BEHIND THE SCENES

Octavia

Octavia

FOUNDER & VISIONARY

Octavia Edwards is a native of North Charleston, SC. She is a mother, wife, businesswoman, education activist, and social change advocate with a background in leadership development. She is best known as the co-owner of Acute Heating & Cooling, a top-rated HVAC company in Summerville, SC, and the founder and CEO of Passion Project Initiative a 501c3 non-profit organization that creates platforms that cultivate forward progress in our society through education empowerment and community engagement. Octavia has always been passionate about making the world a better place, and she has always been a leader who took initiative to be the change she wants to see.

OUR TEAM

Thin horizontal stripe pattern in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue on a white background

Octavia Edwards is a native of North Charleston, SC. She is a mother, wife, businesswoman, education activist, and social change advocate with a background in leadership development. She is best known as the co-owner of Acute Heating & Cooling, a top-rated HVAC company in Summerville, SC, and the founder and CEO of Passion Project Initiative a 501c3 non-profit organization that creates platforms that cultivate forward progress in our society through education empowerment and community engagement. Octavia has always been passionate about making the world a better place, and she has always been a leader who took initiative to be the change she wants to see.

Joselyn

Woman in a purple top standing in a bright office, leaning against a white desk with framed wall art behind her.

Joselyn

EVENT ORGANIZER

Joselyn Johnson is a native of Goose Creek, SC with a passion for serving her community. She is the owner and founder of Eventions by Joselyn, an event planning company committed to making an impact in the community one event at a time.

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Anisat

VENDOR COORDINATOR

Anisat Shosan-President is a native of Moncks Corner, SC. She is currently a CTE Business Teacher working in the Charleston County School District.  She is passionate about working with the youth and focused on community education and engagement. She is also the founder and director of Shining Starzz, a nonprofit for 6-8 graders that focuses on STEAM.

LaCrystal

Marketing Manager

LaCrystal is a dynamic and driven marketing maven hailing from the vibrant city of North Charleston, South Carolina. With over 9 years of experience in the corporate marketing world, LaCrystal is the owner and fearless leader of Cre8torZone Digital Marketing agency, where she serves as the chief architect of cutting-edge digital marketing strategies that help her clients dominate their industries. She’s a tireless advocate for small businesses, using her expertise and knowledge to create opportunities in her community and beyond. Whether through teaching workshops or mentoring budding entrepreneurs, LaCrystal is dedicated to empowering others to achieve their dreams.

Smiling woman in teal jacket against a light gray background, resting her chin on her hand.
Octavia

Octavia

FOUNDER & VISIONARY

Octavia Edwards is a native of North Charleston, SC. She is a mother, wife, businesswoman, education activist, and social change advocate with a background in leadership development. She is best known as the co-owner of Acute Heating & Cooling, a top-rated HVAC company in Summerville, SC, and the founder and CEO of Passion Project Initiative a 501c3 non-profit organization that creates platforms that cultivate forward progress in our society through education empowerment and community engagement. Octavia has always been passionate about making the world a better place, and she has always been a leader who took initiative to be the change she wants to see.

Kimberly

Kimberly

Fundraising Coordinator

Kimberly Perrineau-Jackson is the Co-founder of Real Talk Real Action Real Results (R3 Inc.), a youth non-profit organization based in Charleston, SC, where she has lived for most of her adult years. In addition, she is currently the Operations Director for The Green Heart Project. Kimberly believes in promoting the welfare of others and passionately serves with that at heart in her church and the community.

Alfonso

Alfonso

Event Coordinator

Alfonso C. Riley II is the Event Coordinator for the 2026 Juneteenth Family Fest, bringing vision, creativity, and heart to one of the community’s most anticipated celebrations. As the founder of The AC-isstant, an executive administrative and event support service, Alfonso specializes in turning ideas into impactful experiences. He is passionate about honoring culture, uplifting families, and creating spaces where history, joy, and togetherness meet-making this year’s Juneteenth celebration one to remember for all ages.