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New Members

Welcome Diana Gbalah!

Diana Gbalah is an accomplished IT Systems Analyst from West Africa with a Master's Degree in IT Management and over a decade of experience across various industries.  Known for her compassion and commitment, she's passionate about helping people, spreading lover, and supporting her community. A dog mom and travel enthusiast, Diana also enjoys singing and sharing joy wherever she goes.  Having graduated summa cum laude at just 19, she's now channeling her expertise and big heart into opening a home care agency to make a difference in people's lives.

Welcome to CNR Diana!

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Greetings Sparkle Young!

CNR Member James A. Young presents his wife and new member, Sparkle Young, with a Rotary Pin.

Sparkle Young is a native of Wilmington, NC.  She is married to the love of her life, James A. Young.  Sparkle graduated from Leeward Community College in Honolulu, HI with an associate's degree in liberal arts.  She has been employed by the federal government for over ten years in different capacities.  Her current capacity is as Lead MSA, working at South Chardotte.

She has been awarded two civilian achievement medals from the Department of Defense during her tenure with the federal government.  Sparkle is the owner of Queen City Express Notary and Owner of Redi Lift, LLC, a non-emergency medical transportation business.

Sparkle enjoys traveling to exotic locations throughout the world with her husband.  She also enjoys shopping, movies, sports and reading books.  A fun fact about Sparkle is she was named after the moving Sparkle.

Welcome to CNR Sparkle!

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Welcome Antoine Southern!

CNR President Kim Darden presents Antoine Southern with a Rotary pin.

Antoine Southern was born and raised in Houston, TX.  After graduating from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, he attended Harvard Law School in Cambridge, MA.  Following Law School, he moved to New York City to practice law in 2017. He practiced Corporate Transactional Law at some of the top law firms in large acquisition finance transactions.  Following a brief summer in Charlotte during the pandemic to escape NYC, Antoine moved to Charlotte in 2023.  He is currently Co-Founder and President of Common Area Credit Inc., a private lender to homeowners' associations and a former client.

Welcome to CNR Antoine!

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Greetings James A. Young (left) and

Adolphus Bethune (right)!

James A. Young is a native of Staten Island, NY. He has one son, Giovanni Young, and a wife, Sparkle Young.  He has resided in South Charlotte since September 20, 2023.  James is a 24.5 year veteran of the United States Army.  He retired in 2017, with the rank of First Sergeant.  He has been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he earned numerous awards including two bronze stars.  James attended Howard University, Tarleton State University, Central Texas College, and Leeward Community College.  His education includes four associate degrees in culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, general studies, and business administration.  His GPA afforded him an opportunity to become a member of the Epsilon Delta Pi and Central Texas Business and Marketing Association.

He went on to become an adjunct instructor for the University of Phoenix, Central Texas College, and the University of Maryland -- University College.  He is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the National Association of Minority Contractors, The Killeen IBCC, Disabled American Veterans, and he is a Veterans Administration volunteer.  James is also the founder and co-owner of two trucking companies, AOT and Always Moving Freight Incorporated.  He also has a real estate business in Killeen, TX.

Lastly, James has been a Rotarian for roughly two years in another state and has led major projects in sport of RYLA for his previous club.

Adolphus Bethune is a distinguished entrepreneur, veteran, and dedicated family man with a rich background marked by service leadership, and innovation.  Born and raised in Richmond, VA, and Miami, FL, Adolphus began his academic journey at Virginia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and then pursued a Master of Science in Management and Administration (MBA) from Troy University.  He served 26 years as an engineer with the Department of Defense, the United States Army, and both is deployments and career have taken him around the world with many different military and government organizations.

In 1998, Adolphus founded Bethune-Gibson Marketing/Consulting Group (BGMG) which specializes in online marketing, defense contracting, and problem-solving.  In addition, Adolphus is a licensed Legal Shield insurance service provider and specializes in small business, group/employee benefits, and identity theft protection.  Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, Adolphus served as an Associate Professor at North Carolina A&T State University, where he shared his knowledge and experience with the next generation of engineers and leaders.  Currently, Adolphus works as a Small Business Consultant and is passionate about empowering others and sharing his journey, insights, and experiences through his podcast, "Who Are You with Adolphus Bethune".  The podcast aims to inspire listeners to pursue their own paths to greatness by highlighting stories of perseverance, leadership, and success.  Adolphus is a published author, dedicated military veteran, and remarkable professional while also being a devoted husband and father to six young men and two young ladies.

Welcome to CNR James and Adolphus!

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