Superb Women

January 2023

Our Superb Women!

Institute of Funeral Service, she has worked in the funeral service industry for more than 25 years. A native of Dallas, she graduated from the Talented and Gifted Magnet High School, received her BS in Molecular Biology at Hampton University and accepted a full scholarship to Tennessee State University as a member of their Masters/PhD. Bridge program and received her MS in (Endocrinology). She attended Dallas Institute of Funeral Service Christie serves as the District President of the Independent Funeral Director Association of Dallas, Education Commissioner for National Funeral Director and Morticians Association, member of the Board for Epsilon Nu Delta Embalming Fraternity and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Danielle Mcclelland

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!

A public servant and Division Leader at the City of Dallas, Danielle McClelland is a senior-level manager with extensive project development, operations, and communications experience. Focused and committed, she has also enjoyed stints as Marketing Manager at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, Public Information Manager at the City of Dallas, Announcer at North Texas Public Broadcasting — KERA 90.1FM and Public Relations Coordinator at Paul Quinn College. Danielle received a BA Degree in Communications from Prairie View A&M and an MBA in Business Administration and Management for Texas Woman’s University. A consummate professional, Danielle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Alva Baker attended Jamaica High School in New York. She studied mathematics at Boston University and received her MBA at Univ. of Southern California. Currently she is the Chief Financial Officer at Housing Crisis Center and President and CEO of Baker Consulting Associates, LLC. She was the founding director of the Nonprofit Loan Center, Controller for Center for Nonprofit Management and Vice President at Citi. Alva has served as Vice President, Finance for the Dallas Women’s Foundation; and board member of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Dallas Repertoire Ballet. A 1987 graduate of Leadership Dallas and member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, she has an extensive portfolio of community service.

GABRIELLE “GABE” MADISON

As president of Bonton Farms, Gabrielle “Gabe” Madison provides strategic oversight and direction to the organizations’ rapidly expanding operations, development, human resources, community partnerships, and programming. She has served as Director of Community Relations and HR Manager at Thomson Reuters, as an HR Manager at Mohawk Industries, a client relations manager at Accountants at Accountants Inc and sales consultant at Sprint. She received her BBA Degree in Marketing and International business from Baylor Univ. Gabrielle has an extensive portfolio in community service. She has served on the Southwest Regional Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, is a former board chair of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce and board member of Trusted World.

Rana LaShonn Cash is the Executive Editor of The Charlotte Observer. Previously she was editor and reporter at Savannah Morning News @SavannahNow. com, Star Tribune, The Sporting News, Atlanta JournalConstitution, The Dallas Morning News and Miami Herald. Rana is a graduate of Florida A&M University where she was sports editor for the FAMUAN, a Track & Field team star and joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and participated in the Black Leadership Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Temeckia Derrough

Temeckia Derrough is a community leader, committed to service. You see Temeckia out and about trying to make things better, because she believes in lifting as she climbs and supports her community. Temeckia is

Just call her the “Event Slayer!” CEO of Unique Visions By Ingrid and owner of Unique Visions Upscale Events, she is the event planner you want for any occasion. Ingrid Wilburn is smart, classy and well prepared. Hailing from DeSoto, she knows fashion, food, style. Ingrid is about excellence and that experience. Check her out at www. uniquevisionsenterprises.com

ASHLEY M. SLAYTON

Ashley M. Slayton is the Audience Development Editor for The Dallas Morning News where she manages a team of award-winning journalists dedicated to engaging with and developing stronger relationships with the News’ audience. Previously she served as Digital Content Manager and Producer for KLTV 7/ KTRE-TV, and Page Designer and Reporter for Longview

News-Journal. She also gained valuable experience D. Magazine, BET, Daily American, Houston Magazine and Freedom Forum Diversity Institute. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University where she was in Sigma Tau Theta Mass Communications Fraternity and worked on The Panther student newspaper.

Sonia Williams Babers

Sonia Williams Babers made so many people happy as the owner/CEO Emeritus at the Black Bookworm. An instructional Aide for Generation Hope at Tarrant County College and an advocate for Alzheimer’s Association, she was also a former analyst, Reference Systems Marketing at American Airlines and a former editorial/production assistant at Boy Scouts of America National Headquarters. A graduate of Fort Worth’s Polytechnic High School she studied Communications and Political Science at the University of Texas at Arlington. A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, she was Charter Member and President of Omicron Eta Chapter at UTA. She also participated in the Summer Publishing Institute at Stanford University.

Education Services Manager at the Salvation Army DFW, professor at Dallas College, and Superintendent at Renaissance Charter School District.

Lashonda Walpool

education educator for Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, as an actress/model and a Mary Kay Consultant. The recipient of an honorary doctorate from Abundant Faith Kingdom Bible College, she received a BS Degree in Psychology from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, an MS in Clinical Psychology from Capella University and a Masters of Education at Grand Canyon University. She also received public speaking certification from Les Brown University.

Sherteen Vasher

Welcome to the DFW Metroplex!

Recently the executive producer at CBS Chicago and former news producer at NBC 6 Miami and WDJT CBS 58 in Milwaukee, Ginger Maddox is now the Assistant News Director at KTVT- CBS 11. Ginger is a graduate of the Florida A&M University School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She is a three-time Emmy award-winning journalist from Evanston, Il and a life member of the FAMU National Alumni Association.

ELEASIA WATTS-LEWIS

The Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Urban One, where she was also an account executive, LaShonda Walpool studied Radio/TV/Film with minors in journalism and modern dance at Sam Houston State University. A graduate of Newman Smith High School, previously she studied at Louisiana Tech University. LaShonda was an account executive at Clear Channel Radio and enjoyed stints at CBS/Viacom, NBC5/KXASTV and Channel 39/KXTX. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and was president of the Kappa Mu Chapter at Sam Houston State where she was also Captain of the Pom Squad Dance Team.

DR. LASHONDA MAYS

A contributing writer at Southern Dallas County Business & Living Magazine and Style & Soul Magazine. Sherteen Vasher is the owner/Designer/Artist at Teenie’s Cake Creations. She’s also a Mobile Notary/Loan Signing Agent at Notary by Sherteen, Hailing from Jacksonville, FL, she attended Florida State College at Jacksonville and the University of Texas at Arlington. A senior analytics expert and former revenue cycle, Sherteen has volunteered extensively with the March of Dimes Children’s Health and National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Keidra Thompkins

M.Ed. aka “The Real Educator”

A graduate of Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth, Eleasia Watts-Lewis studied mid-management/ education at the University of North Texas and Public Administration and Non- Profit Management at the University Texas at Arlington. Eleasia is an Experienced Texas Public School Administrator with knowledge and effective application of both Adult and Child Instructional Principles and Curriculum Development. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she’s a volunteer at the Junior League of Dallas and also a consultant/trainer/facilitator at Mpowered Services. Previously her impressive career includes stints as an

Remembering a jewel: A public speaker, Dr. LaShonda Mays was a “strategic empowerment and transformation speaker.” She helped clients with goal setting and tapping into purpose, gift, passions or behavioral changes. She was the owner of a fitness/ wellness business and had previously worked as a special

Keidra is a post-secondary planning, life skill development and instructional equity consultant with Kid Conscience & Beyond, LLC. She is a professional educator and former assistant principal at Dallas ISD, founder and president of Kids Jubilee. She has also worked at Mersal Reality and Comerica Bank. Keidra received a BS Degree in Business Administration from Paul Quinn College and a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. Keidra is also a realtor, who focuses on customer service.

Teirney Guinyard

a diagnostic imaging clinic manager at Gateway Diagnostic Imaging. She studied Medical Insurance Coding and an Associate of Arts and Science in Healthcare Administration at the College of Health Care Professions. Beautiful, smart and talented, she has also enjoyed stints at Junior Achievement USA, Career Break, the Texas Home Health of America and Lifesynch A Humana Company.

Anita Hawkins

Minister Jacquelyn McKinney Turner is an educator at Lancaster ISD - Nova Academy Prichard, she previously worked at Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc. She hails from Memphis ,TN where she graduated from Southside High School. She graduated from LeMoyneOwen College where she studied education and was an honor student and cheerleader. She received her Masters in Education and language learning disability at Indiana University. Later she received her Masters of Theology at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology and she is an associate minister at Community MBC. The minister is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Sharon Egiebor

The Chief Administrative Officer at Doo Guard and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder at The ELO Group, LLC, Tierney Guinyard hails from Memphis, TN, where she graduated from East High School. The Missing Piece to impact your Brand! As a nonprofit consultant, she creates community-focused strategies and blueprints for your organization. An adjunct faculty instructor at Dallas College she also served as Vice President Internal Audit and PBM Compliance at Critical Healthcare and a District Lead Tech-Auditing at CVS Pharmacy. She received a BS in Forensic Chemistry from the University of Mississippi and a BS in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; as well as an MBA in Healthcare Management from American InterContinental University.

Destini Tasby

Anita Hawkins is a speaker, author, domestic violence, franchise owner, humanitarian, model and philanthropist, who is beautiful, talented, super intelligent and a joy to know and be around. She is about business and she spreads joy wherever she is. Gary, IN native Anita Hawkins is the entire package. She is the owner-operator at TrokarBuilders. She is the founder and manager of Find One Reason To Smile. She studied at the University of Phoenix and the Merriville Beauty College. Anita also owned a beauty salon, taught at a Beauty College, and taught Beauty Etiquette. She is the executive producer of an under-wraps feature film, and is the creator and producer of HomePlate108; while also working on another under-wraps show.

Minister Jacquelyn Mckinney Turner

Long-time journalist Sharon Egiebor is a strategic planner, editor, content provider, licensed insurance agent. The CEO of Egiebor Expressions, Sharon was the Marketing/Media Relations Manager for The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Senior Associate with The Burrell Group, Copywriter for Neiman Marcus Direct, Executive Editor of the Dallas Examiner, Asst. National Editor for the Dallas Morning News, and Editorial Writer for The Dallas Times Herald. A graduate of Central Senior High School, Sharon received a BA Degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Arlington and an MBA in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. She is also the author of Musical Chairs - A Lesson in Personal Rebranding.

KASANDRA SMITH DAVIS

A patient account manager with Fort Worth Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Destini Tasby was previously a practice manager at Family Smiles Dentistry and

An independent consultant for Paparazzi Accessories, Kasandra Smith Davis hails from Lakeland, Florida where she graduated from Kathleen High School. She then studied at and graduated from the University of South Florida, where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. A wife, mother and grandmother, Kasandra is the First Lady of Friendly Church of God in Christ in Sherman, TX. She has enjoyed stints as the Executive Admin Coordinator at Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland, in addition to several positions in property management. Spiritually grounded and always seeing the best in everyone, many are beneficiaries of her kindness and guidance, especially through Powerhouse Ministries.

Dr. Kimberely Sanders is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SisterZ with Hope & Faith, Inc. to focus on the plight of the sex trafficked. She has worked in the field of social justice and reform: researching, attending workshops, and interviewing female inmates and human trafficking victims. Dr. Sanders has spent the last 20 years working with nonprofit organizations. SisterZ with Hope & Faith creates a support system that aids in the transition to a healthy way of life. Through a specific algorithmic blend of law enforcement, education, outreach vocational training, career placement, psychiatric counseling, and legal services, we can fully restore our clients and drastically reduce recidivism. Dr. Sanders is also a board member of Community Care Resource Council.

JEAN MARIE BROWN

Tracie Powell is a leader in philanthropic efforts to increase racial equity and diversity in the news media. She is Mercer University’s Center for Collaborative Journalism (CCJ) Media Changemaker recipient. The founder of The Pivot Fund, supporting independent BIPOC community news, she was a fall 2021 Shorenstein Center Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School. Tracie is the immediate past board chair of LION Publishers and she was the founding fund manager of the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund at Borealis Philanthropy. She is also the founder of AllDigitocracy.org and was a senior fellow with the Democracy Fund, a 2016 John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University. She is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Georgia. Tracie has had journalism positions at several publications, including the Dallas Examiner and she is a member of NABJ and ONA.

Jean Marie Brown is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Texas Christian University; DEI coach specializing in Fault Lines. A member of the National Association of Black Journalists, she is the director of Research, Learning and Evaluation for The Pivot Fund. She has served as deputy managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram; as a reporter and editor for the Charlotte Observer and reporter for Post

Tribune. A graduate of Andreas High School in Hobart IN, she received a BSJ degree from Northwestern University and a Master’s Degree from the Texas Christian University Schieffer School of Journalism.

Pamela Haygood Arnold is a dedicated healthcare professional with more than 20 years of management, executive assistant and administrative assistant experience. She is a pro at career counseling, project management, event planning and employee training. Pamela, is smart, beautiful, talented and a joy to be around, wither infectious smile A wife and mother, Pamela has enjoyed stints at Baylor University Medical Center, Kelly Services, American Journal of Cardiology, Atlantis Trading Corporation, Ryder Transportation and Logistics and Unitarian Property and Casualty. A Spirit of volunteerism, Pamela has dedicated countless hours of service to a PTA and PTO. Actually she should be a food critic because she loves food and she’s an excellent writer!

Dr. Nikole Roebuck is in an elite club. She has the distinction of being one of only four to serve as band director at an Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Roebuck also chairs the University’s Music Department and under her leadership, in 2021 Grambling also named its first female drum major in more than 70 years. She hails from Minden, LA and GSU is a place where not only did she meet her future husband and pledged her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta; but it is also where she marched in the band and then returned to teach and serve as assistant band director. A graduate of GSU’s Music Education program, she received her Master of Music from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 2005 and her Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from the University of Memphis.

Crystal Monique Wimbrey

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Dora knows and shows the importance of community support and involvement; whether its with the sorority, her church, family or the arts. She is organized and focused and always committed to a cause. You can depend on Dora.

L.A.I. Communications, and as a producer of the Regina King Movie Project, “Trying To Sleep in the Bed You Made,” Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, LifeCenter Organ Network and Speaking of Women’s Health. Tyrha also hosts the podcast, Reel Values. Real News. She received her B.S. Degree in Radio/TV/Film from Northwestern University, an MBA in Marketing from Drucker School of Management and a Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing Science from Rutgers Business School.

A wife (celebrating 25 years in 2023) and mother, Crystal Monique Wimbrey is the co-owner at Wimbrey Training Systems. She hails from Dallas, TX and attended Bowie High School and the University of Texas at Arlington. A bestselling author of Alphascripts The ABC’s of the Bible, in addition to her writing, Crystal leads and oversees Wimbrey Worldwide Ministries, a nonprofit organization. As a part of one of her many missions to make a difference, and as a believer in the right of every child to have an education, she contributed to an international partnership for student’s education in Guatemalasponsoring six elementary schools, including its highly anticipated first middle school. Crystal continues to partner with charitable causes to support ongoing programs with missions to feed families, advocate for human rights, and provide educational programs for youth.

Dora Joyner

Dora Joyner loves her family and Tuskegee University! She has served at least twice as the president of the Dallas Chapter of the Tuskegee University Alumni Association and this mother of two and grandmother is always on the lifting as she climbs.

Cheryl R. Dunbar will put a smile on your face! LemonSpirations with Cheryl is a platform that encourages and inspires people to take life’s sour situations and turn them into sweet results. A dynamic, inspiring speaker, Cheryl finds the good in everything and the positive in everybody. She hails from Texarkana, TX and attended Irving High School. Known for her energy, positive sort and love of life, which she shares in ideas and social media posts. Cheryl brings joy into the lives of many. Her favorite famous saying is: “When life throws you lemons, you add the sugar!”

TYRHA M. LINDSEY -WARREN, PHD

A Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing, Dr. Tyrha Lindsey-Warren is a senior communications executive who has enjoyed stints at Baylor University, UniWorld Group,

Dai LaDacher Jackson is a servant leader, at work and in the community. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion/Apparel Design and a Master of Science in Fashion Merchandising from the University of North Texas, a Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She has worked for Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD as an Assistant Principal and a teacher. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she served in the leadership role for the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter.