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Eriel Forrest
Founder / Executive Director
A mother, wife, and self-proclaimed baker, Eriel Forrest was born and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida. She grew up in a family led by a United States Marine veteran and entrepreneur, where she gained first-hand insight into the challenges and rewards of running a business. From an early age, she witnessed both the lessons and successes that come with entrepreneurship. At just 13 years old, Eriel began working in her family’s business, gaining practical, hands-on experience that would ultimately shape her career path.
Dr. Michelle Saunders
Vice Chair / Business Development Director
A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, Dr. Michelle Saunders has been an entrepreneur and strategic leader with over 30 years of transformative experience across 10 industries. Her expertise spans operations, logistics, transportation, analytics, information technology, and marketing.
Education and Credentials
Dr. Saunders holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lynn University, a Master of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurship from Nova Southeastern University, a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Passion and Leadership
Throughout her career, Dr. Saunders has been passionate about nurturing future leaders from our communities and guiding them on a collective journey toward excellence. Her vision focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and resources to succeed.
Beyond the Boardroom
When she’s not leading initiatives or mentoring entrepreneurs, Dr. Saunders enjoys activities that balance both sides of her personality. Analytical by nature, she loves puzzles and lifelong learning—but her expressive side shines through when she’s dancing, singing karaoke, or discovering new restaurants and cuisines.
Beyanka Graham
Program Director
Beyanka has always been passionate about serving others. As a registered nurse care manager, she coordinates care, manages, and provides assistance to patients during critical recovery periods after leaving the hospital.
Entrepreneurial Insight
Serving her hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Beyanka understands the challenges small business owners face. Her husband owns his own business, which has given her firsthand insight into the barriers minority and underserved entrepreneurs encounter—including starting a business, securing funding, and accessing resources and education about entrepreneurship.
Inspiration and Commitment
In 2020, Beyanka was notified by Eriel Forrest about the influx of small business grants, especially for minority owners. She helped her husband research, apply, and secure funding, inspiring her passion to help other small business owners access available resources and achieve their “American Dream.”
Beyond the Boardroom
Beyond her work, Beyanka is a proud wife and mother of four—three girls and one boy—which means plenty of birthday parties and family events to keep life exciting. When she finds a quiet moment, she enjoys relaxing, enjoying good food, and spending quality time with her family.
Dara Mitchell
Philanthropy Director
A Pompano Beach native, Dara Mitchell has always had a compassionate, serving heart. As the oldest of five siblings, she naturally assumed leadership responsibilities and became a role model for her younger siblings.
Professional Expertise
Dara works as a Human Resources Manager, coordinating, recruiting, training, and developing teams. Her leadership skills extend beyond her professional role into community service and mentorship.
Community Service and Dedication
In the past few years, Dara has visited construction sites throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties with her company to feed hundreds, sometimes thousands, of workers who build the local economy.
Ongoing Education and Ambition
Dara recently became a Certified Registered Nurse and is working toward becoming a Nurse Anesthetist, which would be her fourth degree, while also actively growing her investment portfolio through day trading and stocks.
Commitment to Grants 4 U
Dara’s passion for service, strong work ethic, and leadership skills position her to help Grants 4 U effectively meet the needs of small businesses and the community, ensuring entrepreneurs receive the support, resources, and guidance they need to succeed.
Beyond the Boardroom
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dara enjoys traveling, exploring new foods, and spending quality time with her loved ones. She also enjoys relaxing with a good TV binge-watching favorites such as Dexter and Breaking Bad.