Managing Director
Administration and Special Projects
A native of Decatur, Alabama, Ms. Silver serves as the Administrative Coordinator for AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc. Her expertise in office operations, business administration, and client services is based on forty plus years of experience in the management and executive offices at Metropolitan Life, Pacific Bell/Pacific Telesis, Marriott, and currently Sodexo. While in college, she studied business administration at New York City College and Redmond University, respectively.
A lover of the arts, Ms. Silver enjoys sharing the gift of song. Since her high school days, she has always made signing a part of her regular routine. She sang background for Motown Records and for gospel legend Andre Crouch during her years in Los Angeles. She has always participated in church choirs and currently sings every Sunday at Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church. She also serves as the Lay Leader for her church home.
Ms. Silver currently resides in Lithonia, GA and is the proud mother of two adult children.
Director of Communications
Thysha M. Shabazz has worked in the media industry for over ten years. Her career began when she was 15 when she was a writer for her hometown newspaper, The Virginian-Pilot. Interviewing artists such as Tyreese and Nicole Ray, Ms. Shabazz was inspired to pursue a degree in English/ Mass Communications at Virginia State University. There she served as Editor-In-Chief for the university paper, The Virginia Statesman.
Upon graduation, Shabazz re-located to New York City and was invited to become a Page for NBC. Later, she became a freelance writer for Rolling Out and Essence magazines and served as a correspondent for the online entertainment show, The Circuit.
Shabazz has also worked at Noelle-Elaine Media, Inc. and played a key role in major accounts such as L’Oreal Soft Sheen-Carson, Luv's Brownies, and actor Chris Tucker. In September 2006, Thysha launched Shabazz Communications and landed Bre from America's Next Top Model (Season 5) as her first client.
As a lover of the arts, Thysha focuses on representing independent artists, community activists, enrichment groups, and various entities that are dedicated to empowering society and people all over the world.
Additionally, Shabazz has assisted in world-class events including the Leon H. Sullivan Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, and an event with Vice President Joe Bidden.
Senior Publicist
Ms. Byrd is a seasoned publicist in the arts, entertainment, and fashion world. She is also the founder of LEABYRD PR.
Since 1999, Byrd has helped lead successful media and marketing campaigns for recording artists and executives at Arista and RCA; films such as Baby Boy and Marci X; the Broadway play King Hedley II (August Wilson); and Pieces, Brooklyn's best-kept fashion secret.
Currently, Lea works with clients Stroke of Hope (a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and support for stroke survivors and their caregivers); SECONDLADIES.com (an online community dedicated to Michelle Obama created by entrepreneur and music industry veteran Drew Dixon Williams), and many others.
Byrd lives in Brooklyn and is the proud mother of a pre-schooler.
Web Consultant
Scott has been in the web design, development and strategic implementation business since the 1990's and has been a key partner to AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc. since 2005. Scott stands out among the throng of web design companies with the following beliefs:
- Servicing the client is the most important aspect of any business relationship.
- More expensive does not mean more valuable.
- Smaller companies can provide far superior and personal service than their larger counterparts.
- Listening to what our client needs, not telling them what we want.
- A website should ALWAYS enhance a company's value.
Art Designer, Consultant
Since 2002, Kerry DeBruce has run a full service design firm and since 2005, she has been a key partner to AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc. Over the years, Kerry has worked with Sony Records,VP Records, Cicatelli Associates Inc., and Planned Parenthood of Nassau County. Armed with a Bachelors of Art in Design from the esteemed Cooper Union For The Advancement of Science & Art, Kerry has received awards from both the Art Director’s Club and AIGA. With over ten years of experience as a graphic designer and art director, her professional background includes positions at major advertising agencies, design houses, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Kerry’s attention to detail and unique ability to capture the essence of their clients, one pixel at a time, has landed her contracts with major corporations and she is on the speed dial of every in-house art director, and urban savvy marketing company. She has emerged as a one-stop creative powerhouse.
Kerry is also a fine artist, interior designer, craft specialist, and most recently has launched an apparel company, OH MY IM FLY which totes “wearable art.”