Superb Women

April 2023

Our Superb Women!

By

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 LONDON-BELL

professor at Houston Community College and published writer, is a content, marketing and visual communications expert. She received her MBA from University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Houston. A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and the National Black MBA Association, she is the owner/founder & creative director at Urban Media Group of Texas. A consummate professional who is highly respected, Michelle has enjoyed stints as a content strategist and marketing manager for Aquent; reporter for the Dallas Examiner and Dallas South News; campaign associate for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; medical representative for Merck; marketing associate for Houston Symphony and Analyst at AIG.

School of Innovation, principal at Focus Academy. Dr. McDowell-Walton received a BA in Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Woman’s University, a Master of Education from Texas Christian University and Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University. Her focus is on helping children and other educators thrive.

Dr. Jacqueline McDowell-Walton has had an impressive career as a Principal/ Assistant Principal/ Director of Curriculum/ Special Education Coordinator/Academic & Testing Coordinator/Teacher. She has enjoyed stints as special education coordinator at Harmony

A life member of the American Law Institute, Kim Askew is a graduate of Knoxville College with a degree in Business, and Georgetown University Law Center. She is a partner at DLA Piper, where she represents clients in complex commercial and employment litigation. A longtime leader in the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and Dallas Bar Association, she is a member of the ABA House of Delegates and Past Chair of the Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association. She has also previously served on the Board of Directors of ALI-ABA. Kim has received numerous honors and she has been a mentor to so many others. Kim hails from Savannah, GA and is the epitome of grace, intelligence and professionalism.

Tracey H. New is a storyteller, Emmy-nominated Journalist, food writer, content curator, multicultural DEI/Outreach Advocate, experienced Brand Ambassador, PR Executive, and entertainment publicist. A UNT Grad, she’s also a diehard Golden State Warriors fan. A member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Tracey has enjoyed stints as a contributing writer for the Dallas Morning News, Chief Creative Officer for Tracey New INK, social media manager for Hawks Select Basketball Club, adjunct professor at Mayborn School of Journalism, community services director for WFAATV/Dallas Morning News, senior entertainment editor for Eclipse Magazine, rea development director for UNCF, publicist for Death Row Records, exec. asst./publicist for MCA Records and Manager of marketing and public relations for Dallas Park and Rec Dept. Add a beautiful and engaging personality, Tracey is the total package!

Sherrye Ellison Willis

Sherrye Ellison Willis is the founder, president and CEO of Alliance for Greater Works. She also served as executive director of Esping Family Foundation where she directed over $10 million in assets and provided over $500K in annual grants to organizations that address social and education initiatives targeted to low-income communities. With more than 30 years’ experience in everything from leadership, business planning, fundraising and nonprofit management, Sherry is an expert, the go-to person. Sherrye received her BBA degree from Northwood University, an executive MBA from Grand Canyon University and is now a Doctoral

Student, PhD - Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies at Biola University.

ALIAH M. HENRY

is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and received an MBA from Texas Christian University, Neeley School of Business.

Aliah Henry is the CEO of The Henry Group, a consulting firm specializing in Strategy, Fund Development and Communications for nonprofits and small businesses. An active community leader, serving on the board of Vogel Alcove and the executive committee for The Village Giving Circle; Aliah is the author of 31 Days to Live Your Best Life and she's the executive producer and host of the podcast, The Aliah Henry Show. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in the midwest, she graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School where she was a student-athlete in track and cheerleading. Aliah received a BA in Sociology from Morris College. She

Suzie Hill is a freelance call center operations manager, after spending more than 31 years at AT&T in communications and as manager; utilizing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. Suzie is an experienced Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications and security alarm industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Account Management, Internet Protocol (IP), Strategic Planning, and Wireless Technologies. She is a strong professional with collaborative leadership and management skills. Her colleagues describe her as pleasant, professional, and exemplary. Known as someone who promotes teamwork and gets the job done, her work and character is described as “exceptional” making her an asset in any environment.

COMFORT D. BROWN

Comfort D. Brown has enjoyed stints as a strategic program development professional and as a senior program manager for Alliance for Great Works, where she currently oversees the strategic implementation of Alliance’s Resilient Church Collective program initiative. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Comfort is a servant leader. She has served as executive director of the community center at St. Anthony School & Community Center in Dallas and a community specialist for World Vision providing disaster relief throughout the state of Texas. She is passionate about the communities she serves and has extensive knowledge and expertise in areas of nonprofit leadership and management, cross-sector collaborative building, training and facilitation, resident community engagement/ outreach.

San Jose State University and a master’s in public administration from California State University, East Bay. Terry also served as a Deaconess at Concord Baptist Church.

The Honorable Jacquin Headen

Terry Wilson Gray serves as the Executive Director of the Bridge Breast Network (BBN) and has held this position for the past 18 years. Under her leadership, BBN has seen substantial growth in the number of individuals served. Terry has over 40 years of experience working with underserved population groups in both California and Texas. She is a 35-year cancer survivor and knows personally the journey of a cancer survivor. Terry has a Bachelor of Science degree in health science from

Jacquin Headen sits on the Grand Prairie City Council. She is a Co-Pastor of New Bethel Agape Church, a small business owner, and a community servant. Her service has included being a board member on Grand Prairie’s Library Board and Westchester Public Improvement District. An educator and certified mediator; she’s also creative – an artist and owner of a decorating business and lifestyle blog - Interiors by Jacquin. She received her BA Degree in English from Davidson College, attended the School for International Training, and received her law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law.

MCCLARY

Tonya McClary is the 1st Police Monitor for the City of Dallas, TX and Director of the Office of Community Police Oversight. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is a servant leader, she is an experienced monitor with a demonstrated history of working with civic and social organizations, she was the 1st chief monitor in the Office of the Independent Police Monitor in New Orleans, LA. She also was an assistant public defender in Terrell, TX. She served as pastor of Ward Chapel AME Church and hailing from DC, attended La Reine High School in Maryland and then the University of Maryland and the

Nicole Arleane Roberson, Ph.D. is the Director of Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). She also teaches graduate courses part-time for Amberton University. A Dallas native, she graduated with honors from the Business and Management Center High School. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird). Dr. Roberson obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational

Leadership from Regent University. A Certified Human Resources Professional (SHRM-CP) through the Society for Human Resources Management, Dr. Roberson is graduating with her second Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School.

April Allen

Chantell Upshaw is Chief of Middle Schools for Lewisville ISD. She began her public education career in 1993 as a teacher in Dallas ISD. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, she received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a Spanish minor. She also received a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas. A servant leader, Chantell has held numerous leadership positions as an educator. A wife and mother, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Toi Thurman

April Allen is the President and CEO of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation. April received a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and an M.B.A from Harvard Business School. She is an alumnae of Leadership Dallas and The OpEd Project through the Texas Women’s University Public Voices Thought Leadership Institute. April was awarded the DCEO Leadership Excellence Award in 2022. A native of Toronto, Canada, this wife and mother is an active member of the Concord Church.

Chantell Upshaw

Toi Thurman is the Vice President and Assistant Controller at Santander Consumer USA. She has worked as Director of International Accounting for Blockbuster, supervisor of revenue accounting for VarTex Telecom, Senior Associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers. She has a reputation for being detail-oriented, competent, knowledgeable and professional. A graduate of DeSoto High School, she also graduated Magna Cum Laude from Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration- Accounting. A certified public accountant- certified by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, Toi is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Gia Mccloud

Gia McCloud is the Founder and CEO of Glam Honey Studio based in Dallas and the Founder and Beauty Expert for, INC Beauty by Glam Honey, LLC. As a Texas-based makeup artist, she has more than 12 years of experience, specializing in on-location services for weddings, lifestyle, and special events. Gia graduated from Texas College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and later went on to complete facial specialty courses and graduated from Ogle Beauty School. Gia was raised in historic Hamilton Park. She is the niece of the late Rita Morgan of Rita’s Couture Collection. Gia volunteers her time with organizations that support domestic violence, breast cancer, and single moms.

Kimberly McBrayer is from Oklahoma City, OK. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Kimberly has assisted nonprofit organizations in Dallas/ Ft. Worth communities, including Mosaic (which advocates for adults with intellectual disabilities) and 3 to 1 Foundation (which educates individuals regarding financial principles). She currently serves as President of the Celebrating Life Foundation. Kimberly has worked in the corporate world of Human Resources, specializing in payroll, accounting, and employee relations. She has over 20 years of direct Human Resources experience with some of the top Fortune 500 companies. Kimberly enjoys live theater and traveling. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Camille Alicia Graham Grimes

Director of her Mary Kay business. She is currently working on her PH. D in Christian Counseling and Behavioral Science from American College Theological Seminary International of San Diego, CA. She has a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Texas. Rochelle is committed to serving the community. She volunteers with the Christian Worship Center, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Special Olympics, Family Advisory Council, and Texas Rehab Action Network (TRAN), and serves as local precinct captain.

Alpha Sorority, Paula received a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from OU, where she was Miss Black OU and part of the President’s Leadership Class. She received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Amberton University. Paula received a Nurse Executive Fellowship at Southern Methodist University and studied for a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership (DNP) at Baylor University. She has worked at Baylor Scott & White Health in several positions as Nursing Manager, Director of Nursing Education & Research and Regional Director Nurse Professional Development. Recently she was honored as a top nurse, because she is proficient, professional and committed.

Ayona Anderson

Camille Alicia Graham Grimes, MD, MPH, Surgeon and Senior Partner at Allergy ENT of NE Texas. Dr. Graham is a board-certified otolaryngologist, and a native of Kingston, Jamaica. After completing her M.D., M.P.H at Harvard, she began her five-year Otolaryngology residency at Henry Ford Health System in Michigan. Dr. Graham has been in a successful otolaryngology practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2001. She is currently the Senior Partner and President of a two office, four physician practice, and sees over 500 patients a month. She was also featured in D magazine’s Best Doctors in Collin County in 2011 and 2020. Dr. Graham enjoys traveling, visiting museums, Zumba and dancing.

Rochelle Owens

Rochelle Owens is a Transitional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor committed to helping others realize their potential. She is also a Sales

Paula Barre Jarmon hails from Tulsa, OK. She’s a transformative leader who is passionate about health equity. A member of Alpha Kappa

Ayona Anderson is the founder and CEO of EJP Marketing, a Millennial-led Dallas marketing & PR consulting firm. Previously she was an Account Supervisor at Cohn & Wolfe, Social Media Advisor at ExxonMobil and Senior Account Executive at The Axis Agency. She has served on the Press Club of Dallas board, as a marketing mentor at Yvonne A Ewell Townview Magnet Center, Board member of D/FW Urban League Young Professionals and UNT-NABJ Chapter. She is a member of VisitDallas, Dallas Women’s Foundation - XIX Society, American Marketing Association, and DISD’s Community Relations Committee. Ayona received her BA Degree in Communication, Public Relations from UTA, where she was also a member of PRSA. She is also a Digital Marketing Certified Associate from Simplilearn and Market Motive.

Reginalea “Reggi” Sturns-Kemp is a creative director, entrepreneur and advocate. The Creative Director and Designer at A Claim Design and Development, Reggi is a native of Fort Worth and attended Everman High School. A Clark Atlanta University alum, she also studied interior design at the University of Oklahoma; receiving Bachelor’s degrees from both. Forever stylish, confident, committed and the epitome of excellence, Reggi is also a servant leader. Equipped with multiple certifications, she has won numerous awards and been recognized for her work internationally. She has served United Way of Tarrant County. She is an alumni of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses (10kSB), Women’s President Organization, Leadership Fort Worth, United Way Special Allocations Committee on Homelessness, American Society of Interior Designers, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of CommerceHuntsville, Ala., and the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce.

Dana James

Dana James is an award-winning writer and journalist. The former Des Moines Register reporter and founder/publisher of the Black Iowa News was born and raised in Des Moines. Dana earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Grand View University. A member of Black News Link and Black Headline News, Dana is the host of the podcast, 2 Black Women, Coffee & Conversations. A strong advocate for journalistic excellence and integrity, Dana works tirelessly to cover Black Iowa and the world! at George Washington University. Also she is the former District Newsletter Editor at Toastmasters International District 47.

Doxie Mccoy

Hailing from Jackson, MI, Andrea Robinson is a graduate of Prentiss High School. She also works as a Media Specialist in the U.S. Census Bureau and Region Information Officer at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She studied Strategic Public Relations at George Washington University. A former Area Director at Toastmasters District 47 in South Florida and The Bahamas, Andrea was an award-winning reporter and editor for the Miami Herald for 20 years. She is a proud graduate of Jackson State University with a Degree in Mass Communication. She received a Masters Degree in public relations at the University of Southern Mississippi and studied strategic public relations

Doxie McCoy is a long-time award-winning journalist and media professional who is currently in the D.C. Office of the People’s Counsel as a Senior Communications Professional. . She has enjoyed stints at BET and also worked in the office of the Mayor of DC. She studied at the Columbia School of Journalism and Boston College; and also attended Ursuline Academy. She also worked as a press secretary in campaigns, as communications director for the U.S. House of Representatives, executive producer at Radio One. She is a highpowered and well-respected public relations expert communicator and writer. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the National Association of Black Journalists; Doxie is a consummate professional with a dynamic personality and a level of professionalism that is unparalleled.

Chanel Christoff Davis

Chanel Christoff Davis is a founding partner of Davis, Davis & Harmon LLC — Sales Tax Experts. Specializing in refund recovery, Chanel has almost 20 years of experience managing client relations and management. For high school she attended McDonogh 35 where she was in the art club and on the yearbook staff. She then graduated from the University of New Orleans with a BS degree in accounting and where she was a member of the National Association of Black Accountants and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She is also an alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. Chanel hosts a podcast, “Follow the Leader,” featuring dynamic women entrepreneurs, like her, and their journeys to becoming successful in business. She is also being honored as a “2023 Women’s Business Enterprise Star.”

University, and her Ph.D in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A&M University. A board member and fundraising volunteer of the Fountain of Praise and co-founder of the Women’s Leadership Summit, Dr. Monica is a fundraising strategist, who is skilled in program development, human resource management, donor development, and fundraising, to name a few.

Zenola Campbell

Dr. Monica G. Williams has enjoyed stints as a professor at Texas Southern University, associate VP for development at Prairie View A&M University, Director of Development for Rice University, Director of Administration for Houston Works USA, Managing Director of U.S. Fund for UNICEF; and now she’s the VP for Advancement and President/CEO of UNTD Foundation. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English and Master’s Degree in Communication with honors from Texas Southern

Zenola Campbell is the Vice President of Concessions at DFW Airport. Previously she was a Marketing Director for McDonald’s Corporation and Director of Customer Segments for Blockbuster Inc. Hailing from East Orange, NJ, she is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s Degree, she received her MBA in International Marketing from the University of Dallas. A multiple award-winning advertising executive, her portfolio and praise extends globally. She is a member of the Greater Denton County Chapter of Links Inc., Women’s Food Service Forum, Dallas Theatre Center Trustee Board, and Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.

CATRINA M. CRAFT

Catrina M. Craft is a CPA and business financial advisor who has been part of several start up companies. She has enjoyed stints at Fortune 500 companies. She created the “Wealth Intelligence Map” coaching course to help business owners achieve power and control over their finances. A graduate of Skyline High School, she attended Texas A&M University studying business, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The contributing writer for Easy Accounting for Real Estate Investors by

Dr. Pamela Lear is the Chief of Staff and Racial Equity Officer for Dallas Independent School District. Pamela graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. She received her Master’s Degree from St. Mary’s College of California and her doctorate in educational leadership from Texas Christian University. Dr. Pam is an educator, with experience spanning 30 years; starting out as a teacher in southern California. Previously she has served as an administrator in the Bay Area as a principal, director of Region IV System of District and Support, and executive director of Educational Services.

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January

Healthy Living EXPO

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cervical Cancer Awareness

Birth Defect Prevention/Screening

Blood Donor

Glaucoma Awareness

Healthy Weight

February

Mardi Gras

Black History Month

Children’s Dental Health

Heart Health

Burn Awareness

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia care

Eating disorders Awareness

March

Women’s History Month

Black Press Week

Brain Injury Awareness

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Kidney Month

Nutrition Month

LGBT Health Awareness Week

Doctors’ Day

Tuberculosis

Major League Baseball

April

Election Guide

National Financial Literacy Month

Community Banking Month

Alcohol Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month

Donate Life Month

Foot Health Awareness

Humor Month - Black/Brown comics

Religion - Easter

STI Awareness

Public Health Week

Eye Health and Safety

Infant Immunization

May

Cinco de Mayo

Class of 2023

Mother’s Day

National Small Business Month

ALS Awareness

Bike Month

Better Sleep Month

Healthy Vision Month

High Blood Pressure Education Month

Lupus Month

Skin Cancer Awareness

Mental Health Month

Older Americans Month

Stroke Awareness Month

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

Asthma Day - May 1

Food Allergy Awareness

June

Black Music Month

Juneteenth

Father’s Day/Men’s Health Month

Women Veterans Day

PTSD Awareness

Cancer Survivors Day - June 2

Blood Donor Day - 14th

July

Minority Mental Health

The Black Church

UV Safety

Hepatitis Day - July 28