Meet our founders who are well equipped to empower and educate the minority youth.
Andrea Martin is an edupreneur with over 14 years of experience as an educational program Director. She has managed several state level grant programs, with a proven track in student intervention strategy implementation.
As a curriculum expert, Andrea has designed and implemented several respected educational programs including TC Tech Prep which has provided services for over 75 schools nationwide and Smart Boost Tutoring that have been successful in obtaining excellent results for students through service based learning.
Andrea has been awarded several times including the Senator Ray Miller institute leadership participation award (2010), Community Leadership Award in Columbus, Ohio (2011) and 40 under 40 young professionals leadership award in Chicago, IL (2019).
Andrea loves volunteering for initiatives such as MPLP in her spare time and believes that providing such resources to students in need is essential.
Racquel Smith is a dynamic book influencer and entrepreneur who holds a BA in Psychology from UCLA, a degree earned during the challenging era of the Covid pandemic. Racquel’s passion for literature, particularly stories from POC authors, led her to create a platform that champions diversity in the literary world. Noticing a significant underrepresentation of POC indie authors, she has dedicated her career to giving them the spotlight they deserve, helping to elevate voices that are often overlooked.
Before establishing herself in the literary community, Racquel honed her skills as a sales marketer and creative director at Big Gemini Kennels, a renowned kennel known for its significant contribution to the American Bully breed. During her time there, she developed a keen understanding of branding, marketing, and creative strategy, all while working in a highly competitive and niche industry. This experience, coupled with her natural entrepreneurial spirit, laid the foundation for her next venture.
Racquel transitioned into the literary world by creating her own book marketing agency, leveraging her marketing expertise to serve indie authors. Her agency quickly gained traction, becoming highly successful due to her innovative approaches and deep understanding of the market. Her success didn’t go unnoticed; a billion-dollar company contracted her agency, recognizing her unique ability to amplify the voices of underrepresented authors and connect them with wider audiences. Today, Racquel continues to work directly with indie authors, helping them to navigate the complex landscape of publishing and achieve the recognition they deserve.
Through her platform, Racquel has garnered a significant following, becoming a respected voice in the book community and a fierce advocate for diversity in literature.
She now wishes to spread her love for education to minority youths in both literature and general curriculum. Her main goal is to give children the same opportunities that she had.
Andre Smith is a dynamic entrepreneur, humanitarian, and mentor with over a decade of experience across industries such as finance, entertainment, pet care, and cannabis cultivation. As the founder of the Minority Leadership Program, Andre is passionate about creating pathways for minority youth, equipping them with the skills and opportunities to succeed as entrepreneurs or ascend the ranks of corporate America.
Andre’s entrepreneurial journey began with his expertise in corporate credit and financial consulting, securing over $14.2 million in funding for clients and co-founding G.F.T. LLC., which helped fund feature films starring Hollywood icons like Josh Lucas and James Gandolfini. He later launched Empire Holdings LLC, a financial consulting firm working with major film producers such as Ben Stiller and Scott Mednick, and even served on the Board of Directors for Attributed Holdings, a private equity group.
In 2013, Andre expanded into the holistic health industry by founding MGOT LLC, a large-scale medical marijuana cultivation site. His influence in the cannabis world continued with the creation of G7 Genetics, a high-end cannabis breeding and cultivation company that collaborates with major growers and dispensaries in California. This venture solidified Andre’s reputation as an innovative industry leader.
Andre’s success also spans the pet industry. As the founder of Big Gemini Kennels, Andre introduced the XL American Bully to Europe, organizing the first American Bully show in Europe—the “BGK Birthday Bash”—in collaboration with an ABKCZ/EBKC judge. His internationally renowned breeding program produces top-quality American Bullies known for their stable temperaments and massive stature, making Big Gemini Kennels the go-to choice for aspiring breeders worldwide. His passion for dogs also led to the creation of Big Dog Supplement, a successful organic supplement brand now available on Amazon.
In addition to his hands-on work with animals, Andreis a published author, having written two highly acclaimed books: BGK’s Dog Care Secrets & Breeding Tips and XL American Bully Legends. Both books continue to sell exceptionally well on Amazon, cementing his status as an authority in the American Bully breeding world. Through his Amazon storefront, Tier One Enterprises, Andre’s entrepreneurial spirit thrives as he brings high-quality pet products to a growing global audience, with his newest product, Calm Paws Hemp Oil, slated for release in November 2024.
Despite his broad business ventures, Andre’s heart lies in giving back to his community. Over the last decade, he has partnered with several minority nonprofits, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for high-risk youth and mentorship programs. His passion for fostering future leaders is deeply personal—having interned with Procter & Gamble as a high school student through a similar minority leadership initiative, Andre understands the impact of early mentorship and is committed to providing the same opportunities for today’s youth.
Driven by a belief that leadership should reflect the diversity of our world, Andre Smith’s Minority Leadership Program empowers the next generation of leaders with mentorship, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills, ensuring that every young person has the tools to thrive.