"Create your own niche and be the Boss" is Darlena Swann's motto, the founder and visionary of Boss Lady Enterprise - motivational speaker, author, and former freelance model.  She was born in Pinehurst, North  Carolina. In addition to North Carolina, she has lived in California, Massachusetts, and Ohio.

This talented individual received her undergraduate B.S. degree from East Carolina University and graduated Cum Laude from  Strayer University with a Master of Business Administration. She has  several years of experience in community volunteer service and a track  record of youth involvement which includes 4-H youth program, Moore  Buddies Governor's one-on-one mentoring program, youth advisor for civil rights, and served as a Girl Scouts leader. She additionally has  five years of managerial experience in healthcare administration and two years of project management.

Darlena was inspired to envision  Boss Lady Enterprise in response to her loss of four contract jobs  during the same year, which caused some financial hardship and despair.  Instead of focusing on problems she began to focus more on solutions.  She's always been fueled by social change and enjoys working within the  community. Her passion consists of  community outreach service, professional development, and youth mentoring which was inspired by her mother who was a teacher and an influential community leader.

Despite the challenges  she has faced, Darlena always wanted the opportunity to become her own boss and focus on doing something that's rewarding and provides fulfillment. She learned to turn a series of setbacks into a comeback through perseverance, keeping the faith, and making better choices.  What really motivates her is finding ways to reinvent herself while enjoying flexibility and freedom. She has been featured in Belk's (fashion editorial print), Durham Magazine (fashion feature), Fabulous after 40,  ECU Pirate Alumni Newsletter (Volunteer Spotlight), Women Leading from the Heart, and The City Insight Magazine.

During her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, creative writing, scrapbooking, photography, theatrical arts, yoga, aerobics, and listening to Jazz music.  Currently, Darlena is a proud supporter of  breast cancer awareness, civil and women's rights issues, leadership enrichment, and an advocate for health & fitness.  Also, she believes community volunteer service isn't just about giving back for a cause, but making a difference by serving others.