Every Child Has A Story

2018 CONFERENCE

EVERY CHILD HAS A STORY

A 501 c3 Tax Exempt Non-Profit Organization

Every Child Has a Story is proud to announce our Annual Speak Out ~ Write Now Conference to be held at
the Embrace Center, 3220 Lodge Road, Huntsville AL on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 9:30 – 2:30 P.M. Our
theme for 2018 is “Confidence Looks Good On Me.” This conference has been created for and dedicated to
our community youth.
Our keynote speaker for the event will be Miss Kinyah Bean. Miss Bean is a 9 year old CEO and published
Author. The conference will also include KidPreneurs, talented entertainers all under the age of 18. The
conference provides workshops in two tracks, Public Speaking and Authorship. We already have more than
85 youth confirmed to attend.
It is our hope that you and your business will support this endeavor. We encourage you to purchase an
advertisement in our souvenir booklet. The book will include our full conference program, pictures listing
prize winners and many pages of interest. This book will be a “keepsake” – an ideal way to show the commu-
nity that businesses like yours are supporting our efforts to create tomorrow's leaders today building confi-
dence one child at a time.
You may also show your support by sponsoring or making a donation. Every Child has a Story is a 501c3
non-profit organization. Therefore, if you would like to make a donation to Every Child Has a Story without the
purchase of an advertisement, we will provide you with a contribution statement. Payments can be made
with debit or credit card, (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) online at
https://www.paypal.me/EveryChildHasaStory. Checks are also accepted.
Beverly Jones-Durr
Founder | CEO

6275 University DR. Suite 37, #255 Huntsville Al 35806 • [email protected]
www.everychildhasastoyu.org

Meet Our Host

Rebecca Petit is a News Reporter/ Multimedia Journalist for
WZDX News 54 in Huntsville, Ala. She’s of Haitian descent and a
native of Miami, Fla. Rebecca earned a Master's degree in
Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University. She
has a B.A. from Howard University, where she graduated Magna
Cum Laude.

While earning her degrees, Rebecca interned at several news
stations in Miami, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Her most
memorable experience was working as a Multimedia Journalist
in the nation’s capital. It afforded her the opportunity to cover
important legislation and interview both Senators and Con-
gressmen on Capitol Hill.

Rebecca is a follower of Christ and contributes her faith for all
her success. When she's not working she can be found explor-
ing the outdoors, traveling, working out, brunching, at the
beach and spending time with her family and Yorkie Chase.

6275 University DR. Suite 37, #255 Huntsville Al 35806 • [email protected]
www.everychildhasastoyu.org

Kidpreneurs

Elisha Johnson Nia Mya Reese

The name of my business My business is called is a 7th grader. She is is a 9 year old student in
is Invisible Unit Cosmet- Alabama, who became a
ics. I sell holographic Pierceson’s Sweets. I am involved in gymnastics best-selling author at the
glitter lip-gloss that “spar- and praise dance at her age of 8 with the national
kles” in natural lighting. All 14 years old and I and internationally
my products are made attend ThompsonKHidigphreneurcshurch. She is a fun-lov- recognized book, “How
with 100% vegan ingredi- School (Alabaster, AL). ing young lady who To Deal With and Care
ents and are animal For Your Annoying Little
cruelty free. My mission is My hobbies are cooking enjoys reading, spend- Brother”. She recently
to help girls out stand out of course but I also love ing time with her friends released her 2nd book
if they feel like they are and family, and loves all entitled “Bully At
invisible. dancing and singing. School”.
kinds of art and crafts
Contact: Destiny Patton You may purchase a
Invisible Unit Cosmetics Contact my mom for projects. With the help of copy on Amazon, or your
205-567-7096 local Barnes and Noble.
questions, her Aunt she founded

[email protected]. Elisha’s Scarves and

Hats in 2016.

Elisha Johnson- Elisha’s
Hats and Scarves
256-426-0599

Kidpreneurs

My business is called Luv Wraps. I create beautiful African styled head wraps, scarves and
fashionable accessories. I even demonstrate the many ways they can be worn.

Luv’s Wraps:
www.luvwraps.org

Abigail Silmon loves fashion and she will tell you she is a fashion girl. Shopping for

things she liked in stores was a little challenging when looking for matching socks, leggings
or tights to match her outfit. So she came up with her starting her own business at the age of
5. After continuing asking her mom about starting her business, her mom decided to give it
a try. Her vision is to continue to grow her business and her goal is to make every little girl
absolutely cute with AbsoKluidteplyreAnbebuerys Fashion. One thing Abbey thing she would love for
her business to do is give back to the people in need. Abigail is not only a self- proclaimed
fashionista she has a heart of gold.

Abigail Silmon- Absolutely Abbey- 205-529-7471

Jamiya Rene Rutledge is a native to Birmingham AL. Her parents are Tiffany Chandler

Rutledge and Demetrius D. Rutledge. Jamiya has attended Central Park Christian School
since kindergarten. She is currently in the sixth grade where she serves and sings in Music
and Missions as a G A. She attended West Wood Ballet for dance. Jamiya enjoys helping
her parents to raise money for her business. Jamiya recently started her own business titled
Shea Rene products, where she sells her home made crafts. Jamiya recently participated in
the first Metro Birmingham Children's Business Fair. Jamiya spends her free time singing,
dancing, reading, swimming, crafting and baking with her mom.

Contact: Jamiya Rene Rutledge- Shea Rene Products- 757-305-8315

Break-Out Facilitators

Keaires Roberson

Author Keaires Roberson is a native of Sheffield AL, who now resides in Huntsville AL.
She is a lover of Christ and a firm believer of His word. She is a member of the Opti-
mist Club, as well as the North Alabama African American Chamber of Commerce.
She has successfully completed the Music Majors Vocal Training, with recording
artist, Jeremy Kelsey. Keaires obtained a certificate for “Who’s Who Among Students
in American Universities & Colleges” from John C. Calhoun Community College.

Keaires possesses the ability to meet people where they are in life. She can be a bit of
a goofball, playful, serious, kind, authoritative, loyal and down to earth. In her spare
time, she loves to sing, cook, act and write poetry. She has a total of seven brothers
and sisters. Keaires is a single mother of one amazing little boy. Keaires plans to start
organizations geared towards helping people tap into who God has created them to
be, and walk boldy in their purpose.

LeTonya Moore

LeTonya F. Moore is an attorney-entrepreneur and the visionary of 360° Brand
Protection Strategies™, a brand protection and business growth firm that executes a
holistic approach to assisting clients with positioning their brand for global expan-
sion. 360° Brand Protection Strategies™ is a full service entity with a national and
international client base. LeTonya's areas of expertise are brand development &
management; intellectual property; tax resolution; contract development & negotia-
tion. LeTonya has more than 20 years of experience helping businesses grow and
thrive. For more information visit www.iprotectyourbrand.com or contact LeTonya
directly at [email protected]

Debi Trumbull

Debi Trumbull has a passion for helping youth and adults pursue and achieve their
life dreams. As a child and family advocate she has held various community positions
with the Army Family Advocacy Center, the National Children’s Advocacy Center,
Substance Abuse Prevention Manager at the Madison County Mental Health Center,
and Senior Medicare Patrol Specialist for TARCOG. She has partnered with a host of
local agencies including Huntsville City Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of North
Alabama, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Partnership for a Drug Free Community, Crisis
Services of North Alabama, and Safe Kids/Safe Streets. Debi is an author, trainer and
inspirational speaker. Her book, “A Thousand Voices in the Night” provides biblical
principles for overcome childhood abuse, and her “Healing a Wounded Heart”
support group has helped many overcome the devastating effects of abuse. Debi
holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas in Educational Psychology.

6275 University DR. Suite 37, #255 Huntsville Al 35806 • [email protected]
www.everychildhasastoyu.org

Break-Out Facilitators

LaToya Grow (T. Grow)

T. Grow is a native of Prichard AL. She moved to Huntsville, AL to attend her beloved
HBCU, Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University. After later receiving her Bache-
lor’s Degree in Business Administration from Faulkner University, she returned to
Alabama A&M University and earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
in May 2017.

T. Grow is a proud mom of one son, an Elementary school teacher and Playwright
who enjoys studying African American history. Connect with T. Grow at
www.latoyagrow.com

Shannon Talley

Shannon Talley is a native and resides in Alabama. She is a wife and the mother of
three sons. She graduated from Alabama A& M University and received her Bachelor’s
degree in Elementary Education. She enjoys teaching students to read and compose
their thoughts into writing. In 2015, Shannon self-published Hear My Voice, a compi-
lation of poetic expressions with Voice Vessel Inspirations, LLC. As an author she
understands the power in writing to ignite others. Therefore, after releasing her book
she has rendered services as an editor, ghostwriter, and mentor for other aspiring
writers and authors. She understands that choosing to inspire others with her words
instead of condemning is a gift and a choice. She has been invited to share her
spoken word expressions, for various occasions written and orally.

Stephanie L. Robertson

Writer/Speaker Stephanie L. Robertson grew up on a farm in rural south Alabama and
now publishes a southern lifestyle blog at www.SweetgumLife.com.
A busy Christian wife and mom, Stephanie and her husband of 20 years live near
Huntsville with their teenage daughter.

Stephanie recently presented her new dystopian novel to agents at the Blue Ridge
Christian Writer’s Conference near Ashville, North Carolina. She has been published in
local newspapers and magazines such as Christian Woman, Heritage Living, and
Madison Life. Stephanie has a self-published short suspense story on Amazon.
She enjoys home décor, photography, Pinterest projects, coffee with family and
friends, posting on Instagram, and immersing herself in heart-pounding suspense
novels

6275 University DR. Suite 37, #255 Huntsville Al 35806 • [email protected]
www.everychildhasastoyu.org

Break-Out Facilitators

Weldon T. Thompson

Weldon T. Thompson is an independent Education Specialist. He has extensive
experience in adult education. His activities in education include over 22years in the
U.S. Army, and 17 years as an Army JROTC- Instructor. He has also done training
development for the Air Force, FBI, Marine Corps, Army, and University of Utah.
Weldon is a frequent speaker at high schools. Weldon holds a M.Ed., (education)
from Cambridge College, 2008 and B.S., (Business), from Strayer University, 1999.
He lives in Huntsville, Alabama and is interested in public speaking.

Gwarmekia LaFaye

Gwarmekia LaFaye is a wife, mother,
writer, and she is still becoming all
that God is calling her to be…
www.gwarmekialafaye.com

6275 University DR. Suite 37, #255 Huntsville Al 35806 • [email protected]
www.everychildhasastoyu.org

PHOTO RECAP





Meet our Founder

Beverly Jones-Durr
Founder•President•Executive Director
Author•Educational Facilitator•Speaker
Life & Business Strategist

Beverly Jones-Durr, retired from federal service after serving 24 years with the Department of the Army. She is an
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Certified Life & Business Strategist and Educational Facilitator. She holds a Bachelor’s
degree in Early Childhood Development & Education; Bachelor’s in Legal Policy as well a Master’s in Acquisition
and Contract Management.
She has considerable experience working to enhance self-esteem and build confidence in women, children and
young adults through workshops, creativity and empowerment programs created by her organization, Beverly
Jones-Durr Enterprises, LLC in which is she is CEO. Beverly has worked with various local non- profits, such as
Village of Promise and the AUM Charity Foundation supporting women and children within our local communities.
Beverly is a member and current Vice President of Education of the Hi-Noon Toastmasters Club having earned
both Advance Communicator Silver and Advance Leadership Bronze from Toastmaster’s International. Other
affiliations include membership in the Women Speakers Association (WSA), Delegate, International Women's
Leadership Association (IWLA), International Membership of Professional Advisors, Coaches and Trainers
(IMPACT) and the International Association of Professional Life Coaches (IAPLC). Beverly is also ordained, married,
has three sons and five grandchildren. Beverly calls Alabama home.

6275 University DR. Suite 37, #255 Huntsville Al 35806 • [email protected]
www.everychildhasastoyu.org

“THE MISSION”

The mission of Every Child Has a Story is to ensure that no child has to settle for anything less in life than the very
best. We empower children and teens by becoming the bridge in the village it takes to raise a child, connecting
families in a reciprocal learning experience. We will put an end to the disconnection in communities who lack the
confidence to thrive. By empowering and equipping the family unit with strong communication and leadership
tools we will break the cycle of despair.

Through Speech Crafters Speech and Debate Club, “The Only Public Speaking Club for Kids and Teens in AL,”
and “The Writer’s Vibe, “Empowering the Voices of Today’s Youth through Words,” we will develop and enhance
a solid foundation of self-confidence and self-esteem in families across communities. From these families we will
give life to tomorrow’s leaders. These leaders will be equipped to take their rightful places in society and lead
their communities towards success.

If children are indeed our future, then it is up to us, the Village, to equip them with the tools of success. Every
Child has a Story to become the bridge that joins the parents, children and community in a reciprocal learning
experience all while empowering and equipping our communities kids to become the leaders of tomorrow.

“THE VISION”

We all can agree that having good communication skills are
useful to everyone. Would you be surprised to know that fear
of public speaking ranks above fear of dying? Glossophobia is
the technical term for it and it affects almost all of us at some
point in our lives. Now, I want you to shift your focus to how
fear of public speaking affects children. Children are resilient
and obviously different from adults. They sometimes seem
absolutely fearless. However, when it comes to speaking
publically they are a lot like us. When I was a young girl I
always enjoyed speaking up in class or responding to ques-
tions. However, my peers were often afraid. I saw kids who
knew the answer to the question reluctant to raise their hand.
They even slumped down in their seats so that the teacher
wouldn’t call on them. The fear of being laughed at, teased or
even forgetting what to say and looking ridiculous in front of
their peers over powered everything for them. In addition to
fear I also saw sadness and disappointment on their faces and
I never forgot that. As a child the only help I could offer was a
smile but as an adult there is so much more I can do.

This 501c3 certified non-profit, Every Child Has a Story was born out of my passion to enrich the lives of
children and teens everywhere through the development of stellar communication skills. When a child can
face their peers and others, speaking in such a way that their message is clearly conveyed to the listener…
something magical happens. Let’s not overlook how important written communication is in the develop-
ment of our children. Our programs, Speech Crafters Speech and Debate Club addresses developing oral
communication at an early age and The Writer’s Vibe helps children and teens command the power of words
to express thoughts and ideas. We are developing future leaders who can communicate the needs and ideas
of their communities.

The impact of these programs has been exemplary. Our hands-on approach nurtures and encourages
children and teens to push past their communication fears. Instructed by professional speakers and authors,
they learn to master the skill of communication. The back-door benefit of our programs is our ability to build
and enhance self-esteem and confidence in children and teens. When young people have rocket high confi-
dence and self-esteem…they literally can do anything that they put their minds and efforts towards doing. It’s
a super-power!

We are always striving to improve and expand our programs. Our vision of reaching, touching and enhancing
communication skills of every child is an enormous one, but absolutely doable. Take a look with me into the
future, a future where children are achieving peak performance, overcoming obstacles and using communi-
cation skills they’ve learned to succeed. I’m talking about a future in which children are generally happier
and more satisfied because they are self-confident. Confidence can help you to take on the world with more
energy and determination, resulting in better relationships, quality work and a feeling of being connected
with your surroundings. In this future, children who have grown up to become self-confident people able to
influence others more easily, as well as control their own emotions and behaviors more responsibly. A posi-
tive attitude results from feeling good about yourself and knowing that your place in the world is important
and meaningful. Children growing up with confidence in their own abilities tend to do better in school, take
better care of themselves than their peers with low self-confidence levels, and excel in sports and socializa-
tion. Future teens with self-confidence are better able to withstand peer pressure and to make decisions with
their own best interests in mind. Stellar communication skills makes all this possible. Don’t you want a future
like I’ve described for all children? This is our vision. Because of the work we do at Every Child Has a Story
THIS future…this VISION is absolutely possible.

Board of Directors

Gwarmekia LaFaye
Board Member
Author • Child Advocate

Gwarmekia LaFaye is a wife, mother, and author. She is driven by her past to
improve the futures of children all across the world. In 2012, Gwarmekia pub-
lished her first book, No! Don’t Touch Me There!

Gwarmekia writes books that uncover topics most parents often find difficult to
discuss with their children. Her desire is to motivate the youth by encouraging
them to push through circumstances life may throw their way. Gwarmekia firmly
believes that whatever we desire can and will happen; according to our Faith. She
is on a mission to ensure that every child is encouraged to chase down their
dreams, no matter what!

Evelyn Sisk
Board Member
Actor • Playwright

Evelyn Sisk is a mother of five and a grandmother of twelve. She has lived in
Huntsville, Alabama for over thirty years. One of her passions is writing. Since
2009, she has written plays, skits and monologues for children and adults. Eve-
lyn’s desire is to see children exercise their God-given creativity, to impact their
peers and others throughout the community.

Toya Burton Poplar
Board Secretary
Author • Public Speaker

Toya Burton Poplar is a native of Muskegon, Michigan. She is a Photographer,
Poet, Public Speaker, Purity Presenter and paradigm shifter who is passionately in
love with The Lover of her Soul. Married to her high school sweetheart Melvin,
together they are the proud parents of 6 children. Toya is a Self-Published Author
of the book, Stop Write There. Toya Burton Poplar is happy to call Alabama home
sweet home.

Board of Directors

Kenya Halliburton
Vice President
Online Business Management • Content Creator

Kenya Halliburton is an online entrepreneur who helps women speakers, authors
and coaches create high value content to market their business online, launch a
podcast, blog for business, make social media make dollars and sense and create
“automated money” with a well - oiled follow-up email campaign. Kenya
launched her business in 2007 as a Virtual Assistant and quickly became certified
as an Online Business Manager and Social Media Marketing Strategist. A virtual
“Jill of all trades”, she’s been sought after for her ghostwriting, content creation,
innovative marketing savvy and technical support by big and budding names in
the online game. Kenya is a mother of three boys and resides in Alabama.

Yolanda Bailey
Board Treasurer
Financial Management

Yolanda M. Bailey served thirty-one years of federal government service in the
capacity of Resource Management. Mrs. Bailey received numerous awards to
include Hero of the Month (CIO/G-6), Two Commander’s Awards (CIO/G-6;
USALSA), Group Awards (CIO/G-6) and several performance awards throughout
her career. Mrs. Bailey’s “Team Spirit” and outstanding work ethics ensured the
highest level of Budget Execution for the agencies in her care. While serving as
Division Chief, Mrs. Bailey accounted for over $8.5 billion in resources. From July
2005 until her retirement on January 30th 2015, Mrs. Bailey served as Budget
Officer, Chief information Office, Alexandria Virginia. Mrs. Bailey is married to Larry Bailey and mother to two
children, Larry Jr and Janell. She is also a proud Nana and Auntie and resides in Stafford Virginia.

Linda F. Williams
Board Member
Author • Behaviorist• Psychotherapist• Life Coach• Consultant

Linda F. Williams, MSW is a nationally recognized lifestyle and business expert.
She is a behaviorist, trained psychotherapist, certified personal and professional
life coach, author, and motivational speaker. As founder of Whose Apple Dynamic
Coaching Send Consulting, she is creator of The Whose Apple Dynamic™ GPS
Road Map to Destiny™.

Linda is author of Whose Apple is it, Anyway: Empowering Purpose to Achieve
Your God-Ordained Destiny; and Too True to Tell (Why What We Don’t Say is
Leading Us Down the Path of Stolen Vision); and Triple Threat: Definitive Battle Plan for Ministry Leaders.

She has experienced how trauma and painful experiences shut down purpose and immobilize destiny. Linda
knows the courage it takes to face down the past; and she is living proof that, a lifetime of change is empowered
by a single act of courage.

THANKS TO OUR
SPONSORS!

FOX-54, JASON'S DELI, HUNTSVILLE INNER CITY LEARNING CENTER, LETO LOUNGE
AND STUDIO, AND STONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

http://bit.ly/ECHASVideos

Save The Date

Next year the Speak Out ~ Write Now Conference
will be on June 8, 2019