Wendy Gladney
Founder & President
Author, motivational speaker, talk-show host, philanthropist, entrepreneur and mother -- 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
Sarah R. Harris is the 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
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.
Vice Chair / Psychiatrist
Board Chair / President/
Publisher / SuiteEvents
Sabra Marie
Sabra Marie recently departed from her corporate career to pursue entrepreneurism. With a background in Marketing & Events, she dances with fluidity between the business and artistic worlds. An avid writer, enthusiastic photographer, and member of SAG/AFTRA, Sabra 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. Currently, Bryan works for INROADS, a talent development organization, where he has served in both local and national roles for over 16 years.
Board Secretary / Freelance Photographer & Community Relations Consultant
Bryan O. Barnes
Board Treasurer
Director, INROADS
Eric R. Brown
Member
Director, Legislative & Intergovernmental Relations,
Housing Authority, City of Los Angeles
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 Director of Intergovernmental and Media Relations at the Los Angeles Housing Authority. 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
Charisse Bremond-Weaver - President & CEO, Brotherhood Crusade
Darrell R. Brown - Retired Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank - Greater Los Angeles Region
Karen E. Hudson - Director, Paul R. Williams Architectural Collection
Ms. Shabazz - Author and Speaker
Michele G. Turner - Executive Director, USC Black Alumni Association