We had the good fortune of connecting with Bernard and Edana J Perry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bernard and Edana J, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Our thought process was motivated by a desire to give back to the community thru a non- profit organization in honor of our daughter Kayla who passed away unexpectedly from SUDEP, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Our process was inspired by a desire to turn our mourning into mission. With that thought in mind, via our network we sought the services of an attorney who guided us through the process of creating a 501C-3 in our state.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Edana

I am a Pittsburgh , PA homegirl and the youngest of three girls born to the late Charlotte Kay Johnson residing outside DC. After attaining a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University and becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  I obtained my Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from The George Washington University. I have enjoyed a successful career in physician recruitment and practice management for over 25 years and currently employed by Children’s National Hospital in D.C. I am the co-founder of the Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation.

I really had not thought much about my career because I realize that perseverance has been one of my character traits since I was a teenager. Whatever I have been able to accomplish it has been with God on my side and the support of my family.

Whether it was being a teenager enrolling and completing my biblical studies at Harty Bible School ( Pittsburgh, Pa)  and graduating from high school at the age of 18 .

Life is more than what we do!

Whether it was being determined to pursue my college education while being single and pregnant during my junior year at Howard University. Persevering and graduating on time with my Bachelor’s degree from Howard University with God on my side and the support of my boyfriend (who would become my husband) family and friends.

Life is more than what we do!

Whether it was becoming a young mom and wife and not really knowing what it meant to be a mom or wife but persevering, praying, reading and studying.  Learning to having open communications with my husband and children and support of my mom, sisters and the mentors in my life.

I am growing into being the woman, mom, grandmom, wife, minister, author and a poet who is passionate about encouraging men, women, couples and families.

Life is more than what we do!

While one may think those were major accomplishments amidst challenges, my most impactful moment I was yet to experience. My biggest accomplishment thus far was to choose to live and wake up after realizing my youngest daughter was no longer with me in the flesh. My process of learning to live after death is not finished. I have support and assistance in variety of ways including prayer, journaling, poetry and grief counseling. As I navigate my life it is only because of God’s strength, the support of my husband, family and village that I stand now.  I am forever #kaylastrong

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Bernard

I am coach, mentor, author, educator and minister.  I  hail from Smyrna, Georgia. I am the 7th of eight children born to the late Sergeant John T. and Earlene Ross Perry. I grew up loving football, baseball and basketball. Basketball sent him to Howard University on a college scholarship!

Learning to coach and mentor!

I hold a B.S. degree from Howard University and a M.A. degree from Trinity University. While attending Howard, I was a four year starter on the Men’s Basketball team from 1979-1983. Drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1983, my professional career was shortened by an injury. In 2003, Howard University acknowledged my contributions to the basketball program by inducting me into the Howard University Hall of Fame. For over 30 years, I have been a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Coaching and mentoring along the way!

I am currently employed by Prince Georges County Public School System. In my prior role I  served as the Principal of Calvary Christian Academy ( enitity of Greater MT. Calvary Holy Church) for over 20 years.

Bernard and Edana are college sweethearts and have been married for over 36years. They are the proud parents of three children Taelor, Christian and Kayla ( who recieved her Angel wings in July 2017) and the proud grandparents to Ariyah and Amahri.

Bernard and Edana Perry are both ministers of the Gospel and member of Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church (Washington, D.C.) where Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. and Co-Pastor Susie C. Owens are their pastors. Together they have served as the past co-directors of the Family Ministry. She and her husband also served as Parenting Skills instructors for District of Columbia based Family Re-Unification Program administered by Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for (8) eight years.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Most exciting places to go in the DMV ( DC, MD,VA) area. National Harbor in Ft. Washington , Maryland in Prince George’s County.  The Harbor has a small, home town feel to it with all the boutiques, shops and restaurants. We enjoy the food at Succotash Restaurant and Redstone American Grill. Depending on the season, we like to walk along the pier to take the kids on the Ferris wheel, to get some ice cream or watch a movie. For those that like to shop, there are retail stores at the Harbor and nearby Tangers Outlet mall as well.

For those who love history, DC boasts many museums at no cost. I would take them to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum and our beloved alma mater, Howard University.

We found a beautiful spot in Anne Arundel County- Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Maryland that includes several walking trails, a dog park, reading and butterfly garden, paddleboats and a view of the South River and Harness Creek.

Another favorite place to eat in Alexandria, Virginia is Tupelo Honey and DC Chi Pie in Washington, DC

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

We shout out our entire community! The Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation (established in 2019) is functional and successful for two reasons. First, it is due to the hard work of the board of directors: Eric Gilliam, Danielle Lewis, Monica Powell, Bernard and Edana Perry and our volunteers. The KRPMF board of directors has tirelessly worked for the past two years to strategize, plan and execute programs, fundraising events and to provide scholarships, uplift the community through the creative arts and by educating the community on Epilepsy and SUDEP.  Secondly, it is due to consistent, sacrificial, ongoing donations and support of our family, friends and community. Shout out to our daughter Taelor, our son Christian (Shayna) and our granddaughters Ariyah and Amahri.

We shout out to boss lady Ronda Baker of Events by B&B with her event planning and catering business that supports the KRPMF and the community.

Website: www.kaylarossperrymemorialfoundation.org

Instagram: @krpmemfnd2019

Linkedin: Edana Perry

Facebook: @kaylastrong2017

Youtube: ejayperry62@gmail; we have one program- Kommunity Konnects Thru Muzik 2020

Image Credits
Photography by Jackie Hicks Make-up – Letiticia Thornhill this is for the first photo where we are in red and blue Photography by Jeff Suggs Makeup by Monica Gray for the white tshirts

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.