Meet the 2024 TOBA MLK Breakfast Co-Chairs
Briyanna Pierce and Ameyon Hawkins
Briyanna Pierce
Briyanna Pierce is a first-generation college graduate and business owner. Briyanna comes from a very loving family and is the oldest of five. She graduated from Lennard High School with her Associate’s Degree while managing a nearby Chinese restaurant. She then completed her undergraduate degree at Stetson University, where she studied Political Science & Business Law. Briyanna is a recent Tampa Organization of Black Affairs Leadership Institute graduate and the assistant dance coach with the nonprofit organization Mrs.Jenkins Dance is My Life.
She recently stepped down as the Director of young entrepreneurs for the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce to focus on her nonprofit, Dolls Get Degrees, a mentorship program started at Howard W. Blake High School (where her parents had her their junior year). Briyanna is studying for her CFP certification while running a nationwide financial planning practice that focuses on helping families and business owners live a life by design and not default by genuinely listening to what they want to accomplish. When she is not empowering her clients or community, she serves as a devoted member of By Faith Ministries under the guidance of Pastor Mother Willie Mae Ellis.
Ameyon Hawkins
Ameyon Hawkins is an inventor and senior manager of Global Technology for Nielsen. A graduate of the prestigious TOBA Leadership Institute, Ameyon was born in Washington, DC, his parents’ hometown. Ameyon relocated to Raleigh, NC, with his mom, where he graduated from high school. After attending North Carolina A&T University, Ameyon joined the U.S. Army Signal Corp, graduating with honors and serving as a team leader. After separating from the Army, he furthered his education in technology by gaining multiple certifications, which helped him to begin a 25-plus-year career in technology and engineering.
He relocated to Tampa with his wife Angela in 2007 and has since had two beautiful daughters, Zuri and Zahra. He credits his family as his motivation to excel professionally and give back to his community. His work directly contributed to an Emmy Award and is credited with two U.S. patents. Passionate about ensuring kids receive opportunities no matter their environment, Ameyon serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast. He is also a “Big” for Big Brothers & Big Sisters and has volunteered with AMI Kids as a mentor. He also serves on the College of Computer and Information Technology advisory board at St. Pete College to ensure they continue providing the quality programs he leveraged as an alum of the first graduating class of Dr. William’s term as President.