Our Superb Women!

to 2017 and she is an award winning author and writer. An attorney, she is the most respected and admired woman in the world. She’s a wife and mother, a voice of reason in a world full of chaos. Born in Chicago, IL, she graduated from Whitney Young High School where she was an honor student and student council treasurer. She went on to major in sociology with a minor in African American studies at Princeton and then graduated from Harvard Law School. She is an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating. She is grace at all times!

attended Dallas College. She is committed to serving the community and sharing blessings. So many have benefited from her generous heart and spirit. A mother and a grandmother, this year she commemorates her 50th wedding anniversary. She is also a member of the Garland Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC).

2021 was the "Year of the Woman," especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spreading a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!

Michelle Obama

A managing member at SFDF LLC, she is co-founder of the non-profit Bands of Hope, providing social and financial services to underprivileged single mothers and children. A managing member of SFDF LLC, she has worked as a realtor at Caldwell Banker Apex and a Pre-Needs Burial Insurance Agent. She also operates an Airbnb, Pinetree Crest in Avinger, TX. A native of Fort Worth, Tx, Gilda graduated from Polytechnic High School and

Vickie Gunnells-Hodge is the founder and CEO of Empower You/Empower Me, LLC and Founder of one in Abundance, Inc. She has also enjoyed stints at Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church Clothes Closet, United States Postal Service, Grocers Supply and Continental Airlines. A graduate of Forest Brook High School, this writer and author has degrees from Texas School of Business, North Harris College and Houston Christian University.

Sherry Bronson

Sherry Bronson is the founder of Sherry Bronson Television Network. A talk show host, producer, author, speaker and certified women empowerment coach. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University. Sherry is a member of The Professional Woman, Women Speakers Association and Christian Media Association. Through television, speaking, and writing, Sherry aims to empower women to work towards realizing their dreams.

Andrea Durham

from Rhodes College with a Bachelor’s in Urban Studies and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Texas. Durham is also a servant leader who volunteers for different causes in the DFW community.

Dione Sims

Andrea Durham is a clinical research expert, and the founder and owner of Durham Research Collaborative, a firm that aims to diversify the clinical research industry at the sponsor, investigator and patient levels. Durham was named one of the Dallas Business Journal’s 2022 40 Under 40. She graduated

Dione Sims is the founding executive director of the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. She is also the founder of Unity Unlimited. She continues to work relentlessly to eliminate racial and gender disparities by promoting diversity opportunities in the community. Sims is a board member of the Fort Worth Association of Federated Women’s Clubs. Sims has been instrumental in helping to promote and spread awareness about Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the US. Sims attended Southwest High School and graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 1989 with a BBA in Information Resource Management.

DIAMOND (STYLZ) COLLIER

Diamond (Stylz) Collier is the executive director of Black Transwomen Inc. Collier was the first openly trans woman to attend Jackson State University. She produces and co-hosts a weekly podcast called Marsha’s Plate and works tirelessly to nil gender inequalities and to ensure the LGBTQ community is not left behind in the larger Movement of Black Lives. Collier is also a board member of the Transgender Law Center and the A Call to Men organization. She came in 34th in The Root’s 100 most influential African Americans in 2020. She is originally from Indianapolis. Collier is an avid traveler.

Gigi Mcdowell

GiGi McDowell is the founder and CEO of Fêtefully, a virtual wedding and event planning platform. As an innovative thinker and a problem solver, McDowell found solutions to modern-day planning troubles for brides through her platform. She has had a passion for event planning ever since she first planned her 6th birthday party. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communications from Texas State University where she was a member of the Black Student Alliance and Texas State Chapter of the NAACP. McDowell is also part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Marsha Jones

Judge Amber Givens is the presiding judge of the 282nd Judicial District Court in Dallas County. She received her BA in Political Science from Tuskegee University and earned a Juris Doctor Degree from the Syracuse University College of Law. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she was featured in many award-winning shows and documentaries including Apple TV’s ‘Dear…’ and ‘True Conviction.’ In addition to her judicial duties, she is also actively involved in several community organizations, including the Dallas County Juvenile Department and the Dallas Women Lawyers Association.

Marsha Jones is the co-founder and executive director of The Afiya Center, a community for Black womxn to seek refuge, education and resources. She is also adept in HIV/AIDS advocacy and not only has been raising awareness but also providing solutions. Jones has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a graduate of the Black AIDS Institute’s African American HIV University and Tyndale Theology School. She is a part of the board of directors for the Texas Equal Access Fund and is a member of the National Women AIDS Coalition.

Judge Amber Givens

Myrtle P. Bell is a distinguished business professor and associate dean for Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington. She is also a faculty affiliate of the university’s Center for African American Studies and the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies. With a passion for diversity and inclusivity, Bell has authored numerous books and papers on the subject. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, her master’s degree from Louisiana State University, and her Ph.D. from UTA.

Hedreich Nichols

Hedreich Nichols is an author and an educational consultant. She also has a blog and podcast called SmallBites. She is currently K-12

EdTech specialist in North Texas. Nichols was also a music educator and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter. She is has authored numerous award-winning books that tackle racism faced by Black America. Two of her novels were on the list of around 850 books that State Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth, asked the Texas Education Agency, as a part of their book ban. Hedreich received her Master of Education at Texas A&M University.

By Arlisha R. Norwood, NWHM Fellow | 2017

Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a prominent journalist, activist, and researcher, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In her lifetime, she battled sexism, racism, and violence. As a skilled writer, Wells-Barnett also used her skills as a journalist to shed light on the conditions of African Americans throughout the South. Ida Bell Wells was born in Holly Springs, MI on July 16th, 1862. In 1884, Wells-Barnett filed a lawsuit against a train car company in Memphis for unfair treatment. She had been thrown off a first-class train, despite having a ticket. Although she won the case on the local level, the ruling was eventually overturned in federal court. After the lynching of one of her friends, Wells-Barnett turned her attention to white mob violence. She became skeptical about the reasons black men were lynched and set out to investigate several cases. She published her findings in a pamphlet and wrote several columns in local newspapers. Her expose about an 1892 lynching enraged locals, who burned her press and drove her from Memphis. After a few months, the threats became so bad she was forced to move to Chicago, Illinois. In 1893, Wells-Barnett, joined other African American leaders in calling for the boycott of the World’s Columbian Exposition. The boycotters accused the exposition committee of locking out African Americans and negatively portraying the Black community. In 1895, Wells-Barnett married famed African American lawyer Ferdinand Barnett. Together, the couple had four children. Throughout her career Wells-Barnett, balanced motherhood with her activism. Wells-Barnett traveled internationally, shedding light on lynching to foreign audiences. Abroad, she openly confronted white women in the suffrage movement who ignored lynching.

Edna Artis Shambry

Edna Artis Shambry is a servant leader. She has served in numerous positions of leadership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for the past 50 years. She is currently a member of the Denton County Alumnae Chapter, having been initiated into the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Norfolk State graduating with a bachelors’ degree in accounting. She loves to travel, line dance, and participate in water sports.

Anitra Givens

Anitra Givens is a counselor at James Bowie High School. A graduate of Alabama State University with a degree in Chemistry, she received her M.Ed in Counseling at Dallas Baptist University. She is celebrating her 25th year as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, initiated into the Beta Eta Chapter, and is currently a member of Arlington Alumnae. Her vision is for each student to realize their full potential and aim to become a better version of themselves as they learn and grow. A servant leader, Anitra is committed to lifting as she climbs.

Nikki Wilson

Nikki Wilson is the Chief People Officer at TRG agency. She has won many awards for her work including, HR Executive of the Year (medium size company) by DallasHR and Shining Star by American Advertising Federation - Dallas. Nikki graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a BA in

Psychology and an MA in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Ohio State University. She is the secretary for the nonprofit organization, Sisters of Sarai. Nikki also lived in India and Dubai.

SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON

Sha’Carri Richardson is a track and field athlete, specializing in the 100 and 200 meters sprint. The Dallasite was named one of the 10 fastest women in history at just 19 years old. Sha’Carri is known for her vibrant hair and lengthy nails during competitions, which she said are influenced by the style of the legendary Florence Griffith Joyner. She is a graduate of David W. Carter High School. Richardson briefly attended Louisiana State University.

Margaret Woods Kyle is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, initiated into the Theta Mu Chapter and currently a member of the North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter; where she has held several leadership position She has also sang in national convention and regional conference choirs. Margaret is a committed community servant and leader.

Danyel Surrency Jones

University. Hailing from Jacksonville, FL, she is on the advisory board for Dallas Sports Commission, North Texas Food Bank, Junior Achievements of Dallas, Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation and The Power to Give Foundation. A wife and mother, Danyel is smart, stylish, intuitive, motivated, beautiful and talented.

Danyel Surrency Jones is the co-founder and former CEO of Powerhandz, a sports and fitness product tech platform. She is the head of Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator. Surrency Jones received her BS in healthcare administration from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Florida International

Dr. Marina McLean is a keynote speaker, life coach, master coach, worship leader, songwriter and award-winning author and television host. She has released four worship albums: “In the Glory,” “Synchronized,” “Encounter with Worship pt. 1, and pt. 2.” She received her Doctorate in Divinity from Friends International Christian University. She has published two books: “Appetite for Worship” and “The Invitation.” Dr. Marina became a Life Coach and Master Coach, through Kemuel Christian University. She is the Director of ICultiv8 LLC, an online coaching program. She participates in the Sister to Sister Breast Cancer Run annually.

Christian Nichole

Christin Nichole, known professionally as C. Nichole, is an American singer, songwriter, music executive, and businesswoman. She is known for her mixing of genres, along with melodic songwriting and straightforward lyrics. She was born in Dallas, TX and was raised between Dallas and Pasadena, CA. Of Bantu, West African, Mexican, Cherokee, British and French descent, she studied abroad in Kensington at Richmond, The American International University in London and throughout Ghana. She graduated from University of Houston, cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and two minors in Journalism and European Studies.

Jacqueline Johnson

Jacqueline Johnson is one of the voices that is being raised up to help others discover their true purpose, passion, and strength. Jacqueline is a 21st Century marketplace prayer leader, author, certified life coach, and ambassador of hope who is making a difference in her own unique way. She is the founder of Adventure & Victory, a mentor, and a Minister of Hope who received her tutelage under Bishop Jakes for 18 years. Jacqueline is proving life skills and community outreach events. Awarded the ‘Unsung Heroes’ award by Ebony magazine and Pine-Sol, Jacqueline’s primary focus is to provide the necessary tools that will establish meaning and purpose and assist individuals in reaching their full potential and becoming contributing members of society. Learn more at adventurevictory.org.

ANTOINETTE ALEXANDER -SARPONG

Antoinette Alexander-Sarpong is the CEO of ANTOINETTE ALEXANDER INC., a luxury brand of fashion and beauty products. She is also an international makeup artist and image consultant with over 20 years of skincare and cosmetics industry sales, marketing and project management experience. Antoinette’s expertise with color as well as being a gifted artist have endowed her with the knowledge to easily work with the many skincare and cosmetics brands in the industry. Antoinette received her B.A. degree with honors in Fashion Design & Human Resources from Spelman College. Antoinette enjoys taking long walks for de-stressing, yoga, and dancing. https://www.antoinettealexander.com/

Marsha Taplett

A native Dallasite, Marsha Taplett is a product of South Oak Cliff High School and Arts Magnet. She attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where she received a BA Degree in Communications and also received a Masters Degree in Christian

Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. A certified fitness specialist, personal trainer, fitness instructor, conference speaker, fitness/wellness retreat facilitator and serious motivator, Marsha specializes in renewing the body, spirit and attitude of women through exercise and lifestyle enhancement. She has several decades of experience and success with weight loss, body sculpting, stress release, behavior modification and positive self image.

Medicine. An engaging speaker, Dr. Newsome is in high demand and widely respected. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Trinity Links, Incorporated.

Joyce Ann Robinson

Dr. Donna Ellen Newsome has been practicing medicine for almost 30 years. A board certified neurologist, she is highly rated and sees patients who have conditions of the nervous system, such as ALS or epilepsy. A graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of

Joyce Ann Robinson is a minister, author, and speaker. She is a mentor to many, and her values distinguish her as a virtuous woman. Joyce graduated from Southern Bible Institute in Dallas with a diploma in Biblical studies. She continued to further her education in Biblical studies and graduated from J. Lee Foster School of Biblical Studies/Tyndale Seminary in Dallas, TX. She is a founding member of the Dallas Chapter of Women of Purpose International Ministries, where she served under the leadership of Dr. O. Virginia Phillips, Ph.D. She has also served on the Board of Directors of “Word Walking Wives.” Joyce volunteers her time with various local organizations supporting women and young girls.

Gladys Lee

Gladys Lee is an LPGA Golf Coach and professional golf instructor. A strong advocate for change, Lee has served in numerous positions, including Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy, Texas Chapter Director, African Americans in Golf Association (AAMIGA), and Golf Instructor for Tarrant County College. Lee was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 2003. Currently, she is the site director for the lead. She enjoys working on creative ideas and applying her knowledge to implement highly efficient systems.Dr. Okorafor is a passionate social entrepreneur and founder of the 501(c) non-profit Working to Advance African Women (WAAW) Foundation, which promotes STEM education for girls in Africa.

LPGA-USGA Fort Worth/Dallas West Girls Golf, Women’s LPGA Golf 101, and The Golf Club of Dallas. Lee attended elementary and jr. high school at James E. Guinn and then graduated from historical I.M. Terrell Sr. High School. She attended college at Texas Southern University.

She is deeply passionate about healthy living and sharing her great love for super herbs.

Dr. Unoma Okorafor is the founder and CEO of Herbal Goodness. Born in Asaba,Nigeria, she ws selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Dallas/Fort Worth Office as the District Woman in Business Champion for 2022. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Lagos, her master’s degree from Rice University and her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, all in Computer Engineering. Prior to founding Herbal Goodness, Dr. Okorafor worked as a software engineer and technical

Tanya Stoudermire looks just as good in front of the camera as she makes her subjects look when she is behind the camera. No surprises, she was a runway model! An exceptional photographer, Tanya hails from Belvidere, IL. She is highly respected and says her goal is to capture the very essence of your brilliance, one frame at a time. Beautiful inside/out and talented, Tanya brings a smile to your face as she helps you capture your inner and outer beauty. Check her out at https://www.hauteshotsbytanya.com/

LATOYA HAYNES-PIPER

LaToya Haynes-Piper is a Romantic Getaway Travel Specialist, helping couples ignite and maintain their passion and romance for one another through planning all-inclusive romantic getaways. A graduate of Skyline High School, LaToya received an Associate Degree in Business from Dallas College and studied Healthcare Management at University of North Texas, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied

Arts and Sciences. She is also passionate about service and LaToya is a volunteer and servant leader. She can also help build your business online. Reach this wife and mother at LaToya@TravelRomanticGetaways.com

Ingrid Williams

Ingrid Williams is a principal in Fort Worth ISD with more than 30 years as an educator, with 11 as an English/Journalism teacher; she is a leader in her field! Ingrid graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in broadcast journalism while also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the National Association of Black Journalists. She also received her Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Principal Williams is an expert in developing effective academic interventions for the most at-risk students.