Board of Directors

Izzy Lewis

Izzy Lewis — Executive Director

Izzy has been known for her persistent efforts of helping communities through companies such as The Salvation Army as a Volunteer Director; managing retired attorneys, teachers, and other prestigious citizens to assist in developing the youth. Izzy Lewis is currently Executive Director for a community based company called Holistic Education Institute, through which she continues and thrive to develop and support the youth and adults. Over the years she has been known for her ability to influence, guide and mentor college students through her involvement as an Educator, and Board Of Director Member. In her spare time she conducts seminars offering consultation to college students on resume writing and job searching.

Izzy worked with Primerica as a Financial Advisor, where she managed and led a team of 15 to 20 representatives. She continues to give financial advice and free consultation to young adults and mature individuals. Izzy Lewis continues to work with the youth by volunteering her time to various School Districts as a Staff Representative, Mentor, Tutor, and Educator. She has over ten years of experience in Human Resources Management and Business. She’s also worked as a Compensation Analyst, Trainer, Recruiter, Mentor, Entrepreneur, and Volunteer Director. She is an active member of the National Black MBA Association, Toastmaster International, The Society for Human Resources, and have served on the Board of Directors for The Mentor Matcher. She holds an MBA, with a concentration in Human Resources from Zicklin School of Business, New York, as well as from Keller Graduate Sch of Management. Izzy has facilitated various sessions including Business Management, Orientation, Small Business Management, and others not mentioned. She is also known as a Motivational Speaker/Advocate for the youth and other individuals in the community.

Izzy, through her partnership in Non-For-Profit; Holistic Education Institute (HEI), continues to empower, motivate and educate others through training, seminars and lectures. Izzy hopes to continue her Human Resource work and community driven projects by working with adult educators and small businesses throughout the DFW area and its expanding communities (states). She strives for togetherness, growth and a holistic approach to a fulfilling and successful future for all.

Izzy can be reached at email: ilewis@heiamerica.org for more information.

Phil Andrews

Phil Andrews — Managing Director

Mr. Andrews is also the Managing Director of Biz Smarter, a business consulting firm. He previously worked for other consulting firms as VP of Consulting Services, Practice Leader and Senior Project Director. His client list includes General Motors, Caterpillar, U.S. Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, 3M, and McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing).

Mr. Andrews’ background includes senior positions with EDS, Case Corporation, and General Electric. He has also worked for IBM, Deere & Co., and Ford Motor Company. Mr. Andrews holds BSIE and MBA degrees, and has several certifications and diplomas from professional organizations.

He was Adjunct Professor at Florida Institute Of Technology and has been a frequent guest lecturer at seven other universities, and several high schools and middle schools. He has given over 800 speeches and lectures at different conferences, symposia, workshops, seminars and conventions around the world.

He has served on the Board Of Directors of Digitran (a Utah high-tech company) and The Mentor Matcher (a Dallas student job shadowing (mentoring) company). He currently serves on the Board of another Dallas based NPO called “Achieving Leadership Institute” (dba Young Scholars Christian Institute).

Dr. Efiong Akwaowo

Dr. Efiong Akwaowo

Dr. Efiong Akwaowo lives in Murphy, Texas (NE side of Dallas). He earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in International Business from Northcentral University. He also has an MBA degree in management and a BBA degree in Marketing from Texas Southern University. For over 19 years, he has been in the corporate world with a greater focus on strategic management, global investment, and consulting. He is a family man, married to a very beautiful wife with 2 boys and 2 girls. He enjoys spending time with his family when he is not reading. He is currently a Full Time Assistant Professor at Ashford University.

Angelia Pinaga

Angelia Pinaga

Mrs. Pinaga is an experienced marketing communications professional with more than 16 years of integrated marketing communications expertise. Her catalogue of work spans the full communications spectrum from print to online to broadcast to multimedia. Mrs. Pinaga is an entrepreneur at heart and has freelance experience with several blue-chip clients, such as, CBS Radio, Countrywide Mortgage and Lending, Radio One, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

She is well versed in executing innovation, strategic planning and vision. She is an award-winning copywriter has taught several courses to teaches adult students how to write professionally.

Mrs. Pinaga has served as Editor of several newspapers and also as reporter for many other newspapers. Her work has also been showcased in textbooks.

Her experience spans across creative development where she has a background with photography and photo shoots, graphic design, print and production, web development and Internet marketing.

Mrs. Pinaga is well versed with event management, event planning and public speaking and has planned and implemented marketing programs around the globe. Her experience as an event planner and manager has prepared her to serve in all areas of event strategy.

She is expert with relationship management with business counterparts, media and analysts. Her media experience crosses from television to radio to print and involves planning, tracking and negotiation.

Mrs. Pinaga also adds radio and television experience in voice work and scripting for various genres.

Mrs. Pinaga applies her diverse background and creative talents to meeting clients’ needs for fine-tuned, results-oriented communications programs, including tailored collateral, videos, CD-ROMs and interactive multimedia. Mrs. Pinaga’s work is known locally, nationally and internationally – in books and other print, on radio, and online. Her work has earned numerous industry awards.

Education

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communicationsfrom Texas Wesleyan University (Public Relations, Broadcast Journalism, Advertising) and also holds a Masters of Arts degree (Marketing Management, Internat’l Management and Business Policies and Strategy) from the University of Texas and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Westwood College and has completed coursework toward earning a doctoral degree (Doctor of Business Administration) in International Business and Management.Mrs. Pinaga also holds a teaching certification for ELAR 8-12 in the State of Texas.

Danielle Ford

Danielle Ford

Danielle Ford is mom to a young son who is active in sports. She is a Sunday school teacher and very involved at her church. A list of her favorite things to do include: playing basketball, volunteering within the community, watching movies, and shopping. She was born and raised in Dallas, Texas.

Danielle is a Dallas native. She attended elementary and middle school in north Dallas before attending the Science and Engineering Magnet at the Yvonne A Ewell Townview Center. Upon graduating she began her undergraduate studies at Prairie View A&M University. During her undergraduate studies she transferred to the University of Texas at Arlington where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Currently she is enrolled into a Master’s program working to earn a Master of Management from Kaplan University, with an emphasis in leadership.

Her work life started at AMC theaters in high school. Then she moved on to Domino’s and eventually Macy’s. She has had the opportunity to intern with Caterpillar, Inc., Hayden Consultants, Inc. and North Lake College. Her current position is branch team lead at a local credit union where she has learned the ins and outs of the financial industry. While working there she has coached select basketball, tutored students of ages ranging from six years to about 50 years of age. Her passion lies in helping others learn.

Danielle’s future goals include helping to startup a non-profit organization that is geared towards helping individuals who are classified under a small group of specific demographics excel in today’s society. She would also like to attend law school and become more involved with helping individuals make goals and accomplish those goals.

With a strong work ethic and a never give up attitude, Danielle believes that being a model for success is key in helping others obtain their goals.