Melva Akens, etiquette and styling expert, has addressed and serviced a diverse portfolio of clients including corporations, professional associations, educational institutions, and entertainers. Her exciting message and creative techniques on fine-tuning your social skills are priceless! She has empowered audiences with a motivational approach that carefully demonstrates the advantage of practicing etiquette everyday, and shares tips on the art of “out-classing the competition”. Melva writes columns on the importance of civility & honors speaking engagements. Ms. Akens currently serves on the board of directors for the Global Peace Film Festival and WESH News Channel 2 African American Advisory Panel. She is a founding board member of Women In Film & Television International, past president of Women In Film & Television-Florida, and recent Vice Chair of the City of Winter Park’s Program Development and Evaluation Committee. She is a community advocate and participated in a historic conference call with the White House on Women's Initiatives. Prior to moving to Florida, Ms. Akens was a retail buyer and merchandiser. She received etiquette certification and licensing from the Washington School of Protocol® - the preeminent institution in the United States for etiquette training, and At Ease, Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio. Melva has also completed numerous corporate executive development programs and is a graduate of Pepperdine University. “The class is very informative and had lots of suitable material for day to day living. I truly enjoyed it.” — Mamie Blackman, Student Rollins College “The program is highly effective and it has made a difference in the lives of the associates who have attended." — Carol Rasheed, President Network Beauty Inc. “You are absolutely magical!” — National Association of Black Journalists “WOW! What a treat it was to witness first hand a dynamic curriculum about etiquette and the power it brings." — Andre’ Gore, Executive Director N-put Inc. Youth Mentoring Organization “Ms. Akens’ Business Etiquette classes have been a boon to my business relationships. Thanks Melva what a great investment!” — Kenneth Troy Gilleylen, Mortgage Broker Ideal Mortgage Solutions