Our Imagine Team

Judi Rhee Alloway, our Founder

@JudiRheeAlloway , CPC: Award-winning Business Consultant and Leadership Coach, Founder of “Best Business Center” @WomensBizCoop,  Imagine Leadership, LLC @ImagineLeaders; and Founding National Director Emeritus of Women in NAAAP! @WomeninNAAAP, an international Asian women’s leadership program covered in Forbes Women. With 15+ years of experience as a “Top Woman Innovator”, Judi has started and managed successful businesses, departments, and non-profits managing over 10,000 people and $6 million dollars.

Her public media appearances include Philadelphia Department of Commerce, DC Mayor’s Office of Greater Economic Opportunity, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly Daily News, Philadelphia Business Journal, El Día, Epoch Times, Korean Quarterly, ABC, CBS, Fox, WHYY (PBS), Forbes.com, NPR and Nickelodeon. Her transformative life story is featured in two books: The Coaches Journey and The Height of Power by Huffington Post columnist, Suzette Martinez Stranding. Judi began her work in empowering communities when she started Huesoul Foundation in Mongolia to build communities through sustainable agriculture. Coming back to America, she had a successful career in asset management at Morgan Stanley until struck with debilitating chronic pain which completely changed her life ”from a wheelchair to health is wealth.” With a new lease on life, Judi trained as Certified Professional Coach at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, where she discovered her passion to encourage “everyday leaders” and created the “Shift Now!” movement across the country.

In 2010, Ms. Alloway organized the Philadelphia Asian American community through a new website, events, and speaker as the consultant for the Mayor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs (MCAAA). She was the founding Professional Development Chair of the Philadelphia Chapter of National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) and the founding National Director of Women in NAAAP!, an international Asian women’s leadership program in 10 metropolitan cities across North America covered by Forbes Women.  Chosen by the Women’s Bureau of the US Department of Labor in 2011, Ms. Alloway was honored to be placed in the pool of top women innovators to represent the United States by the US State Department. She has volunteered on the Steering Committee of Count Me In, coaching 1000 women small business owners to become millionaires, and the Founding Boards of Asian Americans in Energy, Environment, and Commerce (AE2C), and Korean Americans for Obama – Philadelphia. Judi speaks at international events at the Korean Embassy and for Korean Women International Network (KOWIN) supported by the Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) and International Korean Adoptees Services (INKAS). Ms. Alloway organized national events through the Korean Inauguration Committee and Korean Coalition in Civic Participation at the U.S. White House. Ms. Alloway served as the Director of U.S. Small Business Administration-funded Women’s Business Center at the Empowerment Group where she played an integral role in re-branding the organization.

In 2014, she was nominated by the U.S. Small Business Administration to advise the Secretary of Commerce on the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In 2015, she was “Community Ambassador” for Impact Hub, an international co-working network in 79 countries. In 2016, she was featured as an “Industry Innovator” on American Airlines, on the cover of America’s Enterprise, and a writer at Forbes.com. She was also appointed to the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission of Asian American Affairs by Mayor Kenney. In 2017, the Women’s Business Coop won “2017 Best of Philadelphia Award” in the “Best Business Center” category. Ms. Alloway was awarded the “2017 Minority Business Leader Award” by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

In 2018 she was again appointed by Mayor James Kenney to the Rebuild Oversight Committee, a $500 million project encouraging diverse women business owners to participate on local contracts to rebuild Philadelphia schools, libraries, and parks. In honor of her contributions both locally and nationally, the Mayor of Philadelphia proclaimed  March 5, 2019 to be @WomensBizCoop Day. At Tokyo and Sydney Film Festivals in 2020, Judi portrays the typical range of human emotions for her first cameo in the documentary Impact: Every Body has Super Powers, which was produced, marketed, and distributed by the team behind “The Secret”, “What the Bleep Do We Know!?”, and “Thrive: What on Earth Will It Take?”.

Having studied at George Washington University, Moscow State University, and Seoul National University, Judi speaks around the world as a social entrepreneur, a community leader, and a multicultural women’s leadership expert as one of the top 25 “Asian American Influencers” on Twitter and “Outstanding Woman Visionary Leader.”

Felicia Simmons

Felicia Simmons, Mental Health Counselor & WBC Director – ORD

Contact her at felicias@womensbizcoop.com or 773.322.8421

For partnerships and events email us orddirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

I am a Life Coach, who has helped over 1000’s of people succeed in finding their passion. “Energy is all around us and will help in transforming our lives. We just need to tap into the higher part of ourselves and connect,” those are the words that I live by. With my entrepreneurial spirit, I have successfully started two businesses and facilitated in creating training programs for several small businesses. I am creative, enthusiastic, and a great motivator. My desire to motive and inspire others has been the driving force behind my charming exterior. I’m continuing my education in Mental Health Counseling to work with and empower others to recognize their true potential. I am empowerment, truth, love and commitment. I am the Beacon in the darkness and am surrounded by light. EMPOWERMENT; the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights. I am this for myself and for others. Each day I rise, and I am better, stronger, healthier, positive and breaking through limitations set by the past. TRUTH; the quality or state of being true. Speaking and being my truth. Sharing my reality with others, so that they may see their truth. Releasing the lie to recognize that we share a common truth of connection and positive upward growth for all. COMMITMENT; the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, or living. Letting myself to be present, and open that gift each day, gives me the ability to move forward and join to a belief, that we are all connected.

What’s your vision as WBC Director or Manager?

As a WBC Director for Chicagoland, I foresee communicating in a way that motivates others to act. I to want unite people towards the purpose of expanding their knowledge and create a community of thriving entrepreneurs. On my vision board from 2014 I envisioned a community of people, not just people, but business minded people working in Chicago. I saw myself as this tree strong and powerful and committed. As a WBC Director I will inspire people to want to work for themselves and believe in themselves and contribute to the community. The community welcomes all, as we concentrate on those who have not had an opportunity to shine.

Why did you join the Imagine Team?

I joined the Imagine Team because I felt a connection to the mission. I saw myself as part of the community, something I have been looking forward to finding, for as long as I can remember. Everything matches with the direction I want to go in; helping women LGBTQ and underserved people achieve their dreams and following their higher purpose. Following my dream and passion and living as an example as to what is possible for each and everyone one of us. I was ready to open up to the possibility…the mystery inside myself.

How do you plan to impact your area?

I moved to a changing area of Chicago to get a better idea of what is needed. There are store fronts that are vacant, that could be used for spaces for entrepreneurs. Designers, cooking enthusiast, and small businesses for communities in need. There are young adults in need of guidance with life skills to help them succeed in life. In fact, to help them want to live. I will work with community and human service organizations to introduce myself and the opportunities I provide.

Lonnie Lee, MBA

Lonnie Lee, MBA,  WBC Director – ICT

Contact her at lonniel@womensbizcoop.com or 316.409.0013.

For partnerships and events email us ictdirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

Each one of us has a unique and special purpose, a gift to give back to the world. For me, opening to others, learning about their values, beliefs, and feelings, what makes them unique, strengthens not only my abilities to be a more diverse leader, but it also teaches me how to be a better person. I am the Women’s Biz Director for the Wichita Area and I will take a stand, push forward, and teach the community that being positive is a choice and could change the course of anyone’s life. I believe in practicing positive energy. I have a genuine love and passion for others and it’s a humbling experience to make another smile, especially when they are going through a rough time. The world has plenty of negative role models so, with determination, passion, and a dream, I will rise, face the odds of failure, and I WILL reach my goals to set a high standard as a positive and transformational leader. I am excited for what is to come, as I know great opportunities are ahead.

What’s your vision as WBC Director or Manager?

My vision is to take this opportunity to represent Wichita as the Women’s Biz Coop Director and positively impact as many lives as humanly possible. I want every voice to be heard and every dream to be reached. My passion stems from the greatness I see in others. I believe in the possibilities of a better future for our next generation; however, we the people must step up and be willing to make a change, and not just for ourselves, but for the betterment of all humanity. I believe in Wichita, Ks. and the surrounding areas and intend to create a movement!

Why did you join the Imagine Team?

I joined the Imagine Team because I answered “The Call” to a greater purpose than myself. I am grateful to be a part of a team who lifts women and minorities up; while educating and preparing them to be even more successful. Thank you for finding me Judi, and the Imagine Team. I am forever grateful!

How do you plan to impact your area?

To impact a community, I need to understand and believe in those around me. A teacher once asked me, “do you have any particular methods that I use to better understand those around me?” My response was this, “I use observation and common sense as a guide, but the biggest contributor to understanding those around me is my own life experience…. live and learn. No one enjoys mistakes or failure, yet it is inevitable. With the shadow of failure, there is also a shining light that reminds us, hey, we are human, and it is okay to make mistakes, and that now there is an opportunity to learn and grow where there was not before. Failure is also a sure way to show us what we should and shouldn’t do others. If I must use a method for understanding others, I say this, picture yourself as the other person, there is no way to possibly know what another is going or has gone through, without listening. Every one of us is unique and has a story to tell, but to understand or hear that story we must be able to learn and train ourselves to be on the same level as the other. It must be known that we are equal to each other and that no one person is better than the other and each of us has the power to do amazing things.

Meghen Jones

Meghen Jones, WBC Director – MSY

Contact her at meghenj@womensbizcoop.com or phone 318.564.1376

For partnerships and events email us msydirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

I am a graduate of Louisiana State University Shreveport who has obtained by B.A. in Mass Communications. Much of my success has come from creating marketing strategies, producing video content, and writing whether it be a blog, news article, newsletter or press release. I have a deep desire for helping others reach their end goal, which is why I’m so passionate about marketing and branding. I am currently a graduate student at the University of New Orleans studying Hospitality & Tourism Management and I have found that there’s nothing that excites me more than connecting with others to make something great. I truly believe that every person is capable of doing anything that their heart desires. With hard work, dedication, and patience, even the impossible becomes possible.

What’s your vision as WBC Director or Manager?

As a WBC Director, my vision is to assist others in developing a solid work ethic that helps them achieve their goals. I want to create an awareness of the importance of servant leadership, positive communication skills, and personal development when bettering businesses. Many times, these traits are overlooked in the workplace and can be the determining factor in how an organization is seen. I want to create positive images of each organization’s brand.

Why did you join the Imagine Team?

From the moment I spoke with Judi, I felt connected to something bigger than networking with other women. The Imagine Team allows me to share my passion for inspiring others, building, and carving out paths to greater success.

How do you plan to impact your area?

I plan to impact the New Orleans area by helping others uncover their passions and bring their dreams to life. I’m a firm believer that everyone has a talent, but often times we struggle to transform our talents into a brand or business. I would love to help those within the New Orleans area begin the start of something new through Women’s Biz Coop and Start My Business Today.

Lynda White

Lynda White, WBC Director – CAE

Contact her at lyndaw@womensbizcoop.com or phone 843.214.7488

For partnerships and events email us caedirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

I am a business woman, full-time Master’s student, and entrepreneur at heart. I am currently the Creative President of Slogan Gurus, an international marketing campaign company. I have two wonderful grandsons that live near us in the Columbia, SC area!

What’s your vision as WBC Director or Manager?

To make Columbia, SC a mecca for women-owned businesses!

Why did you join the Imagine Team?

To promote and invest in womentrepreneurs around the Columbia area and encourage others around the world to join our organization and become the best version of themselves!

How do you plan to impact your area?

Through contacts, I have made and continue to make through the City of Columbia and Small Business Development Center and Small Business Entrepreneur’s Conference this Friday. I’m reaching out through marketing materials and business contacts. By getting involved throughout the community in this role and throughout my business and volunteer positions!

Mariana Rebolledo

Mariana Rebolledo, WBC Director – MIA

Contact her at marianar@womensbizcoop.com or phone 786.499.1482

For partnerships and events email us miadirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

I have a background in television production and in media sales, but my longing to find my calling has never ceased by constantly looking for new adventures around the world. I am a self-proclaimed dreamer and even as a child have I believed we are all on this earth to support and help others, a thought that has only solidified thought my life’s journey. Now in Miami, I am looking forward to fulfilling my own pledge and enjoying time with my kids and grandchild.

What’s your vision as WBC Director or Manager?

My vision as WBC Miami Director is – with love and guidance – to help women and minorities become the best version of themselves as well as giving valuable life and business tools to succeed in any dream!

Why did you join the Imagine Team?

They say our thoughts and words are prayers. I am certain this opportunity has come to me at the perfect time in my life. It’s time to become a part of something that can change society. Judi flew into my life to help me fulfill my passion of helping others.

How do you plan to impact your area?

I know the pain of having dreams and ideas but not knowing how to bring them to life. I have had my own successes, and the failures have taught me how to be resilient and get back on my feet again wiser than ever. Being part of Women’s Business Co-op is a fantastic opportunity for me to help others avoid many trials and tribulations. We all have our talents and we all also need help with other aspects of our lives. As the WBC Miami Director, I am honored to be able to help each person reach their highest potential.

Dawnmarie Hackett Clemmons

Dawnmarie Hackett Clemmons, WBC Director – PHL

Contact her at dawnmariehc@womensbizcoop.com or phone 267.977.6652

For partnerships and events email us phldirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

I was born and raised in Philadelphia. I began my dance training at the age of six, exploring Ballet, Jazz, and Tap dance. I later attended several dance and music schools. After graduating from Bodine High School for International Affairs, I attended Temple University, where I was a member of the Temple University Diamond Gems Dance Team. Approaching graduation, I joined The Bethany Baptist Church Praise Dance ministry, which allowed me to praise, minister, and worship the Lord through dance.

After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Dance Education, I attended Cheyney University, where I received my Masters in Elementary Education, and Principal Certification in Education Administration. I am currently continuing my education in an Education Leadership and Supervision Doctoral program at Holy Family University.

I have been an educator for over 19 years, working at several Philadelphia area schools. I also worked as an Assistant Director of Camp Joy for 6 years. I was a Recipient of Oprah’s Favorite Things 2004 Teacher of the Year Award. I was a Dance Facilitator and Choreographer for multiple summer camps and after school programs over the course of 8 years and the Facilitator and Choreographer for the Junior Company, Tots and Tutus, and Intro to Danz Arts Jazz of The Verve Danz Ensemble for 6 years.

I am the Director and Choreographer of Dance Ministry for The Mount Olive Baptist Church (Linwood, PA). I am a founding member (performer, instructor, and choreographer) of Awaken Performing Arts Dance Company and the President/Founder (owner, choreographer, instructor) of Break Every Chain Dance Company, Inc. I recently performed last summer in the Off Broadway play “Beautiful Toxicity” and was the lead role in the play “DETOX Reloaded” this year. I am also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

I am humbled, grateful, and most appreciative of all the many, many blessings, talents, and gifts that I have been given. I am without a doubt so thankful for all the support and encouragement that my family and friends have unselfishly extended to me throughout my entire life.

What’s your vision as a WBC Director or Manager?

As a WBC Director, I would love the opportunity to support women entrepreneurs, female small business owners, LGBTQ, and minority leaders from underserved populations to easily and successfully start, launch, and manage an organization in the Philadelphia Area.

Why did you join our Imagine Team?

I joined the Imagine Team because one of my life’s missions and goals is to impact my community and society by helping to assist with the increase and the percentage of women, LGBTQ, and minority-owned business and non-profit organizations.

How do you plan to impact your area?

I plan to impact my area by building trusting and genuine relationships through Family, Friends, Colleagues, and other networking associates to help and encourage any of them to pursue their life dreams and aspirations of owning successful and long lasting businesses. Being a member of the team will allow me to achieve this goal. I will be grateful for this opportunity.

Tomi Lavinder

Tomi Lavinder, WBC Director – ATL

Contact her at tomil@womensbizcoop.com or phone 678.777.5081

For partnerships and events email us atldirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

I am the single mom of the greatest person I have ever known. I am a friend to many and an inspiration to even more. My story is a difficult one though unfortunately not unique: one of survival of abuse, overcoming depression and crippling fear, to learn not only to thrive but how to teach others that they can do the same. Others tell me I am the strongest person they know, having survived things with grace that would drop most to their knees. My children and their friends have labeled me “Aunt Mommy Tomi Safe Space”, because they know that in my presence they can just be. I am a certified health and wellness coach from Emory University, a yoga instructor YRT 200 Yoga Alliance with a specialty in Kundalini and healing style yoga, a certified mindfulness meditation guide, and a Reiki energy healer. I am also a published writer and an actress in Atlanta is thriving television and film industry. I am fortunate do you have found a way to weave all of my training and skills into a unique coaching practice.

What’s your vision as a WBC Director or Manager?

Being able to help women just like myself who find themselves in the middle of their lives, on the other side of a failed marriage, in a place they never dreamed they would be, perhaps in a body they don’t love and in a financial state that they don’t see a way out of; To realize their potential, move beyond the fear, and to fall in love with themselves and become the masters of their own lives.

Why did you join our Imagine Team?

Because it takes a village! I have survived a lot, but my fear and those “voices” telling me I can’t, kept me back for a long time. I see this happen again and again for women. We so often take a backseat in our lives to our children, to our husbands, even to our parents and the wishes of others. We live our lives in service to everyone else but ourselves. A part of my heritage is Cherokee. Before the imposition of the Western European extreme Patriarchy and individualistic ideals, from time immemorial the Cherokee operated in a matriarchal Society pooling together resources, thoughts, ideas, and strengths. It is my belief that this is how the world works best: in a love based thought process of service and cooperation and the knowledge that you are not alone. This is one of the biggest benefits of the Women’s Biz Coop!

How do you plan to impact your area?

With the help of the Women’s Biz Coop, I hope to empower women and other individuals who have never believed that they can, to live the life of their dreams. To teach people how to take hold and manifest the life of their dreams. And to change the face of our world one life at a time.

Tai Lee Garcia

Tai Lee Garcia, WBC Director – DEN

Contact her at taig@womensbizcoop.com or phone 720.335.5269

For partnerships and events email us dendirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

My name is Tai Garcia. I have been a professional in the IT and Data Center industry for the last 15 years. I am currently completing my dissertation on the refurbishment and recycling of electrical waste (e-waste) in the data center industry. Technology, sustainability, and community improvement are my passions. Improving the lives of those that work with me through Servant and Transformational Leadership styles has become a passion for me. Throughout my professional career, my passion for technology was only matched by my passion for people. Embracing my desire to improve communities, education, and environment led me to join the Imagine Team.

What’s your vision as a WBC Director or Manager?

As the WBC Denver Director, my vision and mission are to expand and improve the commonwealth of Urban Colorado. Through community outreach programs, minority political groups, and recycling programs I want to support future entrepreneurs in reaching the goals. Building a team in the metro Denver area and expanding to Boulder and Colorado Springs areas will increase the magnitude of success for WBC. The importance of building a foundation to strengthen the underdog communities in Denver and incorporating a pivotal platform to reduce the digital divide, increase wealth for those left behind, and educate on how mindset transforms into success.

Why did you join our Imagine Team?

I lost my job. I lost my home. After working for 15 years in the IT industry and putting every last bit of energy into being successful I found myself thrown away like trash. I struggled to find a job. I was unable to get unemployment. I wanted to give up. That’s when I was introduced to Judi and the Imagine Team. Nurturing and developing the philosophy of the Imagine Team began to impact and change my life. I was able to find that fierce voice that had driven my success earlier in life, but instead of focusing on someone else’s business I decided to own my personal wealth and follow the principles set forth in the dynamic building of Judi’s vision and the Imagine Teams philosophies. The passion for gaining control of my life and moving away from personal fear, escaping social boundaries, and transforming into a success story led me to the Imagine Team. I want to share this vision with others and grow a team that continues to reshape the mainframe of Colorado.

How do you plan to impact your area?

I plan on impacting the Denver Metro Area by being involved in community programs, volunteering, and exploring entrepreneur conventions to find team members. Finding those interested in changing the dynamic of their lives and starting their own business. Teaching the underdogs that fear is the only boundary that prevents growth. Learning from new tech teams that want to start a business through IT development and social media engineering. The internet is the mirror of our own creativity and by utilizing this tool we can grow together and build an empire.

Bayandor Farivar

Bayandor Farivar, WBC Director – SEA

Contact him at bayandorf@womensbizcoop.com or phone 206.717.4440

For partnerships and events email us seadirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

As an entrepreneur I have experienced the steps of starting business. The daily/hourly work and focused commitment and action required to manifest a vision. What I have learned is the priceless education of falling flat on my face and using the tools it takes to get up to make adjustments to put in the necessary corrections to move forward, I am a coach. I am a player and a coach.

What’s your vision as a WBC Director or Manager?

By the year end 2020, there will be a minimum of 50 WBC Directors, one in each state, to insure that all willing entrepreneurs in each state are served fully.

Why did you join our Imagine Team?

Judi Rhee Alloway is the main reason I joined the team. I love to work with visionaries with a strong commitment to their calling and the acumen to get it done. Judi’s approach and way of being is so timely in our world today. I find it an honor to work closely with her and the team she has assembled. I am learning more than I had imagined!!!

How do you plan to impact your area?

Spreading the practices, ways of being, as well as the well-organized and valuable action plans that the team has put in place can only end up in other successful individuals. The ones answering his/her call to be an independent entrepreneur enjoy the fruits (financial, emotional and spiritual) of being successful.

Andrea Franchini

Andrea Franchini, WBC Director – AVL

Contact her at andreaf@womensbizcoop.com or phone 202.486.4194

For partnerships and events email us avldirector@womensbizcoop.com

Who are you?

My name is Andrea Franchini, and I am committed to health, wellbeing, and equity. I have a master’s degree in International Studies with a focus on sustainable community development. I recently returned to Western North Carolina after my graduate school career to support my community in and around Asheville, NC.

What’s your vision as a WBC Director or Manager?

My vision as a WBC Director is to let women, LGBTQ, and minorities know that there are resources and support to bring their ideas into form. As a director, I want to successfully inform clients that there is support not only for the logistical details of starting a business or an organization, but also for the personal blocks that too often stand in our way of realizing our success.

Why did you join our Imagine Team?

I joined the Imagine Team because I saw an opportunity to impact social change by supporting the growth of women, LGBTQ, and minority-owned organizations, and to get the support I need to bring my vision into form.

How do you plan to impact your area?

I plan to impact my area by inspiring people to follow through with their ideas and to make scalable steps to achieving their goals in business.