WHY YOUR VOTE MATTERS
EWOC 2024
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
DESIREE ROGERS
FORMER WHITE HOUSE SOCIAL SECRETARY & FIRST BLACK CEO/CO-OWNER OF BLACK OPAL
BEAUTY AND FASHION FAIR COSMETICS
CELEBRATING EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN OF COLOR: ACHIEVEMENTS, PROGRESS, AND THE POWER OF PARTICIPATION
AAs we enter a season of reflection and recognition, we have the distinct privilege of honoring the achievements of exceptional women of color in our local community. These remarkable leaders, innovators, and advocates embody the strength, resilience, and brilliance that continue to drive change, not only within our neighborhoods but across industries, academia, and social movements.
These women are trailblazers. Whether they are breaking barriers in corporate boardrooms, reshaping the educational landscape, or advocating for equity in healthcare, they stand as living proof that excellence knows no bounds. Their commitment to their craft, their communities, and their values serves as a source of inspiration for us all. They remind us that progress is often forged in the face of adversity, and that legacy building comes not just from individual achievement but from lifting others as we climb.
As we celebrate these honorees and their extraordinary contributions, it is important that we also remember our collective responsibility to keep pushing for the change we wish to see. Legacy building and finding one’s authentic voice doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when we,
as a community, support each other, make our voices heard, and actively participate in shaping our shared future.
With this in mind, I encourage each and every reader to stay vigilant and engaged as we approach the November 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. The power of our vote cannot be overstated. It is the most effective way to ensure that the issues impacting our communities—racial justice, healthcare access, education equity, economic empowerment—are addressed by those in positions of power. Every vote is a step toward securing the future that these exceptional women are working so hard to create.
As you read about the achievements of the women we honor in this edition, let their stories serve as a call to action. These women didn’t just wait for change; they became the change. Now, it’s our turn to ensure that their legacies continue to flourish by making our voices heard at the ballot box.
Together, let us celebrate, participate, and build a future where every voice, especially the voices of women of color, is amplified and empowered.
True Blessings!
Pleshette Robertson CEO and Founder
Sac Cultural Hub Media Company and Foundation facebook.com/pleshettemarie
Christa Armstead | Chastity Benson | Carol Burton
Candace Davis | Shavaun Diallo | Michaela Edwards
Johnnise Foster-Downs | Ashley Garner
Tracey Hurd-Parker | Danetta Jackson
Jocelyn Jackson Williams | Valerie D. James, Esq.
Lanaya Lewis | Yen Marshall | Tara Porter
Kay Powell | Pamela Randall| Silvia L. Rodriguez Dr. Lenore A. Tate, Ph.D. | Dana Taylor-Bell
Dr. Elisa K. Tong | Karen Veasey
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CELEBRATING LEGACY AND AUTHENTICITY: THE EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN OF COLOR AWARDS & EXPO WELCOMES KEYNOTE SPEAKER
DESIREE ROGERS
By Roni B, Freelance Writer
MGet ready for an inspiring day filled with empowerment, transformation, and meaningful connections! The Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation proudly announces that Desiree Rogers, the trailblazing businesswoman and cultural icon, will be the keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Exceptional Women of Color (EWOC) Awards & Expo. This much-anticipated event will take place on September 26th at the Doubletree Hotel in Sacramento. As the keynote speaker, Desirée Rogers will address a topic that resonates deeply with women striving to make their mark in the world: “A Woman of Our Times: Legacy Building & Finding Your Authentic Voice.” Her life and career that spans decades and industries, are a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and the unwavering pursuit of authenticity, making her the perfect figure to inspire us all at this prestigious event.
Desirée Rogers was born on June 16, 1959 in New Orleans; her early life was marked with curiosity and the desire to be the best at what she did and these character traits shaped her career. Rogers graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in political science and later earned her MBA from Harvard
Business School, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to navigate and excel in male-dominated fields.
Rogers’ career has been a journey of breaking barriers and setting new standards. After completing her education, Rogers moved to Chicago, Illinois to embark on her business career with AT&T. Here she got married to John Rogers and later took on a role as a retail investment executive under entrepreneur Larry Levy. She was appointed to lead the Illinois State Lottery in the year 1990 by Jim Edgar, the Governor of Illinois state by then. By 1997, Rogers had advanced to the position of vice president of corporate communications at Peoples Energy. She was promoted to the position of Chief Marketing Officer in the year 2000 and in the year 2004 the was appointed president of the companies’ utility divisions – Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. Additionally, she also worked as senior vice president in Integrys Energy Group, LLC. Rogers career probably one of her memorable experiences was working as the White House Social Secretary in the Obama administration from January 2009 to February 2010. This was a historic move since
photo courtesy of Harry Walker Agency
Rogers was the first African American woman to join this kind of position.
Having rendered her services in the public sector and impacted society in tremendous ways, she moved to the private sector and again charted new course. On 10th of August in the year, 2010 she joined Johnson Publishing Company where she was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the company. While she was over at London, Rogers strived to appeal the brand and made sure that the company was up and running for the changing world, media world to be precise. Leading Johnson Publishing Company, her focus was in continuing the Black media company while embracing its future developments.
Currently, Desirée Rogers serves as the CEO of Black Opal and Fashion Fair Cosmetics which are products that give the black women that beautiful look they desire. Her job at these companies is not only about marketing the products but also it is about endorsing the Black beauty, making the consumers feel empowered and making sure that Black women are visible in the beauty sector. “I am committed you know to me yeah and to me being committed to black women…” Rogers says during an interview on the Vault Empowers youtube platform. Simplicity and tradition, it is possible to state that Rogers’ approach and interpretation of beauty are genuine and historical. She has brought a major change of these companies by directing them to produce quality products that are essential for Black women. “We need to own these businesses... owning a part of business that you are actually growing the revenue line.” Rogers passionately stated, underscoring her commitment to empowering the Black community through ownership and representation.
Basing on her accomplishment profile one can easily infer that Rogers has always been acknowledged for leadership, vision, and capacity to mobilize other people irrespective of the audience they originate from. She has been recognized by Crain in the “Top 25 Women to Watch” and “Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders”. Black enterprise has ranked her among the “Top 50 Most Powerful African-American Business Women”, “Top 75 Most Powerful Blacks
in Corporate America” and has ranked her among the “50 Most Influential People in the Multicultural Market” by WWD.
Her accolades are a testament to her impact not only in the business world but also in the broader cultural landscape. Indeed, Rogers is not only an inspiring figure in boardrooms and corporate offices but in the society and the entire populace she impacts positively on. The secret to Rogers’ success lies in her unwavering commitment to authenticity. In the course of the interview with Brandi Harvey, Rogers says, “I think everyone deserves to just be themselves yeah you know because we’re all such wonderful people we should just engage it be it and be around people that embrace that…”. She knows the importance of following one’s heart and stays a role model towards others telling them to be happy with what they are. In a world that often tries to conform and silence women, Rogers stands as a beacon of confidence and self-assurance. Her message is clear: So always stand out – be brave, be courageous and, above all else, be unique.
As Rogers prepares to take the stage at the Exceptional Women of Color Awards & Expo, she will engage the audience with her story of overcoming obstacles, creating sustaining legacies, and owning one’s voice. Her presence at the event is not just about delivering a keynote address; it is about making ourselves take responsibility for our experiences, for embracing black-womanhood and the role that holds and making sure we leave behind something for the next generations to see and emulate.
Do not miss this great opportunity of being inspired and empowered in this great event! Visit the official EWOC website at http://www.ewocawards.com to learn more about the event. Do not wait, book your ticket now at ewoc2024.eventbrite.com and secure your spot at the 16th Annual Exceptional Women of Color Awards & Expo! See you there! n
SMOKE Travels: If One Tenant Smokes, Everyone Smokes!
African American communities face big challenges from tobacco use. Did you know that 37% of African Americans living in apartments stay in units of three or more?
Tobacco companies have targeted Black communities for a long time. They use cultural events, music, movies, and TV to make smoking look cool, which gets people hooked on smoking.
Tobacco-related illness is the main cause of death for Black people. Menthol, a flavor in cigarettes, makes smoking easier to start and harder to stop. That’s why 85% of Black smokers prefer menthols. Menthol cigarettes are especially harmful because they make it easier to inhale deeply, bringing more smoke into the lungs. This leads to more sickness and death from smoking.
We frequently hear stories about the limited options residents have for protecting themselves from smoke that drifts into their apartments through walls and windows from neighbors who smoke indoors and on patios. Residents of Sacramento - Brenda and her daughter Terez shared with us that they can’t use the downstairs bathroom in their townhome because of the overwhelming smell of smoke seeping through the shared wall from next door. The bathroom is unusable, and they place towels under the door to try to keep the smoke out. A bathroom is a vital resource in any home and for them it’s the only one on the first floor so they must be prepared to make it upstairs to use the bathroom when they get home. Her daughter has asthma, and it forces her child to stay upstairs, with the windows closed, to avoid triggering an asthma attack.
When she reported her concerns to the property manager, also a smoker, she was ignored, and it created a hostile relationship between her, the neighbor, and the property manager. Her only option is to move, but she did not want to move because it’s expensive, it’s difficult to find a place that she can afford,
Residents of Sacramento: Mother Brenda with Daughter Terez
By Valarie Scruggs, Project Director at Saving Our Legacy for African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places.
Unfortunately, my neighbor’s patio is across from my patio. So when they are smoking on their patio, it’s drifting into my bedroom, which is off of the patio. It’s a hostile living environment now. We have to put a towel under the door and basically just stay inside. I don’t know what else to do. Even if I move out, whoever moves in there is still going to have the same problem and it’s never going to be resolved.
and it would take her daughter away from the school where her friends and community have been built. She also has no guarantee that someone who smokes won’t be in the unit next to her in a new place. So, they are forced to endure the smoke from vapes, cigarettes and marijuana even as it harms their health.
Sacramento residents are not protected from secondhand smoke at home. Studies have shown that for adults and children the home is the main place where they breathe in secondhand smoke. SOL’s Empowering Local Communities to End the Tobacco Epidemic project aims to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, residue, and waste in multi-unit housing and public outdoor places. Smoke-free homes are very important. They protect everyone, especially kids and older people, along with pets from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is harmful and there is no safe level of it. In a survey, 85% of people said smoke-free housing laws would help their community’s health. Our overall goal is to help residents and property managers handle this challenging issue so that everyone can live safe and well.
Smoke-Free homes Protect Everyone’s Health!
This material was developed by the SOL Project, a program of Heluna Health, funded by California Department of Public Health under contract 22-11204. Images in this document are shown for educational purposes only. ©September 2024
It’s a season designed for discovery.
Sean Mason | October 10–12
Brittney Griner | November 3
An Evening of Comedy with W. Kamau Bell | November 8
Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert | November 22
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Big Band Holidays | December 3
Cirque Kalabanté | February 23
To the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Department of Justice, and Customs and Border Protection:
The FDA has only authorized the sale of a handful of e-cigarette products – most of them tobaccoflavored – and stated that “these are the only e-cigarette products that currently may be lawfully sold in the U.S.” Yet the tobacco industry is flooding the market with new e-cigarette products that are sold in thousands of kid-friendly flavors, deliver more nicotine than ever before and now even include built-in video games that make them even more appealing to kids.
There must be an intensified, coordinated, multiagency effort to enforce the law and take these illegal products off the market.
We ask for these concrete changes to help bring the problem under control:
• The FDA must make more frequent use of the full range of available enforcement tools, including fines, product seizures, import restrictions and criminal prosecutions.
• The FDA must impose higher fines to create real incentives to comply with the law.
• CBP and the FDA must prioritize efforts to stop illegal importation of unauthorized products, including flavored disposable
Tell the FDA to eliminate illegal e-cigarettes –NOW!
e-cigarettes from China that have largely supplied the market in recent years.
• The DOJ must prioritize tobacco product enforcement, and the process must be streamlined. The small number of legal actions taken against manufacturers and the significant delays in court proceedings are unacceptable.
• Enforcement actions must be brought against all parties in the supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers.
• The FDA must end the broad exercise of enforcement discretion and fully enforce the law against all unauthorized e-cigarettes, including those with pending marketing applications before the FDA.
• The failure to adequately enforce the law against unauthorized products has real and significant public health consequences.
According to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2.1 million U.S. middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes. The vast majority of them are using unauthorized products with fun flavors and massive doses of highlyaddictive nicotine.
Please act now to clear the market of all unauthorized e-cigarette products – and protect kids!
www.tobaccofreekids.org/get-involved/fda-illegal-ecigs-petition
EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN HONOREES
By Chief Editor, Pleshette Robertson
THE HUB is proud to once again spotlight all of our 2024 EWOC Honorees who will receive the EWOC Excellence Awards at the 16th Annual Exceptional Women of Color (EWOC) Awards & Expo (9/26/2024). THE HUB has recognized several women in this year’s EWOC special edition issue – CEOs, retirees, mothers, and physicians among them – representing everything a woman is and can be while meeting multiple demands. We continue to recognize them as pillars of our community in several categories that include: – Arts and Culture –– Communications and Public Affairs –– Education and Research –– Entrepreneur/Innovator –– Exceptional Career Mom –– Health, Sport & Wellness –– Politics & Government Relations –– Presidential Excellence –– Social Welfare & Community Activism –
CHRISTA ARMSTEAD Entrepreneur/Innovator
CHASTITY BENSON Management and the Professions
CAROL BURTON Entrepreneur/Innovator
CANDACE DAVIS Social Welfare & Community Activism
SHAVAUN DIALLO Management and the Professions
MICHAELA EDWARDS Young Women of Distinction
JOHNNISE FOSTER-DOWNS Politics & Government Relations
ASHLEY GARNER Social Welfare & Community Activism
TRACEY HURD-PARKER Management and the Professions
DANETTA JACKSON Management and the Professions
JOCELYN JACKSON WILLIAMS Entrepreneur/Innovator
VALERIE D. JAMES, ESQ. Education and Research
LANAYA LEWIS Education and Research
YEN MARSHALL Presidential Excellence
GAIL MEEKS Social Welfare & Community Activism
TARA PORTER Management and the Professions
KAY POWELL Management and the Professions
PAMELA RANDALL Management and the Professions
SILVIA L. RODRIGUEZ Social Welfare & Community Activism
DR. LENORE A. TATE, PH.D. Health, Sport & Wellness
DANA TAYLOR-BELL Management and the Professions
DR. ELISA K. TONG Education and Research
KAREN VEASEY Entrepreneur/Innovator
TYFFANIE WEDDING-O’CON Presidential Excellence
CHRISTA ARMSTEAD
PASTOR- SPEAKER- AUTHOR
Christa Armstead is a speaker, pastor, worship leader, and the accomplished author of “Illegitimate: Memoir of A Priest’s Daughter.” With a marriage spanning 37 years, Christa and her husband Guss have been the steadfast anchors of their family, residing in Sacramento, California, where they lovingly raised four remarkable individuals—Aaron, Armond, Alexis, and Arik. Their family has blossomed, extending to include nine cherished grandchildren.
compassionate community advocate
At the core of Christa’s life is her unwavering Christian faith, serving as the guiding force in both her personal and family life. Together, Christa and Guss have played pivotal roles in the establishment of two multiethnic, intergenerational, disciple-making, reconciling, churches— BOSS Bayside of South Sacramento and Midtown Covenant Church. Christa’s passion lies in extending compassion and support to the marginalized and broken within the Sacramento community and beyond.
Christa is a recent graduate of North Park Theological Seminary, where she completed a Master’s in Spiritual Formation. Christa continues to deepen her understanding of faith and spirituality and is committed to being a lifelong learner. Over the past 37 years, she has dedicated herself to spreading the Good News, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s love. As a pastor, her mission is to reach and encourage people of all ages, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. For Christa, the essence of her message is clear: “God’s love is not only powerful enough to save us, but it also holds the profound ability to transform and heal us.”
AT A GLANCE:
Best workday strategy: Center my day with prayer and a quite time
College: Sacramento State University & North Park
Theological Seminary
Celebrity you admire? Oprah for her Philanthropy, Viola Davis for her courage and fortitude
Hobbies: Reading
Marital Status: Married to my college sweetheart, Guss Armstead, Founder & CEO of To The Hoop Basketball Services.
Tell us what you do like and don’t like about your job: I love my job. For the past 20 years I have the privilege of living life on purpose and serving others. If there was one thing I would change or don’t like about my job, it would be the fact that I don’t have access to unlimited resources, in order to be able to meet the many needs of those in our community. I wish that I had a magic wand that could eradicate poverty, prejudice, systems of oppression, and the mental anguish and anxiety that many people are experiencing.
Did you have a mentor? Later in life I had spiritual mentors who helped to shape me and to bring healing. What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? I love the fact that it was developed by a woman and that you have been doing it for so many years. n
MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONS
CHASTITY BENSON
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CALIFORNIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (CSAC)
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Chicago
Book: The Alchemist by Paul Coelho Restaurant: Allora in Sacramento
As Chief Operating Officer for the California Counties Foundation, Ms. Benson directs and manages operations, communications, and member support and services. She also oversees and directs budgeting and fiscal affairs. In this role, she developed and implemented educational programs for County elected officials and senior staff through the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government.
Ms. Benson has been a data driven and results oriented executive, leader and board member in the non-profit sector and government for decades. She is Board chair of Child Action, Inc., Sr. Fellow with Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program (NELP) focused on developing diverse leaders to lead change within their organizations and communities and founding member and leader with youth sports in low-income communities. As a leader within the executive team of the California Department of Finance, she was the department’s liaison to the Governor’s Office, Constitutional Officers, the Legislature, and many external stakeholders. Ms. Benson served as the Member Relations Coordinator for the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association where she managed the association’s conferences and events, and printed materials.
Ms. Benson has a deep commitment to public service and to working tirelessly to expand opportunities for lowincome people and people of color. She is a problem solver, a leader, analytical and action and results oriented professional.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Drive
Best workday strategy: Review your calendar!
Celebrity you admire: Marian Wright Edelman and Dream Hampton because they get the work done.
Church: New Life Christan Ministry
Hero: My mother, Mary Benson, was – and always will be – my SHEro. From her unwavering commitment to public
generous passionate stubborn
service to her tireless efforts to expand opportunities for marginalized communities, my mother instilled a value of civic responsibility and the importance of creating pathways for all to thrive. I credit my mother for inspiring my own commitment to public service. Her profound influence empowers me to push through every day.
Best life experience: My best life experience was giving birth to my child. The entire journey, from pregnancy to childbirth, was transformative and filled with profound moments of connection and anticipation. It taught me about strength, resilience, and the incredible capacity of the human body and spirit. As a teen mother I had no idea of the challenges that parenting would present, but the path to childbirth shaped the woman I am today.
Something people would be surprised to know about you: I like arranging flowers. This very recent past time brings me serenity as I focus on the beauty of living organisms.
Do have a mentor? I have many mentors, and my tribe keeps me balanced. Each mentor has played a unique role in my personal and professional growth. They offer guidance, share their wisdom, and provide invaluable support during challenging times.
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? You know what time it is. Voter education is key in our collective priority to see all communities thrive.
Slogan you live by: Less caption, more action. What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? I appreciate their dedication to spotlighting Black women-owned businesses and their impact on economic mobility and community growth. n
CAROL BURTON
FOUNDER AND CEO OF JEWELD LEGACY GROUP, LLC
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Portugal
Ms. Burton is the founder and CEO of Jeweld Legacy Group, LLC, the creator of the podcast and show “Minding Our Own Business,” and the founder of The GLB Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice. Ms. Burton is the former executive director of two non-profit agencies, Centerforce and the Osborne Association in NYC, NY. She is a well-respected and sought after consultant, known for her ability to translate policy into practice and transform leadership teams. She served as the interim director of Alameda County Behavioral Health, providing leadership and oversight of the administration of the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Plan for MediCal beneficiaries from 2017-2019. Ms. Burton also serves as strategic advisor to several elected officials and government leaders on mental health, addiction, homelessness and criminal justice policy related matters. With 30 years of experience within correctional facilities and reentry programs, Ms. Burton has designed many collaborations including New York Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership, Bay Area Children of Incarcerated Parents and the Alameda County JusticeInvolved Mental Health Task Force. She served as the principal investigator for the country’s first comprehensive program and longitudinal study on children of the incarcerated, and is the recipient of The White House Champion of Change Award for her outstanding work on behalf of children of incarcerated parents. Ms. Burton also serves as an advisor on several initiatives, including the Sesame Street toolkit “Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration.”
listener, a generous stranger, a cultivator of relationships and a curator of good times. For those who are meeting Carol for the first time it is difficult to know whether she is working or playing because of the feelings of joy and freedom that is experienced by all. Her goal in life is to support the success of others.
AT A GLANCE:
Do you have a mentor? My brother is a certified Executive Coach and has guided and supported me for decades. My mentor, big sister and friend, Gloria Coles, gave me many opportunities and great advice over the years.
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? This is a great time to be alive and our time is now! We have access to our ancestors to guide and influence our actions and steps. We have the freedom to voice our opinion and vote in the 2024 presidential election for an African American woman.
Slogan you live by: The future is ours, it will be what we want it to be, and future belongs to good people.
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? Thank you for connecting us and raising our voices. n ENTREPRENEUR/INNOVATOR
Ms. Burton has a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S.W. from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. She serves on the Board of Directors for Baywell Health (formerly West Oakland Health), one of the country’s oldest Federally Qualified Health Center serving African Americans, she is a life time member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is an advisor for the National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated, Rutgers University at Camden. As a CEO, non-profit leader, mentor, coach, trusted strategic advisor, board member or colleague, Carol is always cultivating and nurturing relationships. She is a gifted leader, a great
SOCIAL WELFARE & COMMUNITY ACTIVISM
CANDACE DAVIS
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES MANAGER, WEAVE
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway:
Any vacation that includes a beautiful location, good food, entertainment and relaxing with family and friends is a perfect getaway. Currently on my bucket list is to go on vacation on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise 2025.
compassionate resourceful analytical
Book: The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers
Restaurant: Swans Seafood Depot in San Francisco, CA and Red Lobster
Candace Davis is a Residential Service Manager at WEAVE in Sacramento, CA, where she provides vital supportive services for individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or sex trafficking. In her role, Candace oversees the 24/7 operations of the Residential Safehouse and Transitional Housing Programs, implementing policies, procedures, and safety/security guidelines, while fostering a supportive community among residents.
With over a decade of professional and lived experience, Candace has a proven track record of building genuine connections with both residents and staff, contributing significantly to the success of various intervention and support initiatives. Her leadership is characterized by a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach, meeting residents where they are and guiding them through their healing journeys.
Prior to joining WEAVE, Candace served as a Home Visitor at Birth and Beyond, where she played a key role in streamlining operations, maximizing program benefits, and enhancing client satisfaction through crisis intervention, emergency assessments, evaluations, and reporting. Her extensive training and certifications further support her expertise in her field.
Candace is deeply passionate about civic involvement and advocacy, particularly focusing on issues affecting marginalized communities, especially Black women and girls. She enjoys spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, as well as soaking up quiet moments outdoors, reading, and binge-watching her favorite shows. Known as a “quiet storm,” Candace is a lifelong learner who is both empowered and strategic in fostering effective, lasting change in systems and processes.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Quiet Storm
Best workday strategy: Includes but not limited to starting my day with prayer, prioritizing and delegating tasks, blocking time for final day wrap-up and reflection, creating a next day action plan and incorporating self-care throughout the day.
Church: I’m looking for a church home in Sacramento. Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my children and grandson, visiting with my cousin in the Bay area, reading, binge watching movies on several streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Peacock. I especially love sitting peacefully looking at God’s nature.
Hero: My cousin, Korri Collins. A survivor of domestic violence, Korri has faced immense trials with remarkable strength and grace. Through her own struggles, she has remained a steadfast beacon of light in my life. Always a confidant, she has supported and embraced me unconditionally, providing a safe space and a source of unwavering support. Her resilience and discernment continue to inspire me, and I will always cherish her presence and the calmness she brings.
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? Vote! Our ancestors fought hard to vote, we owe it to them. We can’t hope that situations will change without actively helping candidates get elected who will create that change.
Slogan you live by: “Do it afraid” and “Think about what you’re thinking”
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? THE HUB magazine is a great resource and keeps the community informed about trainings, workshops, business, events and entertainment. It also provides information on health and wellness, finances, political advocacy and community investment. n
MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONS
SHAVAUN DIALLO
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS OWNER OF EXPRESS WEAVE BAR
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Turks & Caicos tied with St. CROIX
Book: Letters to My Mother in Heaven which actually isn’t a book per say. It’s a guide and journal. It’s very therapeutic Restaurant: Zinfandel Grille
Shavaun Diallo, a Sacramento native, has built an impressive academic and professional career, earning an Associate and Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Atlanta, GA, and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. She has dedicated over a decade to the University of California, Davis, where she serves as the Assistant Director of Operations. In her role, Shavaun has excelled in leadership, administrative, and finance-based positions, playing a pivotal role in change management, diversity and inclusion initiatives, system implementations, and other UC projects. Her expertise in financial and business operations, combined with her exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, underscores her ability to drive meaningful change with emotional intelligence.
Proud mother to three sons—Ebraheem, Elijah, and Emir—Shavaun is an active participant in their education and extracurricular activities. She is a dedicated member of their school PTGs and an enthusiastic sports mom, always present and vocal at football, track, basketball, and swim events. #BoyMom
Beyond her professional and family life, Shavaun is the entrepreneurial force behind Express Weave Bar, which she founded in 2016 on Stockton Blvd. The salon, now located in the pocket area, was honored as the “Emerging Business of the Year” by the City of Sacramento and Stockton Blvd Business Association in 2020. Serving thousands of clients from Sacramento to the Bay Area, and beyond, Express Weave Bar has become a well-known name, celebrated in local radio spots and billboards. Although Shavaun doesn’t personally do hair, she is a Licensed Nail Technician and Esthetician passionate about the beauty industry and helping clients achieve positive body goals.
In recognition of her community service and
entrepreneurial spirit, Shavaun was featured as a SHEro by KSFM 102.5 in 2021. Her salon has been a proud sponsor of “Project Birthday,” a non-profit organization that hosts birthday parties for children in foster care and shelters.
On a personal note, Shavaun enjoys sharing her knowledge and encouraging young people to excel. She loves crafting, shopping, home improvement projects, spending time with loved ones, and traveling to tropical destinations. Shavaun embodies a blend of professional excellence, entrepreneurial success, and personal dedication to her family and community.
AT A GLANCE:
Best workday strategy: Start early and finish strong.
Celebrity you admire? Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan for her ambitious demeanor and ability to change the narrative.
Church: MidTown Sacramento
Hero: Sheila McCowan-Veal (My mother). I never met anyone smarter, selfless or giving.
Best life experience: Moving to Georgia at 19 with nothing planned... And making a wonderful life for myself.
Do you have a mentor? In high school my basketball coach showed me that speaking your mind and not always being ‘favored’ is ok. I still admire Coach Burch to this day for her outspokenness.
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? #TeamHarris. The Right must be defeated. POC (people of color), undeserved, women and the average working class U.S. citizen isn’t a factor in the decisions of America if not.
Slogan you live by: You can do anything for a year.... and a lot can change in one year so give “it” a try. Hang in there. n
YOUNG WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
MICHAELA EDWARDS
DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE ACCESS & COMPLETION, IMPROVE YOUR TOMORROW (IYT)
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: New York
Book: Fugitive Pedagogy by Jarvis Garvins
Restaurant: Any Mexican food restaurant
Michaela Edwards is currently serving as the Director of College Access and Completion at Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT), which is dedicated to increasing the number of young men of color to attend and graduate from colleges and universities. Michaela’s dedication to the much-needed work IYT provides is beyond the scope of just a job but rather a lifestyle. IYT allows our young men of color to grow and see their capabilities to change society’s narrative about them. She is also a senior fellow of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program (NELP) and serves on the board at 916 Ink.
Michaela holds a BA in Political Science from the University of the Pacific and a Master’s in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from Sacramento State University. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Sacramento State University. Outside of work, she enjoys meeting new people and building strong, meaningful relationships with others.
AT A GLANCE:
Best workday strategy: Begin with an early morning start, create a to-do list, check calendar.
Celebrity you admire? Denzel Washington - best motivational speeches and commitment to personal values.
Hobbies: Binge movies and shows
Best life experience: Getting the opportunity to see my legacy and the meaningful impact I had on my freshman class of mentees. Four years after leaving my hometown for college, some of my mentees reached out to share their successes, attributing them to the foundation of love and support I provided during their first year of high school. It’s like the saying from the Hamilton musical, “Legacy is planting seeds in a garden you never get to see,” but for me, the best life experience has been seeing that garden flourish.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? During 8th grade, I was preparing to audition for the X Factor to become a singer.
Did you have a mentor? I have had three impactful mentors in my life: Mr. Bunn, my 8th-grade math teacher, who went beyond the normal expectations and saw my exceptional potential. Tavaris, my resident director at the University of the Pacific, who believed in my greatness and pushed me to reach my full potential. Bryan, my program manager at Improve Your Tomorrow, who believed in me as a mentor and challenged me to continue on my destined path.
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? Register to vote. This election is an opportunity to be on the right side of history. It is crucial to support candidates of color to ensure diverse representation and voices in leadership.
Slogan you live by: “Without commitment, you will never start, and without consistency, you will never finish.”
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? I appreciate that they take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate women of color.n
JOHNNISE FOSTER-DOWNS
VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC POLICY, SACRAMENTO AND CALIFORNIA ASIAN PACIFIC CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Europe, Cabo San Lucas, Costa Rica
Book: I’ve read many, many, many books; It’s hard to choose a favorite. I will say a book that made a huge impression on me was, Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem by April Ryan.
Restaurant: The Kitchen
Johnnise Foster-Downs is the Vice President of Public Policy for the Sacramento (SacAsian) and California Asian Pacific (CalAsian) Chambers. With over 20 years of experience in political and government affairs, Johnnise has held public and private sector positions. Ms. FosterDowns is a seasoned and accomplished government affairs professional who can navigate complex political landscapes and advocate for crucial industry issues. Johnnise’s expertise lies in building solid relationships with key stakeholders and developing strategic advocacy plans. With a strong track record of success, Johnnise has successfully influenced the outcome of numerous high-profile issues.
Before joining the SacAsian and CalAsian Chambers, Johnnise managed Government and Public Affairs for PG&E. Prior to PG&E, she was the Municipal Services Manager with Republic Services – a multi-billion-dollar, Fortune 300 waste and recycling company, where she managed municipal contracts and government affairs for the Sacramento Business Unit. Before joining Republic, Johnnise served as the Director of Public Policy for the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Johnnise also held positions as the Director of Local Government Affairs for the California Restaurant Association; she was the Field Rep for County Supervisor Roger Niello and Senior Field Rep for Congressman Doug Ose. Johnnise graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Johnnise is known for her integrity, commitment to public service, and dedication to positively impacting her community. She is passionate about ensuring fair and equitable policies that benefit all stakeholders and believes in the power of collaboration and consensus-building to achieve meaningful change.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Positivity
Best workday strategy: Review schedule the night before and make a list. I’m a list person. The top three items on the list are the things that must be accomplished that day.
Celebrity you admire? Michelle
positive determined loyal
Obama – She showed America grace and beauty and that there is strength in taking the high road.
Bible school: Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research
Hobbies: Reading, traveling
Hero: My mother. She’s always made a lot out of nothing. She is the epitome of commitment, dedication, and perseverance.
Best life experience: I have a lot of amazing life experiences from kissing a camel and backpacking through Europe to driving on a BMW racetrack; however, raising my daughter – watching her grow into the amazing young woman she is, has been my greatest joy.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? I love going to the dentist. I grew up in a family of dentists and dental assistants and I look forward to every visit to the dentist. I would go once a month!
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? Sacculturalhub.com is a one-stop shop of information for everything you need. You can learn about an upcoming concert, politics, and a job opportunity, among many other things. n
SOCIAL WELFARE & COMMUNITY ACTIVISM
ASHLEY GARNER
CLTRE KEEPER PROGRAM DIRECTOR/REALTOR/DEVELOPER
CLTRE, STRATEGIC HOMEOWERSHIP SOLUTIONS & ALL CITY HOMES
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Turks and Caicos
Book: African Goddess Initiation by Abiola Abrams Restaurant: Horn BBQ in Oakland. My family’s restaurant.
Known as the “Home buyer strategist,” Ashley Garner is a passionate real estate professional and super-mom who‘s been a driving force in the housing industry for over a decade.
Ashley’s expertise in creating effective strategies has not only helped numerous clients secure their first homes with minimal to no down payment, she also provided financial coaching through local organizations, along with post homeownership support. Her dedication extends beyond these achievements, as she has also pioneered an award-winning initiative focused on increasing black homeownership in California through targeted outreach and education along with post homeownership support.
In the wake of the Covid crisis, Ashley played a pivotal role in channeling much-needed funds to underserved Californian communities, ensuring that affected families
had access to free housing counseling. As the Program Director for the CLTRE Keeper Homeownership program, she remains unwaveringly committed to providing essential resources and assistance, empowering the BIPOC community to navigate the homebuying and investment processes effectively.
With an unyielding commitment to exceeding client expectations, Ashley’s dedication to financial education and successful homeownership has earned her the trust and appreciation of those she serves.
AT A GLANCE:
Best workday strategy Time management. Make sure to take your mental breaks during the work day.
Person you admire: Nikki Beasley who I give the utmost respect. She has been the most piviotal person in my life personally and professionally. She has shown me what it means to be a true leader in our community and words can’t express the gratitude I have for her.
Hobbies: Skate, write poetry, and make music.
Hero: My daughter Brielle. She has taught me so much being her mom every day. I wake up striving to be better to show her nothing is impossible. In return I get the most beautiful thing possible from her which is unconditional love.
Best life experience: Stepping in front of my first cohort of buyers and creating a community that still supports each other till this day.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? I have recorded about 6 songs and enjoy making music with my little brother.
Did you have a mentor? Nikki Beasely and Tia BoatmanPatterson. They have both shaped me to be the powerful force to reckon with in these real estate streets. They have guided me through the housing industry, real estate development and personally through life which I am forever grateful for.
Slogan you live by: If you don’t build your own dream you, will be hired to build someone else’s.
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? I love how it has been a staple in the Sacramento community, showcasing the amazing people, events and business that are in our region. n
MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONS
TRACEY HURD-PARKER
LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, CALIFORNIA BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Negril, Jamaica has become my home away from home.
Book: The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah and Becoming by Michelle Obama
Restaurant: Chason’s Crab Stadium
dedicated creative compassionate
Tracey Hurd-Parker is a dedicated public servant with a distinguished career spanning over 26 years in the California Legislature. Born in Los Angeles and raised in West Covina, CA, Tracey’s journey in public service began in 1997 with Assemblymember Mike Machado. Her commitment to legislative excellence led her through various roles, including Special Assistant to Senator Kevin Murray and Senior Scheduler/Special Projects Manager for Senator/Chairwoman Holly J. Mitchell.
As Committee Consultant for the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee, Tracey worked closely with elected officials and lobbyists, offering strategic insights that left a lasting impact on legislative processes and community empowerment.
During her tenure, Tracey played a pivotal role in shaping legislative initiatives, notably contributing to SB 188, the Crown Act. She coined the acronym “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN)” for this landmark legislation, signed into law by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, which made California the first state to ban race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and schools. The law protects natural hair textures and hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, and bantu knots. Since retiring from the Legislature, Tracey utilizes her legislative knowledge and relationships to assist lobbying firms and work with the California Black Chamber of Commerce as legislative liaison, focusing on special projects and community programs for the Chamber.
She is a proud mother of three and grandmother of eight. Tracey loves to travel, especially to the Caribbean, and is affectionately known as a “Jamerican!” She is a songwriter and poet and designs clothing and jewelry. In her spare time, she co-hosts the Queens at Night Radio Show on KDEE 97.5, showcasing her love of old school music and her commitment to enjoying life.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Royal and loyal
Best workday strategy: Start early!
Person you admire? Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. While working for her in the Senate, she inspired me and allowed me to stretch and express myself professionally and creatively.
Hobbies: Event planning, traveling and spending time with my sister/friends and my grandboo-boos.
Hero: My dad, Lafayette. He was as close to a superhero as anyone could ever get.
Best life experience: My all-white attire, beachfront wedding in Jamaica with 100 family members and close friends.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I was a child actress in movies, sitcoms and commercials.
Who were your mentors? My former boss, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and my former Chief of Staff, Tiffani Alvidrez. They both led by example and pushed me to be better and want more.
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential and voting? My thoughts remain the same for every election. Voting should be mandatory, regardless of who is on the ballot.
Slogan you live by: When people show you who they really are, believe them the first time.
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? I love the fact that we have access to the latest Urban entertainment and news with the “Flava”
MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONS
DANETTA JACKSON
CHIEF OF THE STATEWIDE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM, THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES (DGS) PROCUREMENT
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Cabo is one of my favorite places to visit.
Book: Becoming by Michelle Obama Restaurant: Q1227 Restaurant and Fixins Soul Food
Danetta Jackson is the Chief of the Statewide Supplier Diversity Program at the California Department of General Services (DGS) Procurement Division. As a key member of the executive team, she develops and implements strategic, data-driven initiatives to promote equity in state contracting for small and diverse businesses. A passionate leader, Ms. Jackson is dedicated to breaking down barriers in state contracting and leads the Government Operations Agency Minority-Owned Small Business Task Force, guiding initiatives to create a more inclusive business landscape.
Previously, Ms. Jackson served as the state’s Business Outreach Program Manager for 13 years. In this role, she excelled in overseeing outreach strategies, building external partnerships, managing communications, ensuring compliance with state contracting goals, and leading the department’s Small Business Advisory Council.
Ms. Jackson is recognized for her collaborative efforts in fostering economic impact. As a member of the UC Supplier Diversity Advisory Council, she played a key role in the UC’s adoption of a 25 percent diverse business contracting goal and the creation of the Small Business First Program. She also facilitated a small business certification reciprocity partnership with DGS, resulting in an additional $5 billion annually in opportunities for small and diverse businesses.
Ms. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CSU, Sacramento, and has completed Management and Executive Leadership Certificate Programs there. She is an active member of the Sacramento Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women and was appointed as the 3rd Vice President July 2024. In this capacity, she advocates for the African American community on issues such as education, health equity, economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, and social justice.
Additionally, Ms. Jackson volunteers with the Center for Collaborative Planning’s “Be Bothered Movement,” advocating against underage drinking and marijuana use in communities of color.
Ms. Jackson’s multifaceted contributions reflect her dedication to both professional excellence and community impact.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Compassionate
Best workday strategy: I make sure I have scheduled “focus time” on my calendar each day
Celebrity you admire? Michelle Obama for her inspirational leadership, advocacy work, authenticity, dedication to empowerment and community service, intellectual accomplishments, and her role as a positive and relatable role model. She consistently exhibited grace in the public eye even under scrutiny. Her contributions will always have a lasting impact.
Church: New Home Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Anthony Robertson
Hobbies: Music, skating and supporting the grandchildren at their sporting events/activities.
Hero: My late father, Officer Dan Ware, is my hero because he dedicated his life to nurturing and mentoring the young people in South Sacramento through his tireless work with the Airport Little League. His commitment to the community was unwavering, as he poured his heart and soul into providing guidance, support, and encouragement to countless children and teenagers. n
JOCELYN JACKSON WILLIAMS
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, REACH UP REACH OUT | CERTIFICATION TRAINER, GRIEF RECOVERY INSTITUTE | LIFE COACH AND ENTREPRENEUR
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: I would like to go to Bora Bora and hang out in a bungalow over the water and just chill out; I would love to go on a foodie tour throughout Italy and France. I discovered through 23andme that I am 44% Nigerian so I want to go to Nigeria as well as Ghana since they are offering citizenship to all AfricanAmericans.
Book: I’ll mention two books, one is essential for faith and the other for relationships. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (devotional) and How to Be an Adult in Relationships by David Richo Restaurant: Tower Cafe
Jocelyn has been working for the past 15 years as a Certification Trainer for the Grief Recovery Institute, helping people heal from devastating loss and heartbreak. Incorporating life coaching into her repertoire, she is thrilled to continue supporting beyond healing and recovery to identify what values are most important to them and demonstrate those qualities in their life.
insightful empathetic foodie
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: I’d have to say that my natural hair pineapple hairstyle is my most obvious trademark, although I am doing my best to explore other natural hairstyles.
Best workday strategy: Workout first, review my weekly/daily notes and tasks, answer emails, start to tackle my daily to do list.
Celebrity you admire? Chrissy Tiegen for her cooking skills, devotion to family, and sense of humor. Regina Hall is the most underrated actress! She is hilarious but also a tremendous dramatic actor. I admire Dave Chapelle for being able to dissect socio-political truths and explain them with authentic humor.
Church: Praise Fellowship Bible Church (Richmond; but since Covid and having a baby, we have mostly been watching online).
Hobbies: Cookbooks and Pinterest exploration.
Hero: My mother was the epitome of unconditional love. I miss her very much.
As the Director of Operations for the non-profit Reach Up Reach Out, Jocelyn engages with donors and manages the daily operations of the organization allowing RURO to live out its mission to provide holistic care for orphans and widows in seven countries.
As a certified Behavioral Analyst, Mrs. Jackson Williams has a background in consulting for couples and churches. Her areas of focus were team building and relationship counseling utilizing the tools of the DISC personality profile and Fierce Conversations program.
With an M.F.A. in Dramatic Art, Jocelyn has appeared on stage, television, and commercials. A couple of notable performances are House M.D. and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Mrs. Jackson Williams is a published author. You can find her musings on her blogspot at jocelynjacksonwilliams.com and in her monthly column ‘Jocelyn Takes On’ with the Sacramento Observer.
Best life experience: As a teenager, winning the league championship for the 100m hurdles. In my twenties, booking my first professional acting job. In my thirties, discovering more of my purpose through the work of grief recovery. In my forties, getting married and getting pregnant. Of all these that I’ve mentioned, I’d have to pick getting pregnant because the medical profession kept feeding me statistics of how impossible it was going to be for me in my mid/late forties but I held on to my faith and was able to prove them wrong as a 47-year old.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? My husband knows but I love DIYs. I make my own body butter, body scrub, air freshener, laundry soap, dishwashing soap, shampoo/clay mixture, almond milk, butter. I’m not as deep as Nara Smith but I’m doing my thing! n
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
VALERIE D. JAMES, ESQ.
SENIOR ASSISTANT DEAN OF ADMISSIONS, FINANCIAL AID, AND DIVERSITY INITIATIVES, UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC MCGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: My husband and I are able to travel a lot but one of our favorite getaways was in Pacifica, California.
Book: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sing by Maya Angelou
Restaurant: Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant in Roseville
With 15 years of higher education administration and over 20 years of legal experience, Valerie D. James, Esq., serves as the current senior assistant dean of admissions, financial aid, and diversity initiatives and director of the Center for Inclusion and Diversity at the University of Pacific (UOP) McGeorge School of Law.
James has previously served as the assistant dean of student affairs at UC Davis Graduate School of Management, the inaugural assistant dean of admissions and scholarships at UNT Dallas College of Law, and the assistant dean of admissions, scholarships and student affairs at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. She has also served as the Chief Operating Officer for KIPP Delta Public Schools in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, overseeing district operations and management of over 200 employees at five public charter schools in the Mississippi delta region. James graduated magna cum laude with B.S., degrees in Professional and Technical Writing and Criminal Justice (2003) as well as a Juris Doctor degree with honors from the University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law (2008) and an Arkansas attorney’s license (2008). James serves on several select national and university committees. James’ work also includes strategic programming for historically excluded student pipeline and pathway activities to increase inclusion, access, and opportunities for minoritized, LGBTQ, students with disabilities, and first-generation students. She is a member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) and the Society for Diversity, Inc., a 2024 Sacramento Black History Month Expo ‘History Maker from Home” honoree, and a University of Pacific 2023 “People of Pacific” honoree. She is an adjunct professor at the McGeorge School of Law and an active member of the Arkansas Bar.
authentic thoughtful inspiring
James’ career boldly focuses on building and leading effective diverse, inclusive, and equitable educational and operational programs, creating access to inspire, build community, and impact the next generation of lawyers and leaders.
AT A GLANCE:
Best workday strategy: Block out on your calendar 15 minutes every morning to think through your day considering the acronym created by Coach Lou Holtz: WIN (What’s Important Now). Thinking about what you want to accomplish, what is crucial to get done, and what is important but not urgent, helps you to navigate choice, identify prioritization, and hold fast to accountability. As you organize your workload, think through how you will show up that day for your colleagues. Being thoughtful, present, and collaborative builds trust that will create cohesion and transform teams.
Celebrity person you admire? Actor, Viola Davis— her resilience and innate power to be her own self, authentically, remaining true to herself, her lived experience, and her choices. She inspires to never forget your journey and where you come from. For me, that is a young black girl from the south who grew up with incredulous racism and discrimination and told often by biased educators that I was not smart enough to go to college or become a lawyer so think “smaller.” What did they know? To freely and completely love the skin that I am in and own every aspect of my god given features— my hair, eyes, nose, body and tenacious spirt, was profound and freeing. I enter every room with my head high and presence of kindness because I am supposed to be there. Thank you, Viola Davis, for being the example of love, representation, and courage that I draw from and share with law students, mentees, and young kids all across the nation. n
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
LANAYA LEWIS
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER/SENIOR
WRITER, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Toronto. It’s the only time I’ve been out of the country and loved every moment of it!
Book: I’ve always loved the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. These books give us a glimpse of real-life stories of people from all ages and walks of life.
Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse. The rolls are so good!
Lanaya Lewis is a reputable journalist and publicist known for her visually appealing storytelling and passion for community engagement.
In 2009, Lanaya started building her brand at YR Media (formally Youth Radio) in Oakland. She wrote for the mayor’s newsletter, scripted and acted in educational YouTube videos and published her first article in the HuffPost. From her experiences, she knew she wanted to be an on-air reporter. After graduating from Oakland High School, she went on to Norfolk State University, a HBCU in Norfolk, VA. There she became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and secured her first news job before graduating in 2016 with her bachelor’s in mass communications.
It was between 2017 to 2021, Lanaya finally stepped in front of the camera, reporting on the biggest breaking news in Mississippi and North Carolina – including the overturned conviction of Curtis Flowers and Ronnie Long, the inhumane treatment and conditions at Parchman Prison, the historic change to the Mississippi state flag and much more. Her stories have landed her in the Washington Post, Essence, CBSN, A&E’s documentary Exposing Parchman, and the ID Channel’s American Detective.
In 2021, Lanaya left the broadcast industry after losing her son Kameron while she was 20 weeks pregnant. PROM (premature rupture of membranes) is what doctors say happened. She felt there was no way she could go back in front of the camera and speak to other families going through their own hurt and trauma.
She moved back home to California where she would start a new career in communications and public relations. She ended up having her rainbow baby Kayden after suffering through hyperemesis gravidarum and incompetence
cervix throughout the entire pregnancy. While on bedrest during pregnancy she began freelancing as a publicist, working with a boutique PR agency from New York – and eventually working for Sacramento State as the public information officer. When Lanaya is not working, she’s running around with her 2-year-old son, serving as the media-related representative on the National Association of Black Journalists, Sacramento board and doing community service with her sorority.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Authentic
Best workday strategy: Organize and use project management tools to divide time and delegate.
Hobbies: Experimenting with makeup. It’s always been an outlet for me to be creative.
Hero: My mother. I admire my mother for shaping me into the woman I am today. Being raised in a single-parent household, she never showed the hardships she had to go through. She worked, taught me the value of an education at an early age, and always reminded me to be confident in myself and the decisions I make. To this day, I carry that mindset and it’s because of her I know what it means to care and love for my son.
Best life experience: Becoming a mother. I not only have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), but during pregnancy I suffered from very traumatic conditions that no one should have to go through. My first pregnancy, I lost my first son Kameron at 20 weeks from PROM (premature rupture of membranes) and suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). During my second pregnancy with my rainbow baby Kayden, I suffered from HG and found out I had incompetent cervix (IC). It was a painful and lonely nine months where I thought I wasn’t going to make it. I lost 30 pounds in 2 months. Once I had Kayden, I was mom to my handsome baby boy. At one point, I thought I would never see the day of me becoming a mother. n
PRESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE
YEN MARSHALL
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MY SISTER’S HOUSE
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Visiting the coastal areas in Maui.
Book: You’ve Been CHOSEN by Cynt Marshall. This is a personal memoir that is full of optimism, offering hope and guidance to those who are facing cancer. In this book, Cynt shows you how to believe in your own power to walk through a path that you have been chosen to take on.
Restaurant: Harry’s Café which is no longer in business, as a result of the pandemic.
Yen Marshall has been recently appointed to serve as Chief Executive Officer for My Sister’s House. She has a lifelong passion for supporting survivors, community, diversity & inclusion within the non-profit sector. As a culturally attuned, trilingual leader, she leverages a deep understanding of people to build efficient and effective programs that help those who need it most. For her accomplishments, Yen was recognized with the Sacramento Business Journal “2021 Women Who Mean Business Honoree.”, and the Sacramento Bee “2022 Top 25 AAPI Change Makers”.
Her career ignited at AT&T where she took the reins with DEI program development and leadership. She stood as the primary voice to communicate the company’s mission to California legislators and regulators to influence policy, partnerships and change for the better. Yen’s reputation for excellence then took her to serve as National Executive Director for the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), where she owned all aspects of finances, staffing, partnerships, branding, and donor engagement during the pandemic. In her current role as the Executive Director at My Sister’s House, she leads the vision and strategy to scale the non-profit organization and provide the best direct services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human and sex trafficking.
Yen holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento. Over her 30+ year career, she has served as a Board Member and Board Advisor at many local and national non-profit organizations, including Women of AT&T Sacramento, InspirASIAN Northern CA Chapter, My Sister’s House, Expanding Your Horizons Sacramento, City Year Sacramento, College Track Sacramento, and the national organization, Asian
American Unity Coalition (AAUC). Yen is a senior fellow of Nehemiah Emerging Leader Program (NELP) and American Leadership Forum (ALF) Mountain Valley Chapter. Yen plans to continue her path as a thought leader and innovator within the non-profit space.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Responsible, compassionate, giving, fair, patient
Best workday strategy: Wake up before the alarm, have a healthy breakfast, go for a short walk, check the calendar for the schedule of the day, and don’t check email until I am at work.
Celebrity person you admire? Cynt Marshall – Former AT&T Executive and current CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. She is an authentic and inspirational leader. She has spent her entire life beating personal odds while helping everyone she meets. She’s a great role model.
Church: Sacramento Buddhist Church
Hobbies: Cooking, hiking
Hero: My father. He helped my family and over 400 other people to leave a communist country, Vietnam, on two small boats, seeking freedom. It took us 8 days to cross the South China Sea to settle in Hong Kong as refugees before migrating to the U.S.A. We survived and gained our freedom.
Best life experience: Being able to go back to visit my birthplace with my husband and kids gave me a sense of closure and pride. Together we also went to parts of the country that I had never been to. Being able to explore beautiful coastlines in Vietnam with my family and showing my kids where I grew up is an experience I would never forget.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? I enrolled in college when I could barely speak English and I majored in Computer Science because I was hoping I didn’t have to speak English much at work. n
GAIL MEEKS
FIRST LADY AT CITY CHURCH OF SACRAMENTO
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Bodega Bay and Healdsburg, CA
Restaurant: IL Fornaio
A native of Sacramento, Gail is the youngest of three daughters born to Joseph and Ida Rogers. After graduating Kennedy High School, Gail went on to graduate from CSU Sacramento and St. Mary’s College, where she received her graduate degree in Leadership. A gifted teacher and inspiring speaker, Gail is passionate about helping meet the needs of single mothers and their families in our community.
Prior to serving as City Church’s First Lady, Gail was the Assistant Divison Chief at the Environmental and Occupational Disease Control in the Department of Public Health, State of California.
Gail is married to Mark, who serves as the pastor of City Church of Sacramento. He and Gail are the proud parents of four children and eight grandchildren.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: “I can do all things in Christ that strengthens me!”
Best workday strategy: Plan but be prepared for revision.
Celebrity you admire? CeCe Winans. She presents as being rooted, mature and confident in her faith.
Hobbies: Bowling, journaling, reading
Hero: Jesus the Christ. Because He gave His all and was obedient to the end.
Best life experience: Retirement after 35 years of State service.
Something people should be surprised to know about you? I enjoy driving fast.
Slogan you live by: This too shall pass.
Did you have a mentor? My mother. She has served as an incredible role model and woman of faith and integrity.
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? The election in November is extremely consequential and underscores the importance of knowing the issues and the candidates. Our vote is important now and for generations to come. We must be mindful of the democracy we have and the freedoms we enjoy, striving for a better tomorrow.
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? I love the focus on identifying and uplifting people and issues of our community that would otherwise go unnoticed and unrecognized. n
MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONS
TARA PORTER
MANAGER, CUSTOMER STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS, SMUD
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Celebrated my 5-year wedding anniversary in St Marteen with a couple my husband and I met on our honeymoon that were married on the same day we were and were also on their honeymoon. A bonus was that my sister and her husband planned a trip at the same time by chance. So the 3 couples had an amazing trip together.
Book: Outliers by Malcom
Gladwell
Restaurant: Ella
passionate caring servant-at-heart
Tara Porter is a people leader and difference-maker in her role at SMUD. Over the course of the past 24 years, Ms. Porter has had the opportunity to become familiar with the essential functions of various departments within SMUD. She has successfully managed projects and continuous improvement initiatives of varying complexity. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she is skilled at creating an accountability culture and increasing engagement within teams by effectively managing change and gaining employee buy-in. Ms. Porter is a strong communicator which has enabled her to negotiate, collaborate, and build effective relationships.
At SMUD, she was a crucial part of the original Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Tiger team and took an active and role in standing up SMUD’s Call Center and Data Management core services as well as acquiring new CCA business. In her current role, she is responsible for leading a group of technical experts that deliver timely and accurate billing and load settlement activities for more than 1.8 million customer accounts. In addition to her Billing Operations experience, she has extensive customer service experience, knowledge of the meter to cash and distribution system processes, Outage management, technical troubleshooting, and is skilled in the application of SMUD’s systems, policies, procedures, rules and regulations. She has been an active participant and advocate of the SCORCH process ensuring employees can work safely every day. Her experience and knowledge have allowed her to build and maintain credibility across the entire organization.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Extremely warm and charismatic but also no nonsense.
Best workday strategy: Every day is an interview!
Church: Harvest Church – Elk Grove, CA
Hobbies: Hanging out with my family, cooking, working out
Hero: My mom. She was the most present mother anyone could ever want although she had a full blown career. She attended every game, every school event, listened to me about my day. Was always there to guide me. She was the perfect role model – mom, wife, career woman. In her career, I watched her start as an entry level data entry clerk and worked her way all the way up to a Branch Chief for the DMV to which she retired after 30+ years of service. She taught me to work hard, not to make excuses, and to give my all and my very best in everything. She also has extreme integrity and instilled those same values in my siblings and I.
Best life experience: Spending summers growing up back in Oklahoma on my grandparents 200 acre farm. It was epic!
Something people would be surprised to know about you? I get really nervous speaking in front of large crowds, although I’ve been told it doesn’t show. Slogan you live by: Do the right thing even when no one is looking.
Did you have a mentor? I have been fortunate to have a few mentors in my adult life. They have helped me by teaching me, developing me, holding me accountable, and just pouring into me. n
MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONS
KAY POWELL
CEO/FOUNDER OF SPEEDY TAX AND BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: New York
Book: Amplified Classic Bible
Restaurant: Captain Crab Seafood
Kay Powell is the CEO/Founder of Speedy Tax and Bookkeeping Services firm. Speedy Tax Services was established in 1985, has two field offices, and provides tax, bookkeeping and payroll services. Kay conducts workshops with various organizations and is an advocate for small businesses. She is called referred to as the West Coast Guru.
Kay Powell was licensed and ordained as a minister in August 2010 by the late Pastor Delbert Burell Jr and ordained as a pastor in April 2012 by the late Pastor George Norris. She is the Senior Pastor and co-founder of Blessed Kingdom Builder’s Ministry (BKBM) established in December 2012. The mission of BKBM is a deliverance and healing ministry. BKB has a dynamic homeless and youth program. The homeless program feed and provide clothes and water weekly to homeless. The Youth program in conjunction with I Sound Performing Arts enhances the talents and life skills of our youths. The Youth program provide alternative and positive activities such as classes in Piano, drums, guitar, dance, studio production and vocal training Then we have our life skill program that deals with gang suppression, mental awareness, bullying and suicide prevention.
Kay had a long fruitful career of 34 years as the Deputy Director of Santa Clara Valley Water District and Associate Human Resources Director of Correction. Her private career consisted of working for Arthur Anderson Accounting firm, and Chevron Corporation. Kay Powell has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and a Masters and Doctorate in Christian Education.
Kay Powell grew up in Oak Park and is an active and passionate community member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Sacramento Chapter), CFO for I Sound Performing Arts Community Development, member of Sacramento Realist Association, CFO for Victims of Injustice, and a member of Blessed Retired and Grateful (BRAG).
Kay Powell has been married to Charles Powell for 10 years and together they have 4 children (Marvin, Crystal, Chenecka, Charles) and 13 grandchildren.
loving generous leader
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Pastor Kay
Best workday strategy: Hard Working. Early bird gets the worm.
Celebrity you admire? Maya Angelou - she made significant contributions to civil rights, culture and women. She influenced literature through poetry, writing, arts and creativity. She fought for equality and left a legacy like no other. Her work inspires and empowers people around the world.
Church: Blessed Kingdom Builders’ Ministry
Hero: Jesus, He is our savior.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? I love telling jokes and a closet comedian.
Did you have a mentor? Apostle Rudolph Parker was my mentor and he taught me how to live a Christ like life.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? I am excited about the possibility of the first Black female president. I passionately believe voting is critical to ensuring that the interests and concerns of people of color are represented. Our forefathers have fought long and hard for our right to vote. Despite people thinking our vote doesn’t count, I believe every vote contributes to shaping and improving our communities.
Slogan you live by: Love people unconditionally n
MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONS
PAMELA RANDALL
CATEGORY BUSINESS MANAGER, STRATEGIC GLOBAL STAFFING, APPLIED MATERIALS
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Traveling through Spain with my two sons
Book: Three books that are dear to my heart: Living, Loving and Learning, Unshakeable and the Bible.
Restaurant: V’s Paradise
resilient
unstoppable charismatic
Pamela is currently the Global Staffing Category Manager for Applied Materials, leading the strategy, spend management, supplier engagement, and elevating the organization’s global contingent workforce program of over 8,000 individuals.
Previously, Pamela developed successful talent acquisition strategies for some of the world’s leading recruitment and contingent labor outsourcing companies. She’s led regional operations and managed large-scale global workforce managed service programs and has extensive expertise consulting global organizations on strategic talent advisory solutions.
She is passionate about improving the quality of life for women. She has served as a Mom Project Rally community mentor, is the Community Chair for Applied’s Black Employee Network, and participates in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60-mile breast cancer walk in San Diego.
AT A
GLANCE:
Trademark: The queen of getting things done
Best workday strategy: I start early and center myself. I focus on important, high impact work, and calendar time to work out and recharge. I end with a recap of my day, review for the day ahead, make sure my office is set for a fresh start, then I close the door!
Hobbies: Working out, traveling, and being a wine enthusiast.
Hero: My mother, Yvonne Kidd, is my hero! Though she passed away the morning after Christmas when I was 16. Her influence remains a guiding force in my life. Despite the years of pain and loss, I still feel her love and reflect on the lessons she taught me. I know in my heart she is my guardian angel, and with me during my challenging times and celebrates my successes from heaven above.
Best life experience:
Being a mother to two sons.
My journey has been a profound adventure filled with challenges, fears, prayers, growth, and moments of uncertainly. Seeing my sons at this stage in their life (24 and 21) and witnessing their dedication and focus to make their dream come true is my best life experience as a mother and source of incredible joy.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? That I’m girlie girl with a tomboy heart. I grew with all brothers and spent a great deal of time playing sports to hang with them. I once played flagged football through parks and recreation and was actually pretty good
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? I’m concerned, yet excited about the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. The runway is short, and it won’t be easy, but it’s critical that people of color increase our voice at the voter box right here, right now in 2024!!! Our country is in turmoil, our freedoms are at risk and the political climate is highly polarized with personal attacks and false information. We need leaders who can rise above the divisiveness and work towards sustainable impacts in key areas like social justice, the economy, the environment, education, and healthcare.
Slogan you live by: You get your results where you put your focus.
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? I appreciate Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB magazine for your comprehensive and impactful approach to serving black and brown communities. You offer a rich array of content that addresses pressing issues, supports and promotes black-owned business, and focuses on the development and empowerment of youth. Additionally, you provide cultural exposure through music, arts, travel, and food, creating a well-rounded and engaging platform that uplifts and informs the community. Cheers to your vision and meaningful impact! n
SILVIA L. RODRIGUEZ
MANAGER, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & EQUITY, OFFICE OF HEALTH EQUITY, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CHAIR, SACRAMENTO FIRST5 ADVISORY COMMITTEE
VICE-PRESIDENT,
HORNETS POLICY AND POLITICS
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Not a vacation, but a spiritual journey: El Camino de Santiago in 2019 Book: Night by Elie Wiesel
Silvia L. Rodriguez is a practitioner of public policy and administration with a business acumen; and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion advocate. Her career spans over two decades in the social and health and human services sphere, particularly in behavioral health. This includes analyzing, researching, designing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and administering state and federal programs in non-profit organizations, city, county, and state governments. Her career in the public sector began as a direct service provider working with non-profit organizations that received public (state/ federal) funds to provide services in the areas of drug and alcohol education and treatment, crisis counseling and intervention, school-based counseling, prevention and early intervention for at-risk youth.
She is an immigrant from Guatemala. Once labeled an “at risk” youth, she now holds a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration (MPPA) and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the California State University, Sacramento. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Pitzer College. Her lived experience navigating inequitable systems, sparked her passion for public service and advocacy. She describes her leadership style as a mission driven servant leader and its applicability is closely associated with the principles of collaborative policymaking and governance.
She is currently the Manager of the Behavioral Health and Equity Branch, Office of Health Equity, Department of Public Health. In this capacity, she administers he California Reducing Disparities Project - one-of-a-hand nationwide. The CRDP received the American Society for Public Administration’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion award May 2024.
Her lifetime joy is to be a mother to Fabian and Amy and grandmother to Sophia, Jojo, Layla, and Emma. She is “GG” for all the grandchildren.
leader humble advocate
AT A GLANCE:
Best workday strategy: Strategic, collaborative, participatory action
Celebrity you admire? I don’t follow the Hollywood stars, but those that use the platform to raise awareness generally grab my attention: John Legend, Mark Ruffalo, America Ferrera, Sean Penn, and Chayanne.
Hobbies: Hiking and walking after hanging my soccer cleats.
Hero: Many look to famous people as heroes. I look inward in my lived experience and I name my two mothers as my heroes. The first one is my illiterate mother biological mother who fled Guatemala with her four children (me included) for a better life. The second one is my middle school-based counselor who took me under her wing and became my second mom.
Best life experience: Being mom to my two adult children and GiGi (gramma) to my four grandchildren.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? I am a pretty open book. However, generally, when I hear some people saying that “undocumented people should go back to their country” I do disclose and share that I was smuggled in the back of a car when I was a child. Then what proceeds are comments such as “not you, but those people.”
Did you have a mentor? My second mom Sally, who was my middle school counselor and the reason why I dedicated my life to public service.
Slogan you live by: I have been invited to deliver a leadership curriculum to young women in Kenya, Africa. Therefore, and given my background as an immigrant, lately my slogan is “from dirt floors to award winner leaders and world citizen.” n
HEALTH, SPORT & WELLNESS
DR. LENORE A. TATE, PH.D.
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CALIFORNIA WRAPAROUND LLC
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Paris, France and Negril, Jamica
Restaurant: Fixins’ Soul Food and Crustaceans
Dr. Lenore Tate has over 30 years of experience in community mental health as a clinician, advocate, consultant, and clinical director. Dr. Tate received her B.A. in Psychology from Mills College; M.S. in Psychology from Howard University; Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology-Fresno; and Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Geriatrics and Neuropsychology with the National Institute of Mental Health.
As a licensed clinical psychologist certified in neuropsychology, addictions, and geriatrics. Dr. Tate specializes in clinical and forensic Psychology devoting much of her time to improving clinical services in the community through the training and development of mental health professionals and other behavioral health specialists.
She is the founder of Wraparound Enterprises (a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) and owns and operates a private practice along with California WrapAround.
Continuing her belief in civic engagement, Dr. Tate works on many boards and committees at a local, state and national level, focusing on health equity, geriatrics, substance misuse, workforce development,
entrepreneurship, child welfare, and community mental health.
Her current research activities and professional interest focus on: mental health, geriatrics, workforce development, decreasing the disparities in Black student academic achievement, housing, homelessness, wellness, successful life transitions, substance abuse/addition, and intimate partner/family violence. Dr. Tate currently consults and provides trainings with government, nonprofit and private sector agencies on DEI, workforce development, entrepreneurship, youth mental health, wellness, workplace trauma, and violence and abuse.
Dr. Tate is the proud mother of Monet who is currently a first-year law student. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She has travelled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and Africa.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: My Smile
Best workday strategy: Get it done and finished.
Church: St Paul (used to be Baptist)
Hobbies: Swimming and traveling
Hero: My mother. She served as a role model for me with her grace, support, encouragement, guidance, wisdom, belief and faith in God and her unconditional love, dreams and goals for me.
Best life experience: Being a mother to my beautiful, loving and kind daughter, Monet.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? I love to use coupons and/or get a discount!
Did you have a mentor? Oh YES, I have had so many mentors! My mentors have been my trusted advisors, especially when I was a young professional. They served to lift me, helped with my trajectory, had wisdom to live by, encouraged me, provided connections and resources and patient to listen to me.
Slogan you live by: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou. n
MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFESSIONS
DANA TAYLOR-BELL
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER, BUSINESS SERVICES UNIT MANAGER, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Honolulu, HI
Book: The Four Agreements Restaurant: Yard House
Dana Taylor-Bell was born in May of 1967 and raised in Herlong, California, a small town of less than 1,000 people near Reno, Nevada.
In 1985, she moved to Sacramento with her first born, Michael. Dana was a student at Sacramento City College and transferred to the California State University, Sacramento. She met her future husband, Ronald Bell, in the summer of 1987.
Dana began working for the State of California in 1990. During her 34 years of service, she has worked for four different Departments. She has managed various sections to include Telecommunications, Procurement, Contracts among other functions. In her current role, she is a Manager over the Business Services Unit, to include Facilities Management. In this capacity, Dana has overseen many projects that required designing over 45,000 square feet of space.
Dana has received the Sustained Superior Award on two occasions. This award is presented to an individual who has performed superior job performance, resulting in an exceptional contribution to state government. Dana also received the Supervisor of the Year award for excelling in her role as a supervisor.
In 1994, Dana and Ronald founded Clear As a Bell Ministries. They began providing coats and blankets on the weekends at Cesar Chavez Park. This quickly expanded to dispersing clothes, shoes and food all while ministering and sharing God’s word. In 1995, Clear As a Bell started their first Annual Gospel Musical Crusade. This event would last for 15 years.
In 2001, Clear As a Bell Memorial Church of God in Christ was formed. Clear As a Bell was the first church to have their services at the Samuel C Pannell Community Center. Clear As a Bell Memorial continued to provide services and resources to the community for over 20 years. Dana loves to serve her community and has a passion for helping others obtain information and resources needed to live a healthy and prosperous life. Her mission is to serve and support people with their health and financial
servant supporter loving
goals, while encouraging and supporting those who want to restore and maintain their health and finances. Due to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Dana has helped to enrich her community and provides resources for others to do the same.
Dana and her husband are celebrating 34 years of marriage. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Committed and compassionate
Hero: My dad. Sidney Thomas Taylor. He was the son of a sharecropper and didn’t complete his education. He moved from Louisiana to California and started a family. He was a jack of all trades and utilized his skills to help his neighbors on various projects. He was a provider for his family and went on to receive his GED in his mid-60’s. He was a fighter and persevered as a black man born in the south in the 1920’s.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? My dad grew up with 15 siblings I can remember going to my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary in the 70’s and there were over 50 first cousins at that time.
Did you have a mentor? Kebie Whitehead has been my business and personal development mentor. She has helped me over obstacles and identify strategies for a successful business. Kathy James has been a spiritual mentor and helped me with my walk as a young lady experiencing new life as a Christian woman.
Slogan you live by: Dream big and take action; always move forward; when you know better, you do better. n
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
DR. ELISA K. TONG
PROFESSOR OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, UC DAVIS
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, CA QUITS
DIRECTOR, TOBACCO CESSATION POLICY RESEARCH CENTER
Born and raised in Sacramento, Elisa Tong, MD, MA is a Professor of Internal Medicine at UC Davis whose research interests are in tobacco control policy and cessation, with special interests in health services delivery of tobacco treatment, interventions to address tobacco/ cancer disparities, and the behavioral impact of smoke and tobacco-free policies. She has founded and led “UC Quits” and now “CA Quits”, a statewide project funded by the California Tobacco Control Program, which supports the integration of tobacco treatment into health systems in partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services. She has led tobacco interventions targeting diverse populations including college students, Chinese smokers and household nonsmokers, Medi-Cal members, and patients with cancer. She is the Director of the Tobacco Cessation Policy Research Center, a community-academic partnership housed at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, whose mission is to improve access, delivery, engagement, and equity for tobacco cessation policy through generating evidence and training the next generation.
AT A GLANCE:
Best workday strategy Try to get one thing done a day.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, listening to and playing music.
Best life experience: Visiting my ancestral roots and villages where my parents grew up after I participated as a teen in a family history program. It gave me an appreciation of my family and community and a desire to learn about other people’s life stories and cultures.
Something people would be surprised to know about you? In my first tobacco-related research project as a medical student, I uncovered a multi-million dollar global campaign within the tobacco industry’s documents to subvert a scientific study and prevent global smoke-free policies. The findings helped support the World Health Organization in creating the first public health treaty on tobacco control.
Did you have a mentor? I have been fortunate to have many wonderful mentors who listened to my ideas, gave me a chance, encouraged me to try again, and cheered
learner optimist collaborator
me on throughout ups and downs. They have helped me remember how important it is to pay it forward for others.
Thoughts on the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and voting? I am really excited that a woman of color is running for president!
Slogan you live by: When I help someone quit tobacco and they are discouraged, I like to remind them “You probably didn’t walk the first time you tried. Each time you try to quit tobacco, it will be easier to stay quit for good.”
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? The women who lead it are amazing and super dedicated in creating fresh content and programs for the community.n
KAREN VEASEY
CEO AND OWNER, KV’S NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: I most enjoy visiting Fort Bragg, California for weekend or day trips, and thoroughly enjoy a Hawaiian destination for extended vacations.
Book: I enjoy reading historical books about the Black Panthers Party.
Restaurant: Dave Wong’s Chinese Restaurant in Stockton and Chez Soul in Fairfield.
Karen Veasey (nee Jones) was born in Mobile, Alabama and moved to the west with her family when she was eight years old, taking up residence in north Sacramento, California.
Karen graduated from Highlands High School, then, upon attending American River Community College, Karen worked as a Nurse’s Assistant for six years. In 1981, Karen began her career with the State of California beginning as an Office Technician and rising to the level of Staff Services Analyst. Upon retirement in 2019, Karen began employment with a nonemergency transportation company, serving for over one year.
In 2020, Karen established KV’s Non-Emergency Transportation Services (KVsNETS) with only two transportation vans, four clients, no employees, and served only the Placerville area. KVsNETS now operates 30 transportation vans, 110 clients, employs 27 people, and serves nine areas: Placerville, Galt, Roseville, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Rocklin, Elk Grove, and Sacramento.
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: My family and friends would describe me as cheerful, friendly, ambitious, and a social butterfly. I would agree with them.
Best workday strategy: My day begins with daily motivational praises to myself, then turn my attention to organizing my priorities for the day. Once at the office, I meet each morning with my team to discuss the upcoming events for the day, staff concerns, project status, etc. I maintain open communication with all employees which helps to foster a safe and positive work environment. As well, I reach out to and maintain professional and friendly relationships and partnerships with business and organizations.
Karen has one son, Marcus, Navy Sargeant First Class, a daughter in-law, Ayonna, and two young granddaughters with whom she relishes spending time with.
Karen has always been passionate about the welfare and righteous treatment of people, especially those with disabilities, the disadvantaged, and people of color. Karen strives to be a leader, supporter, role model, and motivator for this and future generations.
Some of Karen’s hobbies include entertaining family and friends, attending concerts and other social gatherings, networking with other business leaders, and being a positive role model in the community.
Celebrity you admire? My mother, Lettie Jones, is my hero. She raised two kids singlehandedly relying only upon her own resources, temerity, fortitude, and resolve. A fiercely independent woman who never learned to drive, she demonstrated a particular force when she traveled by bus for five days with me and my brother. To hear her stories regarding the strength and bravery she displayed as a child during some of the most horrendously violent times, having had to be shielded as a young girl by the violence of the KKK as they riddled her home with bullets. And while my mother was a hard worker, never taking a moment for herself, she always first rose above as a Lady and she also instilled in me the core principles and values of a Lady, and taught me to expect, even demand if needed, for others to treat me like a Lady – with respect and dignity.
Church: Potter’s House Church of God and Christ Hobbies: Puzzles, card games, board games, and shopping.
Hero: Malcom X is my historical hero, as he lived by the standard of a righteous person and he imbued his mantra of “by any means necessary” to succeed, fight for humanity, and be respected. n
PRESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE
TYFFANIE WEDDING-O’CON
DIRECTOR OF INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCESS AT WEAVE, INC
FAVORITES:
Book: Year of Yes, By Shonda Rhimes
Restaurant: Localis
Tyffanie Wedding-O’Con is passion filled, systems change, and policy implementation professional who holds nearly a decade experience advocating for survivors of human trafficking (HT), domestic violence (DV), and families with Child Welfare (CW) involvement after learning of the long-lasting impacts on both the survivor and their families firsthand.
Tyffanie has worked with and alongside survivors and their families in various capacities where she has been an integral part of developing and implementing several programs focused on serving unserved and underserved populations and uplifting and acknowledging the voices of survivors.
After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento in Women and Gender Studies, Tyffanie served as the State of California as a Program and Policy Analyst for California’s Child Trafficking Research and Policy Unit and was promoted to Manager where she served on the leadership team implementing a new and groundbreaking child abuse prevention program statewide.
In Tyffanie’s current role as the Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access at WEAVE, Inc, she approaches policy development and program implementation for survivors of DV and HT through community and survivor informed approaches that prioritize necessary systems change and uplift the voices of survivors.
Tyffanie has also served in various volunteer capacities as the Vice President of the Sacramento Chapter of Black Woman Organized for Political Action and Commissioner for the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. Tyffanie’s work is inspired by her family’s personal experience as well as the survivors and fellow advocates she has worked alongside for nearly 10 years.
AT A GLANCE:
Best workday strategy: Expect good outcomes, even on the most challenging of days.
Best life experience: Any opportunity I have had to be present and enjoy the special moments with my family.
Did you have a mentor? I have had many mentors in my life including my mother, aunts, grandmothers, great grandmothers, previous supervisors, and my closest friends. I would not be Tyffanie without each and every one of these women.
Slogan you live by: “You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you”-Kamala Harris n
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
SHANINE COATS, M.ED CONGRATULATIONS 2024
EWOC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
“I love that my current job as Director, Strategic Initiatives for the Sacramento County Office of Education, allows me to work alongside my colleagues and the community to develop innovative solutions in education. One project, the Career Pipeline, was only an idea when it was posed to me by my boss, David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools. Over the past three years, I’ve had the autonomy to work with a team to develop a program that helps aspiring mental health professionals to enter the field of school based mental health and wellness. The program provides them with upward mobility, from high school through post graduate school, supporting them with internship and job opportunities while they work to earn their license and simultaneously support the students in Sacramento County schools with mental health and wellness supports. I love that we are feeding two birds with one scone!
I wouldn’t say there’s anything I don’t like. However, I am often working on a variety of initiatives, which requires a lot of focus and organization. I miss being a classroom teacher. However, I am excited about my work developing Career Pipelines for aspiring educators and mental health professionals because simultaneously open access and increase the diversity in the field and benefit our students and families.
We believe that schools should be centers of wellness for children. Our Vision is: To develop a pipeline of skilled motivated professionals that are diverse and representative of the students we serve and are committed and prepared to serve in mental health/health, social emotional and overall wellness, and education careers in our schools.”
SHANINE COATS, M.ED
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES, SACRAMENTO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
FAVORITES:
Best Vacation Getaway: Maui. I’ve been three times total, and once with my entire family in 2021. It was the most beautiful vacation where we all embraced the Aloha spirit as soon as we stepped off the plane.
Book: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
Restaurant: My mama’s kitchen. This is not a restaurant but indeed my mom’s kitchen.
Shanine Coats has served in Education for over 20 years. She is a Sacramento native and attended California State University, Sacramento where she pursued a career in teaching and administration, including a Clear Teaching and Administrative Credentials and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. She began her career as an elementary school teacher with a focus on giving back to her community. Ms. Coats previously worked at the California Department of Education (CDE), where she helped develop and implement educational policy for the K-12 system, serving as an Education Administrator, Federal Policy Liaison, and Director of the Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division.
Mrs. Coats began serving as the Sacramento County Office of Education’s Director of Strategic Initiatives in August 2021. She manages key initiatives of the County Superintendent of Schools, including the development of career pipelines in the education and mental health professions. At the heart of her “why” is the desire to ensure that creative and innovative strategies and programs are designed to eliminate opportunity, access, and achievement gaps. .
AT A GLANCE:
Trademark: Strengths finder: achiever, learner, responsibility, intellection, individualization
Best workday strategy: If you want to win once, make goals. If you want to win multiple times build systems. I start my day each morning with prayer, a 4:30 am workout, and coffee with my husband. This helps me to prioritize self-first, so that I can then pour into others (self-care is not selfish). After helping my three beautiful daughters ages 11, 13, and 15) start their day, I then begin tackling the workday. I’ve learned that I do my best work in the morning, so I plan my calendar, accordingly,
including time to write and plan. I work on a variety of projects, based on their prioritization. Each day my goal is to impact student programs in Sacramento county by further developing a relationship with colleague and community, and facilitating teams coming together to accomplish our shared goals on whichever initiative I am focused on at that time. I love to set goals, but I love even more to build the systems that will help us to achieve those goals repeatedly. I love to look at data to determine how to improve. At the end of each day, I wind down with my family, prayer and a cup of chamomile tea.
Celebrity person you admire: Michelle and President Barack Obama. I love that they are everyday people who worked hard and followed their intellect, hearts, and dreams, all the way to the White House. I love that they are committed parents and committed to making the world better. They are authentic and grounded. I love that they always seem willing to share their life lessons with others. When Barack Obama was president, my mom wrote him a letter. It was one of the letters that he personally read himself and he wrote back! He mentions my three daughters by name. We keep that letter framed. This really signified the importance of everyday people to him. I want to have them over for dinner one day!
Church: Saint Paul Church of Sacramento, Pastor Kenneth Reece. I’ve attended since the age of 4. I serve on the Bylaws Committee, Women’s Ministry Devotional Team, and as a teacher in the girls’ bible study called, ALERT Girls.
Hobbies: Playing the cello, working out (strength training, indoor cycling, walking)
Hero: My mom. She met and married my father at the young age of 18, not knowing that one day he would become an abuser and drug addict. We went through a lot together. But I saw her gather the strength to leave an abusive relationship so that her two children would have a chance at a better life. I don’t know a stronger woman.
What do you like about Sacculturalhub.com and THE HUB Magazine? What a wonderful gift THE HUB Magazine is to us. This magazine lifts the voices and experiences of Black professionals, events, and culture. There aren’t too many places and spaces we can go to and be celebrated by our community. Thank you, THE HUB! n
Embodies her values and principles through her actions, not just her words. This means being vulnerable and openminded, embracing growth and learning from experiences. By leading with integrity and empathy, she sets an example of true leadership and inspires others. Specifically, being in touch with and comfortable with her inner spirit defines how she shows up in all aspects of her life that will continue to grow and change.
CHASTITY BENSON
The impact in TRANSFORMING SYSTEMS which contributed to inequities and social determinants of health; and the legacy left behind in doing so.
SILVIA RODRIGUEZ
She is defined by herself. It is authentically known when she DISCOVERS THE WONDERS SHE CAN ACHIEVE and the impact she can make.
MICAELA EDWARDS
One who is a leader in her own way, be it at home, at work, or in the community. She gives back, lifts people up and walks alongside you. She remembers where she’s from and appreciates all the little things she receives. She is resilient and rises above all the challenges that women of color often face. She is all those things because she doesn’t think about what she doesn’t have. She never complains about her own pain and suffering because she appreciates what she has.
YEN MARSHALL
A
woman who stands out due to
her outstanding achievements, qualities and/or contributions. She wears her crown proudly and is always willing to straighten someone else’s. The fact that she is “of color” is icing on the cake!
TRACEY HURD-PARKER
She exemplifies EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH, RESILIENCE, AND LEADERSHIP while embracing her unique identity and cultural heritage. She knows who she is and makes impactful contributions to her community and beyond. She is a changemaker, often overcoming systemic challenges and helping to foster change.
CANDACE DAVIS
A woman who stands in her truth and makes noise in their fields or communities, exuding excellence, leadership, and a commitment to positive change.
ASHLEY GARNER
A woman who embodies the following qualities; empathy, selflessness, fortitude, courage, integrity, humility, optimism, and wisdom.
CHRISTA ARMSTEAD
Not necessarily a woman who has a lot of professional accomplishments, public recognition and accolades but a woman who walks with integrity, acts with intention, speaks the truth, and uses her power for good.
JOHNNISE DE’SHON FOSTER-DOWNS
A trailblazer who overcomes obstacles to uplift her community. She embodies resilience, leadership, and compassion, inspiring others through her achievements and dedication. Her impact is profound, fostering positive change and empowering future generations to strive for Don’t miss the most dynamic women’s event in Northern California. This is your chance to experience a vibrant and empowering gathering filled with networking opportunities, laughter, inspiring messages, and a strong sense of community. Get tickets and reserve your table. excellence and equity.
GAIL MEEKS
We must value ourselves first! This is why I believe that all of my sisters are “Exceptional Women of Color”
CAROL BURTON
One who embodies strength, resilience, and determination, while navigating the complexities of the male dominated world we live in. She is a trailblazer who refuses to be defined by the limitations placed upon her, instead choosing to forge her own path and break down barriers. With unwavering confidence and unshakeable conviction, she asserts her voice and presence in spaces where she may have previously been silenced or marginalized. Ultimately, an exceptional woman of color is a beacon of hope and inspiration, shining bright with a light that illuminates the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
Driven by her love for others and the passions in her heart.
She doesn’t have to hold any particular degree or have a “C” at the beginning of her title. She is exceptional because she has navigated life with resilience and has impacted her friends, family, and community leaving things better than how she received it.
JOCELYN JACKSON-WILLIAMS
I believe each woman defines within herself. If you don’t believe it, you can’t achieve it, and make someone else believe it. I strive to be an exceptional woman of color by being a Black Woman Small Business owner who can provide job opportunities and thus professional and personal growth for others in our community and who can provide muchneeded transportation services to people of color, the underprivileged, and disabled communities.
KAREN VEASEY
One who overcomes obstacles and continues to persevere regardless of what others do or think of her. She is loving, selfless and compassionate. She provides a helping hand to others so that they may pursue their dreams and goals. Leaving the world a better place is always her mission.
DONNA TAYLOR-BELL
I think an exceptional woman of color is someone that lives her life without limits – in essence creating a vision for her life and bringing it to fruition unapologetically. She doesn’t allow society or anyone to place limits on her.
Tara
Porter
Someone who embodies authenticity, consistently staying true to herself in all aspects of life. Her genuine nature and unwavering principles serve as a beacon of inspiration to others, encouraging them to embrace their unique identities and strive for greatness. Beyond her personal achievements, she has a profound impact on her family, providing support, love, and guidance that nurtures their growth and success. Her influence extends to her community, where she actively participates in fostering a sense of unity, empowerment, and positive change. Through her actions and dedication, she exemplifies resilience, strength, and grace, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encounters.
SHAVAUN DIALLO
DANETTA JACKSON
An Exceptional Woman of Color is a woman who’s not afraid to lift other women up while they continue to reach their goals as well. Oftentimes, there’s a fear people get that if you lift someone else up with you, you’re preparing them to take your place. In the professional space, women of color, especially in leadership positions, are scarce and the only way we can see more of us is to mentor and lift each other up along the way.
LANAYA LEWIS
When I think of the exceptional women of color I’ve been blessed to know, each of them has a combination of inner strength, integrity, and character. They possess a big heart and demonstrate compassion for others. They walk with faith and grace, acknowledging life’s challenges but facing them head-on. They show up consistently and stand in the gap, transforming the impossible into the possible. I feel an exceptional woman of color is rooted in her ability to uplift others while navigating their own journey with resilience, dignity, and grace. When I think about the exceptional women of color in my life, they embody strength through integrity and character, they have compassionate hearts and invest in their communities to drive positive change. They walk by faith and grace knowing life can be challenging, but they show up and stand in the gap to make the impossible, possible.
PAMELA RANDALL
An exceptional women of color is someone who demonstrates outstanding achievements, resilience and impact in her field and community. She is a trailblazer who uses her talents, voice and actions to advocate positive change in her community. She uplifts and inspires others through her leadership, creativity, and determination. She challenges stereotypical situations with bravery and courage.
Someone who has the highest degree of integrity, honesty, respect for self and others, she is patient and kind and gives to her family and community. Proverbs: 31: 10-31
DR. LENORE TATE
KAY POWELL
Someone who has achieved excellence in her field and works to make things better for others.
ELISA TONG
She walks in her purpose and on purpose. She lives a life of service to others. She has a humancentered approach that puts children first. She is humble and capable. She understands the assignment. She understands that she stands on the shoulders of those who have come before her. She knows that she belongs in the room, at the table. She makes room for others at the table as well, lifting their voices. She strives to ensure that her thoughts, words, and actions match. She walks with integrity, even in the face of hardship. She has grit and determination, and she knows where her help comes from. She knows that her life’s purpose is greater than herself. And she looks forward to the day when she will hear, well done my good and faithful servant.
A woman who is CARING, SELFLESS, IMPACTFUL, INSPIRER, AUTHENTIC and generous making an impact in the lives of others every day. She is someone who makes a difference in the lives of others just in her presence and keen insight to make touches that affect others and who inspires others to be great humans and best selves. To know the experience and complexities we face as women of color and leaders are important to leading by example of how to push through and be resilience in face of challenges and demonstrate excellence in all we do. She remains ready to ensure progress will not stop and goals achieved because others depend on this. Her example of leadership will show our youth the only thing stopping us in our endeavors would be us if we let it. Being an exceptional woman of color is an HONOR AND PRIVILEGE OFFERING US AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE TO ALL IDEAS TO INSTILL THESE SKILLS IN THE NEXT GENERATION. An exceptional woman of color understands and eagerly upholds the adage says, “with great power comes great responsibility.”
VALERIE JAMES
SHANINE COATS
YACHT CRUISE 13TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF SACRAMENTO SISTER CIRCLE ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH
By Freelance Writer, Christi Ketchum
On August 11, 2024, we celebrated the 13th Anniversary of this network—a milestone that fills my heart with immense pride and gratitude. What began with just 12 of my closest family and friends has blossomed into a powerful community, an open and safe space where Black Women can come together, build meaningful relationships, and elevate one another in our collective journey to become the best versions of ourselves.
THANK YOU to all the Black Beauties who celebrated our Anniversary on the Sunset Cruise. The vibes were beautiful and it was truly a gorgeous day. The clouds dissipated just in time for US. We have way more pictures coming soon but I could not wait one more minute before I THANKED my MVP’s…. Catering by Lisa Rose Mills- Washington with the BEST FOOD in town. Mixologist Chandell Christine came with the Bomb Azz drinks in them cute pouches. Ladies you have been rocking with me for the last 3 years faithfully and I sooooo appreciate y’all. This ain’t my party no more…. it’s OUR PARTY! I appreciate you both so much.
As the founder, I’m incredibly proud of this network, but it’s the Brilliance of Phenomenal Women who have truly shaped and grown it into what it is today. You never know
whose company you’ll find yourself in amidst all this Excellence and Success, but one thing is certain: you’ll be welcomed with open arms, supported in your journey, and offered countless opportunities to make a positive impact.
I LOVE Black Women there is truly nothing and nobody like us and when we come together the vibration is incredible. That has been my testimony even with the challenges, trauma, and heartaches.
Cheers to 13 years and many more to come! n
See more photos from the Sunset Cruise in the Sac Hub Photo Gallery at: https://sachub.smugmug.com/Events/Year-2024/ Sunset-Cruise-Hosted-by-Sacramento-Sister-Circle
Dr. Flo’s Exceptional Vision for Sacramento
On November 5, 2024, Sacramento voters will face a historic choice, as Dr. Flojaune “Flo” Cofer could become the city’s first Black woman mayor. This election marks the culmination of a grassroots campaign driven by Cofer’s transformative vision for the future of Sacramento.
At the September 12 Sacramento Mayoral Candidate Forum—hosted by APAPA, the NAACP, and the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce—both mayoral candidates Assemblymember Kevin McCarty and Dr. Cofer presented their plans for the city. McCarty, a longtime public servant, highlighted his record and experience, but Cofer’s passion for revitalizing Sacramento and her clear vision stole the spotlight.
Dr. Cofer’s leadership is grounded in a deep desire to create a more inclusive, sustainable future for the city. Referencing her roots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she shared a thought-provoking quote from her former mayor, Tom Murphy: “We can either manage towards a vision for our future or manage our decline.” This sentiment reflects her belief that Sacramento faces critical challenges—most notably, homelessness—and that fresh solutions are needed to guide the city toward positive change.
Criticizing the current leadership for its role in the growing homelessness crisis, Cofer stressed the need for bold action. “It was not like this ten years ago,” she said, emphasizing that new approaches are essential. One of the central themes of her campaign is community collaboration, and she prides herself on her extensive experience as a “bridge builder,” capable of uniting diverse groups. “I’m proud to be supported by teachers, nurses, business leaders, and unions,” she stated, emphasizing the broad coalition that supports her candidacy.
Cofer envisions a Sacramento that thrives on inclusion and innovation. At the forum, she shared that she’s been meeting with Sacramento State leadership to discuss bringing a university campus downtown, which would attract young people and invigorate the area in the evenings, after office workers have gone home. She also suggested hosting an international DJ festival to draw visitors and boost the economy, adding that each Sacramento neighborhood should have an event that brings people together.
In addition to revitalizing downtown, Cofer is committed to supporting small businesses. After speaking with local business leaders, she shared her proposals to reimagine city processes to create a single point of contact, maximum response times, and a tracker that could share the status of your request. She spoke to the importance of growing city revenue by reinvesting in our local businesses and making each city dollar work harder for Sacramentans.
Cofer’s campaign stands out not just for its ideas but also for its bottomup, grassroots approach. Hundreds of volunteers are working tirelessly to canvass neighborhoods, host house parties, and table at community events. To date, these volunteers have knocked on nearly 40,000 doors and organized more than eighty four house parties. A hallmark event of the campaign, “Flo Fest,” brought together over 200 people for a day of music, community, and celebration, reflecting the joyful spirit behind Cofer’s run for mayor. The campaign is an example of tireless, peoplepowered effort. This widespread participation demonstrates the shared belief in Cofer’s vision for a city that listens to and represents its people.
“This campaign is exceptional because it’s not about being exceptional,” said Dylan Hoy-Bianchi, Cofer’s Field Director. “It’s just regular folks with a shared goal of knowing that more is possible. Flo’s a regular person, not a politician trying to craft an image. People relate to that.”
Cofer’s appeal lies in her authenticity. She is not a career politician but rather a community member dedicated to listening and responding to the people of Sacramento. A volunteer recalled meeting Cofer at a community meeting where she offered her laundry facilities to a neighbor whose building’s machines were broken. “She understands that if one of us is struggling, all of us are struggling,” the volunteer said.
This empathy and commitment to community are what drive Cofer’s candidacy. She isn’t running for power—she’s running for the people. With a clear focus on bringing everyone to the table, Cofer believes Sacramento can thrive together. On November 5, 2024, the voters will have the chance to decide if they share her vision for bold new leadership and a better Sacramento.
SACRAMENTO: MORE THAN 250 NEWS PROFESSIONALS ATTEND ETHNIC MEDIA AWARDS AND CONFERENCE
By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
More than 250 news professionals representing nearly 150 media outlets attended the annual Ethnic Media Conference, Expo, and Awards held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento on Aug. 27 and 28.
Hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and California Black Media (CBM), the awards ceremony recognized journalists for their outstanding reporting in different topic areas, including health, politics and culture.
The conference sessions leading up to that event included panel discussions featuring state officials, government agencies, lobbying firms, advocacy organizations and more. It also provided networking opportunities for news media owners and professionals from the Black, Native American, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Eastern European, North African, Caribbean and LGBTQ press.
our return, recognizing that at a time of deep budget cuts, our community ties and communication skills are more essential than ever for building new, more equitable messaging,” Wilson added.
State leaders who attended the event included Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
In addition to state government officials, business leaders, communications firms, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations also participated in the conference organized to highlight the crucial role ethnic media play in California’s diverse communities.
“California is home to the largest concentration of multilingual news outlets serving immigrant and ethnic communities in the U.S.,” said Sandy Close, Director of EMS. “This breakthrough public-private partnership to support local journalism brings welcome recognition of the ethnic media sector’s indispensable role in connecting these diverse communities to each other and to the wider public realm.”
Thurmond discussed the ethnic media’s role in reporting on education in the state and why articles from ethnic media outlets have an advantage in reaching targeted audiences in underserved communities.
Thurmond, who is running for the governor of California in 2026, spoke at the opening luncheon where CBM and EMS presented Communications Champion Awards to key stakeholders representing organizations across the state’s communications infrastructure.
“Last year, the inaugural convening in the state capital focused on ‘meeting the decision-makers,’” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director of CBM. “This year, the emphasis is on strengthening those connections. Key decision-makers have expressed their appreciation for
“We can’t get the right information out about education without the ethnic media in our state,” Thurmond said. “We need to get people to understand that if a student is not reading at a third-grade level in the third grade we will lose them, and they could end up in the prison pipeline.”
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma engages in a fireside chat with Lisa Collins, publisher of L.A. Focus. (CBM Staff)
AG Rob Bonta is interviewed during a fireside chat with Larry Lee, publisher of the Sacramento Observer. (Photo by CBM Staff)
On the first day of the conference, Bonta sat down with Larry Lee, the publisher of the Sacramento Observer, to have a fireside conversation, titled “Stop the Hate –Spread the Love.” Focused on the impact of California’s “Stop the Hate” effort, the conversation focused on state government policy and programs created to prevent hate crimes and hate incidents and provide resources to victims and survivors.
“Our goal is to not have hate crimes,” Bonta said of the Department of Justice’s objectives. “In California, we believe everyone belongs, no one should be targeted or attacked, hurt or harmed because of who they are, where they are from or how they look, who they love, and how they pray.”
In conclusion, Bonta said “There are signs of progress (decreasing numbers of hate crimes) but still too many tragedies. We still have work to do.”
The conference’s workshops, plenaries and breakout sessions focused on concerns such as health care, artificial intelligence, public education, climate change, misinformation, hate crimes, equity in government procurement, and more.
Google provided training workshops on some of its digital news tools and panelists discussed the impact of AI on the future of journalism.
“Our unique strength lies in our deep connection to the audiences we serve,” Wilson said. “We are high touch as well as high-tech media, embedded in our communities and committed to delivering impactful, culturally relevant content.”
The conference ended with the Ethnic Media Awards. Winners were recognized for their reporting in nine different categories. Over 300 entries were submitted that included 12 different languages.
Dr. John Warren, publisher of the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint, led a discussion on the propositions Californians will vote on this November. Joaquin Pons Sr. V.P CBIA and Tino Rossi V.P. Swing Strategies provided context on many issues affecting voters.(CBM staff)
This year’s conference coincided with the announcement of the historic $172 million public-private partnership in California aimed at supporting journalism. That agreement brings together state government and high-tech companies led by Google to support local newsrooms.
and Dr.
The deal, supporters say, serves as a national model for strengthening the traditional role of journalism in providing checks and balances in government and business affairs.
At a reception held the first day of the conference, CBM and EMS honored Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) with the “Legislator of the Year” award. The organizations also thanked Wicks for brokering the deal with Google and for her ongoing support for news media.
“We’ve worked long and hard to gain this recognition as a multilingual, multiracial, multimedia sector,” said Wilson. “We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors, speakers, media partners, and all our attendees for supporting this collective effort.” n
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. (Peter Schurmann photo EMS)
Martha Diaz Askenazy publisher of the San Fernando Valley Sun, Neville Boston CBM board member, Asm. Buffy Wicks accepts legislator of the year award
Paulette Brown-Hinds publisher of IE & Black Voice. (EMS photo)
NAVIGATING BLACK CALIFORNIA
Directory of Black MEDIA News Groups
in California
Bay Area Registry www.bayarearegistry.com
BlackNLA www.blacknla.com
Black Cultural Events www.blackculturalevents.com
Black Voice News blackvoicenews.com
California Black Media cablackmedia.org
The Gospel Vine www.thegospelvine.com
Inland Valley News inlandvalleynews.com
LA Focus ourweekly.com
West Side Story Newspaper westsidestorynewspaper.com
Bakersfield News Group facebook.com/bakersfieldnewsobserver
Inglewood News Today inglewoodtoday.com
L.A. Sentinel lasentinel.net
L.A. Watts Times lawattstimes.com
The Oakland Post oaklandpostonline.com Compton Herald comptonherald.org
OnMe News onmenews.com
Pace Newspaper pacenewsonline.com
Pasadena Journal pasadenajournal.com
BLACK RADIO STATIONS
• Los Angeles - KJLH 102.3 FM kjlhradio.com
• Bay Area - KBLX 102.9 FM kblx.com
• Sacramento - KDEE 97.5 FM kdeefm.org
• Central Valley - 1001.FM Mega 100 mega100fm.iheart.com
Precinct Reporter precinctreporter.com
Sacramento Observer sacobserver.com
San Bernardino American sbamerican.com
San Francisco Bay View sfbayview.com
Sun Reporter sunreporter.com
Tri County Sentry tricountysentry.com
Nationwide Black News Groups
• Essence.com
• TheGrio.com
• BlackDoctor.org
• HelloBeautiful.com
• Huffpost.com/Voices/Black-Voices
• Sisters from AARP - sistersletter.com
• The African History Network facebook.com/TheAfricanHistoryNetworkFanpage
NAVIGATING BLACK CALIFORNIA
Directory of BLACK ASSOCIATION GROUPS in the Greater Sacramento Valley Region and Beyond
100 Black Men of Sacramento 100bmsac.org
African-Americans for Balanced Health aabh.net
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. norcal-alphas1906.com
Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) bapacsd.org
Black Sistahs Making Friends facebook.com/groups/1091392134541999
Black Small Business Association of California facebook.com/BSBACA
Black Women for Wellness bwwla.org
Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) bwopatileleads.org
California Black Chamber of Commerce calbcc.org
California Legisative Black Caucus blackcaucus.legislature.ca.gov
Centers for Fathers & Families cffsacramento.org
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Sacramento Alumnae Chapter sacramentoalumnaedst.org
Elk Grove Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. dstegac.org
Eta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sacramento Chapter etagammaomega.org
Greater Sacramento Urban League gsul.org
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Sacramento Chapter sacramentoncbw.org
National Council of Negro Women, Sacramento Chapter svsncnw.org
Neighborhood Innovation https://www.neighborhoodinnovation.com
Roberts Family Development Center robertsfdc.org
Sac Black Biz www.sacblackbiz.biz
Sacramento ACT sacact.org
Sacramento Area Black Caucus facebook.com/sacramentoarea.blackcaucus
Sacramento Area Black Golf Club sabgc.org
Sacramento Area Black Caucus facebook.com/sacramentoarea.blackcaucus
Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce sacblackchamber.org
Sacramento Chapter of The Links sacramentolinksinc.org
Sacramento Chapter of the NAACP facebook.com/SacNAACP
Sacramento Kappa Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sacramentozetas.org
Sacramento Realtist Association sacramentorealtist.com
Sacramento Sister Circle facebook.com/groups/TheSisterCircle
Sojourner Truth African American Heritage Museum sojoartsmuseum.org
Voices of Youth voiceoftheyouth.com
BLACK HAIR SALON & BARBERSHOP DIRECTORY IN AND AROUND SACRAMENTO
E-mail contact@sacculturalhub.com with any additions or corrections to the list of Black-owned salons and barbershops (composed by BSBA-Black Small Business Association of California - bsba-ca.org/)
24K Salon & Spa
5031 Stockton Blvd Sacramento, CA 95820 (916) 579-6284
Another Look Hair Salon and Barber Shop
6666 Valley Hi Dr Sacramento, CA 95823 (916) 688-7505
Ashley Jayes Beauty Bar
5211 Elkhorn Blvd Sacramento, CA (916) 420-8208
Axis Barber Shop
2850 Northgate Blvd Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 800-3233
Bohemian Aesthetic Atelier
106 L St # 1 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 822-2646
Charmed Lashes & Beauty Bar
621 L St Capitol Mall Alley Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 936-2015
Crystal’s Hair Salon 9117 E. Stockton Blvd Suite 100 (916) 549-8972
Darryl’s Hair Studio & Spa 6801 Fair Oaks Blvd (916) 600 3736
Design R Touch Hair Salon 1510 16th St #106 (916) 968-8935
Diva Glam Spa Parties 2425 20th St (916) 272-5609
Double Take Hair Gallery 1007 12th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 451-4600
Dominick’s Family of Industries Salon and Barber 3400 Bradshaw Rd A3 Sacramento, CA 95827 (916) 346-4616
Dream Girls Fine Hair Imports Salon 9090 Elk Grove Blvd Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 686-5030
Dutch’d Couture Extension Studio 621 Capitol Mall (Inside Sola Salons) (916) 821-4747
E Z Style & Supply Barbershop 3731 Stockton Blvd Sacramento, CA 95820 (916) 822-5081
Exclusive Hair Design 930 Alhambra Blvd #150 Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 498-8374
Express Weave Bar 3526 Stockton Blvd Sacramento, CA 95820 (916) 823-5770
Exquisite U Beauty Boutique
2550 Valley Rd. #9 Sacramento, CA 95821 (916) 338-1137
Fadem Up Barbershop 3824 Stockton Blvd Sacramento, CA 95820 (916) 544-4062
Fadez on 20th 2423 20th St Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 457-7913
Hair Eco Salon
6845 Five Star Blvd Ste E Rocklin, CA, 95677 (916) 242-9939 www.hairecosalon.com
Hasheem The Barber 1510 16th Street Ste 124 Inside Phenix Salon Studios Sacramento, CA 95814 (703) 200-2780
Immaculate Cuts Barbershop
U.S. Bank Tower, Suite#2 (Inside Sola Salons) 621 Capitol Mall Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 271-3639
J Style in Co. Wellness & Beauty 6720 Fair Oaks Blvd Suite 103 (916) 346-7203
J. Rosé Hair Salon
6720 Madison Ave Ste 6 Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (916) 967-7673
J’s Remixed Hair Design 2740 Arden Way Ste 224 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 822-2825
Kajmir Hair Studio/I Twist Sacramento 1910 16th St Sacramento, CA 95811 (916) 444-9370
Keela Hair Studio & Extension Boutique 2527 J St Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 376-7906
Kingofcurls 4751 Freeport Blvd, ste B Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 736-0808
Kings Joint 1900 Terracina Dr Ste 120 Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 571-5711
Margarets Hair Gallery 1610 Fulton Ave Sacramento, CA 95825 margaretshairsalon.com
Marichal Salon, Barber Shop & Suites 2648 Del Paso Blvd Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 226-7099
Mo Better Hair Salon & Barber 10401 Folsom Blvd Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 364-3400
My Beauty Bar & Spa 9108 Laguna Main St Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 684-8111
Naturalistic Salon Spa 2031 Yale St Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 594-7274
Posh Extension Bar 1115 21st St Sacramento, CA 95811 (916) 539-8762
Rockin kidz kutz 9010 Fairway Dr Suite 113 Roseville, CA 95678 (916) 633-9392
Royal Cuts Barbershop 4400 47th Ave #102 Sacramento, CA 95824 (916) 424-2887
The Next Episode Hair Salon 2201 Northgate Blvd Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 519-9045
Tisha’s Braids
8245 Florin Rd, Ste A2 Sacramento, CA 95828 (916) 381-8894
Urban Beauty Salon & Spa 4444 Manzanita Ave #2 Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 891-5984
Greater Sacramento Financial Literacy Group (GSFLG) was created to educate, support and empower each other for the economic wealth and growth of our community and to help shape the future generation of wealth.
Financial literacy is the possession of the set of skills and knowledge that lets a person make informed and efficient choices with their financial resources. All people touch money and the manner in which an individual uses it is up to him or her but not being properly informed on how to make, save and invest can spell disaster.
For the Black community, it is necessary to change the habits of being consumers to becoming investors and entrepreneurs. Learning financial skills such as investing, stock trading, saving and what it takes to start a business, you are better preparing for the future and securing a financial legacy for your family.
Learn more about virtual meetings held via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
www.facebook.com/GSFLG18
www.gsflg.org
THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO
For more events in Sacramento and beyond, go to www.sacculturalhub.com/events and list your event for free online.
ADVERTISER INDEX OF HUB PARTNERS
To advertise in THE HUB Magazine, e-mail contact@sacculturalhub.com or call (916) 234-3589
ANOTHER LOOK HAIR SALON www.anotherlookhairsalon.com
CALIFORNIA BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.calbcc.org
CALIFORNIA STOP THE HATE CAMPAIGN www.cavshate.org
CAPSITY www.capsity.com
COLEMAN COMMUNICATIONS www.michaelpcoleman.com
CRYSTAL’S HAIR SALON 916.549.8972
DOUBLE TAKE HAIR GALLERY www.facebook.com/tavia.jenkins
GOREE & THOMPSON REAL ESTATE www.goreeandthompson.com
JAMES THE BARBER AND STYLIST (916) 514-2539
KDEE 97.FM www.kdeefm.org
MIXED INSTITUTE OF COSMETOLOGY www.mix-ed.com
MONDAVI CENTER AT UC DAVIS https://www.mondaviarts.org/
SACRAMENTO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU www.visitsacramento.com
SAVING OUR LEGACY, AFRICANS AMERICANS FOR SMOKE FREE SAFE PLACES www.thesolproject.com
SPOKER www.spoker.com
THE GOSPEL VINE www.thegospelvine.com
TRAVELWITHTWLIA www.instagram.com/travelwithtwlia
www.sacculturalhub.com/media-foundation
