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Bio

Toddler Precious (circa 1974)

Liberia, West Africa

Precious Quire-McCloud is a native of Liberia, West Africa and has resided in the States since early childhood; a childhood filled with encouragement, affirmation and praise.  She is a lover of God, people and the Arts and has dedicated over 20 years of her life in passionate service to all three.  As an agent for social change, Precious believes that a positive attitude and a healthy self-concept are the perfect antidotes to overcoming adversity and self-doubt.  She spreads her practical message of self-love to all with whom she comes in contact; primarily targeting female youth and adult women.

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An energetic and skilled presenter, Precious has served her community by facilitating workshops at local colleges and companies; focused primarily on ways to manage and cope with stress in the workplace and connecting with joy along life's many journeys.  She has also invested time in local youth by speaking to individual classes at WSFCS Title 1 elementary schools. 

 

Professionally, Precious is currently a Senior Vice President with a local financial institution; a role she feels affords her an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and provide coaching that transcends "work stuff" so that those she supports can be the best versions of themselves everyday.

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Precious has always had a strong interest in encouraging women and teaching others (through practical ways), how to connect with the joy that is innately theirs.   In 2008, she became a Zumba instructor with the belief that she could use the program to incorporate physical well-being into her work with women.  After teaching Zumba for almost a year, she found herself disappointed with the landscape, unnecessary competition and strong focus on secular music with suggestive lyrics.  Unable to alter her classes and still be aligned with Zumba's expectations, she created her own group fitness program.  In 2010, Praize Kraze® (100% Christ-centered group fitness) was born!

Precious is the founder of Praize Kraze®, a Christ-centered group fitness company that promotes faith and fitness and licenses instructors nationwide.  Praize Kraze® is a registered trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and to date, has licensed over 30 instructors across the United States (North Carolina, California, Ohio and Florida).  Through Praize Kraze®, Precious has donated time to triad churches and faith-based organizations; leading classes that promote both spiritual and physical health.

A lover of the Arts, Precious has performed professionally and with local community theater companies for over 25 years.  She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the NC Black Repertory Company and has performed in 6 National Black Theatre festivals.  Theatrical credits include:

  • Godspell

  • Black Nativity

  • A Streetcar Named Desire

  • Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope

  • Glory of Gospel

  • Mahalia, Queen of Gospel

  • Sordid Lives

  • Nuncrackers: A Nunsense Christmas Musical

  • The ABCs of Rock and Roll

  • The Gospel According to Broadway

  • Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

  • Big River

  • The Exonerated

  • Four Queens No Trump

Precious holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University where she attended on a Track and Field scholarship and was named "Freshman of the Year".  While at Appalachian, she led service organizations, was a part of two university choirs and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Fall, 1993).  She currently holds an MBA from High Point University and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership.

 

Precious is a 2017 recipient of the Outstanding Women in Business award by the Triad Business Journal for community and business excellence.  She was also recognized as a 2018 awardee of the Rhythm of Triumph award for community engagement by McDonald's Corporation and 97.1 WQMG.

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Music and dance have always been a part of Precious' fabric as in the Liberian culture, there is no separation of these forms of expression from daily life.  Her rich African heritage can be felt in just about everything she does, but mainly through the joy he radiates so effortlessly. 

 

Precious approaches life, circumstances and her role as a community advocate with high optimism, compassion and contagious joy.  She is an advocate for women’s issues and promotes authentic living. She and her husband of 24 years reside in North Carolina with their children and two English Labradors, Jax and Sasha.

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There is a quote by Erma Bombeck that embodies how Precious feels about her plight to make a difference in the lives of others.  It says, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'." 

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