WHAT OR WHO DEFINES AN EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN OF COLOR?

A woman who could stare adversity in the face, and laugh because she knows her God is

greater than any obstacle standing in her way.

Tomiya Gaines accomplishes them while leading with godly standards and breaking through the barriers of everyday life. Ayesha Ransom-White

One who knows who she is and loves who she is. That means being unapologetically you and using your voice, even when it’s challenging. Women of color, especially Black women, are assets. We make things happen! We bring unique points of view to any discussion and no one of us is the same as another. My skin, my hair, my culture, my experiences, my emotions, my knowledge, and even my traumas are a gift. Being

exceptional means leaning into that and using your inherent gifts to bring change, meaning, and joy to others.

Jarita Pichon A woman who takes pride in everything that she does. She is an excellent mother, wife, businesswoman, friend, and leader. She plants seeds

of encouragement, lives authentically, loves without limits and is not afraid to fail.

An Exceptional Woman of Color lifts her community, uses her voice and makes sure that no woman is left behind.

An Exceptional Woman of Color is strong enough to embrace her weaknesses and grow through them.

Being exceptional doesn’t mean that a woman has

it “all together”. There is beauty in fragility and accepting who you are. She is compassionate and resilient. She is a mother, daughter, sister, partner, and the boss all wrapped up in a fierce package.

Angelina Woodberry

A woman that embraces her imperfections yet holds space for herself to thrive and grow. A woman that is selfless yet willing to think about others. A woman that embraces confidence and self awareness and has balance with emotional intelligence.

A woman no matter what life throws still keeps moving her feet.

A woman that understands balance A woman that’s more than just a title yet Her entire essence is brilliant and the world can see her light. She radiates her light in any setting.

Coleen Sykes-Ray

An ethical leader who remembers where she came from but isn’t defined by it.

Rachel Rios

I believe a humble, confident and kind woman defines an Exceptional Woman of Color. However, I think ALL women that are humble, confident and kind are EXCEPTIONAL!

Katrina Elise Hahn

Someone who fights and leads with their heart and uplifts other Women of Color as they climb.

Mai Yang Vang

An exceptional woman of color exudes confidence, humility, and a profound work ethic. She is courageous and intelligent. She is unique in style and in life. She

embraces her heritage and ethnicity with

pride. She kindly and boldly speaks truth without fault or blame. She may have some difficulties now and then, but she knows how to overcome through the power and grace of our Lord.

Remembering Dana Maeshia

EWOC 2021 Tribute

On Tuesday, September 28 at the 13th Annual Exceptional Women of Color (EWOC) Awards & Expo, the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation presented the EWOC Legacy of Excellence Award in memoriam to Dana Maeshia. This posthumous award was given in memory of Dana Maeshia who exhibited a selfless lifestyle that was dedicated to creating a better way of life for the Black community and especially the young people in the Greater Sacramento Valley Region. Dana was the Founder of Escape Velocity Foundation, a nonprofit that provides services leading to family literacy, wholeness, well-being and enrichment. She also started the youth book clubs “Boyz In The Hood” and “Around The Way Girls” to get children reading and promote literacy. Dana accomplished all of this while working full time for the State of California. Dana was a mother of 2 children (a son and daughter). Several community projects and events where Dana participated included: Black Friday shopping events and Black Food Festival in South Sacramento and co-created the Inaugural Malcolm X Festival in May 2021 in North Sacramento. “The way to remember your ancestors is to keep their name LIT” a quote from Dana. Berry Accius, Founder of Voice of the Youth stated that Dana was not only about just the build, but the fun, the energy, the LIT of it. She was a great angel of a woman and wasn’t compromised and loved on others. She was always about supporting the community and their family. To do this work it takes passion and someone to take the mantel and Dana did just that. Founder of Sacculturalhub.com Pleshette Robertson stated, “I was very sad to hear about the passing of the very sweet and dear Dana Maeshia. She was a wonderful caring person and always did everything to assist me when I needed it at different events. When I first met her 5 years ago - it was at a youth event and we just talked for at least an hour about all kind of stuff from work to family. I was like, Dana, you remind me of one my cousins!” Dana was an around the way homegirl and warrior princess in the Sacramento community. She will surely be missed and NEVER forgotten. I can’t forget to mention how when I posted on social media for those interested in joining me at Planet Fitness in South Sacramento on Mack Road at 5 am to walk on the treadmill, Dana showed up that next morning and we walked alongside one another for 1 hour just talking and laughing.” Dana who was a loving mother, community activist, business owner of All Things Literacy (located inside Florin Market Square in South Sacramento) passed away on August 30, 2021. Though a native of San Francisco she had lived in Sacramento, California since 1994. Dana was honored in August at the Florin Square Community Development Corporation’s Small Business Success Summit. At the 13th annual EWOC Awards & Expo, Sacramento community members (Berry Accius, Founder of Voice of the Youth; Ayesha RansomWhite, Owner of The Pop-Up Shop inside Arden Mall; and sister of Dana - Shirkeri Badger) accepted the endowment check of $1,000 from the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation for the Escape Velocity Foundation to present scholarship awards to their students.