True Expression Tuesdays!!!!! ~featuring~ Ms. Lavonne Nichols, Songstress and Actress

Good morning D.I.V.A.s!

Today we spotlight a truly talented young woman who demonstrates that with faith, hard work and dedication to our dreams and goals, great things can happen.  Lavonne Nichols is a native of South Jersey and a graduate of Rutgers University. A singer, songwriter, and actress she has had the opportunity to do background vocals for several local recording artists accompanying them in recordings and concerts. As a praise and worship leader Lavonne can be found leading congregations in uplifting songs with her big and powerful sound. Through her acting she has performed in many local theater productions and films.

Lavonne is currently working on her album and will be releasing a single very soon. Ministering unto God through her music is her passion and she prays that she can share this passion with the world. 

Lavonne we wish you the best of luck on your endeavors and just promise to give us the first interview when you blow up! You are truly an inspiration.

Lavonne singing at GU

For clips and to follow this dynamic D.I.V.A check her out on Facebook and her Twitter page http://twitter.com/songbyrdmusic

For more information or to book, contact Lavonne at lavonnemusic@gmail.com  

Money Matters Monday!!!! ~featuring~ Dana M. Brome

Happy Monday!!!!!  Today a very special lady (and I'm not just saying this because she is my Ace), Ms. Dana Brome, brings us some sound advice about how we can become more financially independent, a goal that every true D.I.V.A should strive for.  During these hard economical times, every little bit helps.  Take a look and be sure to share some of your tips with us... 

First, I must say I am very impressed with this project and I hope it is carried on for generations to come and becomes bigger and better with age :)


Remember back to when we were young girls and we wanted to be "fly" going back to school the first week? Wanting every new fashion out that was hot for the fall season....
Our parents would always let us know "Money doesn't grow on trees!"... but what if it did...? Would you know what to do with it?

If the D.I.V.A. Rules founders were to give a survey to young black women about our finances, would we all be able to check "YES" to being financially responsible and independent?? Sadly, I think not. The standard to which we are held in this world (in comparison to men) comes from a long, hard fight that our predecessors started that we need to finish. We CAN do the same job, We WILL get paid the same or more, and We WON'T let anybody tell us any different.

As young black women financial independence should be a quality we hold dear to our mere existence, along with being great mothers, wives, and business women. In our society, the drive to "get rich quick" is drilled into our heads but as black women we need to know and understand that everything comes to us that we work hard for, including our money. Who says the man has to be the bread winner of a household?? Let them know ladies its 2010 and we intend to keep the battle going until we have a solid WIN!

The PAST:
Nope! We sure can't change it but we can LEARN from it. Take a look at your statements from banks, credit cards, and your pay stubs. What are you spending your money on??Do the "wanted" outweigh the "needed" in regards to your purchases? Could you have bought one pair of shoes instead of two?? When you get paid, does most of your money go to frivolous atm withdrawals and fast food purchases?? If you answered yes to any of these your working to just spend, spend, spend, when you should be planning, saving, and investing.

The PRESENT: On payday - pay YOURSELF first. Set up a savings account in a FDIC Insured institution that is NOT readily accessible. From your paycheck have an amount- not a percentage- automatically deposited into this other institution. When you receive your income tax refund be sure to not spend the money before you even get it. NO big purchases. Its your money and saving it will benefit you.

The FUTURE:
One way to have/ensure financial independence for your future is to look into an investment savings plan. These may be offered through your workplace( 401k, 403b, etc) or you can also get them through any financial institution that offers IRAs (Individual Retirement Account). Both options have the sole purpose to put money away for you and your family for the future. The funds are automatically taken from your pay and put into your investment account- you wont even notice its gone... out of sight, out of mind.

Good Luck saving!

Dana Brome is a Fraud Investigator for TD Bank.  She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University.  Dana is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  She can be contacted via e-mail at dmbrome08@yahoo.com or you can follow her on Facebook.

Sunday Spark!!!!!! Jade of D.I.V.A Rules

What is your sentence?

At a recent orientation for the rookie teachers on board to begin at my office’s partnership school, the School Director showed a YouTube video trailer of Daniel H. Pink’s book, Drive. In the video Pink references the infamous Clare Booth Luce conversation with President John F. Kennedy in which she told him, “A great man is one sentence”. The short video then goes on to provide examples of “the Sentence” of JFK, President Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt. At the conclusion of the video, the Director asked all of us in attendance to take a minute and think about our Sentence.

What is it that we would want to be remembered by?
What motivates us every morning?
What is our life’s meaning?

Maybe you want to be remembered for changing the lives of young girls or for being the first DIVA President, or maybe being a remarkable mom and spouse. So many times it is easy to become a victim of habit. Succumbing to the regular routines of your “normal” day and often forgetting our purpose. So as I was again challenged today, I challenge you to take 20 minutes and ask yourself “What Is my Sentence?” and “What can I do today that will bring me closer to that legacy?”

To view the video and more on David Pink go to http://vimeo.com/8480171

Feel free to share your responses. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Have a great week!

Jade
My Sentence: She worked intensely to enhance the lives of minority and impoverished populations around the world.

Jade Edwards is the co-founder of D.I.V.A Rules and a Program Coordinator of Youth Programs at the Center for Strategic Ubran Community Leadership at Rutgers University.

SIRve It Saturdays!!!! ~featuring~ Kevin Clay of LES Love

Hey All! For our 1st installment of SIRve It Up Saturrdays...
Kevin Clay offers a great take on what he feels is a true measure of character in females...read below and post your opinions/comments......

" It’s truly an honor to be part of the DIVA Rule blog endeavor. In today’s society there is no shortage of portals that give advice and encouragement to the masses. Life is ambiguous and people are looking for direction; “how to find a mate, how to raise your children, find a good job, what to wear, what to eat, etc.” At every turn, it seems like someone has the answer, that magical insider’s secret to give you the “one-up” on the next guy (or should I say girl). This is all in an attempt to make us live longer, or live better or happier. And they may in fact do just that, TEMPORARILY. But long-term, the best thing for us to do is maintain a strong sense of self; who we are, who we aspire to be, what steps are necessary to reach our “ideal self” at our maximum potential? These are questions that only we can answer. Trust that there will be no shortage of stumbling blocks. But when obstacles occur, a person with a strong sense of who they are and where they are going can regroup and maintain their course. Trust in God and know yourself.

           
Character is multidimensional and different characteristics appeal to different guys. Know yourself, be honest about who you say you are and be consistent in your displays of character. Personally, I admire a woman with a strong sense of self; a self which is driven by noble purpose and rooted in a relationship with God. I love a genuine person who wants to do right by those less fortunate. That may not be important to another guy. That may not be who you are.
Know who you are and be honest about it, Ladies! "

Kevin Clay is currently a Social Psychology Graduate Student at Rutgers University.  He is also the Manager of the up and coming clothing line LES Love.  For more information about LES Love, go to lesloveclothing.com.

Welcome!!!!!!!

Welcome to D.I.V.A. Rules!  We appreciate you stopping by to check us out.  Not only will this be our outlet for displaying our experiences, but yours' as well!  D.I.V.A. Rules' will be solely interactive and empowering. Weekly, we will feature various topics that will highlight issues, successes, and insight to uplift women.

Our schedule is as follows:
Sunday- "Spark" ~ Highlight weekly inspirational and motivational stories, quotes and thoughts..to start your week off right!
Monday- "Money Matters" ~ Financial advice and activity challenges
Tuesday- "True Expression" ~ Explore the creative aspect within the Fashion, Entertainment and the Arts Industry
Wednesday- "Work-It Out" ~ Health (mental, emotional, social and physical) & fitness education, concerns, and awareness
Thurday- "Think About It" ~ Views & or opinions of an important topic that is concerning you, whether personally or within our society
Friday- is "Fierce!" ~ Have OD's (original DIVAS') give insight on their life's experiences, and lessons they can offer
Saturdays-"SIRve It Up"~ Welcome advice and viewpoint(s) from the male perspective  
 
Stay tuned for tomorrow night when Kevin Clay, a graduate student studying social psychology will bring D.I.V.A. Rules our first installment of the male perspective for SIRve it up, Saturdays!