Beyond  Brilliant Founders

Hi There, and Welcome!


We're the dynamic duo behind the Beyond Brilliant Network, Founders, Dr. DeYonne Parker and Dr. Nicole Steele. Together we have over 50 years of corporate, nonprofit and entrepreneurial experience and we're ready to share it with you. The Beyond Brilliant Network is a division of our parent company, Gem Makers, LLC., a coaching and consulting company committed to empowering and equipping ​ladies, leaders and little girls. Below you'll find out a little about us and we can't wait to get to know more about you!

Dr. DeYonne Parker

The Courage Catalyst

Dr. Nicole Steele

The Confidence Coach

Dr. DeYonne Parker

The Courage Catalyst

Dr. DeYonne Parker, Co-owner of Gem Makers, LLC and the Founder of The S.W.A.G. University.  She is a multi-national speaker and facilitator and has graced stages and corporate classrooms around the world to include countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. She is also a two-time published author and certified professional coach that is often referred to as The Courage Catalyst for her unique ability to help her clients move from comfort to courage.


​Dr. DeYonne Parker has been featured in magazines, interviewed on multiple radio shows and booked to speak on panels or as the Keynote. She was featured in People You Need to Know magazine and radio show. She was a spotlighted Motivational Speaker in Bold Plus magazine and featured on The Coca-Cola Company's corporate Instagram social media page as an incredible woman to watch during Women's History Month 2021.


Due to her desire to see little girls grow into courageous ladies, Dr. Parker also serves as a youth mentor, Director of Training and the current Chairman of the Executive Board of Directors for Diamond in the Rough, Youth Development Organization.


Dr. Parker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Bellevue University and in 2019, CICA International University and Seminary conferred its highest honor, awarding Parker with a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Humane Letter for the work she does with women and girls. Dr. Parker is a John Maxwell certified coach, speaker and facilitator and has earned several industry recognized certifications in leadership development and human-centered design.

Dr. Parker was selected as a 2020 Advisor to startups at the Atlanta Tech Village and was also a guest host on It's Up to You T.V. Show which featured her book "Girl, Get Your S.W.A.G. Back!" in a 4 episode series.


For more information on Dr. DeYonne visit www.DeYonneParker.com


Our Founding Members

Meet our Beyond Brilliant Founding Members.  These dynamic women play a vital role within this organization.  They have dedicated their talent and expertise to make this community and the women within SHINE!

ANGELIA HOWELL

AUDRA MCDANIEL, Ph.D

FALISA WARD-JONES

GEORGIA WOLFE SAMUELS

JAMELL COTTRELL

MARILYN CHAPPELL

MONIQUE STANBACK, MHA, MBA

 NATOSHIA ANDERSON, Ph.D

SHARON PHILLIPS

SHELITA WILLIAMS

Dr. Nicole Steele

The Confidence Coach

Dr. Nicole Steele is a Mentor, motivator, multi-faceted business woman and modern day treasure hunter. She is Founder and Executive Director of Diamond In The Rough Youth Development Program, Inc. and Founding Partner of Gem Makers, LLC.

She is a professional multi-national speaker, facilitator, published author of multiple books, and personal Confidence Coach. She has graced multiple stages both domestically and internationally as a speaker and workshop presenter and has been featured in various publications, newspapers and magazines, and has made numerous appearances on radio and television programs. 

Dr. Steele is a John Maxwell Certified coach, speaker and facilitator for individuals, youth and families as well as a Christian Life Coach. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Alabama A&M University and received a Certification in Nonprofit Leadership from Michigan State University. 

She is a graduate of the Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute (GNLI), and in 2016, CICA International University and Seminary conferred its highest honor, awarding Steele with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Humane Letters for over 25 years of service as a visionary, author, speaker, change agent, and advocate for women and girls. In addition, Word of Life Ministries International has conferred upon her all rights and privileges of an Ordained Minister, Chaplain and Ambassador at large.

Dr. Steele is the recipient of multiple awards including the 2021 Trailblazing Woman of the Year, The Department of Education’s 2018 MLK Drum Major Innovation Service Award, 2018 TIAA Difference Maker 100 Honoree, 2018 Raising Our Village Community Award, The People You Need To Know Super Star Award for Girls Empowerment, the Unsung Heroine Award Nominee, the USPS Women Putting Their Stamp on Atlanta Award, and the Soroptimist International Woman of Distinction Award.
 
Dr. Steele has received The State of Georgia Outstanding Citizen Award and The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barak Obama.  Her passion and professionalism has helped encourage and equip thousands of ladies, leaders and little girls globally to unveil their purpose, unpack their potential and understand that they are simply priceless.


For more information on Dr. Nicole visit www.TheRealNicoleSteele.com