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 spreading a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!
AQUA C. NIXON
Aqua C. Nixon has a wonderful message, that every woman should embrace and it is one that adequately expresses who this beautiful woman is.
The creator and CEO of Charmzworld, Aqua C. Nixon, has a message that if every female believes as she states, we would all fall in love with ourselves and no-one could mistreat us. A wife and mother, Aqua is an entrepreneur, painter/illustrator, graphic artist, motivational speaker and blogger. Prior to creating Charmzworld and operating A Quality Graphics, Aqua worked for City of Dallas. She is the creator of a line of products/merchandise for girls of color called, “Charmz.” She spreads such a positive message based on the belief that every girl is beautiful. Her mission is to empower, enlighten and promote self- esteem in young girls by allowing them to see themselves in the products that they wear and use; to encourage them to “love yourself,” and to show them that they are beautiful and that anything is possible.
JENNIFER WASHINGTON
She’s talented, beautiful, innovative, and creative, that’s Jennifer Washington!
A personal stylist and consultant, Jennifer Washington is who you need to have in your life! Jennifer attended Wilmer-Hutchins High School where she was Miss Wilmer-Hutchins That’s right — beauty and brains, a scholar and representative extraordinaire. Jennifer attended University of North Texas, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with the focus in Costume Design, Class of A jazz singer, Jennifer is also a jewelry designer and an administrative assistant for Episcopal School of Dallas.
APRIL DISHON BARKER
April Dishon Barker is a wife, mompreneur and minister.
The owner of Empire of Dreams, LLC, April Dishon Barker is a graduate of Paul Quinn College and an author-coach who has helped publish over 40 books in the past decade. She’s a writer, speaker, trainer and leader. April provides training and consulting for non-profit organizations and small businesses. She has worked at Uplift Education as an early childhood educator and office manager; an associate minister for preschool/special needs at Trinity Church; Library specialist at UNT Dallas and Paul Quinn College; and a compliance specialist at Citicards. This writer/editor/publisher is an alumni of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators (now journalists) Urban Journalism Workshop and a former student member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
TINA MOORE
Tina Moore is a spiritual goddess, bring joy into the lives of so many with her smile, listening ear and sound advice and support!
Tina Moore says she is “a strong woman that knows what she wants and loves to bring smiles to people faces. I have a golden heart that is filled with much happiness.” She’s the owner of Moore Concierge Service and it’s no wonder. She puts the “customer” in customer service because she provides service with a smile and a level of professionalism that is unsurpassed. If you’ve ever seen her around Friendship-West Baptist Church, she is going to bring a smile to your face because she is living life like its golden and you’ll want to also!
BRITTNEY Y. GRINER
Brittney Griner, an athlete, author and advocate, is one of 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a Fiba World cup gold and a WNBA Championship.
When people hear the name Brittney Griner, they think about her outstanding performances on the basketball court in high school, college and with the Phoenix Mercury. A Houston native, who played at Baylor, Brittney is currently detained in Russia where she played for the UMMC Ekaterinburg. At 6’9” Brittney is the NCAA record-holder for most dunks and she is by far one of the Greatest of All Times. And there’s more to Brittney. The author of “In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court,” published in 2014; Brittney speaks out on issues of social justice and human dignity. She is passionate about addressing bullies and she was very outspoken about the playing of the national anthem during games. This wife and U.S. citizen is being unlawfully detained in Russia and every effort should be made, including the raising of voices demanding her release.
BRENDA TEELE
Brenda Teele believes every person is equipped with all they need to find success and “we all have More than Enough, we just have to identify, embrace, and develop our strengths.”
A graduate of Howard University with a degree in broadcast journalism, Brenda Jackson hails from Fresno, CA where she graduated from Roosevelt High School. A mother of three, Brenda is a member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She is a former news anchor at KTBS 3 News, NBC Universal, CBS-11, ABC Radio Network and KKDA-AM Radio. An Emmy Award winner, Brenda has also helped run the family real estate title insurance business and she also judged the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader auditions. Brenda is the founder of ME More than Enough and Walk with ME (a podcast made for people who are physically walking alone to find community and inspiration from others sharing stories about their walk on the road of life).
SHIRLEY FISHER
Brains, Beauty and Class, Shirley Fisher is the epitome of elegance, grace and love. Always a lady!
Prairie View A&M had it going on back in the 1950s with the likes of Opal Smith and Shirley Fisher! Mrs. Fisher received a B.S. Degree in physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and a Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance – both from PV with additional coursework and certification from the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. She has taught and been a counselor in Galveston and Dallas Independent School Districts. Hailing from Galveston, she’s a graduate of Central High School. For almost 20 years she has been a Professor of Education at Cedar Valley College. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she was the 21st South Central Regional Director. She was inducted into the African American Education Archives and History Program Hall of Fame – Class of 2020 and a playground at William Brown Miller Elementary School is named in her honor.
T. GERTRUDE JENKINS
T. Gertrude Jenkins is passionate about providing the best educational experience for her students.
T. Gertrude Jenkins has been an English teacher at Fulton County Schools, Orange County Schools, and now, Summit Public Schools in Redwood City, CA. She received a B.A. in English Language and Literature, a Master of Education focused in English/ Language Arts Teacher Education from University of Central Florida, and currently she is a Doctoral Student – EdD at University of San Francisco. Tamra’s research sheds light on the disparate treatment of Black children due to subconscious and conscious bias in classroom environments, while developing methods for improving cultural competence in teachers and creating safe and enriching spaces for student development. She hails from New Jersey and you can read her work in the book, “Rise For Racial Justice.”
ORETHANN PRICE
Orethann Price is a Hall of Famer, inducted by the African American Education Archives and History Program.
Orethann Price devoted more than 30 years in Dallas ISD elementary schools working to create exemplary campuses. Now a retiree, she focused on academic achievement and has been recognized for outstanding performance as a teacher: A. W. Blanton Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Dallas ISD Golden Award Nominee for National Teacher of the Year; Perot Teacher Award Nominee; National Teacher of the Year Nominee. Principal of Jimmie Tyler Brashear, T.D. Marshall and John N. Bryan Elementary Schools. The Texas Education Agency rated T.D. Marshall and John Neely Bryan elementary schools as Recognized and Exemplary. Most recently she has been sharing her expertise at A+ Academy and she is also a member of Top Ladies of Distinction.
SANDRA DANIELS
Talk about classy, loving and a consummate professional, that’s Sandra Daniels.
A retired VP Communications and Diversity for Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Sandra Daniels held numerous positions including director of corporate communications and public relations manager over a period of more than 20 years. She is a former broadcast journalist with more than 25 years of experience in the field, having served as education reporter for KRLD News Radio; community affairs talk show host and producer for KDFW-TV-Dallas; entertainment reporter for the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner morning show; and news director for the former KJMZ and KRNB radio stations. A graduate of the University of North Texas with a BA Degree, Sandra is a wife and mother.
DR. DELORES SEAMSTER
Dr. Delores Seamster has an extensive and impressive portfolio as an educator
Dr. Delores Seamster served in Dallas ISD for more than 40 years in various roles, including teacher, assistant principal, principal, curriculum specialist, and staff development specialist. As Executive Director of Reading, led the district from 11 low performing schools for writing to zero campuses. A proponent of reading and writing literacy, Dr. Seamster trains teachers and administrators to implement learning strategies used by effective schools. She also created “The Write Direction” K-12 writing plan for Dallas ISD. The Dallas ISD reading and writing curriculum, developed and implemented under Dr. Seamster’s leadership, bolstered increased student achievement and standardized test scores across the district. She also served as adjunct professor with the Dallas County Community College District.
CAROLYN THOMPSON
Carolyn Thompson is a mentor for many and she is a highly revered civic and community servant.
Outstanding educator whose career spanned 35 years. After more than a decade in the classroom as a teacher, the next 15 years were spent as a school counselor at several Dallas ISD schools. She served 10 years as an assistant principal at Daniel Webster Elementary School, before her retirement. Her legacy as an administrator was that she created a nurturing campus culture focused on student and teacher success. She also served on the Districtwide Counselor Committee and as a curriculum writer for the elementary counselor program. She’s also a Hall of Famer!
SONDRA RONEY
Sondra Roney is the sister everyone would be honored to have!
Sondra Roney is a radio and television personality. Stylish and graceful, she is better known as Sista Sondra and she believes in living life to the fullest! She attended Dillard University where upon graduation with a degree in radio, television and film she has enjoyed stints at KJMZ 100.3 JAMZ, and on the nationally syndicated, Russ Parr Morning Show, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Michael Baisden Show and The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Formerly an employee of Urban One, the Dallas native is a national voiceover talent and currently hosts special events and moderates conferences around the country. A popular and in-demand talent, Sista Sondra is the person to call for emceeing, moderating panels and providing motivational and inspiring messages to youth and women, especially. A self-proclaimed food junkie, she also has a “serious love affair with food.”
PEARL JONES
Pearl Jones knows media, especially radio!
The founder and owner of DFWiRadio, Pearl Jones enjoyed stints as a promotions manager at A&M Records and EMI Records and also 97.9 The Beat and K104 FM. A mother and grandmother, Pearl is revered by industry greats for her no-nonsense, attention-to-detail and stellar work ethic. Disenchanted with what radio had begun to morph into, she soon turned to working with performing artists in road and tour management. In 2007, intrigued with internet broadcasting, she began the process of building her own Radio station and DFWiRadio launched in December of 2009, then later she launched DFWiGospel Radio and most recently 24SevenBlack.com in 2021.
LUE CALHOUN
She has a fun-loving job and she’s a loving and supportive person so you can’t help but to love Lue Calhoun.
As the Senior Entertainment Director at Reach Media, Lue Calhoun has a very demanding and interesting job. She has risen through the ranks because she has a pleasing personality and she is dependable. People like working with Lue because she is the epitome of professionalism and she takes care of business. A veteran in the music industry, Lue worked several years for Service Broadcasting. Hailing from East Texas and a large family, she also founded a lifestyle magazine, Sessions Magazine, with her sister, BJ.
HARNELL WILLIAMS
Harnell Williams is a Hall of Famer, inducted into the African American Education Archives and History Program Hall of Fame.
Harnell Williams is an educator who served 37 years in teaching and leadership positions with a simple philosophy: “Teach the children while treating them with dignity and respect.” Began a teaching career in the Tyler ISD; taught second and third grade at Edna Rowe Elementary School where she was selected as teacher of the year. Promoted to several leadership positions including dean of instruction, assistant principal, and principal. Williams served as the principal for four Dallas ISD schools in which two of those campuses consistently received Texas Education Agency Recognized status, the second-highest rating given by the state. She also received the MetLife Outstanding Principal award; and Dallas ISD Area 4 Principal of the Year Award.
TAYLOR TIAMOYO HARRIS
Taylor Tiamoyo Harris is the bomb and she has the receipts. Taylor put in the work at school, during several internships and fellowships, and in the community!
Taylor Tiamoyo Harris is an NABJ Baby and a millenial with receipts! She was a participant in the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists Urban Journalism Workshop and attended David W.Carter High School. A 2016 graduate of Howard University, where she served as editor-in-chief of The Hilltop and joined the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; Taylor is a contributor to the American Press Institute and she was also a ProPublica fellow. Taylor has enjoyed stints as a reporter for ABC News, Thomson Reuters and NJ Advance Media and she is currently a reporter at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
PETRE PLEASANTS WHITE
Pleasant is also how you describe Petre Pleasants White. A consummate professional, Petre is a joyful and loving person!
Petre Pleasants White is the former Client Services Manager at Dallas Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and manager at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, she went to Crenshaw Senior High and studied Health Science at San Jose State University. She is the founding member of the Dallas Hotel Concierge Association, and a CTA (Certified Tourism Ambassador) for the City of Dallas. A wife and mother, she is a member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, a legacy member of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Dallas Chapter and a board member of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
SHEREL RILEY
Sherel Riley is the ultimate “sisterfriend.” She’s kind, loving and supportive!
The Workforce Development Program Manager at Parkland Health and Hospital System, Sherel Riley is multi-talented and it’s important to note that she has extensive and diverse experience in implementing world class training programs throughout 35 states, as well as Europe and South-East Asia. A Dallas native, she attended Bishop Dunne Catholic School, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School and she received a degree in speech communication and drama from the University of North Texas. She also received a Masters Degree in Human Resources and Training from Amber University (now Amberton). A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc and Links Inc; Sherel is a talented performer, dedicated volunteer and loving sister.
ROZALIND R. DICKERSON CLEAVER
Rozalind R. Dickerson Cleaver is a proud Spelman College grad and she studied public affairs at UTD.
Rozalind R Dickerson Cleaver is the Airport Relations & Community Engagement Manager at the City of Dallas. A former board member of the Heart of a Warrior Charitable Foundation, Rozalind is the past president of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Texas Affiliate and community outreach coordinator for the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Hailing from Bastrop LA, Roz is a Warrior. She was deputy political director for Ron Kirk for US Senate and a participant in Dallas Blueprint for Leadership. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Roz is a dedicated community volunteer and servant.
KAROL NICKS SUBER
Karol Nicks Suber is dependable, professional and highly equipped in all areas of the communications industry.
The VP of Creative Projects at Visual Juice, Karol Nicks Suber is a long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists and former board member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators (now Journalists). A wife and mother, Karol hails from Port Arthur, TX and she studied Broadcast Journalism/Radio/TV/Film at The University of Texas at Austin where she was the first Black Female Radio Host in Austin and worked at KUT Radio. She’s a media professional, interviewer, audio/visual communicator, documentary filmmaker, producer and creative projects manager, voice over artist, announcer, DJ, and music guru.
DR. HELEN JONES
Dr. Helen Jones is one of 10 inductees in the Class of 2020 Educators Hall of Fame.
Dr. Helen Jones began her career as a classroom teacher in San Antonio, later serving as assistant principal at San Jacinto and Annie Webb Blanton Elementary Schools. As principal at Priscilla Tyler Elementary, she was credited for the successful turn-around of the campus. She coordinated special projects for the Curriculum and Instruction Department, served in the Dallas ISD Grants Department and provided technical assistance to campuses. She successfully advocated to name the School of Education and Social Services at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center for Dr. Rosie Collins Sorrells. She also tutored students, and mentored and taught future educators at Paul Quinn College.
SHAVONDA FIELDS
A DJ/ Radio Personality at KNON 89.3 FM Blues, Shavonda Fields attended South Oak Cliff High School. She shared the microphone with Hollywood Hernandez and Shavonda describes herself as “very poised and professional or I can be a fire cracker guaranteed to capture the attention of your audience with my loud, winning voice and attitude.” The owner of Fields Media and Entertainment Services, she was previously a radio promotions specialist for Service Broadcasting Corporation. She received an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Everest College-Dallas and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resources Management and Services from the University of Phoenix.
DR. ROBBIE PIPKIN
Dr. Robbie Pipkin was recently inducted into the AAEAHP Hall of Fame!
While serving 39 years in public education, Dallas ISD graduate Dr. Robbie Pipkin worked as a teacher and campus leader. Positions held include teacher of special needs students and gifted students; facilitator and resource teacher for special education; Dean of Instruction, Lincoln High School; Principal of A. S. Johnston Elementary School, Multiple Careers Magnet High School and Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploratory Academy. Longfellow Academy named a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School; Received Outstanding Middle School of Texas Award and Meadows Foundation Award for Charitable School Projects for Multiple Career High School Magnet. She devoted her career to making students a priority to ensure high academic success.
DR. CATRINA PULLUM
Dr. Catrina Pullum says her “life’s mission is to help women heal and grow their greatness!”
Dr. Catrina Pullum is a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Dallas Metropolitan Chapter and a board member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists. Executive Producer at Puissance Maison Productions, Chair, Board of Directors at Center of Empowerment for Families & Youth and President at Pull CorpMedia; this New Orleans, LA native is a graduate of Tulane University. Dr. Trina is a vision strategist, author, empowerment moderator, producer, director, entertainment executive, philanthropist and community servant. She provides many services, including: Literary & Music Publishing, Event production consulting, Transforming books to stage plays and Film/Television: Creation/Production. Find out more at www.drcatrinapullum.com.
THE ELUSIVE LADIES
The Elusive Ladies is comprised of some dynamic sisters who were initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., through the Beta Alpha Chapter at Florida A&M University. May 26, 1978 the Elusive Ladies were 34 who became ONE!
The Elusive Ladies are: Sheryl Barnes, Sabrina Beason, Kathy Board, Michelle Boseman, Louise Marshall, Cheryl Burgess, Lillie Burke, Karen Caldwell, Donna Charles, Terry Cooper, Yvette Council, Mary Brown, Charlene DeWindt, Vickie Frazier, Celia Gipson, Lucy Holt, Cassandra Horton, Cassandra Jackson, Brenda Jones, Angela King, Carolyn Brown, Audrey McGriff, Sandra McReynolds, Valerie Melton, Helen Morton, Vicki Muse, Vera Norwood, Alma Ragin, Valerie Raulerson, Alvena Smith, Anita Smith, Cheryl Smith, Trudy Sweet and Annarene Wineglass. We were scholars, athletes, campus queens, band members, cheerleaders, honor students, leaders, and an integral part of the institution. Today, we are nurses, doctors, judges, educators, journalists, entrepreneurs, scientists, CFOs, CEOs, community leaders, caregivers, activists, attorneys and more! There’s even a song about us — “Elusive Lady” by The Pockets. Check it out! Today 32 of us are still able to reach out and touch one another. We will never forget Donna P. Charles and Lucy Holt.
LELA HERRON
Lela Herron is an inductee into the Educators Class of 2020 Hall of Fame.
Lela Herron is an educator, entrepreneur and civic leader who has made a lasting impact on the city of Dallas in multiple arenas during her 34 years as a classroom teacher, while serving 29 of those years in Dallas ISD at Alex Spence Middle School, J.J. Rhoads and T. D. Marshall elementary schools (renamed Clara Oliver). At T. D. Marshall, her peers selected her three times as “Teacher of the Year.” Her classroom became known as the prototype class for excellence in teaching and learning. Selected for the Jack Lowe Excellence in Teaching Award and Superior Performance Fellows Award in East Oak Cliff Sub District, she was very active in community and civic affairs.
DR. LOIS HARRISON-JONES
Dr. Lois Harrison-Jones is a highly regarded pioneer in educational leadership.
Dr. Lois Harrison-Jones has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy supt. in Dallas, TX and superintendent of schools in Richmond, VA and Boston, MA. She was an Associate Professor at Harvard University and is the Professor Emerita of the Howard University School of Education. She was the first woman supt. of schools in Richmond, VA, the first Black woman supt. of schools in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and the first Black woman to serve as a Community Ambassador to Northern Ireland. A former national president of Continental Societies, Inc,, she’s a Past President of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) and has been a member of the Richmond, VA; Dallas, TX and Prince George’s County, MD affiliates. She has degrees from VA State University; Temple University; and a doctorate in Educational Administration from VA Tech.
MRS. WILLIE CROWDER
Mrs Willie Crowder is an educator’s educator and she’s in the Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Willie Crowder rose through the ranks to become a successful career teacher and administrator. She served as principal of Margaret B. Henderson, assistant principal at A.W. Blanton, Sidney Lanier Vanguard, Henry W. Longfellow elementary schools, and John B. Hood Middle School; and taught at T. J. Rusk, and Boude Storey middle schools. Mrs. Crowder became a minority recruiter in the human resources department and was very effective in filling vacancies in critical areas. She served as assistant superintendent and associate superintendent in the human resources department at DISD. Career spans over 40 years. After retirement, she applied her talents and skills as a Texas Education agency external monitor at Birdie Alexander Elementary to help that school achieve and move to an academically successful status. Mrs. Crowder is an African American Education Archives and History Program Hall of Famer.
CAROLYN HAYNES
Carolyn Beckwith Haynes is the Chief Financial Officer – licensed Funeral Director, certified state of Texas paralegal and notary public.
Carolyn Beckwith Haynes is a graduate of Dallas Institute and she hold a degree in business administration. She is the CFO of Golden Gate Funeral Home and “A” Crematory. She is the co-host of “Ask the Undertaker Show” and a member of Fourth Ward Baptist Church of Ennis, TX. A graduate of South Oak Cliff High School, the Dallas native is a wife, mother and grandmother. An astute businesswoman, Carolyn is a community servant and philanthropist.
MARQ CLAYTON
MarQuetta Clayton is humanity-driven, fair, and trustworthy and focused on honesty, fairness, and integrity.
A native of Oklahoma City, MarQuetta Clayton has spent most of her life in Tarrant County. She attended Morton Elementary, then Workman Junior High School before graduating from Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas. She received a BA in Mathematics from OU and worked as a senior pension analyst before going to Texas A&M University School of Law. She was the 1st African American Assistant County Attorney in Hood County, Texas, before opening The Clayton Law Firm. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and officer in the Xi Theta Omega Chapter, she is also the President of the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association.
