GARY AND RAYMONA ELLISON
FOUNDERS
Gary has been a licensed barber and in the industry for 30+ years. He went from a kid fresh out of school, working in other people’s shops, to an entrepreneur running a shop with 18 chairs and an iconic brand in the city, Skillz Barbershop. Because Gary has always believed in giving back, community efforts and events have been vast and deep. Free haircuts (individually and events), school supply giveaways, Christmas family sponsorships, and ManSkilkz mentoring group are just a few ways that he has served his community. He has been recognized and celebrated by the State of Arkansas, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Impact Zone, and the Platinum Hood Awards.
Raymona has served the youth of Central Arkansas for over two decades. She has a passion for helping kids make the best choices – to experience the best outcomes – for their lives. She founded Little Rock Life Skillz, LLC, in 2013. The focus of the organization is to “battle social ills – one child at a time”. The organization teaches character development to pre-school and elementary children (which includes a children’s book), and equips Middle and High School students to make healthy choices in their relationships.
Raymona has worked in Directorial positions with Children/Youth Ministries/Services since 1998, and currently serves as Children’s Pastor at Saint Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR. She holds a B.S. degree in Psychology from Central Baptist College(Conway, AR).
Together, they share 20 years of marriage, 6 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 2 grandchildren. They also share a vision to make an impact on the world and leave it better than they found it.
CEMEKA AGUGBUEM SMITH
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SPEAKER
Cemeka loves pouring into the lives of youth and families. She especially enjoys journeying with individuals, facilitating their thought processes about their choices and relationships, while empowering them to strategize their desired future.
She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences and elects to use her academic and research experience to cultivate informative environments and actualize optimal health for individuals, families, and communities.
Her favorite pastimes include creating memories with her husband and children, walking in the park, dancing, eating good food, and traveling.
PATRICE TAYLOR
SPEAKER
Patrice has a passion and purpose for helping people understand that they can achieve their best optimal health in a capacity that is best suited for themselves.
Patrice has a Masters degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her next degree in Marriage and Family counseling, which she believes will give her a better understanding of the family foundation.
Patrice loves spending time with family and friends and exploring and discovering new things together.
SEAN WEST
MARKETING DIRECTOR, SPEAKER
Sean has always had a passion for developing sustainable communities by using his passion for music, art and motivational speaking.
He enjoys songwriting, boxing, basketball, travel and spending time with his family.
VICTORIA FLOWERS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE ADMIN
Mrs. Tori believes all kids deserve the chance to succeed. She currently serves as Behavioral Specialist for Tendaji Reclaiming Scholars (a nonprofit-program for restorative justice and character building suspended students). She has vast childcare, summer camp, and fundraising experience- all of which will serve well with Hope Connectionz and her future endeavors of one day opening her own early childhood development program. She loves horses, music, fishing, and spending time with her family.
WILLIAM “ZEE” TIDWELL
SPEAKER
Will “Zee” Tidwell or often referred to as the “Neighborhood Hero” was originally born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas to Willie & Barbara Tidwell. Tidwell has always been a man of many hats and talents and juggling between his poetry/writing, speaking, passion for his community, and all-around entrepreneurial spirit he was able to birth the community relations and outreach organization SpeakUPZee, LLC in the year of 2013-2014.
His main goal is using the power of motivational/educational speaking, a wide variety of professional services and products, and community programs and initiatives to provide inspiration, support, and resources for today’s youth.