Meet The Team

Minister and published author who founded Peace 4 poverty so that many who have come from painful past can see that despite the poverty, one may be able to find Peace. Despite the hardships that he has faced in his life, Mr. Proby has established a trucking business, a clothing business, and is also a motivational speaker. Leading by example to show people who come from similar backgrounds that your past does not determine your future.

James is a 23 year Retired United States Air Force and Marine Corps Veteran. He is the recipient of ‘The Airman’s Medal’ for Heroism. He served as a College President & Director for two colleges, as well as, Director of Admissions for three campuses; including his current position at Aviation Institute of Maintenance. James has over 30 years’ experience in recruitment, professional and personal development. He has a passion for individuals to gain access to training that allows them to go from the classroom to the workforce and/or entrepreneurship.

Graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Technology. In 2014, she landed a job working as a Tech Advisor for Microsoft; where she was responsible for maintaining all policy and procedures, repairing software and devices, and training customers and employees around anything related to Microsoft products. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, she met Josh and helped with his voting initiative. From there assisted with starting and growing the Next Great 50 from day 1. She maintains all of the Microsoft software and IT responsibilities related to Peace 4 Poverty and assisting graduates with their Tech needs. 

Mother, strategic consultant, business owner, educator and community advocate. During her collegiate career at UNC Charlotte, she was an active board member holding multiple key positions with the National Society of Black Engineers. She is a holder of a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and Project Management Professional (PMP) credential. Applying project management expertise in managing multiple million-dollar cost saving initiatives and projects by developing actionable solutions. Shamita has spent the past 10 years expanding her knowledge and network to build a solid foundation for her future in community building. She is committed to leading by example to reimagine this reality with compassion and love. In her youth she experienced the loss of a parent and lack of financial stability which led to temporary displacement; however, through it all she sought continuous education to break generational curses and obtain true ownership of her future. It is her passion that she will be able to empower those around her, especially our future leaders, to achieve their goals and dreams.

Tosha Dash is a highly renowned serial Entrepreneur and Business Consultant who aims to support small business professionals on new levels of scaling success. As a dynamic professional, she has an extensive 10+ year background involving the intricacies of building business credit, business development, and digital marketing innovations and have cultivated a strong foundation on what it takes to successfully foster profitable business growth. Growing up in a two-parent home, she had resilience and a strong work ethic instilled in her early on. She has earned a Bachelor ‘s degree in Business Administration and an MBA from Claflin University. Holding various corporate positions throughout her career but ultimately chose to fulfill her entrepreneurship passions after firing her job. She is the Founder and CEO of S.H.E. Dreams Consulting, where she has assisted and coached countless small businesses with their advancement efforts. This effectively led her to become a recipient of SC Black Pages 2021 Top 20 under 40. As a person fueled by helping others succeed, nothing makes Tosha happier than delivering her small business clients the opulent support, education, and tools they deserve to excel within their designated markets.

Charlotte native, and the eldest of 8 kids of a single mother; Sparkles is a statistical misfit and has managed to beat all the odds that were stacked up against her growing up poverty stricken and on welfare throughout her childhood. Sparkles is a proud Alumnus of Montreat College where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in business. CEO of Sugar & Sparkles, a baking, catering, and event planning company that specializes in all things being custom and scratch made; as well as co-owner of the SM Investment Group. Outside of her entrepreneurial journey, she has spent 19 years with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office working in nearly every division of the agency.  In her current rank as a Sergeant she supervises the Community Engagement Team where she supports various activities ranging from community gardens with CMS, feeding the homeless with Block Love, mentoring students, hosting drives for food, clothing, blood, and back to school events. Sparkles is also a longtime volunteer with Right Moves for Youth and Elevation Church – University City Campus where she was previously the leader over events for several years.  Sparkles can be found in either the community or in the kitchen working to ensure she is influencing change by being the difference.