FirstLady Award2024 NOMINEES
Sandra Bugg Zakiyyah Flagg Althia Tweiten
Arkell Cox Felicia Graham Thurselle Chisholm- Williams
Sandra Bugg
I was Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of 8 children. Attended and graduated from Geneva College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Sciences. I also received a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from Seton Hall University. Earned Certifications in the following areas: Divorce Mediation, Domestic Violence volunteer training and Strategy for Nonprofit Organizations from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Employment History covering 30+ years
NJ State Liaison to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center under the NJ Department of Education. Educated children in the New Jersey school districts of the accomplishments and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mathematics Teacher, successfully inspired students with a love for learning and problem-solving, empowered them to excel academically, and consistently fostered an environment where critical thinking and mathematical curiosity thrived.
DirectorofCommunityOutreach,SesameStreetWorkshop. Trained youth serving leaders nationwide to teach math, science and literacy to underserved communities, military base families, after school venues, PBS stations, and Native American reservations
Director of Funded Initiatives, Girl Scouts (GSUSA) national headquarters in New York City. Directly responsible for the development; administration and evaluation of grant funded projects utilizing millions of dollars secured through private and federal funding sources. Worked with rural and urban communities, and incarcerated women. Created a nationwide STEM (Science,Technology Engineering and Math) program for girls.
Director of Church Life (currently employed). As Director of Church Life, at Christ Church with locations in Montclair, Rockaway and Clifton, my duties are vast and multifaceted. I work with a team responsible for the spiritual formation of members within the church in an effort to enhance their ongoing discipleship development. I also oversee outreach ministries serving the homeless, inmates, and the Food Pantry management which provides 1,000 Thanksgiving dinners annually. For over 14 years, I have managed and trained hundreds of volunteers in various ministry capacities. Currently, I serve as an ordained Deacon and a Chaplain, providing spiritual encouragement and counseling to individuals and families. For over 14 years, I have managed and trained hundreds of volunteers in various ministry capacities. Currently, I serve as an ordained Deacon and a Chaplain, providing spiritual encouragement and counseling to individuals and families.
Living My Best Life
At the age of 75, she is looking forward to the next chapter of her life. She is grateful for her loving family, wonderful, long-term, truste sd friends, a church community and most of all, a relationship with God, the core of my being, my strength. I wake up each day with anticipation and liquid joy ready to pour out onto others in my sphere of influence.lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Zakiyyah Flagg
Mrs. Zakiyyah Sheila Flagg is the owner of Flagg Labor aka Capital Cleaning Services LLC based in Union, NJ. Flagg Labor is a construction support trades supplier and commercial cleaning company. Flagg Labor has been supplying general contractors and builders with jobsite support for over 15 years. Flagg Labor tradesmen include, general labors, carpenters, DOT safety flaggers, F-60 fire watch guards, and more. Flagg Labor has contributed general labor in the New York and New Jersey tristate area for many of the areas largest projects.
Most recently in November 2023, Flagg Laborers worked at Newark Airport New Terminal A with general contractor VRH Construction. Flagg Labors manpower installed concrete barriers in the entire rental car parking garage at Terminal A covering just about 300,000 sqft.
Mrs. Zakiyyah Sheila Flagg, is also passionate about getting men and women in the construction industry jobs. Flagg Labor places qualified men and women in construction jobs and we also work with NJ reentry corporation to help candidates get jobs when returning to the workforce from incarceration.
Mrs. Zakiyyah Sheila Flagg was featured in NJ Biz magazine construction week edition 2016 and featured in New Jersey Star Ledger, October 2016. These articles highlight Mrs. Flagg ability to provide manpower on demand to general contractors and builders and a little history of how the business started with her late husband Joseph Flagg including details of her immediate transition to power after she took over the business following his tragic death in 2013.
Mrs. Flagg is a member of National Association of Black Women in Construction. You can listen to Mrs. Flagg every Wednesday at morning at 8:30am est. on the Podcast, NABWIC Talks by tuning into blogtalkradio.com Mrs. Flagg is a women leader in the construction industry positioned to continue growing.
Althia Tweiten
Althia R. Tweiten is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from Vashon High School in St. Louis, she attended Harris Teachers College, married and moved to New Jersey. In 1973, Althia received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Newark State Teachers College, now KeanUniversity.
While in College, Althia acquired her manicuring license and worked as a license manicurist in Short Hills, NJ until graduating from Newark StateTeachersCollege.
fter graduating from Newark Teachers College, she was accepted into the Master’s program at Montclair State Teachers College, Critical ThinkingandLearningProgram.
Ms Tweiten’sTeachingCareerbeganandendedatPeshineAveSchoolwheresheservedfor34 years. While at Peshine, she was Union Representative for ten years along with being Student Mentor for five years. Her last six years in education were spent as a research coordinator based in Houston, Texas. She retired in 2002 with wonderful memories of her students and colleagues.
Althia was the CEO of “Once is Not Enough,” a resale shop in Orange, NJ from !975-1993. She stillownsTeeShirtPlus,acustomprintingcompany.
In 1991, Althia Tweiten acquired her real state license and worked as a referral agent for WeichertRealtyandCassRealtyinWestOrange,NJ
She is noted for her long record of leadership and service to the West Orange community. She became a member of the West Orange League of Women Voters in 1978. Althia was a member of the Democratic County Committee for twenty years and received the Committee’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” for her dedication and loyalty, and she was appointed a West Orange CommunityAideforherservicebySenatorNiaGillin1993.
AlthiawasamemberoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheLivingstonYMCAfrom2008-2011andwas appointed by Councilmen Krakoviak to the West Orange Human Relations Commission from 2011-2014.
As president of the West Orange African Heritage Organization, she was instrumental in starting the “Men Who Cook fund-raiser,” “First Friday,” St. Cloud School became part of the tutoring program and monitoring groups for the Board of Education and West Orange Council candidates ’debates. She was applauded by the West Orange Kwanzaa Committee for her dedicationandservicetotheWestOrangeAfricanHeritageOrganization,WOAHO.
The West Orange Kwanzaa Committee recognized Althia for her dedicated and faithful service totheWOAHOandtheentireWestOrangeCommunityinonDecember29,2007.
In2010,ZontaClubofEssexCountynamedMs.Tweiten,“WomanoftheYear”inrecognitionof her business acumen as owner of her company, Tee-Shirts Plus. She was appointed to the BoardofDirectorsoftheLivingstonYMCAfrom2008-2011.
For the 2011 – 2015 Women’s History Month, Althia chaired the collaboration of “Women In the NAACP” (WIN) and Omicron Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. sponsored a “Book Signing and Discussion.” Local female authors are invited to discuss and sell their book(s)
Althia Tweiten was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1992 and elected President in 2015. Since she became President, the Omicron Xi Omega Chapter has reclaimed fifteen sorority members and widened its reorganization as a service organization throughout the Montclairandothercommunities.
She has a daughter and three grandsons and a host of sorority sisters and friends who enjoy serving and fellowship with her in the local community and her home in West Orange, New Jersey.
Arkell Cox
As a trendsetting visionary, businesswoman, author, and awardwinning film producer, Dr. Arkell Cox is an avid creator who masterfully couples her passion with purpose.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Arkell relishes breaking boundaries and filling voids, embracing the accountability that comes with leadership.
Her relentless drive and commitment have paved the way for her success, but it is her unwavering resilience in navigating life’s adversities that truly inspires.
Arkell’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly as the owner of three IHOP restaurants and an IHOP Franchise Developer for the Borough of Brooklyn.
A self-taught franchise expert, Arkell has worked in every position within her restaurants, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business and mastering the art of service excellence.
This hands-on approach has solidified her reputation as a formidable force in the franchise industry.
In addition to her restaurant empire, she is the CEO and Founder of Diamond Girl Productions; a prominent music label.
Additionally, her work with Shine Bright Films has been recognized with a 2020 Telly Award, showcasing her excellence and impact in the film industry.
Arkell has recently launched MatriHeart, a stunning new jewelry line that embodies her passion for creativity and innovation. MatriHeart showcases exquisite pieces that resonate with modern elegance and timeless charm
Dr. Arkell Cox’s achievements extend beyond business success. Her contributions to philanthropy and community service have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. This recognition is a testament to her commitment to making a difference in the world.
Arkell, a self-proclaimed giver, motivator, and innovator, lives by the mantra:
“LOVE TODAY LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW”
This guiding principle embodies her approach to life and business, inspiring everyone who she encounters.
Felicia Graham
Felicia Graham is a beauty educator with over 20 years experience. From music to makeup! Felicia started out as a background singer touring with artist such as Donelle Jones, Joe & Beyonce just to name a few. Aside from music, her love of makeup began to grow as she honed her skills for performances on stage and television. Her passion for music & makeup led her to creating looks for pageants, magazines, Grammy Award winning artist Gregory Porter’s “Hey Laura” music video to short films & musical stage productions
eup artist at NYFW and has created looks for film & Television. en featured on magazine covers and the red carpet of the Tony ntly made her Broadway Debut as Makeup Designer on the 5X TONY Nominated hit show “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” and currently Makeup Designer of “HOME” on Broadway. Felicia uses makeup as a versatile tool to enhance women’s beauty & confidence which enables them to express their own personal unique style boldly. Felicia’s love and passion for the art of makeup continues to drive her to be the best artist she can possibly be, she believes that makeup is a versatile tool to enhance, empower and enable people to feel special.
Thurselle Chisholm Williams
Rev. Thurselle C. Williams is a New Jersey Native Preacher, Teacher, Domestic Violence Educator, and Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS). She holds a Bachelors of Sociology and African American Studies from Rutgers University, with advanced studies in the Graduate School of Public Administration. She holds a Certificate of Christian Ministry and Chaplain's license from New York Theological Seminary and a Master’s of Divinity at Drew Theological Seminary with a concentration in Social Justice
Thurselle uses her vast educational background to share her message of holistic Christian living throughout the church and community.Through the grass roots work of “Zipporah” a faith based non-profit organization she founded; Thurselle is committed to “Restoration through Education”.
Over the past twenty years, she has been blessed to speak at National and Local Christian conferences, retreats, and Churches on topics such as Faith, Domestic Violence awareness, Healing, and Empowerment. Thurselle currently serves as the Senior Pastor and first Woman Pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange NJ She is a pillar member of IAM (interfaith Action Movement), Founder of the daily devotional “Strength for the Day”, and the Interfaith Caucus chair of the Democratic Convention of the State of New Jersey. Out of all the servitude she has been Godly inspired to give back, her most precious service is to her Family and most especially her husband Robert. and children Gregory, Yasmine, Robert, Rakeim, and Rahzear.