Superb Women April 2022

Our Superb Women!

By Cheryl Smith
Texas Metro News

2021 was the “Year of the Woman,” especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spreading a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!

BELINDA GRIFFIN

Belinda Griffin has “A Mind for Business, A Heart for Service.”

She has served as president of The Links, Inc., Dallas Chapter; board treasurer for the North Central Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association; and board member of The Family Place. She has been Director of Finance and Administration for the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, a consultant with Griffin Marks Advisors LLC, Vice President and Managing Executive at a Northern Trust Bank, and Vice President for JP Morgan Chase (formerly Texas Commerce Bank). After graduating from Adrian C. Wilcox High School, Belinda received a BS degree in Biology and Chemistry from Texas Southern University, where she was Senior Class President. She also took continuing education courses in accounting at Houston Community College. A Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Belinda is a servant leader who leads with grace.

DEBRA NIXON BOWLES

Debra Nixon Bowles is one of the best advocates that any community can have. She uses her voice and resources to help make this world a better place.

Debra Nixon Bowles is the Founder and President of A Woman Called Moses Coalition and Outreach. She hails from Houston, TX but for decades she has been uplifting, inspiring and supportive of families in the D/FW area. Through her nonprofit organization, she helps battered women and their children. Her passion for this cause is driven by her own personal experiences with domestic abuse in her childhood and as an adult. As a business leader, mother, and survivor, Debra understands the spoken and unspoken needs, experiences, and aspirations of many women who find themselves stressed and navigating the unpredictable violent behaviors of their partners. Debra gives hope to those in despair and she works tirelessly to secure resources and call attention to the ills of domestic abuse.

EFFIE BOOKER-DENNISON

Effie Booker -Dennison is a committed leader, servant and example of the epitome of womanhood; who leads with grace and love.

Effie Booker-Dennison is the Executive Vice President and Director of Community Development at Texas Capital Bank where she was also Senior Vice President Community Development and Corporate Responsibility. She has also served as Senior Vice President at VRM Mortgage Services; Senior Director – REO Operations at CoreLogic; North Texas Region Director for Fannie Mae and Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo. A member of The LINKS Inc., she is a past recipient of the Texas Women’s Foundation Maura Award; Southern Methodist University Women’s Symposium Profiles in Leadership Award; and Texas Executive Women, Women on The Move Award. She currently serves on the boards of Texas Women’s Foundation, Parkland Foundation and VNA/Meals on Wheels. She is a member of the Executive Women of Dallas, Genesis Women’s Shelter Domestic Violence Alliance Board, The Dallas Summit and The Charter 100.

BERNARDETTE LOGAN HARVEY

BerNardette Logan Harvey understands the importance of land ownership and she shares her passion as she helps families obtain generational wealth through homeownership

BerNardette Harvey has over 20 years experience in housing, ranging from apartment leasing and property management to real estate broker, which includes residential and commercial sales. She’s held the title of “Top Realtor of the Year” with her past Real Estate Company, prior to forming BMarie Realty. She has also previously worked as a 911 operator and as a flight attendant at Southwest Airlines and American Eagle Air. A graduate of Bishop Lynch High School/Booker T. Washington High School, she graduated from Tyler Junior College and studied at Texas Woman’s University.

ANDREA HOWARD

Andrea Howard is highly skilled and focused. She has amassed an impressive portfolio with impeccable credentials.

Andrea Howard is a Senior Physician Liaison at Baylor Medical Center at McKinney (Baylor Scott & White Health). She has also worked at Novartis, Depomed, Eisai, Eli Lilly and Mars Promotional Services. She is graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. Advertising and Southern Methodist University – Cox School of Business with an MBA in Marketing. Andrea is often described as dedicated, independent, intelligent, and invaluable. A graduate of David W. Carter High School, she is also described as a consummate professional who is widely respected.

DR. SHARON MIDDLEBROOKS

Dr. Sharon Middlebrooks is a born leader who loves being of service. She’s a consummate professional and focuses on taking care of business.

Currently the president of the Dallas Branch of the NAACP, Dr. Sharon Middlebrooks was awarded the Doctor of Divinity for outstanding contributions to the community and world, from Grace International Seminary for Women. She’s also 1st Vice President of the Dallas Association of Realists (DAR), focused on democracy in housing. The broker/owner of Middlebrooks Realty LLC and Concept Development Corporation, she has worked as a realtor for KY II Realtors. She has also served as president of Women’s Council of Dallas Association of Realtors (DAREB) and Women’s Council of National Association Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB). Dr. Sharon is a joy to be around because she is genuine and sisterly.

RAVEN GRAVES

People describe Raven Graves as “brilliant” and she is focused on being the best educator by focusing on developing her students.

When you find a teacher like Raven Graves, who is passionate about and genuinely interested in educating students, you should celebrate and applaud her because she cares. She received her Bachelors Degree in Mathematics from North Carolina A&T State University where she was involved in several on campus organizations. She was an assistant teacher instructor in Greensboro, NC and she is committed to her students and her responsibility to “spread knowledge for the betterment” of the community. Raven is pursuing a Masters Degree in Cyber Security at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Interested in children, education, health, human rights and social services, Raven has been a mathematics tutor. Raven said she takes to heart the African proverb “Each One, Teach One,” and says it is her responsibly to teach as many children/students as she can.

JAILYNN THORNTON SMILEY

Jailynn Thornton Smiley cares. That says it all. She is compassionate, loving, supportive and genuine. Always a lady, what wonderful attributes!

Jailyn Thornton Smiley is the director of Community Engagement at CK Family Services. A former Family Recruitment Director, she has also worked for Covenant Kids. Jailynn is committed to our children. A wife and mother, many may remember Jailynn from her days on Soul 73 KKDA-AM. She’s a Dallas native who attended W.A. Blair Elementary School, Maynard Holbrook Jackson Vanguard School, Oliver Wendell Holmes Honor Academy, and graduated from The Skyline High School! She then went on to the University of North Texas where she was initiated into the Amazing Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

DR. DELVA KING

Dr. Delva Cotton King excels in business and community service.

Delva J. King, Ph.D. is the owner of The King Group and KG Concessions. Hailing from Houston, TX where she graduated from Jack Yates High School. Dr. Delva King graduated from Texas Southern University, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links Inc. A recipient of the Connie L. Davis Volunteer of the Year award, Dr. Delva has an impressive portfolio in community service and business, with her agency receiving numerous awards. She established Ethnic Focus Research, a consumer marketing research firm and she also has partnerships with Pappas Restaurant and TGI Fridays at DFW International Airport. Dr. Delva is a trailblazer.

CAROLYN L. BAILEY

Carolyn L. Bailey has lived a life of service and recently celebrated 50 years as a member of her beloved sorority.

A Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Carolyn was initiated Spring 1972 into the Amazing Zeta Eta Chapter at the University of North Texas (Denton) where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She also received a Masters of Education from Texas A&M Commerce. A retired educator, she is a member of Friendship-West Baptist Church and she has spent decades as a community servant, volunteering for numerous organizations and causes, including Dallas Women Council; State Fair for North Texas Food Bank; and walking to raise funds for March of Dimes and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer organization. A Cum Laude graduate of Lincoln High School, Port Arthur, TX, she was an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Debutante and was inducted into the African American Educators Hall of Fame. A wife, mother and grandmother, she loves shopping, reading and traveling.

DR. SHARON L. BLACKMAN

Dr. Sharon L. Blackman is committed to working with other women and youth, including the Women’s Leadership Summit, Church vestry, and providing educational guidance.

Dr. Sharon L. Blackman is a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and recently celebrated her 50th Deltaversary; initiated Spring 1972 at Theta Rho Chapter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has a Doctorate of Education, a Master of Education and Bachelor of Science. Now a retired Higher Education Administrator, she is a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. Dr. Sharon has held several leadership positions in organizations. Honors include Paul A. Eisner Excellence in Leadership Honoree Dallas County Community College District “Learning Technology Innovation of the Year” Award Winner, “Woman of Distinction” Award from the Pontiac Club, and National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Also a member of Links, Inc., she loves listening to jazz music, the arts, dancing, reading and going to the beach.

HATTIE HILL

A much sought after award-winning speaker and businesswoman, Hattie Hill is inspiring, exciting, invigorating and motivating.

Hattie Hill serves as the president and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation, where she’s leading the fund toward a $100 million fundraising goal and improving disadvantaged communities by providing economic growth globally through science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). She received a Bachelors Degree in education and a Masters Degree in Psychology from Arkansas State University. Hattie is a masterful speaker and author of multiple books written to give women practical advice and encouragement to gain control over their personal and professional lives. Her board service includes Texas Women’s Foundation, National Restaurant Association, VisitDallas, Dallas Regional Chamber and the tech startup, ShareMaster. Prior to founding Hattie Hill Enterprises, Inc., Hattie was president and CEO of the Women’s Foodservice Forum, where she worked to champion gender equity with women in the food ecosystem.

QUEEN CORA

Talk about talent, beauty, brains and personality; you’re talking about Queen Cora!

Queen Cora is an author, producer, business owner, philanthropist and international drummer. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Kashmere High in Houston, TX and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music Performance at Howard University. Queen Cora designed her own 60 degree “Cosmic Electroacoustic” drum set and also released her first edition of The Queen Cora Magazine. She has performed in two Super Bowls and Queen Cora has travelled the world with some of the biggest names in music. The multi-talented businesswoman is the Founder and CEO of the VIVO Club, Inc., a U.S. based media and music company, and Building Simple, Inc., a U.S. based cutting edge-construction company. Her talents landed her as the house drummer for BET’s annual Black Girls Rock Awards TV Show and she currently serves on the Texas Southern University School of Communications Advisory Committee.

ROYCE BROOKS

Leading with authority, wisdom, and grace — that’s Royce Brooks.

As executive director for almost four years, Royce Brooks recently presided over Annie’s List’s most successful election cycle ever. Prior to joining Annie’s List, Royce, a Fort Worth native, served as Chief Equity Officer for the City of Atlanta; Director of Policy for Sylvester Turner for Mayor (Houston); and Statewide Policy Director for Wendy Davis for Governor (Texas). She also enjoyed stints with the U.S. Senate, the Joint Center for Political And Economic Studies, and Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Royce received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Rice University and a Doctor of Law degree from Harvard Law School. Royce was also a board member for Leadership Austin.

HATTIE WAYNE

Full of energy, confidence and spirit, Hattie Wayne is about taking care of business.

The president of Hattie Wayne PR & Advertising, Hattie Wayne received her Bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University and Master of Fine Arts from Southern. Methodist University. Described as committed to meeting the needs of her clients, a joy to work with and result driven, Hattie’s family has a story worth sharing. Seven generations and almost 100 relatives have attended Grambling State University and almost as many have gone to Southern University. Thanks to the efforts of Hattie and family members, they are listed in the Guiness Book of World Records! A strong advocate of Hattie is known as a consummate professional who was a joy to work with and produced quality work.

KESHIA BARNES

She’s a great legal mind with a commitment to community service and leading as an example.

Keshia Barnes is an Associate Attorney at DeHay & Elliston L.L.P. where she concentrates on premises liability and product liability defense. She has also worked as an associate attorney at The Washington Firm, U.S. Small Business Administration and Kirkendall Dwyer L.L.P. A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor’s Degree in political science and a Doctor of Law from the SMU Dedman School of Law, Keshia is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and she is licensed to practice law in Texas and California.

REGINA TAYLOR

The talented Regina Annette Taylor continues to represent Dallas and the best it has to offer as a stellar actress who has never forgotten her roots.

Regina Annette Taylor is West Dallas’ finest. An American actress, playwright and producer, the Pinkston High School graduate who also graduated from SMU has won several awards including a Golden Globe Award and two NAACP Image Awards. She served as the Denzel Washington Endowed Chair in Theater at Fordham University and soon she will return to Dallas when the new Fine Arts Department at Pinkston High School will be named in her honor. Today she will portray Marian Shields Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, in the new Showtime limited series, The First Lady. Talk about gracious, humble and classy; she’s all that and more!

SHARNETTE HYTER

Sharnette Hyter is a singer -songwriter, author and actress.

Southern Soul music artist Sharnette Hyter describes herself as “a bowl of gumbo, a flat-footed country girl.” A native of Dallas with Louisiana roots, she is a graduate of Skyline High School and comes from a tradition of gospel-rooted singing. Sharnette attended Robert L. Thornton Elementary, Boude Storey Middle School, and Skyline High School where she was in the horticulture cluster. Next she was off to Cedar Valley College and then to Larry’s Barber College, before becoming a hairstylist. The licensed barber instructor also attended Renee’s Cosmetology Center and studied theological studies at Grace Seminary College.

TIMBERLY LEWIS

Timberly Lewis is a licensed professional counselor who is skilled in nonprofit organizations, relationship and mental health counseling

A participant in the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists Urban Journalism Workshop, Timberly Lewis was an honor student who received a BA Degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas and a MEd in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Higher Education from The University of Texas at Austin. In addition to working as a professional counselor at Dallas College and Psychological Evaluator at the Private Practice of William July Ph.D.; Timberly has enjoyed stints at Collin College, Stepping Stone Learning Center, UT Austin and Austin ISD.

SHANNON POWELL HART

Shannon Powell Hart is a go-getter. Talented, creative and focused, she is a star!

A wife and mother, Shannon Powell Hart enjoyed stints as Communications Lead at Infosys Knowledge Institute, SPH Media, Texas Ale Project, WFAA-TV, KXAN-TV, Junior League of Austin and WAVY-TV. Shannon received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and MBA in Marketing from LSU Shreveport. She also attended Hendrix College. Shannon is a longtime journalist and member of the National Association of Black Journalists. A community servant, Shannon cares and gives of herself, her time and her resources a longtime journalist and member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

NATALIE BROWN

Natalie Brown cares about making this world a better place. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, she continues to lift as she climbs!

Natalie Brown is a licensed agent of New York Life Insurance Company where she offers a variety of products that can help you meet a number of insurance and financial needs. Formerly an affiliate sales manager at Kaan Royal Limousine and Quality Control Coach at RideCentric, General Manager and customer experience coordinator for ETE’s & Associates Inc., she received her Bachelor of Applied Science from Sam Houston State University. Natalie is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. She graduated from Dwight D. Eisenhower Senior High School

DANIESHA FRAZIER

She’s beautiful, bright and full of life. Daniesha is a professional voice artist and communications pro.

Daniesha Frazier hails from Oklahoma City, OK, where she graduated from Northeast High School in OKC. She also studied Broadcast journalism at University of Central Oklahoma and Langston University. Daniesha also studied at Rose State College and Francis Tuttle Vocational Technical School. She is the executive director at D-D Eb Productions where cost effective marketing, event planning and promotions is her specialty. A proud mother, Daniesha is a motivational speaker, national talent scout, writer and graphic designer.

KAMRONBARTON MCGEE

Kamron Barton McGee is one proud Rattler and Cowboy homegirl who makes Dallas proud wherever she goes and whatever she does.

A graduate of David W. Carter High School, Kamron went on to study journalism at Florida A&M University and is celebrating her 20th Rattlerversary as a member of the Class of 2002. A native Dallasite, Kamron is a graduate of David W. Carter High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and captain of the cheerleaders. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kamron also studied at Amberton University, where she received a Masters of Arts Degree in School Counseling. She’s a proud health conscious mother, community servant and born leader!

YEHARAWERK GASHAW

Hailing from Ethiopia, Yeharerwerk Gashaw is our international Superb Woman!

Yeharerwerk Gashaw is a model, actress, ambassador, activist, humanitarian, philanthropist and all-around beautiful sister. Yeharerwerk was the first Black Model to be showcased by Christian Dior and Guerlain in Paris in the 80s and she also was a spokesmodel for Proline Hair Products. She is the first Black woman selected to chair an executive committee in the World Cup (1994) to protect the interest of Africans in the game. Yeharerwerk worked tirelessly to better relations between African people and the world; and especially Black people in America. She appeared in the television series, “Dallas” and also in the stage play, “Backstreet,” about an African woman and her African American drug addicted music producer. She has lent her name to numerous efforts to raise money to help Black people around the world and she is passionate about education.

CHEF TIFFANY DERRY

Good cooking and more is what you get from Tiffany Derry.

Tiffany Derry is co-founder of T2D Concepts, the Texas-based purpose-driven hospitality group behind Roots Chicken Shak, Roots Southern Table and ‘Chef Tiffany spice and apparel lines. Denied from her first cooking job at the age of 15 because of her race and gender, Tiffany, who hails from Beaumont, TX, has rose through the culinary ranks to run her own restaurant concepts, appear on national television, and cook for President Obama at the White House. Tiffany makes regular appearances
as a judge and contestant on television shows including Chopped, Chopped Kids, Top Chef, The Great American Recipe, Beat Bobby Flay, Tournament of Champions, The Great American Soul Food Cook-off, Bar Rescue, Top Chef Junior and Top Chef Amateurs.

JOYCE ELAINE DANIELS

Everyone has known forever that Joyce Elaine Daniels is special and outstanding so you shouldn’t be surprised that she is also superb!

The Director of the Hamilton Park United Methodist Church Learning Center, Joyce Elaine Daniels received a B.S Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Grambling State University. A life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is a charter member of the North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter. A servant leader, Joyce has received multiple certifications in training and continuing education in Early Childhood Education Administration. Joyce was recently named the Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Psi Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.

CYNTHIA WILLIAMS

Cynthia Williams is a survivor, a leader and an author.

Cynthia Williams is the founding executive director of Women Empowering Women for the Next Generation Ministries. She describes herself as an “example of a teen mom who beat the odds.” Cynthia graduated from college (twice) and received multiple degrees and she devotes much of her time to providing services and resources to help a person in their personal growth, to become self-sufficient in every area of their life.” Cynthia is the author of “This is Crazy!” In this riveting story, she tells of her experience losing her only child, almost 15 years ago on August 2, 2007.

BERNADETTE NUTALL

Talk about a beautiful mind and beautiful spirit, that’s Bernadette Wright Nutall, who also cares about youth and education.

Hailing from Killeen, TX, Bernadette Nutall is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a B.A. in Business Administration, and the co-founder and executive director of Circle of Support, Inc. -an organization that provides families in under served areas of Dallas with high quality summer learning. A former Dallas Independent School District Board Trustee, Bernadette is a wife and mother and community activist/servant. She attended the Certificate of Competence Training Program in instructional leadership at the University of North Texas in Denton and she also attended several sessions of the Summer Changes Everything National Conference at Johns Hopkins University Center for Summer Learning. Bernadette is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

KRISTI NELSON

The vibrant and dynamic Kristi Nelson is the author of “The Chamique Holdsclaw Story,” and a product of Dallas ’ Talented & Gifted Magnet High School.

An award-winning journalist and anchor at NBC5- KXAS-TV, Kristi Nelson is a long time member of the National Association of Black Journalists and recipient of several awards. One award was won for a multi-part documentary, “Kristi’s Gift,” that chronicled her donation of a kidney to her mother. She interned at The Dallas Weekly and The Dallas Morning News and she also worked at the Philadelphia Inquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer and National Basketball Association’s Communications Department, before returning home to work at NBC5. A member of the Gamma Beta Phi honor society and graduate of the University North Texas, Kristi was a Dupont Fellow and received a Masters Degree from Columbia University. She is the proud mother of son, Lucca.

T. SCHNELL BLANTON

T. Schnell Blanton is multi-talented and dimensional. She’s a businesswoman, an entrepreneur and a philanthropist.

T. Schnell Blanton has enjoyed stints as a senior corporate trainer at Nielsen, president and CEO of Imperial Beverage Group, Instructor at the University of Oklahoma, Sr. Instructional Designer at Transmerica, Training Program manager for Sprint Telecom and Senior Trainer at Paymentech. She is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management where she served as President of Alpha Omega Literary Social Organization. Schnell is licensed in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. She has also served on the advisory board of Women with Heart for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association and Arlington Hall Conservancy.