Talisa Richardson - key member of the executive team

As a practicing Accountant, growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, and living through various tribulations, I decided to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. A thoughtful mind and creative demeanor have allowed me to rise above my circumstances and become instrumental to others. As a minority, I have long felt compelled to exceed expectations in every sphere, whether academic, professional, or personal. The first member of my family to obtain a Bachelor's degree and a Masters's of Business Administration, I have always gone beyond the call of duty to ensure the respect of my superiors or a key spot on my team. From December 2007 through May 2009, I saw this tenacity pay off when I performed a set of duties unusual for financial personnel. As a civilian contractor in Baghdad, Iraq, I was responsible for military accounting functions in the intensity of a war zone. For twelve hours a day, seven days a week, I was exposed to both the pressures of constant conflict and the myriad cultures of fellow staff members. Teamwork, dedication and an ability to focus despite chaos were absolutely essential to our success and I found tremendous satisfaction in serving my country as part of that mission. 
After returning to the United States, l experienced another incident that served as direct inspiration for wishing to empower women: I was a victim of a hit-and-run and had difficulty finding a lawyer. Acting as my own counsel, I was successful in my civil suit, securing an award for medical expenses and property damage. More importantly, I became aware that so few people have meaningful access to skilled advocates able to navigate these complexities. I developed a strong desire to bring justice to the unassuming citizen who has limited knowledge of legal principles or procedure.
With over four decades of life have taken me from an abusive home to graduate school, from the war in Iraq through a battle with homelessness, from serious injury to vindication in the courtroom. Perseverance and attention to detail make me an excellent accountant and my unwillingness to accept less than perfection guides me everywhere I go. Now I have identified an opportunity to choose a new path, and I plan to seize it. The pathway for me is the road less traveled and one of great skill and risks involved.
However, I am no stranger to risks and welcome all challenges. My business endeavor involves creating a business which will be for women and men to encourage them to live long healthy lives with HIV virus. Women will be able to participate in a program which will equip them the necessary tools for success. In addition to serving business clients, I also want to become an advocate for those who do not have a voice. I love to empower others and I plan to commit myself to opening the doors of opportunity regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender. Toward this end, this program would supplement many more women than men.
I can think of no better way of remembering and honoring my own past than improving someone else's future and being able to be given the opportunity to assist women to the road of independency. I know upon being exposed to my program multiple avenues would open up. As an Accountant and Entrepreneur, I could guide businesses through the murky waters of evolving standards and ensure their prosperity for years to come. As a woman left unsheltered from the storms in life and facing them head on, I could fight for justice for the women conquering homelessness, chemical dependency, unemployment, and domestic abuse on the margins. With my practical perspective, fearless persistence, and extensive track record of professional success, I know I will be a force to be reckoned with once l open my nonprofit Empowerment Especially for You. Through this work, I want to honor my brother Brandon Wright in his fight through life's trials and tribulations.