About the Founders
MISSION & OBJECTIVE | THE FOUNDERS
Juanita Fortune
Juanita Fortune is Co-Founder/Director of Operations of Diamonds and Pearls Mentoring and Chastity Program. Juanita has more than 30 years business experience, including corporate, administrative, and ministry. She attended Pace University, studied Special Biblical Studies at Christian Bible Institute and Seminary, and has several certificates in leadership training and Ayurveda studies. Juanita is a doctor of naturopathy, a Life Coach and Holistic Health Counselor.
Her volunteer activities have included community work with parents, teenagers and children. A love for writing has provided ghost writing opportunities and inspired Juanita to also pursue a career as an author and filmmaker. She serves as Co-Developer, Co-Writer and Executive Producer of the Wildflowers project.
Juanita resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is available to speak with women's groups, singles' groups, and parents’ groups.
Latisha Fortune
Latisha Fortune is an award winning independent producer who began a corporate career in 1997 as a computer help desk analyst for a major publishing company. She confidently segued into the telecommunications industry and earned numerous promotions over several years, cumulating into elevated promotion as a Sales Administrator for a large electronics company.
While Latisha took pride in her work, she hungered for creative satisfaction and in 2004; she ended her corporate career to pursue her passion for production in the more creative world of arts and entertainment. She began as an intern in the Media Department of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY, and quickly advanced to the position of Stage Manager for a weekly live international television broadcast, as well as for live concerts and events.
Latisha recognized her calling for film while working on the film set of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion. She quickly became an invaluable asset to Roger Bobb, the Supervising Producer of Tyler Perry Studios and became his executive assistant. This gave her the opportunity to work on a number of exciting projects which further honed her skills as an outstanding producer. Latisha worked tirelessly and tediously on the productions of Daddy’s Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married, Meet the Browns, and the number 1 cable television show, House of Payne which also further advanced her career when offered the position of Assistant Production Coordinator for season 3 of the sitcom.
Latisha also gained invaluable knowledge while working as Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer of Tyler Perry Studios. As an emerging filmmaker, Latisha has produced a dozen short films, three of which have won awards (48 Hr Film Festival Best of Atlanta 2007-Standing Reign, The Door Post Film Project 2008-Before I Wake, and the 2009 Women in Film International Showcase Award-Freedom to Live).
In early 2009, Latisha manned the role as the Executive in Charge Production for the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. In 2009, Latisha added more credits to her resume as the Assistant Production Coordinator for feature film, “The Blind Side” starring Sandra Bullock.. As well as “For Colored Girls” which is being directed by Tyler Perry. She is currently in post production on her television pilot, Wildflowers which she co-created, co-wrote, co-directed and co-produced.
Latisha is also passionate about mentoring young people. She is Co-Founder/Program Director of Diamonds and Pearls Mentoring and Chastity Program. Her views on chastity have inspired her to develop a curriculum that addresses the issue of abstinence until marriage. She is a believer in helping young people make positive decisions which will affect the rest of their lives.
Latisha studied Interdisciplinary Studies at The University of Maryland Baltimore County, Business Management at The Kings College and Film Production at New York University.
