W SPRING 2020 | $2.95
The
Black Brilliance Awards
WOMEN
Commemorative
Looking Ahead
Edition
A C E L E B R AT I O N O F W O M E N SINCE 1993
Power Beauty Brilliance The Executive Escalation of PepsiCo’s
BENITA CHINN 2020 H ONO R E E S Juanita Bonds, Ph.D. • Sonia Booker • Justine Boyd • Elletta Denson, Ph.D. ConSwella Hartfield • Shirley A. Langley • Gwen A. Miles Charmaine Ward-Millner • Myrna White • Wendy Williams Honorary Dinner Chair • Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq.
releasing soon
the new book by
FORMER CORPOR ATE EXECUTIVE PROVIDES BLUEPRINT TO EMPOWER WOMEN ON TAKING CONTROL OVER THEIR PROFESSIONAL CAREERS IN NEW MEMOIR
Why be a glorified, unfulfilled laborer in someone else’s kingdom when you can build your own? THIS WAS A QUESTION that I had to answer for myself. As a corporate agent for two major companies, I had gone as far as I could go in corporate America. Blocking the punches of unconscious bias, microaggressions and workplace exclusion, I continued to rise as a corporate and community leader. After hitting my glass ceiling, I realized that my capacity was far greater than my sandbox. I found the courage to beat my biggest adversary, self-doubt, and decided to pursue an infinite landscape that allowed me to follow my heart, share my stories and 20 years of lessons learned in my memoir. OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITIES lights a torch for other women who seek a protagonist they can relate to regarding their journey of self-discovery, growing through corporate trauma, and ultimately owning their opportunities to actualize their dreams.
JULIET HALL is the owner of Juliet Hall Inc., a leadership consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. Dedicated to igniting a purpose-filled passion in others, Juliet helps leaders who are at a professional crossroads to pursue their own self-discovery, develop their unique and innate abilities, and dominate their sphere of authority according to their specialized area of gifting. A graduate of Spelman College and the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, Juliet is an international influencer and compelling voice on the topics of selfdiscovery, women’s empowerment, servant leadership and entrepreneurship. “Through magnetic storytelling, Juliet Hall masterfully shares truth serum for your workplace toolkit. In a pertinent and poignant reveal, she frames the need-to-know reality that survival in the workplace requires more than oxygen. INHALE.” Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq.
JulietHall.com
International Motivational Speaker Best-selling Author
Black Brilliance
The
Awards
February 28, 2020 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Atlanta
Making of the cover Benita Chinn shot on location in Atlanta by Corey Reese at Corey Reese Photography Studio Makeup artist: Jael The Great Hair stylist: Shanika Guidry, Salon Suites, Atlanta
W WOMEN Looking Ahead
Rebecca J. Franklin
Founder, Publication Director & Chief Brand Officer
Contributors
Abby Flanders Ramona Meadows
Photography Corey Reese Keith George
Bill Ramsey Design Director
our mission to go beyond the printed word
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Women Looking Ahead (WLA) News Magazine’s mission is to transgress beyond the printed word and to create a nurturing environment for literary expression and community outreach. We collectively accomplish this task by establishing, producing and participating in conferences, workshops, self-empowerment series and numerous other events and activities that cater to women. WLA’s mission is focused on making the publication much more than just a women’s news magazine. Our mission is to recognize and gratify the wants, needs, passions, commitments, curiosities, lifestyles, self-esteems and motivations of women across the Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond. WLA is an organization drawn to women who are imbued with a spirit of commitment and a thriving desire to sacrifice and persevere. The organization caters to women who are in the pursuit of excellence in everything they do within their careers, homes, and other areas of interest. As an organization, WLA strives to be an integral part of the community by reaching out as a viable source of enrichment and support. WLA is further committed to improving the lives of women through education, mentoring and self-help directives.
statement of purpose To our readers: We pledge to be a fair, ethical, strong, informative and consistent printed voice dedicated to educating, entertaining, supporting and encouraging local women. We pledge to be open and honest by providing the public with useful information, valuable for day-to-day operations of working America and home. To our advertisers: We offer the opportunity to reach a powerful, highly targeted buying audience, unavailable through other local media. The editorial environment is designed to meet our readers’ needs, thus maximizing advertising dollars. To our staff: We promise to create a healthy work environment that promotes cooperation, communication, respect and understanding amongst the men and women who are employed at Women Works Media Group. To our community: We commit to continue our active involvement within the community and local environments. We care about our metropolitan community, and we recognize that as we prosper; so do our communities.
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Copyright ©2020 by Women Works Publishing, Inc. (WWP). All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content without written permission is prohibited. Although precautions are taken to insure accuracy of published works, Women Looking Ahead News Magazine nor its Board of Directors cannot be held responsible for the opinions expressed, debts incurred, or fact implied by its editorial writers. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material. WLA News Magazine is published quarterly. Newsstand price is $2.95. Subscription price $15/6. S P R I N G
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publisher’s page
A Letter from Publisher Rebecca J. Franklin
Honorees
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Juanita Bonds, Ph.D.
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Sonia Booker
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he Black Brilliance Awards are a celebration of women who, through their daily professional and personal journeys, represent the true meaning of brilliance. This diverse group of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, administrators and educators share a common commitment as servant leaders enhancing the communities where they live, work and play. Since 1990, we have celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of individuals and organizations who are consistently paying it forward. Women Works Media Group, the parent company for Women Looking Ahead Magazine, will continue to illuminate those who are actively engaged in civic engagement, political action, community enrichment and advocacy. The Black Brilliance honorees are outstanding women who are examples of excellence in their chosen field, who are consistently paying it forward. Speaking of paying it forward, our 2020 Woman of the Year is Benita Chinn, Senior Director of Manufacturing Capability and Systems for PepsiCo North American Beverages. Benita has spent more than two decades rising though the ranks at PepsiCo, one of the most lucrative global corporations in the world. Her 25-year tenure spans six U.S. states and eight board of directors appointments. She’s been a leader in six different PepsiCo business units, working on some of the world’s most powerful brands, such as Captain Crunch, Rice-ARoni, Gatorade, Pepsi and Tropicana (see our cover story on p. 18). I have nothing but words of gratitude for a woman I have known for three decades, Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq., our honorary dinner chair and mistress of ceremonies. The incomparable Patricia Russell-McCloud is a national orator and award–winning author. She has been described as the greatest orator of our time. Each year, she speaks to more than 100,000 people in private and public organizations in the United States and around the world. The honorees featured are women whose very essence empowers other women. It is their authenticity, candor and dedication that resonate with those who cross their paths. We embrace the Black Brilliance Award honorees in appreciation for their tirelessly hard work in making the world a better place and for being selected as one of Georgia’s Most Powerful and Influential Women. Until the next issue, Rebecca
frankly speaking Rebecca J. Franklin
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Justine Boyd
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Elletta Denson, Ph.D.
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ConSwella Hartfield
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Patricia RussellMcCloud,Esq.
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Shirley A. Langley
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Gwen A. Miles
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Charmaine Ward-Millner
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Myrna White
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Wendy Williams
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The Executive Escalation of Benita Chinn
34 Scenes from the Black Brilliance Awards Gala
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The Black Brilliance Awards
Juanita Bonds, Ph.D. J
Bliant Specialty Hospital
uanita Bates Bonds’ long history as a leader in health care management, public policy and administration has positioned her among the top executives in her field today. Overcoming a difficult childhood and numerous personal struggles, she has followed the example of her hard-working mother and climbed to the pinnacle of her profession. Juanita is currently president and chief executive officer of Bliant Specialty Hospital and Opulence Hospital Management Group in Kenner, Louisiana. She is a 2004 graduate of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in health service administration and gerontology. Juanita earned her doctorate in health care management from Trinity International University in 2019. She has further enhanced her leadership growth as a 2014 graduate of Harvard Business School’s Owner/ President Management Program, and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, earning her certification in 2010. Juanita founded the Opulence Enterprise Group in 2017, a firm that designs and provides professional services and solutions to assist public and private organizations in achieving their objectives. She has also served as an Early Steps board member for the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board and board chairman of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, both reporting to the office of Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana. An accomplished healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience in both the private and public sector, Juanita began her career as an operating room consultant at the Baton Rouge Surgical Center, where she developed and operated a 10-bed surgical center. Recognizing her management and organizational skills, Juanita was selected by St. Charles Parish Hospital to assume a similar role, again applying successful strategies to that health care center’s operating room processes in collaboration with physicians, nurses and executives. In 2009, Juanita was recruited to become president and CEO of the St. Charles Specialty Rehabilitation Hospital. For the next six years, she would lead the hospital’s organizational strategies and business growth, concentrating on patient-focused operations and strong financial profitability. From there, Juanita transitioned to Texas to become a member of the leadership team for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at Southern 6
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University and A&M College System in Baton Rouge, where she coordinated and built partnerships between multiple government and private organizations in support of this crucial program. In the role she is perhaps most proud of, Juanita served as executive director for the State Interagency Coordinating Council under Louisiana Go. John Bel Edwards from 2015-17. In this pivotal position, Juanita led a team providing advice and assistance in implementing the EarlySteps program for disabled infants and toddlers from birth to 2 years of age. Just prior to her current position leading Bliant Specialty Hospital, Juanita served a senior advisor/ consultant for Chickasaw Nation Industries, a position that brought forth her deep background in financial organization. She also served as a government-industry expert for Louisiana’s Department of Health & Human Services and a senior business analyst consultant for Global Resource, an executive consulting service. Juanita’s extraordinary personal and professional achievements are the result of her upbringing. Born one of 12 children to a hard-working mother with a secondgrade education, Juanita was the first in her family to attend college, where she had running water for the first time. Her mother made major sacrifices to help her children succeed, Juanita said. In 1999, when Juanita found success as a healthcare entrepreneur, she was able to give her mother the gift of running water by paying to repair and pipe her childhood home. “She could have done a whole lot of things, but she chose to stay home and raise us and make major sacrifices just so we could have some things. She couldn’t give us everything, but she made sure that we went to school, went to college,” Juanita told Starbucks for their “Starbucks Stories” series. “The attitude of privilege children inherit sometimes is what actually causes these conflicts in the world and the workplace. I’m always going to be humble. I’m always going to be kind. You know — unless you try to hurt or mess with my children.”
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Photo shot on location by Corey Reese at Corey Reese Photography Studio for Women Looking Ahead Magazine.
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The Black Brilliance Awards
Sonia Booker Sonia Booker Enterprises
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onia Booker — affectionately known as the “wealth-builder” — is on a mission to build a better world. An internationally recognized thought leader and top-rated keynote speaker on wealth creation, real estate investing, entrepreneurship and impact philanthropy, Sonia has for the last decade been at the forefront of a movement to equip everyday people with a blueprint to build wealth, one dollar at a time. This focus has evolved and expanded into a firm commitment to expand people’s understanding of wealth as a dimension of wellness. The founder of several companies, Sonia has built from blank pages an impressive portfolio of real estate holdings and businesses. As a conservative-growth investor for more than 20 years, she has led, invested in and advised a broad mix of creative industry talent, brands and real estate enterprises doing business in the U.S. and China. In addition to her own startups, Sonia has been involved with the launch, growth or financing of more than 15 other companies. Today, she is chief visionary officer of Vault Industries Inc. and president of the Vault Real Estate Group, where she manages all aspects of re-imagining urban neighborhoods into wellness communities. Sonia opened the flagship location, The Vault at East Point, in June 2018 and offers programming in the arts, wealth, entrepreneurship and wellness. Learn more and follow the journey at WeAreTheVault.com. Sonia’s desire to help women build what she refers to as Beauty Wealth, produced a grand location in the heart of downtown Atlanta. BIOBIO | The Beauty Place is a co-work space by day for beauty, glam, style and wellness to build and grow profitable businesses. The space is also used for pop-up shops, networking, community growth and wellness activities. “It’s a place where we can go to be intentional about supporting women businesses,” she said. Sonia is the author of the Essence best-seller, “Real Estate and Wealth: Investing in the American Dream,” a step-by-step guide that has helped thousands to be successful. She followed up this book with “Self-Wealth for Women: An Inspirational Book & Journal,” a popular book for women published through Sonia’s company, Sunny Life Publishing, which also assists budding new authors to build wealth by sharing their stories. Sonia is also a coach for Think Realty, a platform dedicated to the success of real estate investors where she records regular content and speaks at conferences throughout the U.S.
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In addition, Sonia hosted the “Wealth Building Show” on The Wall Street Network/Biz 1190-AM for twoyears before moving to a podcast. She can be seen regularly on TV One’s “Sister Circle Live,”and recently appearing on CBS and NBC affiliate stations. She has been featured in dozens of publications and media including O, The Magazine, Entrepreneur, Onyx Woman and Black Enterprise. For the past 10 years, she has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Women of Influence in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business League. Sonia is a former board member for the YWCA of Atlanta, where she served as the chair of the Real Estate Committee. She currenlty sits on the board for the Downtown Development Authority in East Point, Georgia. She is the founder of the one-of-a-kind women’s wealth-building group known as My Inner Circle. Sonia holds a degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and an MBA from the University of Dallas. Questions & Answers What were your aspirations growing up? I remember when I was 12 years old, I had a revelation looking up at the sky and over green pastures. I wanted to live a life where the sky was my only limit. I didn’t want to feel limited in what I could accomplish. The word entrepreneur wasn’t used during that time but I think that is what I was feeling. I have been an entrepreneur for over 24 years now and I have used land (green pastures) to do it. What is the most significant milestone in your life? That’s a hard one. I would have to say that most significant milestone has been the birth of my son, Simon, who is now 10 years old. I divide my life as B.C. and A.C. My actions and goals before child were a lot different than after child. He has taught me so much about myself as a human being. I believe it’s through our children that we can see just how big our hearts can be.
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The Black Brilliance Awards
Justine Boyd UNCF
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ustine Norman Boyd has a long and exemplary record of service, leadership, and advocacy. She is currently the regional development director for the Atlanta Region of UNCF where she oversees the development initiatives of five states which support 20 historically black colleges and universities. Prior to joining UNCF, she was president of JNB Strategies LLC, a consulting firm specializing in the delivery of a full-range of services to market and promote nonprofit organizations. In 2014, Justine’s strategy, development expertise and leadership was instrumental in the success of the “Save the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC)” campaign which positioned the seminary to overcome accreditation probation. Justine served as the chief executive officer of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta and has more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit management, government administration and external affairs. Under her leadership, the YWCA, a premier women’s serving agency, operated a Woman in Transition shelter, Early Learning Academy facility and 10 after-schools programs, including Teen Girls in Technology, wellness, racial justice and education. Justine has distinguished herself as a stellar community leader currently serving as vice chair of the Atlanta Housing Authority. She served as chair of Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections during the 2008 presidential campaign, which yielded a significant increase in voter turnout. Justine is past president of the Atlanta Fulton County League of Women’s Voters. Among her achievements as president, she created and co-sponsored the renowned Fireside Chats with WSB-TV, and in 2002 formatted one of her innovations: “Atlanta Women Speak,” an exciting book that encompasses a collection of speeches by some of Atlanta’s most prominent women. Justine was also responsible for the resurgence of the 10
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organization by diversifying and doubling membership, increasing funding resources and implementing new programs through public-private partnerships. Justine was appointed by Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox to the Georgia Voting Commission. She is a former chair of the UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Advisory Board, a former member of the Georgia 4-H Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America Atlanta Area Council, the Coalition of 100 Black Women Advisory Board (chair), the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau. Justine is a lifetime member of the NAACP, the APEX Museum, the Atlanta Business League and is a Junior League sustainer. She has received numerous leadership accolades including: the SunTrust’s 2011 Atlanta Dream Inspiring Woman Award and Business to Business Woman of Excellence; 2011 High Heels in High Places from The Trumpet Wards Foundation; 2009 Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys Foundation Zenith Award for Distinction in the Profession; and 2008 Chayil Inc. Butterflies and Allies honoree. In 2007, Atlanta Woman Magazine named her “Woman of the Year,” applauding her commitment to the empowerment of women and girls. Who’s Who In Black Atlanta identified Justine as one of the “Female Atlanta Powerhouses.” Described by the Atlanta Tribune Magazine as a “bold, dynamic, and powerful woman in corporate America,” Justine was named one of the “10 Most Outstanding Young People in Atlanta” (1999) and one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” (2001).
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The Atlanta Business League has recognized her as a tenured member of 100 Most Influential African American Women. Women Looking Ahead Magazine named her one of Georgia’s Most Powerful Women and Rolling Out Magazine’s 25 Most Influential Women. In 2003, Justine was selected in a nationwide search to be one
of the 63 emerging U.S. Leaders to participate in the German Marshall Memorial Fellowship in Europe studying transatlantic economic, political and social issues. She is a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta and the Regional Leadership Institute. Justine formerly served as assistant general manager for external affairs for the Metropolitan
Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority and county clerk for the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. She received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Georgia State University and is a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Atlanta. She loves photography, calligraphy, traveling the world and meeting new people.
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Photo shot on location by Corey Reese at Corey Reese Photography Studio for Women Looking Ahead Magazine.
The Black Brilliance Awards
Elletta Denson, Ph.D. Fulton County Schools
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lletta L. Denson was the first African American to earn National Board Certification (Early Childhood/Generalist) from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the State of Georgia, and one of two teachers to certify first in the Atlanta Public School System. She was also the recipient of the 2008 American Star of Teaching Award representing the State of Georgia from the United States Department of Education, and the Mary McCloud Bethune Award from the National Alliance of Black School Educators. She has since twice successfully renewed her National Board Certification. Dr. Denson has been an educator specializing in early childhood education and educational psychology for more than 30 years. Denson received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in 1987 with honors. Her post-graduate studies include a Master of Education and Specialist of Education Degrees in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Psychology with a professional focus on teaching and learning, teacher education and program development, also from Georgia State University. She is also certified in Teacher Leadership, Teacher Support Specialist and Instructional Supervision. Dr. Denson has served as a member of numerous national, state and system-wide committees and working groups pertaining to education. She presently teaches at Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School, which is named after her doctoral chair, teacher and mentor, Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III. For that reason, she has a vested interest in the elementary school and wants to assist in making it an A+ school. She is also an advocate for preventing domestic violence and is trained to support and assist other survivors, children and those families that have lost loved ones to violence. Dr. Denson is a native of Atlanta and has three lovely daughters, Ashley (32), Aaliyah (24) and Amani (21). She is also a proud grandmother of her first grandchild, Dion Jr. She is a member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and has been inducted as a member of the following honor societies/professional organizations: Pi Lambda Theta: International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education, Pi Gamma Mu: International Honor Society in the Social Sciences, Phi Delta Kappa, and Societas Docta Inc. She is also the recipient of numerous other awards,
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proclamations and honorable mentions for her contribution to the field of education and domestic violence. Dr. Denson is a finalist for the Class of 2020 National Teachers Hall of Fame and was selected by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ Celebration of Black Educators during Black History Month. She has a passion for teaching and loves being called a “teacher.” According to Dr. Denson, “It is what I was called to do, and I answered the call. Thus, it is my desire to leave a legacy of greatness in the field of education.” She also has the same desire as an advocate. Questions & Answers What were your aspirations growing up? My aspiration growing up was to be a teacher. I have known since the fifth grade that I would be one. What is the most significant milestone in your life? The birth of my daughters, receiving my Ph.D. and National Board Certification. Also welcoming my first grandchild, recovering and surviving surgeries following a shooting. Who was your inspiration and mentor in life/business? Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III, Dr. Gloria Patterson and my grandmother, Annie R. Belt. What are your top three life lessons? Always strive for excellence in all that I do. Be pretty inside and out. And my grandmother told me this and it’s true to this day: “Honey, its not how much you pay for it but how you strut in it when you put it on.” She was a classy woman. What do you think the challenges for college graduates and young people will be soon? I think the challenge will be that they feel entitled and really don’t want to work for anything. They will find life really hard if they do not develop the type of work ethic needed to be successful.
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The Black Brilliance Awards
ConSwella Hartfield Saving Our Children Foudation
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here causes that are targeted at helping others and making life easier for people who do not have as many privileges are concerned, ConSwella Hartfield is the embodiment of passionate. She is not only dedicated to many causes and organizations, but she is also committed to a life of bringing humanity a step closer to world peace. ConSwella is a humanitarian by default who has been privileged to work alongside several nonprofit organizations, some of which are focused on eradicating and creating awareness for sex trafficking. During her time with these organizations she was able to tell the stories of survivors, bring justice to culprits and help re-introduce the affected into society. It’s a spiritually rewarding experience for her and a role she wouldn’t trade her for anything. Also involved in the fight for women’s rights, she volunteers for the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Through these organizations, single women plagued with the shards of domestic violence have found the haven they craved. However, her primary focus is not just in the fight against sex trafficking but equally in reinstating survivors, whether they be children or adults. ConSwella has been lending her time to these causes for years, guided by adefining philosophy that together we can beat all odds. The housing deficit is also a cause that resonates deeply with ConSwella, and she’s helped a number of family and friends in need to get their own homes. Over the years she’s also worked with homeless teens in diverse communities, and, because everyone has a right to basic amenities, ConSwella, together with these organizations, has gone the extra mile of reaching out to different states and countries by offering basic needs like food and clothing to families in Haiti, Sierra Leone, Atlanta, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Known as “Swella” to friends and loved ones, ConSwella remains an avid volunteer for Habitat for Humanity/Red Cross Rebecca’s Tent, which has given shelter, food, safety and hope to nearly 1,200 homeless women. ConSwella not only sits the boards of organizations, she is an active member of these nonprofits. When asked what inspired her to take an interest in helping people become the best version of themselves, she said that all of her inspiration comes from her aunt and
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mom, who in her lifetime helped feed seniors in their church on a weekly basis and during holidays. Knowing that the world would be a better place if we all cared and are selfless to others, ConSwella has begun to teach her children about the act of being kind to others. Questions & Answers What were your aspirations growing up? Growing up I went through several phases. I have never been one dimensional. I believe my first memory was aspiring to be an actress when I first viewed “Mahogany” on television. My next aspiring thoughts were to become a nurse, which I did for several years in pediatric facilities. After, I realized my purpose and from then on my aspirations were simply to become a philanthropist for human rights. What is the most significant milestone in your life? The most significant milestone in my life was raising my 14-year-old sister and putting her through college after our mom passed away unexpectedly from an asthma attack in 1995. I had to learn how to be her sister and stop trying to be our mother. When I did that, reaching that milestone became something I enjoyed and was proud of versus something that needed to do. Who was your inspiration and mentor in life/business? My mentor growing up was Susan L. Taylor, the chief editor of Essence Magazine. Who knew years later I would be honored and privileged to accompany Mrs. Taylor at Black Girls Rock. In my early 20s, a few years after my mother’s death, I began a career in the fashion industry. I was always a trendsetter, so it was almost inevitable for me to be inclined toward fashion. My inspiration at that time became the late B. Smith, the famous model, author and restaurateur. What are your top three life lessons? When people show you who they are believe them. Do not allow negative thoughts to rent space in your mind. Do not expect everyone to love the way you love. Everyone loves differently.
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The Black Brilliance Awards
Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq. Honorary Dinner Chair
Word Molder: Master Orator BY A B BY F L A N D E R S
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atricia Russell McCloud, Esq., weaves words into golden layers of inspiration cemented with a hardened philosophy based on wisdom and intuitive spirituality. Her spoken words are like perfectly positioned bricks mounted on a bridge across the mire of a nebulous world of confusion. Each sentence carries a healing harbor of hope to weary world denizens who are hungry for emotional relief, every phrase cutting precisely, like a Japanese sword carving wisdom, with careful aim and purpose. But this powerful professional orator, author and legal mind is more than erudite. Attorney Russell-McCloud is a megastar whose orbit reaches beyond the borders of mere greatness. She is fondly called “Alphabet Lady” by some, amazing by others, while “woke” millennials say, “She’s dope!” Crowded auditoriums and stadiums echo the reverberation of her expressions, so exhilarating and melodic they could be memorable lyrics in a hope building song. Russell-McCloud’s journey is the story of great elevation when cerebral altitude meshes with hardcore attitude and an understanding of beckoning fate molded by faith. Patricia Russell-McCloud hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated from Kentucky State University. She then matriculated at Harvard University, as a member of the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, soaking up knowledge with a meticulous flare. She received her law degree from Howard University. Using
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these degrees as a ladder to greater trajectory, she spent a decade as the first female Chief of Complaints at the Broadcast Branch Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission. Throughout her successful career her muse continuously whispered into her conscience the breath of God’s assignment for her life. That is when her journey as a professional orator propelled her work to a different plateau. Crowds of rainbow hued diverse audiences are mesmerized by her fertile, cultivated expressions that explore the human condition. It is that commitment to heart expressions and the articulation of spiritual renewal that garnered Patricia RussellMcCloud many honors and accolades, such as being presented keys to 300 American cities. She was the 11th National President of The Links Inc., and National Parliamentarian to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Russell-McCloud was named among the Top Five Business Motivators in the nation by Black Enterprise, and Ebony magazine calls her “one of the most influential people in the United States.” She has also been featured in Essence Magazine. George Frazier praised her work in his book, “Success Runs in Our Race,” and calls her one the Top 10 Speakers In America. Russell-McCloud is mending minds for the human race and uniting souls with polished phrases and inspirational insights. She has shared a union and marital partnership with Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., the 127th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for more than three decades.
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The Black Brilliance Awards POWER, PROMOTION & PEPSICO
The Executive Escalation of
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Cover Story Photo: Shot on Location Corey Reese Photography Studio By: Corey Reese For Women Works Media Group Women Looking Ahead Magazine Makeup by Ja’el The Great Hair by Shanika Guidry Salon Suites Atlanta Wardrobe: Benita Chinn
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A A tap on the shoulder, they call it. Benita Chinn is just over a year into her role as Senior Director of Manufacturing Capability and Systems for PepsiCo North American Beverages. Using cutting-edge tools and technology, she leads a national team that’s making manufacturing “fun” again, while advancing the company’s bottom line and moving into a digital space. Benita has spent more than two decades rising through the ranks at PepsiCo, one of the most-lucrative corporations in the world. Her 25-year tenure spans six states and eight board of director appointments. She was the first female plant director for Gatorade, based in Atlanta, and she’s been a leader in six different PepsiCo business units, working on some of the world’s most powerful brands, including Captain Crunch, RiceA-Roni, Pepsi and Tropicana. Her prestigious career burgeoned from humble beginnings. Born in Suffolk, Virginia, Benita is the youngest of two daughters to James and Bettie Smith. A town of less than 100,000 residents, Suffolk bristles with the beauty and bucolic charm of a picturesque community. Benita’s childhood was corralled with accolades, to the amazement of many around her. “Is there anything she’s not good at?” some would ask. To that, Benita would reply, with a glistening smile, “I can’t swim.”
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As a high school freshman, she was awarded first chair trombone in the band, starting point guard on the girls’ basketball team and starting outfielder for the softball team — all while conquering her studies as an honor roll student. By her last year of high school, she was an all-district point guard, all-region band selection, top seed on the girls’ tennis team and picked for Virginia’s Governor School for the Gifted and Talented. “My sister, Sherry, had a master’s degree in computer science from John’s Hopkins University and worked for the Department of Defense as a systems engineer,” Benita says. “I admired her success and her ability to succeed in a male dominant environment. I knew I would lean on her experience once I started my professional career.” The seeds of Benita’s corporate career were planted before she graduated fro high school. A guidance counselor submitted her application for a junior engineering apprenticeship at the Naval Air Rework Facility on the Norfolk Naval Base. She was one of only two students selected in the entire Hampton Roads, Virginia area. S P R I N G
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Family portrait From left, Sherry Ware (Benita’s sister), father James Smith, mother Bettie Smith and Benita.
Benita started her apprenticeship the week after walking the stage at graduation. At the time, she didn’t have her own transportation so her father arranged for her to carpool each day with some other employees to the naval base.
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They were welders, pipefitters, electricians, mechanics — all men. Much like Benita’s father, a welder for Newport News Shipbuilding refurbishing aircraft carriers, they dressed in heavy work clothes, bandanas and steel-toe boots. Benita, however, donned blouses and khakis for the engineering office. “[I] worried about getting grease on the new clothes my mom bought for me,” Benita says with a laugh. At just 17, Benita spent her days refurbishing A-6 and F-14 fighter jets. She edited jet wing engineering drawings and tested electrical components in the hangars. When the summer ended, Benita decided to attend Virginia Tech’s engineering and technology program. She was awarded a scholarship to play for their women’s basketball team.
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VIRGIN IA TEC Class of H 1991 —B enita wit friend M h elissa D ickenso n
“I had basketball dreams and corporate dreams, never for once doubting I could achieve both,” Benita says. After four years playing for the Hokies, it became clear to her that those hoop dreams would not materialize. As her dreams of championships and All-American honors faded, her corporate dreams lay before her like a red carpet. With the naval base engineering apprenticeship already on her college resume, another corporate door opened for her in a place she least expected. During Benita’s senior year of college, she went home to
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Suffolk for Christmas. Her mother had worked for GE as a technician manufacturing televisions, and repairing the televisions in their home. Benita’s mom had just started a new job at Hills Bros. Coffee as a machine operator, filling flexible packaging and cans with coffee, and was preparing to attend the annual Christmas party. “My father, shy amongst strangers, didn’t want to attend,” Benita says. “I agreed to be my mother’s date.” At the party, Benita’s mother introduced her to Charlie Cortelini, the plant director for Hills Bros. They talked about her studies, the engineering apprenticeship and her love for basketball. “It was my first informal interview,” Benita says with a smile. She was hired the following summer as an engineering co-op for the coffee company’s new startup facility. She worked hand-in-hand with corporate engineers on new operations and edited engineering drawings. Once again, she was the only woman in the room. After six months with Hills Bros., Benita returned to Virginia Tech to complete a student teaching assignment. Before graduation, she was offered a position as a junior project engineer with Hills Bros., which at the time was a brand of Nestlé USA. After graduating with her bachelor’s in engineering and technology education, Benita began a four-year career with Nestle. It was a time of professional and personal growth, she says, navigating a world dominated by men. Her first six months on the job, Benita was a maintenance supervisor, in charge of men who were old enough to be her father. To strengthen her skills, she came in some 22
weekends and helped the maintenance techs complete tasks, which was uncommon for most supervisors. She traded the blouses for a pair of coveralls, rolling up her sleeves to take on some of the “less palatable tasks.” “I was told the guys were not sure of me at first, but I proved myself to them,” Benita declares. At 25, Benita’s college and professional resume was beginning to look more like that of a 15-year veteran in management. The four years she spent at Nestlé afforded her a number of leadership roles. Then in October 1995, Benita made a decision that surprised even her. She accepted a position as a process improvement engineer for Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was the beginning of a 25-year legacy with Quaker Oats and Pepsico, who merged in 2001. When she started, Benita managed the operating budget for Quaker Oats’ ready-to-eat cereals. She was eventually promoted and moved to Chicago, where she led a team in the consolidation of two pasta plants. W O M E N
Above George Wilson, president and CEO of SPREP Academy, celebrating Benita as SF Board Member of the Year. Below Benita is passionate leader for PepsiCo’s Women In Operations agenda.
While in Chicago, she received her MBA from the University of Chicago, and was later promoted to Gatorade senior operations manager. Her hard work earned her the prestigious Supply Chain Leadership Award. Benita’s determination and leadership continued with her position as Gatorade plant director for the Oakland, California, facility in 2009. Under her leadership, the facility went from worst to top performer in less than six months. She earned the
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Benita gives a classroom lecture on the manufacturing process.
Founder’s Award for the No. 1 Gatorade facility in North America the following year. But the challenges of success were no preparation for what life handed her next. In 2011, Benita found herself in the waiting room of a hospital, waiting for what seemed to be another routine heart surgery for her husband to be completed. When the doctor returned, this time he was with a chaplain, asking if there was someone she could call to be with her. She was all alone. Benita’s husband, Eric, died of heart failure, 10 years after his diagnosis of heart disease. After almost 14 years of marriage, she was suddenly a widow and single mother to her 7-year-old son, Bryce. “I had done many things alone in my life, but nothing like this,” Benita says. “I had even persevered through the loss of a child, but Eric was there with me. Nothing compared to the loss of a spouse, a best friend and the father of my son.”
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hankfully, Benita was not alone. A loving support system embraced her, fondly calling themselves “Team Chinn.” Friends kept Bryce
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providing a foundation of knowledge that he can leverage in his life,” Benita says. “Being the coach, teacher, cook, disciplinarian, breadwinner and mom is a lot for one person. I realized and accepted that I needed help and still do.” In many ways, Benita’s journey is an unconventional one, filled with the kind of success that is not often experienced by women of color leading in technical roles. She
hopes more women will be empowered to fight for what they are worth. “Being bold, confident and recognizing our value and worth is important to be successful,” Benita says. “Everyone needs a godfather throughout their career. Someone to give you unbiased advice and coaching, but has a seat at the table to sponsor and support you.” Benita credits her mentors at PepsiCo for teaching her to be bold and recognize her own worth. But it’s her tenacity, brilliance and confidence that sustains her, and puts her in a seat of power and influence at the company. As an athlete, mother, teacher, motivator and one of PepsiCo’s strongest executives, Benita is conquering the status quo of women and people of color. Benita jokes for all her achievements, she still can’t swim. But she made sure Bryce became an excellent swimmer.
Right Benita with her 15-year-old son, Bryce.
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The Black Brilliance Awards
Shirley A. Langley Shirley Langley, CPA
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hirley A. Langley graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Having been raised the third of 15 children in rural Arkansas by parents who were entrepreneurs, Shirley knew early in life that she wanted to one day own her accounting practice and took steps to make that happen. Upon college graduation, she began employment with the Internal Revenue Service and passed the CPA exam on the first attempt. After working for the IRS for 10 years, and with much prayer and preparation, Shirley opened the doors to her own business, Shirley Langley CPA. Since starting her practice, she has successfully increased services offered, client base, staff and revenues. Her office offers a wide range of services to for-profit and nonprofit clients to include, but is not limited to financial statement preparation, income tax preparation, expert witness testimony, consultation and representation before the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities, budgeting/business consulting and payroll processing. After 27 years in business, Langley’s office provides services to several prominent clients and is reaping the benefits of years of hard, dedicated work ethics. Quality service for every client is still, and will always be, her top priority. Shirley has held office and general memberships in business and civic affiliations, including The National Coalition of 100 Black Women MECCA Chapter, The Stewart Foundation, West End CID, West End Merchants Association and Atlanta Business League. Professional memberships are also held with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and GSCPA Peer Review Program. She has received awards and accolades from the Judge Penny Brown Reynolds Foundation, Women of Power, Georgia’s 100 Most Powerful and Influential Women and The Nicholas House. To put actions with her words, Shirley speaks at conferences on subjects involving wealth increases and preservation, income and taxation, business ownership and development, and women’s issues. She often advises others on matters involving their businesses, nonprofit organizations, savings and retirement accounts and taxing authorities. She provides information that promotes better understanding and access which allows others to make better choices. As an act of kindness, she
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volunteers and helps raise money to support activities that benefit women, children and the business community at large. In addition to raising money, she donates her own money to support those same causes. Shirley volunteers at health fairs, breast cancer screenings, blood drives, voting drives, community events and many others. Shirley is a Christian and loves the Lord with her whole heart. She is a member of Word of Faith Cathedral in Austell, Georgia. Questions & Answers What were you aspirations growing up? My aspirations growing up were to leave Marvell, Arkansa, get an education, then own a successful business that impacted others in a positive way. I had to put myself in a position to be able to help others. What is the most significant milestone in your life? The most significant milestone in my life to this point is that I’m still here ... and, clothed, in my right mind ... I was born third in a family of 15. Then I was pregnant at 17 and many doubted I would finish college. Not only did I finish — in 3 1/2 years and magna cum laude —I’ve successfully owned and operated my business for more than 27 years, raised my children and donated time and money to others. God is not finished with me yet. I still have more work to do! Who was your inspiration and mentor in life/ business? My inspiration and mentors were my parents. My parents had a third- and eighth-grade education when they started having children. While having 15 children, my parents never relied on government handouts and we were raised in a house they bought and paid for. My dad started digging ditches when he was 16 years old and was self-employed from then on. He was a well-known mechanic for almost 50 years when he passed. My parents understood the power of education in the betterment of their children’s lives. In our family, it was understood that graduating from college was a must, not an option. As a result, all 15 children are college graduates and eight of us own businesses.
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The Black Brilliance Awards
Gwen A. Miles Isagenix
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wen Lewis Miles is a health and wellness success coach and executive director at Isagenix International. Gwen is always on a mission to serve and help others create more “time freedom” in order to live the best life of their design. She has more than two decades of success in developing leaders while helping others achieve better health naturally.
For two decades Gwen has been living her best life as a network marketing professional. Isagenix has allowed Gwen and her husband Ledell to earn millions of dollars in the industry. She has received numerous awards and accolades including International Marketing Executive of the Year, “Woman of Isagenix” in 2012, the Spirit of Isagenix Award and the Global Top Achievers Award, just to name a few. She has also served on the Isagenix International’s field advisory board. In May of 2016, Gwen and Ledell Miles became the first African Americans to reach millionaire status in the company. In May of 2016 they were awarded the 183rd millionaire status. As a leader in Isagenix, she has also developed a love for travel. Some of the favorite destinations that she and her family enjoy are Tahiti, Spain, Italy, Africa, Greece and Hawaii. Gwen regularly attends national training sessions that showcase new network technology trends, natural solutions to daily health concerns and analytics tools. She is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking. Words she lives by and encourages otherswith are, “Keep a positive mindset and never give up, never stop dreaming. Always remember that you miss 100% of the shots you never take.” She has been married to her life partner,
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Ledell Miles, for almost four decades and they have two wonderful adult children. Gwen’s relationship with God and family are the most important things in her life. Gwen grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and received a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Grambling State University. She and her husband are members of Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Questions & Answers What were you aspirations growing up? To own my own business and be placed in a position that would allow me to empower others. What is the most significant milestone in your life? My son and daughter are both college graduates with great careers and are homeowners. Who was your inspiration and mentor in life/ business? My parents were my greatest inspiration. They were great examples of what successful entrepreneurship looked like. What are your top three life lessons? Take care of your health by being proactive. Always be goal-oriented. Never stop dreaming. What do you think the challenges for college graduates and young people will be soon? Skyrocketing student loan debt, rising health care costs and poor sleep habits.
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The Black Brilliance Awards
Charmaine Ward-Millner Georgia Power
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harmaine Ward-Millner is corporate relations director for Georgia Power. She is responsible for building and maintaining key state and national relationships with diverse organizations and opinion leaders. Her efforts focus on forming strategic alliances with diverse segments of the company’s 2.5 million customers, corporate partners and civic organizations to garner support and promote advocacy for important industry and company issues. She also works closely with internal executives and community leaders to develop sustainable initiatives aligned with the company’s business goals and philanthropic strategies supporting its mission to be “a citizen wherever we serve.” Charmaine has held several senior-level positions with Georgia-Pacific, John H. Harland, Bank of America, Showtime Networks and IBM. She has created tremendous value as a corporate leader in the areas of corporate philanthropy, foundation, corporate affairs, diversity, marketing and sales. She is a noted speaker, serial entrepreneur, adjunct professor at Georgia State, certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Charmaine’s service to the community is widespread and she is humbled by the numerous awards she has received recognizing her civic contributions. She serves as secretary for the National Black MBA national board. She also serves on the boards of the NBMBAA Atlanta Chapter, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Technical
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College Foundation Board, Atlanta Business League Foundation Board, NBAF Advisory Board and Alliance Theatre Advisory Committee. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Links Inc., and Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. She is also an alumna of United Way VIP, Education Policy Fellowship Program, Leadership Georgia, and Leadership Atlanta. Charmaine graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Clark Atlanta University and earned an MBA with honors from Kennesaw State University. A native of Chicago, she is an avid reader, loves the theatre and enjoys international travel. She is married to Keith Millner. Charmaine’s personal mission is to be a CATALYST, creating positive change in individuals, organizations and communities through coaching and servant leadership.
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The Black Brilliance Awards
Myrna White
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
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yrna White is director of public affairs for the Department of Aviation at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. Her management skills are diverse, as she oversees business units comprising government affairs, public relations, community affairs, executive messaging, apecial events and web content management.
Prior to her current position, White managed the Airport’s government affairs agenda. It was in that post that she worked with state legislators to gain authorization to use commercial paper to fund important airport capital projects. White, who is fervent about youth development, also founded the Airport’s Partners in Education program, exposing thousands of youth to the world of aviation. It is her leadership in the community that earned her commendations from both the Georgia Senate and the House of Representatives. White is a graduate of the rigorous Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program, an executive development program for airport executives worldwide. A past chair of the Airports Council International Marketing & Communications Committee, North American region, she also is a former board member for several local chambers of commerce and civic organizations. She currently serves as first vice president for the ATL Airport Chamber Board of Directors. White is a graduate of Leadership Fayette, Leadership Clayton and the Regional Leadership Institute. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the 2020 Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Black Women in Construction, named Metro Atlanta’s Big Sister of the Year for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Inc., among Atlanta’s Top Women of Influence for the past decade by the Atlanta Business League and recipient of the Torch Award of Excellence from the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Pinnacle Leadership Award from the sorority’s East Point/ College Park Chapter. A Dublin native, she is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s School of Journalism. She also completed the Emory University Executive Education Management Development Program. White is the daughter of Rosetta B. May and the late Leon A. May Sr. of Dublin. She is the
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mother of one delightful son, Floyd “Tad” White III, who is a junior at the University of Georgia. Questions & Answers What is the most significant milestone in your life? A milestone in my personal life was the birth of my incredible son. Smart, witty and compassionate, he has brought such joy to my life and others who know him. I am proud of the personal legacy with which I’ve been blessed. As for my professional life, the commissioning of the fifth runway for the busiest airport in the world is a memorable milestone. I was hired by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to win the community’s approval of the airport’s plans to build another runway. After numerous public information workshops with the community and meetings with elected officials, we were able to demonstrate how important that runway would be for the economic development of the region. As I sat on the first aircraft to take off from the new runway, I was filled with emotion and and an almost overwhelming sense of achievement. What was once a mere concept — one that many said would never happen — was indeed a reality. Who was your inspiration and mentor in life/business? I’ve had several mentors in my life and each has played a valuable role at various pivotal moments. The two who stand out the most are my mother, Rosetta Brantley May, and the longest-serving airport general manager with whom I’ve worked — Ben DeCosta. My mother instilled in me that I could do anything I put my mind to. And as an 80-year-old cattle rancher, she continues to demonstrate that to me every single day. On the other hand, Ben DeCosta inspired me daily and taught me what it took to be an outstanding leader and executive. He was a walking example of having the courage to make the right decisions, no matter how tough or unpopular they may be. In addition to relying on my faith and trust in God, I also rely on the lessons learned from both these amazing leaders.
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Jazz 91.9 WCLK
endy Williams is general manager of Jazz 91.9 WCLK-FM, a professional public radio station licensed to Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta. Her career in broadcasting spans more than 35 years in commercial and public radio and television. Williams’ steady leadership at WCLK for 26 years has helped to earn WCLK its reputation as a world-class jazz station that remains a viable presence amid Atlanta’s busy multimedia landscape. During her tenure the station has gone from terrestrial broadcast and streaming and serves a worldwide audience through several digital platforms, including the Jazz 91.9 app. The station has garnered noteworthy recognition in Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta for Best Jazz Station. WCLK was also recognized as Best Jazz Station by Creative Loafing, Atlanta’s weekly arts and entertainment newspaper. Williams herself has received recognition as an Atlanta Tribune Hall of Fame inductee and has been celebrated repeatedly as one of the Atlanta Business League’s 100 Black Women of Influence, in addition to other noteworthy honors including Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. Williams has also served as adjunct professor for students majoring in radio broadcasting at Clark Atlanta University. Prior to WCLK, Williams served as general manager of WEAAFM, a jazz station in Baltimore, Maryland. She has also worked at WPXITV, the NBC affiliate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and for country music station WELA-FM. Williams served two terms on the prestigious public radio board of Easter Region Public Media, a national organization comprised of more than 100 public radio stations from the East Coast to the South Coast of the United States. She is a founding member and chair of the African American Public Radio Consortium Inc., a national organization that represents the interests of HBCU stations and their audiences’ served by public radio through the development of programming for diverse audiences. The AAPRC has worked in partnership with National Public Radio and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to bring voices and programs of color to public radio. A native of Pennsylvania, Williams received her communication degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and holds a MBA in marketing from Clark Atlanta University. She is also a member of the Clark Atlanta University Guild, an organization which provides scholarships to students, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She enjoys traveling, cooking and meeting people. Williams also enjoys worshipping at Divine Faith Ministries in Jonesboro, Georgia. Questions & Answers What were you aspirations growing up? To become a S P R I N G
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TV news anchor or radio broadcaster. I wanted to be a leader in the broadcast field and or media. What is the most significant milestone in your life? Making the move to transition WCLK programming into a more modified format in order to increase audience. This was in 2012, and it required a lot of buy-in from CAU administration, staff and listeners. It was quite a feat to get everyone on the same page. The task was to modify the music from block programming and a mainstream format to a more consistent contemporary format that we now describe as classic, cool and contemporary jazz. Who was your inspiration and mentor in life/business? My inspiration in life was my mother, who always exhibited a joy in all she did. My mother was a wife, mother of five who also held down a career. She did it all very well and with pride. I never heard her complain about any of it. In business, I had many inspirations, including all the female bosses I ever had. The most inspiring boss was Dr. Gloria P. James, who hired me to come work at WCLK. She was a great multitasker and decision-maker. She provided direction to a lot of people and I admired her savvy ability to make it look effortless. What are your top three life lessons? Give everyone the benefit of the doubt first until you learn otherwise. Be kind to everyone even if they aren’t kind to you. They could be having a bad day. Listen to what God is saying to you. I learned this first-hand by doing the opposite. I would listen to me and charge into the world hoping to conquer all. It doesn’t necessarily work that way. Seek his council always and let him lead. I find it leads to greater satisfaction and peace. Believe in yourself and always try to help somebody.
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