CHANGING THE NARRATIVE, EMPOWERING YOUTH

KENISHA E. ANTHONY is the author of Labeled: Ward of the State: A Memoir (State of the Muse) and starred in the 2016 documentary Foster Shock, a firsthand look at what happens to children when they are taken from their abusive families and become dependents of the state of Florida. A multifaceted writer, child welfare professional, foster care advocate, and influencer hailing from Miami, Anthony is an outspoken activist utilizing her experiences to empower others. Her story has been documented in various outlets and publications including NPR, Essence, The Miami Times, and the Miami Herald.

LANITA PATTON attended the University of Florida, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and entrepreneurship. She also holds an MBA from The Harvard Business School, where she was the chief marketing officer of the African American Student Union and a Recognizing Individuals Seeking Equity (RISE) Fellow. While an undergrad, she worked with companies such as Google and General Electric. She began her post-undergraduate career as a management consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she partnered with clients to provide innovative solutions for streamlining processes, implementing new technologies, and creating operational efficiencies to result in profitable growth. When she wasn’t consulting, she was building her dance company, First Impressions, through which she partnered with brands like Athleta and Dove to empower women and girls through movement. After getting her MBA from Harvard, she transitioned to the consumer industry, where she now helps brands build and grow through innovative marketing, brand strategy, and operations solutions. Her mission is to empower consumers through the products they use.