Vip Members

In 1991, upon graduation at Purdue University for Business Administration, Giovana Dicunta quickly joined her family business, Pollo Campesino, as their CEO. Since then, Giovana has been successful in launching 26 stores throughout Honduras. Not too recently, the company obtained two (2) awards in 2015 and 2016. Giovanna feels that her prime motivation behind her hard work is for her family's business to advance and prosper. In the next 3-5 years, Giovanna hopes to open more locations throughout Central America. She also has dreams of eventually expanding the business to the United States.

Diogenes Uceda is a highly accomplished senior metallurgical and process engineer with over 25 years of international management experience in Mineral Processing, Mining, Hydrometallurgy, Electrometallurgy and Pyrometallurgy. His areas of expertise include mineral processing and environmental management, metallurgy, solving technical problems related to the mining and metallurgical industry, process improvement, and Six Sigma. Originally from Peru, Diogenes has an impressive educational background starting with earning his Degree in Metallurgical Engineering at Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería in 1967 and a Diploma in Physical Metallurgy (Quinto Curso Panamericano de Metalurgia / Fifth Pan-American Metallurgy Course) as part of the National Atomic Energy Commission in 1967. Diogenes graduated with a PhD in Electrometallurgy from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 1989. He earned both a Master of Science in Financial Management at Universidad Tecnológica del Cibao in 2001, and a Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines in 1976. He is a Six Sigma Brown Belt and has completed several additional certifications and coursework. Growing up in Peru, Diogenes discovered that mining was a very important field so he wanted to study mineral processing. As he was a good student, the mining profession was a natural fit for him. He started out his career as a Senior Metallurgist at Cerro Verde Mine in Peru. Currently, Diogenes is working as an independent contractor and is looking to work at an engineering company. His prior role was Process Engineer at United Commodity in Ontario, Canada, providing technical support to the company's operations and overseeing the technology development and engineering of the Yukon refinery. In addition, he is writing a book in Spanish that he will have translated to English. He is fluent in English and Spanish and speaks some French. Throughout his career, Diogenes has achieved tremendous success in global business settings, working with diverse cultures and countries including the U.S., Peru, Dominican Republic, Australia, Argentina, Brazil and Canada, at metallurgical operations both large and small. The key to his success is determination, a good education and the passion he has for his field. Indeed, Diogenes loves working in mining and metallurgy. He excels at driving more efficient operations through improved process performance and six sigma methodology, research and development, and enhancing procedures and cost savings. Diogenes strives to be an innovative change agent in order to deliver new ideas critical to the modern mining and metallurgical industry. When he's not working, Diogenes enjoys reading and travel, especially to Europe with his son. He also supports The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Linda is a distinguished and highly qualified educational professional with over 40 years of experience in her field. A graduate of both Alabama A&M University and Alabama University with her Bachelors and Masters degrees (respectively) in education. During her time at Alabama A&M University, she was able to join the highly esteemed and exclusive Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Linda went on teach for a total of 40 years with 28 of those years spent in elementary education and the remaining as a Language Arts teacher with middle school students. Lina has remained active in her community through Alpha Kappa Alpha initiatives and her work with the local church. In her free time she enjoys volunteering in the local schools, reading, traveling and indulging in different art projects. Linda hopes to help educators coming into the industry find their niche and fully understand the job. Her message to those entering into the education industry regardless of whether in a traditional classroom is to, "Pursue excellence. Children need people who are passionate about seeing them succeed in their corner and everyone can make a difference" . In joining the WANA, Linda is looking to connect with like minded professionals and lend her experience to those who are in need.

Jerry Browder credits his time at Northeastern State University in helping to shape him into the man he is today. While at Northeastern State University, Jerry received his Bachelor's degree in Biology and Physical Education, Jerry was a Defensive Back Linebacker on the Football Team. Jerry grew up in Texas has always been a lover of sports, the outdoors; world history and construction. Jerry spent most of his 35 year career working the Pipeline for Houston Contracting company where he was assigned to work projects such as in Alaska, New Orleans, Texas, Nigeria and in Iraq to name a few. During his career, Jerry held positions as an Assistant Superintendent and Supervisor as well as working the line. He worked and over-seed Trenching Crews, Lowering Crews comprised of people from 17 different nations. For example, Jerry evaluated the pipeline quality control with hydraulic water tests for flow assurance and line integrity. A man who eschews the spotlight Jerry supports a number of non-profit organizations and causes. However, as Jerry says he does so quietly with the goal of doing something to benefit people. Semi-retired, Jerry owns and runs a cattle farm as well as acts as a consultant on Pipeline issues.

Anthony Goode is a retired Navy Senior Officer with experience in Aerospace and defence. Mr. Goode currently serves as Consultant at CFN Consultants(Atlantic). CFN Consultants (Atlantic) is a national company that focuses on the A&D Sector in Canada. They advise smaller companies on aerospace and defence contracts. Mr. Goode credits his success to his Navy training, self discipline and a strong focus on his customers and clients.

Richard Anthony "Tony" Bickford is a Guatemalan citizen and a graduate of Rice University. He has both a Master of Civil Engineering specializing in Structural Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He has 24 years of experience in his profession and has served as the President of Grupo Precon, a 46-year old family business for the last 8 years. Grupo Precon is a group of companies that work in the construction industry in 6 countries in Central America. The companies that comprise the group are PRECON, which is the regional leader in light and heavy precast concrete company; CONSULTA which is one of the largest construction companies and specializes in design/build construction projects in Central America; and MONOLIT which is a company that produces wire and wire mesh, and also has a retail chain for construction products comprising of about 40 stores. The group´s vision is to be present at each job site making the construction experience easier. The group employs approximately 4,000 talented people. Tony worked his way up through the company starting on the floor and holding many progressively responsible positions over the years. Tony always liked engineering and decided on civil engineering because his family business was in construction. His future goals include continuing in his current role but expanding the business and doing more direct real estate development that will take him all the way to delivery to the final user. His key to success has been to balance hard work with family life and personal time. He never takes anything for granted and always keeps thinking how to do the the job better the next time. Innovation is in his blood stream as his companies own 3 patents for construction systems. Tony is also part of several boards in important organizations and companies. One is AGIES which is the organization in charge of producing construction code for Guatemala; also in Tritech, which is a company involved in the distribution of high performance industrial lubricants in 14 countries in America; and also in the financial sector, he is a board member of ARREND, a Central American company that deals mainly in the leasing industry. Tony says his greatest achievement has been maintaining balance in life through the different stages; running and growing a company at the same time of being a husband and a good father of four and still having time to give back to society while keeping a healthy life, both physically and spiritually. Tony looks forward to collaborating with fellow members.

Rex Lee Jim serves as CEO of Global Indigenous Solutions, and specializes in education of human health. With over 20 years of experience, Rex started his own business in 2015, with intentions to expand on a global scale. and increase revenue. His future goals include helping others improve their lives through compassion and hard work.

As a young college student Mario A. Calderon was unsure if he wanted to pursue a degree in mechanics engineering or in agricultural. Mario sought advice from his father who reminded him that no matter what, human beings will always need to eat. That bit of wisdom helped to solidify Mario's career path. As Production Manager of Avenco Spyces, specializing in dried spices, fruits and vegetables, Mario oversees every aspect of the product from germination to being processing ready. Mario is a firm believer in the importance of keeping abreast of advances and issues in the agricultural sector. He is getting more and more involved in the issue of climate change and it's impact on agriculture. Mario will continue to ask questions and seek answers to aspects relating to pollution, greenhouse effects, and water. Mario credits his success to his high energy, and passion for what he does. He believes in the importance of agriculture and the two things that sustain life- water and food. He has built his career by knowing the importance of the work that he does. Mario knows that by treating his co-workers with respect and knowing that it is by being dependable and going beyond what is expected, one is not only contributing to the company's success but helping to achieve economic success for Guatemala. It is the things that are done on an individual level that help to define the big picture, Mario expresses. He is fluent in Spanish and English.

Debbie R. Hillman attended Ohio State University and received her Masters Degree in Family Relationships and Human Development. While attending the university through 1979, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and was in the National Honor Society.She has owned her own company "Developing Human Resources Consultants" since 1997, providing training and consulting for Head Start and other early care and education programs. Her services are geared toward helping programs achieve national accreditation, meet federal and local standard, and improve quality of care for children and families. Debbie is very involved in her community and is active in several organizations including the NAACP, National Association Of Young Children and National Head Start Association. She has been asked to speak and present at several events including National Black Child development Institute and the Georgia Heat Start Association. She believes that children and families are our greatest resource. She credits her success to her passion and looks forward to connecting and sharing experiences with like-minded professionals.

Roma McKenzie-Campbell is a firm believer in the fact that things happen for a reason. Although her career did not go as planned, Roma is certainly happy about her destination. Roma found a happy medium because of her job in the transportation industry. Roma started her education over at Northeastern University. She received her BS in Electrical Engineering in 1991. At Northeastern University, Roma was the president and an active member of NSB. Roma continued her studies at Lesley University, where she received her Masters in Management in 1998. Roma is currently working with a regional division of Amtrak. She is in charge of all the train trips made from Boston to Rhode Island. Her daily activities consist of meetings, payments, project meetings. Roma's greatest accomplishment is when she was granted the opportunity to China and India for research for sustainable transportation. She learned about transportation on an international sphere. Roma was able to give advice to those countries as well. She found this trip extremely rewarding.

Richard D. Howard is a healthcare professional with over 25 years of expertise in the Biopharmaceuticals industry. Richard serves as a Pharmacy Technician, providing medical care and advice to patients. He counsels staff in delivering medical solutions for various healthcare providers. Richard was previously employed by Tricaras Scripts as the Head of Pharmacy Operations.

Mr. Heisenbottle has more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of architecture and interior design. His background encompasses governmental, education, healthcare, commercial and historic preservation projects both in Miami and New York. In 1987, he formed his own firm and has been responsible for numerous large-scale developments throughout the tri-county area and the southeastern United States. He is currently a registered architect in 5 states and was accorded the Silver Medal from the AIA in 2003. He was elected to the AIA College of Fellows in February 2005. Today, Mr. Heisenbottle’s firm is well known in South Florida for the historic preservation of some of the area’s oldest and most prestigious buildings including the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, The Colony Theater, the Freedom Tower and the Miami Edison Middle School. He serves as Vice President of the Dade Heritage Trust and has been a member of the City of Miami’s Preservation Board for over 10 years. As an alumnus of the University of Miami, he is continuously active in the School of Architecture and serves as a guest lecturer in historic preservation. Mr. Heisenbottle’s projects have been widely publicized in Architectural Record, the League of Historic American Theaters, Florida Caribbean Architect, and Preservation Today. He has received numerous awards for Excellence in Architecture from the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects and the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and is the recipient of an Outstanding Preservation Project Award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation as well as one from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the Miami Edison Middle School. Mr. Heisenbottle has numerous publications, including: Blueprint Directory Architecture + Design + Real Estate “Discovering the Lost Colony” Reggie Ruddock, June/August 2006 pp 46-51 Stage Directions Magazine – Annual Historic Theatre Issue Gusman Center for the Performing Arts July 2003 “Reinvigorating Our Schools” American Institute of Architects, 1998. p. 10. Florida A-E-C; Construction Market Data A-E-C Interview “Richard Heisenbottle of R. J. Heisenbottle Architects” October 1998. pp.17-19. Construction Market Data - Profiles “R. J. Heisenbottle, PA, Rebuilding Yesterday for Tomorrow” Kaye, Nancy. 7 September 1993. pp.1-4. Preservation Today “New Freedom for the Tower: Saving Miami’s Historic Skyline” Thompson-Stewart, Louise. 1990. pp. 7-9. Architectural Record “Southern Traditions” Pearson, Clifford A. March 1990. pp 66-75. Mr. Heisenbottle attributes his success to a passion for architecture, good design, an appreciation of architectural history and a passion and commitment to design. His goal is to continue doing what he does best!

Mary Anders has 35 years of experience in her field, and apart from being a professional Harp Musician, she is also a counselor. Mary specializes in therapy for adults for those who need to achieve stability in their lives. Her counseling approach is through music which has been significantly help individuals obtain work and much more. Mary's approach through music is a unique form of counseling and she agrees as we all do, everyone likes some sort of music and is influential in many ways. She also advocates for her patients to be treated fairly and to obtain all the necessary counseling and services necessary. Being able to see her patients bloom through the process of her approach is the greatest satisfaction for her. Helping people has always been Mary's her drive and her passion.

Barbara Jean McLintock accomplished graduate of the University of Winnipeg, is a published author and former journalist who currently works as a Coroner for the British Columbia government. She wrote, "Anorexia's Fallen Angel" (Harper Collins, International Edition 2002) and "Smoke-Free: How One City Successfully Banned Smoking in All Indoor Public Places" (Granville Island Press, 2004 )(Joint project with Department of Public Health Barbara says the main focus of the Coroner position is communications, both internal and external, thus she uses the perfect combination of her background, skills, and interests in doing the job. Barbara took early retirement from her last journalists job with the Province, after 20 years, when it made the offer. She then accepted a part-time position as a Coroner originally intending only to work part-time. However, the work fascinated her so much she found she actually worked on it full-time so she ultimately took on a formal full-time position. Her goal is to move back to part-time in the next 3 to 5 years and to do more writing, perhaps publish a third book. Barbara's key to success has been her insatiable curiosity about everything and belief that one should keep learning. She says anything you learn will at some point be useful. Her greatest accomplishment was her book, "Anorexia's Fallen Angel" (Harper Collins, International Edition 2002). Barbara looks forward to connecting with fellow members.

Gayelene Bonenfant, who currently holds an Executive MBA from Royal Roads University, is a self-made woman who ran her own oil and gas and cattle feed businesses from a very young age. She is also self-taught in accounting and finance and worked as the Chief Financial Officer for oil & gas companies for twenty years. In July of this year, she accepted the position of CFO of the tech start-up SenseConnect. Gayelene has always been courageous. At 19 years old she spied a burning vehicle and approached it. She saw a person inside and, without hesitation, she jumped into action and saved the man's life. This same courage propelled her entrepreneurial spirit and led her to own and operate her own oil & gas company and her cattle feed company - both industries heavily male dominated. She says she does not see obstacles or impediments but rather challenges and opportunities. This is what motivated her to take on her new role as the CFO of SenseConnect. Gayelene's keys to success are her constant work on personal development, her tenacity and her big picture thinking that looks past obstacles. She says that over the next 5-year period her goals are to "close the gap in her CFO designation and to do more strategic consultant. Gayelene currently gives her time serving as Treasurer on the Board of the MS Society of Alberta and NWT and sits on the national board.

Timmy Gallagher is a distinguished, athletic and academic professional with over 40 years of experience coaching and developing athletes. A graduate of Marshall University, Timmy received his Masters Degree in Physical Education, and also received a second Masters Degree in Educational Administration from New Jersey City University and his Bachelors Degree from the University of Charleston. Timmy was very involved during his years on campus, first joining the prestigious Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity while at the University of Charleston and at Marshall University acted as the assistant baseball coach. Timmy is currently working as a coach, trainer and instructor with In The Zone Baseball & Softball Academy, a premier training facility. Timmy is teaches Physical Education at Plainfield High School and has been teaching within the public schools for over 18 years. Committed to remaining involved in his industry, Timmy has joined several educator focused professional associates, where he has an impact and voice. Timmy notes that he credits his success to his pure love for what he does. His greatest moments have been watching his students grow and develop throughout the years. Many of his students have gone to work in the education and sports industry with two of them playing in the major leagues. Although Timmy is looking forward to retirement from the public school system, he will continue coaching and training young athletes for many years to come. In joining the WANA, Timmy is looking forward to networking and connecting with old classmates and meeting other like-minded professionals.

Nuria Munoz is a true businesswoman from the island of Puerto Rico. Her extensive background in a variety of areas has lead to her success. She has experience in the law, business, writing, and entrepreneurship. The combination of her knowledge and passion has lead to where she is today. Nuria made her way over into the United States in the 1980s. She went to Boston University where she received her Bachelors degree in Political Science and History in 1988. Nuria was active in student government and attended the school's hockey games. She continued her education at Interamerican University, where she received her Juris Doctorate in Law in 1991. After she finished her education, Nuria came back to Puerto Rico to started her own business. Nuria had an independent book shop for over ten years. The shop was awarded the best independent book store in Puerto Rico for two years straight in the early 2000s. Nuria also had her own segment on local television every morning where she discussed the latest books in the market. She decided to close the company due to growing book technologies. In the early 2000s, Nuria had to restart her life. Nuria decided to join Friedman & Feiger in 2011. She has been an important part of the business since day one. Nuria is in charge of administration and is the executive assistant to the directors. She is in charge of billing, customers, and the accounts payable and receivable. Nuria has a say what occurs with the marketing of the company as well. She has a strong presence with the clients and the presentations given. Nuria also leads the paralegal division of the company. Friedman & Feiger LLC is based in Dallas, Texas and has an important division in Puerto Rico which handles bringing investment to the island through Tax Exemptions benefits and has an international geographical area of service. The future for Nuria is looking very bright! She hopes to continue with Friedman & Feiger LLC for as long as she can. Nuria hopes to grow the investment sector of the company while expanding clientele. She hopes to see the Boston Red Sox take home a World Series tittle while helping out in her daughter's girl scout club and her higher education.

Art Sharpe has been an accomplished lawyer for over 30 years, having attained his Juris Doctor Degree in Law from The University of Mississippi School of Law in 1983. Art also attained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University College of Business and Industry. While at Mississippi State he was on The Deans Council and The Free Law Society and was a Brass member of the Universities Band. Art was an Associate Attorney General in Mississippi, was The Director of The Mississippi Workers Compensation Commission and was an Administrative Judge. Art also worked as Director of Emergency Planning and Response for The Mississippi State Department during Hurricane Katrina. Art has a very laudable Army career as well active and non-active duty. He was The Chief of Logistics and Sustainment Command as well as receiving The Combat Action Award and The Bronze Star in active duty. Art was Chief of The Mobilization Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, as well being Operations Officer at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was the Chief of The First Training Team to deploy in Iraq's First Battalion. Art is currently working as Deputy Program Manager for Logicore Corporation which works with Engineering Software, Design and Development of Information Technology Solutions as well as Life Cycle Logistics for the Department of Defense, Government, and Commercial Clients.

Attorney John M. Turner has over 44 years of experience in the legal field, including 22 years as a prosecutor and 22 years with private practice. John is a criminal defense attorney, dealing with felonies i.e. rape, murders, DUI's, and specializing in murder cases in and litigation. John originally had an interest in corporate law and eventually got involved in criminal law. He then became a federal prosecutor. John has published several articles, an FBI law enforcement bulletin, and articles for the Trial Lawyers Association. John credits his success to his credentials, his love of reading, being able to write well, being helpful to others. John is most proud of protecting the rights of people accused of crimes and would like to benefit from networking with like-minded professionals, sharing ideas, expertise, and consulting, John is very passionate about what he does, and divides his time doing volunteer work with two charities.

Andrew Hart Adler has over 40 years of experience in the fine arts industry. Andrew has displayed his art in museums, galleries, and has works in prestigious private and corporate collections, the United States, Europe and now, South Africa. One of his passions outside of art is rowing. Andrew is the Head of Development of Rowing in The Western Cape, where he takesunderprivileged kids and develops their rowing skills. He is also Commodore of Alfred's Rowing Club. He still competes Nationally and Internationally. He supports South African performing artists. He is currently producing The Broadway and West End hit "Hand to God", in South Africa. His goals for the future include continuing to grow in his career and promoting his work internationally. He is looking to connect with galleries, museums, cultural centers, and prestigious venues, to broaden his network.