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THE SECRET GARDEN WITH TIFFANY HADDISH

PROOF ONLY

SPRING

FromWhispers to Waves:

LATASHA GILLESPIE'S

DEI Revolution

RENEWED, AFFIRMED, AND UNSTOPPABLE

THE RADIANT REINVENTION OF

Niecy NASH BETTS P. 1 Cheryl MAGAZINE

C O L L E C T I O N

Order the limited edition Affirmation Lip Collection from LAMIK BEAUTY and receive a copy of the best selling book “AFFIRMED VOL II” from Dr Cheryl Polote Williamson. WWW.MYBEAUTYISAFFIRMED.COM

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Editorial Email

editorials@cherylmagazine.com TO SELL CHERYL MAGAZINE IN YOUR STORE info@cherylmagazine.com ISSN: 2766-6352 (Print) Cheryl Magazine a lifestyle and women’s empowerment publication, is a Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC (CPW) quarterly produced by Williamson Media Group, LLC (WMG) 6101 Long Prairie Road, Box 744 #269, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Periodicals postage paid at Flower Mound, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send changes of address to Cheryl Magazine 6101 Long Prairie Road, Box 744 #269, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Subscribers, allow 6-8 weeks for change of address to become effective. Subscriptions ordered are non-cancellable and non-refundable unless otherwise promoted. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights in letters sent to Cheryl Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially. Requests for permission to reprint should be sent to the Permissions and Reprints Department by emailing info@cherylmagazine.com and placing “Request for permission to reprint” in the subject line. The title Cheryl Magazine is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Contents copyright © 2024 by Williamson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing can be reprinted in whole or in part without express written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A.

CHERYL MAGAZINE

A lifestyle and women’s empowerment publication Editor-in-Chief | Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson Executive Curator | Shannon Skipper Green Jarrett Contributing Editor | Charmaine Roots Castillo Contributing Editor | Dr. Michelle Kindred Contributing Editor | Tess Alexandria Financial Editor | Roni M. Talley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Felicia Brown Siobhan Davenport Laurie A. Evans Dr. Maria Flowers Dr. Janie Lacy Alaina Pinkney Denise Polote-Kelly Tammy L. Woodard Kasey Woods Dr. Kerry Ann Zamore Byrd

GUEST WRITERS Ericca Harvey and Brandy Tennile

WILLIAMSON MEDIA GROUP, LLC EXECUTIVE President | Russell Williamson, Sr. Chief Executive Officer | Cheryl Polote Williamson

SUBSCRIBE TODAY www.cherylmagazine.com 1 Year (4 Quarterly Issues) US $80 Canada $101.58 CAD | International (Digital only) 1 Year Digital Subscription US $20

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inside this issue

LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY

8 from humble beginnings to

Lucia Kaiser's remarkable journey

becoming a trailblazing Emmy-winning producer reflects her dedication to breaking barriers in the entertainment industry and beyond.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

24champions diversity and inclusion 46channeled her resilience and Latasha Randle Gillespie

Tiffany Capri Hainesworth

at Amazon Studios, using her role to amplify underrepresented voices in the film and television industry.

entrepreneurial spirit to become the first Black woman to own a tequila brand after overcoming a severe injury.

COVER STORY Niecy Nash-Betts' Emmy acceptance speech highlighted her strong self-belief and dedication to inclusivity, earning widespread admiration. She reflected on the significant personal and broader impacts of her win, supported by family and industry legends. Post-Emmy, Niecy emphasized her commitment to challenging roles and advocacy for authenticity and diversity in the industry.

Photographer: Robert Ector Hair Robbi Rogers

12 P. 6 Cheryl MAGAZINE

Make Up: Naima Jamal

everyday inspiration 5the Editor:

37Wizdom

40Inspiration

22Issues

38Well:

50Talks

26Corner Dr.

42Corner

63Inspiration

Letter from

Foxxy

Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson

with Charmaine Roots Castillo Navigating Life's Open Doors

Daddy's

Aging

with Tess Alexandria Reflective Renewal

with Dr. Michelle Kindred Renew and Refresh Your Spirit

Health

Family

Maria D. Flowers Things You Should Know About ADHD Yes … You

lifestyle

Laurie A. Evans Let’s Talk About Co-Parenting

Money

with Roni M. Talley Empowering Women's Financial Success Faith and

with Tammy L. Woodard There's a Blessing in Letting Go

Navigating Life's Challenges with

56Dive into Part II of Prose

& Perspectives with Dr. Kerry Ann Zamore Byrd's new story, "He Makes All Things New."

58Pathways to Healing and

Grief Loss and Recovery

Hope.

66Awaken Your Table with A Spring Bounty

Seasonal Freshness.

with Dr. Janie Lacy From Darkness to Light

62Spirituality and Self-Care Author's Corner

Tiffany Haddish discusses her new book, "Tiffany Haddish: I Curse You With Joy," in our interview, focusing on her experiences of overcoming life's challenges, embracing health, and her efforts to support youth through her nonprofit organization.

Faith and

Event Spotlight: Highlights from the Second Annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon in Dallas

In this issue of Cheryl Magazine, we present thoughtful pieces by guest writers Brandy Tennile and Ericca Harvey. Brandy's "Your ways are not my ways, and I thank God for that" delves into the transformative power of faith, while Ericca's "Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That: Busy Moms Can Implement Personal Wellness" provides practical wellness strategies for busy mothers. Both articles emphasize resilience and self-care amidst life's challenges.

business 44Renew and Refresh Your Career Business Sense & Sensibility

52 Rolodex Picks from Business Brilliance to Event Mastery

Cheryl's Choice: The Essential

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Photography by Robert Ector

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COVER STORY

The Radiant Reinvention of niecy nash betts In my heartfelt, sister-to-sister,

soul-to-soul conversation with

the dynamic and multitalented

woman I am honored to call

a true friend, Niecy Nash Betts

gushes about her recent Emmy

win, how she selects roles, and her journey to finding true

happiness and fulfillment— on and off screen.

by Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson

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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ADHD. YES, YOU. by Dr. Maria Flowers Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD is a diagnosis that we often associate with prepubescent males. You may think of a little boy you know that has a harder time sitting still or controlling emotions. Impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention which are some of the most common symptoms. Recent studies show that as much as 75% of ADHD diagnoses are missed in girls. For some, this leads to a life of struggles with education and career journeys. While it is unknown if all cases are related to a missed diagnosis, ADHD is emerging as a common disorder for adult women. Adult women with ADHD are often presented with mental health comorbidity such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. For African American women, ADHD can go undiagnosed and untreated for extended periods of time due to inequities in healthcare access and affordability as well as cultural stigma of mental health illness. Additionally, for women of a certain age, in an effort to better understand this condition and how we can help anyone who may be suffering with this disorder, I met with psychiatrist, Sarah M Fitzgerald, M.D. to discuss ADHD and how it impacts adult women of color. Dr. Flowers: What exactly is ADHD and how does it differ from ADD? Dr. Fitzgerald: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the primary classification in the DSM-5, used globally to diagnose mental health conditions. Unlike ADHD, which includes symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, is an older term focusing on inattention. However, in the clinical setting, ADHD may manifest with varying degrees of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which are all aspects of the same diagnosis. Dr. Flowers: How would one even know if they have ADD/ ADHD as a woman of a certain age, what signs to look for? One of the main reasons people seek assistance for a possible ADHD diagnosis is what is called “Executive Dysfunction,” an inherent impairment in processing information, planning, focusing attention, remembering, and handling multiple tasks. Furthermore, a person may experience complications with getting organized and following through to complete tasks; procrastination, disorganization of information, taking abnormally extended periods of time to complete tasks, and forgetfulness are all hallmark signs of executive dysfunction. If anyone is

experiencing these symptoms or suspects they may have ADHD or any other psychological illness, it is important to seek professional medical help. However, please do not self-diagnose. If you are in crisis, you can call or text 988 for help. Dr. Flowers: What treatments are available for ADHD? Dr. Fitzgerald: Medication and psychotherapy are effective in managing ADHD symptoms, with treatment plans tailored to the individual's needs. A comprehensive approach is advised, especially when additional mental health issues are present. Dr. Flowers: Can popular treatment options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or EMDR help ADHD? Dr. Fitzgerald: CBT can help ADHD. CBT addresses the thinking patterns of ADHD patients, especially those that suffer from anxiety. It can be used to help shift negative thought patterns toward more rational thought patterns and can certainly be a helpful treatment option for some patients. If you are struggling with a mental health diagnosis, the symptoms can be serious and negatively impact your life. In some cases, mental health symptoms can be lifethreatening, and it is important to get professional help right away. If you are having suicidal ideations or any mental health crisis/symptoms, please seek help immediately from a licensed mental health professional. You can call 911 or 988 immediately. 988 can be accessed via phone or text and is specific emergency help for mental health crises. Dr. Sarah Fitzgerald is a dual board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Graduate of University of Toledo College of Medicine. Founder of Focused Psychiatry located in New Jersey and has extensive expertise in addressing child, adolescent, and adult diagnosis of ADD/ ADHD. If you are in the New Jersey area and looking for a mental health professional, you can learn more about Dr. Sarah M. Fitzgerald, M.D. at www.focusedpsychiatry.com. Maria D. Flowers, Ed.D. is the CEO and Principal Consultant at Maria D. Flowers & Associates, a boutique health equity and patient safety firm focused on assisting organizations in providing safe and equitable care. She is also the Founding Executive Director at Safer Healthcare For All, a non-profit organization that empowers patients to self-advocate for quality treatment as they navigate the healthcare system. For inquiries, please email info@mariadflowers.com.

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Cheryl's Choice: The Essential Rolodex Picks from Business Brilliance to Event Mastery

Explore the key tools and resources that have fueled my journey from the world of business to the art of event planning. Here's a curated selection, from innovative networking to savvy funding.

intuit.com Intuit is a global technology platform, powering prosperity with TurboTax, QuickBooks, Mint, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp.

Swain Consulting swainconsultingllc.com Providing comprehensive financial services with an emphasis in Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

Black Alzheimer’s Brain Study blackalzbrainstudy.com Our mission is to create solutions for a healthier community. P. 5 2 Cheryl MAGAZINE

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council www.wbenc.org/certification WBENC is also an approved third-party certifier for the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program.

Small Business Administration www.sba.gov The SBA has worked to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover.

AARP www.aarp.org AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.

DFW Flower Wall www.dfwflowerwall.com

Pinkney Creative www.pinkneycreative.com

Full Brand Activation, Balloons, Design Maquees, Neon Signs, Flower Walls, Chiara Arched Backdrops, Shimmer Walls & more.

Your Brand Drives Engagement, Authority, Impact, and Conversion. We specialize in crafting impact-driven brands that not only excel in marketability and profitability but also resonate deeply, ensuring they stand out and flourish in competitive environments.

Woodard Worldwide Visions, LLC www.woodardworldwidevisions.com Tammy Woodard - Owner, ICF Certified Professional Life Coach. As a seasoned life coach, she provides clients with the necessary tools and insights to transform their lives and rediscover their true selves.

MOSAIC ENGAGEMENT mosaicengagements.com Contact Lisa at Mosaic Engagements today and let us transform your next event into an unforgettable masterpiece.

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AUTHOR'S CORNER: Prose & Perspectives

He Makes All Things NEW part 2

by Dr. Kerry-Ann Zamore Byrd

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Welcome back. The last time we met, I shared that I once again found myself single after an extramarital affair ended my second marriage. I sold my house and moved on, angry, hurt, and betrayed. I followed the U-Haul a few miles. God is so intentional even during our storms; He gives us light, he renews and restores. Blessings,

Kerry-Ann

fter I confronted my husband on his extramarital affair, he nonchalantly said, "Yes, I am involved with someone else."He didn’t even try to deny it. I searched his eyes for answers; he was done. I saw the slow change; the red flags were glaring banners. He had begun to subscribe to the idea of a polytheistic belief of marriage and religion. I believed in one spouse a man and woman, he did not. I believed in one God, he did not. No sis, it did not start that way. We met through church, we even counseled with our pastor before marriage. We were on the same page, until two years into the marriage. He had begun to read several books "that" contributed to an adoption of the conversion of a poly belief. I could not subscribe to the belief, and it was one of the many issues which caused a rift in our relationship. I felt the affair before he admitted it. He dressed differently. His shower pattern changed. His schedule changed. After I confronted him, within a month, he had packed his bags stating he was going to visit his family. He never returned. I was abandoned, I was left with the house and vehicles and my children who had already been through a horrific divorce. I recall looking around the home thinking "I guess I could redecorate and remain here," until I received a letter in the mail. It was the final notice for foreclosure. I froze. What the hell! I picked up the phone and dialed his number. WHAT THE HELL! He admitted that he had stopped paying the bills a few months prior. I know what you are asking, sis, how did you not know this? Our bills are automated and went to his email address. He generally paid the mortgage, so I never thought of it, until I opened the mailbox, I saw the final, second and third notices. I trusted that he, my husband, covered the bills. Why wouldn’t he? What kind of person does not pay bills? My world unraveled quickly. I called the bank immediately and apologized profusely. I called every debt owed and began to write letters of intent. It was clear, I was in deep trouble. I called my girlfriend, who was a realtor. I needed to sell. My house was immaculate and in pristine condition, she was convinced that I would get top dollar in a normal situation, but this was not. I needed to list a short sale immediately. The goal was to get out of it immediately. The cars were in my name solely, my payments were on time, but I needed money. I was able to sell both at a huge loss in exchange for one vehicle, which in the long run would help. Damnit! I hated him! Lord, what lesson am I to learn from this? I sobbed every day. I sat in my walk-in closet and sobbed, then I went to the nearest Title One Boxing Club and punched and kicked the bags as hard as I could for an hour. Then I did my makeup and hair and dressed in my best clothing to face the world. No one knew my struggle. I could not bring myself to let anyone in. Who would believe that I was so stupid to allow myself to be in this situation. So, I suffered in silence. The house was on the market for one day, when my realtor called. “Kerry, we have three offers above the asking price.” My house was sold AT VALUE, not short sale. My eyes immediately welled with tears. Okay, Lord, I’m listening. My mind raced--I needed to find an apartment immediately. I had rented the house I owned prior to my marriage, and there was still another six months on the lease. "There is one more thing," my realtor continued. "They would like to close at the end of the month. Can you make it work?" That is in three weeks! What? How? My chest tightened, I felt hot and dizzy. My mind screamed, "I have nowhere to go?" “Sure, I will make it work," I said calmly. "Okay, Lord. You got me? Please show me that you still have me," I cried. The next morning, I received a call from the property manager of my rental property. “Kerry, I am not sure how to say this, but your renters have a devastating loss in their family, and they need to break the lease and move. They need to leave in the next few weeks. I would be happy to help you find another renter and they understand they will be penalized for this.” I laughed out loud, cried and screamed. My property manager called my name several times before I could respond. She asked again, “Are you alright?” I laughed, “I am better than alright! My daddy just told me out loud that He is making all things work out for my good!” As my tears flowed while I was following the U-Haul I remembered that God made a way out of no way for me to move back into my own home. I followed the U-Haul down the familiar street and pulled into my driveway. The pink roses I had planted almost 9 years prior were in full bloom as if to say welcome back. I walked into the living room, the hardwood floors, were done by my dad and me. The large windows in each room filled the house with sunlight. This was my favorite thing about this house, I recalled, it is always filled with light. Although I was badly broken, my father answered my question, he still had me, and he was refreshing my spirit. I smiled a real smile for the first time in months as I watched my three year old explore this new home. The phone rang. I looked at it in disgust. It was him. What did he want? My son. He wanted my son. Lord, I need you, the divorce proceedings were not quite over, custody had just begun. God, do you still have me? P. 5 5 Cheryl MAGAZINE

FAITH, HOPE, & HEALING

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GRIEF, LOSS, AND RECOVERY: Pathways to Healing and Hope by Denise Polote-Kelly

o often, when we think about mental health, the thought or conversation that grief can be the underlying cause is not addressed. Unresolved grief can be the trigger of depression, anxiety, and other mental challenges.

Grief is a natural response to loss when someone or something you love is taken away. The pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from anger, guilt, disappointment, and absolute sadness. The pain of grief will often disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to breathe, process, sleep, eat, or even think and comprehend. These are normal reactions to loss. You must know the more significant the loss, the more intense the grief. Coping with the loss of someone you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. You should associate grieving with the loss of things, pets, and secure situations, but the loss of these and other things causes deep grief, and most times, it is unresolved, and that causes it to intensify. Even subtle losses in life can trigger grief. For example, you might grieve after becoming an empty nester, freedom, assisting elder parents, sudden health changes, and other triggers. Everyone’s loss is personal to them, so don’t feel ashamed about how you feel or how long you take to move forward. If the person, relationship, pet, estranged family, or situation was significant to you, it’s normal to grieve the loss you’re experiencing. How you grieve depends on many factors, your faith, life experience, including your personality and coping style. In time and with action, whatever the cause of your grief, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain and can ease the brokenness, sadness, and sorrow.

Denise Polote Kelly, CGRS, CLTC, wears many hats as a survival/thriving coach, speaker, and business owner. She runs Recovery Matters and D. Kelly Management, and is a partner at Healing Hearts Therapeutic Solutions. To learn more about Denise, visit her website at CoachDPK. com and connect with her on Facebook at Denise Polote Kelly.

In this space, here are a few tools to assist in moving forward: 1. Breathe. 2. You must be patient with yourself. 3. Give yourself permission to grieve. 4. Never grieve alone. 5. Never force yourself to hide the pain. Healing happens gradually; it can’t be forced or hurried, but it will happen if you choose to change and live.

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WOMEN OF WOMEN of INFLUENCE WOMEN OF INFLUENCE WOMEN OF INFLUENCE WOMEN OF INFLUENCE C H E R Y L

M A G A Z I N E

INFLUENCE A W A R D S

Cheryl Magazine and Soul Reborn Celebrate Trailblazers at the Second Annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon in Dallas

by Kasey Woods

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, Cheryl Magazine, proudly partnered with Soul Reborn, to execute the second annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon in Dallas, Texas. Themed "Trailblazers & Game Changers," this year's event recognized ten dynamic women of color who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Conducted on Friday, March 15, 2024, the Women of Influence Awards Luncheon was held at the esteemed Gleneagles Country Club and celebrated the triumphs of women who exemplify excellence in leadership, mentorship, and empowerment, while tirelessly blazing the trail for others to do the same.

L U N C H E O N

The ten honorees included: Emmy award-winning actress and producer, Niecy Nash Betts; trailblazing CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and the first black woman to helm an NBA franchise, Cynt Marshall; Founder of Finding New Tomorrows, Patricia Bailey; the South Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Joya Hayes; Emmy Award-winning news anchor, Tashara Parker; the Executive Vice President of Texas Capital Bank, Effie Dennison; Kim Roxie, Founder, and CEO of Lamik Beauty; Tanya Lombard, Vice President of Global External Public Affairs/Head of Multicultural Engagement & Strategic Alliance for AT&T; Chief of Staff for Do You Believe Enterprises Incorporated, Hope Rush; and Staff Program Manager & Global Leader at Intuit, Tia Bradley. Together, these ladies formed an unparalleled lineup of influence, resilience, and entrepreneurship across industries encompassing business, entertainment, and lifestyle. Each, in her own right, has harnessed her platform and influence to foster an environment where fellow women can thrive and actualize their potential.

These distinguished women of power stand as catalysts for change, embodiments of leadership, and esteemed entrepreneurs who have reshaped their respective professional landscapes for the betterment of society. Reflecting on the significance of the Women of Influence Awards Luncheon, Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson, EditorIn-Chief of Cheryl Magazine and Founder of Soul Reborn, remarked, "I sought to honor women who embody the ethos of changemakers, connectors, and educators, bridging the opportunity gap through their exemplary leadership." Through their unwavering dedication to excellence, these trailblazers set a precedent for others to follow, ushering in a new era of prosperity and growth. In alignment with Soul Reborn's commitment to empowerment, a portion of the event's proceeds contributed towards awarding a scholarship to a deserving minority college student in the Dallas area, who is embarking on their journey in Journalism or Film studies. This initiative seamlessly aligns with Soul Reborn's overarching mission to uplift and equip disadvantaged women with the tools necessary for success in life and business. Over six impactful years, Soul Reborn has disbursed over $475,000 in aid, touching the lives of thousands of individuals and businesses globally. Notably, amidst the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Soul Reborn provided meals to over 8,000 essential workers and extended grants to 177 college women and 216 women-owned enterprises – including five based in Dallas. With over 300 esteemed attendees in attendance; the Women of Influence Luncheon was proudly sponsored by Intuit, Texas Capital Bank, AARP, Mary Kay, and many more notable companies and businesses.

Over 50+ years of experience, delivering top quality results. The Polote Corporation (TPC) is a privately owned company with a distinguished history in the construction industry. Since its humble beginnings in 1970 in Savannah, Georgia, TPC has steadily grown to become one of the most successful minority-owned construction firms in the southeast. TPC provides commercial construction, development, project management, and program management to the USA and abroad.

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CHERYL MAGAZINE | SPRING 2024