Passion, Purpose, and Expiration Dates
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
When the moment arrives and you know that your passion doesn’t align with your purpose, it’s time to move on.
One of the great blessings that God offers to all of His children is the opportunity to choose what we want to do in life. Some may aspire to be a doctor, nurse, actor/actress, musician, teacher, dancer, etc. Whatever our hearts desire, God allows us to decide. With this freedom, I believe that God doesn’t expect us to leave Him out totally. If it’s from God, then in order to sustain it, a connection must be sustained.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
The purpose of an expiration date is to let us know when something has gone bad or has become useless. Who wants to eat food that has expired? We are not supposed to drive cars with an expired driver’s license, so why would we want to show up for an assignment that has passed us by? It doesn’t make sense. Whether it’s a person, place, or thing, or even an airplane, it deserves the best from whoever is in a position to provide it.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
Lately, I have noticed that a lack of compassion exists in many places. In the hospitality industry, the healthcare industry, the travel industry, and even at church, people seem to be so disinterested in the feelings of others. Of course, we can come up with a lot of reasons and excuses as to why, again, I believe that it’s due to an expiration date. If the thrill is gone, then the door becomes open to all of the bad habits to walk in.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
I want to encourage everyone who may read this message to always approach what we are called to with love and excellence. Self-reflection is also something that can help us learn where we are in our calling and assignments. The reasons why we started don’t change; what changes is what happens along the journey, and when the moment arrives where our interests are dull and reasoning has evaporated, that’s when we should walk away. Too many people are depending on receiving the best versions of themselves, and that version may even be connected to their livelihood and survival.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
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Phiffany & Co. - Legacy, Purpose, Promise Phiffany Porter
ARKANSAS
Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, AR Grants To Help Communities Arkansas Black Hall of Fame
Annual Luncheon & Awards
Bridge 2 Success
Little Rock, AR
Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilence NWA Black Heritage
It is time to celebrate those who help make our communities better. The Huami Magazine Community Awards Gala happened in Charlotte. Charlotte, NC
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Mina Alyssa Kennedy
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation
Little Rock, Ark. (June 5, 2025) Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation (ABHOF) awarded $55,000 in grants to 20 nonprofits with programs benefiting under-served communities in an online grant presentation May 29. These grants support projects focused on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development in Arkansas.
“We are proud to continue our support of exceptional nonprofit organizations in Arkansas through this grant program,” said Charles Stewart, chairman of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation. “Now more than ever, their work is essential to building stronger, more resilient communities. These organizations embody what we are working to accomplish at the ABHOF, and we are honored to stand alongside them in advancing opportunity throughout our state.”
This year’s grant recipients are AR Repertory Theater, Arkansas Women’s Outreach, City Connections Inc, CityYouth Ministries, Compassionately Connected for Veterans, Conway Cradle Care, Depaul USA, The Diaper Storehouse, Family Development Center, Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen, Girls on the Run of Central Arkansas, HGA – Humanitarian Global Alliance, Life Skills for Youth, Little Rock Diamond Foundation, Our House, Positive Outreach with Effective Results, Prevention Education Programs Inc., Prison Yoga Project, Village Public Health Training Center, and We Are Washington.
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation aims to provide an environment in which future generations of African American achievers with Arkansas roots will thrive and succeed. Arkansas Black Hall of Fame honors the contributions of African Americans through its annual Black Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and awards grants to support charitable endeavors in underserved communities. Learn more at www.arblackhalloffame.org.
Bridge 2 Success Presents Its Annual Community Awards and Recognition Luncheon
On Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, Bridge 2 Success will hosts its Annual Community Awards and Recognition Luncheon. The event will be held at Mosai Templars Cultural Center, located at 501 W. 9th Street, in Little Rock, AR.
Bridge 2 Success opened its doors on a rainy Wednesday morning in 2011. What once was a Family Dollar had been transformed into a happy place for young people, filled with countless games and activities, a commercial size kitchen, multiple classrooms, three computer rooms, and a friendly staff eager to help make an impact on the students. Bishop Ronald Wilkerson, the Executive Director of Bridge 2 Success, “saw a need in the southwest Little Rock community for youth to be engaged in a positive atmosphere.” He saw the need and created the change. Since then, B2S has expanded in unimaginable ways while staying true to its purpose.
Bridge 2 Success adopted Hilaro Springs Road in an effort to keep the youth busy and engaged in the environment. Bridge 2 Success has several certified teachers on site who provide the students with academic enrichment that builds on their strengths and helps to improve their knowledge in subjects that they may struggle in. Bridge 2 Success also provides transportation, nutritious meals, life skills training, familial support, tutoring, mentoring, socio-emotional learning, drug and alcohol prevention, conflict resolution, community service, and more. As a community outreach nonprofit, these programs have been developed in response to unmet community needs and provided at no cost to those who utilize them.
Ronald Wilkerson is the founder of Bridge 2 Success. He is a proud Little Rock native and a US Navy veteran. Bishop Wilkerson graduated from Central High School in 1970 and furthered his educational career, earning a masters degree in Divinity. Bishop Wilkerson has spent time employed by the Veterans Administration, the IRS, and the U.S. Postal Service before retiring to dedicate time to serve the people of Southwest Little Rock.
Bridge 2 Success has provided quality enrichment to the Little Rock community for over 14 years.
Phiffany & Co.
By Terry L. Watson
It’s not how you start, but how you finish.
For North Little Rock, AR, native and resident, Phiffany Porter, that adage is resounding and of great significance. As the owner and face of Phiffany & Co., Phiffany has made quite a name for herself in the real estate industry. She’s young and ambitious, and those qualities have fueled her fire. Yet, there is so much more that drives her passion, but at her core, Phiffany is answering a call of purpose planted into her as a young child.
“My life began with humble beginnings,” Phiffany shares. “I grew up in the East Gate Public Housing community. It was me, my mother, uncles, and cousins, all housed in a two-bedroom duplex. We stayed there until my grandmother purchased her first house, which was also a two-bedroom. While we may have been classified as a low-income family, it never felt like it, because there was so much love around. Of course, while at school, I noticed that some of the other kids had things that I didn’t, but still, I never felt like I was missing out. Living with my grandmother, Phyllis Porter, I absorbed many of her qualities. While my mother, Lucianna was there, I was really a “granny’s baby”. Sitting under her and watching the shows she watched on television, I learned a whole lot, including how to cook.”
Photos Provided by Corrie Wilson
In my first year of being a realtor, I volumed half a million dollars in sales in only six months. My first full year 3.5 million dollars. I tell people all of the time that it was nothing but God.”
Phiffany is a graduate of Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, AR. After high school, Phiffany tried several different careers, but entrepreneurship was always in her heart. Soon she moved to San Antonio, TX, and enrolled in Real Estate School. She would make her way back to North Little Rock and continue her studies in Real Estate, and eventually obtain her license to be a realtor. Phiffany also attended Shorter College and graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts and Science in 2017.
Interestingly enough, Phiffany didn’t immediately jump into real estate full-time after obtaining her license. She continued to work for the federal government, but realized that life was very stagnant and she wanted more. After giving birth to her daughter, she jumped into real estate full-time, and her impact was immediately recognized. “In my first year of being a realtor, I volumed half a million dollars in sales in only six months. My first full year 3.5 million dollars. I tell people all of the time that it was nothing but God. I used to tell my grandmother all of the time that I would make my first million before I am thirty-five. Sadly, while I was pregnant, I lost my grandmother. I never really grieved her, and now she is my purpose. I told her what I was going to do, and I want to fulfill that affirmation,” Phiffany says. Fulfilling that promise appears to have been an easy task, as Phiffany has accomplished multimillion-dollar sales each year since beginning in 2021.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Phiffany shares it’s the opportunity to help families. “I love to see people’s dreams come true. I feel like every client I have helped has become a part of my family. Every transaction has taught me something. I love to help others see their dreams come true. As African Americans, we don’t always get the opportunity to purchase property. When I purchased my first home, I also built my first home. It was a custom build as well. That was a major feat for me, and is an experience that I want to share and make possible for others,” she says.
In her quest to help and serve others, Phiffany has been blessed with memories she shares that will last a lifetime. “My first sale is my most memorable sale. It was a listing in Maumelle, AR. I was so nervous. I had to sell myself and let my client know that I was the right person to help them sell their property. I was ready and I had a plan. I had my pitch prepared, as well as the comparative market analysis, and my client stopped me from talking mid-sentence and told me they believed that I would do everything that I said I would,” she says. Phiffany would go on to sell her client’s home $30,000 over value. That experience, she says, was very scary, but it equipped her with a new level of confidence. “I cried like a baby after closing because I was very proud of myself.”
Being raised by her grandmother, it’s quite understandable that she is the one who has impacted her life the most. Phiffany says she is the person who molded her and shaped her as a God-fearing woman. “My grandmother always told me that I must be a lady first in everything that I do. When I walk into a room, I want others to feel my presence. That is something that my grandmother taught me. She moved that way. She left her grace in every room that she stepped into. I am a hustler at heart, and I hustle with grace and purpose. My grandmother taught me that, too. That is her legacy, and I want to ensure that her legacy continues.”
Phiffany also credits her son, Kobe, and daughter, Khori, with impacting her life, and has already involved them in her business. Her son, who is 13, sits in construction meetings with her, which exposes him to the inner workings of business. “I want my kids to see firsthand what confidence looks like and learn what it takes to succeed from my perspective. I don’t want just to tell them, I allow for them to see it firsthand,” she says.
In the field of real estate, there are some challenges that Phiffany has faced. One that she happily admits is getting out of her own way. She adds, “I wasn’t confident in the beginning. I knew I had the skills and the ability, but I wasn’t very confident. Where I come from, I have never seen someone doing what I do. Still today, I am scared because I have so many people looking at me. My kids are watching me, and family and friends that I grew up with are watching me. I don’t want to let them down.”
Pictured below is Phiffany’s mother, Lucianna, who is holding a young Phiffany, along with her grandmother, Phyllis.
Pictured on the opposite page along with Phiffany are her children, Khori and Kobe.
Pictured above is Phiffany’s grandmother Phyllis.
While there have been challenges, Phiffany says that she appreciates the way things have happened. She also states there isn’t much that she would change, other than not listening to the words and advice of non-believers. Over the course of her career, her strength and confidence have grown because of her faith in God and her belief in His purpose for her life.
In addition to being a realtor and managing her own company, Phiffany & Co., she owns a construction company ERA Development. Phiffany is also a member of the highly successful realtor team with Plush Homes and has her hands involved in a few other things, including serving as a Client Relations Manager for Bisutomodo Entertainment.
For others who may follow a path in life similar to hers, Phiffany offers some sound advice. “You can do whatever you set your heart to, but make sure that it’s your passion, because if it’s your passion, it doesn’t feel like work. I love what I do; the real estate, the music industry, and construction development. I love them all. Things are going to change, but you must be open to that. You have to hustle every day and always have faith,” she says.
Phiffany has accomplished a lot in her young life. Looking ahead, her goals are to do even more, much of which involves helping others. “I want to develop neighborhoods and communities for minorities to live luxuriously but at an affordable cost. I want to be an all-around powerhouse to help people, all people. I grew up with no stability, and I didn’t get my first bed to sleep in until I moved out on my own after graduating from high school. I want to provide those opportunities to others who may be in a similar situation,” Phiffany shares. Using her life’s experiences, Phiffany has plans to publish her first book, There is Purpose with Pain, which is scheduled to be released in 2026.
Linese Washington
ACA Event Solutions
“God
is a God of Restoration”
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography
Linease Washington of Greensboro, NC, is a child of God, a minister, and a devoted mother. She is also the owner of ACA Event Solutions, a full-service event and planning company that offers a comprehensive range of products and services. These include rentals, floral arrangements, music, décor, catering, entertainment, transportation, and more.
Originally from Alabama, Linease began her journey in 2010 as A Cream Affair Events. In 2019, she rebranded her company to ACA Event Solutions to better reflect her full-service approach. “For us, event planning goes far beyond managing logistics and checking off to-do lists. It’s about building meaningful relationships with our clients—becoming their trusted partner, confidant, and even a calming presence during what can be a stressful process. We listen deeply, inspire creativity, offer guidance, and celebrate the joy of each moment right alongside our clients. Our dedication begins with the initial conception and extends to the final presentation. Whether it’s a corporate luncheon, an intimate gathering, or a black-tie gala, we approach each event as the beginning of a lasting partnership—not a onetime service,” Linease says.
Linease describes herself as a resilient woman whose life story is rooted in strength, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Born in the small town of Koenton, as the fourth of twelve siblings, Linease was raised by remarkable parents who instilled in her faith, the values of hard work, respect, and unconditional love. After graduating from high school, she married her then high school sweetheart, a union that was marked with domestic violence. As her first marriage dissolved, Linease focused on making a fresh start for herself and her children. As a single mother, she juggled three jobs and spent countless evenings doing homework with her children. “I have always wanted to show my children that education is the key to opportunity and success,” she says.
Forus,eventplanninggoesfarbeyondmanaginglogisticsand checkingoffto-dolists.It’saboutbuildingmeaningfulrelationships withourclients—becomingtheirtrustedpartner,confidant,andevena calmingpresenceduringwhatcanbeastressfulprocess.”
Determined to rewrite her story, Linease earned her degrees despite the odds stacked against her. She doesn’t boast of the numerous awards and accolades or her doctoral degree, and at heart, she’s simply Linease. Her journey from adversity to achievement is not only a testimony of personal triumph but also a source of inspiration. Her passion for excellence, creativity, and meaningful celebrations continues to flourish. Today, she is married to the love of her life, Gareth, and together they share a beautiful, blended family of four children, ten grandchildren, and one precious great-granddaughter.
Linease shares that all of her events hold a special place in her heart. Yet, if she had to choose just one, it would be the Celebrating Life Jazz Brunch. She adds, “This event is significant because it honors overcomers— individuals who have faced and conquered unimaginable challenges like cancer, domestic violence, incarceration, and hopelessness. It also brings together changemakers, trailblazers, and everyday heroes who have overcome challenges and continue to make a difference in their families, communities, and beyond. It’s a moment to give them their flowers while they can still smell them.” At the brunch, family and friends gather with expressions of love and support, along with stunning décor, uplifting live music, delicious food, and special presentations. “It’s more than an event—it’s a celebration of resilience, courage, and the beauty of second chances,” she says.
The Celebrating Life Jazz Brunch began in 2011 as a heartfelt, inspirational, and educational Saturday morning breakfast in honor of one of Linease’s dear friends who embodied grace, strength, and a love for music and elegance. Following her passing in 2014, the gathering evolved into a soulful Sunday jazz brunch—a tribute that reflected the very essence of who she was. Since then, it has blossomed into an elegant and uplifting event and most recently, and held its annual event in June of this year. “The Celebrating Life Jazz Brunch was intentionally named as a living tribute—because too often, we wait until someone has passed to honor their life, calling it a “Celebration of Life.” However, we choose to celebrate life now—while the honorees can hear the words, feel the love, and see the difference they are making in the world,” says Linease.
Pictured with Linease is her husband, Gareth
In April 2026, Linease and her team will celebrate 15 years of producing the Celebrating Life Jazz Brunch. She adds, “Over the years, we’ve had the honor of hosting this experience in High Point, NC; Charlotte, NC; Tampa, FL; and Greensboro, NC, meeting countless survivors, thrivers, and everyday heroes along the way. As we step into our Crystal Year, a symbol of clarity, strength, and transformation, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement. This isn’t just a celebration of the past— it’s a declaration that we are just getting started. The best is truly yet to come!”
Linease shares that she draws inspiration from her mother, Ida Lee Dixon. “I’m especially inspired by her strength, faith, and unwavering love, which taught me the true power of perseverance and compassion. She had a deep love for planning, baking, cooking, and creating joyful moments for others. She once owned Ida’s Bakery in St. Petersburg, Florida, where her cakes were as unforgettable as the care she poured into everything she did. Before her passing, it was her dream that her children would one day become a one-stop shop for events. I am carrying on her legacy of creativity, excellence, and service, and it brings tears to my eyes to know that I’m now walking in her vision. Her passion lives on in everything I do, and honoring her legacy inspires me every single day,” Linease says.
With all that Linease does, oftentimes she is faced with a few challenges, but she doesn’t allow adversity to deter her from her purpose. She also says there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened along her journey. “Every challenge has shaped me and strengthened the foundation of ACA Event Solutions. The challenges taught me to be flexible, creative, and solution-driven. They’ve pushed me to grow as a leader, build an incredible team, and deepen my commitment to serving with excellence. Each obstacle became an opportunity to innovate, and I’m grateful for every step that led us to where we are today,” she says.
Charlotte, NC
Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography
2025 Huami Magazine Community Awards Honorees
Business Leaders Honorees
Community Leaders Honorees
W
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I n O ur C ommunity
Jazz in the Park Returns in September
Information obtained from www.littlerock.com
Twice a year - each Wednesday in April and September - Little Rock’s River Market Pavilions come to life with the sounds of soulful jazz and joyful music. Made locally. Sponsored by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Art Porter Music Foundation, Inc., Jazz in the Park celebrates local musicians in Little Rock’s jazz and R&B scene. Each concert is held in the River Market Pavilions. The concert series began in 2013 in the park’s History Pavilion, but as crowds have grown over the years, it has expanded to take up the East River Market Pavilion. For especially large events, concerts may be held at the park’s First Security Amphitheater.
Entertainment: This concert series highlights the best of Little Rock’s diverse and talented jazz and R&B scene, and careful attention is paid to showcasing the many facets of jazz and R&B performance styling Little Rock is home to. Guests can expect everything from smooth vocals to virtuosic instrumental solos and everything in between.
Food & Drinks: Guests are welcome to bring food to the concert, but not drinks. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Art Porter Music Education scholarship fund. Purchases may be made using cash, Cash App, or credit cards.
Admission: Admission is FREE to the public. This event is both dog and kid-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole family for a jazzy good time! Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, but coolers are not allowed. A limited number of chairs are provided at the event for patron use during pavilion events.
All concerts will be held at the River Market Pavilions or First Security Amphitheater from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. In case of rain, concerts will move to Ottenheimer River Market Hall. The September 2025 lineup for Jazz in the Park presents are September 3 - Dizzy 7, September 10 - Blu Jams and Co., September 17 - Tonya Leeks, and September 24 - Rodney Block Collective.
NWA Black Heritage
Information obtained from NWA Black Heritage Online
Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilience — Festive March & Cookout 2025
On June 22, 2025, a community gathered to celebrate Black freedom, joy, and community during the Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilience Festive March & Cookout. From music and movement to storytelling and shared meals, this unforgettable day honored the enduring strength of Black communities in Northwest Arkansas. This year’s event transformed the streets of Fayetteville into a vibrant celebration of culture and legacy.
Highlights included a lively march led by The Cummins Group and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Marching Band, an open-air art gallery honoring Black excellence—past and present, a powerful performance by HerSetHerSound, a community cookout catered by Chef Nate Walls, reflections from Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn, a moving art installation in Prairie, a site reclaimed to honor African Americans who lived and worked the land before and after 1865.
NWA Black Heritage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and correcting the inequalities Black communities face in Northwest Arkansas. We do this by preserving, documenting, and promoting the rich heritage and culture of Black communities in the region. Our mission is to fill gaps in our recorded history while revealing what has guided the racist practices embedded in the American social construct.
To correct this racist culture, we conduct research, document histories, and educate our community on the often overlooked and intentionally suppressed contributions and experiences of Black individuals in Northwest Arkansas. Our focus is on charitable, scientific, and educational purposes. We collaborate with organizations and individuals to reveal the stories of our ancestors and bolster our community’s sense of pride and place.
The organization was co-founded in 2008 by the late Melba Lene Smith and Sharon Killian. Melba Smith was a distinguished advocate for Black life both at home and abroad, working to end apartheid, supporting women in developing countries, and writing the history of her ancestors who were enslaved in Washington County, AR. Her grandfather, James Hoover, was a leader in the Black community at Spout Spring/Willow Avenue in Fayetteville, which is the only remaining African American community of the vast number that began throughout the region after the brutal and racist system of American slavery. Sharon Killian now serves as president of the Board and continues to uplift regional communities by centering their art, creating public murals, and teaching gallery practices. She is an essential thought leader in matters of diversity for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary and positively impacts the arts ecosystem in our region.
Mina Alyssa Kennedy
The daughter of Christopher and MacKenzie Kennedy
Dr. Candace Wakefield
The Children’s Dental Zone
By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Dr. Candace Wakefield
Dr. Candace Wakefield is the founder and owner of The Children’s Dental Zone/Trilogy, a pediatric dental practice. Located in Florissant, MO, The Children’s Dental Zone has two offices all within the same location and is comprised of several Pediatric Dentists. Along with Candace T. Wakefield, DMD, there are Caroline L. Giles, DDS, Valerie N. Spivey, DMD, and Emily Elster, DMD.
Children’s Dental Zone | Trilogy opened in 2005. Its focus is to serve kids from the age of one to thirteen, while a separate space, Trilogy, caters to teens and young adults between the ages of 13 and 26. Some of the services offered at Candace’s private practice include traditional pediatric dental services, such as dental cleanings, fillings, cosmetic crowns, and extractions, as well as sedation dentistry through a partnership with Premier Dental Anesthesiology. They also offer Invisalign First, for children between the ages of 6 and 11, as well as Comprehensive Invisalign treatment for teens and young adults.
Additionally, they offer pain-free dental injections using a compassionate, electronic delivery system, laughing gas, and the innovative use of the Oculus VR headset, which allows patients to be distracted by visually calming scenery. “Dr. Candy” is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a member of the College of Diplomates and various national, regional, and local dental organizations. Most importantly, she loves helping children, serving her community, and prides herself on having the unique ability to relate to kids. Candace is also passionate about helping children of all ages maintain a healthy and beautiful smile by establishing a positive attitude towards dentistry.
Candace’s trek in pediatric dentistry began while she was in dental school at SIU-SDM. Her (then) mentor encouraged her to complete a two-year residency program after dental school at Howard University. She did, and her vision was to return home and work with her mentor in St. Louis. Things would happen a little differently for Candace, and life steered her to open her own practice, which would be Children’s Dental Zone. “I always knew I would have my own practice. I had a vision of what I wanted my practice to be aesthetically. While in dental school, I would read dental articles in magazines and brainstorm ideas to come up with designs and characteristics of what I wanted my practice to be,” she says.
While attending the University of Missouri, Candace’s initial plan was to be a pediatrician. While working in a hospital setting as a clerk, she witnessed a child die and made the decision to look outside of medicine for a career, stating that the ordeal of seeing the child pass was a lot for her to handle. During that time, she was the president of the black pre-med club and attended a seminar for a pre-dental meeting being held on campus. While there, she met a representative from SIU dental school, which led to a change in her focus. “The representative shared some things that confirmed to me what God wanted for me to do all along. It was to be a dentist,” Candace says. Even more, Candace’s story is an honest representation of God’s love and how it comes full circle. The office where her practice is housed just happens to be the same dental office space where she went as a child patient!
Candace shares that Children’s Dental Zone operates with two slogans. One, “Where Your Child Comes First” and the other, “Where Every Appointment Is An Exceptional Experience”. Candace says, “We put the child first in every decision that we make. We also strive to provide our young patients with an experience, not just a dental appointment. From the time they walk in the door, from the artwork that is on the walls, the music that’s playing, the scents they smell when they walk in, and more - all with kids in mind. We just try to spoil them rotten and make their appointment like no other they will ever have.”
As mentioned, Candace graduated from the University of Missouri and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Howard University. She has been married to her husband, Denis Tita, for 11 years, and together they have one 10-year-old son, John-Pierre.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Candace expounds on her love for people. “I love talking to people! Being a pediatric dentist can be an isolated field. However, kids just want to have fun, and so do I. That is why I chose Pediatric Dentistry.”
While Candace enjoys what she does, her journey has come with a few ups and downs. She says, “While in my freshman year of dental school, my mom fell ill and had to undergo emergency surgery. She was in the hospital for about three months. I was attending school from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and I would go visit my mom each night. That ordeal took a toll on my grades, and as a result, even though I wasn’t failing, I had to repeat my first year of dental school. I did, and the rest has been my best blessing. My testimony is never to let anyone tell you what you can’t do.” Candace continued to press her way through. At Howard University, she became the chief resident after her first year. In 2011, she was awarded Howard University’s College of Dentistry’s most distinguished Alumni.
Today, Candace has really enhanced her practice by offering Invisalign for kids and teens.. She has set her sights on the management aspect of her practice and is looking forward to doing things outside of the clinical practice, such as speaking and conducting lectures. Of course, this would be after retirement. While there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened for her, Candace shares that if she could, she would have stayed at Howard University for two more years after getting her Pediatric Dentistry Certificate and completed her Orthodontics Certificate. She also wishes she had gotten married and had a child sooner in her career.
To learn more about Dr. Candace Wakefield and Children’s Dental Zone, please visit their website.
Tierra Henderson
By Terry L. Watson
Tierra Henderson of Dallas, TX, is not the kind of person who waits for permission; she creates her own doors. In addition to being a passionate creative and a relentless go-getter, Tierra is a woman of faith, a proud mom, and grandmother of five.
Tierra was raised to believe in hard work and excellence. She has already earned her bachelor’s degree and is nearly finished with acquiring her master’s in Business Management. Additionally, Tierra is a Certified Meeting Professional with over 20 years of experience. “I am a visionary with a mind that rarely rests — always building, always imagining what could be better, bigger, or more beautiful. At my core, I am a builder — not just of businesses, but of people, moments, and possibilities. I also take pride in doing things well, and I am not a fan of mediocrity,” she says.
Tierra has also found her way to being a successful entrepreneur, and owns T. MCK Events, LLC, an event planning company that specializes in crafting luxury event experiences that leave lasting impressions. While she began her company professionally in 2020, Tierra has been planning since 2003—bringing people together with intention and elegance.
“What I love most about what I do is the opportunity to create moments that feel like magic. There’s nothing like watching someone’s vision come to life and knowing I had a hand in making it real,” she says. “I also love the feeling of success. There’s a deep sense of pride in knowing I can make things happen by my own ability— on my own terms. I care deeply about legacy, impact, and how people feel when they experience something I’ve touched.”
As she has built her brand and company, Tierra has leaned on a few people for support and guidance. She says, “At the beginning of my career, I was blessed with an incredible mentor—Ray Ferland, my general manager, who truly helped shape my business mindset and set the foundation for my success in hospitality. His leadership and guidance were instrumental in how I approach service, excellence, and professionalism to this day, and I’ll always be grateful.”
Photos Provided by Tierra Henderson
Like most entrepreneurs, Tierra has faced a few challenges along her journey, from funding hurdles to burnout and self-doubt. Still, she managed them by staying rooted in purpose, learning to rest and not quit, and remembering why she started. Through it all, Tierra says it’s the people who believed in her when she was still figuring things out, such as Ray Ferland. These are the ones she says who gave her the fuel to keep going, and their support reminded her that she was built for this journey.
In addition to event planning services, Tierra also offers custom print and design services, of which she says, bring visions to life. “Whether it’s wedding planners, business templates, or beautifully designed memorial keepsakes, my company can do it,” she says. “I’ve had the honor of orchestrating events around the world—from Munich, Germany; Rome, Italy; and Taipei, Taiwan, to cities across the U.S., including right here in Dallas and everywhere in between. These global experiences, paired with the opportunity to immerse myself in other cultures, have been invaluable—not just professionally, but personally.”
“What I love most about what I do is the opportunity to create moments that feel like magic. There’s nothing like watching someone’s vision come to life and knowing I had a hand in making it real.” h
Tierra offers some advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as to those who may follow a path similar to her own. She says, “Start officially. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Get legal, get legit, and get a mentor who’s already doing what you aspire to do.” Moving forward, Tierra plans to grow and scale her business. She also plans to launch her Mindset Coaching program and focus on creating space for women to rise boldly, lead confidently, and live without shrinking. In closing, Tierra shares, “This is more than business; this is personal. I’m not just building brands, I’m building a life that I’m proud of, and I’m just getting started.”
