Dr. Evelyn Bethune, selected as one of the Most Influential Women in Business for 2012 and 2014 by the Daytona Beach Business Journal, is a lecturer and motivational speaker working to expand knowledge of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune by sustaining the legacy while growing her own “gifts” for future generations. Dr. E. Bethune, is an award winning author and contributing writer, currently working on The Shining Star Book Project with 16 other noteworthy personalities from across the country. She is the CEO of the MMB Institute and Mentoring Project working diligently to ensure the continuation, growth and development of her community by encouraging and promoting education and community service in a variety of platforms. The Year 2014 produced a successful hallmark event for the MMB Institute with the April 6-13, 2014 inaugural debut of The Mary McLeod Bethune Cultural Heritage Arts Festival in Daytona Beach, FL. The signature event for 2015 will center on the visual and performing arts focusing on developing the “Gifts of Community”.