Welcome to the Nia Network: A Program Bureau, a division of Celeste Bateman & Associates. The program bureau features visual and performing artists, historians, writers and motivational speakers of African descent who present in various venues nationally and internationally. CB&A has compiled a roster of extraordinarily talented individuals who are available to perform and present at colleges and universities, performing arts centers, schools, churches, corporations, festivals, trade shows, etc. What makes this program bureau unique is that all of the participants present topics and art forms pertaining to the African Diaspora.
Nia is the Swahili word for ‘purpose.’ Our purpose is to promulgate what is rich and positive about African, Caribbean, and African-American culture, history, heritage and art. For booking information, email us at info@celestebateman.com or call 973.705.8253.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to take on additional artists/speakers at this time, but please feel free to forward your information for future consideration.
Nia is the Swahili word for ‘purpose.’ Our purpose is to promulgate what is rich and positive about African, Caribbean, and African-American culture, history, heritage and art. For booking information, email us at info@celestebateman.com or call 973.705.8253.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to take on additional artists/speakers at this time, but please feel free to forward your information for future consideration.
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Caryl Lucas
Caryl Lucas is a sought after motivational speaker who empowers and inspires women from all walks of life to get rid of negative thought patterns and cultivate their inner beauty and authentic sense of style. Her high energy messages of self-love and self-respect have touched the hearts and souls of girls and young women at schools, teen conferences, churches, correctional facilities and colleges throughout New Jersey.
She is the founder of the “No More Drama Queen: Build Your Self-Esteem” and “Girl Power” workshops, which are designed to teach teenagers and women the power of positive thinking. Caryl utilizes her faith, life experiences, coaching skills and powerful affirmations to enrich lives and help others create new possibilities for their lives.
During her quest for personal development and self-discovery, Caryl was awakened by a divine calling to use her God-given talents to encourage others to overcome the same fears and adversities she has encountered over the years.
Today, this award-winning journalist has distinguished herself over the years as a media personality and motivational speaker. Known for her drive and devotion to the task at hand, Caryl spent the bulk of her 18-year journalism career as a reporter for The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J. She covered breaking news, fashion, urban issues, education and municipal government. Caryl also has worked as a freelance news reporter for WBGO – Jazz 88.3 FM
In January of 2002, Caryl was appointed a spokeswoman for Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Working in the political arena has given her the opportunity to help redesign Essex County's image and promote several county departments serving residents through social services. In early March of 2006, she began another new chapter as the Communications Director for New Jersey Department of State, which promotes a plethora of arts, culture, history and volunteer programs. Caryl also has kept her hand in the worlds of fashion and beauty by continuing to contribute to Odyssey Couleur, a multicultural travel magazine.
Caryl is a gifted public speaker and orator who graduated from New Jersey’s Upsala College where she earned a degree in English and minored in Journalism and Theater. She is a graduate of Landmark Inc., an international leadership training and life coaching program. She is a member of World Changers International – New York.
Past Speaking Engagements & Appearances
Sojourner Truth Middle School – East Orange, New Jersey
Essex County Technical High School & Career Center – Newark, New Jersey
Red Bank Regional High School – Red Bank, New Jersey
Bloomfield College Equal Opportunity Fund Program – Bloomfield, New Jersey
The Cathedral International - Perth Amboy, New Jersey
North Jersey Teen Summit - Secaucus, New Jersey
Essex County Division of Juvenile Services - Newark, New Jersey
Steve Adubato’s Stand and Deliver Career Workshop – Newark, New Jersey
First Baptist Church of Nutley - Nutley, New Jersey
Monumental Baptist Church - Jersey City, New Jersey
Bethel AME Church - Passaic, New Jersey
Best Friends Abstinence Program - Newark, New Jersey
Sisters Rites of Passage Program - Passaic, New Jersey
Union Baptist Church - Passaic, New Jersey
Visit her website at www.caryllucas.com