Our Superb Women!
By Cheryl Smith
Texas Metro News
2021 was the “Year of the Woman,” especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spread- ing a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!
ERICA ANNISE
Erica Annise is a model, culinary creator, heart ambassador, actress and host/ spokesperson. As we open up and celebrate the rich heritage of Black people this month, as well as loving hearts; we also focus on healthy hearts!.
A writer, director, producer at Eannisentertainment,speaker at Heart & Wellness Advocate, Erica Annise attended Booker T. Washington High School and studied broadcasting radio/TV at Texas Woman’s University. For almost 20 years, in the midst of Erica’s modeling and acting career she was diagnosed with Left Ventricular Non-Compaction along with being in heart failure. Her daily struggle inspires her to speak passionately to help heal herself and others through prevention and awareness. She is fighting this disease with a comprehensive mixture of Fun, Fashion, Faith, Fitness, Family and Friends. She stresses the importance of regular doctor visits and blood pressure and heart screenings. Erica is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and she is loved by so many because of her beautiful, vibrant personality and spirit.
SHARON NASH ALEXANDER
Talk about a creative mind! Sharon Nash Alexander has an extensive portfolio of her work as a producer, screenwriter and show creator.
Sharon Nash Alexander is the Director of Development for H2R Productions. A graduate of Paint Branch High School. Sharon attended Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge, then transferred to the University of North Texas where she was a cheerleader and received a BA degree in Radio, TV and Film. She later received an MFA degree in screenwriting from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. She’s had an impressive career in television in front of and behind the camera as a development producer, senior casting producer, screenwriter, et al; working on numerous shows, including America’s Got Talent Season 3, Match Game Pilot, Ellen’s Big Show, Buy it or Build it, BET, and Steve Harvey’s Big Time.
T.J, JOHNSON, ESQ.
A Zig Ziglar Certified Speaker, T.J. Johnson, Esq. is an extraordinary legal mind.
T.J. Johnson, Esq., has a Bachelor of Science from Grambling State University, a Master of Education in Counseling from Southern University, a Doctor of Education in Counseling from Southern University, a Doctor of Education in Counseling from University of Arkansas and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Southern Methodist University. Her distinguished legal career includes Attorney for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Corporate Counsel for EDS (Electronic Data Systems) and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District. An attendee of First Baptist Church Hamilton Park, Dallas, Texas; she also attends ONE Community Church in Plano serving on the administrative legal team for service and outreach. She is a member of Attorneys Serving the Community, The Links, Inc., Plano North Metroplex Chapter, the Plano Early Lions Club and the Plano Community Forum. This wife, mother and grandmother served as a board member of the Plano African American Museum and the Plano International Festival Corporation.
DR. GAYLE COLSTON BARGE
Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. is a higher education advancement administrator who is deeply rooted in the communities she serves. Totally committed and focused, she is a team player and a born leader.
Dr. Gayle Colston Barge received her BA degree history and English from Minot State University, MA in Strategic Communications and Leadership from Seton Hall University and her doctorate degree from Pepperdine University. She has served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Bellevue College, Director of University Public Relations for Central State University. She was a graduate assistant and doctoral student in the graduate school of education and psychology at Pepperdine University and she also studied pre-law at Ohio University. She has served as visiting adjunct professor at Seton Hall University, Assistant Vice Chancellor at Winston-Salem State University, Director of Marketing and Communications for Texas Southern University, Chief Marketing Officer at Parker College of Chiropractic; Director of Corporate Communications at Accor, Vice President, Marketing and Countrywide Home Loans; among others. Dr. Gayle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and has served as president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter.
KAYLA TUCKER ADAMS
She’s more than a public relations guru, motivational speaker, marriage coach and author; Kayla Tucker Adams is the person you want helping to shape your brand and elevate your game!
A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and alum of Prairie View A&M University with a BA in Communications, Kayla Tucker Adams is a long time member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists. She also obtained an MS Degree in Human Relations And Business from Amberton University. Kayla has an impressive portfolio of clients and you can count on her for professionalism, service and results. After all, Kayla has almost 20 years of doing what she does. As the founder and chief strategist of KT Media Group, Kayla seems to always be on the job. Previously she served as Senior Director of Public Relations for the T.D. Jakes Ministries, Director of Communications for the March of Dimes – Dallas, Managing Editor/Writer for Phalcon Star Communications, and Executive Director of Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, Wylie ISD and PR Director for Evolution Academy Charter School.
REGINA EUBANKS COTTON
A businesswoman, community servant and born leader, Regina Eubanks Cotton has dedicated her life to service, public service.
Regina Eubanks Cotton, while she has been in Dallas attended Bishop College where she studied computer science. She hails from Birmingham, AL. and went to Shades Valley and Wenonah High Schools. It was at Bishop that she was initiated into the Delta Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, from there she joined Dallas Alumnae and then North Dallas Suburban Alumnae. A former programmer at ARCO Oil and Gas and former Senior VP of Technical Services at Plano Data; Regina has done so much for so many and she continues to lift as she climbs.
CAMILLE JONES BRYANT
She’s a born leader and Camille Jones Bryant brings 30 years of progressive experience in delivering corporate program solutions to life, while providing outstanding client service.
Camille Jones Bryant was a Global Down Stream Learning Account Manager at Shell Global Solutions, Sr. On-shore Lead Designer for Accenture, Global Project Manager SAVI Learning/Shell International B.V., an instructional designer and a sr. technical training specialist for Lockheed Martin. Loved by many, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Camille has a master’s degree in Instructional Systems Design from Penn State University and a B.S. Degree in Computer Technology from Alabama A&M University. She has extensive experience in corporate training development, program management, and implementation as the foundation to her excellent organizational management abilities.
KAMISHA KNIGHT-JACKSON
Kamisha Knight-Jackson is a joy to be around. She’s about family, service and sisterhood.
Kamisha Knight-Jackson has a really important job at Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as an Alternative Response Specialist III. Previously she was a Permanency Specialist for ACH Child and Family Services. She studied criminal justice at Paul Quinn College, where she became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. An active member of the Dallas Pan-Hellenic Council, Kamisha also serves as advisor to the Chapter at the University of North Texas. She is from Austin, TX and attended John. B. Connally High School. Kamisha is a photographer who shoots weddings, family portraits, and meaningful events in the DFW area and she can be reached at Kamkphotos@gmail.com.
IRMA P. HALL
Actress and producer Irma P. Hall is our treasure, claimed by so many because of her loving spirit and caring heart.
Irma Dolores Player Hall was born in Beaumont, Texas but calls Dallas home. She is a former educator turned actress (she taught French, Spanish and English!) who has appeared in films and television shows since the early 1970s. You may have seen her in Soul Food, A Raisin in the Sun, To Sir With Love II, The Ladykillers and Collateral, or numerous others. She attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City IA and Texas College in Tyler, TX. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the National Council of Negro Women, her impressive career includes stints as a reporter, publicist, supermarket teller, butcher’s apprentice, cleaning person, and telemarketing representative. The award-winning, multi-talented entertainer is also the author of a book of poetry, I Can Deal with Black and Blue; and a play, Black Girl. Talk about gracious …. She’s the epitome of LOVE!
ASSATA THOMAS
Assata Thomas describer herself as “self- made and self-paid. A happy hood chic and a bonafide hustler.” In essence, she is the real deal, true to the bone.
Assata Thomas is the Executive Director at Quest 4 Greater Success, Administrative Coordinator at Bayou Dragon Transport and Executive Administrative Assistant at GTA Small Firm Services, Inc. She has also worked at Total Vision Health Care as an office manager. Assata studied business administration and graduated from Dallas Baptist University after attending Texas Woman’s University and Hillcrest and Bishop Dunne High Schools in Dallas. A wife, mother and grandmother, Assata is committed to service and providing opportunities. Assata is focused on ending hunger and providing life-skill workshops, while also equipping individuals “with the skills, motivation, and support necessary to reach their highest level of self-sufficiency.” Also through community health and educational programs, as well as employment services, Assata is providing much to make our communities better.
RENE SYLER
It was 20 years ago that Rene Syler made history when she became the first Black woman to anchor a network morning show on CBS’ The Early Show!
A wife and mother, Rene Syler is the author of the bestseller, Good Enough Mother: The Perfectly Imperfect Book of Parenting.” In 2005 she founded Good Enough Mother Media where she writes, edits, records video for her website, which targets women and mothers. A social media influencer, she co-hosted Exhale on ASPIRE TV, was the Reality TV Host on the Live Well Network, appeared as a guest expert on the Bill Cunningham Show. Prior to joining the Early Show, she anchored noon and early evening newscasts at KTVT- TV CBS 11 in D/FW and also at WFAA-TV. Rene attended American River College where she also participated in track and field. She received a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University – Sacramento. A volunteer and spokesperson for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Dallas and New York, Rene is as longtime member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
LOREN GILBERT-SMITH
She’s always on the go! Loren Gilbert-Smith is a member of Top Ladies of Distinction and J. L. Turner Legal Association; a mother and grandmother, and also a designer of Afro-Caribbean personal care products.
A Program Manager II at Dallas College, Loren Gilbert-Smith has worked as an adjunct professor at Everest College Midcities and ITT Technical Institute where she was chair of the School of Criminal Justice and Business. She was also an instructor at Vatterott College, and other jobs including as a paralegal at Riney Palter P.L.L.C., the Law Office of R. Sean McDonald, P.C., and Legal Assistant at Lander & Associates P.C. and Network Analyst at American Airlines. She attended St. Agnes Academic School, The City University of New York where she received a B.A. in Sociology, and Southeastern Career Institute. She also studied at the University of Phoenix, Grace International Seminary and currently Walden University where she is pursuing a doctorate degree in Public Policy and Criminal Justice.
ALDREAMA HARPER
Aldreama Harper helps women over 50 systemize their online coaching businesses and podcasts.
Aldreama Harper is an Online Business Operations Strategist at Simplistic Business Solutions LLC and she works as Podcast, Launch Manager & Founder at Aldreama Harper- the Silver and Mature WomanPreneur. Aldreama is what so many businesses need. After years of being in Corporate America and pursuing other business ventures, Aldreama discovered she had a passion for organizing, time management, and personal productivity. She shows you how to work smart, get things done efficiently and keep things in order. She is a master organizer and stress reliever. The best-selling author of “Get Organized! 52 Productivity Secrets to Master the Art of Time Management,” Aldreama is a lover of gadgets and good quality chocolate and she is passionate about entrepreneurship, organizing and hanging out in office supply stores.
JEAN PEMBERTON JONES
An educator in adult literacy and post secondary education; Chaplain Jean Pemberton Jones specializes in Education, Entrepreneur, Small Business, Non Profit and Ministry Leadership; but there’s so much more to her narrative.
E. Jean Pemberton Jones is an author speaker, advocate, educator, bookstore owner, CPR instructor, talk show host, mentor, strategist, supporter, sustainer, and more. She is the President and CEO of Pj Education Group and a board member/ chaplain pastor of On Point Ministries, providing pastoral care and chaplain ministry, and she is chief administrative officer and school president for OPM Training School. Previously she worked as campus president at Peloton College, COO/Executive Producer at KGCM Radio, and held numerous other positions in academia. Proficient in several languages, she has several degrees: BS in leadership from Dallas Christian College; Masters of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary; Master of Arts in Christian Studies from The Criswell College; MBA and Exec MBA from Prairie View A&M University; Doctor of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary; and Doctor of Liberal Studies from SMU.
BETSY HELGAGER HUGHES
Betsy Helgager Hughes is a communication and engagement architect for general and multicultural markets for BLH Consulting, Inc.
For more than two decades, President/ CEO of BLH Consulting, Inc. Betsy Helgager Hughes uses her multi-dimensional skills as she serves globally. Hailing from Sarasota, FL, Betsy attended Hanau American High School in Hanau, West Germany and Frankfurt American High School in Frankfurt, West Germany. She also received an Associates Degree from State College of Florida – Manatee-Sarasota. A graduate of Florida A&M University, she is also the owner/creator of A Punch of Creativity; the creative subsidiary of BLH Consulting, Inc. Betsy spent almost nine years as a Vice President for Ketchum Public Relations. It’s important to note that she served as a company spokesperson for Holidays and introduced to the world Hallmark’s first Kwanzaa Card.
RAJA MUHAMMAD
A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, Raja Muhammad hails from Decatur, IL., and attended Lancaster High School in Lancaster, TX..
Raja Muhammad is a world traveler who has been lauded for her level of professionalism and integrity. She takes pride in everything she undertakes and she performs with grace and compassion. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she is a technical sales consultant at Interactive Medical Group. Raja was also a secondary mathematics teacher for Texans Can Academies, and an educational Technology Consultant at Edmentum. Loved by many, she also served as International Student Advisor, Upward Bound Program Mathematics Instructor and Student Support Service Professional at Paul Quinn College and in the spirit of giving back, she also taught secondary math at Lancaster High School.
STARLENE STRINGER
Starlene Stringer is one of the fittest Radio and Television Personality, Motivational Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Entrepreneurs you’ll ever meet!
Starlene Stringer is the Morning Show Co-Host, News Director, Public Affairs Director and host of the weekly talk show, DFW Perspective on 94.9fm KLTY in Dallas/Fort Worth. A model, this wife and mom has been a writer, media supervisor, advertising coordinator and she made her debut on the airwaves at Soul 73 KKDA and K104FM. Starlene made headlines when she survived a helicopter crash while working as a traffic anchor for CBS-11 TV in Dallas/Ft Worth. An NABJ/DFW-ABC baby, she is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University with a B.S, Degree in Mass Communications and has been a fitness and Group X Instructor for almost 20 years.
DR. TIA LOCKE SIMMONS
Dr. Tia Locke Simmons is an educator – servant Leader – lead Learner – visionary – maximizer – strategic thinker – change agent – and more, including an independent sales director at Mary Kay!
A graduate of South Oak Cliff High School and currently a Curriculum Director, Dr. Tia Locke Simmons served as Executive Principal for Duncanville ISD and Associate/Assistant Principal for Klein ISD. A former teacher, she was also a behavior support specialist for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. An alum of Prairie View A&M University where she was a Black Fox, she received a BA degree in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University, a Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, and her doctorate of education in educational leadership and administration from Sam Houston State University. A past chapter president of the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Dr. Tia is a member of the National Council of Negro Women, NAACP and Texas Association of School Administrators and she’s a board member of One Delta Plaza Educational Center. She was also honored by the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club.
WENDY JACQUES
Smart, beautiful and committed Wendy Jacques recently celebrated her birthday! She’s living a life of service and commitment — that’s right, always working, never shirking.
Wendy graduated from David W. Carter High School and then Prairie View A&M University, with a BS degree in Biology, Wendy Jacques is an environmental scientist/biologist at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She’s supportive of her alma mater, and especially the band! A member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Wendy is a former National Soror of the Year and is approaching her 25th year as a member, having been inducted into the Psi Chapter in 1999. A former national officer, she also was a charter member of the Epsilon Tau Chapter in DeSoto, TX in 2013.
MACY MAYS-ROBERSON
Macy Mays-Roberson is enjoying life and living it like it is golden, as a retiree.
After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School; she studied at East Texas State University and Huston- TIllotson College, earning Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education in Elementary Education and Teaching. Macy Mays- Roberson has so many who look to her as someone who shaped their lives in a positive way. A long time member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Macy remains active and committed. A member of the historic St. Paul UMC, her work as the church historian is legendary and she remains a loyal member of the Huston- Tillotson Alumni Association.
LINDA GRAY
As President of Corporate Connections, a nonprofit management business with expertise in nonprofit start ups, nonprofit management, grant research and development; Linda Gray is the go-to person.
Linda Gray hails from Midland, TX and studied at Midland College and receive an associates degree after graduating from Midland High School. A co-author of the best-selling Soulful Prayers, Linda got rave reviews as a teacher of the Grant Research and writing class at the Collin College Plano Location. An experienced consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the non- profit organization management industry, she is skilled in technical assistance, facilitation, proposal writing, leadership, and motivational speaking.
JUANDA WALLACE
A happily retired Juanda Wallace had more time to spend with her beloved Iota Phi Lambda Sorority!
Juanda Wallace, a proud graduate of James Madison High School in Dallas, went on to study at Prairie View A&M University and East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce). With a bachelors degree in social work and a master of education in library science, she has served as a librarian at Burleson ISD and library media specialist at Dallas ISD. Juanda also was a resident advisor at McKinney Job Corps Center. She also studied Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services at then-North Texas State University (University of North Texas).
CLARA BROWN-TRIMBLE
Stylish and always wearing a beautiful smile that is sincere and loving, that’s Clara Brown-Trimble.
Clara Brown-Trimble is a chief clerk and administrative assistant at Dallas County. When she enters a room, she owns it. All eyes are on her as she is impeccably dressed from head to toe. Active with the NAACP, she has served in leadership positions including current treasurer of the Dallas Branch. Clara currently serves as chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Board. Clara is the consummate community servant leader. Her legacy is her commitment to service and she does it with class, finesse, charm and compassion. She sincerely cares and that causes her to get involved in everything from voter education to census recruiting. One day she is marching, another day she is chairing meetings, speaking out on issues or mobilizing volunteers.
RITA BOOKER PARSON
She’s strong in news writing, editing, feature writing, journalism, and media relations; Rita Booker Parson has an impressive portfolio!
Rita Booker Parson is the retired district manager of Public Relations for Tarrant County College where she was also the former coordinator of Public Information. Hailing from Tuskegee, AL, she attended South Oak Cliff High School and then studied journalism at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce) and North Texas State University, now University of North Texas, Class of 1985 — receiving BA and MA degrees in Journalism, respectively. An award-winning PR guru, Rita is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, and she has been a member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators (now Journalists).
WINIFRED KING
From Lawton, OK to Grand Prairie, TX; Winifred brings serious receipts when she enters the room.
A woman of substance, Winifred King is the Senior Vice President, Chief of Communications, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Cook Children’s Health Care System; with a big title that she handles with grace and professionalism. Previously she worked as Director of Communications for Texas Southern University and Assistant Manager of Promotions at Disney and attended MacArthur High School before she went on to study sociology at Cameron University. She’s competent, focused and results driven; while also being an inspiration to so many. A former broadcast journalist, “Wini” is a member and leader of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of Public Relations Society of America. She has also served on the boards of Young Women’s Leadership Academy and TCU’s student- driven PR and ad agency, ROXO.
TIESA LEGGETT
A former journalist, Tiesa Leggett is an NABJ/DFW-ABC (J) Baby and was a reporter for Fort Worth City Cable and Fort Worth Focus.
Tiesa Leggett has sought political office and expectations are that you’ll be hearing a lot more from her in the future and you’ll also get the chance to vote for her again. Hailing from San Antonio, TX, she attended Judson Senior High School and then went on to study journalism at the University of North Texas and sustainability at The University of Texas at Arlington; receiving a BA in Broadcast News Journalism and Master of Interdisciplinary Studies, respectively. Tiesa most recently was VP for advocacy and engagement for the North Texas Commission and former Project Coordinator at Blue Zones Project – Fort Worth. She’s also held positions with Sodexo and Chesapeake Energy.
DEBBIE DENMON-GREAGOR
A long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Debbie Denmon-Greagor brings her warm and loving personality to the screen and wherever she goes.
Debbie Denmon-Greagor is a TV Show Host at HSN. An Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, Debbie Denmon- Greagor is a public relations, public affairs, and corporate communications professional with decades of experience. Prior to joining HSN, Debbie was Director of Communications for the Dallas County District Attorney office, and she held several anchor-reporter positions at WFAA- TV, WTHR-TV, and KJRH-TV. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. Degree in Journalism. Debbie is a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. Living a life of service, Debbie has served as Gala Co-Chair for the African American Museum of Dallas, Lead Volunteer for DIFFA Dallas and Host Committee Member of the Dallas International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show. She’s a member of the UNT Alumni Board.
T’KEYAH CRYSTAL KEYMAH
The multi-talented T’Keyah Crystal Keymah is brains, beauty, talent, fortitude and strength. She’s loving, compassionate, thought-provoking and intuitive.
T’Keyah Crystal Keymah honors commitments! An actress, singer, dancer, comedian, producer, director and educator; born in Chicago, IL, she attended Florida A&M University where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (BADST) and graduated from the prestigious School of Business and Industry. She first broke onto the television scene with a role on Quantum Leap in 1989; the following year, she joined the cast of In Living Color. During her five years with In Living Color, she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and a Soul Train Comedy Award. Over the next several years, she was a cast member in a number of other television shows, including On Our Own, Waynehead, The Show, and, most notably, on Cosby and That’s So Raven.” An author, T’Keyah has received the Meritorious Award from FAMU and was named one of the 100 most influential FAMUans of the Century.
