The Praise Team

Biography

The Praise Team is a group of five talented young women based in Central Florida. Founded in 2011, the group, comprised of members Cecile Wright, Virginia Allard, Clara Benson, Charisse Middleton and Valerie Paul, is a perfect balance of humor, art and inspiration.

Cecile Wright is a motivational speaker, mentor, poet, spoken word artist and author. Born and raised in Chicago, Il. She worked as a line cook before realizing her true purpose in life was to inspire and motivate. She currently works as a youth Therapeutic Support Specialist (mentor) in Orlando, FL.

Virginia Allard is a published author, poet, and spoken word artist. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she relocated to Orlando where she obtained her B.S. in Psychology from The University of Central Florida. She currently works with the children at The Boys and Girls Club of America.

Clara Benson was born in Subic Bay, Phillipines. She was raised in Charleston, SC for most of her life. She is a vocalist, song writer, poet, spoken word artist, and soon to be published author. She currently works as a personal assistant to Devery Broox, host of Touch The Mic Thursdays.

Charisse Middleton, also from from Charleston, SC, is student and artist. She is a spoken word artist, pianist, and a background vocalist in the Central Florida area. In addition, she is studying nursing at the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences in hope of pursuing a career in pediatric nursing.

Valerie Paul (a.k.a the missing link) is the fifth and final member of the praise team. She is a self-proclaimed student, poet, painter, and craftswoman. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. With a passion for art and mentoring, Valerie hopes to one day be a major influence in both the artistic and educational communities. She is the one member of praise team that does not live in Orlando, but makes appearances when possible.

Individually, the members of praise team are amazingly talented, passionate women, but together they are a group with boundless possibilities ahead of them. Due to their varied interests and ideas, there is no telling what tomorrow has in store for the praise team; what we do know, however, is that it is sure to be great.