What's The 411TV's List of 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 was developed from interviews conducted by What's The 411TV correspondents during 2012

BROOKLYN, NY; December 20, 2012 - What's The 411, an entertainment and lifestyle television show, released today its list of 25 Most Interesting People of 2012.

What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 was developed from interviews conducted by What's The 411 reporters from January 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012. The list consists of celebrated personalities to ordinary people doing extraordinary things to the American people rallying for justice in the case of Trayvon Martin. Many people are local to the New York City metro area, while others are global figures.

"Throughout the years, What's The 411 has interviewed so many interesting people," said Ruth J. Morrison, CEO and Founder, Whats The 411 Networks. "This year, we decided to create our list of 25 Most Interesting People. It wasn't easy, but the reporters and producers narrowed What's The 411's Most Interesting People of 2012 to a list of 25. Some are known to almost everyone and some will be names heard for the first time."

"After developing and releasing our list of 25 Most interesting People of 2012, we learned that the Brooklyn Nets fired head coach Avery Johnson. Coach Johnson's firing was shocking and What's The 411 still stands by its decision to include Coach Johnson on its list. In our interview, we saw excitement, conviction, a warrior's attitude, and a commitment to bringing a competitive basketball team to Brooklyn," Ms. Morrison added.

The people making up What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 fall into the categories of entrepreneurs; kids doing great things; sports; fashion and beauty; health; non-profits; media and public relations; and even a former mob wife. The list also includes the winners of What's The 411's Jay Z Concert Ticket Giveaway, a couple so engaging they should have their own reality TV show.

Below is a list of What's The 411's 25 Most Interesting People of 2012 with hotlinks to their respective video interviews:

1. Marlena Ortiz - a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor who created the non-profit Beating Cancer in Heels to help women keep their self-esteem while undergoing cancer treatment
2. Trayvon Martin Vigil in Union Square, New York City - representing Americans standing up against racism
3. Hal Jackson (Posthumously) - legendary radio pioneer who broke many color barriers in radio broadcasting. Hal Jackson died on May 23, 2012 at age 96.
4. Danny Jacobs - a boxer who survived cancer and is now back in the boxing ring with two wins in two months
5. Magic Johnson - because he's Magic
6. David Stern - NBA Commissioner who bucked the prevailing sentiment at the time and developed a salary system which created many young black millionaires, a rising tide floats all boats
7. Sue Simmons - An iconic newswoman; anchor of WNBC-TV News for 32 years
8. Avery Johnson - the goody two-shoes head coach of the Brooklyn Nets; who knew he had so much fight
9. Billie Jean King - an iconic tennis champion and advocate for gender equality
10. Helen Shelton - an African-American woman who rose to executive ranks within a global public relations agency by providing value to her clients
11. Allan Houston - Assistant General Manager, New York Knicks and a former NBA player now leading the way advocating and demonstrating the importance of fathers through hisFather Knows Best initiative
12. Beauty/Fashion Trifecta: Vera Moore, Sofia Davis and Thomas Lavone: - Vera Moore is a beauty entrepreneur of 34 years in the competitive cosmetic business and now making a huge breakthrough with national distribution through Walgreen's; Sofia Davis, Editor, Fashion Avenue News Magazine; and Thomas Lavonne, an award winning New Jersey based fashion designer and entrepreneur with a celebrity following; known for his exceptional talent in Ready To Wear gowns, suits and fine apparel
13. Leslie Allen - a retired professional tennis player and keeper of the legacy of tennis champion Arthur Ashe through the Arthur Ashe Foundation
14. Alia Jones-Harvey - a Broadway theatre producer putting a new spin on classic Broadway theatre productions, thus creating diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity on Broadway
15. Dr. Devra Davis - an environmental health scientist ringing the cell phone environmental alarm bell16. Cheryl Wills - author and 20 years of making a difference in TV news in New York City
17. Constance CR White - a multi-dimensional fashionista running a magazine for Black women (no disrespect to Susan Taylor)
18. Dionne Williams - a fashion entrepreneur providing a professional platform for emerging fashion designers during New York Fashion Week
19. Alfred Edmond Jr. and Windsor Neckwear - creators of the Alfred Edmond Jr. Bow Tie Collection and other men's accessories; helping men everywhere to stand out while fitting in
20. Terrie Williams - CEO and Founder, The Terrie Williams Agency; author; mental health advocate; and mentor; for her honesty about depression and for mentoring young men
21. Leslie Chang, Scholarship Winner of Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health's Health Science Academy and Winners of Arthur Ashe Kids Day Essay and Art Contest - these kids are definitely going places
22. Pamela Quinzi - a fabulously sensational shoe designer with savvy marketing skills
23. Saffiyah Rodgers and Valerie Morrison - owners of My Girlfriend's Closet - making a business out of a childhood passion
24. Kim Benson and Qadir Muhammad - winners of What's The 411's Jay-Z Concert Ticket Contest - a comedic, smart and sassy couple; they should have their own reality TV show
25. Toni Marie Ricci - survived being married to the mob and now an author and mentor to other women

About What's The 411TV

Based in Brooklyn, New York, What's The 411TV is a division of What's The 411 Networks, a media/news and information company connecting sophisticated multi-cultural audiences through its distribution platforms of television, online, mobile, and social media.

What's The 411TV's celebrity portfolio consists of interviews with Magic Johnson, Beyonce, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Danny Glover, Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson and many, many more.

What's The 411 Networks has the largest video celebrity interview portfolio of any Brooklyn-based independent media company.

VIDEO: Toni Marie Ricci and Michael Bell Collaborate on Groundbreaking Book and Art Phenomenon: SCARS OF A REAL MOB WIFE 

Accompanied by artist Michael Bell, Toni Marie Ricci spoke to What's The 411TV correspondent Barbara Bullard about the genesis of I MARRIED A MOBSTER and her forthcoming book, SCARS OF A REAL MOB WIFE.

The conversation took place at Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations' Shopping Night Out to benefit Beating Cancer in Heels.

The television show, I MARRIED A MOBSTER, gave Toni Marie Ricci an opportunity to tell her story about being married for 17 years to someone who lived the mob life in an unfiltered manner. Toni Marie Ricci believes that her upcoming book, SCARS OF A REAL MOB WIFE, will show women that they can move out of bad situations and go forward with their lives.

Michael Bell hopes that the entire process of creating the art to accompany SCARS OF A REAL MOB WIFE was a cathartic process that helped Toni Marie Ricci to release some of the things that she has experienced emotionally.

He sees his seven-portrait series of Toni Marie Ricci's life as groundbreaking, as it has never been done before. The first painting will encapsulate everything and the next six will unfold like chapters in a book.

Michael Bell said, "When you're creating a narrative portrait of someone's life, it's a way of letting that person know that their story matters, it should be immortalized, it should carry on, longer than it might even make headlines in the news."

"These paintings will say what the words in the book will often fail to describe accurately. They will do what words can't say. It's pretty amazing," he added.

SCARS OF A REAL MOB WIFE is expected to be released, along with the art installation, in early 2013.

Shopping Night Out was conceived by Nikkia McClain, Founder and CEO, Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations. Shopping Night Out benefits Beating Cancer in Heels, a non-profit organization created by Marlena Ortiz, a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor.

VIDEO: Nikkia McClain creates fun shopping extravaganza that brings out celebrities and shoppers to raise money to support Beating Cancer in Heels

Nikkia McClain, the smart, savvy, and gregarious founder of Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations, spoke to What's The 411's Barbara Bullard about Shopping Night Out, Marlena Ortiz, Beating Cancer in Heels, and her vision for the company.

A wonderful philanthropic event, Shopping Night Out brought out shoppers, models, actors, producers, and reality TV stars alike to benefit the organization, Beating Cancer in Heels.

Two years ago, Nikkia McClain, Founder, Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations, conceived Shopping Night Out to raise money for the nonprofit, Beating Cancer in Heels, which was created by 28-year-old breast cancer survivor, Marlena Ortiz.

Beating Cancer in Heels is an organization dedicated to the fight against cancer while encouraging women to embrace their inner and outer beauty, while never forgetting to embrace their femininity.
The evening included a full night of a signature "PINK" cocktail sponsored bar by Fragoli, passed hors d'oeuvres provided by The Watt Company, entertainment, a beauty bar, and gifting items to complement shopping with prominent retailers. In addition, LASIO®, Inc., the evening's prime sponsor, had an on-site hair studio providing amenities and expert advice on its HYPERSILK and Rio de Keratin Product Lines for celebrity guests.

Guests featured in this story's accompanying video include: Beating Cancer in Heels Founder Marlena Ortiz; Nadine Ramos, CEO and Founder, Lasio, Inc.; Neda Hakakian, VP Merchandising & Professional Services, P.Luca4Barami; Celebrity Makeup artist, Priscilla DiStasio; Nigerian actor and producer Jim Iyke; Celebrity Hairstylist Janel Smith for Cocoa Mane; Reality TV star Ramona Rizzo; and David, Manager of Je T'Aime Shoes.

Shoppers had the opportunity to buy clothing from retailers such as My Girlfriend's Closet, shoes from Je T'Aime Shoes, cosmetics from GlamChicks and jewelry from Angels & Divas, and Smooch, all for a worthy cause.

All guests received a gift bag filled with all types of goodies from various sponsors including Lasio.

VIDEO: Neda Hakakian donates fur vest to Shopping Night Out, the fundraising event to support Beating Cancer in Heels

Neda Hakakian, P.Luca4Barami, Vice President of Merchandising and Professional Services, attended Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relation's 2nd annual fundraiser, Shopping Night Out to support the non-profit organization, Beating Cancer in Heels.

Super excited about donating a fur vest for Shopping Night Out's silent auction, Neda was just as excited about being at the event to help raise money for a great cause with great people.

Neda also shared the news that Barami just launched a new collection, P. Luca.

"Barami is my father and he has been in business for over 20 years dressing fabulous ladies and I hope to dress the next generation of fabulous ladies," Neda told What's The 411's Barbara Bullard.

"We're a New York City-based brand and we do fun affordable fashion for fun trend-setting women, she added"

Shopping Night Out, a breast cancer awareness event,was conceived by Nikkia McClain, Founder and CEO, Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations.

Shopping Night Out benefits Beating Cancer in Heels, a non-profit organization created by Marlena Ortiz, a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor.

VIDEO: Nadine Ramos, CEO and Founder, Lasio Inc., and a sponsor of Shopping Night Out, is on a mission to help rid the world of cancer through her philanthropic efforts.

What's The 411's Barbara Bullard learned that Nadine Ramos lost her father five months ago to lung cancer. Consequently, Ms. Ramos wanted to help support Tene Nicole Marketing and P.R.'s Shopping Night Out fundraiser for Beating Cancer in Heels.

An employer, Ms. Ramos overcame her under-privileged upbringing through her love for beauty and fashion. She created Lasio, Inc., 10 years ago, which competes in the highly competitive hair care industry. Today, Lasio manufactures and distributes its products worldwide.

The company specializes in keratin-based products such as keratin-based treatments, as well as, an extensive line of aftercare products: shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and wave activators to name a few.

Lasio styled the models and VIPs at Shopping Night Out and provided all guests with a gift bag filled with all types of goodies.

You can find Lasio online and at its flagship salon in Manhattan.

Shopping Night Out was conceived by Nikkia McClain, Founder and CEO, Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations.

Shopping Night Out benefits Beating Cancer in Heels, a non-profit organization created by Marlena Ortiz, a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor.

VIDEO: Marlena Ortiz, founder of Beating Cancer in Heels, is a very courageous woman and is determined to make every woman with cancer feel beautiful

Marlena Ortiz, founder of Beating Cancer in Heels, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25-years-old after cancer went undiagnosed in her body for three years. The diagnosis left Marlena bewildered as to how she could have breast cancer when no one in her family had cancer. Ms. Ortiz learned quickly that the treatment to rid the body of cancer can be very grueling and to feel beautiful during treatment is hard to do.

However, Marlena would be undeterred. She is beautiful inside and out and she would not let cancer take away her feeling of self-esteem. So Marlena put on her high heels and wore her high heels to treatment in order to make herself feel beautiful.

The gift Marlena gave herself, she now gives to other women through the creation of her non-profit organization, Beating Cancer in Heels.

And, it is the gift that keeps on giving. For the second consecutive year, Tene Nicole has made Beating Cancer in Heels, the beneficiary of its breast cancer awareness fundraising effort, Shopping Night Out.

Lasio, Inc., a beauty company specializing in hair care headed by Nadine Ramos, agreed and became the primary sponsor of Shopping Night Out.

Shopping Night Out was conceived by Nikkia McClain, Founder and CEO, Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations.

VIDEO: Celebrity make-up artist Priscilla DiStasio attends Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relation's 2nd annual fundraiser, Shopping Night Out to support the non-profit organization, Beating Cancer in Heels.

What's The 411 correspondent Barbara Bullard asked Priscilla DiStasio about her motivation for attending Shopping Night Out.

"Well anything I can do to help and help raise money for a good cause is definitely something that I am always down to do," Priscilla DiStasio responded.

Priscilla DiStasio also mentioned that many of her family members were cancer survivors, so the event is meaningful and women have to stay strong.

Switching gears to her career, Priscilla DiStasio is in her third season with The Real Housewives of New Jersey, as a make-up artist to Teresa Giudice.

A mentor to young women, some who are aspiring make-up artists, Priscilla DiStasio advice is to stay positive, keep motivated, be focused and determined because life is short.

Shopping Night Out was conceived by Nikkia McClain, Founder and CEO, Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations.

Shopping Night Out benefits Beating Cancer in Heels, a non-profit organization created by Marlena Ortiz, a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor.

VIDEO: Celebrity Hairstylist Janel Smith aka Cocoa Mane, attends Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relation's 2nd annual fundraiser, Shopping Night Out to support the non-profit organization, Beating Cancer in Heels.

What's The 411 correspondent Barbara Bullard had to get to the bottom of the meaning of Cocoa Mane.

"Well it's actually the name of my business, a hair salon, I also have a product line and Cocoa Mane is just basically saying Chocolate Hair," said Janel Smith, owner of Cocoa Mane Hair Salon.

Hearing about the first Shopping Night Out, Cocoa Mane made it a point to be in attendance this time around and as a sponsor.

"..is there going to be any care packages or any goodies," Barbara asked.

"Yes, we have a Keratin package that we're giving away, also peppermint shampoo, all natural hair oils for natural hair and we're also giving a wash and style by a celebrity hairstylist.

Shopping Night Out was conceived by Nikkia McClain, Founder and CEO, Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations.

Shopping Night Out benefits Beating Cancer in Heels, a non-profit organization created by Marlena Ortiz, a 28-year-old breast cancer survivor.