By Gwendolyn H. Daniels, Feature Writer
Carmilla (Candy) Bradshaw, is a native of San Diego, CA and she will kick off her term as the 36th President of the historic South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. (SDBPWC) by hosting her first Club meeting on September 13, 2025
President Bradshaw, the sixth of 10 children, was raised in a single-parent household along with her five sisters and four brothers.
She excelled academically, graduating Salutatorian of her class at Lincoln High School in San Diego, CA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Organization Management from the University of Phoenix.
Candy and Mike Bradshaw, her spouse of 37 years, have three adult children: Meica, Michaela, and Michael.
With 40 years of experience in management and leadership, Candy specializes in accounting, sales management, business management and nonprofit management. She recently started her own business, Candy B Speaks, LLC.
“I focus on equipping organizations to set and achieve standards of excellence by not rewarding mediocrity. I’ve learned that true impact comes from refusing to settle for ‘good enough.’”
Candy initially became interested in the business and professional aspect of the organization, and after attending a Trailblazer luncheon, she was impressed with the scholarships awarded to deserving high school seniors.
She joined SDBPWC in 2003 during the presidency of Frances Langston, and her sponsor was Life Member Robbie DeWitt. But it wasn’t until 2013 that she became an active member.
Candy has served SDBPWC as Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary, and most recently completed a two-year term as First Vice President. She is also active in the South-Central District and is a Life Member of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.
As Candy begins her two-year term as the 36th President, she has a unique philosophy on leadership. She explained, “I lead with reflection, humility, and purpose. I am driven by a standard of excellence that is grounded in self-awareness and committed to personal growth, while empowering others.”
She further shared, “As a servant leader, my ultimate goal is to identify and value gifts of others, engage them in leadership roles, and equip them for leadership excellence.”
Expect the achievement of some ambitious goals under her leadership. She said she is committed to spending the next two years accomplishing four high-level goals: “1). Building the membership of our Club by attracting multiple generations; 2). Investing in high school seniors through scholarships and mentoring; 3). Impacting our community through programs that meet the guidelines of our national organization while addressing the needs of our community; and 4). Being a valued resource and network for women in business and professional leadership.”
In summary, President Candy Bradshaw shared that she is “honored to lead SDBPWC with its rich history and legacy dating back to 1954.”
She is especially motivated by having the Association’s national president, Dr. Terri O’Neal Ford, as a local member of SDBPWC.
“I am excited about what the future holds for us locally, districtwide, and nationally, as we continue to ‘Move Forward with a Purpose.’”
For more information on the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., contact them at southdallas1954@yahoo.com.
Gwendolyn H. Daniels is a freelance writer, member of Kaiser Street Baptist Church, Life Member of the NAACP, breast cancer awareness activist in Dallas County, and past president of the South Dallas BPW Club.
