2013-2014 Spotlight Winners

Elegance In Action January 2013 Spotlight Alan Jones born in Salisbury, MD loves to guide and Mentor young people. He has coached basketball for 13 years. Over the past 3 years he has shown his passion for helping others by working with the Susan G Komen foundation. He has allowed God to order his steps as he diligently strives to do God's will. Allan is currently spear-heading a fundraising event for breast cancer awareness. Come out and show your support. Lady Presidents hoops for the cure January 19, 2013 Woodrow Wilson High School 1401 Elmhurst Lane Portsmouth VA 3:30pm-10:30pm

Elegance In Action February 2013 Spotlight Elegance in Action would like to congratulate, Cynthia White, on her recognition with Sentara Medical Group. Cynthia White, Financial Counselor, received a voicemail from a patient asking a billing question, and when she called back, she noticed that the patient's speech was different from his voice on the answering service. Instead of dismissing it, she asked if the patient was ok and whether his wife was home... to which the patient responded, "dizzy, call wife." At that point, the line disconnected, and when Cynthia did get the patient back on the phone, he was not coherent. Immediately, Cynthia contacted two nurses, Jane O' Bryant, LPN, and Cee Cee Urquhart, LPN, who engaged to assess the patient and relay that information to 911. In the meantime, Cynthia found the patient's wife's phone number so she could be alerted to the situation. When Dr. Rose spoke with the wife the next day, she was extremely grateful for the efforts of the team to ensure her husband was not alone and that he got the care he needed. Cynthia was awarded with the Star Award, the Ace Award & the Safety Award.

Elegance In Action March 2013 Spotlight Ron Davis has been working with youth in the Hampton Roads area for 6 years. He is a mentor, a basketball coach and a youth advocate. Ron was inspired to make a difference in the lives of young people because of his own childhood experiences. Being raised in a single parent home he has learned that you can rise above your circumstances. This is also the message that he shares with the youth he encounters daily. Ron is the head of “A Day in the Life” foundation. Part of the foundation’s vision is that you do not know what a child is going through until you take the time to listen. Share a day in the life of a child when you share your time with a child and show that you care. Ron has participated in back to school drives, Toy drives for Christmas and mentoring foster children. His next project is a “Stop the Violence "basketball tournament and dance in the month of April to raise awareness of gun violence and the importance of putting a stop to it. If you would like to help Ron Davis with any of his life changing endeavors feel free to email him at r.e.davisjr@gmail.com . Elegance in Action would like to showcase Ron as our spotlight of the month and encourage him to continue making a difference in the community.

Elegance In Action April 2013 Spotlight Anitra Yancey-Hayes is the Elegance In Action April spotlight of the month. She is the talented artist behind the Elegance In Action logo. Anitra captured the essence of the organization using her creativity in logo artistry. Anitra is a graduate of Norfolk State University with a degree in Fine Arts Education. She has displayed her artistic talents by creating sculptures, hairstyles, wall murals and other projects. Her talents can be seen throughout the Hampton Roads area. There are beautiful murals showcased in local businesses and schools. She is currently contributing to her community as a teacher at Crestwood Middle school and heading the school’s Art Club. Elegance In Action recognizes her for all of her contributions.

Elegance In Action May Spotlight

Elegance In Action June 2013 Spotlight Shirelle Davis has been a member of Elegance In Action since 2011. She is currently the treasurer and chaplain for the organization and has proven to be a gem. Not only does she hold multiple offices in the organization she is a wife, a mother, a business owner, a prayer warrior and a committed friend. How can a person accomplish so much? It is done from the heart. Shirelle is a person that genuinely shows that she cares and through her caring spirit she is able to spread sunshine in the lives of others. You can find Shirelle’s smiling face at Styles Unlimited, which is the salon she owns in Virginia Beach, Virginia. You will be sure to receive an encouraging word and a phenomenal hairstyle. Not only does she take pride as a business owner but Shirelle has shown remarkable stamina and dedication as a member of Elegance In Action. She has sold the most tickets for many Elegance In Action events and always displays enthusiasm for every project she supports. When someone is extraordinarily special it is hard to hide and that is why she is our featured spotlight of the month. Elegance In Action would like to thank Shirelle for all she has contributed to make this organization a success!

Elegance In Action July 2013 Spotlight Lynne Young is an 8 year breast cancer survivor. She is an active participant in breast cancer awareness. Lynne has helped Alan Jones with both of his breast cancer events and local Susan G. Komen breast cancer events. She recently finished a breast cancer awareness video. She is a survivor and a mentor. After experiencing tragedy she became triumphant and is helping others do the same. Elegance In Action honors Lynne Young.

Elegance In Action August 2013 Spotlight Carla Diggs was nominated by her sister Geneva Ross. "Carla Diggs is my oldest sister and the hardest working woman I know. She is a single parent of two children, a full-time soldier, a full-time student and restaurant owner. She just opened her restaurant business called Louisiana Seasoning Cajun Restaurant. This may seem a great deal to all of us but she does this with ease. She even has time to volunteer as well. She will be graduating from college this month and my whole family is proud of her. She is the best sister that anyone can ask for because she is understanding, patient and kind. She is always looking for more ways to help others whether it be her money, time or experiences. She is well deserving of any award!" Elegance In Action would like to recognize Carla Diggs for all her note-worthy accomplishments and encourage her to continue to be an inspiration to others. Congratulations!

Elegance In Action September 2013 Spotlight

Elegance In Action October 2013 Spotlight Jason is the founder of Mentoring Valuable Protégés, Inc. based in Florida. Mentoring Valuable Protégés, Inc.’s mission is to provide Youth Athletic Development, Academic Responsibility, Career Development, Health & Wellness Education, and Leadership Skills. Through mentoring, coaching, and educating, kids develop habits that become the building blocks of life’s success. MVP does sports clinics, literacy programs, and teaches life skills to help kids have confidence in themselves in all aspects of their life. Jason is a graduate of Stetson University and was a basketball player here also. He is dedicated to giving back to the community and afford kids the same opportunity that was given to him while growing up in New York City. His mission is to help as many kids as possible to be the best that they can be. Elegance In Action would like to recognize Jason Alexander-Gilliam for all his note-worthy accomplishments and encourage him to continue to be an inspiration to others. Congratulations!

Elegance In Action November 201Spotlight I, Joanne Booker, would like to nominate Aquilla (Nicole) Williams for an EIA Spotlight. Nicole works with me and I noticed that she is always doing special things for her community. I thought that she would be a good candidate. Below in her own words are her community contributions. "I just didn’t know how rewarding servicing my community would be until December 2005 when I participated in setting up an angel tree at my job. I felt like Santa Claus delivering those gifts to those gracious little faces and staff. That’s when I knew the most rewarding feeling was giving back to my community and those in need. So far I have sponsored several events on my own. I have given away 20 book bags filled with school supplies to children in need twice. I was able to contribute to a Thanksgiving event which we gave away over 200 turkeys, 500 chickens, fresh vegetables, and canned goods. I have sponsored a family during Christmas out of pocket, including a Christmas tree and trimmings. I have had several resume workshops for young men in Norfolk area looking for jobs. I have donated 200 juice boxes, several different snack items, and household goods and cleaners to ForKids network. I volunteered for Young Audiences of Virginia, Norfolk Zoo, and several feeding the homeless events. In addition, I put in more than 40 hours assisting with the campaign for the first African American women, Dr. Ross-Hammond who made Virginia Beach City council. I am now proud to say I am starting my own society group called Women Run the World (WRTW) where we will continue to service and uplift our community any way possible.

Elegance In Action December 2013 Spotlight

Alan Jones Event: “Hoops For the cure” January 2014 EIA Spotlight Winner

February Spotlight Winner 2014 Elegance In Action, Inc. would like to recognize Minister Travis Jones as our February 2014 Spotlight. Minister Jones grew up in the City of Norfolk, Virginia and has 3 children with his wife Danita. He began his spiritual journey as Associate Pastor under Pastor Mark Hopkins of Living Word Church. His current church home is Restoration Worship Center of Chesapeake, Va. with Pastor Lee Marr McFarland. He is member of National Association of Christian Ministers, American Association of Christian Counselors and lead the National Day of Prayer in 2009 for the City of Virginia Beach. Minister Travis has had the wonderful opportunity to serve 6 years of Missionary work in Belize and Guatemala and continues to volunteer at Union Mission as bible study teacher. EIA would like to recognize Minister Travis for his dedication volunteering and creation and work of the Truth Seeker bible study group, which goes out into the community providing assistance to the homeless.

March 2014 EIA Spotlight Winner
Dr. Elizabeth Locke, Phd, PT.Dr. Elizabeth Locke, PhD, MS, PT is an academician, licensed physical therapist and healthservices researcher. She has practiced physical therapy in the Commonwealth for 30 years asa clinician and is Director of Clinical Education for the doctor of physical therapy professionalpreparation program in the School of Physical Therapy and Athl...etic Training at Old DominionUniversity. She earned a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from Virginia CommonwealthUniversity/The Medical College of Virginia, a Master of Science in community health educationand a Doctor of Philosophy in health services research from Old Dominion University. In1994, she became the first African American physical therapist to be appointed to a full-timecore faculty position in the School of Physical Therapy at Old Dominion University. In 2008,she was among the first physical therapists in the Commonwealth of Virginia to earn boardcertification in direct access by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. Dr. Locke has publishedoriginal research in peer-reviewed journals in the areas of diversity climate, programevaluation and outcomes measures.

Mr. Locke April 2014 Spotlight Winner

2013-2014 Spotlight Winners