Staff

President

Carmen A. Gray is a motivational speaker and conference host.  She is the host of FLAME(TM) broadcast; a weekly television show highlighting the accomplishments of extraordinary women.  Carmen is the founder of several women's organizations in the Atlanta Metro region, and is a sought after speaker that has traveled extensively, regionally, nationally and internationally for the past 13 years touching the lives of thousands through her gift  to "ignite" and inspire women into action, accountability and purpose.  Her desire to equip women with life skills and professional development has been the catalyst for her monthly Life Enrichment Seminars(TM) in the Atlanta Metropolitan area.

For the past seven years she has successfully hosted christian women's conferences, retreats and Business Expos all targeted to strengthen women in every area of their lives.  As a former business consultant for a fortune 500 company, Carmen has gained the trust of many business owners throughout the Metro Atlanta region, and used her extensive training to carve out a much needed niche as a PR consultant to small business owners who just needed help identifying their own unique qualities and maximizing those qualities for profit.  Thus, Dinner With Friends Women's Network was birthed to help women in business generate tangible success through creative marketing. 

With a knack to provoke thought, and offer insight to life and business, Carmen has authored several articles, booklets, monthly newsletters and publishes an annual women's magazine, all focused on empowering women with wisdom and useful "life nuggets".  Her soon to be released Wisdom series will be used in the fall of 2010 to support requested college curriculums.

With years of ongoing training Carmen's certifications include: W.E.D.A. (Business Development), Dale Carnegie (How to Love Your Life & Your Job), and Jeff Carwright/John Maxwell (Leadership Development), SCANA (Time Management Skills) & YB USA (Media Consultation & Marketing).  Carmen's desire to expand her borders globally has motivated her to continue her education in International Business where she will study abroad to expand her vision for her ministry and business.  This culmination of experience and divine calling has been the catalyst for the Dinner With Friends Women's Network, LLC. and has allowed her to walk out her dream while helping other women discover theirs.

Vice President

Candace House is an Author, Talk Show host and Success Coach, with a degree in Biblical Studies; she is pursuing a doctorate in Theology.  She has authored several books:  Shut the Door it is Well, What is God Eating? You Frame Your World by the Words you say:  Change Your Words, Change Your Life, and her soon to be released book Dream Makers versus Day Dreamers will be published by January 2009. 

Candace has successfully hosted a Christian TV talk show, “The Breathing Room”, and she currently has three radio talk shows:  “It’s time to Breathe”, “Candace House Live” and “Today’s Breathing Room”.  Candace is also the founder and CEO of The World Education Network, Inc., a company that provides curriculum, tutoring & technology for students around the world. 

Secretary

Angela Richardson is the founder of Destiny Helping Hands Outreach, a local mentorship program for children ages 8-20.  She is the mother of two wonderful children, Andre' age 15 and Ki'ya age 6.  They are her inspiration and motivation for this youth program.

As a young teen growing up in the projects of South Carolina, Angela witnessed the different challenges the young people faced on a day to day basis ranging from social issues to self-esteem.  This first hand experience made Angela want to make a difference in the lives of youth as a youth advisor and mentor.  

She began this pursuit of mentorship, and successfully coached and trained  adults and children for 12 years professionally.  Angela is an Army Veteran and was a youth basketball coach for the YMCA. 

Her love for children launched her into her own business to encourage and help youth discover their dreams and reach their fullest potential.