Dr. Michelle "Dr. Beauty" Witherspoon has always been on a revolutionary path to develop academically, professionally, personally, and spiritually. Academically, Dr. Witherspoon has acquired a plethora of degrees in respective disciplines: Ph.D.in Leadership & Education with a specialization in Higher Education Administration, M.A. in Communication, and B.A.in Communication Studies with a minor in Theater. Dr. Witherspoon has been a full-time college professor for prestigious brick and mortar institutions in both the private and public sector of higher education for decades, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in communication, entertainment, leadership, education, research, ethics, and business. Additionally, Dr. Witherspoon has presented at professional conferences and has existing publications in academic databases and reputable scholarly journals, focusing on numerous issues pertaining to higher education. Most recently, Dr. Witherspoon has published a college textbook (Memoirs of a Speech Communication Class: Art, Theory, Science, & Technology (Artificial Intelligence?), 2021, 2024), a self-published children’s book (Calla Goes to College, 2022), a poetry book (VibeΣ: Poetry for Real Life Situations, 2024), and another children’s book (Who Knows BLU Nose?, 2026).

Professionally, Dr. Witherspoon is a transformational leader and entrepreneur, consistently evolving both on a personal and professional level. Throughout these particular experiences, Dr. Witherspoon has been able to successfully work alongside other community stakeholders from countless organizations in the capacity of an executive, administrator, partner and/or member. The trials and tribulations that are encountered during these relationships create unique communication dynamics at every given opportunity. As a leader, Dr. Witherspoon has learned that different circumstances and personalities command an adoption of varying forms of leadership. Dr. Witherspoon is devoted to the progressive advancement of exemplary leaders/educators/administrators in our democratic society, while acknowledging and respecting these contrastive populations (e.g., academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, cultural, linguistic, and other orientations). Critical and analytical thinking skills accompanied by technology aid in the continuation of Dr. Witherspoon’s metamorphosis of building an established repertoire regarding her record of teaching, administrative responsibilities, executive obligations, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in many communities. Dr. Witherspoon has

demonstrated her ongoing commitment to the community by remaining active in many professional organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓΡ), National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. (NSPDK), Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD), United Faculty of Miami Dade College (UFMDC), American Educational Research Association (AERA), Association for Entrepreneurship USA, Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R), National Black MBA Association, Inc. (NBMBAA), National Communication Association (NCA), just to name a few. Dr. Witherspoon is also the Co-Founder of B.I.G. Stepperz LLC with the business motto of “Steppin’ Thru the Pain to Transform Lives.”

On a personal basis, Dr. Witherspoon’s hobbies include line dancing, songwriting, interior design, writing books, sports, fashion, bike riding, and motivational speaking.

Rashad grew up in hot South Florida, wrestling like a boss at junior high and high school – he was a champ, training right alongside his pal Kimbo Slice, who later became a huge MMA fighter! But Rashad felt the beat more than the mat, so he became “Rush Hour” cause he lives every single moment like it’s the biggest, best party around! He choreographed killer dances for Miami legends like Trick Daddy, Trina, Uncle Luke and Pitbull -showing up in music videos, touring with starts like Busta Rhymes, Bryan McKnight, Musiq Soulchild, and even lighting up BET TV. His upper-fun song “It’s My Dawg’s Birthday” (yep, he dropped a fast version too!) gets crowds jumping and singing along -total celebration! He launched his own “Rashad Ahmad” clothes line, ran Raw Entertainment to help new artist glow, and even hyped up tours for big names.

Rashad is the Co-Founder of B.I.G. Stepperz LLC. His mottos are "Steppin' Thru Pain to Transform Lives" and "Love, Live, Life."