Dear Sisters,
This letter is directed to you exclusively!
Over the last couple of years, I am shocked by the instances of attacks of women of color across the nation. By others and by us. For example:
• We continue to compete, rather than collaborate
• We fail to support each other in situations that are personally important
• We often speak harshly about how we look, our hairstyles, what we wear, our weight, etc.
• We speak negatively (about the personal and professional lives of others)
• We fail to see the importance of reputation management
• We forget to “pay it forward” when we have obvious opportunities to do so
• We wait way toooooo long to end toxic relationships
• We have Black men that just don’t get us
• Some Corporations and large non-profits have failed to make systemic change and implement meaningful strategic programs that were promised during the Racial Pandemic
And the list goes on…but most importantly, we engage in transactional, instead of relational activities and agreements. Stop the train, I want to get off!
Please remember that what happens to one of us, can happen to all of us. So, lets band together and change the movement from Black girl tragic, to Black girl magic. Commit to do better now for yourself, and the rest of us. You will see and reap the benefits sooner than you think.
In the spirit of the greatness in us all,
, Women of Color Foundation President & Chief Executive Officer, GAP Communications Group Publisher, C L Magazine
E T T H E B A G.
■ Grow your business to $1Million+.
■ Transition from side-hustler to CEO.
■ Be inspired by and learn from a community of BOSSES.
■ Easily access info about small business grants, funding and business opportunities.
■ Gain insider tips and information about business funding options.
■ Succeed in business AND be inspired to practice self-care.
■ Discover Black women-owned and socially responsible brands.
■ Meet authentic champions of Black women-owned businesses who want you to succeed.
■ Have fun! ARE
2024 EXECUTIVES IN RESIDENCE
EDWIN HUBBARD, JR Executive Director Cleveland NAACP President EH Inspires LLC
MELTRICE D. SHARP, CPA, MBA Managing Partner CLE Consulting Firm Founder & Visionary Women Creating Wealth & Impact (WCWI)
TELEANGÉ THOMAS Managing Partner PLATTFORMS
HENDERSON Senior Pastor Faith Fellowship Church
MEG SLIFCAK Director of Real Estate Solutions Ohio IFF
L. WOMACK Chief, Minority Business Division Ohio Department of Development
SHERYSE
MONICA
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Location/Time EVENT
Lobby
3:00 PM REGISTRATION/HOTEL CHECK-IN
Ballroom
6:00 PM WELCOME RECEPTION
7:00 PM FIRESIDE CHAT BEST FRIENDS FOREVER: WHO IS YOUR “RIDE OR DIE?”
A BFF is more than just a friend—they’re family. Here we discuss the power of deep, soul-level friendships that anchor us, lift us, and see us through life’s most personal moments. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of these connections, sharing stories and insights on what it means to truly show up for each other, no matter what!
Alexandria Johnson Boone Chairwoman & Founder
Women of Color Foundation President & Chief Executive Officer
GAP Communications Group
Publisher
C L Magazine President Global Media Group, LLC
Michelle Urquhart Vice Chairman
Urquhart Memorial Foundation Board Member
Women of Color Foundation
Venue Grounds
9:00 PM INFORMAL NETWORKING/ RELAXATION OPTIONAL
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Fitness Center
Lower Level
6:00 AM WORKOUT ON YOUR OWN
Gatsby
7:30 AM BREAKFAST
ALL-DAY EXPERIENCES
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Meeting Room 2 ON-SITE PHOTO STUDIO
COMPLIMENTARY HEADSHOTS
Sponsored by Key4Women
Vista Room ST. JOHN STORE
Lobby Level
Linda Blackstock Store Manager
St. Augustine, Florida
Theater Room KEY4WOMEN LOUNGE
Lower Level
Ballroom
8:45 AM WELCOME & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SPONSORS & SUMMIT OVERVIEW
MISTRESS OF CEREMONY
Charmaine Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Connexions Consulting, Inc.
Chief Inspiration Officer
Simply Living Me, LLC
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM THE FUTURE OF PHILANTHROPY: HOW DO WE SUPPORT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR?
In this dynamic session, we’ll explore the evolving role of philanthropy in empowering communities of color. Join us for an engaging discussion on impactful giving strategies, collaborative efforts, and innovative funding approaches that prioritize sustainable, community-driven solutions. Our panelists will share insights on how philanthropic organizations and individuals can build meaningful partnerships that foster equity, opportunity, and growth in communities that need it most.
MODERATOR
Peter Whitt
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
The Saint Luke’s Foundation
PANELISTS
Tyson T. Mitchell, JD/LLM Director of Equal Opportunity Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) City of Cleveland
Meredith M. Turner Councilwoman, District 9 Cuyahoga County
Anthony W. Scott, Esq. Assistant Director, Department of Community Development City of Cleveland Owner
I.S.I. Consulting LLC
Dr. Renee T. Willis Executive Director Martha Holdings Jennings Foundation
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
REPUTATION MANAGEMENT: WHAT DOES YOUR PUBLIC AND ON-LINE PRESENCE SAY ABOUT YOU?
This session dives into the power of personal branding and reputation management in today’s digital world. Learn strategies to assess, build, and protect your online and public image, ensuring that your presence aligns with your values and goals.
MODERATOR
Dana Capers
Vice President, Community Impact Manager
Fifth Third Bank
PANELISTS
Jazmyn Barrow, Esq. Shareholder Ogletree Deakins
Patrice Calhoun Chief Operations Officer 2Excel Group, LLC
LaRick Calhoun CEO & Founder 2Excel Group, LLC
12 NOON – 12:40 PM NETWORKING BREAK VENDOR SHOWCASE ST. JOHN STORE KEY4WOMEN LOUNGE
12:45 PM – 2:15 PM LUNCH SESSION
INVOCATION & MUSICAL SELECTION
Sheryse Henderson
Lead Pastor
Faith Fellowship Church
MANAGING YOUR MONEY: FINANCING YOUR RETIREMENT AND YOUR DREAMS!
Planning for the future involves more than just saving—it’s about financing the lifestyle and goals you envision. This session will cover practical strategies for building a retirement fund, managing investments, and balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s dreams.
MODERATOR
Rachael D. Sampson
Senior Vice President Head of Community Banking
KeyBank
National Director
Key4Women
PANELISTS
C. Renée Wilson Executive Director
National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)
Meltrice D. Sharp CPA, MBA Managing Partner CLE Consulting Firm Founder & Visionary
Women Creating Wealth & Impact (WCWI)
Kalimah Z. White, J.D.
Senior Consulting Director
Business Advisory Services
Key Private Bank Family Wealth Consulting Group
2:30 PM – 3:45 PM SO, YOU WANT TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Entrepreneurship offers exciting possibilities but also unique challenges. In this session, we’ll explore the foundational principles of building and sustaining a business, examining the qualities and strategies that drive entrepreneurial success. Join us for an in-depth look at the mindset, vision, and resilience required to transform ideas into impactful enterprises.
MODERATOR
Charmaine Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Connexions Consulting, Inc.
Chief Inspiration Officer
Simply Living Me, LLC
PANELISTS
Curtis B. Scruggs, MBA, MA. CFA
Managing Member & CEO
ECRock Development Partners, LLC
Volunteer
Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Shaniece M. Wise
Business Expansion Coach & Strategist
CEO & Founder
The Unstoppable Community of Business Owners
Monica L. Womack
Chief, Minority Business Division
Ohio Department of Development
Dr. Alexis Valentino
Family Nurse Practitioner
Fuel By Design
4:00 PM KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
(20 MIN PRIVATE SESSIONS WITH EXECUTIVES-IN-RESIDENCE)
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
6:00 PM EVENING DINNER, NETWORKING & DIALOGUE
EVENING EXPERIENCES
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ballroom KARAOKE/LINE DANCING
Meeting Room 3
GAME NIGHT (CARDS, BOARD GAMES & MORE)
Roman Bath POOLSIDE CONVERSATIONS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Fitness Center
Lower Level
6:00 AM WORKOUT ON YOUR OWN
Gatsby 7:30 AM BREAKFAST
ALL-DAY EXPERIENCES
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Meeting Room 2 ON-SITE PHOTO STUDIO
COMPLIMENTARY HEADSHOTS Sponsored by Key4Women
Vista Room ST. JOHN STORE
Lobby Level Linda Blackstock Store Manager St. Augustine, Florida
Theater Room KEY4WOMEN LOUNGE
Lower Level
Ballroom 9:00 AM
PREPARING FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Many of us find ourselves in that sandwich generation, caring for children as well as aging parents, which can often mean navigating through challenging times. This can also be a time for us to reflect on the journey we all must take as we think about our own healthcare decisions as well as what is most important to us as we approach the end-oflife. Be prepared to learn key information that can benefit us all as we embark on the ultimate trip of a lifetime.
MODERATOR
LaBena Fleming M.ED, M.ED, ADM., CDP
Author, Speaker, & Caregiver Advocate
PANELISTS
Heidi L. Barham Manager of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Hospice of the Western Reserve
Constance Hill-Johnson Owner & Managing Director Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services Chairperson, Board of Directors The Cleveland Foundation Philanthropist & Business Coach
Carmen M. Scott, Esq. Shareholder
Sarringhaus & Scott Co., LPA
10:30 AM
GETTING TO THE TOP AND STAYING THERE: THE IMPORTANCE OF HELPING OTHER WOMEN!
Reaching the C-suite is just the beginning. In this session, we’ll explore how mentorship, sponsorship, and fostering an inclusive leadership culture help women thrive at every level. Learn how championing others strengthens your network and drives lasting success for individuals and organizations alike. Together, we can build a legacy of leadership that elevates women.
MODERATOR
Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm President & CEO
Step Forward
PANELISTS
Micki Byrnes
President & General Manager WKYC Media
Lillian Kuri
President & CEO
The Cleveland Foundation
12:30 PM
LUNCHEON KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Special Presentation, IFF Real Estate and Facility Readiness Module
Meg Slifcak Director of Real Estate Solutions Ohio IFF
1:30 PM LOVE THY SISTER AS THY SELF
True sisterhood is built on support, empathy, and unconditional love. This session celebrates the power of uplifting one another, exploring how deep, authentic connections among women can foster personal growth and collective strength.
MODERATOR
Teresa M. Metcalf Beasley, Esq.
Chair of Public Law Practice Group & Civic Engagement & Community Relations
McDonald Hopkins LLC
PANELISTS
Lisa Farmer Cole
Chief External Affairs Officer
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Nicole Ward
Executive Director
Make Them Know Your Name Foundation
4:00 PM KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE (20 MIN PRIVATE SESSIONS WITH EXECUTIVES-IN-RESIDENCE)
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Ballroom
6:00 PM EVENING RECEPTION
6:00 PM GALA AND AWARDS DINNER
NOIR & BLANC: THE ELEGANCE OF ACHIEVEMENT HONORING EXCELLENCE IN EVERY SHADE
EVENING EXPERIENCES
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ballroom KARAOKE/LINE DANCING
Meeting Room 3 GAME NIGHT (CARDS, BOARD GAMES & MORE)
Roman Bath POOLSIDE CONVERSATIONS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Fitness Center
Lower Level
6:00 AM
Gatsby
7:30 AM
Ballroom
8:30 AM
WORKOUT ON YOUR OWN
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
THE HIDDEN COST OF GRIEF
Navigating grief is a journey of healing that often reveals unseen struggles. In this session, we’ll explore how to cope with the emotional, physical, and psychological toll of loss while finding strength in vulnerability. Uncover the hidden costs grief can have on our lives and learn practical ways to heal, rebuild, and reclaim a sense of peace amidst the pain.
MODERATOR
Natalie Rudd
Certified Professional Coach Grief Recovery Method Specialist
PANELISTS
Danielle Price President & CEO Conscious Nation Innovations, LLC
Danyell Goggans, MA, LPCC Psychotherapist Founder Nevertheless Life Center (NLC)
Ashley Todd Talent Management Consultant Akron Children’s Hospital
9:45 AM
CLOSING REMARKS AND 2025 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alexandria Johnson Boone
Chairwoman & Founder
Women of Color Foundation
President & Chief Executive Officer
GAP Communications Group
Publisher C L Magazine
President
Global Media Group, LLC
Introducing a new partnership with the St. John Knits Outlet Store in St. Augustine, Florida!
Alexandria Johnson Boone, founder of Women of Color Foundation, believes in dressing for success, and wants to share her love of St. John Knits!
Alex’s long-time friend, Linda Blackstock, is manager of the St. John Premium Outlet in St Augustine, Florida. Together, they’ve collaborated to offer special opportunities including exclusive discounted merchandise, shopping events, and future in-person/virtual events for the Foundation’s members, friends and family.
Enjoy personalized customer service like you’ve
never experienced before!
• Facetime Tour of the Store
• Personalized Shopping
• Recommendations & Experience
• Virtual Appointments with Expert Staff
“St John’s captures the essence of the Women of Color Foundation –it’s timeless professional elegance is perfect for any occasion.”
– Alexandria Johnson Boone
Linda Blackstock assisting guests at the 2023 National Executive Women’s Leadership Summit
