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!
MAXCIE TAYLOR
Maxcie Taylor is a speaker, author, B.R.A.N.D. Ambassador Coach
Here she is Ms. Curve Texas ’22! Yes, Maxcie Taylor recently won this title as part of the Regency International Pageant and will be competing in Las Vegas this July against other plus size women. As a plus size woman Maxcie is excited to use her platform to share encouragement with other curvy women and to inspire them to go after their dreams regardless of their size. Not only is she a pageant queen, Maxcie is also a social media strategist, and runs a B.R.A.N.D. Ambassador agency that teaches inspiring influencers how to develop their B.R.A.N.D. and monetize their Instagram account. A wife and mother, the mass communications major’s book, “Queen in Me” is on sale.
KIM CLEMONS
Fun-loving, energetic and a joy to be around, Kim Dunn Clemons is a wife and mother.
Kim Dunn Clemons hails from Santa Cruz, CA where she attended Santa Cruz High School and graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Radio, TV and Film Production. Kim is currently a Showrunner/Writer at AMS PICTURES in Dallas –producing “Murder Made Me Famous,” “Scandal Made Me Famous” and “The Price of Fame series’ for The REELZ Channel. Also a former producer with USA networks and programming coordinator KXAS-TV/NBC-5, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
TERRI T. THOMAS
Terri T. Thomas is vice president and community manager for Chase and she is a “hustler” in a positive way.
For the past 19 years she has held several positions from branch manager to vice president and she is about the community and helping clients improve their personal finances. Terri has a BA in Business Administration and Management from Austin College and she studied her junior year abroad at the La Universidad de Salamanca. A founding member, she is also a board member of the Collin County Black Chamber of Commerce. We especially like that she worked with From Your Heart Ministries to provide dental cleanings to youth in Uganda. And, she has done so much more, including with the North Texas Jobs Corp.
SHANIA WILHITE
Shania Wilhite is energetic and a go-getter. She wants to focus on community health, environmental safety and curbing gentrification.
A recent graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce with a degree in public health, Shania attended the School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center. Shania is a community coordinator for the DEC Network where she is responsible for membership and guest experience, event planning, and facilitates support as well as operational support at the DEC@RedBird. Shania is interested in Animal Welfare • Arts and Culture • Civil Rights and Social Action • Disaster and Humanitarian Relief • Environment • Health • Human Rights • Politics.
HOPE ANGELA IRETI HART
She’s a student of life and an activist. Hope Angela Ireti Hart is constantly evolving and leaving places better than she found them.
An Urban Planning & Community/Economic Development Consultant, she has enjoyed stints at U.S. Small Business Administration and Prospector Works. Hope Angela Ireti Hart hails from Oak Cliff and graduated from Justin F. Kimble High School. She received a BA degree in Urban Studies/Africana Studies from Vassar College. Hope also studied at Mountain View Community College, Spelman College and Cornell University where she received a MRP in City and Regional Planning. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Hope’s specialties include: Project Management, Pre-Development, Brainstorming, Proposal Concept & Design, Troubleshooting, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Community Relations, Public Relations and Networking.
ERIN E. EVANS
You have to check out some of Erin E. Evans ’ insightful, thought-provoking pieces. @heyerinevans or www.erinevans.me
Currently a senior enterprise editor at HuffPost, where she manages a team of reporters and critics who write about arts and entertainment; Erin Evans is a graduate of Howard University with a BA Degree in Journalism with honors (Summa Cum Laude) and she received her Masters Degree from New York University. Yes! She’s an NABJ Baby!!! Her impressive career includes stints at The Root, Black Entertainment Television, Mic, The Movement and NBC News. She specializes in content around social justice, identity and culture. Erin calls herself an amateur cook, but everything she undertakes, she masters! Erin currently resides in Brooklyn but her heart remains in her hometown of Dallas, TX!
TONYAA WEATHERSBEE
A Florida native,Tonyaa Weathersbee writes and edits projects, speeches and scripts, as well as lecture on topics ranging from politics, social justice and the craft of journalism to issues on Cuba, Latin America and the African diaspora.
Tonyaa Weathersbee is the metro columnist for The Commercial Appeal, the major newspaper of Memphis, Tenn. Journalist Tonyaa Weathersbee is the bomb. A long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and award-winning journalist, Tonyaa earned a master’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in international/intercultural communications and a BS Degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Hailing from Jacksonville, she graduated from William M. Raines High School and she has participated in numerous fellowships. She is a self-professed “expert in Afro-Caribbean culture, a Florida Gator and Jacksonville Jaguar fan and mom to 2 kitties!”
MADISON CHASE
Madison Chase is a trainer, host, author, motivational speaker and ambassador for helping you be your Best You.
A Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts alum and a trained classical ballerina, Madison Chase studied at The Juilliard School. She is CEO and Founder at Madison Chase Fitness, Celebrity Fitness Expert at Madison Chase Fitness and World’s Only 3X Miss Fitness Champion at ESPN. Madison represented Richardson in the Miss America Pageant and she also previously hosted a live weekly fitness segment, “Workout Wednesday.” Her articles have been published in Eclipse Magazine, www.eurweb.com, www.dallasblack.com, www.eclipsedfw.com, Heart & Soul Magazine, Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness Hers publications.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJh23paKqHo
LASHIRL SMITH
LaShirl Smith represents some of the hottest in the business and she is all about results and putting her clients first.
LaShirl Smith is the Boss Lady at Group PR and RonSean Productions, LLC. Hailing from Dallas, LaShirl currently resides in Cali and she’s making things happen internationally. She is the president and lead publicist representing celebrities and professional athletes in the entertainment and sports industry. LaShirl received a BA degree in Communications, Public Relations and Advertising from the University of North Texas. A consummate professional LaShirl has branched off into the world of producing so we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the future and we salute her because she is the epitome of Black Girl Magic!
DR. INDIA STEWART
Dr. India Stewart is an educator, philanthropist and artist. Her work speaks volumes.
Dr. India Stewart enjoyed stints at Dallas College, UTD, Catholic Charities Fort Worth, Center for Transforming Lives, UNT, Texas Women’s Foundation, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Resource Center of Dallas. A self-described practical idealist, Dr. India is a sociology professor and community advocate committed to building the equitable future we all deserve. She has served on the Boards of AIDS Interfaith Network, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, and LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare. She also volunteers with Dallas Dinner Table, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Transfer Advisory Subcommittee. She has a Ph.D. in Public Affairs, MS in Applied Sociology, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from UT Dallas, and a BA in Government and International Affairs from Augustana University.’
MICHELLE BROWN
Scholarship, sisterhood and service. That’s what Michelle Brown is about. She embodies the true meaning of sisterhood.
As the director of the Blazing Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Michelle Brown has an awesome task and she serves with grace and love. She is a recipient of the highest award bestowed by the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) – the Ennis J. Olgiatti Award for lifetime achievement in the field of pretrial services. Michelle served as National President of NAPSA, 2004-2006 and is the only African American woman to have ever received this award. She is also the founder of the Texas Association of Pretrial Officers and retired as the Tarrant County Pretrial Services Director after an impressive tour of duty that expanded more than 20 years. Michelle is a past president and current member of the Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
JUDGE TONYA PARKER
Honorable Tonya Parker is highly respected and widely honored for her work on the bench and in the community.
Judge Tonya Parker was elected Judge of the 116th Judicial District Court in 2010 and has held the position in 2011. She has also served twice as the Presiding Judge for the Dallas County Civil District Courts. Judge Parker has also served as the president of the Texas Association of District Judges. The recipient of numerous awards, Judge Parker has been a dedicated public servant and community leader. A member of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, Dallas Women Lawyers Association, Dallas Arts District Alliance, City of Dallas Community Development Commission, Dallas Bar Association Board, and more; the SMU Dedman School of Law graduate consistently receives high scores from her colleagues.
SYMPHONY PARSON LOWE
Symphony Parson Lowe is full of energy, love and about making this world a better place!
Symphony Parson Lowe studied broadcast journalism at Florida A&M University, where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A resident of Midlothian, Symphony is active in the community, working to bring about fairness, equity, inclusion and justice. She’s doing everything from leading marches to feeding the homeless and distributing food kits. Symphony is an NABJ/DFW-ABJ Baby having participated in the DFW-ABC (J) Urban Journalism Workshop as a high school student. In addition to stints at Break of Day Design, Hanley Wood, American Heart Association and Sharecare, she also worked for Service Broadcasting (K104/ KKDA/KRNB) and today she is an event planner for 7-Eleven.
LAURA COBB HAYES
As the National Executive Director of The Urban Specialists, Laura Cobb Hayes is impacting so many lives! And soon, we will be calling her Dr. Laura Cobb Hayes!
Previously Laura Cobb Hayes served as Chief Executive Officer of The Learning Bridge, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Edison Learning, National Director of Foundations for New Leaders for New Schools, Director of Education for the Foundation for Community Empowerment, Senior Director for Texas Education Agency, educator in DISD, AND, a principal in Grand Prairie ISD. Certified in numerous disciplines, the UNT Masters Degree graduate also served as president of Head Start of Greater Dallas (first Black female elected!), Advisory Board member of Dallas Children’s Theater and Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sister of Greater Dallas and also Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Links, Inc and she may not know Karate, but she knows Taekwondo!
STEPHANIE WARD
Stephanie Ward is super -talented, smart, meticulous, beautiful and creative. The world would be so much better if she had more time to put her dynamic writing skills in motion again!
She’s a California Girl, hailing from Oakland where she attended Carver Vocational-Technical High School, and when she arrived in Dallas working for the Dallas Morning News, she was on her job, she was in the community and she was involved! The San Francisco State University alum then opened Stephanie’s Collections, a beautiful art gallery in North Dallas that drew people from all over for her quality products and services. There was always something going on at Stephanie’s! Stephanie has enjoyed stints at Spicewood Designs, New Lime Media and Gift for Moms.
DANA DAVIS
She is “Living everyday with Purpose, Passion, and Promise,” and Dana Davis is enjoying every moment! She’s a star!
Dana Davis is multi-talented and multi-faceted. Hailing from Los Angeles CA where she went to Los Angeles Senior High. She then went on to the University of California, Santa Cruz and while obtaining a BA Degree in Business Administration and Management, she was Basileus of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. After several years in corporate America, Dana took her talents to the world, as an on-air talent for Bobbcat Films, as a speaker/emcee/host and moderator, as a columnist for Examiner.com and for the past decade as the principal owner of the inHERface Group. She’s appeared on CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” and Fine Living Channel’s “All Girl Getaways,” and so much more.
PATRICIA BUTCHER BARTON
Patricia Butcher Barton is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, writer, author, poet, retired licensed vocational nurse.
Retired from Southwestern Bell, Patricia Butcher Barton hails from Corsicana, TX where she attended G.W. Jackson High School and later continued her education at Mountain View College. A best-selling author, this community servant is an absolute joy to be with and around. She has been a writer of poetry and prose since childhood. A wife and mother, she has served as a mentor and source of inspiration and support to so many. In Faithful Remembrances, which she co-wrote with her daughter, LaJuana, readers find words that are consoling and empowering as she helps them cope with life as they deal with grief.
SHARON DOUGLAS
Sharon Douglas is the sole owner of Potere Construction LLC with offices in Fort Worth, TX and Atlanta, GA.
Sharon Douglas is a graduate of Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, TX with a B.A. in Business Administration. Sharon also studied Military Science Transportation at The University Texas of Austin and later served in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant; serving two years active duty and 12 years in the Army Reserve. While serving as a Captain in the Army Reserve, Sharon trained cadets at The University of Toledo and continued her education in the Master’s Program for Human Resources
Education Technology at The University of Toledo and the University of Iowa. Sharon also attended the University of Dallas where she studied Architectural Technology. She’s a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
CANDACE T WARREN (MAHOGANY THEARTIST)
Jazz artist Candace T. Warren is a self-described “lover of all things good, mom, creator, soldier, flower, thinker and a creative mind.”
Candace T. Warren (Mahogany TheArtist) is the host of Jazz Fusion 411 with Mahogany, at 411 Radio Network. The minister of music at Forest Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, she is also the owner-operator at Jazz BeCuzz. Hailing from Richardson, TX, she is a graduate of Lloyd V. Berkner High School and studied interdisciplinary Music Studies at Berklee College of Music. She also taught piano and voice at Texas School of Performing Arts and Candace is the former minister of music at Hill Chapel CME Church.
KIZUWANDA GAYDEN GRANT, PH.D.
She’s brilliant. Talk about analytical, meticulous and always prepared. That’s Dr. Kizuwanda Gayden Grant.
She’s an educator’s educator and advocate. She’s a student’s voice and motivator. That’s because she is passionate, focused and knowledgeable. The Chief Administrative Officer at Paul Quinn College, Kizuwanda Gayden Grant, received her doctorate in higher education from the University of North Texas. She is also the Senior Director of Compliance Title IX Coordinator at Paul Quinn. Prior to attending UNT, Grant studied mathematics education at Columbia University, Teachers College and Grambling State University. A brilliant speaker, Dr. Grant is a leader and a team player. She is result-oriented and a joy to work with.
HONORABLE KATHLEEN HICKS
The Honorable Kathleen Hicks is a born leader. A fierce advocate and champion of the people, she speaks truth to power.
Kathleen Hicks served as a City Councilmember for the City of Fort Worth and was the youngest woman ever elected to the Fort Worth City Council. She eventually served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Currently the executive director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Tarrant County, she is a member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kathleen attended Mount Holyoke where she received a bachelor’s degree in politics and then a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Nottingham. Her board service includes the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
HON. CHARLETTA ROGERS COMPTON
Hon. Charletta Rogers Compton is the president of Rogers & Associates, Creative Productions.
Dallas College Board of Trustees member Charletta Rogers Compton received her associates degree from Mountain View College and her Bachelors of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She also received her certification as a contract compliance administrator. She has an extensive portfolio serving on the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Kimball United Neighborhood Association, Southwest Dallas Neighborhood Association, Dallas County Heritage Society, University of North Texas at Dallas Long-range Planning Team, North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dallas Together Forum and Association of Community College. She has received the Minority Business News’ Women Who Mean Business 2000 Award; D/FW Minority Business Development Council & Minority Business News’ 1997 Helping Hands Award; and the Dallas County Heritage Society’s Heritage Award.
DR. PORCHIA JAMES
There’s so much to Dr. Porchia James. She’s a veteran, a dentist, a member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and more!
Dr. Porchia James is an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and owner of About Face Oral & Facial Surgery. She was an assistant professor in oral & maxillofacial surgery at Meharry Medical College where she was also the chief resident and she served as a general dentist in the United Air Force. Dr. James received a BS Degree in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana, a DDS (Doctorate of Dental Surgery) from Meharry Medical College, and an AEDG-1 from US AirForce. She’s smart, talented, beautiful and this member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority can put a smile on your face!
CANDICE ORDERED STEPS JOHNSON
Candice Ordered Steps Johnson serves as a motivational speaker, mentor and workshop leader, helping others to discover their own conversation through PRAISE!
The owner and CEO of Bingeworthy Books, Candice Ordered Steps Johnson attended Duncanville High School and she is an author, choreographer and entrepreneur. She is the Artistic Director of the award-winning Ordered Steps Productions Dance Company, which is a “body of Believers dedicated to healing hearts and bringing souls closer to Christ through dance!” Candice served as the official choreographer for The Black Academy of Arts & Letters’ Emmy-nominated program, “The Civil Rights Concert” that aired on CBS. For workshops, bootcamps, speaking engagements, dance ministry consultations, appearances & more, please contact: 469.231.4482 or ordered. steps@yahoo.com.
SHARON CROCKETT-ALEXANDER
Looking for an educator who is passionate about children and their learning experience, meet Sharon Crockett-Alexander.
Sharon Crockett-Alexander is the director of Additional Days School Year at Communities Foundation of Dallas. She has enjoyed stints in leadership as a principal fellow, an assistant principal and school principal for Dallas ISD. Sharon received her BBA from Jackson State University, a BS in Elementary Education and Teaching from University of Missouri-Saint Louis and a Master of Education – MEd, Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of North Texas. She has additional Texas Education Agency certifications in Elementary Education – Early Childhood – 4th grade teacher and English as a Second Language Early Childhood and School Principal.
BRENDA KING MURPHY
Yes, Brenda King Murphy can take care of your taxes! She’s the owner of B&B Tax Services!
Introducing a Diva—Brenda King Murphy! She’s stylish, loving and a consummate
professional; always doing something for somebody! Dallas’ own Brenda King Murphy attended Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. When she walks into a room she turns heads! Brenda is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community servant leader. A life member of the National Council of Negro Women, Brenda holds leadership organizations in several organizations, including Top Ladies of Distinction. She has received numerous awards for her service and leadership.
DR. MYRNA DARTSON
The talented and loving Myrna Dartson, Ph.D is a sought-after speaker, professor contributing author and more!
A psychologist by trade, Dallas native Dr. Myrna Dartson studied educational psychology and Counseling Psychology at Texas A&M University after receiving her undergraduate degree in psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Dartson was an adjunct professor at Paul Quinn College. She specializes in individual and
family therapy and psychological testing (IQ, forensic, pain management). Dr. Dartson is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary. She is also a classically trained pianist and vocalist.
DR. MICAELA DARTSON
Dr. Micaela Dartson is a Doctor, Producer, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Novelist, Former Professor and Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman!
A Dallas native, Dr. Micaela Dartson graduated from High School for the Health Professions Magnet and attended Xavier University of Louisiana. After graduation she attended Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Dartson previously taught at Paul Quinn College. She is involved in the community through several organizations including: Dallas Screenwriters Association, Women In Film-Dallas, FAST Screenplay Member, American Podiatric Medical Association, Dallas Podiatric Medical Association, and American Professional Wound Care Association. Extraordinarily talented, we’re looking forward to seeing Dr. Dartson’s work on the big screen through Two Chix Flix Entertainment.
HERDERCINE NASH
A registered nurse and licensed massage therapist, Herdercine Nash cares about people and her community.
Hailing from Delhi, Louisiana, Herdercine Nash graduated from Esther Toombs High School and studied Nursing at Howard Community College/EL Centro College. She’s a wife, mother and grandmother who’s been married for 62 years! Such a loving person, she was a mentor and source of support and inspiration to so many. If you didn’t know better, you would think that she was an alumnus of Southern University because she has been so supportive of the school. Also a loyal supporter of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Herdercine is known for being compassionate and
knowledgeable. She doesn’t mince words and her opinion is valued.
RASHEEDAH SMITH
Rasheedah Smith is an Associate Banker with JP Morgan Case and she is totally committed to anything she undertakes.
We need more Rasheedah Smiths, because she builds meaningful relationships with clients aligning them with the knowledge, tools, and resources, they seek, so that they can make wise financial choices on how they use and grow thier money, and build wealth for future generations passionate about life, she teaches fun and high energy spin classes and she is also a avid photographer and digital artist. Rasheedah has also enjoyed stints at Fitness Connection as a fitness instructor; at JuiceLand as a Manager; Dallas College as an instructional assistant; and as a program assistant at 2M Research. Rasheedah is an NABJ/DFW-ABJ baby; having participated in the DFW-ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop and she attended UTA.
