BIO
Bridget Beasley
Errick Young
Kern Grimshaw
Rita Carey
Alison Wray
Apryl Armstrong Founder, CEO / President of SKILL4 Inc.
Owner / President A. Renee Painting Specialist
B.S. Marketing Minor Computer Science * Jackson State University, Jackson Ms.
A.S. Construction Technology / Management * Miami Dade College, Miami Fl.
MBA / Energy Management * Univ. of Phoenix * Maitland Campus 2011
Certified NCCER Instructor with Workforce Training Certification
Daytona State College / Educational Instructor for Manufacturing and Trade Skills *36 Hr. Course Certification / Completion
CPR * First Aid Certified
Apryl, the founder of Skill4, has over 30 years of experience as a construction professional. Her journey began after college when she started assisting her boyfriend, a general contractor, in exchange for learning hands-on construction skills. She mastered finishing trades through residential renovation projects in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Determined to deepen her involvement in the construction industry, Apryl returned to Miami, Florida, aiming to pursue a B.S. in Architecture. Despite encountering challenges with grant applications, she persevered, eventually securing a grant for a degree in Construction Management at Miami Dade College.
Balancing studies with her roles as a single mother and owner of a successful Painting and Decorating Company, Apryl graduated in 1996. She embarked on a career that included roles in field management with Turner Miami and Pulte Homes in Orlando, where she thrived in both residential and commercial construction.
Apryl's career path highlighted the importance of hands-on experience and the underrepresentation of women in construction. Motivated by her experiences and a desire to support girls in foster care, she is committed to empowering them with skills and opportunities for a successful future in the construction and building industries.
Bridget J. Beasley
VP Community Relationship Officer | Community Lending
Valley National Bank, Florida Division
Education
- Degree in Business Management, Nova Southeastern University
- Degree in Business Administration, University of Phoenix
Bridget J. Beasley, a native of Orlando, Florida, is a compassionate and dedicated individual with a deep-rooted passion for serving others and making a positive impact in her community. As the oldest of three siblings and a devoted single mother, she embodies strength, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones.
With extensive experience in finance, small business, and church development, Bridget brings a diverse skill set to her endeavors. She has worked with banks, credit unions, and non-profit organizations, contributing to their growth and success through strategic financial planning and implementation. Bridget's expertise in finance enables her to provide valuable insights and guidance to businesses and organizations seeking to optimize their financial strategies.
Bridget's deep gratitude for her family, her educational achievements, and her love for her children further shape her character and drive her to continue making a difference in the lives of others, creating a mark that cannot be erased (Acts 3:19).
Errick Young
VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion / PSA
Bachelor of Business Administration/ John B. Stetson University
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Mr. Young has over 30 years of experience in Diversity Equality and Inclusion professionalism, including being the Founding Manager of Minority Business Development Department for Volusia County, Florida. He is established certification criteria based on CFR 49, Part 23 directives, and has held the responsibility for HUD, UMTA, FAA, and County guidelines and utilization for minority individuals. His experience has opened doors for movement into the Orlando Utilities Commission and the Orange County Government.
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Congruently, served on the Board of the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council for 26 years, has assisted in several governments establishing MBE programs including the State of Florida.
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Mr. Young frequently speaks and participates as a panelist on the subject of MBE development and utilization.
Kern Grimshaw
Project Manager AECOM
Bachelor of Architecture
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
Licensed Florida General Contractor
Kern Grimshaw’s career has been a journey focused on integrating Design and Construction as a unified profession rather than two separate fields. I believe these industries are constantly evolving, and the mission at Skill4 will play a pivotal role in developing young, talented individuals who will drive industry growth.
With a dedication to learning and mastering both Design and Construction, these individuals can then give back to the communities they are part of. My goal is to help each individual that Skill4 serves achieve their intended level of success and make a positive impact in their chosen talent for the communities of Central Florida and beyond.
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Rita Carey
Business Owner Home Health Care Services
Education
Bachelor’s degree in business management, University of Phoenix
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Rita Carey brings over 10 years of experience in B2B Credit/Collections and Customer Service management. Originally from South Florida, she has actively volunteered with organizations such as Take Stock in Children, Meals on Wheels, and Big Brother Big Sister.
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Rita is passionate about leveraging her management experience to support Skill4 as a board member to develop career opportunities for others in the construction industry, aligning with the mission and goals of Skill4. Her commitment to community service and her educational background in Business Management equip her with the skills and dedication to foster growth and opportunities within the construction sector.
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Alison Wray
Originally from London, England
Sr. Technical Trainer
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**Education
- Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry
- Master's degree in computer science
- Course in Electronic Systems (Elementary Microprocessors, Digital Electronics, Micro Computer Systems, Installation & Maintenance)
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Allison's Professional Experience includes:
- Project Coordinator at Tolaris Homes: Managed custom homebuilding projects, coordinated workflows, addressed customer concerns, ensured project deadlines despite challenges.
-Technical Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, project coordinating tools
- Web development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, ColdFusion
- Built own computer from scratch
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She has added skills sets that further provide a broader range of assistance for the goals and mission of Skill4:
- Florida Virtual School: Created websites to teach educators, trained staff on new software
- Private tutoring in science, teaching various crafts
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With a commitment to continuous learning, I am dedicated to leveraging my skills and experiences to drive successful project outcomes and foster a collaborative work environment in the construction industry.
“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.”
-Althea Gibson
Skill4 Advisory Board
Education is for improving the lives of others and leaving the community and world better than you found it
* Marian Wright Edelman
Deborah Roberts
Middle Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Business Administration / Accounting
Jewel Player
Prairie View A&M Univ. - Bachelor of Arts Library Science and Business Administration
Univ. Of Illinois - Master of Science Degree Library Science
Univ. of Miami - Master of Education Administration
George Washington Univ. - Grad Certificate, Information Resource Mgt.
National Defense Univ., Fort McNair - Leadership for the 21st Century
Gwendolyn Johnson
Prairie View A&M University Bachelor of Arts in Social
University of Texas at Arlington Master of Social Work
Elise Hamler
J. D., Concord Law School, Purdue University Global
Rollins College - Crummer Graduate School of Business – Master of Business Administration
Benedict College Bachelor of Science Mathematics
IBM Corporation - Industry Certifications from
Florida A&M University Small Business Program - Certificate of Competency,
Real Estate License, Georgia
University of Florida - Environmental Certifications,
Arlie Armstrong
Bachelor of Science Social Work - Tennessee A&I State University
Master’s in Social Work -
Florida Memorial University
Pamela Brown-Eyo,
South Carolina State College University – B.S. Biology