Meet the Mentors

Michelle Anderson

Michelle Anderson is an entrepreneur, mother, mentor, educator, and founder of Michelle and Hair. With more than 20 years of experience in business and leadership, she is passionate about helping young people build confidence, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and pursue their purpose. Through mentorship and real-world experience, Michelle empowers youth to dream bigger, overcome obstacles, and create opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Brayonna Harris

I am Brayonna Harris, Owner of 1st Step to Greatness Early Learning Academy and President of The kNOw Limits Foundation. I am a passionate entrepreneur, educator, nonprofit leader, and community advocate with more than 18 years of experience serving children, families, and communities.

In 2007, I founded 1st Step to Greatness with a vision of creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where children could learn, grow, and develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in life. What began as a passion for helping families has grown into a thriving early learning academy dedicated to preparing children for greatness through education, character development, and meaningful family engagement.

  • As President of The kNOw Limits Foundation, I am committed to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating opportunities that help communities thrive. Through mentorship, education, outreach, and strategic partnerships, I work to remove barriers and inspire others to recognize their potential and pursue their goals without limitations.

    As a proud Phoenix native, entrepreneur, and stroke survivor, I understand firsthand the power of resilience, perseverance, faith, and determination.

    Whether I am advocating for children, supporting families, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, or leading community initiatives, my mission is to inspire greatness, create lasting impact, and remind others that their circumstances do not define their future.

Keosha Hooks

Keosha Hooks is a Field Account Manager with UnitedHealthcare, entrepreneur, and community leader with a passion for helping others grow and succeed. With over 20 years of experience in customer service, health care, and community engagement, she is dedicated to empowering individuals through education, mentorship, and meaningful connections.

In addition to her professional career, Keosha is the owner of Fresh Peak Juice, a wellness-focused business that promotes healthy living through handcrafted cold-pressed juices. She is also actively involved in community service and youth development initiatives, where she enjoys encouraging young people to pursue their goals, build confidence, and recognize their potential.

Keosha believes that every young person deserves positive role models, opportunities to learn, and support to help them thrive. She is honored to serve as a mentor assistant and looks forward to making a positive impact in the lives of youth in South Phoenix.  

Alexys Jack

Alexys Jack, owner of Alexys Brandon Photography, is a brand photographer that specializes in women in business, artist, and creator of the Killer Confidence Framework.

Through her work, she doesn’t just photograph women, she teaches them how to be confident in their bodies, take up space, and be seen without apology.

Her approach bridges technical skill with embodiment, helping photographers create images that feel as powerful as they look.

Taijia Diggs

My name is Tajia Diggs, LCSW. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Valleywise Health, where I provide individual and family therapy services to youth, adults, and families. I am also the co-owner of Hot Sauce and Pepper®, a vegan food business focused on entrepreneurship, community wellness, and creating opportunities through food. In addition, I co-founded Zulu Fit Club, a community wellness initiative that promotes physical health, mental wellness, and leadership development. I am passionate about mentoring young people, helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and understand the realities and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Deja Robinson

Deja Robinson, is a Certified Personal Trainer, Corporate Leader, wife, mother, and community advocate passionate about helping women build strength, confidence, and healthier lifestyles. After transforming her own health through fitness, Deja discovered a passion for empowering others to realize their potential both inside and outside the gym.

Through strength training, mentorship, and encouragement, she creates supportive spaces where women can challenge themselves, develop confidence, and build sustainable habits that improve their quality of life. Her approach focuses on progress over perfection and helping people recognize their strength beyond physical appearance.

As a mentor, Deja believes that exposure, guidance, and community can change lives. She is committed to helping others develop discipline, resilience, and self-belief while demonstrating that lasting transformation is possible with consistency and support.


Bri Bucks

I am Bri Bucks, an entrepreneur, salon owner, and nonprofit founder passionate about helping others build successful businesses and meaningful careers. Over the past several years, I have grown All Mix'd Up Beauty Lounge into a thriving salon by developing talent, creating opportunities, and mentoring emerging professionals. I also founded SWIMBLK, a community-focused organization dedicated to increasing access to swimming, fitness, and education. I want to serve as a mentor because I believe young people benefit from honest conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the realities of building something from the ground up, and I’m excited to share both my successes and the lessons I've learned along the way.

Brotha Anthony

Brotha Anthony is a Phoenix, Arizona Native and has been on a mission well over the past decade to contribute to the empowerment of his community. Coming from a large family predominately hailing from South Phoenix where he has done much of his community work, as well as West Phoenix where he also grew up.

Brotha Anthony has directed multiple after school boys club programs for schools from South Phoenix to West Phoenix. He has also joined and collaborated with other great youth programs in the valley. He is the Author of the Children’s Book, “I Can’t Wait to Be A Man,” designed to empower young boys to look forward to Manhood.

The foundation of his community work started with his title as a spoken word artist, performing and hosting events across the valley which lead into his interest with working with youth, specifically the empowerment of young black men.

These days, as a Plumber by trade, Brotha Anthony looks to incorporate this skill with his mentorship to young men in his community.

Regina Reed

Regina is an experienced administrative and operations professional with more than 17 years of experience supporting and scaling startup organizations. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working at the intersection of finance, administration, and operations, helping companies build processes, establish infrastructure, and create sustainable workflows. Her unique role often involved identifying organizational needs, developing new positions, recruiting and training team members, and then transitioning those responsibilities as teams grew and matured. She spent those years operating as an independent consultant, sole proprietor under the business name Next Level Assist.

In addition to her professional experience, she has a passion for youth development and have curated and facilitated workshops focused primarily on empowering young girls through mentorship, leadership, and personal growth. Currently, she serves as Executive Assistant to the CEO of a feminist philanthropic organization, where she supports executive leadership and organizational initiatives.

On a personal note, Regina is a proud mother to two amazing young women, a literary creative, dabbling in poetry and writing, and recently published her first book and completed her second book.

Ciera Carter

Ciera Carter is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, mentor, and a serial volunteer with over 15 years of experience in business building and training others. Today, Ciera is the Owner of Carter's Mobile Notary, the #1 rated mobile notary service in Phoenix. With her passion for serving and helping others, Ciera works with nonprofits to help develop the careers of college students and the brands of small business owners. In addition, Ciera founded Carter's Notary Consulting where she teaches and empowers notaries across the country. Ciera is an award-winning mother who is passionate about empowering people with education, resources, and support. As well as, building businesses that add value to our community.


Regina Reed

This proud Chicago native has called Phoenix home since 2002. A multi-disciplined ballet dancer for almost 4 decades, Kara has dedicated her entire life to the arts.

Kara’s entrepreneurial spirit is as diverse as her dance background. As the Events Director for Arizona Association of Community Managers in Tempe, AZ, the founder of Kairos Wealth & Investments, aka “The Money Friend,” and volunteer with various community uplift projects, Ms. White is the definition of dedication. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, as well as an active member of several national business organizations. Kara served as Mrs. Arizona International 2015, and now coaches young women on their own pageant journey. During her reign, Kara founded @dancesoulfoundation - a local 501c3 non-profit organization that provides empowering and impactful programs encouraging youth to develop their passion in the creative and performing arts.

Her professional licenses and certifications include real estate broker, credit and lending, insurance, securities and investments, Paralegal, and commissioned notary public. In 2020, she launched the expansion of her own Financial Wellness firm - Kairos Wealth and Investments and is now the brains behind the brand “The Money Friend™.”

When she’s not closing deals in high heels, this Mom/GlamMom loves to travel, cook, relax at home or spend quality time with family and friends.

Whitney Lane

Whitney Lane, owner of @petalpeaceflowerco is a proud South Phoenix native, wife, mother, and real estate professional who is passionate about helping families and businesses find the perfect space to grow. With more than 20 years of experience working with youth in various capacities, Whitney has always found joy in encouraging young people to recognize their potential and dream beyond their circumstances. Through her own journey of leadership, pursuing new opportunities, and starting a business, she hopes to show young people that there is more than one path to success. Whitney is excited to mentor, uplift, and empower the next generation of South Phoenix leaders to dream big and pursue their goals with confidence.

Anneke Marie

Anneke Marie is a visual strategist, photographer, and creative entrepreneur who helps small businesses bring their ideas to life through strategy, storytelling, and intentional visuals. Her journey began as the owner of HerStori Wraps, where she learned firsthand what it takes to build, market, and believe in a brand from the ground up. Today, she uses that experience to help other entrepreneurs find clarity in their ideas and confidence in how they show up.

Known for her candid perspective, humor, and ability to think beyond the obvious, Anneke believes her greatest strength is not simply recreating what has already been done, but finding ways to build upon it and make it better. As a mentor, she is passionate about helping young creatives recognize that their natural gifts can become real skills, real opportunities, and real businesses. She believes consistency will take you farther than motivation—and one decision can change your entire life.

Britteny Alexander

Brittney Alexander is an entrepreneur, business mentor, and the founder of Caked Glam Co. and Caked Academy. After overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life, she turned to entrepreneurship and began a lash business in the third bedroom of her home. Through hard work, determination, and a willingness to pivot, she transformed that small beginning into a thriving tattoo studio and education company focused on developing the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs.
In addition to mentoring new artists, Brittney works with other business owners to help them turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. She guides entrepreneurs through building strong systems, strengthening their leadership skills, creating clear business structures, growing their teams, and developing strategies that support long term success. By sharing the lessons she has learned throughout her own journey, she helps others work through challenges and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Brittney is passionate about helping people recognize their potential and see possibilities for themselves beyond their current circumstances. Her personal journey has shown her that where you begin does not determine where you can go. She hopes to inspire others to believe in themselves, create their own paths, and understand that with hard work, dedication, and determination, they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.

Dewaine Burns

Coach Burns has over 20 years of basketball coaching experience. He started in Vallejo, CA, where he built an 8th-ranked state boys’ team and developed varsity and college athletes.

After moving to Arizona in 2004, he resumed coaching in 2005, leading AAU and high school programs. A father of five daughters, he is passionate about empowering young women through basketball and teaching confidence, discipline, and leadership.

He began his high school coaching career at Mountain Pointe High School and has helped players reach the college level, with several becoming coaches. He currently coaches at a local high school, continuing to develop student-athletes on and off the court.

Mary Nickerson

Mary Nickerson is an Arizona native, Entrepreneur, Professional Makeup Artist & Educator. As the owner of Makeup By Mary, she has spent the past decade helping others feel confident and empowered through her artistry.

With a background in Organizational Psychology, Mary has a genuine passion for personal growth and helping others recognize their own potential. She is honored to bring that passion into mentorship and looks forward to encouraging young people to feel seen, supported, and confident in who they are and who they’re becoming.

Hakeem Ademolu

Chef Hakeem Ademolu is a Detroit-born, Nigerian-rooted chef, entrepreneur, husband, and father, with 21+ years of experience at JPMorgan Chase within the Business Banking GNP sector.

He spent 17 years living in Nigeria, where his passion for food and culture began in his mother’s kitchen. Those early experiences shaped the chef and entrepreneur that he is today.

As one of proud owners and chefs of @naija_soul_kitchen Hakeem brings authentic Nigerian flavors together with Southern and American influences. From signature jollof rice, Egusi and suya to soul food favorites, catering, and their signature food options, Naija Soul Kitchen is all about bold flavors, culture, and bringing people together.

Hakeem brings the same service, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence from his banking career into every Naija Soul Kitchen experience.

Naija Soul Kitchen is more than a catering company—it’s a celebration of Nigerian culture, family, community, and legacy. Their mission is simple: serve great food, share their culture, and continue to put the South Side on the map with other amazing people within our community—one flavorful plate at a time.