Thursday, September 26, 2024
DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton | Sacramento, California Presented by
Dear Colleagues, Friends & Newcomers,
Welcome to the 16th Annual Exceptional Women of Color Conference: A Woman of Our Times: Legacy Building & Finding Your Authentic Voice
We are honored to feature our keynote speaker, Desiree Rogers, a trailblazing executive who has left an indelible mark on business and culture. As the former White House Social Secretary, CEO of Black Opal Beauty, and co-owner of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Desiree’s career is a testament to resilience, leadership, and vision. Fashion Fair Cosmetics, a brand that has served Black women for 50 years, was almost lost to history just four years ago. Thanks to Desiree and her team, this iconic brand has been revitalized, continuing to meet the beauty needs of generations of Black women. Many of us are overjoyed to see it return to shelves, while others are discovering its legacy for the first time.
As we reflect on the success stories of women like Desiree Rogers, we are reminded of the importance of defining our own lives, cultivating our own thoughts, and finding our authentic voices. In today’s divisive times, it’s essential that we all recognize our ability to speak up for what matters to us. When women embrace their voices, they contribute to a future built on shared understanding, empathy, and common ground. This is the only way forward — listening, compromising, and working together to ensure a prosperous and unified future for everyone.
The legacies we stand on today were crafted by the visions of our parents, grandparents, and ancestors. Now, it’s our turn to create a better future for the next generation. Whether through leadership in corporations, small business, public service, education, or community work, we all have a role to play in shaping a society that values justice, equity, and compassion.
At this pivotal moment, it’s crucial to remember that your voice matters. Whether casting your vote or leading change in your community, you have the power to shape the world. Our system may be imperfect, but your participation is the key to perfecting it.
As we gather today, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and continue building a legacy for the future with grace, dignity, and pride.
9th Annual Exceptional Women of Color Conference Pleshette
The Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation is proud to present the
We appreciate our 2024 sponsors, community/business partners,
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Anthem www.anthem.com/medi-cal
COMMUNITY & BUSINESS PARTNERS
City of Sacramento Councilmember Rick Jennings II - District 7 www.cityofsacramento.gov/mayor-council/ district-7
C.L.A.S.S.Y.-Captivating Ladies Acquiring Successful Standards www.classymbrsonly.org
Saving Our Legacy, African Americans For Smoke Free Safe Places – The SOL Project www.thesolproject.com
TABLE SPONSORS
City of Sacramento Economic Development www.cityofsacramento.org/economicdevelopment
Choyce Law Firm choycelawfirm.com
Roberts Family Development Center robertsfdc.org
Improve Your Tomorrow – HONOREE: Micaela Edwards www.improveyourtomorrow.org
Jeanette Larue
HONOREE: Tracey Hurd-Parker
City Church of SacramentoHONOREE: Gail Meeks citychurchsac.org
HONOREE: Ashley Garner
HONOREE: Chastity Benson
HONOREE: Elisa Tong
HONOREE: Karen Veasey
HONOREE: Shavaun Diallo
HONOREE: Valerie James
HONOREE: Carol Burton Jeweld Legacy Group, LLC
California Professional Firefighters HONOREE: Pamela Randall www.cpf.org
Weave - HONOREES: Tiffanie Wedding-O’Con and Candace Davis www.weaveinc.org
HONOREE: Jocelyn Jackson Williams
Sacramento Chapter National Council of Negro Women svs-ncnw.org
Sacramento NAACP www.naacpsac.com
Speedy Tax USA HONOREE: Kay Powell www.speedytaxesusa.com
UC Davis School of Medicine Admissions, Outreach, and Diversity health.ucdavis.edu/diversity
&
MEDIA PARTNERS
Sacculturalhub.com Media Company www.sacculturalhub.com
THE HUB Magazine issuu.com/thehubmag
The Gospel Vine www.thegospelvine.com
KDEE 97.5 FM www.kdeefm.org
Leatherwood Marketing (916) 838-9267
Twlia Makes It Happen! Consulting Services 916-259-9912
VisionStep (916) 397-4501
Coleman Communications www.michaelpcoleman.com
SILVER
BRONZE CORPORATE SPONSORS
History of Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation
Working to promote the healthy lifestyles of African American and urban communities in Northern California, Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation (SCHMF) was created in 2003 to develop programs which mentor young adults, women, and underserved communities. The Foundation has implemented programs in partnership with corporations, businesses and individuals to promote higher education, provide entrepreneurship opportunities, further diversity partnerships, and improve and encourage collaborative efforts through exceptional signature events that include:
• Exceptional Women of Color Awards & Expo
• Hub Choice Awards (HCA) Show
• Black Physicians Forum (BPF)
• BPF Medical Student Scholarship Program
16TH ANNUAL EWOC AWARDS & EXPO
• Young Women’s Exceptional Women of Color (Y-EWOC) Scholarship Competition
• First Friday Business Initiative
• Black History Month Luncheon
• Sacramento Community Book Forum
The mission of the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation is to provide exciting non-traditional vehicles of engagement where businesses and non-profit organizations can market services and products and mentor and provide public service information to educate and inspire the urban community. Our primary goal is to motivate and empower African American professionals, communities of color, and youth to thrive and succeed in life.
The Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation utilizes the Sacculturalhub. com Media Company to connect with the African American and Urban communities of Northern California. Sacculturalhub.com is known as the #1 grassroots multi-media organization in Northern
California and is the most popular resource for networking of businesses, non-profit organizations, community resources, entertainment, and individuals.
Pleshette Robertson, the CEO and Founder of Sacculturalhub. com launched the website in March 2002. The website provides an internet platform for news, multicultural events, career profiles, professional business services, community resources, educational opportunities, corporate advertising, and photo gallery of Northern California residents, visitors, and celebrities. The website currently receives over 2 million national hits each month with over 20,000 unique visitors each month.
In February 2006, Ms. Robertson implemented a signature publication to complement the website. THE HUB: Urban Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine which caters to affluent urban professionals, working class families and the underserved African American and urban communities. Its mission is to highlight individuals for their community contributions which increases enthusiasm in the community and help others to celebrate what Northern California has to offer.
16TH ANNUAL EWOC AWARDS & EXPO
8th Annual Exceptional Women of Color Conference
Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation is proud to present the 2024 Honorees with the Exceptional Women of Excellence Awards
CHRISTA ARMSTEAD
Entrepreneur/Innovator
Pastor- Speaker- Author
SHAVAUN DIALLO
Management and the Professions Assistant Director of Operations, University of California, Davis Owner of Express Weave Bar
TRACEY HURD-PARKER
Management and the Professions Legislative Liaison, California Black Chamber of Commerce
CHASTITY BENSON
Management and the Professions Chief Operating Officer, California State Association of Counties (CSAC)
MICHAELA EDWARDS
Young Women of Distinction Director of College Access & Completion, Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT)
DANETTA JACKSON
Management and the Professions Chief of the Statewide Supplier Diversity Program, the California Department of General Services (DGS) Procurement
CAROL BURTON
Entrepreneur/Innovator
Founder and CEO of Jeweld Legacy Group, LLC
JOHNNISE FOSTERDOWNS
Politics & Government Relations
Vice President of Public Policy, Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce
JOCELYN JACKSON WILLIAMS
Entrepreneur/Innovator
Director of Operations, Reach Up Reach Out | Certification Trainer, Grief Recovery Institute | Life Coach and Entrepreneur
DAVIS
Social Welfare & Community Activism
Residential Services Manager, WEAVE
ASHLEY GARNER
Social Welfare & Community Activism Cltre Keeper Program Director/Realtor/ Developer CLTRE, Strategic Homeowership Solutions & All City Homes
VALERIE D. JAMES, ESQ.
Education and Research
Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Diversity Initiatives, University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
CANDACE
8th
LANAYA LEWIS
Education and Research
Public Information Officer/Senior Writer, California State University, Sacramento
KAY POWELL
Management and the Professions CEO/Founder of Speedy Tax and Bookkeeping Services
DANA TAYLOR-BELL
Management and the Professions Staff Services Manager, Business Services Unit Manager, State of California
YEN MARSHALL
Presidential Excellence Executive Director, My Sister’s House
PAMELA RANDALL
Management and the Professions Category Business Manager, Strategic Global Staffing, Applied Materials
DR. ELISA K. TONG
Education and Research Professor of Internal Medicine, UC Davis; Principal Investigator, CA Quits; Director, Tobacco Cessation Policy Research Center
GAIL MEEKS
Social Welfare & Community Activism First Lady at City Church of Sacramento
SILVIA L. RODRIGUEZ
Social Welfare & Community Activism Manager, BH&E, Office of Health Equity, Dept of Public Health Chair, Sacramento First5 Advisory Committee VP, Hornets Policy and Politics
KAREN VEASEY
Entrepreneur/Innovator CEO and Owner, KV’s Non-Emergency Transportation Services
TARA PORTER
Management and the Professions Manager, Customer Strategy and Operations, SMUD
DR. LENORE A. TATE, PH.D. Health, Sport & Wellness Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Chief Executive Officer, California Wraparound LLC
TYFFANIE WEDDINGO’CON
Presidential Excellence Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access at WEAVE, Inc
16TH ANNUAL EWOC AWARDS & EXPO
CONGRATULATIONS
The Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation is thrilled to announce the recipient of the 2024 “Exceptional Women of Color (EWOC) Educator of the Year Award” to Shanine Coats, M.Ed. This distinguished honor recognizes an outstanding educator who has made a significant impact through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to empowering students and communities. Her work exemplifies excellence in education and serves as an inspiring example of resilience, passion, and advocacy. We are proud to celebrate her remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of education. Serving school employees since 1934
CONGRATULATIONS!
Carol F. Burton, on behalf of Jeweld Legacy Group, congratulations on receiving the EWOC Exceptional Women of Color Award!
This honor highlights your leadership, dedication, and the positive impact you've had on all of us.
Your vision has guided and inspired us, and we look forward to celebrating together and continuing our journey under your guidance.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
From the Jeweld Legacy Team
Desiree Rogers
Former White House Social Secretary and Business Executive
DESIREE ROGERS has helped major organizations reinvent business models and reach new and more diverse audiences with tangible results. The first black CEO and Co-Owner of Black Opal Beauty and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the first black female CEO of a Fortune 500 Company, and a former CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, Rogers is heralded for her uncanny business acumen and innovative approach to marketing and brand development. Beyond her experience in the private sector, Rogers was appointed by President Obama as White House Social Secretary, re-positioning the White House as the “People’s House” and implementing innovative events.
Named to the “50 Most Influential People in the Multicultural Market” by WWD, “Top 25 Women to Watch” by Crain’s Chicago Business, and “Top 50 Most Powerful African American Business Women” by Black Enterprise, Rogers offers insights on everything from how to make marketing work in a digital and global age, to how to talk about race and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. Sought-out to speak at Chicago Ideas, TED, the Society for Human Resource Management, and more, Rogers has the unique ability to connect with her audience, energize and inspire teams, and illuminate new strategic pathways and operational approaches.
EMCEE
Neketia Henry is an actress who has appeared on numerous television, film and commercial projects, including Cedric the Entertainer’s TV show “Finding Happy” and Disney Pixar’s “Doug Days.” Beyond her work in entertainment, she is a dedicated educational and occupational advocate for individuals with disabilities, passionately standing as a voice for the voiceless. She believes in the power of representation and advocacy, both on and off the screen, using her platform to inspire change and support marginalized communities.
MODERATOR OF KEYNOTE CONVERSATION
INVOCATION
Pastor Darryl Scarbrough is a preacher and leader at BOSS Church. He was raised in Chicago, Illinois, and previously served as the Teaching Pastor and Director of Discipleship at Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. His ministry focuses on helping people realize their Godgiven purpose.
Pastor Scarborough’s ministry has impacted people in many places, including prisons, detention centers, hospitals, schools, and communities in Sweden and South Africa.
Dr. Flojaune “Flo” Cofer is currently a 2024 candidate for Mayor of Sacramento who is a nationally trusted public health professional, a seasoned California policy expert, and a consistent local advocate pushing for a Sacramento that protects our health and serves everyone. As Senior Director of Policy for Public Health Advocates she directs the team leading health equity initiatives focused on state policy, and prevention, response, and recovery from public health emergencies. Dr. Flo previously led the preconception health initiative for the California Department of Public Health, working to ensure vital maternal health and reproductive coverage was included in the Affordable Care Act. She is also deeply committed to civic engagement having served in various capacities on local boards, committees and commissions, including serving four terms as chair of the city of Sacramento Measure U Advisory Committee. Flo was raised in Pittsburgh, PA by two public school teachers and moved to Sacramento 20 years ago. She now resides in South Sac.
EXCEPTIONAL Conference Team Leadership
16TH ANNUAL EWOC AWARDS & EXPO
PLESHETTE ROBERTSON is the CEO and Founder of Sacculturalhub. com and the Chief Editor of THE HUB Magazine. The website (launched in March 2002) and magazine (published in February 2006) are leading sources of Black urban media that celebrate the urban lifestyle of African-Americans in the capital region and throughout California serving as the information hub for black-oriented movies, concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, sporting events, festivals and black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
She is also the owner of PR & Associates Business Resources (AKA Sacculturalhub.com Media Company) which is an advertisement and public promotions agency specializing in providing multi-media advertising, social media marketing campaigns, e-blast ad/website production and consultation to new business and startup organizations.
She also serves as the Executive Director for the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation that educates, empowers, and train young adults and women of color in underserved communities. Several programs under the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation include: Exceptional Women of Color Conference; Hub Choice Awards Show; Black Physicians Forum (BPF); BPF Medical Student Scholarship Program; Young Exceptional Women of Color (Y-EWOC) Scholarship Competition, and the Young/Youth Women’s Summit (YWS). For 3 years, Pleshette served as a Covered California Enrollment Counselor and Outreach Educator. As of April 2024, Pleshette also serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Saving Our Legacy, African Americans For Smoke Free Safe Places – The SOL Project Pleshette has received numerous awards that include: Community Outreach Award by the Sacramento NAACP at the 40th Annual Prayer Breakfast Celebration in April 2024, MLK Unsung Hero Award Recipient of the 9th Assembly District presented by the California Legislative Black Caucus in January 2018, Entrepreneur of The Year presented by Calvary Christian Center’s Genesis School of Business & Entrepreneurship in December 2017, Martin Luther King Jr. Difference Maker Award for Service and Advocacy in January 2016, NAWBO OWL Wise Woman (a.k.a. Business Woman of the Year) in October 2015; BWOPA-PAC Ella Hill Hutch Award in November 2014, UC Davis Chancellor’s Achievement Awards For Diversity and Community in the Community Award category in February 2014; Business Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Sacramento Chapter in November 2009; “Women of Excellence” from the Sacramento Kappa Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in March 2008. Pleshette was featured in the August 2007 issue on her personal style and noteworthy achievements in the Sacramento magazine. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from San Jose State University. Pleshette loves and celebrates her extended family while she is the proud mother of three daughters and also has eight grandsons.
KEADRIAN BELCHER-HARRIS in her role as the Chief Executive Officer of C.L.A.S.S.Y. Inc. prioritizes community improvement projects that address pressing environmental and social issues. By instilling values of sustainability and civic responsibility, Keadrian and the CLASSY Inc team encourage young minds to actively engage in shaping a brighter future for themselves and their neighborhoods. Keadrian has been coordinating our Youth Summit & Outreach for the past 10 years.
The word that best describes MICHAEL BLAIR is community. Michael serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Neighborhood Innovation Project, a community economic development company that focuses on wealth building education and other community benefit advancement initiatives. As a community leader, Michael works closely with public officials on City, County and State level think tanks and commissions to create solutions for community-wide public challenges. A proud alum from California State University Sacramento, Michael holds a double bachelor’s degree in business management. In addition to an extensive background in Marketing and Brand building for numerous companies throughout Northern California. Michael has also worked professionally in Human Resources specializing in Corporate Recruiting and Employee Relations for fortune 500 companies in both the Information Technology and Healthcare sectors for almost 20 years. Michael is also the Founder of thegospelvine.com.
After over 20 years in broadcasting, print media, and public relations, MICHAEL P. COLEMAN relocated from Detroit in 2010 to write the latest chapter in his career: Coleman Communications. He regularly delivers feature articles to a variety of print and online platforms, including Jet Magazine, EURweb.com, and Uptown Magazine. Coleman Communications also provides consultation on brand management, event planning & execution, and fund development/sales to corporations and small businesses. Coleman has earned a Bachelor of Arts with High Honors and Distinction in Communication from the University of Michigan, and he’s working on achieving fluency in Spanish.
Conference Team Leadership
For the past 16 years, TWLIA LASTER has served as the Strategic Marketing Director for Sac Cultural Hub Media Company, where she has been instrumental in developing programs and forging corporate and community partnerships to expand revenue streams.
As the owner of Twlia Makes It Happen! Consulting Service and Travel with Twlia, a concierge travel service, she leverages over 23 years of experience to assist clients with marketing, program development, public relations, conference management, health education, and group facilitation. Her clients include non-profits and healthcare organizations such as the Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership; the African American Tobacco Education Partnership; the California Black Health Network; Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation; and the Public Health Institute. Ms. Laster is also the Project Director for Saving Our Legacy African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places (The SOL Project). In this role, she oversees grassroots organizing, collaboration, technical assistance trainings, and project implementation, working with volunteers, employees, and young adults to influence public policy at local, state, and national levels.
LESLEY LEATHERWOOD is the CEO of Leatherwood Marketing, and specializes in national internet marketing and print advertising. She possesses over 20 years of corporate experience, including inside and outside sales, hospitality, public relations, media buying, production assistant in television and four feature films. She is an expert with consulting on promoting, advertising, telemarketing products, events and photography. Lesley is originally from Cardiff Wales, England. Lesley has been with Sac Cultural Hub Media Company since 2008 and serves as the Community Advertising Manager.
DONNA RAMOS writes several multi-cultural novels simultaneously. Her journalism career as a Senior Staff Writer/ Reporter for THE HUB Magazine writes multi-cultural novels and her journalism career as a Senior Staff Writer for THE HUB Magazine has yielded interviews with Maxwell, Venus and Serena Williams and HRH Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York, to name a few. As a self-published author, Ramos received acclaim from Essence Magazine and BlackbookPlus.com for her contemporary romance book “HIGH RISE”. “M&M, Madness and Mayhem”, the final book in her HIGH RISE Trilogy, was released in 2014.
VALARIE SCRUGGS is a Project Director at SOL Project where she engages the community around secondhand smoke exposure in multi-unit housing and outdoor places. She is also owner of VisionStep, a consultant business focused on program development and grant writing. She has a wealth of experience in program planning, securing funding, and implementing effective public health campaigns. She develops strategic alliances to conduct campaigns that increase knowledge and encourage individuals and communities to take action to reduce their risk for disease. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Ecology from University of California, Irvine with an emphasis in Psychology and Social Behavior. Valarie also serves as Program Development Director for the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation
16TH ANNUAL EWOC AWARDS & EXPO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STACY ANDERSON Individual & Family Plans Outreach Manager Blue Shield of CA
WILLIAM JAHMAL MILLER Vice President with CommonSpirit Health’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Belonging
SHEILA BENNETT Mortgage Loan Officer & Realtor Answer Home Loans
GARY SIMON Executive Director, Sacramento Juneteenth, Inc.
HOLLY BROWN School and Community Relations Specialist Schools Financial Credit Union
ZORITHA THOMPSON Broker/Realtor & Owner Goree & Thompson Real Estate
CORE SUPPORT TEAM
KIMBERLY BAILEY Owner/Graphic Designer SkuugiBear Graphics
MICHELE MITCHELL Staff Service Analyst, State of CA Public Information Unit. Department of Consumer Affairs Nursing Board & Owner of Bougie Bites Catering
CANDICE WILDER Student Review and Interventions Administrator San Juan Unified School District and Business Owner of Naturally Loved LLC
Scholarship Program
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders and business owners. Our mission is to inspire young women to seek successful opportunities and affect positive change in their communities. Our purpose is to empower young women to embrace their strengths and to reach their full potential in the career world. For the past 13 years our Young Women’s Summit has featured locally recognized young women who share their own insights on college, career building, entrepreneurship and how to address challenges that are attributed to the strides of success.
The annual Young Exceptional Women of Color (Y-EWOC) Scholarship Competition has assisted young women of color, ages 14-21, with a $500 award toward higher education. The goal of this scholarship is to encourage young women of color to pursue their dreams and secure the education and skills needed to make them a reality.
This year we are presenting a total of three scholarship awards in the amount of $500 for each student. These young women were selected based on their submission of their scholarship application that included resumes, letter of recommendation, and an excellent essay about What Makes An Exceptional Woman of Color? .
Jaya Adams
Senior at Sheldon High
Arianna McBride
Graduated from Heritage Peak May 2024
voice is one of her most powerful tools in creating change. She speaks truth to power, even when it is difficult or unpopular, knowing that her voice has the power to inspire others and
circumstances and excelled in different careers but they all have something in common. They succeeded even though they were born in a country that was not made for them. They were not hindered by the fact that they were born into poverty. Managing to make names for themselves and inspire the next
Dominique Zoe
Graduated from Inderkum High School
May 2024
Freshman at Louisiana State University
economic disparities can create formidable barriers, but exceptional women rise above these challenges become trailblazers in their fields, demonstrating that excellence is not merely about personal achievements
been set by societal limitations. Resilience involves more than just enduring hardships; it encompasses the ability to adapt, innovate, and lead despite adversity. For instance, women of color in professional settings frequently confront the “double jeopardy” of being judged both on their race and gender. Yet, their success stories often involve not just personal victories but also contributions to broader societal change. Their experiences and insights become crucial in dismantling discriminatory systems and creating
Scholarship WINNER
of General Services State of California dgs.ca.gov Dr. Flojaune Cofer Candidate for Sacramento Mayor floformayor.com
imagestheatrecompany.org
facebook.com/MCECheckin
AWARD
Remembering Honorable Lauren Hammond
Lauren Rochelle Hammond, born on November 27, 1955, in Los Angeles, was a groundbreaking figure in Sacramento’s public service, becoming the first Black woman elected to the City Council. Her passing on January 18, 2024, at the age of 68, marks the end of a remarkable legacy of community advocacy and empowerment.
The eldest child of educators David Frederick Hammond and Percy McIntyre Hammond, Lauren’s family relocated to Sacramento when she was 13. This move was pivotal, further igniting her passion for equity and justice. The 1965 Watts riots profoundly influenced her, sparking a lifelong commitment to activism that was shaped by the social upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s.
Lauren’s educational journey began at C.K. McClatchy High School, followed by Sacramento City College, and culminated with a degree in government from California State University, Sacramento. She also pursued two years of study at McGeorge School of Law. Her professional career began with 22 years in the California State Senate, where she progressed from Special Services to the role of Coordinator for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In 1997, Lauren made history by being elected to the Sacramento City Council, representing District 5 for 13 years. She was only the second Black woman to serve on the council, following the historic appointment of Callie Carney in 1975. Throughout her tenure, Lauren was a staunch advocate for her district, focusing on reducing racial disparities in law enforcement, enhancing community safety, and promoting economic development.
Her dedication to women’s leadership was evident through her run for State Assembly, her role on the California Gambling Control Commission (appointed by Governor Jerry Brown), and her leadership of the Sacramento chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus. Lauren’s ability to build consensus, mentor emerging leaders, and uphold truth in public communication earned her widespread respect. Her mentorship, especially of women and women of color, remains a profound part of her legacy.
Outside of her professional achievements, Lauren was known for her vibrant and engaging personality. She loved hosting gatherings, golfing, traveling, and supporting her loved ones. Her enthusiasm for music was well-known, often dancing with joy to her favorite artists, especially James Brown.
Lauren is survived by her wife, Margaret Maher; her siblings Marcia, David, Carol, and Kevin Hammond (Robin); her Aunt Fran Burton; cousin Reuben; her niece and nephew Claire and Miles Hammond; her goddaughter Alana Bristow; and many extended family members and friends.
Lauren Hammond will be remembered as a pioneering leader, a devoted family member, a mentor, and a vibrant community presence. Her impact on Sacramento and the lives she touched will continue to inspire future generations.
A POSTHUMOUS EWOC AWARD HONOREE
Remembering Callie Carnie
Callie Irene Carney, born on July 12, 1935, in Wilcox County, Alabama, was a trailblazer and the first Black woman to serve on the Sacramento City Council. Appointed in 1975, she represented Oak Park and District 5, dedicating her term to championing her community. Known for her outspoken and formidable nature, she was often described as a force of change, a “1906 earthquake,” shaking things up wherever she went.
Carney married James Leo Carney in 1951, and together they raised 10 children. Her Oak Park home became a safe haven, welcoming neighborhood children and anyone in need. She embodied a spirit of service that extended to numerous organizations, including the Oak Park Neighborhood Council, Women’s Civic Improvement Center, and the NAACP.
Beyond her work on the council, Carney’s influence reached far and wide. She advised Governor Jerry Brown during his first term and worked with youth through the state’s Department of Corrections. Her legacy lives on at McClatchy Park, where the Callie Carney Amphitheater bears her name.
Carney passed away on November 4, 2023, at the age of 88 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by three daughters, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her commitment to justice and community upliftment will forever inspire future generations.
POSTHUMOUS TRIBUTE PRESENTER: ROLANDA WILKINS
Rolanda Wilkins, is a global community organizer and innovative program administrator with over 30 years of experience in women’s and adolescent health and wellness. As the founder and Executive Director of Earth Mama Healing, Inc., she has created programs like Nurtured Girls, Queens Rising, and Wii Girl, empowering thousands of girls and women
Her work spans the U.S., Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean, and she has collaborated with multiple school districts, including Sacramento City Unified. Rolanda also leads the annual Quality of Life Road Trip, a 30-day educational journey for young women across the U.S. and Canada, promoting personal growth and cultural awareness.
