40 Under 20 2017 Edition | Page 13

Shannon Knowles My name is Shannon Knowles, I'm 39 years' old and was born and raised in Nassau Bahamas. I bring people together in the purchase and sale of real estate throughout the country. I first started in the industry at 21 years old and have been a licensed member of the Bahamas Association of Realtors for the past 14 years. The real estate industry has always been male dominated, and through hard work and fearless dedication and commitment I strive to not only empower myself economically by being financially independent, but to be role model to women who encounter such things as sexism and racism within the workplace. I seek to overcome these obstacles through a positive mindset and through my unwavering faith. I am truly blessed and my goal is to share my experience with others to lift them up to a place where they are also blessed as well as fulfilled in life. Scharad Lightbourne Scharad Lightbourne is a Bahamas-based creative photographer with a great +deep passion for capturing the natural aesthetic of subjects. He is particularly interested in fashion and lifestyle photography, with central themes in his work. His clean, artistic approach can be credited to his innate talent as well as his extensive graphic design background. His quick-witted, candid personality is manifested in his work and allows him to forge lasting relationships with clients and colleagues. Scharad's work has appeared in numerous publications, advertising campaigns as well as exhibits, both locally and abroad. Shante Mcalpin A 2003 graduate of St. Augustine's College, Shante McAlpin had a love for children that became stronger as time passes. This love for children birthed in her, a desire to become a teacher and so at the age of eighteen she drafted a plan of action and began to make steps towards her heart's desire. The first step was when she started what would later become an annual summer camp. This was so successful that she used this as a stepping stone to open a preschool. Four years from the time she wrote her vision, at the age of twenty-two, her first clients entered the doors of U Learn Daycare on September 2009 catering to children from infancy to age five. Shante's approach to learning has changed the lives of so many in that children who were feared to be challenged in learning have shown tremendous improvement in their academic and social abilities. Training from the toddler stage Shante ensures that one to two year olds are fluent in sight, sounds and penmanship. U Learn Daycare currently impacts over eighty(80) children. The School is equipped with its own playground, seven interactive classes, computer room, nursery, business office, and meal verandah. While building this learning center, Shante has had many academic and social achievements. She received the Education Award from The Bahamas Baptist Community College having completed her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Matriculating at Omega College/St. Thomas University she completed the course of study in Elementary Education and achieved her Bachelor's Degree in 2013 as Valedictorian. Her studies continue as she works to complete her Master's degree in Curriculum and Material Development. Having had over one hundred students excel in academics in the last 8.5 years, Shante is convinced that every child has an ability that must be identified, magnified and utilized to achieve educational success. It is her hope that her commitment to the educational process in her country will ensure that the students that are assigned to her hands maximize their full potential and grow to make positive contributions to their society.