MOVERS AND SHAKERS FOR SEPTEMBER

NANA KWAMEN TAKYI-MICAH

Nana Kwamena Takyi-Micah is the founder of Micah Specialty Foods, a food manufacturing company that offers authentic African food products to the American consumer in the shortest possible time.

He has created jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals in Cleveland Ohio and is on a mission to assist farmers in Ghana in cutting post-harvest losses.
Ghana Supreme Sauce Marinade, his maiden product is available in several retailers such as Giant Eagle Market District, Heinen’s, and Amazon. The company is expected to retail its products in over 300 grocery stores by the end of 2024. His business has won several awards including Buckeye’s Best Competition in 2021 and the Citizen’s Bank Small Business Community Champion award in 2022.
He received his bachelor’s degree in management from Hiram College and is currently completing an MBA at Case Western University’s Weatherhead School of Management.

CARMEN M. SCOTT (VERHOSEK)

Attorney Carmen M. Scott (Verhosek) is a partner at the law firm of Dooley Gembala McLaughlin and Pecora, LPA (DGMP).  Her concentration is Estate Planning with a passion for Elder Care. 

She is passionate about missions that educate, empower, and build sustainable communities.  She proudly serves as the President of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development (NEOHCED) Board of Trustees, a Board Member for the Pro Bono Committee of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and Kendal at Oberlin.  Carmen remains active in the legal community through participation in multiple bar associations and through mentorship of law students.

DANTE WILLIAMS

Dante Williams is the President of W.G.I. Consulting is a leading firm specializing in consulting for self-employed individuals and small businesses. With a background in marketing and advertising, Dante has successfully helped businesses navigate through challenges, particularly in corporate taxes, marketing strategies, and accessing capital funding. In addition to his expertise in the business realm, Dante also brings a wealth of knowledge from the healthcare industry, especially in skilled nursing facilities. 

Furthermore, he has a depth of experience in radio advertising and has dabbled in various other fields such as insurance and real estate investing. Dante’s multifaceted background and his dedication to helping businesses thrive make him a true asset for any organization seeking expert advice and support.

VANESSA MICHELLE

Vanessa Michelle’s journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and resilience. From a young age, she discovered her passion for narrative and the impact it could have on people’s lives. With an innate ability to captivate and inspire through her words, Vanessa knew she wanted to pursue a path that allowed her to share stories that mattered. This drove her to pursue a degree in journalism at the University of Akron, where she honed her storytelling skills and learned the power of journalism as a force for change.

After experiencing personal setbacks that took a toll on her mental well-being, she embarked on a transformative journey in 2017. Seeking solace and a fresh perspective, she embraced a nomadic lifestyle, immersing herself in new environments and cultures. During this self-discovery period, Vanessa discovered her true resilience and passion for entrepreneurship.

Fuelled by her newfound clarity, Vanessa embarked on a path that merged her love for storytelling with the digital age. She harnessed the power of YouTube as a platform to amplify her voice and reach a global audience. As a YouTuber, she crafts engaging content that resonates with her viewers; she shares her experiences, insights, and entrepreneurial journey.

Today, Vanessa Michelle is a shining example of the transformative power of personal growth. Through her YouTube channel, she continues to inspire and empower others by sharing her story and providing valuable knowledge in the realm of tech entrepreneurship. Her path, from a passionate storyteller at a young age to a resilient nomad and now a successful YouTuber and tech entrepreneur, inspires those facing their own challenges, reminding them that setbacks can be stepping stones to greater achievements.