Women On The Rise Global Magazine 2023 Issue 2/Vol. 2 by WomenOnTheRise

There is no

Dr. Paula B. Miller

force equal to a Woman of God,

determined to

RISE.

Owner & Editor-in-Chief of WOTR Global Magazine

Editorial Consultant

Clarence R. Miller

CONTENTS WOMEN HISTORY 06

DR. SHENETTA MALKIA-SAPP

JALENE MACK

DR. A’LONDA L. BARBER-KUSIMO

KATHRYN E. NUNEZ

NGOZI CADMUS

MOTIVATION & LEADERSHIP 10

WHEN BLACK WOMEN LEAD, WE ALL WIN 10 INSPIRING LEADERS SHOW US THE WAY

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS 14

DR. BETSY EVANS-BENNETT

TORY AND TERI SMITH

SHENIQUA JOHNSON

PASTOR BRIDGETE S. OWENS

APOSTLE PHILLIP K. OWENS JR.

BRYAN WOODARD

NICK DILLON

PATRICIA BARNES

PATRICIA COLEMAN

SHERRIKA HUNT-ROSS

DR. SHARON D. SAULS

SALT AND PEPPER GANG

DR. JERI GODHIGH

ROSEMARY TUCKER

KRISTI BELLARD LAW

DR. PATRICIA ROGERS

JOAHNA TUPAS

CURTIS KING

KOLLEEN “QUEENIE” WRIGHT

MEN’S CORNER 32

DR. DANIEL MOSES

CURTIS KING

TAWANA L. SIMPSON

MISS DALLAS ANNETTE ADDO-YOBO

DR. PAMELA D. HARVEY-COX

EMCEE KHVN RADIO HOST TONYA HALL

VANESSA STERLING

TRACY LEE-ANDERSON

GUEST SPEAKER CORDERO ROLAND

CHERICIA CURTIS

MISS PARK CITIES TEEN ALEXXIA CARTER

LANITA HALE

LAKISHA ALLEN

DR. SHANNON T. HARRINGTON

APOSTLE WILLIAM CAMPBELL

KAREN MILES

JANIECE EVANS-PAGE

COLUMNIST 36

AVOIDING CONFLICT IN YOUR MARRIAGE

HEALTH & WELLNESS 40

HABITS THAT KEEP YOUR LUNGS HEALTHY

WOMEN HISTORY

WOMEN ON THE RISE

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

bring Greetings to each of you! On behalf of I AM Paula B. Miller, presents Women On The Rise Annual Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards and Speakers Golden Voice Awards we welcome you. My WHY shouldn’t cause me stress instead it should motivate and inspire me to become a better person than I were on yesterday and be greater on tomorrow. It should be the light in my darkness and the fuel to take me wherever I choose to go. I look for reasons to smile and things that make me happy. I embrace my WHY and nurture it to the fullest extent.

My WHY is unique just like my footprints. No one else will have the same print. My WHY should complete who I am. Embrace your WHY and Love yourself for who you are. There is no other like you. Thank you for your support and for the willingness to make a difference in the lives of others by using your WHY as change agents to inspire the next generation to greatness, help elevate others out of trauma, and speak life into someone’s dreams which may be lying dormant. Women On The Rise is not just a magazine. It’s who we are. It’s what we do. It’s a movement.

Dr. Paula B. Miller EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

WOMEN ON THE RISE

WOMEN HISTORY

oman’s History is the foundation of our today. Without woman nothing more could be created. It’s in the foundation of birth, care, support, direction, innovation, and love that infuses and empowers our countries, nations, homes, businesses, and communities to further evolve today. The women that have come, gone, created, built, sacrificed, cried, rejoiced, prayed, broke the stigmas and rules, became a voice and light for us today lead and guide us with perseverance

Dr. Shenetta Malkia h.c. SHCM® NARPM® is the CEO of The PMs Of The City Realty and The PMs Of the City. The PMs Of the City is full service property management firm and The PMs of the City is a full service brokerage serving Maryland, DC & VA with new states coming soon. Dr. Malkia is known to many as The PM or Broker of the City with over 20 years in property management, asset management and project management for rehabs and construction. She took on her new role as Broker in Dec. of 2021 with a desire to change the face of real estate. Dr. Malkia focuses on the best possible solution in any circumstances. She’s a patient, understanding and Humanitarian who needed the help who now helps others. This journey for the mother, and grandmother of 2 began with her certification in affordable housing while managing HOPE 6 communities and conventional multi-family units. Today Dr. Malkia holds her Broker’s license in Maryland, The District of Columbia with additional states to come. She is also holds her license in Property Manager for the District of Columbia. Dr. Malkia is a native of Queens, N.Y. She attended AIU in Atlanta where she studied T.V & Film Production. She later matriculated to Bowie State University majoring in Business Administration.

She is a nationally certified affordable housing property manager with her SHCM® designation and a member of proud of NARPM®. Working for buyers, sellers and investors, Dr. Malkia “Makes it Look Like Magic” Sales, purchases, lease ups, rehabs, asset management and project management in both multi-family and the commercial are her specialties including relocation assistance. Her portfolios have ranged from 500 units to 1500 units. Dr. Malkia’s strengths are increasing revenue and maintaining increased occupancy. Dedicated to the needs of her clients, Dr. Malkia understands the meaning of service. Under promise and over deliver is her philosophy. In addition to her career in real estate, Shenetta is the Founding President and Executive Director of Empowerment Essence. Empowerment Essence an 501c3 organization located in Riverdale Maryland dedicated to eradicating bullying and suicide beginning in Maryland & DC communities. Malkia is also a former Commissioner for Maryland’s Governor’s Commission for Suicide Prevention (2014-2019) Her vision for Empowerment Essence is a direct result of resilience and regained strength. “One Life Saved Is One Life Given.”

and resilience. It’s in their walk, talk, and history. They are our light and hope. We now become the next in continuing to break out of boxes many have held us in. Dear Queens, you are history! Just think of all you have done with the least you’ve had. Continue creating spaces and new opportunities to be seen, heard and the change needed still today. In our history we see we can so now let’s go further. Dr. Shenetta Malkia-Sapp Award Achievements include Tetra Honorary PH.D in Leadership/Management Development, Mental Health Community Development, Coaching/ Consultant Management & Social Media Leadership from McFormalsdale Christian University. Additional achievements include Agent of the quarter and agent of the year (American Income Life) 2014, Manager of the year 2016 & 2017 (Residential One), Community ambassador of the year VKN foundation 2016 and The Community Leader of the Year Speak Life Tour 2018.

Fun Fact: Dr. Shenetta Malkia is your International Ms. USA 2021 #TheBrokerOfTHECITY ~Dr. Shenetta Malkia

“

www.ThePMsOfTheCity.com

When it’s not about real estate it’s about mental health. WOMEN ON THE RISE

of Las Vegas, NV, Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Baltimore, MD, New Orleans, LA and the UAE. Ms. Mack’s legal skills in Arts & Entertainment include a wide range of matters regarding Film & Television (scripted and unscripted) from development through distribution, Theater, Music, Books, Performing Artists, Contracts, Film Finance, Distribution, Federal Trademark & Copyright Registration and more. Jalene has served as either Producer or Production Attorney on over three dozen or more films and TV series. A few recent films she produced/executive produced or served as production attorney include The Pillow Case (BET+) Staycation (ALLBLK) Friend Zone (Tubi) One Crazy Christmas (BET+), The Great Divide (BET+) and My B.F.F. (Aspire). Hip Hop Family Christmas and its sequel Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding (VH-1), Safe Room (Lifetime) and North of the 10 (BET+) which filmed in L.A., Chicago and the UAE. A few clients, former or present, include Steve Harvey, Rushion McDonald, Kim Burrell, AJ Johnson, Kiana Dancie, LeToya Luckett, Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles, Kenny Smith, Carl Payne, Greg Carter, Datari Turner, Rhyan LaMarr, Jilly Anais to name just a few. In addition, she’s compiled a long list of acting credits in over 40 productions including Better Call Saul, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and AllBLK’s Houston drama 5th Ward, a hit television series of two seasons. Look for her alongside Jamie Foxx in The Burial coming out on Amazon Prime next year.

MEET

JALENE MACK

alene is not only an entertainment attorney but this industry renaissance woman and ARTivist has successfully integrated the demanding roles of wife, mother, TV & Film producer, writer, actress, playwright, and author of The Business of Stage, Screen & in Between, Entertainment Attorney Jalene Mack’s Practical Advice for Performers, Playwrights & Producers by keeping the focus on her longterm goal “to make an impact on the entertainment industry.” Jalene receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a minor in Mass Communications from Xavier University of New Orleans in 1990.

She even won a Hollywood & Africa Prestigious Award (HAPA) for Best Supporting Actor for BET’s film Christmas Belles. As Founder of Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC), an arts and entertainment nonprofit, she has combined all of her resources, experience, relationships and Hollywood access and created programs and platforms to allow young aspiring and veteran artists to fulfill their artistic dreams! For her work with the youth, contributions to the arts, law and the community, she has been honored with the President Barak Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award, President Barak Obama Lifetime Achievement Award, Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Award, Houston Lawyers Association, Matthew W. Plummer, Sr. Justice Award, Attorney of the Year Black Excellence Awards, and recognized as one of 40 Influential Women of 2020 by Los Angeles Wire Business Edition to name a few. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. You can find Jalene on all social media and professional platforms: @JaleneMack. Websites: www.jalenemack.com, www.mpac-arts.org

She received her Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in 1993 and was admitted to the bar thereafter. With almost 30 years of expertise in the business, she remains passionate about using her legal and business skills to support artists and further their Arts & Entertainment business. From her base in Houston, she has expanded her reach into the film centers

WOMEN ON THE RISE

WOMEN HISTORY

What Women’s History Means to Me

Dr. A’Londa L. Barber-Kusimo A Texas native, A’Londa L. Barber was born to the parentage of an educated mother and a hard-working father. As multiculturalism has not always been an easy institution to understand or overcome, the family moved from El Paso to Dallas, where A’Londa attended grade school and lived out her dreams of becoming a classical dancer at the Booker T. Washington High School for Performing Arts. Upon graduation she matriculated to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. The best-selling author is well-established in the community promoting herself as a self-starter and leader via her efforts of running for public office and membership to leading service organizations inclusive of her church and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She is a mentor to young women, and an inspiration to all as she continuously works to live her truth and walk in her God-given purpose. A’Londa is the owner of Percibility, LLC™ and LonnieB Creative Designs, where the company works to make your vision into reality.

Women have always been an important part of American history, but their stories often remain untold. I want to honor those untold stories by saying thank you to the women across the United States who came before me, demanding equality and civil rights. I want to lift up the voices of my Mexican American sisters who faced racial discrimination, disenfranchisement, educational segregation, and economic hardships. My ancestors worked hard to keep their families together and raise strong children. This month we celebrate our united history as sisters who continue to break barriers in business and politics, raise families, and stay active in their communities. Our sisters have repeatedly shown us what it means to be strong and resilient. We owe gratitude to all the amazing women who have fought for justice and equality. Let’s continue to learn from their examples and work together to build a better future for all women!

Kathryn E. Nunez Kathryn E. Nuñez is a LinkedIn marketing expert who has been driving B2B lead generation, client acquisition, and revenue through sales and marketing strategies for the past 30 years. She has helped thousands of small and large clients, including Fortune 500s and multinationals, achieve increased revenue and opportunities. Kathryn regularly delivers workshops for Empower by GoDaddy, in partnership with Ignite sparked by BBB, the National Association for Women Sales Professionals, and Hera Hub. Kathryn holds a B.S. degree in Biology from Arizona State University with a minor in Spanish. When she’s not working, Kathryn enjoys cooking, traveling with her two boys, and taking long walks with her fur baby, Loki.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

I do not need a month to celebrate the exceptional achievements that women from the dawn of time have achieved until now. However, I accept that until modern history, our roles as women were stratified into home life and our contributions to public life were invisible. Thus, women’s month is an amalgamation of women from different backgrounds and nations celebrating our very presence and existence in a world that oftentimes can cause us not to feel seen. Therefore, if no one will toot our horn, I will. I celebrate you not for what you have done but for who you are.

Ngozi Cadmus Ngozi Cadmus is a wife, daughter and woman of faith, and she champions all women to stand up and be proud. She is the leading Mental Health and Leadership expert and specializes in minority mental health and black women’s leadership. As a psychotherapist and social worker, her pursuit of excellence speaks volumes in her impact on society.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

MOTIVATION & LEADERSHIP

LUVVIE AJAYI New York Times bestselling author of I’m Judging You; speaker; host of Rants and Randomness podcast; Curator of LuvvNation

WHEN BLACK WOMEN LEAD, WE ALL WIN

10 INSPIRING LEADERS SHOW US THE WAY

arlier this year, Joe Biden famously made an announcement during a Democratic debate. He promised Americans that his running mate would be a woman. Last week, to a nation weary from battling two deadly pandemics—coronavirus and systemic racism—Biden made history by announcing Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, the first Black and South Asian woman VP candidate on a major party ticket in US history. In the fight for civil rights in America, Black women have steadily led the way for centuries. Black women led the Underground Railroad, were the unsung leaders of the suffrage movement, organized freedom riders, paved the way for constitutional protections against sex discrimination and remain the most consistent voting block in the United States to stand up for the rights of marginalized people.

Luvvie Ajayi Jones is a 2-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker and podcast host who thrives at the intersection of humor, media and justice. Her books Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual (2021) and I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual (2016), were released to critical acclaim. Her TED talk “Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable” has been viewed over 7 million times. Her superpower is her side-eye and her love language is shoes.

Black women are by no means a monolith, and yet as a group have a deep understanding of the relational nature of freedom, precisely because they sit at various intersections of targeted oppression. This means that for Black women, a conversation about maternal and child health must include a discussion about access to care and unconscious bias; a conversation about raising children must include a discussion about implicit dehumanization and police brutality; a conversation about education must include a discussion about adultification bias and the school to prison pipeline; and for Black women, a discussion about gender must include a discussion about equal pay and violence against Black trans women.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

AIMEE ALLISON

KIMBERLÉ CRENSHAW

BRITTANY CUNNINGHAM

Founder and president of She the People

Co-founder and executive director of the African American Policy Forum; professor of law at UCLA and Columbia Law School; host of Intersectionality Matters podcast

Activist, educator, writer, leader at the intersection of culture and justice; NBC News and MSNBC contributor; founder and principal of Love & Power Works

Aimee Allison is a writer, democratic innovator, and visionary champion of racial and gender justice. She is the Founder and President of She the People, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to an America redefined and inspired by women of color.

Kimberlé Crenshaw is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum, and the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia Law School. She is the Promise Institute Professor at UCLA Law School and the Isidor and Seville Sulzbacher Professor at Columbia Law School.

Brittany Packnett Cunningham is a leader at the intersection of culture and justice.

Renowned for her national efforts to build inclusive, multiracial coalitions, Allison organized and moderated the nation’s first presidential forum for women of color, attended by Presidential candidates and more than 1000 women from across the country, garnering major national press. At She the People, Allison leverages media, research and analysis to show the power of the women of color electorate, increase voter engagement, and advocate for racial, economic and gender justice. In her writings in The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, and Essence Magazine, Allison has made the definitive case that women of color are the saving graces of our American democracy.

She is popularly known for her development of “intersectionality,” “Critical Race Theory,” and the #SayHerName Campaign, and is the host of the podcast Intersectionality Matters!. She also is a columnist for The New Republic, and the moderator of the widely impactful webinar series Under The Blacklight: The Intersectional Vulnerabilities that the Twin Pandemics Lay Bare. She is one of the most cited scholars in legal history and has been recognized as Ms. magazine’s “No. 1 Most Inspiring Feminist;” one of Prospect Magazine’s ten most important thinkers in the world; and even listed in Ebony’s “Power 100” issue.

Cited by President Barack Obama as a leader whose “voice is going to be making a difference for years to come,” Brittany is an educator, activist, writer, and award-winning podcaster and leader. Brittany has become a sought-after voice in the work of social change and empowerment. Brittany plays many roles, all focused on freedom. Brittany is Vice President of Social Impact at BET, an NBC News and MSNBC Contributor, and host of UNDISTRACTED, a news and justice podcast with an intersectional lens on the world. A lifelong activist and proud member of the Ferguson Uprising, Brittany was co-host of the 2019 iHeart Radio Best Political Podcast, Pod Save The People, for three years, and a three time a fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

MOTIVATION & LEADERSHIP

ALICIA GARZA

KIMBERLÉ CRENSHAW

BARBARA LEE

Principal of Black Futures Lab and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter and the Black Lives Matter Global Network

New York Times best selling author of Finding My Voice; senior advisor to Barack Obama, the Obama Foundation and ATTN

Democratic US Representative, California; co-chair of House Democratic Leadership Team; human rights advocate

Alicia Garza is an activist, organizer, writer, and speaker. She founded Black Futures Lab to make Black communities powerful in politics. She is a co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter and the Black Lives Matter Global Network, an international organizing project to end state violence and oppression against Black people. Garza is strategy and partnerships director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance and co-founder of Supermajority, a new home for women’s activism. The author of a forthcoming book tentatively titled How to Turn a Hashtag Into a Movement, her writing has appeared in The Root, Cosmopolitan, The Guardian, TIME, Mic, and Vox. Garza has been recognized on The Root’s 2016 list of 100 African American achievers and influencers, among other honors.

She previously served as the senior advisor to U.S. President Barack Obama and assistant to the president for public engagement and intergovernmental affairs from 2009 to 2017. Before that, she served as a co-chair of the Obama–Biden Transition Project. She has been the CEO of the Obama Foundation since October 2021

Born and raised in Texas, Lee holds degrees from Mills College and the University of California, Berkeley. She started her career by working on the presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm and was later involved with the Black Panther Party. After working as chief of staff for U.S. Representative Ron Dellums, Lee served in the California State Assembly from 1990 to 1996 and in the California State Senate from 1996 to 1998.

In addition to being senior advisor to the president, Jarrett held other leadership positions and completed further duties. Among those included chairing the White House Council on Women and Girls and co-chairing the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. In March 2014, she participated as a speaker on Voices in Leadership, an original Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health webcast series, in a discussion entitled, “Leadership in the White House,” moderated by Dr. Atul Gawande.

Lee was elected to the House of Representatives in a 1998 special election to succeed Dellums. A noted progressive, she chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus from 2005 to 2009 and the Congressional Black Caucus from 2009 to 2011. She has played a major role in the antiwar movement, notably in her vocal criticism of the Iraq War and for being the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization of use of force following the September 11 attacks.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

AMANDA SEALES

OPAL TOMETI

RAQUEL WILLIS

Comedian, actress, writer, producer; founder of Smart Funny & Black Entertainment; author of Small Doses: Potent Truths for Everyday Use; host of Small Doses with Amanda Seales podcast

Award-winning human rights defender; co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter; founder of the new digital digest Diaspora Rising; one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women of the Last Century

Award-winning writer, activist, and director of communications for Ms. Foundation

Amanda Ingrid Seales (born July 1, 1981), formerly known by the stage name Amanda Diva, is an American comedian and actress. Since 2017, she has starred in the HBO comedy series Insecure. In 2019, HBO released her first stand-up comedy special I Be Knowin. Then, in 2020, Seales launched Smart Funny & Black, a comedy gameshow that showcases Black culture, history, and experience. Seales was also one of the co-hosts of the syndicated daytime talk show, The Real, alongside Loni Love, Tamera Mowry, Adrienne Bailon, and Jeannie Mai.

Opal Tometi is a writer, strategist, community organizer and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. She is currently the executive director at Black Alliance for Just Immigration, the leading Black organization for immigrant rights in the United States.

Raquel Willis is a writer, activist, public speaker and media maven. Originally from Augusta, GA., she graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism in 2013 and hasn’t stopped writing since. Since graduation, she’s worked in media through newspapers and online publications.

On January 26, 2019, HBO debuted her first stand-up comedy special I Be Knowin’. Bring the Funny is a comedy competition series that premiered on July 9, 2019 on NBC. Seales hosts, alongside judges Kenan Thompson, Chrissy Teigen, and Jeff Foxworthy.

The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Tometi grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Masters of Arts degree in communication and advocacy from the University of Arizona. She is a former case manager for survivors of domestic violence and still provides community education on the issue. Tometi has been active in social movements for over a decade and has collaborated with a number of civil rights groups in the United States and around the world. She has presented at the United Nations and participated with the UN’s Global Forum on Migration and Commission on the Status of Women.

Her writing has been featured on The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Autostraddle, Medium’s Cuepoint and ForHarriet. She really wants to use her voice and talents to inspire and uplift marginalized individuals, particularly trans women of color. Her local activism work includes trans advocacy and working with the Solutions Not Punishments Coalition to alleviate the issues of mass incarceration and police brutality in Atlanta.

SOURCE: FORBES.COM 13

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

Presidential Lifetime Achievement & Speakers Golden Voice Awards Betsy’s most wonderful and profound joy is her delightful daughter and her faith. She graciously lives by her quote; “Don’t allow fear of the unknown to keep you stuck. Launch out into the deep and allow your faith to meet God’s favor” while manifesting every word written in Philippians 4:13.

DR. BETSY EVANS-BENNETT Dr. Betsy Evans- Bennett is an Amazon’s International Bestselling Author, Keynoter, Mentor, trained and certified Master Life/ Christian Coach, and an award-winning single mom boss extraordinaire. Revered as the transformation instigator, Betsy transparently shares her story of pain, shame, and loss and her message of triumph to empower women to break free from the mental prison of “I can’t” and embrace the wonderful possibilities of “I can” so they’ll be able to unapologetically reclaim their life after trauma and live holistically in the authenticity of their truth. She strongly believes that one’s past doesn’t define who they are, but can be used as fuel to propel one forward. As a dynamic rising star, she has dominated her sphere of influence resulting in her being highly sought after by female audiences to activate her innate ability to inspire and empower. Her work has garnered the attention of other powerhouses resulting in her being featured across the globe in magazines, on podcasts, radio, and television as well as on live and virtual stages.

TORY AND TERI SMITH Tory and Teri Smith aren’t your average married couple. Many husbands and wives share a hobby or two here and there or enjoy bonding over dinner and a glass of wine, however, the Smiths have taken marital bonding to another level. Tory and Teri have been in practice since 2016 and are National Board Certified Marriage and Relationship Counselors who specialize in individual, couples and family therapy. Their practice, I Forever Will Christian Marriage Counseling, LLC areas of expertise are infidelity, intimacy therapy, anxiety, communication, depression and trauma therapy. Their therapeutic approach is to provide support and counseling to help their clients effectively address personal and life challenges. They offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. Additional services consist of Individual Men’s counseling which allows them to focus on their individual immediate or near future concerns. They also discuss and work through their counselee’s mental health concerns and help heal, grow and move towards a more productive and psychologically healthy life. The Individual therapy provided to women encom-

WOMEN ON THE RISE

passes helping clients to recognize their full potential as individuals capable of taking control of their lives and ramping up their faith. These sessions support the development of a romantic competence & mind-set along with a new dialog to help you think through your interactions more clearly and lovingly to communicate intentionally. In addition to the love that they share for one another, they also share a passion for helping others. After years of counseling clients Tory & Teri were led to provide an edutainment format to reach more individuals and couples via radio and TV mediums. Their award-winning show, Love In Black with Tory & Teri is Houston’s Hottest marriage and relationship radio talk show. Since 2018, the shows have focused on in-depth discussions of positive love, dating and relationship topics! The ‘Black’ in Love In Black is a financial metaphor meaning, to keep your love in the positive! Their show is aired on Praise Houston 92.1 FM and 102.1 HD2 in Houston, TX, which is part of RadioOne and according to August 2021 Nielsen Ratings currently holds the highest number show ratings for Saturday broadcasting as well as the longest listener retention for Saturday shows on Praise Houston, meaning that listeners tune in through the duration of the show.

SHENIQUA JOHNSON

Sheniqua Johnson is an International Motivational Speaker and Best Selling Author of 13 motivational & inspirational books. She has served in the helping & healing industry for over 21 years as a Registered Nurse. Her inspiring voice reaches over 200 countries and streams to over 200 million subscribers through her television show The Heart of the Matter with Sheniqua Johnson RN where her & her guestsbring awareness to the importance of mental health. Her internationally recognized podcast Sisterly Sundays airs on Spotify, Anchor, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and on her YouTube channel Sheniqua Inspires, where she gives faith-based, biblically-based motivation & inspiration to get you through the week. Sheniqua inspires women to navigate from “midlife crisis” to “midlife CONFIDENCE” ! Stay connected with Sheniqua as she encourages you to love & live life authentically and soar courageously to new heights.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

PASTOR BRIDGETE S. OWENS

She takes pleasure in the family structure, therefore spending time with her husband and three children, Jamal, Brishan and Mark is a significant part of her life, along with spreading love to all eighteen grandchildren. She wears many hats in her complete service to the kingdom. She is a phenomenal woman in her own right. A light shining in a world to bring joy, happiness, and corrections where needed when needed. Completeness is her name.

Pastor, Prophetess, First Lady Bridgete S. Owens, is a true example of the Proverbs 31 woman. She’s a faithful servant to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, loving and devoted wife for over 28 years, a dedicated mother and a mentor. As she walks alongside her husband as the Co-Founder of “Victorious” Victory Church. She efficiently helps to manage the church’s business, and is always willing to assist in any capacity. Her role is like none other. She is a down to earth jovial and balanced woman of God. She just doesn’t sit to be waited on; she will help out wherever help is needed.

Apostle Owens desire as a church is to be within the community proclaiming the Word of Christ, and providing good deeds whenever possible to the community. Amongst his future vision; one is to establish a community “food bank” that will feed families in time of necessities for children and their family members. Apostle Owens is a man who loves God; God’s people and His Word. He enjoys family time; relaxing, reading and learning whatever he can to share with others. He enjoys preaching and teaching the Word of God with power, conviction, and simplicity at every opportunity that avails without compromise.

APOSTLE PHILLIP K. OWENS JR.

Apostle states he loves the young, the elderly and unchurched people groups. The young, because they have so much to gain. The elderly, because they have so much to share. The unchurch because their eternal destiny is at hand. Somewhere; in between all of that, the apostle states you will find his ministry calling and the existence of “Victorious” Victory Church. His watchword for anyone is; get to know God first for yourself, and trust Him above all else. For God told the Prophet Jeremiah; “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you, ordained you a Prophet to the nations” (Jer 1:5; 29:11 NKJV).

God has blessed her with the gift of administration which has afforded her the ability to be an outstanding event planner. Her commitment to excellence has been recognized by many when planning events, and also in the formation of the “Sisterhood” which has encouraged many sisters in Christ Jesus. As she walks in the wisdom and favor of God, the ability to multitask in several capacities is a great asset to the ministry. But, her special interest focuses on the moral standards of young ladies. She’s excited about promoting positive thinking and a forum of excellence into the lives of the up and coming female generation. These alliances are to motivate a strategic plan for the lives of young ladies. In today’s society, this community wide outreach ministry gives that much needed aspiration to kindle the dreams of our young ladies for both spiritual and natural growth..

He has been ministering for over 31 years on the gospel field for Jesus Christ. In 2010 he became the “Co-Founder and Senior Lead Pastor” of the “Victorious” Victory Church, He has been married to his lovely wife Bridgete for 28 years; together they have three adult children and eighteen grandchildren.

Apostle Phillip K.Owens JR.; is a native of Waxahachie, Texas. He accepted Christ around the tender age of twelve years old. He is a humble and gifted servant of God whose ultimate desire is to do the will of God. His education includes a “Bachelor of Science” degree from East Texas State University with two minors in “Physical Education & Theological Studies”. With the help of God he was able to achieve a “Associates of Science in Theology” from D. Edwin Johnson Institute.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

BRYAN WOODARD

NICK DILLON

PATRICIA BARNES

Dr. Bryan D. Woodard served with Dallas County Constables Office for over a decade, during which time he has been an active SWAT officer with distinguished service, holding the Honor of Merit as well as two life-saving medals. Dr. Bryan D. Woodard also holds an instructor’s license through the Texas commission on law enforcement and proudly has taught many incoming law enforcement cadets in police academies across the metroplex. He was raised in a military family, leading to his law enforcement career and being a strong advocate in community policing.

Known to many audiences as The Believe Coach, Nicholas Dillon is a native of Milwaukee Wisconsin and recently relocated to the Dallas area with his wife of 33 years. He is an entrepreneur in his own right and is on a mission to help others live a purpose driven life. He is committed to and has a passion for helping individuals shift their mindset to be in aligned with their passion. Dillon is well educated with several master’s degrees in Adult Education and Counseling along with post graduate Doctoral education in behavioral psychology.

Patricia has devoted her life to encourage and serve others in her local, national, and international community. She enjoys giving back and teaching others to improve their quality of life, especially the underserved population. Patricia is a Registered Nurse who has volunteered her health and wellness skills. She teaches and motivates as a personal development coach. Patricia has volunteered as a server and host using her skills as a former host and restaurant server. Her business Go Patty LLC was created because of what she endured to become a registered nurse and becoming the first person in her immediate family to attend college. The mission is to share her experience and knowledge to help the next person overcome challenges, fears, and insecurities to thrive in whatever they want in life.

Dr. Woodard is what you might call a “Creative Concepts Strategist”. His skills and ability to assist in transforming lives through the Word of God are manifested in his profession as a Police Officer; his ever-growing dedication to the community; his joy as the C.E.O. of The King B Barber & Beauty Salon; Founder of Blue Nations 911 Non-Profit/The Everyday Life of Deputy Bryan D. Woodard and above all, his passion for giving back, sharing and kingdom-building for Christ. Deputy Dr. Woodard takes pride in giving back to the community he serves and understands that it is critical to take care of and protect our children, senior citizens in all communities, and veterans who have also put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom.

Nicholas is a #1 Best Selling Author, Business Owner, and International Speaker. He has appeared on National Television and been written up in several Publications including the Business Journal, Huffington Post, and Fast Company. He is a mogul in the making lead by divine inspiration.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

TAWANA L. SIMPSON

DR. PAMELA D. HARVEY-COX

Tawana L. Simpson is a Community Servant Leader in the Washington, D.C. As a licensed minister, she has ministered the Word of God in several capacities. She launched Pink Ladies Are PEARLS (P.L.A.P.), to strengthen women. Tawana lent her voice to help stop domestic violence as a guest speaker for Sisters Helping Sisters and Integrity Enterprise. She had guest appearances on Vision & Purpose TV Show and QetvLive with Mrs. H. In 2020, Tawana produced It’s TEE TIME (I.T.T.) on social media. Soon to air on Believe In Your Dreams TV Network. Public-School advocate, she spoke at PTA meetings, held parent-volunteer trainings, coordinated fundraisers and uniform drives. She also spoke with and gained the support of church leaders. During COVID, Tawana led a can food drive based at her local fitness center. She spoke to gym members, the social media community, and provided weekly meeting updates to her employer. She received recognition as a Food Champion by her employer, The Department of Agriculture, for collecting over 400 pounds of food and raising $400 in donation for the Milton Matthews Foundation.

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Pamela D. Harvey – Cox began her entrepreneurial journey in 2000. In January 2005 she became the Chief Executive Officer of Pink & Proper, LLC and in December 2021 the Chief Executive Officer of The Pink & Proper Foundation Inc. A graduate of Benedict College with a B.S Degree in Criminal Justice, M.A from Webster University in Human Resources Development, and an Honorary Doctorate from T.I.U.A School of Business. Pamela is also a Business & Entrepreneurship Certified Coach and Co-author of a #1 Best Seller “Your Faith Will Make You Unstoppable”. Cox has been featured in the following publications. In 2004 Times and Democrat Newspaper, 2005 The South Carolina State Newspaper Business Section. Later that year Pam was featured in the Carolina Panorama – “A Portrait of Success” Pam Cox. December 2022 Pamela was featured in “Women on The Rise Global Magazine”. Pamela has also been a featured speaker at the Annual Magic Advance at the Crown Plaza Executive Park in Charlotte, NC and most recently honored to speak to the entire Sales Force of a leading company in the skincare and color cosmetics industry at the Dallas Convention July 2022 in Dallas, Texas. Her charisma and cheerful outlook with substance to the message always shifts the audience.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

VANESSA STERLING

TRACY LEE-ANDERSON

Vanessa Sterling is a Dallas-based community engagement engineer, educator, and advocate determined to use her people skills and 30-plus years of management experience to bridge the business equity gap in marginalized communities. Sterling has worked tirelessly with the City of Desoto, the Desoto Economic Development Corporation, and other community stakeholders for the past two years to rebuild and reenvision the DeSoto Area Chamber. She started her journey with the DeSoto Chamber as a volunteer and her time there quickly became much more. As the president & CEO, Sterling works with her members and community stakeholders to define, set, and achieve business goals and strategies for economic growth in Desoto and surrounding areas. She understands, “People are the heart and soul of all organizations, and people are what I do.” And “small businesses are the heart of the community”. She continues to fight for resources for businesses and for the health of her community. Supporting everything from food pantries to breast cancer and mental health and has always done so over the years in different communities because of her servant heart. Vanessa received her BA from McKendree College and MA from Strayer University. She comes from a military family and has served her community for years.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA., Tracy Lee-Anderson is a mother of two, and recently welcomed her first grandchild into the world. Tracy’s vibrant personality, love, commitment to her family, and community, are a true testament to her character. Her volunteerism spans over two decades, VOLUNTEERISM is at the very core of her personality. Volunteerism for Tracy is the voice of the people put into action. She envisions shaping and molding the present into a future of which we can all be proud. Tracy has been tirelessly lending her talents and time to fostering community and family engagement to support the needs of our children more effectively. She assisted in organizing Montgomery Community Colleges’ first Cultural Exposure event in Germantown, Maryland, established North Forestville Elementary School’s PTO, located in North Forestville, Maryland, and sat as the president. She was additionally recognized for her community outreach for Montgomery County, Maryland for raising enough funds to feed over 300 families, recognized with a Citation from Wes Adams, former State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County for her outstanding contributions, a Citation from the County Council of Anne Arundel County, and also by Montgomery County Public Schools for her outstanding volunteerism.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

CHERICIA CURTIS

Chericia Curtis, writer and director of the hit stage play, Soul Purpose, is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington. She majored in Speech Communications with a minor in marketing and is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She has worked in the field of technology for most of her professional career in various areas of sales and marketing. She has worked for some of the world’s leading technology companies managing some of the largest Global accounts. Her current corporate position is as sales director for a private technology company that provides private network connectivity for under resourced and underserved schools and communities, and Industry 4.0 businesses and clientele. Her other technology passion is the development and release of several new apps, to be released in Spring of 2023.

She is equally excited about her new Non-Profit Organization, RiRi’s Playhouse. Her nonprofit will cater to youth in underserved communities, introducing them to the world of film and theater. The two-week summer workshop will entail all aspects of film and theater production including performing an original production created, written, and directed by the students. The Playhouse will bring in experts that will help students with the success of their project, providing them with guidance and instruction from some of the best in the industry. Every single student will have a part in the production, giving them a sense of ownership, responsibility, and success. Her passion for Christ was the biggest motivator and it is still that way today. She stays involved in her church, Antioch Christian Fellowship, Corinth, Texas, where she has been blessed to exercise her passion. She oversees the ACT Ministry (Antioch Conservatory of Thespians) under the leadership of Pastor Christopher J. Respass. The ministry performs original faith-based productions written and directed by Chericia Curtis. She also teams with tenured writer, TK Henderson for content collaboration and with songwriter/ musician Syleria Skinner for original music scores. She enjoys spending precious time with her husband, sons, family, and friends, writing/creating, exercising, cooking, and following her favorite sports teams. She commits to living life to the fullest and will forever give God the Glory for all His Goodness, Grace, and Mercy!

In her spare time, she manages with her husband, entertainment company, Broken Vessel Productions. The company produces faith-based and family friendly content for both film and stage. She currently produces, writes, and directs stage plays and is expanding that to include film in 2023. In addition, pitching several projects to major tv & motion networks. She has written and published over 10 scripts for both film and stage and will be touring her award-winning Gospel Stage Play “ Soul Purpose”, most recently debuted in Houston Texas to a sold-out audience. Touring will resume in 2023, performing across the country. The stage play features some of the hottest gospel artists in the industry along with all original songs written by Syleria Skinner.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

LANITA HALE

while feeding the homeless population in Houston, TX four times a week with Bread of Life. In December 2022, 400 homebound senior citizens received food and gift bags, 350 grandparents raising grandkids (1,000) received gifts; partnered with Houston Strong Roofing to get a senior citizen a new roof who was bedridden. She has also received a Proclamation from Mayor Sylvester Turner, Outstanding Leadership Award and recognition from Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, Community Service Award. Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has also recognized the work that Ms. Lanita Hale has done in our communities. Ms. Hale was honored with a State Flag that was flown over our State Capital from State Representation Ron Reynolds for dedicated service to our communities. She has received over one hundred humanitarian awards since starting her non-profit Shining Stars Leadership Academy.

Ms. Lanita Hale received her undergraduate degree in General Business/Management from Texas Southern University. She later received her Master’s in Education from Regent University and is now enrolled in a Doctoral program for Education. Ms. Hale believes that education is a key factor in helping to motivate our youth for success. She grew up in Acres Homes and 5th Ward community and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School. It was her goal not to let her environment hinder her from being successful after seeing “first-hand” the disparities that tend to impact a community with crime and violence while growing up as a child. Ms. Lanita Hale’s passion allowed her to establish Shining Stars Leadership Academy in 2017. It was initially established to become a charter school, but because of COVID-19, the school did not open. The curriculum which Ms. Hale had written had a component whereby community services would be incorporated to enrich the lives of her students. When the school did not open, Ms. Hale moved forward with initiating the community service component despite of not having the doors of school opened. She started feeding sixty people from her home driveway. Now she is feeding over 1,000 people a month and these number are growing with the help of twenty-five volunteers. She also supports and sponsors other small non-profits when they are having events. Ms. Hale’s nonprofit organization has major sponsors: Houston Strong Roofing, Buybuy Baby, Amazon, Target, Ross, and “The Department of Defense. She has also awarded other community service leaders with The President’s Volunteer Service Award”, after her organization was officially certified to conduct these honors, after being recognized by the council overseeing these organization, which have proven to be worthy of conducting these ceremonies. Her non-profit held a prestigious event in October 2022 to acknowledge both adults and youths who were performing outing services in their community. Shining Stars Leadership Academy is currently providing services to 350 homebound senior citizens, 350 grandparents who are raising grandchildren, 600 veterans 21

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

LAKISHA ALLEN

DR. SHANNON T. HARRINGTON

Lakisha Allen began her journey of “Service to all Mankind” at the age eight, where she went with the deacons from her church to assist in serving communion to those who were convalescent.

Dr. Shannon T. Harrington, Ph.D., RN, NASM-CPT, is a nurse leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of nursing experience spanning roles from nurse assistant to Dean. Dr. Harrington completed her undergraduate education at Old Dominion University and holds a Master’s in Nursing and a nursing doctorate from the University of Virginia. Dr. Harrington also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at Harvard Cancer Center where she studied nutrition and exercise interventions for African American Breast Cancer Survivors. As the CEO of T.R.Y. Again Health and Fitness, LLC, she specializes in training and developing nurses and leaders to beat burnout and transform their lives and careers by implementing intentional self-care strategies. She is a tantalizing motivational speaker, whose story of resilience inspires audiences to discover and birth an unrecognizable version of them, utilizing self-care. Dr. Harrington is an Amazon #1 Best Selling author and has four published books. Dr. Harrington is very involved in the community, her church and she serves on the Community Outreach Council for the American Diabetes Association.

Lakisha Allen received her B.S from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. While there she helped to organize a ministry called Worship in African American Tradition (WAAT). In April of 1999 Lakisha Allen was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Since this time she has worked tirelessly on different service projects and initiatives. Lakisha built a career in the Not for Profit Sector providing social services for those who were less fortunate in her community. She has dedicated her time, finances and energy to Allison Foundation for Better Living, Womens Division of Cook County Jail Division 4, Door of Hope Rescue Ministry, Communities that Care, A Safe Haven and Harbor quest. Lakisha Allen is the Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Interfaith Coalition a 501c3 where Women Empower Women to Impact the World. Lakisha Allen is also the President of Allen Quality Investments, LLC where seniors and single mothers are placed in quality housing. All of her accomplishments are wonderful; however she prides herself on being a wife of 15 years to Thomas Allen and a mother to Taylynn, Trenzel and Tekimbria Allen.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

APOSTLE WILLIAM CAMPBELL Mr. William P. Campbell was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and would later move to Houston. He is a man who is extensively renowned for being after God’s own heart. Campbell is unique and special in his own way, having accomplished significant things in the past several years. William Campbell owns numerous companies under that cater to all kinds of needs in different ways. They have a universal reach that caters to cultural diversity, purpose empowerment, and identity development and much more. Campbell also facilitates classes, workshops, and conferences to support up-and-coming millennials in the marketplace, creative entrepreneurs, business-minded people, and more to create a strategy-filled foundation to become successful in life, mentally, financially, business, socially, and more. Help communities functioning below the poverty line. Although his reach is global, he is aware that there are still areas in America that need financial backing to push better schools and homes. However, the pandemic has caused a shift in their mindset in many ways. William realized that it is the perfect time to start rebuilding less fortunate communities.

KAREN MILES Karen Miles is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. She enjoys giving back to the community and paying it forward. Professionally, Karen is a Human Resources Business Partner and has been in that line of work for 30 years. As an entrepreneur, she currently provides HR Generalist services to small business owners. She is in the process of starting her own staffing company. To honor her father who was an Army War Veteran, she has a group home for veterans. It’s not just a place for them to lay their heads, but Karen offers job skills, computer skills, and life skills. She wants her Vets to be self-sufficient and able to survive in civilian life. Karen has recently been the Chairperson for three years for the Men of Style, a nonprofit organization that raises fund for sickle cell. She is currently on the Board of Directors for Veterans Advocacy Services & Training. She holds various officer positions for many nonprofit organizations but her favorite is being the President of Brentwood Employment Ministry. She renders her human resources skills and knowledge to help the unemployed and underemployed. Its not how much you give, but how much love you put into giving.

With a passion for giving, William enjoys seeing families living in better homes with better living conditions and has been working hard to make a difference globally and hope to continue his services in the years to come.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

Ms. Evans-Page was selected as one of the honorees of the San Francisco

I am blessed to use my influence and position to benefit the Southern Region!! Just to name a few VIP and Platinum Sponsors include, Desoto Chamber of Commerce, Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, Desoto Parks and Recreation, BSWP Legislative Breakfast, Desoto Back to School Fair and “Focus Newspaper, Seven Years, “Best Banker!” WOW! God is awesome!!

JANIECE EVANS-PAGE Janiece Evans-Page is the Chief Executive Officer of Tides Janiece Evans-Page is the Chief Executive Officer of Tides, a nonprofit and philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing social justice. She leads the organization in strengthening the power of BIPOC community leaders and others who face systemic barriers to opportunities. Prior to joining Tides, she served as the inaugural Chief Sustainability and Diversity Officer at Fossil Group and Head of Fossil Foundation. In this role, she launched Fossil Group’s global philanthropy practice, leading the strategic modernization of its social impact investment portfolio and environmental sustainability framework. Ms. Evans-Page was selected as one of the honorees of the San Francisco Business Times’ 2021 Most Influential Women in Business. In 2018, she was honored by Ebony Magazine as one of its Power 100 awardees in the “Women Up” category. She currently serves on several boards including Southern New Hampshire University, IDEO.org, Echoing Green, and numerous advisory councils. She holds a B.S. in Social Sciences/Organizational Behavior from the University of California at Berkeley, and an Executive M.B.A. from Golden Gate University in San Francisco., a nonprofit and philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing social justice. She leads the organization in strengthening the power of BIPOC community leaders and others who face systemic barriers to opportunities. Prior to joining Tides, she served as the inaugural Chief Sustainability and Diversity Officer at Fossil Group and Head of Fossil Foundation. In this role, she launched Fossil Group’s global philanthropy practice, leading the strategic modernization of its social impact investment portfolio and environmental sustainability framework.

Ordination Class to become a Licensed Minister!!

Business Times’ 2021 Most Influential Women in Business. In 2018, she was honored by Ebony Magazine as one of its Power 100 awardees in the “Women Up” category. She currently serves on several boards including Southern New Hampshire University, IDEO.org, Echoing Green, and numerous advisory councils. She holds a B.S. in Social Sciences/Organizational Behavior from the University of California at Berkeley, and an Executive M.B.A. from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

My formal recognitions are 2016 Woman of the Year, Desoto Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador and Volunteer of the Year, was instrumental of getting “Best Place to Work- Bank of Desoto. My leadership positions have included, two term Desoto ISD Education Foundation President, Desoto ISD Golf Chair from 20102016, Desoto Chamber of Commerce Gala Chair, Desoto Living Committee, Tri-City Animal Shelter! My favorite and sacred calling is, CEO-Girlfriends P.A.C. Ministries. Other involvements include Non-Profit Awardee for Girlfriends PAC Ministries. My favorite scripture is, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16. “Stay the course, tell your story, walk in your truth…….be you………. everyone else is taken!” I am looking forward to my next Leadership Position, Best Southwest Partnership 2023, incoming Chair!

MINISTER PATRICIA COLEMAN Patricia is from the “Show Me State,” of St. Louis Missouri!! She is the third of 7 siblings!! She’s married to “Oswald M. Coleman, Sr.” together, they have 1 daughter, Oschuwa Cleo Coleman. Patricia attended Indiana University, and majored in Business Administration, and has a Masters in Marketing!! My faith is important and is the focus of my life! I’m in the process of completing

WOMEN ON THE RISE

SHERRICA HUNT-ROSS

Ms. Sherrika R Hunt has been a State Farm insurance representative/ office manager with over twenty years’ experience in auto home and life. In 2019 she started her own PR Company, A Diamond In a Rough Management LLC., where she provides marketing and management services to entrepreneurs while assisting with promotions of life events and concerts. Sherrika is a major community leader, motivational speaker, public figure, and advocate for Sickle Cell Anemia and The Alzheimer’s Association. She brings awareness to the cause by, public speaking, walking for the cause, donating, raising funds, and her annual event, Ride 4 Alzheimer’s. Her community work and dedication, resulted in her receiving a proclamation from Mayor Sylvester Turner and Sheila Jackson Lee, as well as receiving several leadership awards for business, community service, and her mentorship for youth in business management and marketing. She became the Vice President of For His Glory Christian Alliance, where they raise scholarships for college students each year, and is also a member of the NAACP and, The Promote Her Chapter of Exclusive Business Sorority, where they offer a national network of sisterly support in the business industry. With all the responsibility she has, she still finds time to manage the Mike-N-Ike Dance Ministry for over five years. Her latest achievement is the writing of an amazing inspirational book titled, “Smiling Through My Tears.” It bases her story on actual experiences dealing with the afterlife. Through her pain of loss, she found meaning and has adopted the motto: “Together we are stronger, let’s educate, and help each other heal, by sharing our story with others.” Author Sherrika Hunt is the director and host of her new tv/radio show The Authors Lounge Show, where she provides an intimate platform for authors of all genres to share the stories behind their books with the purpose to inspire, motivate and encourage the viewers as well as other authors. This show gives other entrepreneurs and companies the opportunity to play a part in growing their business through advertisements and sponsorships. Her channel PromoteHer has eight streaming platforms, three hundred million viewers, seventy-two million of those being household. She also helped to launch a radio station called, Go Be Great, which is an inspirational source of uplifting music and motivational stories told by some of the world’s most influential people. Sherrika is presently taking her career to the next level and continuing her education to become a certified licensed grief counselor at the Wisdom Coaching University, where she shows her passion by helping others through their journey of grief. Needless to say, Sherrika Hunt has a great business sense, but nothing gives her greater joy than helping others, which is why she believes, “we are better together.”

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

DR. SHARON D. SAULS

SALT AND PEPPER GANG

DR. JERI GODHIGH

Dr. Sharon D. Sauls, Leadership Consultant, Coach, and Speaker, combines prowess and transformational strength to develop entrepreneurs and organizational leaders who desire to GROW their businesses and effectively LEAD people. This Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Small Business and Entrepreneurship coaching. She is President & CEO of The BE LED Group and The BE LED Academy, Senior VP of Training & Leadership Development for Chick-fil-A (MNE, LLC), and Adjunct Professor in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership at SNHU. Sharon specializes in Business Management and Organizational Leadership and asserts, “Every Leader MUST BE LED!!”

We are a group of distinguished gentlemen who use our platform to teach our youth the importance of image; we created programs called SPG of the Week for students along with an annual Tie & Belt from Boys 2 Men event. Along with participating in numerous charitable events such as Dillard’s Fashion Show, several local news stations, numerous Podcasts, local radio stations, middle and high schools as well as Career Day at Elementary Schools. This year, we have selected two Senior Citizen homes for a program called Queens for the Day.

Dr. Jeri Godhigh is a Best Selling Author, President Biden Lifetime Achievement recipient, driven leader, a dynamic public speaker and a life changing coach and nominated to be a Global Peace Ambassador. Godhigh is exhilarating, humorous and engages her audience with charisma and passion.

When you see an SPG member just know that you see a man that believes in the Lord, family, and our community, while leaving a positive impact on our youth.

Dr. Godhigh is the CEO & Founder of the Godhigh Agency Management Consultant Firm, Founder & Broker of Godhigh & Associates Realty Company for past 25 years and the CEO and Founder of Josie’s Girls Lead, a for profit and non profit company. She is a Licensed Instructor and Ordained Minister. Godhigh is scheduled to appear on the Good Morning America Show and she is featured in many magazines, radio shows, conferences and more. Dr. Godhigh just released her newest book, Amazon Best Seller, entitled “Who’s Sleeping with Your Husband?” and is available online to include major national and international retailers.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

As a multi-faceted entrepreneur and innovator, Rosemary was moved in 2019 to create Hoodies 4 Healing Foundation, Inc. (501c-3), a modern brand that went viral and assisted in saving her daughter Dyanna DeNae’s life. By raising over $60K through hoodie sells from various supporters near and far, Dyanna DeNae was granted the opportunity to have the necessary procedure to remove a life-threatening cyst in her brain. Rosemary made a heartfelt promise to God that after her daughter’s successful surgery she would dedicate her life every day positioning herself to be a blessing to others. Each week, Hoodies 4 Healing Foundation commits to paying it forward in the community.

ROSEMARY TUCKER

As a prayer warrior and a thriving woman of faith, encouraging those who are in need of a breakthrough has fueled her feeding the homeless initiative and help mothers who are in an urgent state to raise funds for their children’s medical expenses. Rosemary Tucker is the proud owner of Blessties USA, a Christian Apparel & Accessories Boutique designed to inspire bold fashion, positivity and love into the lives of others across the nation. In addition to Blessties USA, she also owns and operates several clothing lines. One line is called “I Am Bullied,” which started as an awareness brand for her son who was being bullied at school. The line is an anti-bullying line that promotes the idea of replacing hate and hurt with the message: Beautiful. Unique. Limitless. Loving. Intelligent. Educated. Determined. Rosemary’s athletic clothing line for men and women is called SWOLLE (Strength, Wisdom, Overcomer, Loyal, Loving, Empowering).

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

KRISTI BELLARD LAW

DR. PATRICIA ROGERS Ms. Kristi Bellard Law is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Kristi is also a Licensed Child Placing Administrator and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Kristi is the founder of TayBran Enterprises where she uses her skills and expertise as a Certified Life Coach, Grant writer, Master Trainer and Consultant. In addition, she has a dynamic and powerful testimony on how she transformed her many experiences with trauma, grief and loss into a passionate career that she loves. She has a powerful passion for working with children and women that have been abused, neglected and traumatized. She has worked in various arenas of child welfare and social services for over 20 years in state and federal government. Kristi is an author and her first published book will be available March 2023. Kristi has also been featured in Voyage Houston Magazine as a Trailblazer. Last but not least, Kristi is the proud mother of two young men, Kamron (23)and Aaron Law(19). She is the daughter of Willie Bellard, Sr and the Late Patsy Valerie Bellard. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and a member of Top Ladies of Distinction-Houston Chapter. She enjoys spending time with her family and loves being a mother more than anything. She strives daily to be a godly example for others and aims for the light of God to shine through her daily.

Dr. Patricia Rogers is a “Visibility Strategist” & CEO of Unityin Service, Inc., ‘Where People Need People!“ Unity In Service, host virtual events for entrepreneurs to speak, while they fill the seats. Their mission is to assist business owners raise their level of authority by speaking to the masses. Speaking build sconfidence and increase opportunities. Dr. Rogers has spoken on over 150 speaking platforms, inspiring and energizing attendees around the globe. Retired Correctional Lieutenant after 29 years of service, 12 years in the US Army where she developed the disciplines of leadership. Her zone of genius is inspiring you to get up, suit up & show up! She is a member of Women’s Prosperity Network, Powerteam USA & Women with Vision. “Dedicated Entrepreneurs” with Sharon Lechter. Dr. Patricia is the recipient of the “Social Business Icon Award” Featured in various magazines, Jean Lynch lifetime Achievement Award” Shining Star Award & Speech Competition Award. Interviews with Radio Host “Myra Goldick” WOW Wednesday Teleconference, Founder, Nancy Matthews.

WOMEN ON THE RISE

JOAHNA TUPAS

Joahna Tupas is a Speaker, Author, Coach, and Founder and Chief Advocate of School in a Backpack. As an experiential learning and character education thought leader, she encourages Courage 1st through her Four Keys to Courage coaching program and partnering with parents and educators in raising Gen C - the COURAGE Generation. She enjoys innovating educational opportunities, inspiring others to take ownership of their learning journeys, and influencing everyone around her to carry around the one backpack we all need in our school called “LIFE”: the backpack called COURAGE. Joahna is passionate about experiencing life to the fullest by living a courageous life, which exudes in her philanthropic contributions for her community and our society at large. She has migrated to the United States and genuinely served the White Mountain Apache Tribe while teaching at the Whiteriver Unified School District #20. Her work with various public service and nonprofit organizations in the state of Arizona and around the nation displays her philosophies towards holistic pedagogies and inclusion for all. An intentional parent, her zest towards a life lived in wonder, wander, and wunder is evident through her son, whom she and her husband raise as a confident, courageous, and compassionate individual. AUTHORSHIPS Author, “Courage 1st: Raising Gen C – the Courage Generation” (December 2023 target launch) - upcoming Author, “Courage the Seed” children’s book (May 2023 target launch) - upcoming Co-Author, “LET presents Stories of the World’s Greatest Speakers” anthology book (April 2023 target launch) - upcoming Best-Selling Author, “WORLDSCHOOLERS: Innovative Parents Turning Countries Into Classrooms” (2022) PROGRAMS Personal Coach: Four Keys to Courage Parenting Workshop: Wunderparents SEL-based Workshop for Parents, Educators, Learners: refraME Parent Mentorship: Ownschooling 101 Educator Professional Development Trainings (3 topics readily available) Conference/Summit/Webinar Presentations (3 topics readily available)

WOMEN ON THE RISE

PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & SPEAKERS GOLDEN VOICE AWARDS

Curtis King FOUNDER OF THE BLACK ACADEMY OF ARTS

urtis King, founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Incorporated (TBAAL) of Dallas, Texas, was born December 20, 1951, in Coldwater, Mississippi; his father, Jonah King, was a farmer, and his mother, Elizabeth McGee King, was a schoolteacher. King graduated in 1969 from segregated Tate County High School where he enjoyed writing and acting in plays. At Jackson State University, King was mentored by poet Margaret Walker Alexander, who sent him to Chicago in 1972 for the historic Black Academy of Arts and Letters (BAAL) National Conference to Assess the State of Black Arts and Letters in the United States of America. At the conference King was not only inspired by John Oliver Killens, Harry Belafonte, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Romare Bearden, Alvin Ailey, Charles White, C. Eric Lincoln and others, but got their phone numbers as well. Earning his master’s degree in theater from Texas Christian University in 1974, King worked for the Mayor’s Council on Youth Opportunity in Fort Worth, and the Sojourner Truth Theater Company after graduation. King was teaching theater at Shaw University in 1977 when he learned that the BAAL had gone defunct in 1976. Using $250, King formed the Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters (later The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Incorporated, or TBAAL) in homage to BAAL in 1977. TBAAL went on to become the only African American multidisciplinary cultural arts organization housed inside a major urban convention center. TBAAL occupies 250,000 square feet of space in the Dallas Convention Center, and includes: the 1,750 seat Naomi Burton Theatre, Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre, James E. Kemp Art Gallery, and the Eva Jessye Gift Shop. TBAAL attracts hundreds of thousands of people annually. Known for his artistic and administrative skills and celebrity contacts, King produced various celebrity tributes. King also produced the National Civil War Gala at Washington’s Lincoln Theatre Center for the Performing Arts in 2000. King is the recipient of the Larry Leon Hamlin Producer’s Award, Man of the Year Dream Makers Award, Esquire Magazine Register Award, the Dallas Historical Society’s Arts Leadership Award, the Texas Ambassador of Goodwill Award and the World Peace Award in the Arts from the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace in 2004.

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Kolleen “Queenie” Wright Born and raised on the ‘sunny side’ of southern Dallas, Texas, Kolleen (Madden) W right is the oldest of three siblings. Growing up as the only daughter family member, Wright was well suited to become the family’s “Queen” which her close friends and grandch ildren now call her “Queen ie.” During her high school days at the eminent James Madison High School, Wright competed in and won numerous Beauty pageants. She also participated in the school’s Debate Club. Her outgoing and gregarious personality wa s like a magnet, a lw ays attract ing people to her. She was one of the first African Amer ican Consultants and Make Up art ist for Fashion Fair Cosmetic at downtown Dallas’ well -known fla gship Neiman-Marcus Retail store. Later in her life, she spent a great deal of her professional j ourney at the respected The Dallas Morning News (TOM) as a Circulation Specialist. Wright, retiring from the major daily newspaper, ended her TDMN tenure after more than a decade of service. She went on a retirement hiatus, but not for long! She was later hired to accompany her famed daughter, Erykah Badu, as a Personal Assistant. “People think that my daughter just gave me a job. Not so! I had to interview for the gig like everybody else who works for Badu World.” With great pride, Wright traveled with Ms. Badu around the world as a doting grandmot her tending to her grandchildren. The mother of three children, Erica Wright, aka Erykah Badu, Koryan Wright and Eevin Wright, Queenie is the grandmother of eight. Throughout her adult life, Queenie takes comfort in providing her children and grandchildren the best advice, from her own experiences, life has afforded her. The no-nonsense mother, grandmother and extended family member of many is quick to say, “I’m grateful to God for being the village to help guide and navigate a great path for my children to pursue their life‘s passion. I have always taught them to treat people as they desire to be treated, work hard and never ‘ever’ give up on their dreams!“ Queen ie used much of her outgoing personality to become an ardent volunteer and supporter of numerous social, civic and arts organizations. She has been a long-time volunteer for the nationally acclaimed 44 year old cultural arts institution, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL). With the Academy, she chaired a series of fundraisers. One of her most gratifying accomplishments with TBAAL was to Chair a women’s group whose sole purpose was to raise money and to sphere-head a women‘s roundtable to discuss educational, social and political current issues related to uplifting her community. 31

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MEN’S CORNER

Dr. Daniel Moses FOUNDER, CEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR

r. Daniel Moses is a property industry veteran. He knows all too well the challenges that life can bring. He has faced numerous setbacks, including a £150,000 business failure in 2015. With his back against the wall – fighting anxiety, depression, and on the verge of bankruptcy – he came up with a plan to become wealthy through property and never looked back. Today, he runs a 7-figure empire. He is a bestselling author, and holds a doctorate of Philosophy, Christian Leadership, and Business. Dr. Daniel knows better than most that anyone can achieve success if they have the right guidance and are willing to put in the work. With over 1,000 satisfied students mentored, he has extensive experience in helping others achieve their dreams.

PREFFERED SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES INSTAGRAM: DR.DANIELMOSES WEBSITE: WWW.PROPERTYWE.CO.UK

A devoted husband and father, Dr. Daniel is guided by a strong commitment to family values. This inspires him to continue teaching others to build generational wealth through property.

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Curtis King FOUNDER OF THE BLACK ACADEMY OF ARTS

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MISS. DALLAS

Annette Addo-Yobo Annette Addo-Yobo is an advocate and leader in juvenile justice. She currently serves as Miss Dallas 2023 under the Miss America Organization where she advocates for equitable access to mental health and educational resources for at-risk and incarcerated youth. Annette is also an alumna of The University of Texas at Dallas and Sam Houston State University where she received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Psychology.

EMCEE KHVN RADIO HOST

Tonya Hall Smart, witty and brimming with a captivating charisma that’s definitely memorable. Tonya Hall has over 35 years of radio broadcasting under her belt. Affectionally known throughout the Gospel radio industry as everybody’s “Christian Girlfriend.” Of which, is the name of her brainchild, and highly rated longtime running radio talk show “Christian Girlfriend Talk.” Launched from the Mortenson Broadcasting, KHVN Heaven97 Radio platform for 18 years. With A background in programming and management, she has worn many role hats in the radio industry over the span of her career. When not on the radio air waves, you will find her hosting local Jazz concerts, summer festivals & elite social events around the DFW metroplex. Currently, Tonya is the News Director/ News Personality for Marc Radio Broadcasting, at 1040 AM & 106.9 FM KGGR Radio, in Dallas, Tx.

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GUEST SPEAKER

Cordero Roland Cordero Roland is known for his performance-driven and motivated speaking and Entrepreneurship with a proven track record of success in delivering original speeches at various events, managing and producing content for multiple social media accounts, and participating in all aspects of business development. Cordeo is also has well-developed leadership skills and a great problem-solving skills.

MISS PARK CITIES TEEN

Alexxia Carter Miss Park Cities Teen, attends the North Texas Remote Learning Academy and has over 450 hours served as a Miss Texas’ Teen candidate. She is an accomplished vocalist and her most requested song to sing is the Star Spangled Banner. Alexxia’s service initiative is Kindness is Key. She says “I feel it’s important to recognize those who show acts of kindness to others.” She hands out antique keys with personalized kindness quotes to give as positive reinforcement to those who show acts of kindness. To date, she has given out over 700 keys recognizing acts of kindness.

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COLUMNIST

Avoiding Conflict in Your Marriage A ‘Harsh Start-Up’ to a conflict involves using criticism and blame to make a point. This kind of startup is ineffective and may affect the supportive functions of relationships, negatively affecting trust and commitment and causing others to question the motives, capabilities and sincerity of those involved while the real issue remains unresolved. Incidentally, the development of conflict resolution skills helps minimize these detrimental outcomes.

arital conflict is an unavoidable part of life. We are, after all, individuals with several and occasional contradictory thoughts, needs and viewpoints. While conflict is inevitable in marriages and relationships, it is also ironic in that it is neither fundamentally good nor fundamentally bad; instead, it all comes down to how it is resolved. How a conflict conversation initiates plays a significant role in the direction of the entire discussion. For the most part, the conclusion of a ‘conflict conversation’ can be predicted based on the first three minutes also known as the ‘StartUp.’

To the contrary, the ‘Relaxed StartUp’ represents a gentle opening to a conflict conversation. When approached in a non-confrontational manner, conflict can be constructive, improve communication, lead to the resolution of problems, provide opportunities for self- expression and refine interpersonal collaboration skills. A softened start-up is about complaining without blaming and encourages non-judgmental language and facial expressions that imparts respect for others. A gentler startup diffuses tensions, reduces cruel communication, protects both parties from feeling attacked or defensive and likely encourages the same communicative behaviors in the other person. This particular start-up will help you approach potential conflict conversations in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational way, preventing tension escalation and potential damage to relationships.

By approaching probable conflicts in a non-threatening, non-confrontational way, we can alter the path of conversations, prevent escalation and protect both parties from feeling attacked or defensive. When verbalizing softened start-up statements, clients should focus on their feelings, needs and “I” statements as much as possible. Clients must also be mindful not to turn an “I” statement into a “You” statement that blames the other person. “I” statements must not be used to mask criticism. For example, a statement like, “I feel like you never help me take care of the children,” is still a harsh start-up because it blames the other person. You should focus on the facts of a situation and avoid exaggeration that depicts the other person in a negative light. After you’ve initiated your softened start-up, follow with a question such as, ‘How do you feel about what I just said?’ to show that you are open to discussing the issue and to listen to what the other person has to say. Remember, whether it’s in your tone or how you’re addressing someone—It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it! For any other tips, marriage, relationship or other counseling questions, please contact me at info@ iforeverwill.com; visit our website site at iforeverwill.com or call 832 900-0341.

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“like you’re always on your phone!!!” Replace it with: “I look forward to having you All to myself, it feels good to have your attention when we’re together. *Make the most of your quality time at home together (i.e. home improvement projects, cooking together, hobbies for two, playing games) or date night activities-bowling, poetry, etc. cooking, movie night w/ popcorn and cozy blankets for a fun night-in). This is putting forth an effort which is, what I call, “sowing what you want to see.” A satisfied, encouraged, partner doesn’t make time to stray when they are living a full, meaningful life. If it continues, you may need to prepare yourself to make some changes. Blessing’s & Hugs to you, you GOT this! Question 2: What is the best way to end an argument if we can’t seem to agree? Hello Lovely, Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mrs. Teri. I am a National Board Certified Christian Counselor. I offer this platform as a safe space to ask and receive. Please submit your questions to: Askterilynn@gmail.com Question 1: What does it mean when things are going good in your relationship and then your mate starts spending a lot of time on their phone and not engaging and distant? Is it a Red FLAG that they’re Cheating? Hello Lovely! Possibly. However, not hands down definitely. If your partner is ignoring you or isolating themselves w/ their phone, then the obvious is Yes, you have a RED FLAG! This does not necessarily mean that, they are having an affair. It is however, an indicator that there is an emotional disconnect/ emotional distance. This is a good time to check-in and apply the love languages. For example, if your love language is quality time, then lead with a plan (cook together, movie night pizza & popcorn or game night w/ a slammin throwback playlist, etc.). Try opening a non-threatening discus-

Hello Lovely, STOP!! That’s right STOP and simply say “I do not want to fight with you. I am doing my Best to live happy.” Right then and there, be Honest and admit, if warranted apologize for the part you may have played, in the disagreement escalating. It’s liberating and its a concious cleanser to call out your own toxicity. Wait for your partner’s response and if received, agree to RELEASE it & Refresh!! This is a great method to keep your arguments from contaminating your environment. Next, I suggest in a loving way that you both pray on it together and wait for an answer, that provides the best approach to manage the situation. It’s important to make peace with yourself, your people and situations. This energy draws clarity, solutions and the opportunity to thrive in healthy spaces. Blessing’s & Hugs to you

I Love it!! A Social butterfly in the making. Hello Lovely, Let’s begin with self! Reflect on the following: How do you feel about you? Are you pleasant and approachable? Do you feel good about yourself? How are you leading ie, (rbf) mean face, bored, anxious or spaced-out? Do you enter a room w/ wallls UP (boundaries)? Once you’ve checked your spirit that, will dictate the Energy/ Vibe you give when you arrive & what you’ll attract. Chose to lead with Joy and Peace in the moment, network or be pleasantly, social, not fake, just organically be good in that space. If you like people, people will most likely, like you. Simply because, they feel good sharing their space with you. When you approach people, make eye contact and smile. In conversations listen to understand, this makes one feel good and cared for. Observe and respond with validation and encouragement. Ask questions that are genuine, and be positive and sincere in your response. That, is the moment when you are organically connecting. When you exit, express pleasant, genuine gratitude for the meeting, exchange numbers or Not, but, give a sweet goodbye such as, it was nice talking with you/ meeting with you and take care. Teri and her husband, Tory are the Founders of “I Forever Will“. They are Purpose-Driven Marriage/Relationship Therapists and Radio/ TV Personalities. For Couples/Individual Counseling: iforeverwill.com or askterilynn.com

Question 3: How can I make myself stand out and be memorable? I have a friend and every time we go out people always recognize her and greet her with smiles, like they’re really glad to see her. I want that feeling when people see me.

sion opposed to negative statements,

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WOMEN HISTORY

SERVING WITH A

PURPOSE

A nonprofit organization whose mission is to partner with school districts, colleges, stakeholders and community partners to implant on campus resource centers to provide free basic needs, life skills, counseling, and other resources to equip, educate, and empower students, their families and the community to help meet needs to break down barriers that affect the classroom, create/expand opportunities, to support academic success.

S.W.A.P. RESOURCE CENTERS OUR WHY Our founder was the teacher like so many more with a closet in their classroom that was not just filled with educational materials but with all the basic needs that kids need to survive because their families were struggling to provide it. There are many basic needs that have to be met but the most important and detrimental to life is physical survival. That is having food, water, clothing, shelter, sleep and oxygen. If a person cannot satisfy this basic survival need it dominates their interest and concern. A child who is cold, sleep deprived or hungry will not be very interested in socializing or learning. Bodies of children with consistently unmet needs go into more of a survival mode, and it literally alters their brain chemistry. It affects not just their bodies, but now educators are not able to teach them in school. Our goal is to alleviate those barriers. We partner

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with school districts to plant physical resource centers on campuses and work with counselors and teachers to provide toiletries, clothes, shoes, undergarments, household goods, life skill classes, counseling, etc. for all students in need and their families. We also provide furniture (Beds, Couches, Tables/Chairs, etc.) for families that have been affected by disaster circumstances as well. Children spend more time at school than they do at home and EVERY student should walk in the doors of a school and know EVERY need will be met holistically! We also build an alliance of community partners and businesses within the resource centers to come alongside to offer even more support within the schools to assist students and families. By doing this, we break generational curses of poverty and failure that tends to breakdown families and prohibit educational success. Studies show that children whose basic needs are met are not only able to achieve academic success, but graduate to further their education, obtain college degrees and go into successful careers. It takes us all to do what’s best for kids, and by doing that, we shape our children for greatness in hopes of a better future. WHO THE RESOURCE CENTER IMPACTS These resources and services will be available for all students and families of the schools/districts we serve and where the centers are located. RESPONSIBILITY/GOAL Our goal is “to work in collaboration” with schools/ districts to provide the needed resources for students and families and to meet basic needs in order to alleviate the barriers and struggles that happen outside of the classroom that impact the inside of the classroom We desire to see all students academically excel with the needs being met of every child holistically.

**THERE IS ALSO A GREAT NEED FOR MONETARY DONATIONS.

We partner with companies and businesses that require fees to purchase resources for students and families** Due to there being no cost for families monetary donations are always needed to ensure we are able to buy the things needed. Also as we are rapidly growing the need for capital funding has increased. There are so many needs within the schools and districts we serve and because we are expanding the need for staffing, building materials for shelves and other storage items in the centers, as well as warehouse space, box trucks to transport goods to schools, etc is GREAT! Volunteers: We need volunteers to assist with sorting, unboxing, hanging, restocking, in our DeSoto S.W.A.P. Resource Center. Also to assist families that sign up for shopping day.

We also need volunteers’ help in facilitating life skill classes. We currently have resource centers located in 3 major school districts. DeSoto ISD, Dallas ISD (Boude Storey Middle School, and Monroe City Schools in Monroe, LA. Please see the contact information for the coordinators below for more information or assistance.

OUR NEEDS Kids clothes sizes 0-20 (This also includes uniforms), Kids Shoes size 4-Youth size 6, Undergarments (New), Toiletries, Diapers, and Household items (Laundry, Bedroom, Kitchen Appliances and Ware). CONTACT INFORMATION MELISSA TONEY Founder/President Email: Melissa.Toney@servingwithapurpose.org Website: www.servingwithapurpose.org Phone: (469)739-8491 BARBARA ANDREWS Coordinator (Dallas,Tx Location) Email: Barbara.Andrews@servingwithapurpose.org Phone: (469)739-8324 RUSHUNDIA RODGERS Coordinator (Monroe, LA Location) Email: Rushundia.Rodgers@servingwithapurpose.org Phone: (318)833-2060

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

HABITS THAT KEEP YOUR

LUNGS HEALTHY

HYDRATE Although not so obvious, drinking water is vital for lung health. When you drink enough water and stay hydrated, it helps lubricate your lungs which deal with irritants and thins out mucus in the lining.

EAT FOODS THAT PROMOTE LUNG HEALTH Like other organs of your body, what you take in has a bearing on the health of your lungs. In this case, ensure you take foods that promote lung health by reducing inflammation in the airways. These are vitaminrich and antioxidants, such as vegetables and omega-3 nutrient foods- salmon, green tea, oranges, raw seeds, broccoli, and pumpkin.

revention is better than cure. During these Covid-19 times, the best defense is to take a proactive role in maintaining healthy habits that protect your respiratory system. As the world adjusts, it’s crucial to stay at home and work safely whenever possible but also to keep your lungs healthy and the respiratory system in peak health to fight off infection or illness better. In part due to popular health and wellness information we encounter every day, when you think about health, what comes to mind is foods for maintaining a

IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY, QUIT SMOKING healthy weight or exercising. But there’s more than just physical wellbeing at play here; our respiratory system has claimed its own space in this discussion too! We know that the virus that causes Covid 19 SARS-Cov-2 affects the lungs by obstructing the air pathway with thick mucus. For treatment to kick in, this pathway needs to unblock. Maintaining healthy and strong lungs is vital in fighting off infection. On that note, these are actions you can take to optimize your respiratory system for healthy lungs:

We know that cigarettes are detrimental to lung health but what is little known is that inhaling cigarette smoke also causes inflammation in your lungs. Stay clear of cigars, cigarettes, marijuana, and vaping.

CLEAN AIR IN YOUR HOME Pollutants and allergens also cause irritation and inflammation to the lungs. While external sources of pollution cannot be avoided, they can certainly be minimized. SOURCE: COLOROFWELLNESS.CO

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WOMEN HISTORY

nto I y e n r u Jo ery! v o c s i Self D jerigodhigh Jeri Godhigh

jerigodhigh

Jeri Godhigh

ABOUT JERI Jeri's newly published book "Who's Sleeping with Your Husband?" is a force to be reckoned with. It is a true motivator to women everywhere in search of self-care and becoming the better version of themselves. She was inspired to be a Blessing to wives and women to give practical tools to become the "best version" of themselves. It truly inspired Jeri to be the best version of herself. It was derived from the deep place she found herself lost within, hitting her glass ceiling as a professional businesswoman to then having to find her way to truly walking in the freedom and success she lives in today.

As In! Seen

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Women's Empowerment Self-Love Curator Healing & Self Discovery Life Strategy

CONTACT (888) 413-7337 Atlanta, GA info@godhighagency.com

CONTACT INFO@GODHIGHAGENCY.COM FOR BOOKING:

JERI GODHIGH IS AVAILABLE FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, APPEARANCES, AND INTERVIEWS.

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WOMEN HISTORY

WOMEN ON THE RISE

WOMEN HISTORY

WOMEN ON THE RISE

Women On The Rise Global Magazine 2023 Issue 2/Vol. 2

Articles inside

AIMEE ALLISON KIMBERLÉ CRENSHAW BRITTANY CUNNINGHAM

ALICIA GARZA KIMBERLÉ CRENSHAW BARBARA LEE

Presidential Lifetime Achievement & Speakers Golden Voice Awards

PASTOR BRIDGETE S. OWENS

VANESSA STERLING

CHERICIA CURTIS

JANIECE EVANS-PAGE

Curtis King C

“Queenie” Wright

Dr. Daniel Moses

Curtis King C

Tonya Hall

Cordero Roland Alexxia Carter

Avoiding Conflict in Your Marriage

SERVING WITH A PURPOSE

HABITS THAT KEEP YOUR LUNGS HEALTHY

JourneyInto JourneyInto Self Discovery! Self Discovery!