Local Houston Business Experts Announced as Panelists on Business Revitalization Tour Feb 21st
HOUSTON, TX, FEBRUARY 3, 2015—Celebrated entrepreneurs, multimedia, PR and branding leaders Velma Trayham (Houston), Trea Davenport (Los Angeles) and Alex Green (Houston) are teaming up as producers of the 2015 BRAND MASTERS TOUR, a value-packed, educational, business-building event taking place in ten US cities beginning on February 21st in Houston, TX. The one of a kind super-sized seminar, open to the public will welcome Houston-area panelists; Kelly Hodges, Sr. Director of Health and Equity at the American Heart Association; Nikki Woods, Sr. Producer of the Tom Joyner Morning Show; and Judy Foston, international communications expert.
Taking place from 1pm-5pm at Change Happens Foundation (Midtown) 3353 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004, organizers are extending a $100 early bird ticket until February 15th at www.brandmastersontour.com.
The Brand Masters will discuss pitfalls, setbacks and common mistakes of business owners and provide tangible resources, the secrets of generating free publicity and proven “how to” methods for seizing brand awareness. The lineup of accomplished professionals will offer attendees the opportunity to ask tough questions, network with like-minded individuals, obtain sound advice and unique perspective.
ABOUT THE 2015 BRAND MASTERS: HOUSTON
VELMA TRAYHAM
Velma Trayham uses her education in marketing and business development and experience in PR and branding to lead ThinkZILLA PR & Consulting Group with an inspired passion that produces high-impact results for athletes, religious and political leaders, media personalities, entertainers, speakers and more.
Ms. Trayham consistently places her clients in top tier magazines, at the right events and at the top of search rankings to maximize visibility and return on PR investment. She is an expert at crisis management, and has worked with scandal-plagued sports and entertainment stars on brand and personal image rehabilitation.
Based in Houston, TX, Trayham has secured media placements for clients in print and online outlets including; Rolling Out, Sister 2 Sister, Jet, CNN.com, WND.com, Travel Weekly and Ohio News, exposure on broadcast radio and television (The Yolanda Adams Morning Show, Oprah’s Life You Want Tour, The WORD Network), nominations for national and international awards (CNN Heroes, John C. Maxwell Leadership Awards) to name a few.
TREA DAVENPORT
In the past decade, the highly respected agency, led by PR guru and sought after brand and industry “fixer” Trea Davenport, launched and re-sparked the careers of music talents including multi-platinum and Grammy nominated talents such as Charli Baltimore, Gucci Mane and Chrisette Michelle. The Detroit native’s diverse clientele boasts standouts in film/TV, publishing, art, business, fashion, politics, sports and fitness, and most notably entertainment.
Davenport’s firm was named the official agency of record for the 2013 Ambassadors Inaugural Ball in celebration of President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama in D.C., and Director of Marketing for Trade & Aid: Detroit’s Red Carpet Backyard BBQ and Global Opportunity Forum, she was appointed the Deputy Press Secretary to the Honorary Consulate of Republic of Botswana where she aided in the collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, the DC Minority Business Development Agency and Botswana American Chamber of Commerce’s trade missions.
Davenport was named “Publicist of the Year” in 2011 and has been featured in business journals, and entertainment magazines. She has taught at Fort Valley State, Wayne State and Cal State. Her Krash Kourse and PR University e-Books teach advanced PR tactics to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs.
ALEXANDRIA GREEN
The owner and CEO of Alex Green Media comes equipped with extensive experience and a genuine understanding of the mass media industry including; video production, project management and corporate photography.
As a senior journalist for Rolling Out, Alex interviewed performing artists, corporate executives, bestselling authors and million dollar entrepreneurs. Her editorial repertoire includes; Tavis Smiley, Soledad O’Brien, Mayor Annise Parker, Counsel Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Solange Knowles, Ronald Isley, Les Brown and Stedman Graham.
As a photographer, she branched out to create a prominent photography company in Houston; Alex Green Photography. Her clientele has included top corporations, civic groups, government agencies, political leaders, celebrities and fraternal organizations to name a few.
JUDY FOSTON
Judy Foston is the founder of Foston International, Inc., a full service multi-media company founded in 1984 after working for Fortune 500 companies in sales and marketing. Judy has developed a successful track record spanning over 35 years in media, sales, marketing, public relations, special events, promotions, and advertising.
As one of the founders of MJWJ Global Radio Network, Foston has been the executive producer of radio and TV shows including; Sammy Davis, Jr. Awards Live,Coca-Cola Variety Celebrity Revue Live and Confessions with Wash Allen.
NIKKI WOODS
Nikki Woods is a multi-media personality, national best-selling author, social media specialist, personal branding coach, motivational speaker and voice-over artist. Woods is currently the Senior Producer of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the most successful syndicated urban radio show in history reaching more than 8 million people on a daily basis.
As a highly sought after keynote speaker who’s earned the distinction of global visibility expert, Nikki continues to reach millions, empowering and training audiences with messages and methods for excelling in business, marketing and personal growth. She currently serves as an OWN ambassador and is the author of Easier Said than Done.
KELLY P HODGES
Kelly P. Hodges has over 18 years of experience in community relations, public affairs and program development. Ms. Hodges is a seasoned professional highly versed in community/public health, health disparities research and minority recruitment. As the Senior Director of Health Equity for the American Heart Association, Southwest Affiliate, she is a master of community engagement, partnership development/coalition and capacity building.
Rolling Out Magazine recognized Kelly as one of the top 25 most influential Women in Houston and she has received the Mosaic Women Outstanding Community Service Award from The Church Without Walls and was recognized in Who’s Who in Black Houston.
To arrange interviews, inquire about vendor or sponsorship opportunities or more info visit the Brand Masters Tour website or email [email protected].
