FICTION JUDGE - Alicia Hill Jones, Author, Christian Fiction and Publisher at Destiny 11 Publications; Richmond, VA
Alicia discovered her love for creative writing at the age of 12. Growing up in a rough, low-income Southside neighborhood is part of her history—but not her story. Despite the odds, she graduated from George Wythe High School and was accepted into Virginia Commonwealth University. When the time came to select a college major, Journalism, was considered but didn’t compare to the salary potential an Accounting degree offered. So, as some college students do, Alicia chose money over passion. Until that point, she continued to write short stories, storing them in a three-ring binder, which eventually became just a permanent fixture on her bookshelf. The pursuit of a writing career was swept to the back of her mind and she stepped into the corporate world.
She creates stories that illustrate God’s word, love, and power to overcome life’s setbacks. Relatable characters and circumstances take readers on an inspiring journey of self-revelation, forgiveness, and restoration through faith. Alicia is the founder of Destiny 11 Publications, LLC and author of Divine Purpose, When Two Become One, and Blessings of Purpose. She resides in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and their daughters.
FICTION JUDGE - Tisha Andrews, Author, Urban Fiction, Urban Romance and Street Lit; Miami, FL
Growing up, Tisha would get lost in stories that showed her a world she didn’t see in her everyday life. Captivated by the power of literature, in middle school she began writing short stories that many of her peers would get lost in. While life led her down the road to becoming a mother, wife, and community activist advocating for youth in foster care, Tisha tucked her love for writing away. In 2015, after connecting with readers and authors through social media, Tisha revisited her love for reading and writing. Tisha is best known for her series, The One That Got Away: A Miami Love Affair, after joining Royalty Publishing House in September 2016. That novel further built the platform where she weaves the message of love, even in the darkest situations.
Today she has fifteen published works in the urban, urban romance and street lit genre. Soon paranormal and Christian romance works will grace the pages for readers to indulge in as she broadens her creative pen. In 2018 and in 2019, Tisha was chosen to be in the Top 100 Authors under UBAWA (Urban Books, Authors and Writers of America) by readers and fellow authors.
Growing up, Tisha would get lost in stories that showed her a world she didn’t see in her everyday life. Captivated by the power of literature, in middle school she began writing short stories that many of her peers would get lost in. While life led her down the road to becoming a mother, wife, and community activist advocating for youth in foster care, Tisha tucked her love for writing away. In 2015, after connecting with readers and authors through social media, Tisha revisited her love for reading and writing. Tisha is best known for her series, The One That Got Away: A Miami Love Affair, after joining Royalty Publishing House in September 2016. That novel further built the platform where she weaves the message of love, even in the darkest situations.
Today she has fifteen published works in the urban, urban romance and street lit genre. Soon paranormal and Christian romance works will grace the pages for readers to indulge in as she broadens her creative pen. In 2018 and in 2019, Tisha was chosen to be in the Top 100 Authors under UBAWA (Urban Books, Authors and Writers of America) by readers and fellow authors.
CULINARY JUDGE - Brenda Jackson, Author, Culinary Roots 1 and 2 Cookbooks, Publisher, Culinary Roots Food and Family Magazine; Miami, FL
Brenda Jackson is the oldest girl of the six children born to Orlando and Florida Jackson (actual names). She is an alumnus of Northwestern Senior High School (Class of ’76). A minister and creative spirit, Brenda says her assignment in life is to encourage and uplift those that feel less than or forgotten. Possessing a twisted sense of humor, allows her friends and family the grace to love her and accept her as is. That same sense of humor and creative spirit combine for wonderfully eclectic and delicious culinary designs. When not cooking, Brenda is a Supervisor in the Media and Marketing Department, of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. and is an active part of the Ministerial Alliance of New Birth Baptist Church, Miami, Fl. Her first cookbook “Culinary Roots” was released February 2009. Her second cookbook: "Culinary Roots 2" was released December 2018; she is busy working on the third book in the CR line, while also planning for a Summer release of the relaunching Culinary Roots Food and Family Magazine - which she publishes.
Brenda Jackson is the oldest girl of the six children born to Orlando and Florida Jackson (actual names). She is an alumnus of Northwestern Senior High School (Class of ’76). A minister and creative spirit, Brenda says her assignment in life is to encourage and uplift those that feel less than or forgotten. Possessing a twisted sense of humor, allows her friends and family the grace to love her and accept her as is. That same sense of humor and creative spirit combine for wonderfully eclectic and delicious culinary designs. When not cooking, Brenda is a Supervisor in the Media and Marketing Department, of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. and is an active part of the Ministerial Alliance of New Birth Baptist Church, Miami, Fl. Her first cookbook “Culinary Roots” was released February 2009. Her second cookbook: "Culinary Roots 2" was released December 2018; she is busy working on the third book in the CR line, while also planning for a Summer release of the relaunching Culinary Roots Food and Family Magazine - which she publishes.
CULINARY JUDGE - Monique Spain, Co-Owner, Spain's Spices, Dallas, TX
Our journey began in Philadelphia, PA., growing up in the late 70's before joining the U.S. Navy in 1984. Miraculously we reconnect thousands of miles away at a McDonald's drive through in Honolulu, Hi. In a year we married, and had 3 beautiful children before retiring in 2006. The 20 years of Naval careers took us around the world, experiencing the vibrant cultures of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Sudanese, Indonesian, Polynesian, American Samoan, Australian, and so many others. Although neither of our careers had anything to do with culinary; (hers an Executive Administrator and myself an IT geek), we LOVED to cook and watch others enjoy our foods. For years, friends, family, neighbors and strangers would say "you guys should start a food service business."
After much prayer, fear, and investing most our savings, we launched Spain's Smokehouse Catering. Quickly built a solid customer base with BIG taste buds, specific nutritional requirements and a love for our foods. Our largest clients were Hospitals, Clinics, Dental Offices, Schools, and they would constantly ask how our foods were seasoned to make them foods taste so good. So we"Put it in a bottle" and launched Spain's Spices.
Our journey began in Philadelphia, PA., growing up in the late 70's before joining the U.S. Navy in 1984. Miraculously we reconnect thousands of miles away at a McDonald's drive through in Honolulu, Hi. In a year we married, and had 3 beautiful children before retiring in 2006. The 20 years of Naval careers took us around the world, experiencing the vibrant cultures of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Sudanese, Indonesian, Polynesian, American Samoan, Australian, and so many others. Although neither of our careers had anything to do with culinary; (hers an Executive Administrator and myself an IT geek), we LOVED to cook and watch others enjoy our foods. For years, friends, family, neighbors and strangers would say "you guys should start a food service business."
After much prayer, fear, and investing most our savings, we launched Spain's Smokehouse Catering. Quickly built a solid customer base with BIG taste buds, specific nutritional requirements and a love for our foods. Our largest clients were Hospitals, Clinics, Dental Offices, Schools, and they would constantly ask how our foods were seasoned to make them foods taste so good. So we"Put it in a bottle" and launched Spain's Spices.
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR - Dr. LaVonne Shaw, The Erogenous Coach, MD
When it comes to preaching, entertaining, enlightening and educating, no one in talk radio compares to Reverend Dr. LaVonne Shaw. Dr. Shaw's high-octane energy and her love for interacting with her listeners is just one reason for the popularity and success of "The Erogenous Coach" talk show. This marital enrichment show ignites heated discussions with explosive themes like: "Removing The Barriers To Having A Sizzling Sex Life." "I Have Been Married For More Than Ninety Days And I Am Still A Virgin." "Should Sex Be Used As A Reward, Punishment Or Life Essential?" "What Should The Husband Do While His Wife Is Experiencing Menopause?"
Dr. Shaw is a much sought after conference speaker. She will be lending her voice to the discussion on the aphrodisiac qualities of food and the foreplay of food preparation.
When it comes to preaching, entertaining, enlightening and educating, no one in talk radio compares to Reverend Dr. LaVonne Shaw. Dr. Shaw's high-octane energy and her love for interacting with her listeners is just one reason for the popularity and success of "The Erogenous Coach" talk show. This marital enrichment show ignites heated discussions with explosive themes like: "Removing The Barriers To Having A Sizzling Sex Life." "I Have Been Married For More Than Ninety Days And I Am Still A Virgin." "Should Sex Be Used As A Reward, Punishment Or Life Essential?" "What Should The Husband Do While His Wife Is Experiencing Menopause?"
Dr. Shaw is a much sought after conference speaker. She will be lending her voice to the discussion on the aphrodisiac qualities of food and the foreplay of food preparation.