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Further extending her impact, she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), witnessing firsthand the critical needs of children, which led her to become a foster parent.\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":6,"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-states/en_us/about-us/people-and-communities/shell-livewire-entrepreneurship-program/akanni-our-meeting-brings-gifts/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_36481329","model":{"title":"The name 'Akanni' means 'our meeting brings gifts' in Yoruba","text":"\u003Cp\u003EAfter being diagnosed with early menopause in 2021, Valencia chose to learn about her body, menopause, and andropause. This pursuit of knowledge and a holistic approach inspired the creation of Akanni Beauty. The name 'Akanni' means 'our meeting brings gifts' in Yoruba, perfectly capturing Valencia's belief in the gift of aging. 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The leadership lessons were pivotal in developing effective communication skills, from team building to delegation tactics which is something I struggle with.”\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-states/en_us/about-us/people-and-communities/shell-livewire-entrepreneurship-program/akanni-our-meeting-brings-gifts/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_5251745","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESince her participation in the program, Akanni Beauty's products have been included in gift bags for influential media figures and VIPs at various retreats and conferences including Woman Evolve, a conference hosted by Sarah Jakes-Roberts. Her products were also featured on “Black Girl Stuff” an Amazon Live partnership with RevoltTV show. Valencia also obtained her Wellness Coach Certification at the advisement of the program’s consultants.\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EHer mantra, \"Don't give up, and don't give in,\" resonates not just in her life but also in the lives of countless women she empowers through Akanni Beauty.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EApplicants are accepted from Ascension​, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge​, Iberville​, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes. 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