Transformation GEMS Boot Camp

Biography of DeAnna Brown: 

DeAnna Brown is a passionate baker and the proud owner of Everything is Cheesecake, a beloved bakery known for its innovative and delectable cheesecake creations. With a bachelor’s degree in business management and a graduate of the prestigious Goldman Sachs business program, DeAnna combines her culinary talents with her business acumen to deliver exceptional desserts that delight her customers.

A self-taught baker, DeAnna has honed her skills through experimentation and creativity, constantly striving to develop new recipes that showcase her love for baking. When she’s not in the kitchen, DeAnna enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling to new destinations, and diving into a good book. Her commitment to her craft and dedication to her family are the driving forces behind Everything is Cheesecake, making it a cherished spot for cheesecake lovers everywhere.

***Feel free to edit or shorten however you may like**** ?

Laura Hosey Blanding is the Senior Vice President of Lending at Astera Credit Union where she currently oversees five departments related to lending including Consumer and Indirect lending, Commercial lending, Mortgages, Credit Card Services, and Financial Restorations/Collections. Before joining Astera in April of 2021, Laura was the Vice President of Lending at CASE Credit Union for two years. Prior to working for CASE, Laura worked for 26 years at MSU Federal Credit Union serving in multiple roles including but not limited to Senior Loan Officer, Consumer Loan Quality Assurance Manager, Commercial Loan Officer, and Indirect Lending Manager.

During her time at MSUFCU, Laura was recognized as their subject matter expert on credit reports and understanding credit, as she was called upon and facilitated hundreds of credit seminars on the campus of Michigan State University, in the tri-county area, and around the state of Michigan. Laura earned a Business Management degree from Lansing Community College and attended Ashford University with studies in General Business Administration.

Dr. Carmen Thomas is an author, entrepreneur who manages two businesses, servant leader, volunteer, wife, mom, grandmother and works a day career as a Chief Government Relations Officer for a phenomenal organization that supports community.

The Unstoppable Movement began in 1991, after Carmen was hired by a Real Estate Developer to oversee a major rental property transformation project that was distressed. The property had 528 units of which reverted to the original owner. The owner was in California. The property was transformed and sold in seven years. This was the “Aha” moment where she believed with faith in God, she could accomplish anything, she believed she is Unstoppable. 

Founder and Executive Director of Transformation GEMS, a Nonprofit, Women’s Entrepreneur Empowerment, Co-working Space, Startup Accelerator, in the Lansing, MI area, Carmen has helped several women start & sustain businesses within the last 10 years. Recently the organization has partnered with Mid-Michigan Credit Union Association and CASE Credit Union to provide women of color with Grants in the Greater Lansing Area. The partnership has provided several women with thousands of dollars to apply towards the growth and sustainability of their businesses. 

December 2021, Transformation GEMS won a 6 figure grant to support the Women in the Greater Lansing, MI. area with their businesses over the next 3 years. Get connected and become apart of the change you want to see in our world. Transformationgems.com - get connected. Let’s get your community empowered!

Senator Sarah Anthony, will be providing the welcome and other remarks.