Wendy Gladney
Founder & President
Author, motivational speaker, podcast host, philanthropist, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and grandmother-- just to name a few; Wendy Gladney is living proof that attitude is everything. As a child, Wendy was abandoned by her mother and sexually abused by her father. However, a firm believer that we all must do the best with what life hands us, Wendy has gone from "victim" to "victorious" and shares how to embrace happiness, experience joy, and live a fulfilled life without hatred.
Sarah Harris
Board Vice Chair / President/
Publisher / SuiteEvents
Sarah R. Harris, is the president of the Black Business Association Los Angeles and founder and publisher of SuiteEvents.com, The Suite Spot for Events. Since 1997, Sarah has built a solid career in event management, marketing and promotions which began as a team member of Wendy’s event planning firm, Personal Services Plus, where she excelled in providing graphic design and event management assistance. In 1999, she launched her celebrated SAVE THE DATE magazine that subsequently led to launching her online edition, SuiteEvents.com, in 2008.
Lauren Walton, MD
Board Vice Chair / Psychiatrist
Lauren M. Walton, MD, is a Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist currently in practice with Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Walton has been a Permanente Physician for 14 years and currently serves as Chief of Service in the Department of Addiction Medicine for the Kaiser Downey service area. In 2013, she was the recipient of the Physician Exceptional Contribution Award for the Downey service area. Dr. Walton is a native of Pittsburgh, PA.
Courtney S.M. Harris
Board Secretary / Media &
Marketing Specialist and Photographer
Courtney Sabra Marie has almost 20 years of experience in Marketing, Communications & Events and dances with fluidity between the business and artistic worlds. An avid writer and enthusiastic photographer, Courtney constantly looks for new ways to express herself creatively and brings this energy and artistic appreciation to the Forgiving for Living Board as well as in working with the young ladies and mentees through the various FFL programs.
Bryan Barnes is a native of Los Angeles. He received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Applied Science from UCLA. After graduation, he worked at IBM for 15 years in various technical, marketing, and management positions. After leaving IBM, Bryan managed his own business for 3 years and worked with Wendy on different projects. Bryan worked for INROADS, a talent development organization, where he has served in both local and national roles for over 24 years. He is currently doing consulting projects.
Bryan Barnes
Board Treasurer/
Chief Programs Officer
INROADS (Retired)
Eric R. Brown
Member At Large / The Brown Group, Founder
Native Angeleno Eric Brown has spent his entire career in public service deeply committed to improving the quality of life in his community. Brown is currently the Sr. Vice President of Bridge Housing. He is responsible for relationships on the Los Angeles Council, Washington D.C., and Sacramento. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and speech communications from California State University, Northridge.
Advisory Council
Darrell R. Brown - Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank -Retired - Greater Los Angeles Region
Karen E. Hudson - Director, Paul R. Williams Architectural Collection
Ms. Shabazz - Author and Speaker
Dr. Michele G. Turner, MBA, Ed.D - Associate Vice President, Business Diversity & Economic Opportunity at the University of Southern California