Our board members are influential.

Meet key players on the team

Board of Directors

  • Stacia Wakes - Chairman

    Hailing from the Bahamas and identified as an abuse victim from childhood, the rough upbringing along with ambition to accomplish personal goals were two of the elements that pushed me to reward myself with a Bachelors degree in music. My abusive background also opened a pathway to help those that are in similar situations. Entertainment has always been a defining force of my personal being and opened doors to travel to various parts of the county and performing with well knowns of the industry. Along the way I’ve earned badges in additional trades of banking, mortgage consulting, and strategic leadership management-all essential contributions to the task at hand. AOE, Inc. has been a forum that’s allowed me to touch and change lives with the gift of voice, financial savvy and giving from the heart.

  • Keith Wakes - Vice Chairman

    My beginnings began in an obscure development in Topeka, Kansas. Our father was a pastor and I, the youngest of the family, we were held responsible to be in church... often! My love for music and the performing thereof took root. It was, also, during the many, many years of church and community endeavors, I found my joy of attentive service for the undeserved youth, women, and elderly. I relocated to Atlanta, began my studies at DeVry, and sought out to bring to fruition a dream to perform for the masses. After the tedious task of transplanting, rebuilding, and getting my footing I helped to launch an entertainment company. I have traveled extensively for over 25 years doing the music I enjoy and reaping the reward of entertaining others through various services we provide through the entertainment company as well as the programs offered through The Art of Entertainment.

  • Gena Coakley - Treasurer

    A native of Nassau, Bahamas, she’s summarized to be a financial extraordinaire that’s obtained well over 30 plus years experience in accounting which include corporate and personal income tax preparation. Her expertise has earned her a Bachelors Degree in accounting along with certifications in a number of financial areas. After strengthening her career path, she quickly shifted gears to pursue a non-profit direction with one key focus devoting her time with teaching our youth the essentials of day to day money management. She brings to the table a vast knowledge and experience including certification in real estate, insurance, investments and benefits counseling.

  • James Newsome - Board Advisor

    James comes to us from the great state of The Big Apple. He has established himself in the realm of entrepreneurship here in Atlanta propelled by his relentless determination to interpret the world and those within through the lens of his camera. His scholastic training and his "in the field" work has positioned him to be well on his way. He has amassed many hours of session work telling the story of those that have entrusted their cherished imagery to his skilled professionalism. Mr. Newsome has made it his mission to share his expertise worldwide and is driven to make an indelible impression in this industry. Furthermore, James has sought to share this life changing experience with those under his tutelage. Those, young and old, that have the aspiration can record life one shutter at a time.

  • Celestine Davis - Board Advisor

    Celestine Davis goes by Celeste and she is the sheer essence of adornment! An authentic Georgia peach, Celeste radiates a room through transformational grandeur. She has impeccable imagination with which she possesses an uncanny methodology of manifestation. Unparalleled in her approach, she along with her skilled entourage, brings to fruition the award winning stylings that's often reserved for royalty. The setting exudes majesty as she articulates, through design, what not many can repeat. Celeste is the founder and CEO of Functionelle. Her passion for design is shared with the under-privileged as she teaches technique for those needing a guide in their path of entertainment.

  • Karen Hill - Secretary

    She serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters Karen also serves as a liaison to the board of directors, volunteers and senior management teams; organizes and coordinates executive outreach and external relations efforts; and oversees special projects. She truly enjoys working within an environment that is mission-driven, results-driven and community oriented.

  • Octavia Davis Walter - Board Advisor

    Functionelle is also piloted by Octavia who is astute with her cuisine preparation. She works closely with Celeste. Octavia has a love for the industry and she, selflessly, imparts her knowledge to others with like minded interests.

If you’re interested in joining our team to help us change lives, tell us a little about yourself.