Dr. Carl M. Barnes
Carl M. Barnes was born in Wilson, North Carolina, and graduated from Edgar T. Beddingfield High School in June, 1980. Known for an extensive career of 35 years in the Navy, Dr. Barnes also has a background in Education and Divinity. After retirement Memphis has become his home. Within that space Dr. Barnes has been able to and is still continuing his work to Educate, Motivate, and Inspire young men of color to be successful contributing individuals in society. With several decorations and awards not only from the Navy, but from his book publishings to volunteer service, Dr. Barnes is an outstanding example to the young men of the future of what they can do if they put their mind to something positive.
“Our success in life is shaped by our greatest knockdowns in life.”
-Dr. Carl M. Barnes
Beth Foster
Beth Foster is a United State Marine Corps and Air Force Veteran, who currently works for Wells Fargo as a Customer Success Specialist. Beth believes that helping people is truly apart of her contribution not only in her occupation, but also in her community. In addition to working at Wells Fargo, she volunteers within her community through the Parks & Recreation, teaches individual/group swim/basketball lessons as well as personal training.
Beth has accumulated many personal achievement awards throughout her lifetime. Before joining the military, Beth earned a full Division I athletic scholarship from Mount Saint Mary’s University, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 2004. During her military venture, she earned several awards and also served a tour in Iraq in 2008. Beth also has a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Education in Supervision and Administration. In 2019 Beth was inducted into her Alma Maters Athletic Hall of Fame, for the sport of women’s basketball.
At the present time, she resides in Winston Salem, NC.
Debra Carrington
Debra Carrington born in Washington DC to Minnie and James Barnes and moved to Wilson NC as a teen and graduated from E.T. Beddingfield High School in 1983. From there she attended Chowan College Murfreesboro NC from 83-85 studying Commercial Art. Later she moved to Durham NC to peruse Architectural Drafting and received several certifications and trainings at Durham Technical Community College.
Debra worked at Salomon Smith Barney as a wire operator processing trades for 5 years, from there she went on to Duke Health as a Housekeeper promoted to Dispatcher of Housekeeping then she moved on to becoming a CTA II Clinical Trials Assistant in Urology also at Duke. Currently she works at Duke University and Health System in Durham NC in Communications as a Sr. Communications Operator a total of 15 years at Duke Health but her passion is the Art’s she is currently an Artist on the side specializing in Abstract art, she has been in several art shows and auctions and has had a one man showing of her works in a restaurant for 3 months, her desire is to turn her passion into her job and things are progressing wonderfully in that direction.
Michael Bell
Michael Bell was born to Willie and Charlene Bell in Van Buren, Arkansas and graduated with honors from Van Buren Senior High School in 1983. Michael joined the US Navy the following year and trained in the Advanced Electronics Field as a Sonar Technician, specializing in Anti-Submarine Warfare. He earned his Navy Master Training Specialist and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist designations and later became a certified Navy Career Counselor. Michael served his country honorably and retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 2004. Prior to his retirement from the military, Michael began to purse his education and earned his Associates Degree in Electronics Technology. After his retirement, he continued pursuing his education and earned both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology and a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. Michael is also a Department of Labor certified Counselor and Electronics Technician. Michael has also served in various church capacities over the years. He served as Deacon, Men’s Ministry Director and Official Board Member at the Greater Apostolic Faith Temple Church of San Diego, CA and served as Deacon and Minister at Greater Refuge Temple in Jacksonville, FL. He currently serves as a Small Group Leader and Small Group Training Team Member at Impact Church in Jacksonville, FL. Michael is currently employed as an Information Technology Specialist for Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Jacksonville, Florida.