Superb Women: July 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!

AELICIA “CHOCOLATE” WATSON

Aelicia Watson is an Urban Missionary. She ministers to those in need of support, compassion, understanding and love.

Affectionately known as “Chocolate,” Aelicia Watson is the founder and executive director of Redeemed Women. A graduate of Dallas Can Academy, she received an Associates Degree in Child Development from Eastfield College. A sought-after speaker and community servant, Chocolate is the author of “Anointed – a survivor’s story…from unspeakable pain to undeniable joy.” She is a survivor of teen pregnancy, sexual abuse, bone cancer, breast cancer, homelessness and life. Find out more about Aelicia and Redeemed Women at www.redeemedwomen.org.

ANTOINETTE TITUS

LAUGHING all the time, LOVING a lot, LIVING happily and well, that’s Antoinette Titus; talented, beautiful and smart.

Antoinette Titus is the visionary, founder and CEO of In the Spirit Entertainment and In the Spirit Foundation arts and culture arts and entertainment. She’s a former contract special investigator for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and project management intern for The Exchange. A graduate of Booker T. Washington for the Performing Arts Magnet High School, Antoinette received an Associates Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations from Cedar Valley College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Dallas Baptist University, a Bachelor’s Degree of Applied science from Dallas Baptist University and a BBA Degree from American InterContinental University.

BENNIE BROWN

Happy belated birthday to homegirl, Bennie Brown — a true community servant!

Bennie Brown attended Wilmer-Hutchins High School and the Business and Management Center. A small business owner, she has owned a Tax Services business for almost 20 years and also acquired a home healthcare agency. Bennie is a graduate of Leadership Southwest. She served as the President of the A.W. Brown Charter School Foundation; DeSoto Chamber Executive Board; Executive Chair, for A.W. Brown Celebrity Golf Tournament; and recent past Treasurer, DeSoto Chamber. Bennie successfully managed all aspects of contract management for Exchange, formerly known as the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), specific areas of expertise include IT contract management, logistics, construction and capital improvements.

ALICIA SANDERS

Alicia Sanders is a social and environmental justice advocate, and equally important, she is a veteran!

She spent almost a quarter of a century working for the Federal Government in several positions and serving in the U.S. Army. Alicia received an associates of arts and sciences from Dallas College, and a BA in sociology and an MBA in Management from Dallas Baptist University where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Omega. Alicia is a member of the International Association of Women, Women’s Board of the Chicago Urban League, Federally Employed Women (FEW) and Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. She serves as a board member for ARISE! International Inc, and she has volunteered extensively for numerous organizations including the American Heart Association, Friendship-West Baptist Church, Disciple Central Community Church, Susan G. Komen and JAZZ Desires.

HONORABLE CHERYL WILLIAMS

She is a lifetime member of the NAACP; a member of the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; and past chair of the Mustang District of Circle Ten Council of Boy Scouts of America.

Judge Cheryl Williams is a municipal judge for the city of Dallas. She received her bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Missouri School of Law. After law school, Judge Williams served as an Enforcement Attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Later in her private practice, she represented individuals in civil and criminal cases. Judge Williams is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and has served as chair of the board of directors of the Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.

RHONDA PENNINGTON-LAMB

Honest, sincere and loving; that’s Rhonda Pennington. She’s a consummate professional who is family-oriented and a joy to be around.

Currently the Chief Deputy (Chief of Operations) at Dallas County Clerk’s office, Rhonda Pennington previously worked as an investigator for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services doing very important work conducting investigations of child abuse and neglect. She also enjoyed a stint at Citi Capital Commercial Corporation. A graduate of North Dallas High School, Rhonda received a Bachelor’s degree with honors and an MBA from Northwood University. A wife and mother, Rhonda is widely respected and loved!

CRYSTAL ARMSTRONG

Crystal Armstrong is an international traveler who specializes in marketing strategy, public relations and branding.

Crystal Armstrong is the president and chief consultant at Crystallized Consulting. A former assistant director at Paul Quinn College, Crystal worked as a financial analyst for EmCare, a contract property accountant at Randstad of North America and Riverstone Residential Group and she also worked as an area investment sales and compliance assistant at Citigroup, Inc. A graduate of Spelman College with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Crystal is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and she attended Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center.

ADRIENNE WILSON

Adrienne Wilson has spent the majority of her life helping others. She’s a student’s best hope.

Adrienne Wilson hails from Dallas and attended Thomas Jefferson High School, before majoring in English at Bishop College. She worked for Dallas County Community College – specifically Mountain View College and Paul Quinn College. At Paul Quinn she served as Project director-Upward Bound Program/academic coordinator. She has been committed to helping students and she loves the work she does!

JUNA JONES MOORE

Juna Jones Moore is an experienced Diversity Advocate & Talent Acquisition Consultant.

A graduate of H. Grady Spruce High School, Juna Jones Moore studied at Texas A&M University-Commerce and the University of North Texas. While at Texas A&M she was President and Dean of Pledgees for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen before graduating with a BS degree in sociology. She went on to receive a Master of Public Administration Degree in Human Resources. Juna is also a member of Links Inc. and the Dallas Chapter of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, Texas Diversity Council, NAAWLI, Inc., and UNT Management Advisory Board College of Business. A certified diversity professional, Juna has a long history of public/community service and volunteerism.

PATRICIA JOHNSON

Every college or university would benefit significantly from having an alum like Patricia Johnson.

A graduate of Skyline High School, Patricia Johnson attended Paul Quinn College. For years she has served as the director of Alumni and Parent Relations at Paul Quinn College, Patricia is loyal, faithful and one of her alma mater’s most devoted alums. Patricia has been the link between generations of students who walked the halls of the campus or sat in chapel, whether in WACO, and eventually Dallas. She leaves no one behind, being a source of inspiration and support to everyone, including the staffers, professors and administrators.

KELLY ALLEN GRAY

The Hon. Kelly Allen Gray has a spirit of service and volunteerism. She gives and gives, without seeking praise or accolades.

Kelly Allen Gray is the Executive Director of the AIDS OUTREACH CENTER in Fort Worth. Prior to joining, she served nine years and half years of service on Fort Worth City Council. A graduate of Polytechnic High School and Texas A&M -Commerce where she received a BA degree in English Language and Literature/Letters. She also is a Certified Housing Finance Professional. A servant leader, this wife and mother is heavily involved in community activities and programming. She’s always doing something to serve. Previously she served as the executive director of the United Riverside Rebuilding Corporation.

FRANCES SMITH-DEAN

Focused, driven and always uplifting others, that’s Frances Smith-Dean and she’s a giant in the financial services industry.

The Executive Director of Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center, Frances Smith-Dean hails from New Orleans, LA. She received a BS Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Xavier University of Louisiana, an MS Degree in Mathematics and a postgraduate certificate in education from Tulane University. Frances is a Doctor of Education candidate in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from Trident University International. She is the owner of The Financial Educator, LLC., a former adjunct faculty instructor at Richland College.
Frances is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

JEANETTA BRITT

Jeanetta Britt wears a smile with grace, charm and love!

Hailing from Eufaula, AL where she attended Wallace High School, Jeanetta Britt went on to Fisk University where she graduated with honors and then she attended the University of Michigan. A writer, poet and bestselling author, Jeanetta, after completing a rewarding professional career in public administration in Dallas, TX, returned to her native Alabama to write and to live. Check out how you can purchase her nine novels and seven books of poetry at www.jbrittbooks.com. Jeanetta is a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

PAULA BIGGURS

Paula Biggurs makes you feel good all over.

Paula Biggurs is who you think of when you think of good company and good food. After graduating from Hillcrest High School, she studied at the Aladdin Beauty College, so she is always looking good. Paula is involved and engaged in the community and when she opened her restaurant, Nana B’s, the support was there because she has been so supportive for so long. Then too, the food is great. Paula has a heart of gold. She pours into others and that helps make this world a better place!

KAREN G. WILLIAMS

Spiritually grounded and focused, meet Karen G. Williams.

Karen G. Williams is a real estate agent with Real Estate Agent Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers after stints with Keller Williams Realty and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Prior to her venturing into real estate, Karen was a Senior Geological Technician or Specialist at several corporations, including: Union Pacific Resources, Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation, Crown West Operating, and Enduro Resource Partners LLC. She received her BA degree in Business Administration, Communication from Dallas Baptist University and an MA in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

CHERYL KIDD

Cheryl Kidd will teach you a thing or two on the dance floor!

Dallas royalty, Cheryl Kidd is a Grants & Contracts Specialist at The Salvation Army of North Texas and owner at KIDDGlove Events (A full service event management company where details make the difference). A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she also served stints at A.W. Brown Leadership Academy, Urban League of Greater Dallas, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth and Physician’s Education Resources. She attended Ursuline Academy and is a graduate of Fisk University, where she studied sociology, and she received a Master’s of Public Health – Health Services Administration at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

MARYANETTE BEAL

Maryanette Beal is a survivor.

Maryanette Beal is a self-published author, Travel Consultant at Melodic Travels and M’Hogany. A US Army veteran, she graduated from David W. Carter High School and studied Pharmacy at Remington College. Always wearing a smile, she is loving, giving and supportive. Talk about a beautiful spirit, Maryanette is respectful, kind and considerate. She has had numerous challenges in life but you won’t know it by looking into her eyes, because she is at peace, self-actualized, and living life to its fullest!

OSCAR FAYE WILLIAMS

Oscar Faye Williams is retired and continuing to live life like it’s golden!

A Jacksonville, TX native, Oscar Faye Branch Williams is a graduate of East Texas State University where she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and went on to become president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology and the member of Friendship-West Baptist Church retired as an Assistant Director for City of Dallas. She was a member of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Dallas Chapter (Associates’ Chair); TBAAL Board of Directors; Branch, Roland, Hilliard Educational Support, Inc. (Board Chair); Texas Grassroots Basketball, Inc. (President); to name a few. In addition to community service, she loves traveling and gardening.

HATTIE MARIE GARRETT NEWHOUSE

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for more than 50 years, Hattie Marie Garrett Newhouse is a servant leader.

A Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Hattie Marie Garrett Newhouse received a BA in Business Administration (Prairie View A&M University) and MLA (Southern Methodist University), she is a retired Contract Manager and Human Resource Training Manager. A member of Cedar Crest Cathedral Christian Methodist Episcopal, her community involvement included African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) Board Member, Association of Jack & Jill of America, Dallas Chapter, Texas Women’s Foundation (formerly Dallas Women’s Foundation), Dallas Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Alumni Association – Life Member, Southern Methodist University (SMU) Alumni Association, Top Ladies of Distinction, Church Women United-Dallas, African American Museum, Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

EULASTINE (EULA) WOODBERRY’S

Eulastine (Eula) Woodberry’s hobbies include praying, serving as a mentor, reading, and traveling.

Eulastine (Eula) Woodberry attended West Texas State University where she received BBA in Management (West Texas State University) and then went on to receive her MBA (Amber University). A member of Saintsville Sanctuary Church of God in Christ, she has extensive community involvement including Saintsville Sanctuary COGIC –President, Missionary Department, Vice President Youth Department, Saintsville District Women’s Department – President, District Missionary Department, Texas Northeast 1 Jurisdiction Department of Women Leader, Dodd Education and Support, Inc. – Past Chairman of the Board of Directors, Financial Secretary National Association of Parliamentarians –TSAP (Texas State Association of Parliamentarians). She has served in numerous capacities including chapter president, for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

AUTUMN BROWN YARBROUGH

Beauty and haircare are a part of Autumn Brown Yarbrough’s DNA!

Autumn Brown Yarbrough is the founder and CEO of Nu Standard | CBY Beauty Inc., “making hair wellness products for the busy woman the GO!” An honors graduate of the University of Southern California’s Marshall School Business with a BS in Business Administration Management, Autumn Brown Yarbrough is a daughter, wife and mom. After a stint in corporate America, she started her own insurance agency. She had her own issues with chronic hair loss and decided to be proactive. In 2019, she founded CBY Beauty Inc. and launched their first product, Nu Standard’s Take N Go™ Daily Hair Vitamins late fall 2020.

LETISHA HACKETT-NYEMBO

LeTisha Hackett-Nyembo is a director and editor.

She’s talented, creative and energetic! A video editor for PlayersTV, L Myembo Experience and Swagit Productions, LLC, LeTisha Hackett-Nyembo has worked as a Video Production freelancer for the City of Irving and a production artist for 619 Arts and Entertainment. She’s a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in Broadcast Journalism and she attended Dallas College North Lake Campus for cinematography and Film/Video Production.

ZOLEAN BRUNER

Zolean Bruner is an event manager, designer, coordinator and planner.

A Dallas native, Zolean Bruner graduated from Lake Highlands High School and studied event planning at Mountain View College. The owner, planner and designer at Kingdom Affair Events, she also worked as an administrative assistant for the Texas American Federation of Teachers – Alliance of Dallas Educators. A graduate of the Capital One Getting Down to Business Program in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies, she has volunteered as an event coordinator of Genesis Women’s Shelter and as president of Sister’s Network Dallas, Inc. Chapter; to name a few.

DR. AUDREY NEWSOME

Dr. Audrey Newsome cares and she is committed.

Dr. Audrey Newsome is the CEO and founder of the Bully Suicide Project and she is dedicated to ending bullying and suicides of youth through education and the newest initiative, serving homeless Women Veterans and she’s also the president/CEO of Campus Harmony, Inc. Hailing from Wilmington, DE, where she graduated from Howard High School. She attended the University of Texas at Austin Dr. Audrey where she received her Ph.D in Education Administration and Policy Development. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she’s a United States Marine Corps Veteran.

ISIS BRANTLEY

Isis Brantley is beautiful inside and out. A master braider, her spirit is captivating and inspiring!

Isis Brantley is the CEO and Founder of NaturallyIsis. Hailing from Dallas, she graduated from Skyline High School and studied. Theater at the University of North Texas. For more than 30 years, Isis has been an advocate for Black ancestral culture and she is the founder of The Institute of Ancestral Braiding, offering a holistic journey of outer and inner beautification for the Goddesses of the African diaspora. Isis knows hair and hair care. She made headlines decades ago when she challenged the state of Texas’ attempts to enact legislation that would require a hair braider to obtain a cosmetology license. Isis knows hair and she is about the business of ensuring that those who practice in the natural hair space are treated fairly. She’s the best!

DR. TAMIKA PERRY

Dr. Tamika Perry is an experienced Family Physician with a demonstrated history in the healthcare industry.

A graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Doctorate of Medicine in osteopathic medicine/osteopathy; she received her BS degree in Biology and Biological Sciences from Prairie View A&M University. She then attended the University of North Texas where she received a Master of Public Health in Health Management and Policy. She is the co-founder of Redbird Community Clinic and a founding member of Uptown Health & Wellness Center and currently she is a family practice physician at WellMed Medical Management. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Dr. Perry loves to travel, cook, listen to music and read.

VERLENE MITCHELL

Verlene Mitchell is a businesswoman with a commitment to family and her faith.

Verlene Mitchell hails from Statesboro, Ga., but she has made Dallas her home for decades. A graduate of Statesboro High School, she studied at Northwood University. Verlene retired from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) after 30 years. She is also the owner of Verl’s Creation Florist Shop. A wife, mother, and grandmother, Verlene has been active with the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce and she’s a pro at designing beautiful displays and arrangements. A consummate professional, family is very important to Verlene and she is full of love and support.

VIKKI COLEMAN

Vikki R. Coleman is a homegirl who has done better than good!

Vikki R. Coleman graduated from South Oak Cliff High School and went to Paul Quinn College where she received a BS degree in Organizational Management. She also studied at Clark Atlanta (biology and computer science), received her MBA from the University of Phoenix and an MS in Human Resources Management at Dallas Baptist University. She’s also an entrepreneur, the owner of Scribbles Learning Center, since 2001. Vikki is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Phi Delta Kappa Sorority. Stylishly dressed, she always has a smile and a kind word.

RENETTA WESLEY

Renetta Wesley is more than a role model. She has a servant heart.

Renetta Wesley is a whole lot more. She is smart, focused and committed. She’s patient, kind, loving and supportive. Renetta attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she majored in elementary education and went on to become a middle school teacher. A wife and mother, she is a philanthropist, humanitarian and spiritually grounded. Renetta Wesley invented a Wi-Fi-enabled emergency notification lighting system to help better communities and reduce crime (RCAMS-Residential Community Alert Mounted Strobe). She is also an author and she also launched the 32-Day Challenge to mark Relationship Awareness Month – August.

BRIDGETT LADAWN WASHINGTON

Bridgett LaDawn Washington is all of that! And then some!

Celebrity Makeup artist extraordinaire, beautiful Bridgett LaDawn Washington is the owner of GlamouRx, CEO of Shopthecurrentsee, and she can make great things happen for you. Just look at her! Hailing from Inglewood CA, she is one of the best things to happen to DFW! A graduate of Homewood – Flossmoor High School, Bridgett is a hairstylist at Pantene Pro-V and makeup artist at WFAA-TV and 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment. Her work has been utilized at Style Network, Essence, BET, Good Morning America, AT&T, Sony Electronics, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and NBC.

PAIGE STEWART

A native of Dallas, Paige Stewart is a servant leader with a kind heart and spirit.

A graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a degree in mass communication and a degree in public administration at Texas Southern University; Paige Stewart is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She has worked as a public relations coordinator at State Fair of Texas, reporter at ICTN-TV, web and news content producer at CBS-DFW , writer/associate/producer at CW33 and former producer at KTRE. She’s a graduate of Townview Magnet High School.