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 dis- respect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING FOREVER! We love you Black Queens!
MICAH BOWMAN SPEARS
Micah Bowman Spears received her degree in Public Health, Health/Healthcare Administration/Management from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She also has certifications in Training for COVID-19 Contact Tracers from ASTHO and National Coalition of STD Directors and National Healthcareer Association’s ExCPT Certified Pharmacy Technician. Micah is eager to learn, shows impeccable work ethic and is a joy to work with.
KERONE MAXINEAU
Kerone Maxineau is a customer success manager who has worked in the medical industry for almost 20 years. She has worked as an occupational therapist for Interim Healthcare Inc, Aveanna Healthcare and Atlanta International Physical Therapy Inc. She received her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from D’Youville University and sales engineer training from Careerist. Kerone loves people, international food and nature, and enjoys a work/life balance. Spiritually grounded, she is family centered, with story interpersonal, problem solving and communication/analytical skills.
MADISEN REID BIEDER
Madisen Reid Bieder is an assistant manager of Marketing and Business Development at Consumer and Market Insights. She studied Public Relations and Strategic Communications at Southern Methodist University. A wife and mother, Madisen was a participant in the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists Urban Journalism Workshop. Madisen graduated from Hebron High School, then attended Collin County Community College and she has also enjoyed stints as a Junior associate at Weber Shandwick Social Impact, account executive at Edelman and senior account executive at Lippi Taylor.
TUNITA BAILEY
Tunita (Ms. B The Money Lady) Bailey is a Real Estate Financing and Construction Services Professional. She is the President and CEO of Corporate Capital LLC dab Capital City Commercial Mortgage. Previously she was a Mortgage consultant at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Corporation and Manager at FDIC, Fannie Mae Corporation and Strategic Investment Group. Tunita graduated from David W. Carter High School, then received a BBA degree in Real Estate Finance from the University of North Texas and a MA in Management and Administrative Studies from UT Dallas. A member of the American Business Women’s Association, Tunita is a great cook, certified real estate instructor and mortgage banker, and she is the author of ELEVATE Journal – Your Journey to Personal Professional and Financial Freedom.
ANDREA FILER
Andrea Filer is a program manager at BCL of Texas, a licensed LOA at Gold Financial Services and executive director with Stream Services. A graduate of Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, TX; Andrea attended the University of Houston, then graduated from Lamar University and studied at the University of North Texas. She also studied at Central Michigan University. Andrea has enjoyed stints at Elite Agents.us, ACN, Mortex Lending LTD and Home Buyers Coaching Club, as well as the Dallas Weekly. This wife, mother and grandmother is the founder of Lady CEO Network. Spiritually grounded, Andrea’s motto is: “Focus High, Anxiety Low.”
KELLEE MURRELL
Kellee Murrell is the principal at St. Philip’s School and Community Center. People describe her as passionate, experienced, and committed. Kellee, hails from Bronx, NY and attended Clark Atlanta University, Dallas Theological Seminary and Southern Methodist University. Looking for positive motivation, caring instruction and direction, Principal Kellee is ready with more than two decades of experience as a teacher and administrator. Believing that education is a child’s greatest weapon, her legacy will be the impact she has had on so many students because she is focused on academic excellence and providing a positive environment for learning.
ROYALYN REID
Royalyn Reid is the President and Chief Research Strategist for Consumer and Market Insights, a people and process improvement company skilled at helping clients grow their business through marketing research, training, and customer engagement. Formerly a scientist for Mary Kay Cosmetics for almost a decade, Royalyn received a BA Degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas and a MS in Human Development from the University of Texas at Dallas. She has participated in numerous executive business programs at Dartmouth, Harvard and Northwestern. She’s a former board member of the American Cancer Society and host/committee member /mentor of Peace Through Business and a mentor for Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Royalyn has been the recipient of numerous awards for her business savvy, leadership and community service.
DR. TIFFANY BARNES
Dr. Tiffany Barnes is the Troop Engagement Coordinator at Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. She received her BS degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Marquette University, a MBA in Sports and Entertainment Management from The University of Dallas and the Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Collin College. Then Tiffany received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of North Texas Dallas College of Law where she was President of the Women in Law Students Association; Community Chair, Black Law Students Association Justice; and also served on the Judicial Board. Tiffany has also enjoyed stints at University of North Texas in Financial Aid and Customer Service and as Member Service Advocate for AllPlayers.com, Inc.
DELISA RODNEY
DeLisa Rodney is a life strategist, certified coach and speaker, change agent and performance improvement. The CEO of DeLisa Rodney and Associates LLC and Independent Travel Advisor for Rodney Retreats. A graduate of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge with a BS Degree in Accounting, she spent almost 20 years at State Farm; almost five years at National African American Women’s Leadership Institute and she has enjoyed stints at Prudential Financial, the IRS and Allstate. A servant leader, DeLisa is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a born leader and a team player who describes herself as a life-long learner.
ALIYAH GREEN
Aliyah Green is a Philanthropic Advisor and is experienced in Management of Non-Profits. A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, Aliyah is the Donor Relations Administrator and former Volunteer Coordinator at St. Philip’s School and Community Center; and previously worked as Director of Membership Services for YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She has gained a reputation for being efficient, professional and well-prepared.
NICKI MAYO
Nicki Mayo is a multimedia journalist and president of Nicki Mayo News, LLC, an audio/video company specializing in video, podcasts and social media campaign production for small businesses. A native of Baltimore, she is a graduate of Syracuse University. The Editor-at-Large for Black Women Unmuted as well as a journalist for TV One’s “Fatal Attraction,” “Justice By Any Means” and “Thou Shalt Not,” she has an extensive portfolio as a reporter, producer and social media manager for multiple news organizations. A former National Association of Black Journalists Region 1 Deputy Director and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is president emeritus of the Baltimore Association of Black Journalists.
ASHLEY NDAGALA
Ashley Ndagala is a native of Jacksonville FL, where she received her Associate’s degree in Sports Management from Florida State College at Jacksonville and attended Edward Waters College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology. A certified International Interior Decorating Professional and Feng Shui Designer, Ashley is a top real estate agent at Rogers Healy and Associates. A wife and mother, she enjoys time with her husband and two daughters. During football season, she’s busy screaming at the TV cheering on her favorite collegiate and professional teams. She enjoys exploring her creative side by drawing out and putting together different designs and mood boards. Looking for a home, reach out to Ashley.
APRIL D. TAYLOR
April D. Taylor is a powerhouse. She is the CEO of The SVE Firm, a full-service consulting firm that partners and collaborates with clients to deliver results and navigate complex challenges. With more than 10 years of specialized expertise in strategic planning, event management, sponsorship activation, and nonprofit management, April is engaging, the epitome of professionalism, and a joy to work with. Hailing from Memphis, TN, where she attended Craigmont High, she graduated from Clayton State University with a B.A. and an M.S. in Leadership from South University. A homecoming queen, April is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. April has served as a Commissioner for Under Armour, Associate Athletic Director at George Mason University, Sr. Associate AD for Compliance and Student-Athlete Services at Jacksonville University, Assistant AD for Compliance/Student-Athlete Welfare at SMU, and Director of Compliance at Alabama State University.
ADRIENNE WILLIAMS
Adrienne Williams is the Director of Diversity and Community Outreach for the Southern Region at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. She began making her mark at a young age in the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program and she has enjoyed several stints as Diversity Manager and Public Involvement Administrator for Pegasus Link Constructors, JV (a Fluor/Balfour Beatty joint venture); District DBE Coordinator for Kiewit; DBE Coordinator for Northgate Constructors; Director for Texas Business Opportunity & Workforce Development (BOWD) Cedar Valley College; and, Business Diversity Coordinator for DCCCD. Adrienne was Senior Class President at Skyline High School – Dallas, then she attended the University of Houston then UTA where she received her M.S. in Social Work.
ELEANOR DOTY
Eleanor Doty is the Fundraising Development Coordinator at Miles of Freedom where she utilizes years of experience gained as the Director of Operations for the Association of Persons Affected by Addiction and as Funds Development Manager and Grant Writer for CURESolutions Inc. Eleanor is a graduate of Dallas- Lincoln High School. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston.
SHARI CARROLL
Corsicana High School’s finest, Shari Carroll, serves as the Executive Director of Ministry Advancement at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. With more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit management with an emphasis on program development, marketing and fundraising, Shari is a definite pro! She has a successful track record in procuring major individual and corporate donations and numerous federal grants for social programs. She is talented in project management, strategic planning, networking and organizational assessment with strong communication, presentation and organization skills. Shari received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas and she has enjoyed stints is a born leader, team player and all-around joy to work and spend time with.
GEORGIA DAWSON
Georgia Dawson is a writer, producer, journalist, host, and comedian based in New York City. The Executive Producer at Georgia Dawkins Media LLC, she also enjoyed stints at ClearMix, Debmar-Mercury, Black News Channel, Entertainment One, Tegna, WFTS-TV, KSLA News 12, Waterman Broadcasting, and WCTV. She hails from Sebring, Florida and studied broadcast journalism at Florida A&M University, where she was president of the FAMU Association of Black Journalists, FAMU SPJ publicity chair, and student ambassador for the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. The talented Georgia also served as a National Association of Black Journalists Student Representative. If she ever brings her comedy act to your town, get a ticket!
CONNIE WILLIAMS
Connie Williams serves as Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship’s Executive Director of Human Resources. A wife, mother and grandmother, Connie is responsible for improving processes, instituting policies and procedures, fostering communication and cooperation in the workplace, and providing quality, cost-effective services to meet the needs and support the success of all ministry departments. She holds a Professional Human Resources Certification with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the University of Texas in Arlington. Connie has more than 20 years of experience in human resource management with heavy emphasis on employee relations. She has solid experience in recruiting for ministry, technical, executive and management positions.
D’ANDRALA D. ALEXANDER
D’Andrala D. Alexander is a mental health professional, activist, and “recovering politician.” She is well-versed in mental health, housing policy, racial and social justice, and diversity, equity and inclusion. She’s committed, involved and passionate; which has gained her so much respect from those who know her. The Director of Clinical Partnerships at Spring Health, the current DART Board Member is the co-founder of Dallas Neighbors for Housing and also enjoyed stints as a mental health clinician for Dallas County, treatment manager for HCA, mental health professional for Metrocare Services and in Resource Development for Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County.
DONNA E. JOHNSON
Donna E. Johnson is the Vice President – Chief Safety Officer for the Dallas Area Transit Authority (DART), where she has more than 14 years of service. Donna has more than 30 years of safety experience managing safety programs at three major corporations: PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Concentra. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University where she studied Business, Donna holds dual professional safety certifications from the World Safety Organization and the US Department of Transportation Safety Institute and is a member of the APTA Safety Committee and the Texas Transit Safety and Security Professional Organization.
PRESIDENT ELAYNE HAYES-ANTHONY
Elayne Hayes-Anthony graduated from Jackson State University, with a B.S. Degree and then later received her PhD degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She was the first African American female anchor, producer, and reporter for WJTV-TV12, the CBS affiliate in Jackson, MS. She has served as JSU’s Department of Mass Communication Head and Acting President and enjoyed stints at the Jackson Public School District and Belhaven University. A tenured full professor at JSU, Dr. Anthony has served on over 15 accreditation teams for ACEJMC.
She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; the Jackson Association of Black Journalists; the State Department of Health; and the advisory board for I Heart Radio. She is a former member of the Board of Visitors for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UNC-Chapel Hill.
DAWN FREEMAN
Dawn Freeman earned an MBA with an Accounting specialization and B.A. in Business Administration with a specialization in Management from Saint Leo University. Currently Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for the Texas House of Representatives, Chairwoman of the Board and CEO for ReGenHope Initiative; Director of Sales Operations for Securus Technologies; Analyst for ExcellerateHRO; Financial Billing Analyst at Willis Towers Watson; customer service representative for Dominion Virginia Power; and Customer Service Rep for Pitney Bowes. A community servant, she has served as a board member and treasurer for Texas Reentry Advisory Council, and also worked with Keeping Families Connected, Prison Entrepreneurship Program, ReGenHope Initiative, and the NAACP. She has that smile that lights up any room and she is super smart.
CASSANDRA G. DAVIS-BEACH
Cassandra G. Davis-Beach hails from McKinney, TX and attended McKinney High School before going to study Business Management at East Texas State University. She received her BS Degree in Management at LeTourneau University and her MBA at Texas A&M University-Commerce. A graduate of Leadership Dallas 2000, she is an experienced instructor, trainer, coach and mentor at CDBR Training. She was a Real Estate Instructor and Trainer at Texas REALTORS, a consultant at Realty Concepts Texas, a real estate instructor at Champions School of Real Estate; to name a few. She is praised for being proactive, reliable, trustworthy and result-oriented.
LAZONDA GARDNER
Lazonda Gardner hails from Dallas, TX, and is a graduate of Bishop Dunne High School She studied at Prairie View A&M University receiving a BA in advertising art; Southern Methodist University receiving an MLA Degree in liberal arts studies; University of Phoenix’s doctoral program in educational leadership, and at Texas A&M University-Commerce she received elementary teaching certification. A former adjunct professor at the Art Institute of Dallas, she worked at Dallas ISD, and 5 LINX Enterprises; and she is the owner/director at The Gardner Preparatory School II.
AKILAH S. WALLACE
Akilah S. Wallace recently became a member of the board of directors of the DeSoto Development Corporation. is pursuing a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas at Dallas in Human Services Management and Leadership. She also studied business marketing and sales at Wright State University. A former Vice President of Development at Big Thought, Akilah has enjoyed stints as executive director for Faith in Texas and she is a 20-year expert in nonprofit leadership, events, and fund development. Akilah received the Dallas Business Journal 40 Under 40 and The Dallas Foundation Good Works Under 40. Akilah founded HERitage Giving Fund, North Texas’ first, Black membership giving circle. She also serves as a board member of the Dallas Summit, and Friends of Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House and Museum.
LATOSHA (TOSHA) HERRON BRUFF
Latosha (Tosha) Herron Bruff is the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Vice President of Community Engagement. She has more than 20 years of experience advocating for marginalized communities, combined with her background in real estate, Before the DRC, Tosha spent more than 10 years with Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity working to improve the quality of life for diverse communities across Southern Dallas. A Dallas native and longtime DeSoto resident, she holds a degree in journalism from the University of North Texas and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, A wife and mother, Tosha has served on the City of Dallas Housing Policy Task Force and the advisory board of Children’s Health.
FELICIA PIERSON
Felicia Pierson is the Senior Director of Community Investment at TREC Community Investors (TREC CI) and is responsible for The Real Estate Council’s community investment strategy. Felicia brings more than a decade of community development, small business development, and underwriting, and nine years of corporate credit and risk portfolio management experience. She holds an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern University. She earned an Economic Development Finance Professional Certification from the National Development Council, participated in the Ross Minority Program in Real Estate at the Lusk Center for Real Estate at the University of Southern California, and completed the CRA Fast Track Analyst Program.
CRYSTAL CHISM
Crystal Chism is a member of the National League of Cities (NLC) 2023 Race Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council. After graduating from Skyline High School, Crystal spent the next 10 years serving in the military in both active and reservist duty. Crystal earned her Associate of Arts degree from Dallas College – Mountain View Campus and later received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of Texas in Arlington. She was recognized with the 2022 “Rising Star Award” by the Dallas County Democratic Party and received the 2023 Community Service Award from TLOD, Inc. Trinity West Chapter. She has also served as South Dallas Professional and Business Women’s Club chair over social media; serves on Leadership Southwest Board of Directors and Chairs LSW 2023 Graduation Committee; and was elected to serve on the Texas Association of Black City Councilmembers Board as Treasurer for 2023-2025.
DR. MICAELA HERNDON
Dr. Micaela Herndon serves as Dallas College’s Project Director for the groundbreaking U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Job Challenge – Grow Biotech in North Texas Grant. Dr. Herndon spent more than 15 years in education with a focus on creating workforce development opportunities and leading students to thriving careers. Dr. Herndon earned her Doctor of Education, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Education from Capella University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida and a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. She’s a digital creator, who is inspiring, encouraging and uplifting.
NAKIA COLE
Nakia Cole serves as a Coordinator V for Fort Worth ISD; responsible for developing and facilitating community and grassroots activities. She is a Certified Autism Specialist and Probation Officer who works in collaboration with stakeholders and organizations to assist clients with utilities, rent, hotel, trauma, behavior disorders, domestic violence, human trafficking, and a plethora of available resources targeted to provide them with a hand up. Nakia has a BS in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Abilene Christian University, an M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas in Arlington, and is a Certified Autism Specialist-IBCCES. She serves on several boards and committees, including: City of Fort Worth Teen Court; City of Fort Worth Community Action Partners District; Unity in the Community; Generation Uplift; and Beyond the Badge. She is also the founder of N2C Youth & Community Services.
