Reposted from Charlotte Business Journal
March 25, 2011
Age: 37
Current jobs: Professor, marketing/retail management, Johnson C. Smith University; founder and chief executive, YOUniversity Drive
Education: UNC Chapel Hill, B.A. in industrial relations, 1995; Wake Forest University, MBA in marketing, 2002
Career history: Ericsson Telecommunications, senior human resources consultant, 1997-2000; R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.,director of marketing, 2002-07; The LeilaCharles Group, managing partner, 2007- present; Johnson C. Smith, 2009- present; YOUniversity Drive, 2010-present
Family: Husband, Charles; son, Charles Michael, 4
Neighborhood: Stephens Grove
Greatest business accomplishment of the past year: Starting a business that focuses on the enrichment and education of youth
Greatest civic accomplishment of the past year: Utilized mentoring and marketing to sow seeds in students/mentees that hopefully will be reaped throughout their academic, personal and professional lives
Civic/volunteer activities: Rho Psi Omega chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, college outreach program; guest speaker for clubs and organizations
What you like best about living in the Charlotte region: Having lived in small towns and big cities, Charlotte offers a wonderful combination of the two.
The most important issue facing the region: The education crisis we are experiencing is frightening. If we are going to compete on a global level, we have to make a strong commitment to the education of our next generation of leaders.
Your most valued mentors: My parents, who instilled in me at an early the age the importance of a solid education and a strong work ethic
Last book read: The Dream Giver, Bruce Wilkinson
Last movie seen: Megamind
Last vacation: St. Kitts/Nevis
Favorite website: www.cnn.com
Favorite possessions: My family and friends, because they give me such unconditional love and support
Hobbies: Playing Ms. Pacman, bowling, dancing
Heroes: Selfless individuals who embrace servitude as their life’s purpose and always try to ease the paths of others
Fantasy job: Comedic actress
One-word description of self: Passionate