout the Chicago land
and Indiana. Harvest prides itself on providing superior service to clients.
Can you describe your career for our readers? What are
the specific job responsibilities of your career choice? As we
all know most of the time when you are hired in a specific
job/career this position expands into covering some areas
that are not in your job description. What can you say has
been some of responsibilities that you have taken on that
were not in your initial job description.
Construction has a few facets to it. As a General Contractor, I
oversee rehab projects that include different tradesmen to com-
plete the project. With that said, I do the bidding for potential
rehab projects. For example, I may look at a bath room to re-
model and I may need to gut the bath room of everything, dry-
wall, toilet, tub, etc.. My responsibility is to get all the trades-
men which consist of plumbers, dry waller’s, carpenter’s,
painter’s, and tiler’s. The other responsibility that take place is
to find more rehab jobs, so marketing play an important role as
well. Of course everyone would like to get paid, so I also do
payroll according to the budget that I created for each trades-
men.
As we all know most of the time when you are hired in a specific
job/career this position expands into covering some areas that are
not in your job description. What can you say has been some of
responsibilities that you have taken on that were not in your ini-
tial job description? I would have to say concrete. Although this
is something that I do not do, I’ll take on the job. At this time, I
would use a subcontractor that specialize in this area. This is why
it’s good to network with other contractor’s, so that you don’t
have to pass up opportunities.
Were your thoughts as a young person to actually get into the job/career that you are in right now?
And what if any would it has been if you didn’t get into the career you are in now?
Yes, at the age of thirteen I helped my family with the handy work on the building’s they owned. This is
where I tuned in on my gifting, which led to be a passion for me in my career. Also, Photo advertisement
would have been my second choice of a career. You should always have a plan B just in case plan A won’t
go through.
Can you explain to our readers what educational background it takes to get into the career and posi-
tion that you are in now? And what is the educational background that it takes to continue in this ca-
reer and/or advance in this career?
For some, a family owned business will groom you as you come up in the ranks. Depending on the strength
of the structure of the company, the owners may have had degrees in certain areas of business to accommo-
date the area of expertise. I learned from my family of how to manage in business. I later took a construction
management course where I have my certificate from. Which I received it from The Chicago Urban League
Of Chicago. This was a 2 year program, that included everything you will need to know in the industry of
construction.
What do you think is the state of our educational system today compared to how it was in the past?
What do you feel is a possible solution to our educational system and how do you think we could im-
plement programs to make these changes?
We have come a long way, but yet we still have a hill to climb. When I was in high school they had classes
like shop, which if you wanted to be a mechanic you could take that class. They had other classes to help
guide you into a career for the future. Now that these classes are not in the schools, the children don’t have
that much motivation, to go after some of the careers that are out here.
In my opinion, I think they should bring those classes back to the schools. At least this would give the chil-
dren the fundamentals of the careers that are out here. When they began to take classes out of school, it sets
up for failure. Although it’s the parents responsibility, some are less fortunate. My suggestion is that they
should do some upgrades on the schools that needs upgrading, and may put an addition on the buildings, to
be able to accommodate the curriculum that is needed to get ahead in life.
In some cases our youth and some adults feel that the system is failing our youth due to the factors of
raises and bonuses for the teachers. Granted there are several great teachers out there and trust me I
have a few, but there have been some that have been questionable. But the questionable do not seem
to be put on the carpet to answer for the actions or in some cases the lack of action they take to teach
the youth. What are your feelings and thoughts on this?
Our system failed when they took prayer and God out of school, some may not agree, but let’s agree to dis-
agree for all that don’t agree with my opinion.
Now, I do believe in raises and bonuses, but I don’t believe that to be a factor, there contract will take care
of that. The problem is when the board don’t give the teachers what they need in order to better equip the
students with what they need academically.
As far as it goes for the questionable, they should be held accountable for their way of teaching. Teaching is
“We have come a long way, but yet we still have a hill to climb. When I was in high school
they had classes like shop, which if you wanted to be a mechanic you could take that class.
They had other classes to help guide you into a career for the future”.
to have a dissatisfied client, so I try my best to meet their
needs.
Most youth and also some adults believe that as executives
and bosses your day is sometimes the easiest because they
think your position is to boss people around. Can you walk
us through a normal day at work when you get in until the
time you leave?
Our position is not to boss anyone, but to manage. For my-
self, when I get to a job site I have to make sure the materials
are there, make sure the guys are on time, go over the plans
for that day, have a safety meeting, have the team get started,
make phone calls to set up more jobs, meet with other con-
tractors to do some networking as well. If I
hadn’t left the job site, I’ll check and see if
the day had any mishaps or if things are
going to plan. So as you can see our day is
very busy.
In your position/career do you manage a
group of people and what do you feel
makes a great manager/supervisor?
How should a manager/supervisor look
at managing a group of people with the
different attitudes and skills?
In my opinion, it would be a person that is
humble, and that is willing to serve out
what the employer desires that person to
do. As well as empower others so that one
day they will be able to manage others as
well. It takes a person that has understand-
ing that everyone is different and learns at
a different pace. Each person display skills
that’s fit for the job, you have to be able to
place them in the right position, so that the
job can run smoothly.
With the economy the way it is and the
job market in a slump (with several government agencies
stating it is coming up) what do you see as one of the hard-
est thing that people are having with finding jobs and in
not just getting a pay check, but preparing the children for the
future.
My last thought is that, there is a lack of trust on the parents be-
half. I’m speaking as a grown up, because I was once a kid and I
didn’t do everything my teacher wanted me to do. So parents
help the teachers, help you, help the children.
Education is a big part of succeeding in your career, but with
the economy the way it is and the rising costs of tuitions in
college and in some cases private high school institutions. We
understand that there are grants and scholarships but to get
them now a days it is even harder because
now everyone is trying to get these funds
and companies are taking their scholar-
ships away due to loss of revenue. What
other options do you suggest that youth
and the parents look to do in order to
make the opportunity to go to a good
school available?
As a parent who may not have the finances
to send them to a school, networking can
play a key role. Sometimes it’s not what you
know it’s who you know. What I have seen
and have done, is to change where I live
democratically. Yes, it’s a sacrifice, but in
order for your child to make it in life we as
parents have to be willing to make a change.
What are your favorite things about your
position; what makes your day the most
exciting and what is it that is the down
points about your position?
My favorite position is that I get to em-
power other people. There is nothing like
seeing someone else able to take care of his/
her family. What’s also exciting, is when you
can take something old and make it new, or building something
where other people can enjoy what you built. For all business out
there, the down point would be a lost in the profit margin. Also,
some cases keeping their jobs?
With the situation the way it is, people have to make some
big decisions on what type of job they would have to take.
There are jobs out there, the question is, what are you going to
take. I once took a job at Kohl’s, and it had nothing to do with
my career. You see I knew that I wasn’t going to be there for
the rest of my life. When you have a family to take care of,
you have to do what you have to do, in order to make ends
meet. But I would say this, always keep your dreams and busi-
ness in front of you. Things happen in life, that will try and
take you off course, stay focus and stay encourage and keep it
moving straight ahead.
Job skills in some cases are becoming
very hard to come by through educa-
tional methods due to most people
spending more time working to make
ends meet and people cannot seem to
find the time to go back to school. Do
you feel there should be more compa-
nies holding job skill workshops to help
their employees educate themselves?
That’s a great opportunity for the em-
ployee, however, a lot of employers have
felt the blunt of the economy. This caused
them to eliminate some programs that the
employer had to offer.
What are your thoughts on mentoring?
Was there a mentor in your life as you
were growing up and what stood out
about your mentor?
I believe in it and there should be more
positive mentors out there. My uncle was
my mentor. And what stood out about
him was his character on how he dis-
played it in settings, I guess on how he conducted himself as a
man. I would say this, just because you have things in life
doesn’t make you a mentor. Because, without those things
who are you. It’s your character within you, that defines you.
What was your childhood like in school; most youth struggle
with fitting in and some play the game of flying under the ra-
dar in order not to be bullied or teased. Where did you fit in as
a youth?
For me, I grew up with my family encouraging me, that I can do
anything that I put my mind to. So out of that confidence was in-
stilled in me, so if you liked me or not, I didn’t care. My family
was the ones who gave me that power to be confidant of myself.
One thing I know and learned, even being a grownup I see people
still trying to bully and tease other people. One thing I know if
God before you, no man can come against you. Know your self
worth, and know that you are valuable and
you have something to offer society.
What advice could you give our readers
about the following things; education, ca-
reer goals, personal growth when related to
your career, and what steps do I take to
keep my head above water in the curr
ent economy?
Education: Pursue education, but pursue it
with the gift that is inside of you. Therefore
you won’t be going to school and getting into
debt for something you are not going to like.
Career goals: Make sure your goals is some-
thing that the world will always need. In doing
this you will be marketable
Personal growth when related to your career:
One should stay current with the codes and the
materials in the city of where you live. For
me, my personal growth is in my faith, which
allows me to be compassionate, merciful, for-
giving, just and fair.
Keeping your head above water: Try not to
live above your means, be content in every
season, always be willing to help someone
else, be willing to take advice, adjust your marketing strategy, last
but not least, always put your trust in GOD!!
E 4 KIDS
E 4 KIDS
I can ever even image. I am
essentially a catalyst in people
and companies lives and get I
paid for it too J!
Okay, okay…you may be
wondering, Dee, this sounds all
great and makes me feel really
warm in the heart, but how do I
do this job? What does it take?
And that’s a great question and
first let me start out with saying
bills are paid, vacations are
taken, marriages are planned,
education taken and paid for,
and I can go on and on and
on…
The average person would
consider me to be a headhunter,
but I know my job is about so
much more. Being a recruiter
allows me to fulfill a much
larger purpose far beyond what
Can you describe your
career for our readers?
What are the specific job
responsibilities of your
career choice?
My official title is Recruiter
but only one word can truly
describe what I do and that is
matchmaking. Yes, it’s just
that simple… I actually have
the best job in the entire
world because I get to
introduce people to new
careers, new companies, new
salaries, new commutes, new
benefits, new titles, new
advancements, and new
opportunities. And because of
that small introduction I get to
change lives in a very positive
way. New home are
purchased and built, cars are
bought, clothes are bought,
Dee Williams is one of the Top Global Recruiter Trainers and Coaches in the world. She is the owner of
Identifize Consulting and offers more than 19 years of recruiter coaching & training experience to
independent recruiters, corporate recruiters, and staffing firms around the world. Reforming the staffing
and recruiting function is her specialty and equipping talent with the right knowledge to succeed is her
passion.
Dee also has both the experience and ability to educate and inspire people from all walks of life. It has been
said that, "Dee can unlock the internal motivation from within using her authentic approach of enthusiasm,
passion, and energy."
Ms. Williams is the moderator of 9 LinkedIn Groups and has a growing social media following. Feel Free to
connect with Dee via Twitter:http://twitter.com/no1networker and LinkedIn (25K+ 1st level
Connections):http://www.linkedin.com/in/deewilliamsga
Companies You
The Recruiter
Job Seekers and Everyone else in the world
Get to help companies find great talent Get to work with leading companies and top in-dustry executives Get to fill the needs of critical positions that are needed to help companies function
< You You> < You You> < You You>
YOU are now replenishing the world’s economy!
Get to help job seekers find jobs that may not be normally advertised. Get to introduce jobs to passive job seekers (people who are not necessarily looking for a new job, but would be open to hearing about new job opportunities if the right op-portunity was presented to them). Get to create your own brand and become an industry expert as a recruiting profes-sional to attract the type of companies, jobs, and candidates needed to replenish the world’s economy.
personality is the #1 factor. This is a people business, if you
do not like people or are afraid of people this may not be
the best career choice for you (laught). But if you can
hardly stay in your seat for five minutes without smiling,
you think quick on your feet, love technology, love talking
to people and building relationships then this would be a
great career choice for you. You will need all of these
personality traits because you will be on the phone talking
to potential hiring managers/HR Managers, you will be
speaking to job seekers and anybody else who may be a
potential candidate for you to place into a new job. You will
become an investigator by conducting research online,
newspapers, magazines, listservs, social media, schools,
churches, clubs & organizations, networking events,
conferences & conventions, job boards, and many more
places to find the right talent. You will also work with the
world’s leading cutting edge companies to help find this
talent.
So, as you can see I really enjoy what I do for a living
right? Well, that is only one part of what I do. I am the
owner of a small boutique consulting firm by the name of
Identifize Consulting, and not only do find talent for companies,
but I walk into companies all over the world and train their them
and their staff on how to run an efficient recruiting process. Yep,
I train recruiters. And guess what else, my company offers
online courses for individuals who are interested in becoming
recruiters or starting their own recruiting firm. Finally, who
better to offer you career advice and resume writing services
then a bunch of recruiting professionals right? So, that’s what I
do. I run that engine every day and get to work with awesome
people and amazing companies every day…I change lives on
many different levels!
As we all know most of the time when you are hired in a
specific job/career this position expands into covering some
areas that are not in your job description. What can you say
has been some of responsibilities that you have taken on that
were not in your initial job description?
Wow…this is a great question. In the world of staffing and
recruiting you are dealing with people, and people come with
circumstances and situations…it’s called life. And just like
life is happening for the people you are working with and/or
for, your financial life depends on what you do too right? So,
in the world of staffing, if a candidate does not show up for
work or misses his interview, it could affect your paycheck
in some form or fashion. But there is another aspect to this
scenario that has not been mentioned. What if that person
didn’t show up because one or both of his parents died
suddenly, or he/she was in a horrible car accident, or she
doesn’t have daycare today or he does not have
transportation today? How do you handle those things right?
Because you have a commitment to the company but you
have one to the candidate/employee as well.
With that said, counselor would be a responsibility that I
don’t believe is in the job description of a recruiter but
should be. Do you know I have talked a guy of the ledge
before (laughing), no seriously. Life happens to all of us, but
I am thankful that I have been given an opportunity to impact
peoples lives in a positive way. Recruiting, training,
coaching, resume writing, hiring, they all come with
additional responsibilities, but because I love what I do so much,
they just become a part of the business.
Were your thoughts as a young person to actually get into the
job/career that you are in right now? And what if any would it
has been if you didn’t get into the career you are in now?
No…lol! I wanted to be a dancer for Alvin Alley for many years,
and then I thought, maybe I would do better as a shrink because
people are always coming to me with their problems right, and I
seem to do pretty good and at least making them feel better for a
minute…lol. Then, I decided that I want to own a strip mall and a
network of girl’s homes across the world (I still want to do that…
lol), and finally I decided that I just wanted to own a number of
businesses, impact the world not only through my businesses but
though my motivational speaking, books, radio/talk show, and
training seminars.
So, no, I did not grow up saying, “I want to be a recruiter when I
grow up.”. However, I am thankful that I get to visit schools all
over the nation to educate our youth of what it means to be a
recruiter and helping them too find their own career bliss.
Can you explain to our readers what educational
background it takes to get into the career and position
that you are in now? And what is the educational
background that it takes to continue in this career and/
or advance in this career?
Well for a career in staffing and recruiting it is
recommended that you have a four-year degree in business
or marketing but you can still excel in this career without a
degree. This business is about people and depending on the
approach that you take with this business will determine
who important that degree requirement really is.
What are your favorite things about your position; what
makes your day the most exciting and what is it that is
the down points about your position?
Oooh, my favorite question (laughs), I love presenting a
new job opportunity to a potential job seekers. I love talking
to potential resume clients who have realized they can do
better, because they have this fire to them, and it gives me
an opportunity to show them options. I love going into
companies around the world to assess their recruiting
function. I get to see what’s broken and develop a plan of
action to get it fixed. I am like the mechanical engineering
of Recruiting LOL! I love the people that I get to meet
when I talk about or teach one of my classes. The change in
each student is almost immediate! How about when I call a
candidate to extend the job offer? It’s a feeling that can
never be duplicated even though it happens over and over
again. Ahhh, I really enjoy every phase of the job.
Most youth and also some adults believe that as
executives and bosses your day is sometimes the easiest
because they think your position is to boss people
around. Can you walk us through a normal day at work
when you get in until the time you leave?
Sure, but I must admit that I don’t work a typical day.
Sometimes I work from my office, but sometimes I work
from my Client’s offices. I also travel a lot, but…if I were
in the office, I would first check my calendar to see if I am
in the office all day, who my first client appointment is with
and regarding. I check emails, make and return phone calls,
and work on a number of projects throughout the day
(usually many). The bigger the title the more responsibility
you have. People don’t get paid all that money without their
being a large amount of responsibilities behind those checks
right? I mean, if a company goes down, that CEO goes
down with it lol!
In your position/career do you manage a group of people
and what do you feel makes a great manager/supervisor?
How should a manager/supervisor look at managing a
group of people with the different attitudes and skills?
In my career, I mange companies and people and there is a
recipe to being a great manager and managing a great team:
Patience
Staying humble
Open communication (get to know your people, what their
career goals are, what they like and don’t like about what they
do, and most importantly, what they would do differently.
Great ideas sometimes come from the most unlikely sources…
so create that internal idea-sharing networks, have that career
development meeting once a month, you get it. Look, the
bottom line is listen, learn, and communicate.
Always inspiring and motivating
Knowing when to lead and when to support
Knowing how to delegate to promote internal growth
Quick thinker and not afraid to take chances
Knows the business and the rules of the space that they are
working in so they clearly know their boundaries (what they
can and cannot do. This will always come in handy).
With the economy the way it is and the job market in a
slump (with several government agencies stating it is
coming up) what do you see as one of the hardest thing
that people are having with finding jobs and in some cases
keeping their jobs?
I don’t agree that the job market is in a slump. Coming from
the perspective of a recruiter, we can tell you when the market
is in a slump and right now, it may be a bit tight, but a slump
is not where we are. We have seen worst for sure.
Now, there is a portion of the economy who is not working for
many different reasons, too many to list here today, but to
answer your question, the hardest thing that people are having
with finding jobs is understanding the job market and
presenting themselves well. The job search is not as easy as it
used to be where you can just post a resume or walk into a
company and fill out an application and wait for the call back.
Oh no, it’s not that way at all anymore really. Having an
online presence, having the ability to be found by recruiters,
and networking is the secret formula behind job searching
now. If job seekers are not doing those things then they will
forever have a hard time finding a job.
And as far as keeping a job, most jobs have no guarantee of an
end date, that’s why it’s important to constantly keep your
resume and LinkedIn profile up to date and for you to be
easily searchable and findable by recruiters.
Job skills in some cases are becoming very hard to
come by through educational methods due to most
people spending more time working to make ends
meet and people cannot seem to find the time to go
back to school. Do you feel there should be more
companies holding job skill workshops to help their
employees educate themselves?
Yes I do! It would be beneficial to not just the employees
but to the company as a whole. It would become a form
of cross-training for the company and would ultimately
decrease their employee retention rates.
However, I would like to lightly mention that companies
have to start being more open to hiring professionals who
have online degrees or vocational certificates too. There
are many people out there who have gone back to school
or have received that additional training and companies
are still not willing to give them an opportunity because
the credentials did not come from Harvard, or MIT.
In my opinion, job skills should not start at the hands of
the employer, but the educational school systems, and at an
Elementary level. If we can educate our youth at an early age, then
by the time they graduate from high school they will have a more
clear direction of what they want to do. That means, not just
teaching technology and professional services, but teaching blue-
collar skills as well. As long as we have homes, cars, and buildings,
some sort of infrastructure, we will always need some kind of
tradesmen right?
What are your thoughts on mentoring? Was there a mentor in
your life as you were growing up and what stood out about your
mentor?
Mentoring is super important, and we are working on a mentoring
program now which will support youth organizations nationwide.
You will hear me speak all of the time about having a mentor,
having a coach. We understand that we know of a lot of things, but
this life we live in is about perception, and things look different
when you are looking at them, or when they are looking at you.
They look different when you write them down, when you hear
them, when you feel them, and when you go through them right?
So, having someone to share your thoughts, concerns, plans, and
goals with is critical. And just to be clear, they are not there to tell
you what you SHOULD do, or how you should do it. That is for
you to figure out on your own, but a true coach, a true mentor will
open your ears, mind, and eyes to options and possibilities. They
will help you create a roadmap that will lead you to your
destination. Now, that may be in written format, through various
exercises, or it may be through the things that they say. In any case,
you would be investing in yourself and what better investment to
make other than in you.
What was your childhood like in school; most youth struggle
with fitting in and some play the game of flying under the radar
in order not to be bullied or teased. Where did you fit in as a
youth?
That’s a good question. I was not the best student actually. I was
really smart and in mostly all honors classes, but I really allowed
other things to distract me, so I just stayed above water. My mother
always thought that I was extra smart but really bored with the
work given, which is probably why I allowed other outside
distractions, and she may have been right. She got my brother tested
later on and that was the case for him, so that could have been the
case for me as well.
In any case, I have always had a way with people and
communicating with people, so that worked well in my favor in
school. I have always been really good with fitting into every group
or clique in some way or fashion. Both great for what I do today in
my career.
What advice could you give our readers about the
following things; education, career goals, personal
growth when related to your career, and what steps
do I take to keep my head above water in the current
economy?
My advice to readers would be to think about what you
enjoying doing and what you are good at. That’s a great
place to start. In most cases, our purpose has to do with
one of those two things, and if you can figure that out,
you have a starting point. Next is research. Make sure you
have a clear understanding of what you want to do and
how to get there. Oh, don’t be afraid to hire a Career
Coach. They can be a guide for you in assisting you with
your career path. Finally, I just want to note that not
everybody is meant to work for someone else. Some
people are natural born entrepreneurs and do not thrive in
the common workplace. If they do not recognize this,
they will “job hop” all of their lives and ultimately have a
hard time finding stability, so again, it’s very important to
recognize this within yourself.
Listen, if you don’t enjoy what you do every day when
you wake up in the morning then you are not doing the
right thing! You are just coasting and excepting just
enough to get by…content. Now, let me tell you this, as
true as I speak these words, you deserve to be happy and
you deserve to live the life that you choose to live, and it is
you, and only you, who can determine the type of life that
you choose to live.
Can you describe your career for our readers? What are the
specific job responsibilities of your career choice?
I have been an educator for the past 18 years come this May. I am
a Health/Physical Educator and my responsibility is to education
children of the importantly of their physical well being.
As we all know most of the time when you are hired in a spe-
cific job/career this position expands into covering some areas
that are not in your job description. What can you say has
been some of responsibilities that you have taken on that were
not in your initial job description?
I am Head yearbook sponsor.
Were your thoughts as a young person to actually get into the
job/career that you are in right now? And what if any would it
has been if you didn’t get into the career you are in now?
When I was a senior at Dunbar Voc. High School my major was
accounting but when I went to college I thought I wanted to be-
come a nurse. After changing my major to non preference. I had a
Cobb County Public School/Cooper Middle
School
Teaching students the basic activities that in-
volve physical education while promoting
healthy life styles for the future. Conducted
skill/written tests to ensure academic achieve-
ment levels are reached. Recorded attendance
and prepared grades for parent/teacher.
Raised money for Hoops for heart and de-
signed and implement Cooper’s gym uniform.
Supervised the intramural before school
sports program. Yearbook/financial advisory
of yearbook activities
CERTIFICATIONS
Education Leadership P-12 grades
Health/Physical Education P-12 grades
EDUCATION
Bachelors of Science in Education - 1992 -
DePaul University, Chicago IL.
Master of School Administration – 2008 Grand
Canyon University, Phoenix, Az.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Chair/Founder of Dunbar Vocational Career
Academy Scholarships/ Picnic Committee
Co-Chair of Archer Booster Club-2010
Member of Kappa Delta Pi - International
Honor Society in Education-March 2008 –
2009
Lifetime Member of Dunbar Vocational High
School Alumni Member Since 2004
Member of Georgia Association of Educators
Since 2006
Member of Georgia Association of Educators
Since 2006
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, Hall of
Fame Inductee 2005
All American in Track in Field Chicago, 1986
Four Year Track Athletic Scholarships, 1986,
Michigan State University, Lasing MI.
Two Year Track Athletic Scholarship, 1988,
DePaul University Chicago, IL.
teacher to sit me down and had me to really think about what
I wanted to do after college. I wanted a job where I can be
myself and give back at the same time.
Can you explain to our readers what educational back-
ground it takes to get into the career and position that
you are in now? And what is the educational background
that it takes to continue in this career and/or advance in
this career?
To be a Health/Physical Teacher you will have to take a lot
of Science classes. Most of the people that went to school
with me became Doctors or RN. People have always stereo-
type Health/Physical Teacher by thinking that all we do is
play but as a stated before I took classes like Kinetic, Anat-
omy and Physiology to be the teacher that I am today.
What do you think is the state of our educational system
today compared to how it was in the past? What do you
feel is a possible solution to our educational system and
how do you think we could implement programs to make
these changes?
I believe that if something does give soon our Public educa-
tional system will be danger of collapsing soon. Back me. The
day people respected the Public educational system but today it
seems as we have no respect at all. I would say the first thing
that should happen is that our parents of today really need to
get back to basic and start teaching their children at home from
day one and stop waiting on the first day if school. If we can
put more pressure at home as we do on our teachers then that
will be a start. To me some students are not being taught the
basic things of respect, pride, discipline and just knowing their
place as a child.
In some cases our youth and some adults feel that the sys-
tem is failing our youth due to the factors of raises and bo-
nuses for the teachers. Granted there are several great
teachers out there and trust me I have a few, but there have
been some that have been questionable. But the question-
able do not seem to be put on the carpet to answer for the
actions or in some cases the lack of action they take to teach
the youth. What are your feelings and thoughts on this?
What raises what bonus?
I have been teaching for 18 years and I will tell you I have not
seen anything but increase numbers in the classroom and a de-
crease on my pay check. I cannot say why some teachers are
not doing their job but as for myself I give all my students
100% of my time and I treat them all as if they were my own
children. But I will say some teachers have lost their drive to
teach because if the lack of respect that they are receiving from
the nation. For me, it is not about the money because we do not
make what we should make for me it's about taking a child and
helping them to become the best that they can be for the future.
Education is a big part of succeeding in your career, but
with the economy the way it is and the rising costs of tui-
tions in college and in some cases private high school insti-
tutions. We understand that there are grants and scholar-
ships but to get them now a days it is even harder because
now everyone is trying to get these funds and companies
are taking their scholarships away due to loss of revenue.
What other options do you suggest that youth and the par-
ents look to do in order to make the opportunity to go to a
good school available?
I can only speak for my own in what work for me and my fam-
ily. I started my children off in sports at a very early age to get
them involved as well as to keep them busy. Now my son did
not get in sort of scholarship but that was his choice but my
daughter she is receiving a track scholarship this year and be-
lieve me and you it has been a long hard road for us all.
My husband and I had to make sacrifice to help our
daughter reach this point. I can also tell you that so par-
ents are not willing to make a sacrifice for their child
they are more concern about self. This is just my opin-
ion.
What are your favorite things about your position;
what makes your day the most exciting and what is it
that is the down points about your position?
There is no down point position as an education until I
have no support from the parent but I live what I do no
matter what.
In your position/career do you manage a group of
people and what do you feel makes a great manager/
supervisor?
How should a manager/supervisor look at managing a
group of people with the different attitudes and skills? I
manage children and as an educator you must love all
children and believe at all children can learn.
With the economy the way it is and the job market in
a slump (with several government agencies stating it
is coming up) what do you see as one of the hardest
thing that people are having with finding jobs and in
some cases keeping their jobs?
Some people are lacking the skills that current jobs are
looking for while some people are too highly qualified
and the jobs don't want to pay the high cost to hire them.
Job skills in some cases are becoming very hard to
come by through educational methods due to most
people spending more time working to make ends
meet and people cannot seem to find the time to go
back to school. Do you feel there should be more
companies holding job skill workshops to help their
employees educate themselves?
Yes all employees should want their entire employee to
better themselves but as we both know most companies
will not because they will not what to give them raises.
What are your thoughts on mentoring? Was there a
mentor in your life as you were growing up and what
stood out about your mentor?
Mentoring are good but I do it think they should take the
place of the parent. Yes I had man y mentors but I also had
supporting parents teaching me the value if life as well as
respecting myself as well as others.
What was your childhood like in school; most youth
struggle with fitting in and some play the game of flying
under the radar in order not to be bullied or teased.
Where did you fit in as a youth?
I was a true track star in high school where I earned a 4 year
track scholarship to attend college.
What advice could you give our readers about the follow-
ing things; education, career goals, personal growth when
related to your career, and what steps do I take to keep
my head above water in the current economy?
I would say it is never too late to go back to school and far-
ther your educational process. My mother went back to
school to earn her GED after I graduated from HS and she
beat me through College and followed her dream if being an
excellent educator. With the economy being the way that it is
I think being in school is where many people should be.
Escapades Magazine announces the new internet radio show called “Red Means Go” and “Turning Point” with
co-host Patricia Urbonas Clark and co-host Ric Morgan.
Join Patricia Urbonas Clark and co-host Ric Morgan as they take questions from callers and dispense advice to
all. “Red Means Go” will air twice a month on Thursdays from 2:00pm to 2:30pm and air live.
Then join Patricia Urbonas Clark and co-host Ric Morgan on alternate Thursdays on their show “Turning Point”
from 2:00pm to 2:30pm as they interview people from various industries and various backgrounds and discuss
career choices, education, and career advancements.
For more information please contact Escapades Magazine at [email protected] or call us at
872-223-3764 (Ask for Chris or Pippa).
General Public
Future radio hosts/broadcasting students, or parents interested in developing your youths experience in various
career fields.
For more information contact us at [email protected] or call us at 872-223-3764.
Hello Escapades Family and Friends! It is my
honor and privilege to debut my new column:
WORDS FROM A PHAT GIRL. But first, let
me introduce myself.
Kathleen Blade, actress, host, model, and a
graduate of The University of Chicago (2002),
entered the entertainment industry in July
2011 after working as a School Social Worker
for 12 years. She has been involved with nu-
merous projects
ranging from
Indy films: (Mordy to the Max,
The Preacher’s Kids, The Di-
vorced Dudes, Newton’s Third
Law, Wishing, The Ken Sculli-
gan Documentary, The Inter-
view with a Client, No Solicit-
ing, and New Day. Modeling:
(Lane Bryant-Chicago Fashion
Week, Premiere One Studio-
Ole School Runway Show,
Exotic Faces of Beauty- Af-
riche Runway Show), and a
presenter at the 32nd An-
nual Chicago Music Awards-2013 . Television: (Boss-
Starz Network, Chicagolicious-Style Network, and Find
Our Missing-TVONE). Commercial-”She’s Engaged-
Hallmark-Evolve IMG Digital. Video- Poetry Video titled:
Unused Potential by Chris “Chi-town” Brown and Thea-
ter: The Real Weight of a Woman. She has been fea-
tured in Full Figured Magazine (1/13), Daily Diva Venus
(12/12), Escapades Magazine (12/12) and The Chicago
Sun- Times (4/11). Kathleen was named in the Top 12 of
2012-Chicago’s Top Full –Figured Influencers of the
year by Full Figured Magazine. She is also a columnist
for Escapades Magazine, Words from a Phat Girl, pre-
mieres March 2013. In September 2012, Kathleen
launched her own internet radio show titled: The Phat
Girl Show: POSITIVE HEALTHY AND TEMPTING. This
show educates, inspires, and uplifts women of all
shapes and sizes. The show airs on intellectualra-
dio.com . She serves on the board of direc-
tors for The Arts of Humanity organization
(fashionfetishfete.org) and Voices of Champi-
ons (a domestic violence advocacy organiza-
tion). Kathleen is a member of Universal Crea-
tivity-an organization of artist that use their
talent to rebuild and redevelop communities.
She is currently a student at Sarantos Acting
Studio with Ted Sarantos. Kathleen has a
passion for giving back to the community and
mentors many youth.
Words from a Phat Girl is dedicated to em-
powering, inspiring, and educating all women!
It is my mission to encourage women to be
their best emotionally, physically, and spiritu-
ally. I welcome your questions and comments. You can
find me on Facebook: KAT BLADE-THE PHAT GIRLS
SHOW OR KAT BLADE and Twitter@KATHLEEN
BLADE. I Look forward to hearing from you. Remember
to stay PHAT: POSITIVE HEALTHY AND TEMPTING!
WORDS FROM A PHAT GIRL by KAT BLADE
P.H.A.T.
Positive
Healthy
And
Tempting
THE FIRST MENTORING FASHION
MAGAZINE…
DISCOVER SOME OF THE NEWEST
MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, DESIGN-
ERS, STYLISTS AND OTHER FASHION
INDUSTRY NEWCOMERS.
Photography by
Michael Anthony
Richardson
