Superb Women – April 2021

Dr. Andrea Hilburn

Dr. Andrea Hilburn was an educator for over 30 years and although she is retired she is still educating and enlightening. A Dallas native, she graduated from Hamilton Park and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas (formerly North Texas State University), where she was initiated into the Amazing Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of which she now has more than 50 years of service in. She received a Master’s degree from Texas A & M Commerce (formerly) East Texas State University), where she developed a prototype for a Special Education Work Activity Center for the Dallas Independent School District which was later utilized by Mary Kay Cosmetics. She prepared a Grandparent Study on Parental Involvement while studying for her Doctorate of Philosophy in Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Dallas. She has also worked as an adjunct professor. Dr. Hilburn currently serves as the president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and she shows up and shows out every time. With almost 500 members in the chapter, at the onset of COVID-19 she reached out to every member, and most recently when members suffered in the weather storm, she reached out again. She cares, she loves she gives, she supports. She is superb.

Deborah Peoples

Deborah Peoples is the current chairwoman of the Tarrant County Democratic Party and she is serious in her efforts to turn Tarrant County into a Blue (Democratic) City. This member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. A recipient of numerous honors, her impressive portfolio includes almost 35 years at AT&T and she retired as a vice president; which speaks to her leadership, organizational and management skills! Deborah is an activist and philanthropist whose benevolence extends internationally. She is committed to her family and her community. She’s also an entertainer, in numerous ways. She can cook, host a gathering for hundreds or thousands, and she has even “starred” in a movie. If you like surrounding yourself around people who are honest, sincere, smart fearless, loving and supportive; Deborah Peoples is ideal. And she plays a mean hand of cards!

Misha Sturns

Misha Sturns is an award-winning, high performing Specialty Account Manager at Kroger Specialty Infusion. She’s a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links Incorporated AND she is about to be a bride! Misha is a socialite! She studied Mass Media Arts/Public Relations at Clark Atlanta University and she has a servant heart! She’s one of the founding members of Friscovania, a philanthropic organization under the Model Behaviors umbrella and focused on raising funds to benefit underserved youth in Collin County. Internationally known, Misha is a former professional high fashion model with the esteemed Kim Dawson Agency, where she traveled extensively while working for major fashion conglomerates such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms, Dillard’s, JC Penney, Saks Fifth Avenue and more. And that’s no surprise, because anytime you see her, she is impeccably dressed and her hair and makeup are on point. In two words: Misha slays!

Jill Louis

Admittedly there was concern for Jill Louis in the past year. After all she is a powerhouse and the Dallas area has benefitted significantly from her involvement; so there was a concern that her line sister, Vice President Kamala Harris, was going to swoop her up and take her to Washington, DC. While she had a successful practice, currently she is the Dallas Office Managing Partner at Perkins Coie. We’re talking about someone who has served as general counsel for companies with billion dollar portfolios! A graduate of Howard University and the Harvard Law School, Ms. Louis is a member of the board of trustees of Howard University, 2006 Class of Leadership Dallas and Junior League of Dallas; and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and The Links Incorporated. She also serves on the executive committees of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and North Texas Public Broadcasting, Inc. (KERA/KXT). Ms. Louis served on the Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, Board of Trustees, 2005 – 2010, Executive Committee, 2007 – 2009, Advisory Board Member, 2018 – present and she was a founding member of Village Giving Circle of the Texas Women’s Foundation. And we must say something about At Last, the school in Oak Cliff that will be a beacon of light for so many of our children. Yes, that Jill Louis! This sister is BAD

Dr. Lasonya Moore

Lasonya Moore is the President and Founder of Plan Empower Grow (PEG), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping small business owners. Dr. Moore is a Sr. IT Portfolio Manager, supporting U.S., LATAM and Canada for Marsh and McLennan Companies. She has served as: President of Women in Leadership of the Dallas Tower Club, STEM Mentor, African American Black Film Festival (ABFF) volunteer, Congressional Black Caucus Conference volunteer, Democratic Women in Leadership member, Black Enterprise Women of Power volunteer, Grant Reviewer for the City of Austin, awarding over $100k in technology grants to non-profits, North Texas Alliance to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy in Teens (Ntarupt) Community Advisory Board member, City of Dallas One Billion Dollar Capital Bond Task Force member and currently serves as an active member of the City of Dallas Office of Business Diversity Task Force team. With a BS in Computer Information Systems from Grambling State University, an MBA in Finance from LeTourneau University, a Master’s in Computer Information Technology from St. Edward’s University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Family and Consumer sciences/Human Sciences; this member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is an IT expert.

Dr. Deardra Hayes-Whigham

Deardra Hayes-Whigham is Executive Director, School Leadership at Dallas ISD and she’s also a long-time principal. She graduated from Coppin State University where she was Miss Coppin State. She later studied Education and received a Masters Degree from UNT and a Doctor of Philosophy/Public Affairs at UTD. A life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; she is a past president of the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter. She’s also a member of the Dallas School Administrators Association and The Links, Incorporated. Her leadership skills have served her well in the education arena and also as a public servant. Dr. Hayes-Whigham led low-performing campuses to high-performing campuses. On the collegiate level she taught graduate and doctoral classes at Concordia University and Abilene Christian University. This wife and mother, who has lived a life of service, recently founded a much needed non-profit, Women’s Advocacy Center of Dallas; working with women experiencing depression. Talk about a legacy! Dr. Hayes-Whigham continues to excel! Much respect here!

Trina Terrell-Andrews

Trina Terrell-Andrews displayed an impeccable work ethic as a teen and years later, actually decades, she is not only exhibiting the same traits; she’s actually providing an example for others to model. As a high schooler, she interned at the Dallas Weekly and held her own amongst a competitive pool of college students and professional journalists. A graduate of David W. Carter High School, she went on to intern at The Dallas Morning News, having written her first story for the paper long before she stepped foot on the campus of Grambling State University, and also served as the student rep on the board of the National Association of Black Journalists. She interned with Sen. Royce West’s Dr. Emmitt J. Conrad Leadership Program and is now a dedicated and well-respected mentor and trainer. She’s had an impressive career in media and public relations and currently she’s the CEO of Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center, where this wife and mother not only oversees major community outreach, support, growth and development; but also trains young men and women in preparation for successful futures. Always a fashion statement, she is a real DIVA!

LaDonna Castro

LaDonna Castro began pursuing her career in journalism at Duncanville High School and as a participant in the Urban Journalism Workshop sponsored by the D/FW Association of Black Communicators (now Journalists). After graduating in 1999, she lived in France as a Rotary Exchange student. She then returned to the States and enrolled in the “Global College Program” of Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. Fluent in five languages, she has studied in Kyoto, Japan; San Jose, Costa Rica; Bahia, Brazil; and completed her senior year in London, England. She studied in Cairo, Egypt and Dakar, Senegal where she completed her senior thesis, a video documentary, “Aswan Temples and the Nubians of Upper Egypt.” A lover of the arts, she graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree from Long Island University. The secretary/treasurer of DFW-ABJ, this mother of two is the creator of LaDoMedia International and she’s the person you want when looking for the best video producer. She is a modern day Griot who also loves to dance. She is the total package because she’s a pro. She’s a pleasure and joy to be around!

Sophia Johnson

Sophia Johnson is Founder and President of ABI. The Dallas based advertising and marketing agency has offices in Atlanta and Fort Worth. She is a Digital and Traditional Marketing Strategist, Speaker, Community Leader and supporter of women in business. This wife and mother is Chair of FRIENDS of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, Chair of the Education and Outreach Committee and Executive Committee member for AT&T Performing Arts Center. Ms. Johnson attended UCLA, UC Berkeley, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and The Wharton School. Her board service also includes the City of Dallas’ Trinity River Local Government Corporation, former Chair of The Concilio and former board member of Cafe Momentum, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas and New Friends New Life Advisory Board. Ms. Johnson is also involved in several civic organizations including Boy Scouts of America, Girls Inc, Dallas Assembly, and local minority business advocacy organizations. She is an active member of Concord Church. She’s going to always greet you with a smile, because she knows what is in her arsenal. Ms Johnson is well-prepared, intelligent, beautiful, fearless and focused. And, she’s happy. Living her best life!

Valerie Baston

Valerie Baston is a proud graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School in Fort Worth. She went on to UT and received her last degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. In addition to being a member of The Cochran Firm, she had her own thriving law practice, Baston Law, P.C., in Fort Worth and DeSoto. The former Tarrant County ADA and Fort Worth Assistant City Attorney is also a college professor at the UNT Dallas College of Law. She has served as 2nd Vice President of the Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is a member of The Links, Incorporated. Someone you definitely want on your side in the courtroom, Atty. Baston is smart, generous and kind. She has served as a scholarship chair with the Black Women Lawyers Association of Tarrant County from 2008 to 2020 and she has been affiliated with L. Clifford Davis Legal Association, J.L. Turner Legal Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, State Bar Association of Texas, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Texas Democratic Women, Tarrant County Democratic Women, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Advisory Board and Jubilee Theatre Board of Trustees.

Yolanda Harper

Yolanda Harper is president of Alpha Discovery Group, LLC, and program manager worksites for Texas Health Resources – Community Impact. A motivational speaker and author, she’s a fitness trainer who established something we all could use, an outdoor fitness boot camp, The Fit&40 Crew®. She attended the University of Houston where she was the Women’s Track and Field Team Captain and most valuable female athlete. She received a BA degree in Communication from Dallas Baptist University. Ms. Harper has served on the Board and as Chair of Women’s Business Division for the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce and Director of Ministerial Alliance at Bridge Builders International Church. A licensed minister, public speaker, mental health first aid instructor, certified corporate wellness specialist and certified conflict mediator; Ms. Harper’s impressive portfolio is extensive, intense and tested. Ms. Harper is committed to improving the lives of others through physical fitness and she is determined to empower you to LOOK better, FEEL better, LIVE better, and BE better! When she walks into a room, you immediately feel the vibe!

Elsie Cooke-Holmes

Elsie Cooke-Holmes is principal/owner of Cooke-Holmes, LLC a coaching and HR consulting firm, specializing in executive, leadership and career coaching, leadership development, facilitation, training and change management. She’s a former director of human resources at PepsiCo.

She studied engineering technology at the University of Memphis, and received her MBA in finance and operations management from Columbia University. Ms. Cooke-Holmes is the national secretary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and an active member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter. She previously served as National Second Vice President of the sorority and President of two chapters (University of Memphis and Westchester Alumnae). She is currently a member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter and participates in a number of other community activities, including membership in The Links, Inc., NAACP, and NCNW. She attends St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church. She is a member of the WiNGS, Inc. Board of Directors and the Werthing Foundation Board of Directors. Yes, she is Madam Secretary, but more importantly, she is and displays the true meaning of being a “sister.”

Maxine Pride

A proud graduate of Alcorn State University, where she obtained a B.S. Degree in Business Administration. After 22 years with American Airlines, the Lambert, MS native, retired, but she didn’t slow down! She served as president of the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations for almost a decade! Yes she loves Alcorn State, but she realizes the importance of HBCUs and she has worked tirelessly being a champion, spreading the message of the HBCU and how critical they are to society. Ms. Pride is a strong leader and even stronger supporter. She is valued because she honors commitments and is 100 percent dedicated to anything she undertakes. This was evident in the tireless hours that she devoted not only to her alma mater, but others. Currently an independent associate with Legal Shield, Ms. Pride has a demonstrated history of working in the legal services industry. And as always, she focuses on bringing others along with her. That’s why people like her so much. She is a selfless leader and servant.

Jill Darden

Noted and award winning journalist Jill Darden is a publisher and producer. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and she is the publisher of the Fort Worth Black News, following the footprints of her mother who also published a newspaper! She received a Bachelor of Arts focused in Broadcast Journalism from The University of Texas at Arlington. Brains, talent and beauty, while attending UTA, she was elected Miss UTA, making history as the first African American to hold that title. She received the prestigious Quest for Success Award, presented by the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce in 2011; was recognized as Outstanding Woman of the Year 2013, by the Tarrant County Minority Leaders & Citizens Council for her work in Publishing; and she is the recipient of the Eagle Award for Outstanding Media, presented the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, Ms. Darden was recognized by Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks for 20 years of service to the community and the Bigger and Better Business Award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 2019.This woman of service has been a true servant leader and has an extensive portfolio in broadcasting and print, marketing and public speaking and relations. All hail, the Queen! Now support her newspaper!.

Judge Valencia Nash

The Honorable Judge Valencia Nash is a homegirl who makes her community proud! The “V” in her name could represent “VOLUNTEER” because she has that giving spirit. She was elected to serve as Justice of the Peace in 2007 but long before that historic election she has been serving. A native of Dallas, Texas and graduate of Wilmer Hutchins High School, she attended the University of Houston and received a Bachelor of Science Degree. Judge Nash received her Juris Doctorate Degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. She is licensed and has practiced law in Florida, Georgia, and Texas and has practiced in the areas of environmental law and justice, family law, juvenile law, construction law and litigation. A wife and mother, Judge Nash is a very active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill Inc.; she is committed to serving the community, enjoys mentoring students and strives to provide excellent customer service. As a Justice of the Peace, she is well prepared, compassionate but very knowledgeable of the law. And guess what? If you have found that special person and want to get married, she can perform the ceremony!

Jamie Jazze Radio-Chica Maxie

You’ve heard her for years and seen her in the community representing Urban One, Jamie attended UTA where she majored Broadcast Management with a Minor in Business. At Urban Radio, the home to 94.5 and 97.9, Jamie has multiple responsibilities as community affairs director and on-air personality. Radio has changed a lot with the pandemic, but Jamie knows how to pivot. Just like she was out in the community seeking opportunities for Urban One to be engaged, she’s taking the digital game to a new level by staying connected and reaching audiences virtually. She’s on the radio but could easily slide over to television or any other platform to display her talent, intellect and skills. When she has a job to do, Jamie is always well prepared and a joy to work with and be around. Then she’s drop dead gorgeous too! Wow! It’s important to note her level of professionalism because she wears a smile, but she’s thinking several moves ahead because she wants anything she does or is involved in, to be a success. She’s not about making excuses, she’s about taking care of business! And she’s about making opportunities for students as she coordinates opportunities working with the D/FW Association of Black Journalists. She can teach a lot because she is doing IT!

Sherel Riley

Sherel Riley is the Workforce Development Program Manager at Parkland Health and Hospital System, but, she is so much more! A graduate of UNT with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication and Drama, she later received her MS Degree in Human Resources and Training from Amberton University (then Amber University). While at UNT, she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and she is still an active member today, despite a very grueling and intense schedule. After all, she is a performer, an entertainer, an artist! She has juggled her corporate career, with her community service commitments, and her entertainment focus, and family. She loves to sing jazz and you will love hearing her! If you are a member of or ever attended Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, you probably heard her, even as a young four-year-old, singing her heart out, Her works provide an excellent argument for organizations to stop running all across America trying to find a headliner for your program. You have it all right here with the likes of Sherel Riley. Ms. Riley is very involved in community service and arts projects. She gives of her talents, experiences and resources in so many arenas; despite challenges that life throws her way. Ms. Riley just celebrated another birthday on April 11 and if you go back and look at our newsletter, you’ll see we didn’t forget her. She is unforgettable!

Akwete Tyehimba

Businesswoman, philanthropist, and activist Akwete Tyehimba hails from She graduated from Richfield High School in Waco, Texas in 1981 and attended McLennan Community College in Waco. She then attended the University of North Texas and North Lake College. Akwete was active in the Dallas County Democratic Party, and worked on Eddie Bernice Johnson’s campaign for Texas State Senate in 1986, and served as Johnson’s office manager for a year after she was elected. In 1989, she and her husband, Bandele Tyehimba, co-founded the Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery, and Resource Center in Dallas, Texas. A longtime employee of Delta Airlines, in 2012, when her husband passed away unexpectedly, Akwete continued to manage and operate the bookstore, which also sells fabrics, art, and jewelry and serves as a venue for community events. This mother of three is an outstanding writer. She became well known for her column, The Monroe Doctrine. Very astute, community oriented and socially conscious, Akwete has a servant heart and a beautiful spirit. Oftentimes quiet and assuming, Akwete is the epitome of grace and wisdom.

Cathy Conwright

Cathy Conwright is a portfolio manager at IBM, where she has worked for almost 40 years! A proud 1981 graduate of Grambling State University, where “everybody is somebody,” she majored in computer science. In addition to serving in numerous positions, she also was president of the Dallas Alumni Chapter of the Grambling University National Alumni Association (GUNAA). Hailing from Marion, Louisiana, the graduate of Marion High School is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her family became even more noteworthy for The Wayne family, from Marion, Louisiana, recognized at the Grambling State University Kicks Ball during the 2019 Bayou Classic weekend. The family is in the Guinness Book of World Records for holding the position of “having the most family members to graduate from the same university, than any other family in the world.” While she loves GSU, she also has love for all HBCUs and while she is an AKA, she loves all women. People know and love Cathy because she is full of love, spirit and support. She loves to dance and have a good time, but she is also about taking care of business. Loyal, committed and conscientious, Cathy is superb!

Henry Etta O’Neal

Henry Etta O’Neal loves her alma mater and fortunately gets to sport colors in the same family for her college and sorority: Southern University and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Dedicated, supportive and a team player, Henry Etta has a reputation for taking care of business and her efforts have seen the Jonesville, Louisiana native, who graduated from Block High School, go on to represent organizations on a national and international level. For Sigma Gamma Rho, Henry Etta has served as Southwestern Regional Syntaktes (Director) (2012-2016), Southwestern Regional Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator and International Board Member (elected 2002), Southwestern Regional Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator (2008-2012). A wife and mother, Henry Etta received a degree in business management with an emphasis on marketing and she is an office administrator. Henry Etta is definitely the type of person you want representing your school and your organization. She works tirelessly and she honors her commitments!

Cynthia Nevels

Cynthia Nevels is President of Integrality, LLC and known as “The Go-To-Lady,” and for good
reason. She’s a guru in the business world who also makes the time to mentor and advise others. She describes herself as a “strategist, entrepreneur, investor, techie, Salesforce.com
expert, philanthropist, and kick ass mom.” Cynthia studied Accounting at Texas Woman’s University and her resume includes serving as a senior business advisor and alumni manager of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program in addition to making her mark in Silicon Valley. Her clientele has included: Capital One Bank, Palo Alto Software, Dallas County Community College District, Denton County Transportation Authority, LiftFund, RealPage, Wells Fargo, City of Austin, City of Dallas, Tarrant County College and Stella McCartney Enterprises. And if she didn’t have enough on her plate, she owns and operates a vegan and vegetarian food truck, “Soulgood.” A sought after and accomplished speaker, she also established the Cynthia E. Nevels Foundation; a nonprofit organization, to “create a mechanism to do more in the communities we serve and to fill the poverty gap.” The Foundation offers grants, scholarships and social impact investing opportunities. Cynthia uses the education and experience that she received to help women owned and minority owned businesses. In a male dominated industry, Cynthia dominates!

Lyria Howland

Lyria Howland is a powerhouse in the public relations world. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and for 30 years she has been accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America. Her work is legendary in a profession where you need someone you can trust to provide excellent service and represent your interests with the highest level of professionalism. Lyria’s work ethic is impeccable. She’s highly respected and has received several awards for her work across the country. There’s nothing phony about Lyria and she lets her work speak for her. She has mentored so many aspiring PR students and professionals, inspiring them to practice the highest standards, putting the client first, versus promoting themselves. Those who know Lyria know she is the consummate pro who comes armed with a notebook and that notebook is lethal because she has compiled the formula for your success. Lyria is very conscientious. She has won numerous awards for her works and community involvement. She was the Founding Chair of the FRIENDS of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy and Past President of the Leadership Dallas Alumni Association. Her work, with Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Ramses the Great Exhibit, and the Alliance for Higher Education; was impeccable! She ought to be teaching because you don’t find many Lyria’s around, unless they came under her tutelage.

Beletra D. Thomas

Beletra D. Thomas is a woman with a history of great service professionally and in the communities where she has lived and worked. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BA Degree in Broadcast Journalism. She later received a Masters of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations. In addition to working for UTA as an information writer, she also honed her skills at Texas Woman’s University, Ware & Associates, Moroch and Associates, McDonald’s, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and now as the Sr. Manager of internal Communications – US for Galderma. She’s a highly respected Senior Communications Leader, C-Suite Advisor, Brand Storyteller and Dot Connector. A graduate of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists’ Urban Journalism Workshop, she’s a community servant and an entrepreneur. Her business, BE FLY DESIGNS uses the highest quality materials and the designs are definitely “FLY.” Beletra lifts as she climbs and this young, gifted and Black sister is someone to keep your eyes on because she is an excellent example of preparation + commitment + faith + hard work + love looks like!.

VirLinda Stanton

Now how many people have a street named after them? Well, VirLinda Stanton does — right in Tyler, TX. And she also has an extensive portfolio that makes her a hometown favorite for the East Texas community she grew up in. The multi-talented singer, actress, motivational speaker, philanthropist and activist is also an author. In the recently released Souled Out, she is a contributor and gives her testimony, sharing a secret she has kept close, only revealing to a select few. When the time was right, for her, she opened up about her HIV status and because she has lived with HIV for several years and no one knew, she has done much to help people understand that you can live with HIV. You never see VirLinda out looking as though she is in pain or having a bad day. That doesn’t mean that she isn’t in pain or that she’s not having a bad day; she’s just been managing and remaining faithful and spreading love and joy wherever she goes. She’s been on stages nationally, appearing in The Color National Broadway Tour, and locally at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. A member of the Potter’s House in Dallas, VirLinda stays engaged and supportive of her community and programs that benefit her community. Here again is a talent, right in our backyards and she definitely is not a lightweight. She’s our songbird!

Lynne Haze

This native New Yorker, Lynne Haze, is the “Daytime Diva w/ the Voice,” TV & Radio Personality on Smooth R & B 105.7, Corporate/Motivational Speaker and VO Talent. She came to Dallas to Soul 73 KKDA, where she gained a loyal, huge fan base. She’s a highly-sought after emcee, voice-over talent and speaker. Women love her because of her sincerity and commitment to uplifting women. And men love her because she is smart, carries herself in a very dignified manner and always looks gorgeous. Then there’s her conversation that is motivating and fun-loving, in addition to being a bright spot in the lives of those she interacts with. At the peak of her career, Lynne decided it was time for a challenge and transitioned to a career in the record industry, where for 10 years she thrived considerably at RCA Records, Warner Brother Records and Mercury Records. A former president for the National Black Programmers’ Coalition, Lynne has won numerous civic and entertainment awards, including Air Personality of the Year, Promotion Person of the Year at Mercury Records and a local award for the dedication at the West Dallas and Oak Cliff Boys and Girls Clubs. Her popular Meetings in the Ladies Room provided an outlet for women to grow and manage their lives. Lynne is that bright spot!

Tonya Derrick

Tonya Derrick was born and raised in Terrell, Texas. The 1985 graduate of Terrell High School graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS in Library & Information Science and as a proud member of the Amazing Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is employed as a Sr. Security Analyst -eDiscovery for the City of Dallas. She is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Terrell. Tonya is a past president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and still remains active today, honoring her lifetime commitment she made more than three decades ago. Full of energy and dedicated to service, Tonya is passionate about education and helping young people to succeed. But her activism doesn’t stop with our youth, an involved and educated family and community is of benefit to the world. She has volunteered in the political sector for a number of years, holding a variety of roles and titles throughout her career. Committed to change in our world, Tonya has high standards and will always advocates for our students, our community and all people. People like and respect her because she carries herself with dignity and respect and she cares. Remember her name you’ll be hearing it more and more! Tonya Derrick!

Sheila Taylor Clark

Sheila Taylor Clark. That Smile. That Smile. This three-time breast cancer survivor is a Lifetime Member of the National Association of Black Accountants (DFW Chapter) and a former National Treasurer and CFO of the organization; serving at the national, regional and local levels. Sheila is also a graduate of Lewisville Citizen’s Academy Leadership Program and was appointed by the Lewisville City Council as a Commissioner to the Lewisville Housing and Finance Commission, to serve a 2nd two-year term. She graduated with honors from Jackson State University and will this year receive a Masters Degree. A United States Army Reservist, Sheila has served on the Board of Directors for The Bridge Breast Network, an organization that provides life-saving medical care to uninsured women diagnosed with breast cancer and this member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Omega Alpha Omega Chapter, is also active with Komen North Texas and Komen Dallas. Still smiling! She founded the nonprofit, Sock it To Cancer, providing comfort items to women in treatment for breast cancer and she volunteers with Little Pink Houses of Hope which provides free weeklong retreats to breast cancer patients and their families. A member of the Junior League, she is also a contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, having been published in four of the anthology’s books: My Kind of America; Best Mom Ever; Dreams and The Unexplainable; and Empowered Woman.

Dalphna Curtis

Dalphna, or “Dee” Curtis owns and operates an accredited trade school, PC Center; offering programs in medical and computer technologies in Cyber Security, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, Computer Technology, and Microsoft Office. She also founded and operates the JFS Women’s Center, assisting women in all phases of their lives. She has served on the boards of the United Negro College Fund, DeSoto Economic Development Corporation, Texas Women and Children’s Foundation and DeSoto Chapter of Southern Christian Leadership Conference. A graduate of the University of North Texas, the member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. received a Masters in Organizational Behavior Studies from UTD and she is currently competing her doctorate in Public Administration and Law. Dalphna is superb because she spends her waking hours trying to make lives better for women. And we know, when women are doing well, the world is doing better!

Jade Tinner

Jade Tinner is the Vice President of Community Investment at Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and Founder/ CEO of JTBE INK. A publicist, strategist, and consultant; she previously worked as a Major Gift Officer for Catholic Charities Fort Worth. Jade holds a degree in Marketing from the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri Kansas City, where she was a four-year Division I basketball player. She also serves on the Executive Board of BRIDGE Fort Worth and is an active member of the DFW Urban League Young Professionals, and the Minority Advisory Council (MAC). Jade is the founder of The One Unified Resource Foundation, a progressive nonprofit with the belief that we are all responsible for the overall well-being of OUR communities. Jade cares!

Dionne Anglin

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Dionne Anglin graduated from Trimble Tech High School and pursued a career in Radio/Television/Film at the University of North Texas, where she also interned at KDFW Fox4 and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; a membership she cherishes to this day. She attends Saintsville Cathedral in Fort Worth and is celebrating a milestone year in television with stints in Tallahassee, Florida and other stops in New Orleans, Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Antonio; before landing home, where she is loved and respected! Dionne is the mother of a Class of 2021 College Graduate and she is dog owner. She does the work that makes members of the National Association of Black Journalists proud and her hometown toots her horn also! She’s involved, she’s engaged and sincere. She’s a consummate professional and loved and respected by those in the industry. She encourages aspiring journalists to: “Follow your heart, pursue your passion and do not let anyone or anything discourage you from obtaining your goals and dreams.”