Superb Women October 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!

HON. BRENDA HULL THOMPSON

Judge Brenda Hull Thompson is conscientious, well prepared and knowledgeable about the law.

Brenda Hull Thompson is the judge of The Probate Court of Dallas County, Texas. Previously her civil practice focused on estate administration, guardianship administration and family law. The judge attended the University of Maryland, College Park where she received a BS Degree; Boston University graduating with a Master of Arts and Georgetown University, where she received her Juris Doctorate. A former adjunct professor at Texas Wesleyan School of Law teaching mediation and arbitration courses. She was a senior Staff attorney in the Office of the General Counsel for the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C. The judge is a member of the Dallas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Society, Legal Services of North Texas and Dallas Women Lawyer’s Association, to name a few. SHe’s also kind and loving!

SHERECE BEASLEY-RAY

Sherece Beasley-Ray loves to volunteer and participate in community service projects.

Born in Statesboro GA, Sherece Beasley-Ray attended Bryan Adams High School and recently received her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix. The co-owner of RHOyal Poodle Sisters, LLC, Sherece is an office coordinator/clinical trials .gov administrator for Baylor Research Institute. A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Sherece is beautiful, talented and supportive; with a smile that will brighten any room.

AMY WALLACE STEWART, ESQ.

Amy Wallace Stewart has won numerous awards and is lauded for her preparedness, drive and knowledge of the law.

A founding partner of Stewart Law Group PLLC, Amy Wallace Stewart hails from High Point, NC where she attended High Point Central High. She studied Law at the University of Missouri after attending Wake Forest University where she majored in speech communication, played basketball and later coached. She enjoyed stints at Estes Okon Thorne & Carr PLLC; White Wiggins, LLP; and Estes Thorne & Carr. A brilliant attorney, she made history participating in the first virtual jury trial. She’s a wife and mother and has been honored as one of Dallas’ Top 50 Women in Law and in 2022 was selected by Texas Lawyer as one of the three Top Attorneys in Texas. She’s the absolute best!

LETITIA SPEED

Letitia Speed is “officially God’s Apostle.” We also thank this veteran for her service in the army and her continued service for veterans.

Currently working for Overcomers and at Veterans Administration, Veterans Assistance Program and Best Choice Notary Services, Inc. Letitia Speed hails from Tyler, TX where she attended John Tyler High School. A former paratrooper with the 101st Airborne in the U.S. Army, she also worked for the American Heart Association. Letitia attended Texas College, received an associates degree in business management from Dallas College where she was also named Outstanding Management Student of the Year, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Northwood University. She studied Theology at Dallas Baptist University and received her MBA in Human Resources Management from Strayer University. She is currently a doctoral student. A member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, serving on a regional level, Letitia will uplift your spirits and put a smile on your face.

BEVERLY FELLS JONES

Beverly Fells Jones is an inspirational speaker, author and coach.

An instructor at Jose Silva’s UltraMind ESP Systems and independent associate for Legalshield, as well as owner at Commanding Your Life Coaching and Training; Beverly Fells Jones is a former consultant/senior instructor at Hewlett-Packard and senior instructor at IBM. She graduated from Rankin High School in Rankin, PA and studied at Dallas Baptist university, receiving her MBA. In 2016 she received the Internet Radio Star Award (IRSA) for Best Podcaster of the Year. This divorced mother of two and grandmother of two loves to travel and “try new and exciting things.” Everywhere she goes she takes that positive spirit and beautiful smile. Check her out at CommandingYourLife.com

ROCHELLE BROWN

Talk about an infectious laugh, Rochelle Brown knows how to put a smile on your face!

Born Ellen Rochell Brown, in DentonTX., she was a long time award-winning, highly respected television producer and journalist. After graduating from the Dallas Public School System, Brown attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas where she received her B.F.A. degree in broadcast film arts in 1971. After completing a summer fellowship at Columbia University in New York City, Brown worked as a news researcher for NBC News in New York City. She was an anchor reporter in New York before returning home in 1978 to work for KDFW-TV as the community affairs director. As executive producer, she created “Insights” a popular public affairs program, which she also hosted.

LANESHA GIPSON

LaNesha Gipson is using her extensive background in Public Relations and Marketing to help people improve their lives.

LaNesha Gipson hails from Fort Worth, TX and she is the owner of Periscope Life Coach. A graduate of Arlington Heights High School, she also attended the University of North Texas where she was active with the National Association of Black Journalists and participated in the Dallas- Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists Urban Journalism Workshop. A wife and mother, LaNesha is a certified Professional Life Coach with supplementary certifications in Happiness and Life Purposes niches. She previously worked as a senior communication specialist at American Airlines and Greyhound Lines, Inc.; as a media relations specialist at National Center for Policy Analysis, and as a PR and Marketing specialist for Affiliated Media Group. Check her out www.periscopelife.com.

ODELL LEE

Odell Lee is an education professional in Duncanville ISD.

Odell Lee has her wellness coach certification and she received a Bachelor
of Applied Science and Masters degrees in Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling and Mental and Social Health Services/ Counseling all from Dallas Baptist University. A member of the American Association of Christian Counseling, she has served as a board member of the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas, the Celebrating Life Foundation and Women’s Southwest Federal Credit Union. Graduate of L. G. Pinkston High, in addition to teaching at Dallas College and Everest College; she has been a case manager for Youth Advocate Progams, Inc. and an educator with Lancaster Independent School District.

COLLETTE FLANAGAN

She is on a mission and Collette Flanagan is about effecting change.

The Founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality (MAPB), Collette Flanagan is a former IBM executive. In November 2014, she led a delegation of Mothers to Washington, DC, where MAPB held the first congressional briefing to Superb Women October 2022 demand a national response to police violence and to press for federal reforms to end abusive, militarized, and biased policing, particularly of African American and Latino communities. A popular speaker, she is the recipient of two Fellowships: Echoing Green and Black Male Achievement. Collette recently testified before the United Nations Human Rights Council, discussing “racial justice and equality in law enforcement.”

MYRTIS EVANS

Myrtis Evans is the epitome of a servant leader. The perfect volunteer

Myrtis Evans is the person you call when you want results. Always pleasant and attentive, Myrtis is skilled, knowledgeable and efficient. A legislative aide for Texas Senatorial District 23, she also served for a State Representative. She has also served as a Dallas County Elections Clerk and City of Dallas Senior Affairs Commissioner. A kind and giving person, Myrtis is politically astute and totally engaged. She’s someone you want on your team because she is results oriented and focused.

CIERRA BUSBY

Is a User Experience Writer and Digital Strategist

Cierra Busby is a Manager of Digital and Social Media at UT Southwestern Medical Center and has also enjoyed stints at Service Lloyds Insurance Company as a Marketing and Communications. Coordinator, at Spa Sydell Integrative Aesthetics as a Client Services Manager and also as a Media Relations Manager. A graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Cierra is a wife and mother with impeccable credentials and an extensive portfolio.

SAKINA G. JACKSON

An author and entrepreneur, Sakina G. Jackson is a superstar.

Hailing from Dallas, TX, Sakina G. Jackson studied at Texas State University where she received court clerk certification and she studied business management at Dallas College. A graduate of Wilmer-Hutchins High School, she is the CEO at Big Toe Seasonings & Maestro’s Exclusive Culinary Experience and the Founder of Big Toe Seasonings LLC. She’s a youth empowerment speaker, writer, poetess, radio talk show host and publisher with a vibrant and loving personality. The inspiring and challenging Sakina uses her many talents for the betterment of society and others.

DALPHNE DAVIS

Dalphne Davis is a loving wife and mother who loves helping others.

Dalphne Davis is the talk show host of Dallas High Life, and an author and real estate broker at BELLA HAUS REALTY. She studied Business Administration at UNT and real estate at Cedar Valley College. The graduate of David W. Carter High School also received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Small Business Entrepreneurship at Texas Woman’s University. Full of energy, enthusiasm and commitment, Dalphne is a go-getter.

MARJORIE CRAFT

Marjorie Bowens Craft has several “firsts ” in her portfolio, where she has also been the best!

She has served on the Board of Trustees for then University of North Texas System and Marjorie Craft was a Divisional Director or Pizza Hut, and Executive Director for DISD. Shen received her BS degree in Food Service Management and Nutrition from UNT and a Master’s Degree in Management from Texas Woman’s University. She is on the Hamilton Park High School Wall of Fame and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links Inc. She was one of 25 successful women profiled in the book, “Women Who Have Won.”

NICOLE WILLIAMS

The multi-talented Nicole Williams is on the move!

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Institutional Administration from Texas Woman’s University and Masters degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management from National American University. She has enjoyed stints in Human Resources at Allstate, Baylor Scott & White Health and Ryan LLC. and as an office coordinator for First Texas Homes. Presently a Learning Systems Manager at Albertsons Companies, she has also been an editor/writer for Beyond Xart Production and held positions at Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, National American University and Steiner Education.

PASTOR JADA EDWARDS

Author, speaker, bible teacher and mentor, Pastor Jada Edwards uplifts and inspires.

Jada Edwards is the Women’s Pastor and Creative Services Director for One Community Church in Collin County. A wife and mother, Pastor Jada has a Masters Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Strategy. She has dedicated her life to equipping women of all ages and stages of life with practical, biblical truths designed to help them live authentic and transparent lives. Previously serving in the youth and singles ministries at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, many have been blessed by her insightful messages and loving spirit.

ETHEL ANDERSON MYMBS

If every HBCU alum was as supportive and devoted as the beautiful, intelligent and vibrant Ethel A. Mymbs, all HBCUs would be thriving!

Ethel Anderson Mymbs served as a Director at the Social Securitym Administration and is now enjoying retirement, while continuing a life of service. A former Clerical Assistant at Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Ethel went to Wheatley High School in San Antonio, TX and then studied Elementary Education at Huston-Tillotson University and Urban and Regional Planning at Trinity University. A member of Links Inc., serving in several leadership positions, Ethel was a trustee for her alma mater, Huston-Tillotson University and is listed in the Congressional Directory.

ATTY. ASHLEI GRADNEY

Atty. Ashlei Gradney has worked on some high profile cases and she is a servant leader.

A graduate of Cathedral Christian (Legacy) High School, Ashlei Gradney received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Master of Business Administration from Lamar University and a Doctor of Law (J.D.) member of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, Dallas Bar Association, Texas Bar Association and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, Ashlei has practiced at Ursus Holdings, LLC; Law Office of Audrey Moorehead, PLLC,; and Kastl Law, P.C. She is the managing shareholder/attorney at Gradney, PC focusing on Family Law, Probate, Injury/Death cases and Business matters. Find out more at www.gradneylegal.com.

SONJA A. BROWN

They call her the “GOAL DIGGER Coach.” Vibrant, engaging and committed!

The Honorable Sonja A. Brown is the Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Glenn Heights, TX. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from Canterbury University, Sonja is a Lead Communications coordinator for Lancaster ISD and she has worked as a Goal Coach for The Diana Prince Group and she is the owner and visionary of JOLT Total Fitness University, which is dedicated to Student Athletes; and JOLT Wellness which is dedicated to eradicating Alzheimer’s Disease and tackling childhood obesity.

FELICIA FRAZIER

Felicia Frazier is a motivator and mentor, moving people to stability and self-sufficiency.

Felicia Frazier is the Founder and Executive Director of The Chocolate MINT Foundation. She is an innovative thinker with 10 years of experience in nonprofit and a vocal advocate for African Americans living in poverty in southern Dallas County and neighboring areas. Hailing from Dallas, Felicia attended Dallas College. She also worked at The Keyven Lewis Foundation and the Medical Edge Healthcare Group, and owned School Zone. An influential highly regarded professional, mentor and a person of integrity, she relates well with adults, adolescents, youth and children. A caring leader, ready to face the challenges ahead she has dedicated her life to serving others.

A. SHONN BROWN

A. Shonn Brown is co-founder of The Village Giving Circle and past chair of Texas Women’s Foundation.

A. Shonn Brown is recognized as a corporate and community leader for her strategic planning, risk management, governance and advocacy skills. Shonn is an active leader in the legal profession with extensive service on the Dallas Bar Association Board of Directors, where she has led the development of a leadership program for women lawyers and has held the positions of Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-Chair. Shonn’s business leadership has been recognized numerous times, including by D CEO as one of the top 500 business leaders in Dallas and by the Dallas Business Journal for both their Top Women in Business and Top Minorities in Business awards. She is an alumna of Southern Methodist University where she received both her Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate degrees and has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumna of both the Law School (2016) and the University (2022). A of The Link’s Inc. and Jack and JIll of America, Shonn is a true community servant leader. She received the Humanitarian Award from the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

AUDRA SCOTT

Audra Scott is the voice, the pipes, the beauty, the brains and the stage presence.

Award-winning Audra Scott is Head of Vocal Studies at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Co-chief Executive Officer at Music Mentors of Texas. A graduate of O.D. Wyatt, she studied music at Prairie View A&M University, vocal and musical performance at SMU and music at the University of Arizona; she has released her first cd; A collection of spirituals and hymns that have been arranged with elements of jazz and classical. Entitled, A Long Road, the single is, “Wade in the Water.”

AMBER HAMILTON GREGG

Amber Hamilton Gregg received this year’s Texas A&M University School of Law’s Community Impact Alumni Legacy Award.

Atty. Amber Hamilton Gregg is President-Elect of the JL Turner Legal Association and Dallas Bar Association board member. A former Dallas County district attorney, Amber also enjoyed stints at Brenda Williams & Associates, as an intern with Dallas County and Tarrant County District Attorney offices and as a law clerk for Texas Attorney General and The Honorable Sam A. Lindsay, the 1st African American Judge appointed to the Northern District of Texas. Amber received a Bachelor’s Degre in Business Administration/Business Management and a Juris Doctorate from Texas A&M University. A wife and mother, Amber is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

LATONJA BLAIR

Talk about a songbird. LaTonja Blair has that VOICE!

Hailing from Fort Worth, LaTonja Blair is a wife and mother. She is known as the Psalmist of Deliverance. An executive assistant at New Breed Christian Center, this talented songstress is a recording artist and a minister of the Gospel. Her voice opens up hearts and often when she sings, she moves many to tears. She’s also a writer and a lyricist. Lady Blair is an active member of AIM-Association of Independent Ministries. Check out her songs and albums on YouTube, Apple Music and on social media, or log on to www.latonjablair.com for more.

GAYE ARBUCKLE

Vibrant, smart, talented, energetic and beautiful inside and out.

Native Dallasite Gaye Arbuckle graduated from David W. Carter High School and went on to study at Prairie View A&M University. She is a national recording artist who has been in the music business for more than 25 years. She is also a praise and worship minister, choir director, and vocal instructor. A multi-talented artist and accomplished thespian, she has been featured on two Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) albums. She also helps worship leaders, choir directors, solo artists, and singing groups with vocal technique, song selection, and stage presence. Check her out at www. gayearbuckle.com.

HON. THELMA CLARDY

Hon. Thelma Clardy is not just a sweetheart because she was born on February 14!

Hailing from Tulsa, OK, Atty. Thelma Sanders Clardy is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She received a BS Degree in Political Science from Tennessee State University and a JD Degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University. Prior to opening the Law office of Thelma Clardy, she enjoyed stints at Robinson & West and Legal Services of North Texas. She focuses on family and probate law including but not limited to divorces, custody, child support, post divorce matters, modifications, grandparent rights, wills, heirships, trusts, guardianships, juvenile matters, and limited civil matters. A co-founder of the Dallas Association of Black Women’s Attorneys which merged with the J.L. Turner Legal Assoc. Thelma also served on the DeSoto TX City Council.

DR. DAINA RAMEY BERRY

Dr. Berry is a scholar of the enslaved and a specialist on gender and slavery as well as Black women’s history. Her work champions the history of the enslaved and amplifies their voices.

Dr. Daina Ramey Berry Is Michael Douglas Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts at University of California, Santa Barbara. Previously she was Chair of the History Department and the Oliver H. Radkey Regents Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Daina has also taught at Michigan State and Arizona State Universities. She is an award-winning author and co-wrote A Black Women’s History of the United States (with Dr. Kali Nicole Gross). Also she is the author of The Price for Their Pound of Flesh. She completed her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in African American Studies and U.S. History at UCLA.

GWEN TOLBART

Gwen Tolbert is a third generation born Canadian who loves the snow, but hates the cold!

Gwen Tolbart received a BA in Journalism from Montreal’s Concordia University and is a Social Science graduate of Dawson College. The NABJ member has worked at CTV’s Montreal CFCF-12 and KTVT CBS-11 before moving to the DMV area to work at Fox 5 DC. In 2016 she received President Obama’s “Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service.” She owns “Tolbart Talks” and works as a Motivational and Keynote Speaker, Emcee, Seminar leader and Speaking Coach. A member of the National Speaker’s Association she was First Runner-Up in their ”USA National Keynote Speaking Competition.” Gwen is genuine, supportive and committed. And you can trust her weather reports!

DR. BRENDA WALL

As the hosts of Call Dr. Wall on Soul 73 KKDA, Dr. Brenda Wall hosted opened up the airwaves to discuss any and everything!

Dr. Brenda Wall hails from Portsmouth, VA where she gradated from I.C. Norcom High School. a graduate of Vassar College Dr. Wall is a licensed psychologist and ordained minister. She has focused her professional career on the empowerment of marginalized communities and understanding across cultural divides. She has had the opportunity to work with many different kinds of people in several unique situations: from work in television and radio to supporting those fairly and unfairly incarcerated; from work in private practice to pro bono work with the homeless; from work in the university setting to work in church ministry. An author and popular speaker, she is the best at what she does.

JAMELIA LEHN

A wife and mother, Jamlia Stanford Lehn cares about family!

Described as a very knowledgeable accounting, finance and D&I subject matter expert, Jamelia Lehn is an excellent teacher, mentor and coach. Still new to her job as the Chief Financial Officer at Roots Management Group, Jamelia Lehn held severed upper management with Aimbridge Hospitality, Goldman Sachs, Ashford Hospitality Trust, Prime Income Asset Management.She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Dallas Baptist University and a M.S. Degree in Accounting from the University of Dallas. A certified public accountant, Jamelia is a consummate professional who is highly respected and praised.

ERICA CAMPBELL

Grammy Award Winner Erica Campbell had some outstanding performances with her sister Tina as the group Mary Mary.

An author and the host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell,” on Urban One, she is an urban contemporary gospel, Christian R&B and contemporary R&B singer and songwriter. She has released two solo albums as well as seven albums with her sister. Her debut solo album “Help” won a 2015 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album as well as eight Stellar Awards. Erica is talented, beautiful, creative and engaging. Her beautiful personality and spirit comes across in all of her performances, whether she is speaking or singing. Family is important to Erica and this is very apparent in her words, work and deeds.