We know you single folks are busy. iList Paducah's Mary Thorsby goes on that first date so you don't have to!

March 10, 2010

Chaka Barron

Merryman House Marketing & PR Assistant Chaka Barron loves to be on stage, from public speaking and sharing the good Word at her church to dreaming of her own radio show and walking the runway — watch out, Tyra! Don’t miss her as Angry Vagina in the Saturday, March 20 Vagina Monologues!

Chaka, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! Here we go:

1. My name is Chakatoria Denise Barron or just Chaka for short. And before you ask, yes…it’s Chaka…just like Chaka Khan.
   
   
2. I was named by my uncle, who had heard a radio DJ from Shreveport, La., who had the same name. My mom was fresh out of ideas for unique names. She was thinking of naming me Ashley or Whitney. I’m glad she chose otherwise…No offense to the Ashleys and Whitneys of the world.
   
   
3. Speaking of Mom, I am a complete and total mama’s baby! I have to call her or go see her every day. I love me some Ann!!!
   
   
4. I have no kids, but I have five nephews, two step-nephews, two nieces, two GREAT nephews and one GREAT niece. So as you can see, I’m in no big rush for kids of my own.
   
   
5. I am a former AmeriCorps VISTA member. I served two years through AmeriCorps. Americorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) was specifically designed to fight poverty and has been doing so since 1965.
   
   
6. I am currently the Marketing & PR Assistant for the Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center. I am honored to assist with planning events for the agency along with administrative duties such as fundraising, public speaking and grant researching.
   
   
7. Speaking of events, March 20 is the date for the annual production of The Vagina Monologues to benefit the Merryman House. I will be in the production this year as the hilarious, Angry Vagina!!!
   
   
8. I love working in the non-profit sector and I look forward to continuing in that field. A recent dream/goal of mine is to create a non-profit agency for young women, ages 12-18. The organization will target issues facing young women. Emphasis on education, health, positive self- image, healthy relationships and the study of women across cultures will be targeted in this rites of passage program with scholarships given upon completion. Yeah, I’ve put a lot of thought into it!! It’s inspired by my three nieces and I hope that they will be the best women that they can possibly be throughout their lives.
   
   
9. I am currently a student at Mid-Continent University’s Adult Advantage Program. I am pursing my BS in Business Management. I am the class chaplain. Shout out to my classmates, the Paducah 30 cohort!!!
   
   
10. I am founding member of the Eta Gamma chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority at Murray State University.
    
    
11. When I was 6, I won a dance contest during the Emancipation Celebration. I’ve always loved the stage.
    
    
12. My favorite TV show is America’s Next Top Model. And after each show goes off, I find myself walking through the house as if I’m on the runway. Tyra ain’t seen nothing, baby!!!
    
    
13. I want to have my own talk radio show.
    
    
14. I love to travel. The idea of hitting the open road and traveling to cities big and small is so liberating to me.
    
    
15. I love to speak in public. Most people are afraid to do this, but I love the butterflies and praises that go along with it. I have keynoted at my church four times, and I will be working to obtain my license to exhort under the charge of my pastor.
    
    
16. Yes, I am single. My ideal guy would be the proverbial “guy next door.” I want someone who is focused, driven and has a thirst for knowledge. He has to be up-to-date on current events and be passionate about something. I would like someone artistic, cultured, easy on the eyes and someone my family would love. A smile to melt my heart, and a sense of humor that matches mine. I love to laugh. In my eyes, good guys always finish first.
    
    
17. I love my life and all of the people in it. Great family and friends are the true treasures of life. I’ll do whatever I can to help anyone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
    
    
18. My girly girl guilty pleasure is hair and make-up. When I watch TV, I don’t pay as much attention to clothes as I do hair and make-up. I love everything cosmetological (I’m sure that’s not a word, lol). A fun night at home alone for me includes turning up my diva music, dancing and standing in front of the mirror trying new hairstyles and make-up techniques, and then taking headshot photos of myself…check out the All About Me photo album on my Facebook page!
    
    
19. I love Julia Robert’s movies. Two of my favorites are Pretty Woman and My Best Friend’s Wedding
    
    
20. I am addicted to Facebook and have been since 2005. I am not ashamed.