Founder -Dr. Sunshine Smith-Williams
Dr. Sunshine Smith-Williams is a dynamic author, wealth educator, philanthropist, serial entrepreneur, and passionate youth advocate whose influence spans across multiple industries. Featured in prominent media outlets such as Black Enterprise, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Inside Edition, and Source Magazine, as well as on American Gangsta and BET’s “Cooking With Love”, Dr. Smith-Williams has become a leading voice in financial literacy, empowerment, and social justice.
In addition to her writing, Dr. Smith-Williams is a respected film producer, partnering with established production companies to create powerful narratives rooted in real-life issues, elevating underrepresented voices and inspiring change through storytelling.
Raised in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, Dr. Smith-Williams faced significant challenges growing up in an impoverished neighborhood. With limited resources, her mother instilled in her the belief that education was the key to overcoming adversity. This belief fueled Dr. Smith-Williams’ determination to excel academically, ultimately earning multiple degrees and certifications that empowered her to break free from the cycle of poverty.
In 2010, after her position as a paralegal was downsized, Dr. Smith-Williams found herself at a crossroads. Rather than seeing this as a setback, she recognized it as an opportunity to step into her true potential. She founded Sunny Legal Realty, a financial firm that specializes in asset protection, wealth education, business formation, business funding, housing, civil and consumer law, contracts, and personal and business credit. Through this venture, she has helped clients achieve their financial and business goals, while also offering legal expertise to guide individuals through complex financial and contractual matters.
Her entrepreneurial success did not stop there. Dr. Smith-Williams has since launched multiple thriving businesses and continues to mentor others, guiding them on the path to financial independence and ownership. As a passionate financial educator, she believes deeply in the power of ownership and works tirelessly to empower individuals to take control of their financial futures.
Dr. Smith-Williams is also the best-selling author of seven books, including "Speak It, Until You See It", a transformative journal designed to help readers set actionable goals, track their progress, and cultivate a mindset of success. As the owner of Sunny Side-Up Publications, she produces educational content, workshops, and programs that inspire and equip individuals to create positive change in their lives.
Her entrepreneurial spirit extends into the beauty industry with the creation of Ambitious Beauty Collection, a global, animal cruelty-free cosmetics line available in Africa, Sudan, and London, reinforcing her commitment to ethical business practices and global empowerment.
In 2014, Dr. Smith-Williams co-founded Pink Panther Clique, an all-women prison reform platform aimed at highlighting the systemic inequalities faced by incarcerated women. The initiative, which focuses on issues like gender disparities in sentencing and the broader implications of mass incarceration, gave a voice to women who had been silenced. Through her leadership, Pink Panther Clique provided a platform for these women to share their stories on syndicated television, bringing attention to the injustices they faced and inspiring change.
In 2015, Dr. Smith-Williams expanded her commitment to social justice by founding Shared Living Residential, a network of transitional and homeless shelters throughout the tri-state area. These shelters provide housing and a safe space for veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, battered women, and those who have fallen on hard times. Dr. Smith-Williams’ work in this area reflects her dedication to offering second chances, creating a supportive environment for individuals to rebuild their lives. Often serving as a silent pillar for these clients, she provides not only shelter but a guiding hand, helping them navigate their journey to recovery and independence.
As a co-owner of Investing In Us, a Community Organization, Dr. Smith-Williams has developed and implemented life-changing programs and workshops that provide financial literacy, career training, and mentorship to marginalized communities. Through her efforts, she has impacted homeless shelters, formerly incarcerated individuals, and charter schools, creating pathways to success for those who have long been overlooked.
Education has always been a cornerstone of Dr. Smith-Williams’ mission. In 2020, during the global pandemic, she successfully earned her degree in Family Engagement in Education from Harvard EdX. She further expanded her expertise by obtaining a second Harvard in Exercising Leadership in foundational Principles, enhancing her ability to guide and inspire others. These achievements underscore her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and her dedication to equipping others with the tools to succeed.
Dr. Sunshine Smith-Williams' life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of self-empowerment. She continues to inspire and uplift others, demonstrating that no matter where you start, your future is shaped by the actions you take today. Her unwavering belief in the power of change serves as a beacon of hope, motivating others to rise above adversity and realize their full potential.
Jamila's Words
repost via @instarepost20 from @jamilatdavis BEEN RIDING BEFORE THE WAVE! - Rode through the mud together, fought together and when the commissary got low we shared ramen noodles together. Now this one right here, she’s a real one! And that’s a fact!! 💯💯💯.
Sometimes you have to go through dark places in life to meet some of the realest people. Grateful for my Sis @sunnymoneyqueens. Together we started the Pink Panther Clique @pinkpantherclique in 2014 to shed light on the epidemic of women in prison and the lengthy sentences many of us face as nonviolent offenders.
Before criminal justice reform efforts were popular, at a time when people behind bars, especially women, were scared and ashamed to show their faces, we did! . . . Never could imagine that God would take our imperfections and turn them around for His good. So happy to be a part of change!! . . . Follow our movement @pinkpantherclique . . . #TBT #pinkpanthercliquerocks #itsgoingdown
Brandi Davis
Brandi Davis, born and raised in Southfield, Michigan, is an author, motivational speaker and a prison reform activist. Davis, the daughter of legendary street hustler and the girlfriend of a notorious drug dealer, was no novice to street life. After her child’s father suddenly died in federal prison, she faced the challenge of maintaining the lavish lifestyle he provided. With her back up against the wall, Davis accepted an invitation to enter the drug game and became extremely successful. Life was grand until Davis was caught red-handed with 27 kilos of freshly packaged cocaine, landing her a ten year sentence in federal prison. After serving close to a decade behind bars, Davis has decided to share her life experiences to warn others about the danger of poor choices. With her powerful voice and bona fide street credibility, she has captivated the attention of youth and adults across the nation. Exposing the naked truth and deadly consequences of street life, her heartfelt story has become an anchor used to save the lives of many of today’s troubled youth. Brandi is also the founder of freeprettygirls Inc, a non for profit organization focusing on providing resources for at risk youth, and loved ones who assumed the responsibility and stepped up financially, emotionally, and physically to care for the children left behind of those serving prison time.