Superb Women AUGUST 2021

TERRY WADE-OTTLEY

Whether she’s in the board room or out in the community, Terry Wade-Ottley is putting her best foot forward for the betterment of all!

Terry Wade-Ottley is the Community Affairs/Development Manager–Texas for Regions Bank. Terry has over 30 years in banking. She has spent 20 years of her banking career specializing in community development, economic development, and community outreach working with non-profits. Terry has advertising and public relations experience in both private business and as a volunteer for non-profits. In August 2008, using her own funds, she began fostering nine horses and several cats and dogs that were neglected. This was the foundation of Gabby’s Sanctuary ARK (Acts of Real Kindness) (GSA). Much of her work involved young people and their families. Terry is a servant leader. She also is involved in assisting families affected by domestic violence, encouraging and promoting small businesses, women entrepreneurs and providing outlets, like working with horses, for children in low-to-moderate income families. Terry cares and she is impacting so many lives.

JUDGE STACI WILLIAMS

Judge Staci Williams is smart, committed and focused.

Judge Staci Williams is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, Smith College, and The Hockaday School. A two-term Judge of the 101st District Court in Dallas County, Texas; she has served on the Board for The Hockaday School; Dispute Mediation Service, Inc., S.A.A.V.E.D. and North Texas Volunteer Center; and, as Chair/Co-Chair of various committees for the Dallas Bar Association and the J.L. Turner Legal Association. In September 2015, Judge Williams created the Citizens’ Civil Academy (CCA) to educate citizens about the civil court system. She has over 10 years judicial experience and 27 years of legal experience including: Trial Attorney and Administrative Judge with the EEOC; Arbitrator for NASD/FINRA, U.S. Postal Service, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Board; Counsel, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee; and Dallas Municipal Court Judge. And guess, what? She’s also a twin, so there are two superb Williams women walking around town!

HON. GYNA BIVENS

Gyna Bivens is the Mayor Pro Tem of Fort Worth, TX

Gyna M. Bivens is the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Fort Worth. She also serves as president and executive director of North Texas Leaders and Executives Advocating Diversity (LEAD), a consortium of major employers in North Texas whose chief executive officers seek to increase diversity in their managerial ranks. Prior to accepting this role, The Fort Worth City Councilwoman, who recently was reelected to another term, was recruited in 1998 to become the first African American corporate spokesperson for one of the nation’s largest electric utility companies. Gyna spent part of her career as a television news reporter, giving her the opportunity to interview every U.S. president dating back to Jimmy Carter. Many became familiar with her voice on Soul 73 KKDA-M.She has volunteered with many organizations, and was twice elected Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. She has served on more than 30 boards and commissions and has been recognized, awarded and presented by several organizations.

BERNETTA JO YOUNG

Bernetta Jo Young is a consummate professional who is well-prepared and focused.

Bernetta Jo Young, a native of Dallas County with more than 34 years of professional experience including 16 years with the City of Dallas; is currently serving as Interim Division Manager III for the City of Dallas. Bernetta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma, where she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She previously served as District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; Registrar and Manager of the Office of Vital Statistics for the City of Dallas; and worked in the corporate banking industry for 13 years at AmeriTrust, where she became the first African American female in the state of Texas to be promoted to trust officer. Bernetta is loyal, honest and a sincere member of Community Missionary Baptist Church of DeSoto. She is a Texas Registered Code Enforcement Officer and a National Safety Council Defensive Driving Instructor.

DR. JENNIFER STIMPSON

Dr. Jennifer Stimpson is the type of educator you want in the classroom!

Dr. Jennifer Stimpson makes learning science an exciting experience. A graduate of Dillard University with a BS Degree in Chemistry, she received a MA Degree in environmental chemistry from the University of Northern Iowa. Dr. Jennifer received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Prior to teaching fifth grade science at The Hockaday School, she taught chemistry in the Dallas Independent School District. Dr. Jennifer is the founder of JSTEMP Science, an education platform to inspire students to consider STEM. The recipient of numerous recognitions and honors, she received Texas Women’s Foundation Maura Leadership Award, Dillard University’s Alumnae Award for Professional Excellence, The “Hidden Figures in STEM” award from the National Society of Black Engineers and an Inspiration Award from the Michael Jordan Foundation. A finalist for Ebony Magazine People’s Choice Award, this member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was featured in O: The Oprah Magazine as a “Rock Star Scientist.”

REP. RHETTA BOWERS

Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers is a proud native Houstonian, wife and mother who has been honored by several organizations.

Texas State Rep. Rhetta Bowers represents House District 113 and made history elected as the first African American to represent this district that includes all or parts of Rowlett, Garland, Mesquite, Sunnyvale, Seagoville, Combine, Balch Springs, and Dallas. Rep. Bowers is an alumna of Spelman and Texas Southern University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism. She began working in DC in public television at PBS headquarters and WETA-TV 26/Radio 90.9. She returned to Texas’ KCEN-TV 6 and was later promoted to news producer. She also was educational services coordinator for KERA TV 13/Radio 90.1. A former educator and volunteer within Garland ISD, she is a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Rep. Bowers is a co-founder and four-time Co-chair of the Dallas Women’s March. She is the recipient of the 2019 Bands of Hope “Trailblazer Award,” Afiya Center’s “Legislative Achievement Award,” TSU’s “Distinguished Alumna of the Year and Texas Legislative Black Caucus 2019 “Freshman of the Year.”

SHERYL ADKINS-GREEN

Sheryl Adkins-Green is brains, beauty, influence and grace!

Sheryl Adkins-Green is the Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer at Mary Kay, Inc.; leading the global marketing strategy, brand positioning, new product develo-pment, advertising, digital marketing, social media, product education, and customer insights. She has worked as the Business Director at Kraft Foods, Regional President at Citibank, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Cadbury Schweppes/Snapple Beverage Group, and Vice President, General Manager at Alberto Culver. In 2020, Sheryl received the CMO Leadership Award, and in 2019, she was named to BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2019 Most Powerful Women in Corporate America List. Sheryl earned a BS degree from the University of Wisconsin and received her MBA from Harvard Business School. A trustee of Texas Christian University, she serves on the boards of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Dallas Museum of Art and she also serves as a judge for the 2021 Miss Universe Pageant.

DR. JACQUIE HOOD MARTIN

Dr. Jacquie Hood Martin is a treasure. Always calm and focused; she is a joy to be around!

Jacquie Hood Martin, PhD is an ordained minister, columnist, documentary creator, speaker handbook author. Dr. Jacquie served for a decade as the first female staff pastor at The Church Without Walls in Houston, TX, and she served for two years as pastor at The Bridge International in Chicago, IL, a church she co-founded. Currently she serves as co-chair of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Sunday of Hope Advisory Council. Dr. Jacquie was also Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at City College of Chicago. She received a M.Ed. in Higher Education/ Online Technology from Northcentral University and her PhD at Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary. She is sincere and so helpful because she empowers attendees. A loving wife, Rev. Jacquie is a certified master coach, DiSC certified trainer, author, documentary creator, leader in strategic planning, professional development, education advancement and personal empowerment. Check her out at www.jhoodandassociates.org

JUDGE STEPHANIE HUFF

Judge Stephanie Mitchell Huff is conscientious, committed and highly respected because of her sincere approach to everything!

Judge Stephanie Mitchell Huff received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law. She joined the Navarro County District Attorney’s Office in 2007 as the Chief Juvenile Prosecutor. She later became a felony assistant district attorney in Dallas County and from 2013 – 2014, she served as the Chief Felony Prosecutor of the Dallas County Gang Unit. In 2015, she was sworn in as the youngest sitting Criminal District Court Judge in Dallas County, for the 291st Judicial District Court. The judge is also an adjunct professor of criminal law, contracts law, and criminal procedure at Kaplan College. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Concord Church. Judge Huff has a received numerous awards, including: Felony and Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year and Dallas County Heavy Hitter Award. She is also one of four Dallas County Judges that created Pipeline to Possibilities Program (P2P), that partnered with DISD to educate young adults about the criminal justice system and making good decisions.

CHEF CASSONDRA

Chef Cassondra is a pro. She’s old school, new school and the future of healthy living, cooking and eating!

Cassondra Armstrong is the founder, CEO and President of Chef Cassondra Culinary Concepts. Many may remember her from The Dining Table, back in the day! She studied Food & Hospitality at El Centro College and received a BA Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Management. A native Dallasite, she has a grocery store line, ”Good 2go tm”. She has also established her own non-profit organization, LUWI, Living Urban Working Institute, where she is teaching the basics of food prep to the unemployed, the newly-released, non- violent ex-offender, and at risk youth. Chef Cassondra has toured with The American Heart Association promoting “Take Wellness to Heart”, and presently serves as an Ambassador for “Power to End Stroke.” She’s been featured in Ebony Magazine and was also the Official Chef for “The National Conference of Black Mayors” Convention. Interested in living and eating healthy, call Chef Cassondra 972-904-3600.

LYNN PRIDE RICHARDSON

We are PROUD to highlight Lynn PRIDE Richardson. She gives public defenders a good name!

Lynn Pride Richardson is the Chief Public Defender for Dallas County, where she is in charge of the largest and second oldest Public Defender’s Office in Texas. A native Floridian, she is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Florida College of Law. It is important to note that her client-centered approach to criminal defense also inspired her to create a special conditional dismissal docket for mentally ill offenders and to pursue reformative justice initiatives. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Lynn has lived a life of public service. She exhibits a servant leadership heart through efforts like “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” for incarcerated women and the “Black Lives Matter to Public Defenders March.” Lynn cares and it helps for those, especially with little or NO money, who are seeking justice. It’s her leadership that is making the difference!

TRENISHA FOREMAN

For times such as these, we really need Trenisha Foreman as we deal with living during a pandemic!

Trenisha Foreman hosts Tre’s Universe every Friday @7pm CT on dfwiradio. com, interviewing an eclectic group of guests on wide- ranging topics and subjects of interest. A graduate of Bowie High School, she received a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma and has worked extensively as a mental health counselor and therapist. She is a fitness lover, who specifically loves weight training. Trenisha is the co-author of “Soulful Prayers: The Power of International Communication with God”-By Cheryl Polote- Williamson and “Daughters of Promise: Global Women Devotional” – By Dr. Kimberly Ellison. She also graces the pages of fitness and health/beauty magazines.

ATTY. YULISE WATERS

Brains, consciousness, commitment, beauty and more, that’s Atty. Yulise Reaves Waters!

Atty. Yulise Reaves Waters is Deputy Director of the Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA). Prior to joining LSJA, Waters was an Assistant City Attorney and Community Courts Prosecutor for the City of Dallas. She also co-founded the Second Chance Community Improvement Program (SCCIP) for emerging adults (17-24) that identifies and addresses the unmet needs to reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Yulise serves on the board of POETIC Trauma Therapy Center and Creative Arts Studio, ARK (Adults Relating to Kids) Group, and Family Gateway. Many also know her as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. She has been named to the Dallas Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.” A native Dallasite, Yulise graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in English and Spanish and a B.B.A. in Organizational Behavior and Business Policy from Southern Methodist University. She also earned her JD from the Dedman School of Law at SMU. Pursuing an MBA in the Executive MBA Program, this wife and mother, is an eloquent speaker and born leader.

DR. MARY E. BECK

Dr. Mary E. Beck transitioned on August 5, 2021. She was on our list and we still want to recognize her superbness!

Dr. Mary E. Beck was a native of Shreveport, LA. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wiley College, where she was initiated into the Theta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She received her M.A. Degree from SMU. She later attended North Texas State University (now UNT) and received a certification in Elementary Ed. Dr. Beck received a teaching certification for students with Intellectual Disabilities from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Administration and Supervision from Prairie View A&M University. After her retirement in 2002, she attended Vision University and received a Doctorate in Ministry and a Doctorate in Philosophy and Leadership. Dr. Beck was a DISD “Teacher of the Year” finalist in 2000, and she received the ‘Educator of the Year’ Award from Paul Quinn College in 2001, NAACP Award for Education and George H. Chandler Educator’s Award during the Beta Chapter’s Centennial of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

DEIDRE DAVIS

Deidre Davis has lived a life of service–corporate and community!

Deidre Davis, PHR-CP is an experienced Human Resources Professional with a demonstrated history of working in television and digital media. She received a BA degree in Radio, Television and Film from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (Northeast Louisiana University) where she was initiated into the Lambda Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Deidre also received a MS Degree in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University. Still, young and full of energy, Deidre retired as the Director of Human Resources for WFAA-TV after decades of committed service and currently she is a Human Resources Business Partner at Envy Gaming.

HON. REMEKO EDWARDS

Hailing from the great city of Selma, Alabama, Judge Edwards is widely respected and with good reason!

Remeko Tranisha Edwards is the Judge of County Criminal Court #7 in Dallas County. Prior to taking her seat on the bench, she was managing attorney for Law Office of Remeko T. Edwards, Former Probation Officer at Dallas County Juvenile Probation Department, Hailing from Selma, AL., the Lancaster High School graduate went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at El Paso and Bachelor of Liberal Arts from UTA. Then she graduated from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The judge is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and served as President of the Dallas Black Criminal Bar Association and Board Member of Woman Called Moses, We the Village, Christians in Public Service, Dallas Holmes Boyz, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and Ellis County African American Museum. Humble, gracious, sincere and committed, she is also a member of the Dallas Chapter of Mexican Bar Association (MABA), State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, and Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

HON. SANDRA JACKSON

Judge Sandra Jackson understands the importance of FAMILY!

The Hon. Sandra Jackson is judge of the Texas 302nd District Court., a family court. Hailing from Lawton, OK, she graduated from MacArthur High School and attended Oklahoma State University where she earned a B.S. in political science before going on to study law at Southern University Law Center. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Judge Sandra is a member of the Dallas NAACP, past president of the Dallas Association of Black Women Attorneys and Dean of the Potter’s House School of Ministry. She has sat on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Legal Services of North Texas and the Transformation Ministry. Prior to her election, she served as an assistant district attorney in the Juvenile Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. While she was also a caregiver for her mother, who lived with Alzheimers; the judge’s kind and giving spirits extends into the community. She believes in helping families!

DR. STACIA’ ALEXANDER

Mental health experts like Dr. Stacia Alexander are so important

Dr. Stacia’ Alexander is a life coach, therapist, trainer, author, talk show host, consultant and sought- after speaker. A success strategist, she focuses on mental health, human development and corporate wellness. For nearly a quarter of a century Dr. Stacia’ has been the director of Positive Influences, a privately held counseling agency with offices in Dallas and Ft. Worth. She is also the Mental Health Director of the on-campus counseling center providing services to the Paul Quinn College student body. A licensed professional counselor, certified by the Texas Board of Professional Counselors, she received a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Amberton University and a Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology from Walden University. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Stacia teaches anger management, parenting and more, gaining a 5 star rating. A wife and mother, she is also gorgeous and exudes a spirit of self actualization and authenticity. She’s engaging and concerned; devoting her many talents, which also include home improvement and graphic designing.

VEREE HAWKINS BROWN

Family and finances are important to Veree Hawkins Brown, and should also be important to you!

Veree Hawkins Brown is a Financial Advisor with both broker/dealer and investment advisor certifications. She focuses on helping individuals achieve their long term financial goals. Her background includes leadership roles at Sabre Holdings in finance and marketing and as a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley and ISC Group, Inc. As the CEO of Veree Hawkins Brown LLC, an event management and luxury floral design, she worked with individuals, corporate and non-profit organizations. As the leader of an international airline account relationship team at Travelocity.com LLP, she oversaw contract negotiations for all airline clients and the implementation of online marketing campaigns. A graduate of Albuquerque Academy, she holds a BBA in English Literature from Dartmouth College and a MBA from Southern Methodist University. She serves Dartmouth College as a member of the Association of Alumni.

NICOLE BARRETT

Nicole Barrett was the total package!

At 15 Nicole Barrett was crowned Ms.
Junior Texas. A graduate of North Mesquite High, she received the Greer Carson Scholarship for Acting to the College of Santa Fe, NM, where she studied theatre/drama. She also was 1st Runner Up for Miss Santa Fe and would later win the title of Ms. Black Texas in 2002. Nicole had a strong social media and was named one of the 2013 Fresh Faces of Fashion, was featured in Modern Luxury Magazine and served on the board of the Dallas Theatre Guild. A former reporter for Elite News, she hosted “The Nicole Barrett Show,” a fresh, bold and entertaining program that ranked #5 in the D/FW marketing eventually propelled the show to higher heights when in 2014 the show made its television debut on KTXD-TV. Nicole’s most recent conquest was becoming the only Black woman in America to own a cigar company, Kinky Friedman’s Cigars. Vibrant and genuine, that was Nicole.

DOROTHY TUCKER

Dorothy Tucker has had a long career in radio and television and now begins her second term as NABJ President.

Dorothy Tucker knew she wanted to be a reporter since she was 16 years old when she was at Austin High School. Today she is an investigative reporter at WBBM- TV, where she has worked since 1984. She’s enjoyed stints at KWGN in Denver, WREG-TV in Memphis, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, and she began her career at WMBD-TV. On Friday, August 20, she was re-elected president of the National Association of Black Journalists; winning 83% of the vote. A native Chicagoan, Dorothy majored in radio, television and film at Northwestern, where she graduated with a B.S. degree with honors. Passionate and committed, this award-winning journalist also worked for WVON-Radio in Chicago. She is a former member of the Northwestern Alumni Association and serves as a member of the Northwestern University Leadership Circle. A long-time member and board member of the NABJ- Chicago Chapter, Dorothy is a wife and mother enjoying the empty nester life, but that means NABJ gets more of her attention!

WHITNEY PEOPLES, PHD

Fort Worth’s own Dr. Whitney Peoples is a scholar, author and educator.

Dr. Whitney Peoples is the inaugural director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. Dr. Peoples previously served as a director in Educational Development and Assessment Services and coordinator of DEI Initiatives and Critical Race Pedagogies. A Fort Worth native, this author was a visiting assistant professor at Texas Woman’s University and Provost Post-Doctoral Fellow at UTA. Whitney earned a PhD in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Emory University, an MA in Women’s Studies from the University of Cincinnati, and a BA in Political Science from Agnes Scott College. Whitney is the co-founder of the Black Feminist Health Science Studies, which aims to highlight the necessity of incorporating social justice into medical science.

ROSLYN THIBODEAUX GOODALL

An advocate and a servant, Roslyn Thibodeaux Goodall is a joy and a blessing!

Roslyn Thibodeaux Goodall is a consultant for Alzheimer’s & Caregivers Educational Events and she works tirelessly educating communities about the disease. She is
a career Human Resources Professional with success in developing programs and processes. She has transferred HR skills to develop effective community health education events and she is able to draw on her extensive network to produce events that address health disparities. Roslyn is an event planner, public speaker, career counselor. A community health educator, she worked at UT Southwestern Medical Center as Associate Director, Community Recruitment Initiatives, training manager and manager of employee relations. Roslyn attended St. Vincent’s Academy where she participated in theater and the choir. She graduated from Paul Quinn College with a Bachelors’ degree in Business Education and from Texas A&M University- Commerce with an MBA in Marketing Research. Hailing from Shreveport, LA, Roslyn is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Links Inc and she served as a board member of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Dallas Chapter.

PASTOR JACQUELINE TOLBERT

Pastor Jackie is a true servant and not just on Sundays. She gives and gives!

Pastor Jacqueline Minor Tolbert hails from Kilgore, Texas where she graduated from Sabine High School. She is currently the senior pastor of Vivian Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Longview, TX. Pas-tor Jackie graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce and Dallas Theological Seminary. A wife, mother and grandmother, Pastor Tolbert loves children and she is a true community servant who spreads a positive message of faith, love, hope and charity wherever she goes. Also an educator, Pastor Jackie wakes up every day on a mission. Whether she is getting in her daily workout, delivering food or supplies to needy families throughout East Texas or checking on the sick and shut-in; Pastor Jackie is the epitome of all things noble.

JONQUIL AHKIR

Jonquil Ahkir is focused, supportive, talented and she brings so much joy into the lives of many with Tea Cake Kids!

Jonquil Akhir is the brains and talent behind the company she started more than 25 years ago. “Tea Cake Kids” is a clothing and accessories line featuring children of color and the kids are named after her relatives. It’s important to note that Jonquil adds her personal touch to her creations and she has put a lot of long hours into sewing and applying images to her carefully designed products. A Dallas native, she graduated from Skyline High School where she was in the Fashion Design Cluster. She then attended El Centro College where she received and Associates Degree in Fashion Design and Pattern Drafting. She also attended Texas Tech University. Jonquil, who left her job at the Post Office to become an entrepreneur, putting smiles on the faces of children and their parents, with Tea Cake Kids also worked as a TSA Security Manager, for Homeland Security. Check out Tea Cake Kids at https://www.teacakekids.com

SERITA JAKES

First Lady Serita Jakes is an inspiration to so many as she shares her triumphs to help others as they face obstacles.

Virginia, she was injured in an accident and was told she’d never walk again, but if you know Mrs. Jakes, she’s resilient and she has overcome so many obstacles. A gifted writer, Mrs. Jakes’ first book, The Princess Within, followed by Beside Every Good Man: Loving Myself While Standing By Him; and, The Crossing, which tackles such issues as domestic violence, trauma and post traumatic stress syndrome. A drama major in college, Mrs. Jakes was the co-executive producer of the stage plays Woman, Thou Art Loosed and Behind Closed Doors. In addition, she assisted in the production of the film, Jumping the Broom. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and launched Serita Jakes Home, a thoughtfully-designed collection of candles and home décor accent pieces.. A loving wife of almost 40 years, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Jakes is a dynamic speaker and motivator.

DIANNE GIBSON

Dubbed ‘Miss Community,’ dianne gibson is the gift that keeps on giving!

Longtime Dallas resident and community advocate dianne gibson is affectionately known as “Miss Community.” The Georgia Peach joined the Dallas City Attorney’s Office in 2004 and currently serves as the Manager of the Community Courts. Dianne has more than 30 years of experience in working with the community to provide the general public with social services and housing. Many know her voice and familiar “Hey Family” greeting heard on several local radio stations, sharing information to empower listeners and their communities. dianne, who began using lower case letters for her name, attended the University of South Florida. She has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing her volunteerism and community service including the Women Who Make a Difference Award; the NCNW Inc. Volunteerism Award; the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Commission on Civil Rights, Education and Legislative Affairs Award; the Molina Healthcare Award for Community Service and, the Greater Dallas Urban League Whitney M. Young Jr. Humanitarian Award. A longtime member of Concord Church, dianne has served on the South Dallas Fair Park Trust Fund Board and the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center Advisory Board.

KASANDRA DAVIS

Kasandra Smith-Davis is a First Lady, entrepreneur and requested speaker

Evangelist-Missionary Kasandra Smith Davis is the owner of See Yourself Accessories Boutique. As an independent consultant at Paparazzi Accessories, she’s up early in the morning sharing words of wisdom and showcasing attractive, affordable jewelry under the banner of Jewels in the Word. Kasandra hails from Florida and she attended Kathleen High School in Lakeland, FL where she played on the girls basketball team. A graduate of the University of South Florida, where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she is also a member of the Church of God in Christ and is the First Lady at Powerhouse Ministries COGIC. A wife, mother and grandmother, Kasandra has held several positions in housing and property management, including as executive admin coordinator at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland Florida. Possessing a kind and gentle spirit; Kasandra is loving and supportive. Check her out at http://www.paparazziaccessories.com/ksdavis

DR. LEVATTA L. LEVELS

A Skyline HIgh School grad, Dr. Levatta L. Levels is the CEO of Higher Levels Educational Group and an adjunct professor, author, and advocate.

Dr. Levatta L. Levels is a 30-year veteran educator serving as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, principal, bilingual specialist, director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Dr. Levels has served many professional and civic organizations, including as delegate to the Texas Democratic Convention representing Senate Dist. 23, DeSoto Chamber of Commerce Board, Leadership Southwest Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Region Board, UNT Exes Board, and the UNT Advisory Council. She is active with the Texas Association of School Administrators, National Council of Negro Women, PTA, UNT Trailblazers, Texas Counseling Association, Texas Association of Black School Educators, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Zeta Eta Alumnae Association. She earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce and BS and M.Ed with a focus on Education Administration from UNT; also completing the Superintendent Certification program at the University of Houston-Victoria. She is a mother of two, a grandmother to one and a mentor for many.

DR. DOROTHY M. BLAND

Dr. Dorothy Bland is a student’s ideal professor; someone who cares about their growth and development inside and outside of the classroom.

Highly respected and the recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Dorothy Bland is more of an asset in the classroom primarily because in addition to her academic credentials, she also has worked in newsrooms and brings her practical experience into the classroom. She received a B.S. degree in journalism from Arkansas State University, MBA from George Washington University and Ph.D. from Florida State University. Since 2013 she has been at the University of North Texas; spending five years as Mayborn School of Journalism dean. Previously she served as the journalism division director at Florida A&M University. Dr. Bland served in news reporting and editing roles at USA Today. She served as president and publisher of both the Chillicothe (Ohio) Gazette and Fort Collins (Colo.) Coloradoan and received the Gannett Media Company President’s Ring for Excellence as a publisher three times. A member of NABJ, she has served on a variety of industry boards including the Newspaper Association of America Foundation. A person of impeccable character and work ethic, anyone should be honored to have her as a mentor or colleague.

DR. SHEILA BAILEY

Dr. Sheila M. Bailey lights up a room when she enters.

Dr. Sheila M. Bailey is fondly referred to as “Sheila B.” Hailing from Stamford, CT; this international bible teacher, engager of people, conference speaker and ministry builder for women serves as the Founder and President of Sheila B. Ministries. A member of Concord Church, this mother and grandmother received a B.A. in Christian Education from Bishop College and an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Dallas Baptist University. A recipient of numerous awards including the Dallas Baptist University’s Women’s Auxiliary Board 2016 Ruth Award and Movement Day Global Cities 2016 Honoree by the NYC Leadership Center for her impact on Christian leaders for the Kingdom; Dr. Bailey is the author of Makeovers with Leftovers and co-authored The Inheritance, a New 40 day Devotional. She is also a contributing writer for Fulfilled: The NIV Devotional Bible for Single Women. Dr. Sheila is nationally recognized as a mentor and an advocate for women in ministry. An honorary council member of the Fellowship of Professional Women, she is a fan of Mickey Mouse and “enjoys traveling the world, writing and ministering to God’s people.”