Salisbury native Alisha N. Byrd-Clark is the author of Even Me: Once Scarred and Broken, Now Worthy and Gemstones: Embrace Her, Become Her, Love Her. The co-founder of Gemstones and COMPASS Leadership Academy, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization for youth, she is also the owner of Byrd & Company, Inc., Byrd Staffing and A&A Clark Conglomerate, Inc. Alisha is an elected official and serves on several boards in her community. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is guided by the mantra, Live Life Unapologetically. China Grove native Alex Clark self-published The Four Queens: Understanding the Powers of Your Crown. However, he was widely known for being an entrepreneur, youth advocate, motivational speaker and community activist. Alex was also co-founder of Gemstones and COMPASS Leadership Academy, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization for youth, and the owner of Melanated GENIUS clothing line.Alex was a modern-day renaissance man, an old soul with a passion for inspiring others and bringing out the greatness that resided in them - which he accomplished with thought-provoking books and public speaking. Alex believed everyone has a purpose that, once found, would make a significant difference in the world or at least in someone's life. He was guided by the mantra, Let your Presence be a Present to others.