From the Founders   Circles of Color Business Network International, LLC was started in 2003 designed for entrepreneurs and professional people of all colors. As we all know and understand there is nothing new under the sun, just a different time, our time.  And our time is now. As the founders we always knew we wanted to be in a position to empower others. And so we shaped a vision that became dual faceted.   One part was to establish a networking community that would enlist professionals and entrepreneurs who could become business peers, availing themselves of knowledge, practices and procedures that could enhance their success.  Within a number of small structured environments it was our hope that these personal relationships would create opportunities to share strategies, exchange ideas and contribute testimonials.  The other part of this vision is based on our desire to impact the next generation. Growing up we were both fortunate to have strong role models to spur us on. Having been mentored along the way, we realize how important and valuable it is to have someone to guide you in your life’s direction.  As a result, we have mentored numerous young people over the years and there is nothing more rewarding for us. Students from a variety of communities are invited to witness the interchange within the COC circles, so that they might begin to glean an understanding of business principle and entrepreneurship.  We have also set up the “COC Community Lecture Series Program” with a theme of “You’re the Author of Your Own Life Story”, currently held at Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, NJ, and we anticipate that one day it will be implemented in schools across the nation.  This program is designed to sharpen the awareness of business and development, as well as how to set career goals.  Every time we address an audience of youth it is like sending out a lifeboat.  Hopefully inspiring some, and saving a few from the streets, drugs and other snares that lie await to rob their lives.  These two parts of our vision do not exist in a vacuum, but are more like gears that mesh, one driving the other.   As founders, we stand on the belief that if there is a strong business community that is invested in its youth, then there is a strong educational system, which assures a strong progressive community as a whole.  This is our core value for COC. It is truly exciting and energizing to watch COC evolve, as we steadily align with people and organizations in increasing number, and see our vision embraced. We count ourselves blessed, knowing that we are fulfilling our dream, and that dream stands separate and apart, rooted in both the present and the future. WHEN THE POWER OF LOVE OVERCOMES THE LOVE OF POWER THE WORLD WILL KNOW PEACE! MISSION FOR GREATNESS, Isaiah M. Jefferson, Co-founder & Kayellen Dunston-Jefferson, Co-founder