In its third anniversary, the Reginald F. Lewis Annual Luncheon Gala is extending its recognition to a young entrepreneur (under the age of 40) who reflects the values and virtues of Reginald F. Lewis while making a huge impact in business, society and community, through her courage, determination and philanthropy. The first RFL Young Entrepreneurial Award will be given to 30-year old entrepreneur and founder of Buzz Marketing Group, Tina Wells.
Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group, is in her 12th year of business. She started her career writing for New Girl Times magazine at the age of 16, and now leads a $5M company with 9,000 teen consultants ("buzzSpotters") with who have the same passion for pop culture as herself and currently leads a youth marketing agency that specializes in youth needs, desires and trends.
Through innovative marketing strategies, research initiatives and youth marketing, Buzz has acquired clients in the fashion, beauty, entertainment, business and lifestyle sectors including Procter + Gamble, A, SonyBMG, Sesame Workshop, and Time Inc.
With Tina's early success, she did not neglect her education. She earned a B.A. in Communication Arts and graduated with honors from Hood College in May 2002. She is currently in a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business for marketing management.
Tina's ascent from teen dreamer to CEO has landed her a long list of honors including: Essence 40 Under 40, Billboard's 30 Under 30, AOL's Black Voices Black Women Leaders in Business top ten list, Inc Magazine's 30 Under 30.She has been quoted and featured in such high profile publications as O Magazine, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur.
Tina is also on the National Board of Directors for the Friends of the Orphans, whichhas been dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned, abandoned and disadvantaged children in the Carribean and Latin America for the past 40 years.
For more information on Tina and Buzz Marketing Group, please visit www.buzzmg.com