Meet The writers
DR. LOUIS WILFORD, DBA
Business | Leadership
Dr. Louis D. Wilford has over 14 years of leadership experience working in Corporate America as a Corporate Microbiologist in Technical Services and his current role as a Training Manager in Organizational Development. Dr. Wilford received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology/Health Science from Alcorn State University, Masters of Business Administration from Belhaven University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration specializing in leadership from Walden University. He has had a rewarding career in the realm of professional development and trains over 17,000 people annually. Dr. Wilford facilitates various leadership topics, including Diversity and Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, Team Dynamics, Team Building, and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He has created professional development programs for hourly employees, middle management, and upper management. Dr. Wilford is also the founder of The Wilford Group, LLC, Iron-Talk Sessions podcast, and The Iron Academy Leadership Development Program.
DR. BRANDI WILFORD, DNP
Health
Dr. Brandi Wilford, DNP, RN has been a registered nurse for 13 years with experience in emergency medicine. She completed the Associate Degree nursing program at Jones College, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi, and her Masters and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees with a focus in Public Health Administration from the University of South Alabama. Brandi has been a Practical Nursing instructor at Jones College since 2016 and serves as a Doctor of Nursing Practice Chair at Grand Canyon University. Her passion is to educate, support, and lead in health care.
LESLIE K WILFORD
Money | Finance
Mr. Leslie K. Wilford is currently the Depot/Fleet Management Branch Chief, AFLCMC/WWQ, F-15 System Program Office, Fighter-Bomber Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Materiel Command, Robins AFB, Georgia. He leads a multi-command, multi-service team of 27 people responsible for all Depot and Fleet Management activities associated with 463 F-15 C/D/E aircraft at 12 locations worldwide. Mr. Wilford was born in Tucson, Arizona, 27 Sept 63.
He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and entered the United States Air Force in 1986 through Louisiana State University’s Det 10 Air Force ROTC program and is also a graduate of Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, has a Master Degree from Lesley University in Business/Management. He is currently active duty Air Force career, he has held positions at the squadron, wing, and headquarters level. His Air Force career began as a missile launch officer at F.E. Warren AFB, WY holding jobs as flight deputy, commander and instructor. As an acquisition officer, he has worked on numerous major weapons system programs such as B-2, TSSAM, JSTARS, OSA/VIPSAM, C-130, C-5 and C-17. Prior to assuming his position as the F-15 Depot/Fleet Management Branch Chief, he was the Chief, Structures and Modification for the C-130 Hercules Division and the Chief, Program Analysis section for the C-17 System Program Office.
EDUCATION:
1986 BS in Mechanical Engineering, Southern University, Baton Rouge, La
1989 MS Management with Business Applications, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
1991 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
2000 Air Command and Staff College by Seminar, Scott Air Force Base, IL
2002 Defense System Management College, Defense Acquisition University, Ft Belvoir, VA
DEIDRE SPEARS
Criminal Justice | Real Estate
EMAIL:
dspears.blackvybez@gmail.com
My name is Deidre Spears and I hail from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I have been married to my wife, Staci, for 3 years, and I have a 19 year old daughter, Jordyn. I moved to Texas in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, and shortly after began a successful career here in criminal justice. I am also a licensed real estate agent, as it affords me another opportunity to serve people which is what I love to do. I am appreciative to be able to offer my insight to Black Vybez, and look forward to many years of connecting with you all through my words.
SHAWN KELLEY
Literature | Short Stories
EMAIL:
skelley.blackvybez@gmail.com
Shawn Kelley is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana native and resident of Savannah, Georgia. He developed a love for poetry as a teenager but chose another path in life that continuously led to several dead ends. It wasn't until his adult years and during a troubled time in his life when he realized he had been blessed with the gift of creative writing. During that time he began to better his relationship with God as he was led on a new journey. Shawn's destiny is to be a writer and succeed at doing so.
DAVIEN NEAL
Spirituality
EMAIL:
dneal.blackvybez@gmail.com
My name is Davien Neal also known as Ausere. Born and raised in the Carolinas, I had a passion for music and art at a very young age. That passion led me to become a recording artist. After being a part of the music scene I had a major breakthrough in which I gained knowledge of self. This knowledge led me down a deep path of self discovery in which I found my gifts of working with energy and the spiritual elements. I had several master teachers who encouraged me along the way. They encouraged me to use my gifts to uplift. That encouragement is what led me to where I am today. I'm currently the owner and founder of House Of Ancestors LLC. We offer one on one consultations on spiritual topics such as dream symbolism, astral travel, and manifestation. The most valuable thing that I can offer is information based on my own experiences, in which I have experienced a lot. What good is knowledge not applied? What good are your gifts, if you can't share them with the world? My goal is to inspire others through spiritual concepts and help them transform their experience. This is what drives me. This is my purpose.
EMAIL:
ldavis.blackvybez@gmail.com
Mental Health
LATASHA DAVIS, LCSW
Just as friends and loved ones will, please do call her "Tasha"; she prefers! Tasha started her psychological journey as a poverty stricken youth with experiences involving childhood trauma, tragedy, and homelessness as a single mother of two. She has had many adventures and triumphs and does not have a problem sharing to help someone heal. Besides, as she states, "it's all just lessons".
Since becoming a survivor, the well known owner of Asteria Psychotherapeutic Interventions has earned a Master's degree in Social Work and has worked with multiple agencies and clients in the mental health field. She is what some might call a "new" kind of therapist! Hiking, dancing, billiards...she knows how to unwind and cope with everyday stressors. She will teach you to do the same.
Introducing, Latasha Davis; single mom, solopreneur, agency owner, Social Worker and Psychotherapist.
Life, Love, and Relationships
RICK WILFORD
Hailing from Gary, IN, currently residing in San Diego, CA. He is a Freelance Writer and Blogger(therealwil.com), and is a descriptive visionary of words and short stories. In 2017, released a series of books (Light in Darkness, Living Without a Limp, so What to Do when It’s Not Your Turn) and anthologies of his blog pieces (Contemplation: The Power of Thought Living without limits, literary works evolves into song writer and poetry). His motto is, “Stay Free and Creative.”
Books to Read - #FundTheMentals
JERID WOODS
Jerid P. Woods also known as Akili Nzuri is a writer, educator, PhD Candidate, and literary influencer. He was born and raised in Natchez, Ms and survives on an unwavering passion to ignite a passion for reading in the youth and exists as a living testimony to the power of shared stories and knowing one's self. He is the owner and creator of Ablackmanreading.com and the Instagram blog: @ablackmanreading.
The Reverend Dr. Oscar Terrance Moses is the second child of the late Oscar Moses and Rosetta Moses-Hill and the fifth generation to preach the gospel. He serves as the 24th Pastor of the historic Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dr. Moses is a graduate of Mendel Catholic Preparatory High School of Chicago. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Religious Studies from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. On June 6, 2000 he received his Masters of Arts in Theological Studies from McCormick Theological Seminary. On May 21, 2001, he received a Certificate of Completion for one extended unit of level one CPE by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. at Advocate South Suburban Hospital. Dr. Moses is a Mckissick Carter Fellow graduate of the United Theological Seminary where he earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree in 2014. His dissertation was focused on Preaching That Challenges Congregations to Transform Community Hopelessness to Hope and Beyond.
Dr. Moses has a passion for “soul winning”. His commitment to teaching the Word of God has inspired the development of W.A.R. (Word of God, Applied, Rightly) Bible Study.
Dr. O. T. MOSES
VybeNTalk | Inspiration
A native New Orleanian whose love of cooking started at the age 10. She learned to cook with the help of her Aunt Pat because of her love of watching Justin Wilson and all the cooks of WYES on Saturday mornings but also, due to her mother and father working long hours as entrepreneurs. She is the owner and operator of Bella_Delish LLC located in New Orleans La. She is also the creator of the Neaux Ya Sauce line of sauces and dips. She is a mother, entrepreneur and community support organizer.
FRANCITTA CLEMONS
Food and Recipes
Ashley K Williams
Marketing
Ashley K. Williams is originally born and raised in Memphis, TN. She relocated to Dallas, TX about 9 years ago after graduating from The University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. She possessed a strong passion to chase her dreams and create a new life herself. By the age of 27, she knew that she wanted more for herself, so she extended her education and went to grad school at Southern New Hampshire University where she obtained my Masters Degree in Communications, New Media and Marketing. And no yall, she isn't done yet! She plans to take her education all the way. Her Doctorates Degree is in the making. With a robust Communications background and an emphasis in media and marketing, she aspires to take my dreams and goals to the next level.
