In 2000, Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, PhD founded Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc., a certified minority woman-owned business in Glendale, California, which has since grown into a powerhouse in branding, marketing, and public relations.Dr. Lemelle is the CEO/Founder of Angel City Salute Alliance, Inc., a 508(c)(1)(a) nonprofit honoring individuals who make extraordinary contributions to Los Angeles. She earned the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award in 2024 for her work with unhoused veterans, domestic violence survivors, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Dr. Lemelle is on the boards of the California Economic Club, Arizona Economic Club, and the Ghana Economic Club. She was named Global PR Personality of the Year at the 3rd Annual Afro Awards in October 2024. Her international influence was further acknowledged when she was appointed an international Goodwill Ambassador by the DreamChild Foundation in Accra, Ghana. Certified as a speaker by JT Foxx, the world’s #1 wealth and business coach, Dr. Lemelle empowers vulnerable communities worldwide to “transform goals to greatness” by amplifying their voices and making a positive impact. Dr. Lemelle holds an MBA from the University of La Verne. She earned advanced theological degrees from The Word of God International University, including a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Theology (MTh), Doctor of Theology (ThD), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).