EXPLORE VENDORS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS, BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS, AND FLU SHOTS (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)
Emergency Briefing
Opening Prayer
Welcome
Greetings
Dr.AnnetteClark-Brown,Chair-EmergencyResponseTeam
ValeriaG.Johnson,Chaplain
DrMaryJones,Chair-RedDressLuncheon
LavellR.Thornton,President
County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
CherylNunnley,Chair
Fortitude Foundation, Inc
JenayaLee
LottieMcClorin,Co-Chair-RedDressLuncheon
JocelynJacobs,Co-Chair-RCAStepTeam
LUNCH
Documentary Showing - Making of a Heart Attack
Recognition of Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor Remarks
Introduction of Speakers
Speakers
Closing Remarks Door Prizes
LaylaSewell,Co-Chair-RedDressLuncheon
Dr.LisaHead,AMGEN
DrMaryJones,Chair-RedDressLuncheon
TishaBoston,MD,FAAFP
JasminParkerBrown,PhD(c),M.S.
VaLisaPalmer,LPC,NCC
MoniqueBell,MSW,LISW-CP
BrookeA.Brittain,MS,RD,LD,CHES,CLC
TrinaJHill,MBA,RDN,CPT,CIEC
RosalynLGlenn,NationalTreasurer
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc
Dr.MaryJones,Chair-RedDressLuncheon
Dr.LisaWaddell,ViceChair-FortitudeFoundation,Inc.
Immediate Past Chair Red Dress Luncheon
VISIT VENDORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Richland
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement was launched in 2004 with the goal of raising awareness and fighting a woman ’ s greatest health threat-cardiovascular disease. Today, Go Red for Women not only advocates for the health of all women, funds lifesaving research and educates women across the United States and around the world but is committed to removing the unique barriers women face to experiencing better health and well-being.
Here are 10 facts you need to know about women and cardiovascular disease:
1.Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms for cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat
2 Among females 20 years and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than 50% of women entering pregnancy in the United States have good heart health.
3 Cardiovascular disease is the No 1 killer in new moms and accounts for over one-third of maternal deaths Black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates
4.Overall, 10% to 20% of women will have a health issue during pregnancy, and high blood pressure, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increase a women ’ s risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life
5.Going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, but the approach of menopause marks a point in midlife when women ’ s cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate, making increased focus on health during this pivotal life stage is crucial
6.Most cardiac ann stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating smart, and managing blood pressure
7 519% of high blood pressure deaths, otherwise known as hypertension or the “silent killer,” are in women, and out of all women, 57.6% of Black females have hypertension - more than any other race or ethnicity.
8 While there are an estimate of 41 million female stroke survivors living today, approximately 575% of total stroke deaths are in women
9.Women are often less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or injuring the victim.
10 Women continue to be underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, as well as in research. In fact, women occupy nearly half of all U.S. jobs (48%), but only 27% of jobs in STEM fields. Furthermore, only 38% of participants in clinical cardiovascular trials are women.
Tisha S. Boston,
MD, FAAFP
Co-Vice Chief of Primary Care - Midlands
Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
Prisma Health
USC School of Medicine Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
Tisha S. Boston, MD, FAAFP is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and Co-Vice Chief of Primary Care for Prisma Health-Midlands.
She is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with a clinical base located at Prisma Health Primary Care–Northeast Medical Park in Columbia. She has been caring for patients in the Midlands since 2001.
Dr. Boston earned her undergraduate degree from Clemson University in 1994 and her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 1998. She completed her Family Medicine residency at Palmetto Health In recognition of her contributions to family medicine, she was awarded fellowship status by the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2017.
She has held many leadership positions. She was Medical Director for Senior Primary Care, a practice devoted to care of the elderly, and she served as the Ambulatory Care Residency Director at WJB Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC, where she developed a nationally recognized initiative to improve quality and reduce laboratory costs, earning selection as a 2020 Veteran’s Health Administration Shark Tank semifinalist.
With more than two decades in practice, Dr. Boston has focused her clinical care on underserved and vulnerable populations, including geriatric, indigent, and veteran patients She was recently awarded USCSOM’s Dean’s Distinguished Service Award for Inclusion Leadership. Her professional interests include population health, geriatrics, preventive medicine, and addressing healthcare disparities.
Jasmin Parker Brown,
PhD (c), M.S.
Research Assistant | Prevention Research Center
Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
Jasmin Parker-Brown is a doctoral candidate in Exercise Science at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Activity and Health from Auburn University and her master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Jasmin is a Research Assistant at the University of South Carolina’s Prevention Research Center, an NIH-funded center dedicated to improving public health through community-engaged research and behavior change interventions focused on physical activity and healthy eating In this role, she supports the implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of evidence-based physical activity and nutrition programs in faith-based settings at both local and national levels. Her research interests center on promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and mental health within underserved and minoritized communities, with a particular focus on community-based settings such as public libraries.
LPC, NCC
Therapist/Life Coach | Palmer Counseling and Consulting
VaLisa Palmer, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Christian Life and Success Coach, and community advocate committed to promoting holistic healing for individuals and families. She is the co-owner (with her husband Reese) of Palmer Counseling & Consulting and the founder of Anchor Family & Community Services, organizations focused on expanding access to culturally responsive, evidence-based mental health care.
With over a decade of experience, VaLisa specializes in supporting women, couples, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, and life transitions. Her work is faith-informed and grounded in the belief that true wellness addresses the mind, body, and spirit, with hope serving as an anchor during life’s most challenging seasons
VaLisa proudly co-labors in this work alongside her husband of 16 years, Reese Palmer Together, they founded His & Hers Couples Coaching, where they developed the Married to the MAX Method, a comprehensive, faithinformed, evidence-based approach designed to help couples build emotionally healthy, resilient, and thriving marriages Their work supports couples in strengthening communication, deepening emotional connection, and fostering long-term relational success
VaLisa is especially passionate about the intersection of mental health and heart health among African American women, who often carry immense responsibility while neglecting their own well-being. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment, she encourages women to prioritize emotional health, boundaries, rest, and spiritual grounding as vital components of overall heart health.
She and Reese are the proud parents of four amazing children: ages 37 and 28, affectionately known as the Varsity Crew, and two younger children, ages 14 and 12, lovingly referred to as the JV Squad. Outside of her professional work, VaLisa enjoys singing karaoke, dancing, “cutting a rug, ” reading a great book, and traveling, especially to tropical destinations whenever possible
VaLisa is actively involved at Long Creek Church of Christ, where she serves as a ministry leader and Bible class teacher She is honored to participate in the 2026 Red Dress Luncheon and contribute to meaningful dialogue that educates, equips, and inspires lasting change
Monique Bell,
MSW, LISW-CP
Clinical Therapist | Palmer Counseling and Consulting
Monique Bell, MSW, LISW-CP, is a Licensed Clinical Therapist and community social worker whose professional work focuses on healing, identity development, and generational wellness for women and girls. She serves as a clinical therapist with Palmer Counseling and Consulting, where she works alongside children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families on their journeys toward healing, growth, and restoration
Monique is also the Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls’ Clubhouse, Inc. and the creator of the EXTRAordinary Girls brand, through which she integrates clinical expertise, culturally responsive practice, and community-based leadership to support mental wellness, self-worth, and personal growth. Her work is grounded in evidence-based approaches and lived experience, and she is committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to move forward with clarity, confidence, and renewed meaning
She is passionate about equipping individuals and families with practical tools to navigate life transitions, trauma, and emotional challenges with resilience and intention. Through workshops, community initiatives, and therapeutic services, Monique bridges the gap between clinical care and accessible mental health education Her mission is to foster healing-centered communities where women and girls are empowered to thrive authentically and unapologetically.
BrookeBrittain,
MS, RD, LD, CHES, CLC
Associate Director, Food and Nutrition Security
College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
Joseph F Sullivan Center, Clemson University
Brooke Brittain obtained a B.S. degree in Health Promotion from Coastal Carolina University, a M.S. degree in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University and a Culinary Certificate from the University of South Carolina Brooke has worked in community nutrition for twenty years She is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian as well as a Certified Health Education Specialist and a Certified Lactation Counselor
Brooke is the Vice President for the SC Public Health Association and the Co-Chair for the SCPHA Mentorship Program She also serves as the Academy Foundation Liaison for the SC Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has received various awards over the years such as the SCPHA award for Outstanding Service and the Presidents Award She has also been awarded the Emerging Dietetic Leader from the SC Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Brooke is currently the Associate Director of Food and Nutrition Security with Clemson Rural Health Through this position she designs and oversees program planning, implementation and training related to food and nutrition in rural environments She currently serves as the PI for a project involving diabetes management through produce prescription called the “Fresh for Life” program. She is also a CO-PI for another project called “ManageTogether.” Both projects emphasize comprehensive health and nutrition education along with produce prescription for patients at risk for or living with diabetes in rural communities in South Carolina.
Special thanks to the Red Dress Luncheon Committee Members!
Thank you to each of you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment in making our Annual Red Dress Luncheon a success. Your time, creativity, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts did not go unnoticed.
Because of your teamwork and excellence, the event was beautifully executed and impactful. I am truly grateful for the way you showed up and represented our chapter with professionalism and purpose.
~ Lavell R Thornton, Richland County Alumnae Chapter President
Stephanie Averette
Sonia Blyther
LaTonya Brown
Tara Butler
Avenee Coleman
Kristy Coleman
Kendreia Dickens Carr
Melissa Felder
Bridgit Hawkins
Jocelyn Jacobs
Vyce Johnson
Erin Jones
Mary Jones (Chair)
Sharon Lee
Angela Mack
Lottie McClorin (Co-Chair)
Kiesha Moore
Nikita Peete
Vanessa Phillips Williams
Kernita Porter
Ressie Register
Lea Sandiford
Raven Scales
Layla Sewell (Co-Chair)
Adia’ Singleton
Gwen Thurmond
Holly VanDyke
Lisa Waddell
Cynthia Wilder
D. Chenise Wiley
Alexandria Williams
Dantz Woodberry
Special Thanks
Vyce Johnson, Technology Support
Wykeisha Lewis, Program Booklet Design
Red Dress Luncheon Event Volunteers
Red Dress Luncheon Committee Leadership
Event Vendors
B and Z Merchandises
BlackGirlMe, LLC.
Classy Exhibitions By DWD
Craft Body Scan
Custom Engraved Jewelry & More
Kandles by Kam
MK Couture Designs Need Nalia
The Casual Dean
VaLisa Palmer, LPC
FADE 360 Photo Booth
Thank you for attending!
Your feedback is important to us! Scan the QR code to tell us your thoughts on today's event. This will help us better serve you with future events!
Tara Butler, Physical and Mental Health Chair
Janelle Butler & Kaleena Capers, Physical and Mental Health Co-Chairs
Dr. Mary Jones, Red Dress Luncheon Chair
Lottie McClorin & Layla Sewell, Red Dress Luncheon Co-Chairs
Dr. Lisa Waddell, Immediate Past Red Dress Luncheon Chair
Cheryl Nunnley, Fortitude Foundation, Inc. Chair
Special thanks to the Event Decor Sub Committee
Sharon Lee, Decor Lead | Bridgit Hawkins, Decor Co-Lead
