Our Superb Women

Here they are! The Superb Women of March 2021:

Kamala Harris

She’s our Vice President! ENOUGH SAID!

VR SMALL

Her name is “Small” but there’s nothing small about her heart and commitment. VR Small is a Navy Veteran. VR Small is the founder and CEO of the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center in Dallas, Texas. An alum of Lincoln University of PA, she had the Center built to help Veteran women and women military spouse-owned businesses get what they need to help them start their business or grow their business. It has an incubator, so at least six Veteran women can have office space until they can afford market value leasing for office space. The Center has conference rooms and a break room. VR developed a program called the Next Level Business Transformation, it was given to five women, four Veteran women owned businesses and one military spouse-woman owned business. She also formulated a strategic alliance with the Homeless Veteran Services of Dallas (HVSD), which manages the Veteran Transition and Resource Center (VTRC) facility owned by the Veteran Administration. She’s been an adjunct professor and also served on Rep. Victoria Neave’s Sexual Violence Task Force and on the advisory committee of the Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Woman’s University. VR’s ability to engage and develop supportive relationships with key political representatives prompted her invite to testify in support of the original House Bill 2698 to make June 12th Women Veterans Day in Texas. VR, thanks for your service, THEN and NOW!

Lynne Coleman

Lynne Coleman is Senior Director, Product Development and Design, Global Product Services and Operations for JCPenney; the company she has worked with for more than 25 years, starting as a Manager Trainee. A graduate of Florida A&M University, where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Ms. Coleman hails from Miami, Florida and this wife and mother is a very active member of the D/FW FAMU National Alumni Association, Jack and Jill of America and the Chi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Well regarded for her business acumen, pleasing and loving personality, and commitment; Ms. Coleman is about taking care of business, lifting as she climbs and exhibiting excellence wherever she goes and whatever she participates in. She is a definite winner and she helps others to grow!

Demetria Bivens

Demetria Bivens is a business development consultant specializing in corporate partnerships, business strategies, and contract management. She is the founder, president and owner of DLB Consultants and in the construction business, a industry dominated by males, Ms. Bivens has gained a reputation for being well-prepared, knowledgeable and experienced. With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Bivens strives to educate and develop contractors to successfully perform in the construction industry. She also serves as executive director of the National Association of Minority Contractors, Dallas-Fort Worth, Inc., where she utilizes her more than 25 years of successful, award-winning construction experience. A wife, mother, grandmother and guardian; Ms. Bivens is a consummate professional with impeccable work skills, a pleasing personality and strong interpersonal and community relations skills. Her efforts on the Mansfield Commission of Arts, Minority & Women Business Enterprise Advisory Committee and Leadership North Texas helps glean a little information into how she does so much for so many. She’s also fun-loving, passionate about life and loyal to those who she deems deserving.

Edna Pemberton

When people speak of Edna Pemberton, they speak of her heart, passion, commitment, service, faith and love. Affectionately called, “Mrs. P,” her story in The Dallas Morning News spoke volumes about her: She was born in Chicago in 1948. She was the youngest of nine children, and, as a toddler, was forced into foster care after her mother died. Everything she owned in her early years had belonged to someone else first. Her first foster father couldn’t get her to talk. Frustrated, he put her arm in bleach to force the issue. She was removed from the house, but the burn scar stayed with her for the rest of her life. She met her husband, DarNell Pemberton, in a Chicago church when she was a teen. They married, and they had four children. When Pemberton’s sister died giving herself an abortion, the Pembertons added six more children to their family.

Yes, her heart is huge, and pure. She probably would have taken six more children, if need be. A faithful member of Concord Church, she also worked to establish the Friends of Red Bird Airport and she has worked with numerous groups and individuals, elected officials and community organizers in efforts to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. The recipient of numerous awards for her humanitarian efforts Mrs. Pemberton has a positive and uplifting personality that makes her a joy to know and work with. AND, she and the Barack Obama, yep you know him, Mr. President, shared the stage together.

Tammy Thomas

In addition to being a financial services representative at McDonald Group, Tammy Thomas is a special education teacher for Dallas ISD- Sarah Zumwalt Middle School. She graduated from Texas College with a degree in political science and Pre-Law and she received a Masters degree from Walden University.

Ms. Thomas has a testimony worth sharing; one that will make some shut up and vow to do better because she suffered traumatic injuries in an accident and was in a coma only to come out and be told she’d never walk again. Long before that accident, she was committed to community service and today, this resilient beautiful woman spends more time caring about others than herself. She has logged numerous volunteer hours with Genesis Women’s Shelter, Susan G. Komen and The Bridge Homeless Shelter. After her body went through a “reboot,” she said “re learned how to talk, write, walk, and cook … everything.” A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Ms. Thomas began crocheting, as a way to cope. The items she made, including hats, scarves and blankets, she donated to the homeless, domestic violence survivors and cancer survivors. That “ministry” grew and she formed the non-profit, SAG3. The organization is doing so much to help so many and it takes so little to help this superb woman. Hopefully people will embrace her cause and find ways to help her help others at www.sag3nonprofit.org.

Angela Willis

Angela Willis is the Founder of the Road to Economic Empowerment Enterprises, Road to Economic Empowerment Training and Events, LLC (R2EE) and a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty.

R2EE Training and Events is a consulting firm that offers advice, mentorship, and training in cultural diversity, ethics, and leadership. Ms. Willis wants to provide a foundation for young companies, women, and men to build upon, grow, and produce economically so they can complete their assignment in life and empower others. She offers Financial Education Seminars and an Alzheimer’s & Caregivers Financial Health Symposium.For over 15 years Ms. Willis, who proudly hails from Oak Cliff and attended Dallas Baptist University, has focused on girls in their teen years, working with them to deal with personal struggles as they are taught basic life skills, offered spiritual/ correctional guidance, support, and encouraged to give back by participating in various community projects.

A member of the Society of Human Resources Management and Natl. Association of Realtors, this Skyline High School graduate is also a member of Sweet Fellowship Family Center.

Marguritte S. Johnson

Marguritte S. Johnson is passionately intentional about BEING the CHANGE that she desires to SEE in the world TODAY! She serves the community as a social activist and Executive Director of Stand 4 Sisterhood and Pro Activism Inc. Ms. Johnson recently launched 4CORE: an inter -generational mentoring network for girls and women committed to advocate for one another and pay it forward. She is also CEO of MSJ-PRO Services,LLC – a consulting firm specializing in formations, filings, and funding strategies for both non-profit and for-profit entities. Ms. Johnson officiated as Executive Pastor for 10 years at LIFE Intl’ Ministries and since 2018 has served on the advisory board for DISD Innovation Design Entrepreneurship Academy. In 2020, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Counseling. Ms. Johnson influences the community as a speaker, author, public notary, certified mental health first aid responder, content creator and credentialed mediator.

Cheryl Polote-Williamson

You are seeing the fruits of years of preparation, laboring and faithfulness as nationally acclaimed multi best-selling author, award-winning filmmaker and executive producer, transformational speaker, and certified success coach Cheryl Polote Williamson star shines brightly. Ms. Williamson is the CEO and Founder of Williamson Media Group, LLC, and Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC, where her knowledge, expertise, and resources connect others to their purpose and, she is also Founder and CEO of Soul Reborn, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that has supported more than 10,000 disenfranchised, under-served, and previously incarcerated women. In addition to being an author, she is also the publisher of a magazine. What is equally impressive, however; has to be her love that she displays and spreads wherever she is. A graduate of Shaw University, among her many affiliations, Ms. Williamson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, and The Links Inc (Mid-Cities Chapter).

LeTitia Owens

LeTitia Owens is a superbly divaish woman who is a joy to be around. She’s vibrant, talented, resourceful, intelligent, beautiful and oh my, she can sing! She also has a journey that is worth sharing because she definitely does not look like what she has been through! Her works have been celebrated and she is a recipient of several awards. Ms. Owens went from being homeless to being a blessing for the homeless. She also started an organization that helps people in need, Where Are You? You can find her in the streets, feeding the homeless and spreading joy. She studied education at Texas Woman’s University and her portfolio includes a dynamic person who in addition to being a philanthropist, has also perfected her skills as a make-up artist, radio host and event planner. She serves on the board of the Citizen Homelessness Commission for the City of Dallas.“Titia” is also a national recording artist. And she is a designer and her creative juices are always flowing!

Natalie Jenkins Sorrell

Natalie Jenkins Sorrell is the first lady of Paul Quinn College, the oldest liberal arts HBCU west of the Mississippi River. It’s a role she graciously and gracefully navigates as she interacts, supports and mentors the students while also building relationships with alumni, faculty staff, and yes, possible funders. A graduate of Spelman College and Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, she’s a heavyweight in the business world. Ms. Sorrell is the Deputy Chief Investment Officer for the $3.4 billion Employees’ Retirement Fund (EFR) of the City of Dallas. Additionally she has years of board service including with the Dallas Metropolitan YMCA, Parkland Hospital and on the Advisory Board for the endowment of St. Phillip’s Academy in Dallas. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she is also active in the community through The Links, Inc.

Katrina Pennie Harrison Pitre

Katrina “Pennie” Pitre is the President and CEO of Skyline Ranch and Banquet Facility. Pennie has an outstanding record of service in this community. She has served on the board at St. Phillips School and Community Center, American Heart Association, Dallas County Foster Care and the Dallas International Street Ministries. A graduate of Bishop College where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pennie has a degree in Marketing and Marketing Management. A consummate professional, she also attended the University of North Texas and worked in sales at Neiman Marcus. Pennie is a joy to know.

Tonya Veasey

Tonya Veasey is the president and CEO at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF). For more than 20 years, Ms. Veasey has provided counsel to top corporations, nonprofits, public entities and elected officials in issues management, crisis communications, corporate social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion strategy. In 2006 she founded Open Channels Group (OCG+), a purpose-driven full-service communications and marketing agency based in Fort Worth. She has worked as a legislative staffer, a nonprofit organization leader, a registered lobbyist and as the public affairs director for a Fortune 500 Company. She was honored by the Fort Worth Business Press as one of 2017’s Great Women of Texas. A recipient of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce 2009 “Quest for Success” award, as well as the 2007 Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce Madame C. J. Walker Award, she was recognized as the City of Fort Worth’s 1999 Woman of the Year in Public Service. She earned an Executive MBA at Texas Christian University and a bachelor’s degree from Paul Quinn College. A born leader, don’t be surprised if she ends up in the White House!

Vicki Meek

Vicki Meek is a nationally recognized artist, hailing from Philadelphia. When you talk of fierce, fearless and undeniably creative, you have to have Vicki on your mind. Her works are in the permanent collections of the African American Museum in Dallas, The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Paul Quinn College and Norwalk Community College in Norwalk, Connecticut. She was awarded three public arts commissions with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Art Program and was co-artist on the largest public art project in Dallas, the Dallas Convention Center Public Art Project. She was selected as one of 10 national artists to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Nasher Sculpture Center with the commissioning of a site-specific installation. In addition, this independent curator writes cultural criticism for her blog Art; Racenotes (http://art-racenotes.blogspot.com) and Dallas Weekly. She retired in March, 2016 as the Manager of the South Dallas Cultural Center and is currently a full -time artist and COO of USEKRA: Center for Creative Investigation in Costa Rica, a retreat founded by Elia Arce. Check out www.vickimeek.com

Mrs. Ann Williams

Now here’s one for the history books, for sure. Mrs. Ann Williams is a real jewel. She started the Dallas Black Dance Theatre in 1976 and it has become Dallas’ largest dance company and the nation’s fourth largest African American dance company. She started it with the simple goal of inspiring minority children to see themselves as professional dancers; but the theatre did so much more. It gave many young boys and girls, “purpose,” and “hope.” When many had no where to turn, the theatre doors were open to them and helped shaped many a life. What a blessing! She is also a founding member of the Dance Council of North Texas, the Advisory Board of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and The International Association of Blacks in Dance. A proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University and the first African American to earn a Master of Arts Degree in Dance and Related Arts from Texas Woman’s University, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Trinity Chapter–The Links, Inc., The Society, Inc.–Dallas Chapter, Charter 100, Dallas Chapter Associates of Jack and Jill of America, Lifetime member of NAACP, The Dallas Holidays Bridge Group, Bridge Interest Group, and the 13 Hearts Bridge Club. There’s so much more that can be said about this gracious, classy woman, who is absolutely SUPERB!

Dr. Keisha Williams Lankford

Dr. Keisha Williams Lankford is a Cedar Hill Independent School District Trustee. An active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., she is an educator and community leader with a passion to inspire and motivate others, she strives to demonstrate how to overcome obstacles and provides the guidance that is needed. A consummate professional and leader, as the Founder and Director of The Avenue P.R.C. & Co Director of Lankford Avenue, she is dedicated to improving the quality of life for others. She and her husband have organized several events that positively impact the community in the areas of education, parenting, emotional, mental and physical health. An advocate for many, she has a beautiful personality and a loving, giving spirit.

Cynthia Trigg

Cynthia Trigg is the superintendent and founder of Evolution Academy Charter Schools, for inclusion. Cynthia founded Evolution Academy Charter School in 2002, opening the first campus in Richardson. She has since expanded and opened campuses in Houston and Beaumont, Texas. She has also been on the forefront of technological advancements in student learning. Since the inception of Evolution Academy, she has used advanced technology to help students accelerate learning. A visionary, she also rolled out an online learning platform one year prior to the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic and enrollment in the online program is open to high school students across the state of Texas. This wife and mother cares. She partnered with the Sprint’s 1 Million Project Foundation to bridge the gap and provide free wireless devices and 10GB of high-speed wireless data access per month for nearly 800 high school students who didn’t have access to the internet at home so they could participate in online learning.

Sarah Bright Smith

Mrs. Sarah Bright Smith is a gracious, loving, kind, compassionate woman who is a joy to be around. A graduate of Florida A&M University, she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and her line sister was Mona Humphries (BAILEY), who went on to become National President of the organization. A life member of the FAMU National Alumni Association, Mrs. Smith has lived a life of service and she is still very active today.

Dr. Dorothy Irene Height

When the name Dorothy Irene Height, is spoken, it is spoken with reverence. Height, a Delta, began as a caseworker for the New York City Welfare Department before transitioning to a career as a civil rights activist, leading the struggle for equal rights for women and African Americans. Dr. Height joined the National Council of Negro Women at the behest of Mary McLeod Bethune, also a Delta. She brought unsurpassed growth and modernization as the 10th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated from 1947 – 1956. Height continued to serve humanity in various capacities for the next 50 years, leaving a legacy that will live on forever.

Cheryl Wattley

When you walk into a courtroom and you see her, you’d better make sure she’s on your team or you are definitely on the wrong side of the law and history!

Cheryl Brown Wattley joined the inaugural faculty of the UNT Dallas College of Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. She serves as the Director of Experiential Education overseeing the law school’s externship program; the Community Lawyering Centers; the Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic; and the law school’s Community Engagement Program. Professor Wattley graduated from Smith College, cum laude, with high honors in Sociology. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from Boston University College of Law, where she was a Martin Luther King, Jr. fellow and recipient of the Community Service Award.

She continues to work with Centurion Ministries, a non-profit organization based in Princeton, New Jersey, devoted to the vindication and liberation of persons wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.

Dareia Tolbert Jacobs

Dareia Jacobs is a TV & radio personality, author and educator who has worked in media and communications for more than a decade. She has served as a radio personality for one of the nation’s top inspirational radio stations, Heaven 97 KHVN, and she recently joined Philly’s Favor 100.7 FM, out of Philadelphia. As an educator, she is a transformational and inspirational conduit for students who have a lack of motivation for learning. Dareia graduated with a B.A. degree from Lane College where she set her sight on excelling in the Mass Communications field. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dareia is progressively and intentionally climbing the ladder of success. She has made appearances on Channel 30.8 BPEN and The WORD Network. Charismatic, witty, outspoken and a charming socialite on and off the air, Dareia received a commendation from Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for her many achievements in radio broadcasting and was honored as a 2016 Who’s Who in Black Dallas inductee. Married to Pastor Bishop Eli Jacobs of Resurrection Body of Christ Church in Dallas, Texas; she loves creating memories with her husband-best friend, and being a new mommy to baby, Eli Jr.

Honorable Maryellen Hicks

Judge Maryellen Hicks is a trailblazer. She is the first African American and first female justice on the Texas Second Court of Appeals; first and only African American female to serve as a State District Judge in Fort Worth, Judge of the 231st State District Court, 1983-1993; First African American Probate Court Master in Tarrant County, first African American and first female Municipal Court Judge and Chief Municipal Court Judge for the city of Fort Worth. She received a bachelors degree from Texas Woman’s University and this past President of the Black Women Lawyers of Tarrant County was the first African American to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Texas Tech University School of Law.Judge Hicks hosted “Speak Out” talk show on Soiul 73 KKDA Radio Station, for 22 years. She is the founder of the African-American Summit for Peace, Justice and Equality and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The Chums Inc., and Lone Star Sistas, A Golden Heritage Life Member of the NAACP, she is also a Federated Club member serving the Odessa Social, Civic and Arts Club, of which her mother was a founder.

Matrice Ellis Kirk

Nothing pretentious about this lady. She’s the real deal with a heart that is pure and spiritually grounded. A wife, mother, executive, lover of the Arts and community service; Matrice graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics and she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Links Inc. Ms. Ellis-Kirk chairs the AT&T Performing Arts Center and is a board member of the DFW Airport Authority. Her early career was as an officer in commercial banking at MBank, the vice president of the Office of Management and Budget at Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and leading the Dallas office of investment banking firm Apex Securities. She is currently Managing Director at RSR Partners.

Honorable Marcia Fudge

The Honorable Marcia L. Fudge is the 18th and current Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. She is a committed public servant who brings a hard-working, problem-solving spirit to Congress and to the task of creating jobs, protecting safety net programs, and improving access to quality public education, health care and healthy foods. First elected in 2008 to represent the people of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio. She is a past national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and she has served the people of Ohio for more than three decades, beginning with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. She was later elected as the first African American and first female mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, where she led the city in shoring up a sagging retail base and providing new residential construction.

Erika Nicole Johnson

We are celebrating this young lady, Erika Nicole Johnson, because she is absolutely adorable, respectful, kind, compassionate, spiritually grounded and loving. She is also super talented! We must celebrate ALL accomplishments of our young. She is the current Misss Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University crown. The past year has been challenging and the Coronation on March 7, 2021, should have taken place in October 2020. W can still show her love and the showering of gifts that she would have received at a different time in history. Her cash app is $erikanxcole Let’s show her some love.

Claudette Colvin

On March 2, 1955, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin was arrested when she refused to give her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was inspired by school lessons on the Constitution during Black History Month.

She said, “…as a teenager, I kept thinking, Why don’t the adults around here just say something? Say it so that they know we don’t accept segregation? I knew then and I know now that, when it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it. You can’t sugarcoat it. You have to take a stand and say, ‘This is not right.’ And I did.”

Summer Faussette

Summer Faussette is Comerica Bank’s National African American Business Development Manager supporting its ongoing commitment to building strong relationships with African American business leaders, entrepreneurs and communities across all markets. These responsibilities are an extension of Faussette’s current role as Vice President, External Affairs – Arizona.As National African American Business Development Manager, Faussette will collaborate with Comerica’s African American Business Resource Groups, Chief Diversity Officer Nate Bennett, and Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr. on building external partnerships with African American nonprofit organizations across the bank’s national footprint.

Eva D. Coleman

Fort Worth native Eva D. Coleman is a former Miss Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (89-90) Eva is an award-winning journalist and educator. In addition to being named Teacher of the Year by the Student Television Network (STN), she was named journalism educator of the year by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). .Ms. Coleman has impacted numerous students during her 17-year tenure in Frisco ISD, including teaching roles at Frisco High School, Lone Star High School and the Career and Technical Education Center. The Lifestyle and Culture Editor for I Messenger Media, Eva is the President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists, a member of the NABJ (former national convention chair), and Ivy Leaf Reporter for the Omega Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.Eva was appointed to the Texas Education Agency’s Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Industry Advisory Committee and the STN Board of Directors as the Southwest Region Director.

Dr. Vivian Bradley Johnson

Dr. Vivian Bradley Johnson is the Senior Vice President of Clinical Services at Parkland Hospital Systems and a proud graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU), where the names Bradley and Johnson are legendary. Dr. Vivian served as Miss FAMU her senior year, in 1981. Frederick II served as Mr. FAMU. Then here comes Michelle Marva who followed in her mom’s footsteps and was crowned Miss FAMU in And if that wasn’t enough Black History, here comes Erika, the baby of the bunch; who was crowned Miss FAMU on March 7, 2021 (a little late because of COVID-19). A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Links, Inc., Dr. Vivian is a former Vice President of the D-FW FAMU National Alumni Association. She is also a co-founder of the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations.

LaToyia Dennis

LaToyia Dennis Author, national mom advocate and social influencer LaToyia Dennis recently launched Melanin Moms Media, a national digital advertising and marketing firm specializing in connecting women of color to national brands. The Dallas Baptist University and University of Dallas graduate started Melanin Moms Media to connect mom bloggers and influencers of diverse racial backgrounds to their target audiences.

“I decided the time was right to start a company that pulled my experience, expertise, and passion together to help moms of color influence the world,” she added. “My mission is to help moms live a life of purpose, fully engaged, and financially free.”

Melanin Moms Media is free to register and open to mom influencers, bloggers, and service providers worldwide. Women control between $5 – $15 trillion in worldwide spending and are responsible for 85% of all consumer purchases. One in five Americans are women of color, which is 20.3% of the US population. “There are an estimated 85 million mothers in America, and we are creating an opportunity for brands to partner specifically with moms of color to influence the world,” said Dennis. “Melanin Moms Media is holding a space for brands to partner with us to create and implement quality campaigns, captivating digital content, event activation, and brand engagement using moms of color influencers to reach moms of color consumers.” https://melaninmomsmedia.com