Superb Women September 2021

M. YOLANDA NOLAN

Yolanda Nolan knows what it means to serve

Little Rock’s Yolanda Nolan attended the hisotric Central High School, then went to Langston University, Ok where she was initiated into the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and she received a B.S. in Sociology (University of Arkansas – Little Rock) and Masters in Social Work (Washington University, St. Louis. MO) A social worker/college administrator, Yolanda is an Asso. Executive Director for Association for Independent Living. She also worked for Dallas County Community College District as a District Director. She is a member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church. Her community involvement includes African American Museum, St. Luke UMC Mental Health Ministry, Pelican Missionary Ministries (Mission trip to Puerto Rico) Youth Advocate, Founder of Our Brother’s Keeper-NDUGU, Inc. – a non-profit youth agency. She was a 2002 Recipient of the Prism Award through the Dallas Mental Health Association and she is a member of Leadership Dallas Class of 1999. Yolanda loves gardening (indoor and outdoor), reading, art (drawing, painting and art museums) and traveling.

DR. FELICIA SHEPHERD

A 2019 graduate of Leadership Southwest, Dr. Felicia Shepherd was named 2021 Mentor of the Year Finalist for the Women of Visionary Influence (WOVI).

Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd is Founder/CEO of FiNeSse Enterprises LLC. and graduate of W.W. Samuell High School; Texas Southern University with a B.S. in Political Science, a M.Ed (Elementary Education & School Counseling), and a PhD. in Higher Education from Texas A&M- Commerce. Dr. Shep was a teacher, professor, school counselor and columnist. The author of Oh My Gosh! Not Another Mean Girl: Helping Girls with Relational Aggressio, she received the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Award, the Excellence in Achievement Award in Business from Texas Southern University, presidential recognition from the National Society of Leadership and Success, and was named to Who’s Who in Black Dallas in 2016 and the African American Educator of Excellence Award from the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education. She is a member of the Dallas Alumni Chapter of Texas Southern University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Texas Counselor Association, Texas School Counselor Association, and Women of Visionary Influence.

PATRICIA CLARK WEBB

Patricia Clark Webb is a dynamic leader, servant.

Patricia Clark Webb is the Executive Dean Economic and Workforce Development and she is celebrating 37 years at Dallas County Community College District — serving as professor and assistant dean. A born leader, in 1995 she was Teacher of the Year for DCCCD and in 2015 she was Administrator of the Year. Previously Pat was a manager at Southwestern Bell/ AT&T. Hailing from Alexandria, LA, Pat graduated Peabody Magnet High School. A graduate of Bishop College with a degree in Speech Communication, she completed post graduate work at UNT and received a M.S. in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University. Pat is a wife, mother and grandmother, writer, editor and community leader/servant. She has received numerous awards and been featured in publications because of her visionary leadership and organizational skills, as well as her community service as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and she has held leadership positions including South Central Regional Conference Chairman.

JUNE JENKINS

June Jenkins is progressive-minded and an advocate for justice and social reform

June Jenkins is a promotional products consultant, with years of experience with CFJ Legacy Group and Impressive Images. She says, “We help our clients market and promote their business by leveraging their website, social media, and technology.” A graduate of Cave Spring High School, she received a B.A. degree in Math/Computer Science from Stephens College. After graduation, June spent 17 years at Electronic Data Systems as a Technology Team Manager and Program Director. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, June served as Chair of the Technology Task Force. She was also on the Board of Directors – Technology for National Sales Network. June is president of the Collin County NAACP, which she was instrumental in activating in 2016. In 2020 she was recognized in the #GirlBoss series “that features leading ladies, directors, presidents and volunteers who are doing selfless things, despite everything 2020 has brought.” June was one of 10 feted for changing Plano.

HON. SHEQUITTA KELLY-JOUBERT

Shequitta Kelly-Joubert’s life is one that is inspiring, thought- provoking and worth sharing because it’s a real testimony of triumph, hope, faith and love.

Her story began long before she became Judge Shequitta Kelly of Dallas County Criminal Court #11. Born in Michigan City, IN, she was a teen mother who was determined to make a good life for herself and her beautiful daughter. Shequitta received a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice prior to receiving a law degree from Indiana University School of Law. Much of her work has focused on prosecuting domestic violence and child abuse cases. As a judge she created the country’s first multi-faceted DV offender program; Intercepted, and she helped create Pipeline to Possibilities, geared towards keeping youth out of the criminal justice system. An active member of Friendship-West Baptist Church, So. Dallas BP&W and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., this wife and mother is founder of The Hair Shield, a satin-lined protective unit used to store, transport and restores beauty to your hair extensions.

MONIQUE MUHAMMAD

Monique Muhammad is an author, Life Coach, Business & Financial Expert, Breast Cancer Survivor, Motivational Speaker, Talk Show Host and Philanthropist.

An active member of Dallas Professional Women, Monique Muhammad runs Monique Je’ Academy, an online school offering financial and professional growth courses. The Chicago native has an impressive resume in business coaching, financial services and education. In 2011 Monique founded Code Pink Productions, a nonprofit organization committed to building a better community by developing the potential of low-income families as well as at-risk girls and women. She is also the CEO/Executive Director at SixSix CBD Inc. Seventeen years ago, as a new mother to a one-year-old and two adopted teen girls, she was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer. Her mother was diagnosed with colon cancer the same week. The two women fought their battles together. Both went into remission, however, her mother passed away in 2009 after her cancer spread. Monique has awarded a scholarship in her mother’s name.

KEESHA WILSON WILLIAMS

A servant leader, Keesha Wilson Williams is a consummate professional who loves to serve.

Keesha Wilson Williams has served as a Leadership and Development Consultant with HMS and Parkland Hospital. She also has an extensive background in training with several corporations, including GENPACT; Nationstar Mortgage; Training Folks, Inc.; hotels.com; and Fidelity Investments. The Skyline High School graduate attended UTA, majoring in Business Administration and Management. Keesha then attended Paul Quinn College, where she studied Organizational Management, Human Resources, Business, Training and Development; and was initiated into the Theta Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA). A certified Executive Coach and Development Dimensions International Certified Facilitator of Learning Systems, the past Basileus (president) of the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of AKA is also their South Central Region Representative-International Nominating Committee. Keesha is also a member of the Trinity Chapter of The Links, Inc.

LINDA MCINTOSH TODD

Linda McIntosh Todd is a businesswoman, community servant and philanthropist.

After almost 30 years of leading diverse teams at Xerox, Linda McIntosh Todd retired as Global Client Manager, but also held several other management positions during her distinguished career. A graduate of Carter High School where she was in the National Honor Society, Lieutenant in the Drill Team (Carter Calicos), Homecoming Queen, Secretary of the Senior Class, Drill Team Lieutenant; she received a BBA Degree in Marketing from UTA and MBA from UTD. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she is also a member of The Links, Inc and she serves on the board of directors for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Linda is a long serving and faithful member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church and she serves on the board of Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center. A wife, mother and grandmother, Linda also serves on the board of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and served as chair of its inaugural Black Heritage Celebration.

DR. ASHLEY HYDER ENGLISH

Dr. Ashley Hyder English was a leader as a student and continues serve and lead.

Dr. Ashley E. Hyder English is an assistant professor of Strategic communication and Champion for Community Engagement at Texas Christian University. The CEO and Founder of Elevated Engagement Consulting worked as a lecturer/graduate assistant at the University of North Texas and a Señior Public Relations & Communications Manager at the Volunteer Center of North Texas. While pursuing a BA degree in journalism with a Public Relations concentration, Ashley served as President of the Amazing Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Coalition of Black Organizations; Parliamentarian of the National Association of Black Journalists; a peer advisor and a Supreme Court Justice of the Student Government Association. She continued her education at UNT, receiving a Masters in Public Administration with a Nonprofit Management Specialization and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and Management. Dr. Ashley is a wife and mother.

JUDGE AUDREY MOOREHEAD

Judge Audrey Moorehead is grounded in faith, leadership, service, community and the law.

The Honorable Audrey F. Moorehead, was named the 2021 Outstanding Jurist by the Dallas Women Lawyer’s Association. A graduate of Huston TIllotson University, she received her MBA from Dallas Baptist University and her JD from the Texas A&M University School of Law. She also studied clinical gerontology at Baylor University. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Judge Audrey is the first woman to be elected Judge of Dallas County Criminal Court #3. She began her professional career with the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas. For 14 years, her practice specialized in Criminal Defense, Domestic Relations, Wills, and Trusts. A born leader, her board service includes: State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, National Bar Association, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, Dallas County Child Welfare Board, CASA Advisory Board, Dallas Legal Hospice, Dallas Women Lawyer’s Association and Texas Women Lawyers Association.

REV. DR. CHALLIS BRADFORD

Pastor Challis Bradford’s smile is the beginning of a wonderful relationship because behind that smile is love, faith, support, strength, perseverance, justice, compassion and so much more as she uplifts.

Rev. Dr. Challis Bradford has served as Senior Pastor at Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church and is now the Servant Leader Pastor of Greater Garth African Methodist Episcopal Church, where they provide home cooked meals and essential clothing, water, and toiletries to the needy. Dr. Bradford studied Business and Accounting at LeTourneau University where she received her MBA. She also attended SMU Perkins School of Theology. Rev. Bradford received her Doctor of Ministry Degree in Adaptive Leadership from Payne Theological Seminary. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Rev. Bradford is a wife and mother and she has worked as a financial analyst at PepsiCo for almost 25 years.

TERESA COLEMAN WASH

Teresa Coleman Wash is celebrating 28 years at the award-winning Bishop Arts Theatre Center.

Since 1993, Teresa Coleman Wash has been Executive Artistic Director/Playwright and Producer at the awardwinning Bishop Arts Theatre Center. Previously she was an account representative at FWOX 97 FM in Atlanta and WVEU TV 69. Teresa received her BBA Degree in Marketing from Albany State University where she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and was Miss Alpha Phi Alpha and 2nd attendant to Miss Albany State University. She was also part of the Royal Passionate Marching Band. She received a MA degree in Theatre/ Theatre Arts Management at Goucher College and she participated in the Chief Executive Program at Harvard Business School. A wife and mother, Teresa is the recipient of several awards including: Obelisk Award for Visionary Arts Leadership 2016, MasterMind Award, Business of The Year Finalist and Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic Community Service Award.

EARTHA MUHAMMAD

Eartha Muhammad will make you fall in love with the navy bean!

Sis. Eartha Muhammad, a member of N.O.I. Muhammad Mosque No. 48 in South Dallas, is the owner of Mother Earth Natural Baked Goods. Although she attended college to become a technical illustrator, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree as she eventually followed the path of a long line of bakers. Hopefully she will be able to interest her children in keeping with tradition! Eartha loves providing healthy, tasty treats and she’s always experimenting in the kitchen, trying to find some new, appetizing and healthy pie, bread or cookie that has customers traveling to enjoy her latest creation. In addition to her various bean pies; she has bean pie cheesecakes, pineapple zucchini muffins, navy bean cakes and navy bean cookies. Eartha impresses people with her work ethic, cleanliness, attention to detail and love for what she does. Reach her at 214-402-3307 or https://motherearthbakedgoods.ecwid.com/.

HON. STEFANI CARTER

Stefani Carter has always been focused and driven. She continues to soar!

Stefani Carter is a commercial litigation and regulatory share- holder at Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC. A Plano East Senior High School grad and Magna Cum Laude grad of UT, she has worked at Vinson & Elkins, litigation boutiques, and Stefani Carter & Associates, LLC. She was an assistant DA and a two-term member of the Texas House. First elected in 2010, Carter made history by becoming the first Republican African-American woman to serve in the Texas House. Ms. Carter is a graduate of Harvard Law School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. As a student, she won scholarships from the Dallas -Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators. Ms. Carter currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. She also serves as Lead Director of the Board of Directors, as Chairperson of the NCG Committee, and a Member of the Related Party Transactions Committee of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

DAISY THOMPSON CRITTON

Daisy Thompson Critton is a nurturer, a servant, a leader.

Daisy Thompson Critton was Initiated into the Delta Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority while attending Bishop College, where she received her BA degree. A retired manager for the City of Dallas, Daisy is a long time member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. She is involved in the NAACP, Women Museum, National Council of Negro Women, Value Perspective Book Club, as Past Vice President of South Dallas Business & Professional Women, AARP, Dodd Education and Support Board of Directors, High Degree Order of Eastern Star, Associate Matron, Rose of the Morning 96B-Order of the Eastern Star and 38th President of Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Her numerous honors include: Order of Eastern Star, South Dallas B&PW, Links Inc., and the City of Dallas. Daisy enjoys reading, solving various computer games and traveling.

SHELLYE JACKSON LYONS

Shellye Jackson Lyons has over 15 years experience in social media management and marketing.

A wife, mother and grandmother, Shellye Lyons has worked at Your MEDIA Girl, Dallas College, 411 Radio Network, The Lyons Group and Paradise Legal Support and Secretarial Services. She is the founder and executive director of the National Business Women Enterprise Network, Inc. An independent beauty consultant for Avon and copyeditor for Shereese Magazine, Shellye received an associates degree in paralegal studies from Oklahoma Junior College where she joined the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and she received an associates degree from Dallas College in business administration/ management where she was a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. A graduate of Muskogee High School and a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students, she studied business management at the University of Phoenix and is pursuing a BS in Law and Policy from Grand Canyon University.

JUDGE RHONDA HUNTER

Rhonda Hunter is Judge of the 303rd Judicial District Court.

Born in Philadelphia PA, Judge Rhonda Hunter integrated T.W. Browne Jr. High School and was one of the African Americans at Kimball High School in Dallas. She graduated from Skyline High School and received a BA from UT and J.D. from SMU. In addition to her law practice, she was a partner with Farrow-Gillespie Heath Witter LLP and she was chief of the Juvenile Division in the Dallas County DA’s office. Judge Hunter is Board Certified in Family Law and Child Welfare Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She was named one of 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas in 2016 and 2017 by D-CEO Magazine and was featured on the cover of the 2016 edition of Texas Superlawyer. A dancer, choreographer and teacher, she was president of Dallas Bar Association, J. L. Turner Legal Association and Dallas Association of Black Women Attorneys.

ALEXIS YANCEY

Alexis Yancey is an award-winning television producer who is owner and executive producer of Alexis Yancey Productions.

Alexis Yancey produces website and crowd funding videos, news shows, stories, feature segments, ads, PSAs and social media with an impressive clientele. A past vice president broadcast of the National Association of Black Journalists and president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators, Ms. Yancey won an Emmy for a special she produced for KERA-TV in 2008. Ms. Yancey produced stories for CBS News programs and in 1997, she won the American Women in Radio and Television Gracie Award for Best Television Feature and the NABJ Best Public Affairs/Newsmagazines Award for Child’s Play. A University of Wisconsin-Madison broadcast journalism major, she was a senior producer at Satellite News Channel and worked at WFAA in Dallas, WBZ-TV in Boston, and WTMJ in Milwaukee. She is co-author of “Divorce, Wilderness Peace: A 40 Day Healing Journey,” to help women and men recovering from broken relationships.

DEMETRIA MCCAIN

Demetria McCain is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – HUD.

Demetria McCain serves as the president of the Inclusive Communities Project, an affordable fair housing nonprofit in Dallas, TX. Skilled in Nonprofit Management, Community Engagement, Community Outreach, Public Speaking, and Public Policy, Demetria is an educator, who served as staff attorney for the National Housing Law Project and Neighborhood Legal Services Program. A graduate of Arts Magnet High School, the native Dallasite received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University and a Master of Fine Arts from City University of New York – Brooklyn College, and she received her JD Degree from Howard University School of Law. She has served as a board member of the National Housing Law Project, North Texas Fair Housing Center and Poverty & Race Research Action Council. This mother and community servant is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and she also volunteered for the League of Women Voters of Dallas.

YVETTE MANGRAM HARRIS

Yvette Mangram Harris is a Sr. Revenue Cycle Manager at ASC at United Surgical Partners International.

Yvette Mangram Harris, the Chief Excellence officer of Elevate with Yvette, is the reigning queen of execution. A graduate of Stratford High School, Yvette received a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University, where she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and a MA in Clinical Sociology from Texas Southern University. She’s a wife and mother and has worked as a Senior Account Manager at Network Science, Senior Business Operations Analyst at Parkland Hospital Systems, director of Access Services at Baylor University Medical Center, and Northeast Region Operations Manager for Dallas MetroCare Services. She has volunteered with Friends of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts (served as President), Queens for Kings, Cedar Hill High School PTSA, and National Pan Hellenic Council of Tarrant County (serving as 2nd Vice President). She’s also a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).

DR. ESTER DAVIS

Known for the Ester Davis Show and owning a red carpet with her style and gracious presentation, Dr. Ester Davis is class personified!

Ester Davis is a host/producer/owner at Community Affairs News Network. An alum of Texas Southern University: her many talents have been utilized as a Model/Commentator at Dallas Market Center; Designer/ Consultant, E Style Catalog for Ebony Magazine; Host/Producer, Community Affairs, (Access-to-Cable-to Network) Comcast Cable Studios; and Assignment Editor -Studios of NBC, Fort Worth (Network, Cable, Digital). She has written for Time Warner, Cox Communications Studios; Pat Summerall Productions, Discovery Channel; DCCable, Voices of PeaceTV (Tarrytown, New York); Dallas Post Tribune, Texas Metro News, Florida Star, Jacksonville & Georgia Star, Atlanta, Elite News; UPI Online; and “World and I” Magazine, Washington, DC, South Korea. She also produced, “On-The-Red-Carpet” w/ Terry Allen. A widow, mother and grandmother; Ester earned a doctorate in religious studies in 2017 from Grace International Seminary.

DR. SHEWANDA RILEY

For two decades Shewanda Riley has provided words of wisdom in her column in the Dallas Weekly

Hailing from San Antonio, TX; Dr. Shewanda Riley is currently celebrating 18 years at Tarrant County College where she is an Assistant Professor of English. For the past 20 years she has been a columnist for The Dallas Weekly and she previously was the news director at KNON Radio. Dr. Riley received her BA degree in English Communications Arts from St. Mary’s University, where she was President of the Black Student Union. She received a MA degree in English Language and Literature/Letters from SMU and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Texas at Arlington. The author of Love Hangover: Moving from Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends, Dr. Riley is a committed educator who has high expectations for all of her students.

DR. JILL WAGGONER

Dr. Jill Waggoner is the gift that just keeps giving by helping patients move toward a healthier lifestyle!

Dr. Jill Waggoner is a graduate of Bishop College and is board certified in family medicine having earned her master’s degree in anatomical sciences and her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She completed her internship and residency at UT and Dr. Jill has certifications in both Preventive Medicine and Wellness Coordination from the prestigious Cooper Institute. A physician at Charlton Medical Group and former COO and Medical Director of the South Texas Medical Center, most recently she received a certification in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University. She is dedicated to teaching her patients how to flourish and embrace better living through better health. This wife and mother; who is a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and an author, is a medical expert trained also in functional and natural medicine. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she’s a highly regarded and sought after speaker.

HONORABLE INGRID MICHELLE WARREN

A mentor and dynamic woman, Judge Ingrid Warren has always been superb and she is the Presiding Judge of Dallas County Probate Court No. 2.

A graduate of Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet, Judge Ingrid Warren received a BS degree from Texas A&M University and a JD from the University of Texas School of Law. Prior to her election, she worked in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas; as a Law Clerk to the Hon. Steven A. Felsenthal; Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C., Bankruptcy Associate; Salomon Smith Barney, Financial Consultant; Mahomes Bolden & Warren, Shareholder; and IWarren, P.C., Shareholder. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Judge Warren is also a member of the State Bar of Texas; Dallas Bar Association; Dallas Branch NAACP; Dallas Estate Planning Council; J.L. Turner Legal Association; State Bar of Texas; YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation Board; Texas Center for the Judiciary; and National College of Probate Judges.

DOMINIQUE BRYANT-HOWELL

Dominique Bryant-Howell is an entrepreneur, financial advisor, women’s life coach, and an executive in the healthcare industry.

Dominique Bryant-Howell is the friend everyone wishes they had: honest, loyal, supportive and sincere. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University, studied project management at UTA and received a certificate in management from SMU’s Cox School of Business. She is the President and CEO of a Dallas-based healthcare financial management consulting firm, President of Howell Consulting Group and an active member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). With over 20+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, Dominique uses her experience in healthcare and financial literacy to impact the lives of individuals through her work in the nonprofit sector. An advocate for physical and mental health, she is making a lasting impact in areas of wellness, relationships, family, and finances. A Dallas native, she is a wife, mother and grandmother. Dominique is focused on body health, wellness, and financial well-being.

AMANDA FITZPATRICK

Possessing more than talent and brains, in December 2013, Amanda FItzpatrick beat out thousands of nominees and was named by D Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas.”

Amanda Fitzpatrick is an award winning journalist and news manager with 18 years of experience in television news, and most recently as a communications manager as the Public Information Officer and Communications Manager for the City of Durham, Police Department. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a BS degree in communication and was VP of the Pi Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and President of the NAACP student chapter. Before working in Dallas at NBC5, she was a reporter at the ABC station in her hometown of Raleigh-Durham, NC. and during her career she also enjoyed stints at WALB, WCSC, Disney ABC, WTVD, WWAY, WCCB, CW33, WFAA. A wife and mother and active member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Amanda enjoys speaking to students and mentoring young journalists. And people love her!

JUDGE LELA MAYS

Judge Lela Lawrence Mays is the presiding Judge of the 283rd Judicial District Court, having jurisdiction in Dallas County over all felony level criminal cases.

Judge Lela Lawrence Mays is known for being fair, hard- working and passionate. She also has that warm spirit and beautiful smile. Among her many stellar moments in history, she established the Successful Treatment of Addiction Through Collaboration (S.T.A.C.) Court, providing judicial oversight and directional guidance for over 250 felony probationers in a post-adjudication, drug-treatment court. The judge began her work in specialty courts in DIVERT court in 2002 and established and presided over the I.I.P. Court, Intensive Intervention Program from 2007- 2009. A member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church for over 30 years, she received her law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Hailing from Austin, TX, she attended Lyndon B. Johnson High School, and the University of Houston, Judge Lela is a legacy and dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

SHARON TRIMBLE BEARD

Sharon Trimble Beard is the visionary and focused national president of Top Ladies of Distinction!

Sharon Trimble Beard is a born leader who believes in community service. A graduate of Dallas’ Skyline Career Development Center, ranking 36th in a class of 1,997, she received her BA degree from University of North Texas majoring in Fashion Merchandising and Design and later received her Masters in Human Relations and Business. Lady Sharon completed post graduate work at SMU and has a grant writing certification from Amber University. The owner of Human Resources Innovative Services, Lady Sharon serves as HR Director for the Area Council of Girl Scouts of USA. She is a member of the Society for Human Resources Managers, Fort Worth Society for Human Resources Management Association, National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, National Association of Female Executives, and North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency. A member of Riverside Missionary Baptist Church, she is also a member of NCNW, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, NAACP, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, and an African American Repertory Theater volunteer.

GWEN HUBBARD DANIELS

Gwen Hubbard Daniels is a former Technical Writer/Supervisor at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas; where she worked for 39 years.

A graduate of Lincoln High School in Dallas, Gwen Hubbard Daniels studied Biology at Texas Woman’s University. Gwen also received a BA degree in Biblical Studies from Newburgh College. Currently residing in Garland; Gwen is a past president of the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club. In 2019 she was inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame. Gwen is the Unit Historian for the Garland NAACP. Celebrating 51 years of marriage this year. She’s a mother and grandmother of five. Gwen is a member of Kaiser Street Baptist Church in Garland. A freelance writer, Gwen is also an American Cancer Society volunteer and ACS Speaker’s Bureau volunteer. Gwen is a life member – NAACP Garland Texas Branch Executive Committee; life member – South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc.; and, life member – National Association of Negro Bus. & Prof. Women’s Clubs, Inc.

ATTY. CYNTHIA GOODE WORKS

Cynthia Goode Works is the Managing Partner, The Law Office of Cynthia Goode Works, LLC and Trial Advocacy Consultant based in the Washington, DC – Baltimore MD.

Cynthia Goode Works graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree sociology, received her law degree from American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) and a Master of Laws, (L.L.M) in Trial Advocacy, with highest honors, from Temple University, James E. Beasley School of Law.. A criminal defense attorney, law professor and advocacy consultant, Cynthia Goode Works was recently selected as the Director of the Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program at AUWCL. She has a solid background in the academic arena, having held faculty appointments at George Mason University School of Law, Howard University School of Law, and AUWCL. She served as the Director of Education for the National Legal Aid & Defender Association and Staff Attorney of the D.C. Public Defender Service. She’s a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.