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OUR TEAM
William Powell
Founder / Visionary
Mr. Powell is a renowned motivational speaker and communication expert recognized globally for his outstanding skills in public speaking. He has also been ranked as one of the Top Twenty best public speakers in the world by Toastmasters International, a prestigious organization that promotes communication and leadership skills.
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Apart from his public speaking expertise, Mr. Powell is also a coach and trainer in verbal and non-verbal communication, helping individuals and organizations improve their communication skills and achieve their goals. He has worked with various professionals, including educators and parents, to build open channels of communication and promote better understanding in families and schools.
He has educated hundreds of teachers on identifying and addressing these issues, helping them create safe and supportive learning environments for students. Through his work, he has been instrumental in thousands of youth's academic and social development nationwide.
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Orliz Espiritusanto
Director
Mrs. Espiritusanto's academic journey is a testament to her commitment to education and child development. She holds a Master’s Degree in Science and STEM Education, a credential that underscores her expertise in integrating cutting-edge technologies with traditional learning methods. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a focus on child development, provides her with deep insights into the cognitive and emotional needs of her students. Additionally, Mrs. Espiritusanto’s Associate’s Degree in Medical Administration Assisting adds a unique dimension to her profile, highlighting her comprehensive understanding of medical and administrative practices.
Beyond her impressive academic credentials, Mrs. Espiritusanto is a bilingual leader fluent in English and Spanish, a certified National Geographic Educator, and a licensed Emergency Responder with First Aid and CPR certifications. She excels in curriculum development, creating innovative and engaging lesson plans tailored to each student, and her dedication to environmental science fosters a generation of environmentally conscious learners, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and globally aware learning environment at Player 1 Academy.
Kimberly is a dynamic professional who excels as a Senior Chargeback Analyst at Teleflex Medical, armed with an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Her analytical acumen and business expertise are evident in her role, where she ensures financial accuracy and efficiency. Beyond her corporate achievements, Kimberly is a dedicated advocate and captivating public speaker committed to educating and empowering young women about the critical issues of abuse.
Her journey as an advocate is driven by a profound mission to inform, inspire, and uplift survivors of abuse, helping them discover their choices and potential. Kimberly's work aims to eradicate the emotional and psychological suffering, physical harm, and tragically common fatalities stemming from domestic violence and abuse. She tirelessly works to enlighten and educate others, striving to break the cycle of abuse and foster a safer, more compassionate society.
Kimberly Duplessis
Southern Region Director
Brenda Brown
Community Partnerships Coordinator Southern District
Mrs. Brenda Brown, is the Region 5 Director of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. In her role, she oversees the Social Services departments across 14 counties, including Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne, and Wilson.
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Brenda brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to Player 1, offering invaluable guidance on leadership, setting and achieving Academy goals, and developing effective administrative policies and structures. Her expertise ensures the smooth functioning of services, controls, and reporting systems, driving efficient and impactful performance.
Recognizing the profound influence of Player 1 on communities worldwide, Brenda leverages her extensive background to enhance its mission. With a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Master's degrees in Social Work and Human Services, Brenda is a powerhouse of knowledge and a vital asset to the Academy. Her leadership promises to elevate Player 1's efforts to new heights, fostering growth and success in every community it touches.
Carnissa Vann-Melton
Hertford County North Carolina
Chapter President
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What truly sets Carnissa apart is her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Her passion extends to creating safer schools where students can thrive in a nurturing environment free from the specter of violence. Carnissa's vision transcends her immediate surroundings as she works tirelessly to dismantle violence in her community and the surrounding counties.
Carnissa M. Vann-Melton's commitment to youth and community development is an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.
Carnissa is a remarkable individual with a strong commitment to youth and community development. As an Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, and Property Owner, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her multifaceted roles. With over 19 years of experience in Corrections, encompassing Security, Counseling, and Case Management, Carnissa has a profound understanding of the challenges facing her community.
Willie is responsible for ensuring that the program is effective in meeting the needs of young people in the community and that it aligns with the larger organization's mission and goals. This involves working closely with other leaders within the organization to establish program goals and objectives, developing strategies for achieving those goals, and overseeing the implementation of programs and activities that engage and support young people.
Willie Wynn
Alabama / Georgia
Chapter President