I’ve been called a conversation starter in the industry, but when introducing myself, my name, Persephone, often sparks a conversation all on its own. Pronounced per-SEH-foe-NEE, my name has Greek origins, and interesting roots. The name Persephone belonged to my mother’s college best friend and roommate, and was given to me at birth, right along with her nickname, Pepper. I’m better known as Pepper and it is definitely easier to pronounce, but I own both of my names. I stand up for who I am because that is what I was taught to do.

Standing up for my name taught me the importance in standing up for other things in life that were of value. As an award-winning market researcher and speaker, author and Black American consumer expert, I use my professional platform to stand up for the Black community.