Success Creators

Does My Abaya Offend You?

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

Let’s reflect on this. This picture is from the “Glow Photo Series: Philly Edition.” I purchased my Abaya in preparation for the Dubai Blackout trip last year. When I wear my Abaya I feel beautiful. I feel empowered. I feel LOVE.

Wearing my Abaya is a personal tribute to that little black girl lost that finally found herself. At 14-years old when I was raped I had on a similar outfit. It was Forest Green. Loose fitting. Long and flowing. Oftentimes when Rape victims share our stories the first question is: “What did you wear?” It’s classic “victim blaming.” The assumption is if you wear certain clothing (short skirts, tight jeans, revealing clothes, etc.) you are “asking to be raped.” This is FALSE!!! The truth: Rapists Rape. It doesn’t matter what you wear. Time of day. What you look like or any of the many assumptions people come up with to victim blame and shame. Unfortunately people still ask intrusive questions and think this way. If you do it please stop asking these questions it’s extremely offensive and insensitive. 😔😔😔

I’ve periodically posted pictures in my Abayas of various colors. I love the way they flow and enjoy the vibrant colors. Each time I post I get comments or inbox messages saying: Why did you wear that? You look fat in that garb. 😑 Are you Muslim now? 🤔 I’ve even been told I can’t dress and need a fashion consult because of my Abaya. 😫 It’s a shocking what people freely feel the need to say. It’s rude and offensive.

I proudly come from a predominantly Islamic family, it’s a large part of Philadelphia and our history. The Nation of Islam is very prominent in my city. I’m Christian. I’m troubled that it concerns others so much what religion I am or what I wear. Why? Why is it necessary to comment on someone else’s attire? Does my Abaya offend you? Are you uncomfortable that I’m comfortable being fully clothed in my garb? I love who I am and what the Abaya represents: Beauty, Confidence and Love. 💛💛💛

The Day I Decided to End My Life

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

I’ll never forget the day April 5, 2012 was the day I decided to end my life. I decided on this day to end my Air Force career. I was suffering from chronic health issues and was facing an uphill battle in the military with my First Sergeant. We were friends previously and she said to me: “I’ve never seen you this sick before.” At the time she was going out of her way to make my life miserable because she didn’t understand “why” I was constantly sick and in the hospital. I would ultimately undergo surgery for a Gall Bladder Removal, Appendix Removal, and an Uterine Myomectomy to remove Endometriosis and Fibroids. If you have experienced any of these at one time imagine suffering through it in the course of a year. I was tired and felt like my body was failing me. God had other plans for my life and sent the Chaplain to intervene when I wanted to give up on life. The Chaplain prayed over me and immediately I felt a sense of relief. Chaplain Burrell saved my life.

By July 2012 I opted to separate from the Air Force and start a new life. I had no idea what was in store. But God! I landed by first job post-Air Force after my first interview. The job doubled my Air Force salary. Since then I served as a political consultant on multiple campaigns, established a non-profit and for-profit business, and landed a highly coveted government position.

You can’t tell me GOD is not real HE intervened when I thought it would be best to end it all. I’m forever grateful to Chaplain Burrell for being called by God to pray over me. In that moment he transformed my spirit. I share this not to play victim or for sympathy but to give HOPE to others who may be in a dark place. Don’t give up. Keep pushing. God may close many doors in your life. It’s not the end it’s the beginning of a new journey. Move forward. Trust God.

~Love, Simply Ebony

DC Bourbiz (The Veteran/Military Spouse Resource Event) is Back on April 26th 2018: (Open to all Business/Professional Networkers)

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

DC Bourbiz (The Veteran/Military Spouse Resource Event) is Back on April 26th 2018: (Open to all Business/Professional Networkers)

Register for Free today: http://bit.ly/Bourbiz

Team VSRG/GCO is excited to start the spring right in DC with the improved Bourbiz Networking format. Veterans/Military Spouses come network with resources ranging from Matchmaking for Businesses, to personal and professional development support in a relaxed but high energy environment:

• Business Matchmaking (Presented by FWDthink)

• Job Seeking and Transition Support

• Resume and Interview Resources

• Compensation and Disability Claims Resources

• 9/11 GI Bill Support

• Veteran/Military Spouse Health/Wellness Resources

• Access to Capital Resources StreetShares

• Legal and Business Compliance Resources

• Meet & Greets with Redskins Fred Smoot, WJLA’s Erin Lynn Hawksworth, @Justin Constantine Jack Mandaville, JW Boothe and more!!!

In addition to the vast networking opportunities, Bourbiz offers our signature a Bourbon, Whiskey, Wine and Single Malt Scotch tasting with over 20 different types to sample from during the event. Additionally, we have added our new icebreaker name tags that allow for easy recognition of resources and connectors for your benefit as an attendee.

2018 Community Young Adult Employment Fair – Bowie, MD

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

The City of Bowie Gymnasium and Bowie Youth & Family Services are hosting a community job fair for young adults on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the City of Bowie Gymnasium. The goal of this job fair is to connect local employers with young adults, ages 16 to 24, seeking employment. Last year’s event had over 250 young adults in attendance and more than 15 local employers participated.

To date, the confirmed participants include:

University of Maryland, College Park

Prince George’s County Police Department

Ernest Maier Block Construction

Newk’s Eatery

Chick-fil-A

CMT Services, Inc.

Sport Fit

Barnola, LLC.

Primerica

Maryland Express Tag & Title

University of Maryland Capital Region Health

Bubbles Productions

J Mart

United States Coast Guard

The Omega Studios’ School of Applied Recording Arts and Sciences

Pho D’Lite Bowie

Watermark Cruises

Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department

DRD Pool Services, Inc.

Six Flags America

Bowie Volunteer Fire Department

Stanley Steemer

Chili’s Grill & Bar

For info and to register visit here: http://www.cityofbowie.org/2358/Young-Adult-Job-Fair

Pretty Girl

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

#MeToo “You’re too pretty to be in the Air Force. You’re too pretty to fight in a war. You’re too pretty to be an Intelligence Analyst.” These were the outrageous things men would say as a backhanded compliment. Usually shortly after the comment would be some form of harassment: an overly long hug, a sneak feel of my butt, groping of my breasts, an unwanted kiss on the cheek, a sexual comment about my chest or other assets. I was told routinely to smile and accept the compliments. Don’t be so uptight. It’s just a compliment right?

No, it’s wrong! I have a voice to speak up. I’m not “just a pretty girl.” I am intelligent. I worked my ass off to successfully complete the Air Force Basic Military Training and subsequently the Air Force Technical Training school to become an Intelligence Analyst. I served honorably in the United States Air Force and volunteered to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom as a Silent Warrior (Intelligence Analyst). I’m offended by the notion that “pretty” defines who I am when I’m so much more: An Air Force Veteran, an Entrepreneur, a Community Service Advocate and a Leader.

I’m not just a “Pretty Girl!” I’m a BOSSED UP WOMAN!!!

United Way 2-1-1 – Call for Help!

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

#Homeless #Jobless #Families Are you currently struggling to pay rent? Facing eviction? Is your home currently in foreclosure? Do you need help paying your mortgage? Do you know someone facing homelessness? Are you late on your utility payments? Do you need a job? Call 2-1-1 for HELP or contact your local Department of Human Services. Even if you don’t meet the low income requirements they can refer you to non-profit partners and agencies that can assist you at your point of need. You do not have to struggle alone.

Love, Loss, Death and Grief

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

Roderick Dunston’s death has opened my eyes to many truths some painful and some insightful. Quietly attending his funeral here in Maryland and observing others I realized a few things.

#1 He was loved by many. ❤️🖤❤️ He gave tirelessly after his stroke. It was so important for him to raise awareness and help others.

#2 He had a BIG heart. He loved EVERYBODY. There was not one person in the room that wasn’t touched in some way by Roderick.

#3 Compassion. That’s the one Word that rang volumes. His brother Marcus Dunston holds so many of his traits. To just be loving and compassionate to everyone.

#4 Guard your tongue. This lesson Roderick taught me over and over again. Not everything needs to be said. The truth will reveal itself.

#5 Live LIFE to the fullest until your last breath. We truly never know when our last days will be here on this Earth.

Love Freely, Receive Love Openly, Give Willingly, Be Compassionate, and Be Cautious of the words that you say to others for you can never take them back.

Love,

Simply Ebony

#roderickdunston @roderickdunston #rip #strokesurvivor #HeartLove #HeartMonth

#Sponsoraheart

#DontIgnoretheSigns

#RoderickDunstonFoundation

TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Events: A Secret Clearance or Above is Required to Attend

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

If you have a Secret Clearance or above, then you’re invited to interview with the Defense Industry’s leading employers at the March TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Events in MD and VA! Don’t just rely on applying for jobs online. Attend the events this week and meet face-to-face with employers to secure your next career opportunity.

TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Events: A Secret Clearance or Above is Required to Attend

Wednesday, March 14

BWI Marriott

1743 West Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Register: https://www.TechExpoUSA.com/jobfair.cfm?jobfairid=761

Thursday, March 15

Sheraton Tysons Hotel

8661 Leesburg Pike

Vienna, VA 22182

Register: https://www.TechExpoUSA.com/jobfair.cfm?jobfairid=762

Schedule for both events:

9:30am – 10am: Career Seminars

10am – 3pm: Hiring Events

Please share / forward this opportunity with your cleared friends & colleagues.

If you’re unable to register in advance online, you can still do so onsite at the event. Bring copies of your resume with you.

By registering in advance, employers will have the ability to review your resume and contact you prior to the event.

Confirmed on March 14 in MD:

AMEWAS

BCT LLC

Booz Allen Hamilton

BrainTrust

By Light Professional IT Services

Chameleon Integrated Services – Virtual Exhibitor

Electronic Systems / Harris – Virtual Exhibitor

INNOPLEX

IntelligenceCareers

Leidos

MacAulay – Brown Inc. / MacB

Microsoft Corporation – Virtual Exhibitor

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

NERC / E-ISAC

Raytheon – Integrated Defense Systems

The Josef Group – Virtual Exhibitor

The MITRE Corporation

The US Department of Veterans Affairs

and more!

Confirmed on March 15 in VA:

AllCom Global Services

Chameleon Integrated Services – Virtual Exhibitor

Deep Learning Analytics

IntelligenceCareers

Leidos

Microsoft Corporation

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

NorthTide Group

Parsons

Peraton

REAN Cloud

Scientific Research Corporation

SEI / Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University

Smartlink

The US Department of Veterans Affairs

and more!

Hundreds of Job Opportunities are available: Cyber Sec. Specialists, All-Source Analysts, Application Architects, Cloud Engineers, Developers, Information Assurance Engineers, Help Desk Specialists, Information Security Managers, ISSEs, ISSOs, Linux Administrators, Network Engineers, Program Managers, Project Managers, Risk Managers, Software Developers, SW Engineers, System Administrators, System Engineers, Technical Managers, Test Engineers and many more!

For details and to view upcoming hiring events visit https://www.TechExpoUSA.com/jobfairs.cfm

Best of luck,

The TECHEXPO Team