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!
DEAN FELECIA EPPS
Felecia Epps is UNT Dallas College of Law Dean and Professor of Law and she served as Professor of Law at (FAMU) College of Law and as Dean. In 1980 she received a BA from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska in 1983 she attended The Basic School in Quantico Virginia followed by Naval Justice School (NJS) in Newport Rhode Island. Epps graduated with honors from NJS and was certified as a Judge Advocate in the United States Navy. She served 10 years on active duty holding a variety of positions including Defense Counsel, Trial Counsel, Chief Military Justice Officer, Chief Civil Law Officer and Chief Legal Assistance Officer.
VONCIEL JONES HILL
The honorable Vonciel Jones Hill has a voice that makes you sit up and pay attention! A strong mediator, she has also served as a municipal judge.
Former Dallas City Councilwoman Vonciel Jones Hill has plenty of receipts. Not only is this Alpha Kappa Alpha woman heavily degreed, with enough degrees to share; she is eloquent, conscientious, compassionate and no-nonsense. She has a Doctor of Humane Letters Paul Quinn College; Master of Divinity Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, with Honors; Juris Doctorate University of Texas at Austin School of Law; Master of Arts Rice University, History; Master of Library Science Atlanta University; and Bachelor of Arts University of Texas at Austin, History and English! In addition to serving on the Dallas City Council, she was elected to the AME Church Judicial Council and been member of the NAACP since 1958!
TANDY CARAWAY
Tandy Caraway is just the person anyone contemplating college needs in their lives.
Tandy Caraway is a Dallas native who attended Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet and graduated from Skyline High School. She is a leading educational consulting expert, speaker, and author who helps communities reduce the wealth gap by empowering families and organizations to help students attend college, debt-free. Tandy attended the University of Texas at Dallas and she has a Master’s degree in educational/Instructional Technology from Nova Southeastern University. The author of “The 30-Day Full Ride Scholarship Guide,” she taught school in the Miami-Dade system and is now an expert debt-free college strategist. Through her business, CollegeMode Academy, she has helped students secure over $20 million dollars in scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
KENNEISHA THOMPSON
Hailing from Arlington, TX, Kenneisha Thompson graduated from James W. Martin High School and earned a BA degree in broadcast journalism at Hampton University. Also a producer, she made her acting debut as a radio personality and has appeared in more than 30 film, television and theatre productions. She was also a national spokesperson for Long John Silver’s and Eyemart Express. In 2015 Kenneisha was honored with Broadwayworld.com’s Best Supporting Actress award for her role as “Dussie Mae” in a regional theater production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Kenneisha is the voice of “Lady Aurelia Hammerlock” in the Borderlands series. She’s taught acting and created an inspirational coaching company, Christ & The Craft.
BARBARA PARKS HAWKINS
Barbara Parks Hawkins does the work and makes a difference. She spent 32 years in corporate America before bringing her talents to help HBCUs.
For decades Barbara Parks Hawkins was “something special in the air’ as she helped American Airlines have a presence in communities of color as the manager of community relations. She remains something special in the hearts of many as the president of the Texas Association of Developing Colleges. She calls Dallas home and she is a graduate of Lincoln High School. Barbara received a BA Degree in Organizational Management from Paul Quinn College. Graceful and compassionate, Barbara is a joy to be around and she is always supportive of causes centered around education and building stronger communities.
AFRA B. COBB
Afra B. Cobb established Cobb Professional Services, Inc., a privately held company.
Afra is a Director on the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Board, and a member of Black Contractors Association of Texas, Unity Church on Greenville, The Mauzo Group and South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. where she is the Chair of the Economic Development & Employment Committees. She is a member of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association and American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. A graduate of Leadership Southwest (Dallas, County), she was appointed to DART’s D-2 Stakeholder Advisory committee. She is a 2010 Quest for Success recipient and a 2010 graduate of the SBA’s Emerging 200 (E-200); a nationwide SBA training initiative for CEOs which immerses participants in an intensive 13 week curriculum to enhance their business knowledge and experience.
JADA BURTON
Jada Burton is a born leader. Confident, educated, involved, well-prepared and focused, she’s the epitome of womanhood and leadership.
Walking into a room, she’s going to turn heads and she will own the room! Jada Burton hails from Port Arthur, TX and graduated from Port Arthur Lincoln High School. She has held senior management positions at FedEx, TMX Finance Family of Companies, Baylor Scott & White Health, Border Media, and Radio One. Jada received her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Strategic Management from Amberton University after graduating from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), in Accounting/Finance. She has served as president of the North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and she’s a member of the National Black MBA Association and Media Financial Management Association.
ALICIA BROWN YOUNG
Alicia Brown Young believes life is to be lived and celebrated. Any time spent with her is a celebration!
Right now Alicia Brown Young is coming into her own, spending some time focusing on time she spent studying Journalism at Mississippi State University. She held numerous jobs as a Digital Remote Territory Manager at Colgate, former senior pharmaceutical rep at Eisai Taiwan, and Eli Lilly and she also served as director of development, fundraising and special events at Sheila B. Ministries. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alicia recently launched her own podcast. Hailing from Columbus, MS., she graduated from S.D. Lee High School. Always impeccably dressed, she is a “social butterfly” with a commitment to service and her faith.
LATARA THOMPKINS
LaTara Thompkins is known for her commitment to the arts and youth as she provides “productive activities for youth and teens” to help transform their free time from a threat to their safety and security into opportunities to participate in enriching and life-changing programs.
LaTara Thompkins, is the founder and artistic director of N.I.A. Kids. She is also a founding member of the local gospel group, “Devotion.” In addition to being a proud alum of Prairie View A&M University, the member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has dual degrees from Texas Woman’s University. This wife and mother implements programs for youth to get formal training in artistic disciplines. A Dallas native, LaTara is committed to NURTURING, INSPIRING and AFFIRMING and our youth, families, schools and communities are better as a result. And, she also is the founder of Soldier Girl Brand, a clothing brand that represents the strength and resilience of the female. She’s a real game changer!
CAROL HAMPTON
Carol Hampton is a party Stylist. That’s right! If you are having a party, you need a stylist and Carol is the ideal person to ensure that your party is perfect!
A graduate of Prairie View A&M University and David W. Carter High School, Carol Hampton is the owner of The Date Catering, an event planning company that manages corporate events, non-profit events, social events and weddings. Carol has enjoyed stints as an events assistant at SMU, Corporate Event Planner at RealPage, Inc. and associate operations manager for Uplift Education. She provides the services and expertise while letting the food, ambiance, decorations and hosts be the show. Whether it is a small intimate group or several hundreds; upwards of 1,000, Carol has you covered. She’s committed and focused, respected and well-liked.
CHEF TAM
The Owner-operator at Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe in Memphis and a self published author born and raised in Fort Worth, TX, Tamra Patterson, affectionately known as “Chef Tam,” comes from a long line of cooks, baker and restaurant owners. She debuted on the Food Network in 2018, on Guys Grocery Games; and she has competed in A Burger Battle for Champions on Guys Grocery Games, and then later in the summer was a featured competitor on Ultimate Summer Cook-Off. Her books include a cookbook and baking guide. Chef Tam likes to travel, cook and entertain. A lover of reading and writing, she also loves motorcycles and “really fast cars!” Tamra loves being a Chef of The People!
COLETTE HAIGLER
Colette Haigler is a survivor. Like her mother, who died when Colette was nine years old, Colette was diagnosed with breast cancer and following her treatment, she began focusing on helping patients “get through cancer.”
Colette Haigler received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University and is a Family Nurse Practitioner in Oncology; practicing for almost a quarter of a century. She also has a master of Science from Texas Woman’s University. A member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, this wife and mother is about service and community involvement. In addition to fundraising for various non- profit organizations, she lends her efforts to Food Pantries, Go Red for Women and the March of Dimes. A wine enthusiast, she loves traveling, reading, outdoor sporting events, going to the beach and weather tracking. Colette is a member of American Association of Nurse Practitioners, North Texas Nurse Practitioners Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society.
CLEO GREENE
Cleo Greene grew up watching news, with her family. What a natural transition into journalism where this self-proclaimed “foodie,” is excited about life and has fond memories of childhood summers visiting grandparents in Jamaica. Cleo Greene is the weekend morning anchor and social media reporter at WFAA-TV Channel 8 in Dallas, TX, after stints at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis St. Paul area, WBOC-TV in Maryland, WRDW News 12 in Augusta GA and at PBS in St. Croix, An alum of Rowan University, she is the daughter of immigrant parents from Jamaica and Guyana. Cleo says health and wellness are important to her. A member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Cleo grew up in New Jersey, a military brat. She is married and “focused on my spiritual growth and maintaining my position as a role model to young women and men,” while also training for marathons!
LIZ MIKEL
Liz Mikel is one of Dallas’’ brightest stars! An amazing talent she continues to make her home people proud.
An alum of David W. Carter and Booker T. Washington High Schools, and Texas Southern University; many say Liz Mikel is best known for her role as Corinna “Mama” Williams, mother of star running back Brian “Smash” Williams, on the NBC television series Friday Night Lights but she is known for any role she takes because she is such a memorable force — whether it’s A Christmas Carol, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Welcome Home Roscoe Johnson or in the biopic Get On Up. A songbird and award-winning actress, Liz stood in for Oprah Winfrey in a special 2008 performance of The Vagina Monologues. She’s performed as part of American Repertory Theater, WaterTower Theatre, Dallas Children’s Theater, Jubilee Theatre Lysistrata Jones, Theater Three and The Muny. She is our treasure!
THANA HICKMAN-SIMMONS
Talk about a heart of gold, that’s Thana Hickman-Simmons. She came from the southside of Chicago and she is helping to make Dallas a better place — starting in Sunny South Dallas.
Thana Hickman-Simmons is the founder and executive director of Viola’s House, an emergency placement shelter for teen mothers who have an unplanned pregnancy. Thana faced an unexpected pregnancy at 17 and made the decision to keep her unborn child because of her support system. In 2008 she opened Viola’s House after seeing that teen mothers often became homeless and didn’t have resources. To date, Viola’s House has helped more than 240 homeless teen mothers in South Dallas through housing, licensed counselors, mentors and educators. Thana attended the University of Phoenix and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is a certified life coach and holds a license of ordination in ministry. She is an angel for so many.
MISHA STURNS
Misha Sturns believes that, “You have one life to live….Live it to the fullest with zero regrets!”
An Award winning sales executive, Misha Sturns has shown her brilliance as a Specialty Account Manager at Biofusion IVIG, Territory Manager at Allergan and Senior Vaccine Specialist at Merck & Co.. She also worked as the executive director for the Heart of A Warrior Foundation. A graduate of Western Hills High School She studied Mass Media Arts/Public Relations at Clark Atlanta University and she was: a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Public Relations Student Society of America, a Student Government Association Board Member, 1st. Attendant to Miss Clark Atlanta University and Miss Junior. Talented, smart, innovative, beautiful and enterprising, Misha is a joy to be around and serves as a mentor. Hailing from Fort Worth, TX; Misha is a member of Links Inc. and is involved in community service and uplifting other women and her community.
SHANEIKA NELSON FRAZIER
Looking for energetic and results driven leadership with a genuine passion for community outreach and engagement, look no further than Shaneika Nelson Frazier.
Shaneika Nelson Frazier is the community outreach manager at Dallas College. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington, she also is certified in event planning and project management. Shaneika has enjoyed stints with the Child CareGroup, Head Start of Greater Dallas, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Protective Services, AT&T. A member of Southern Gateway Park Advisory Council. Shaneika calls Dallas “home.” Engaging, committed, and focused; this beautiful woman possesses an equally beautiful spirit that will put a smile on your face and she cheerfully goes about taking care of her business, which she does so well!
ATTY. LESA PAMPLIN
She’s more than a former prosecutor and police officer. Lesa Pamplin is a servant of and for the people.
Lesa Pamplin specializes in criminal defense law. A graduate of the Texas A&M University School of Law, she is the president of the Law Office of Lesa Pamplin. P.C. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lesa worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Tarrant County and she was an officer on the Arlington Police Department. Licensed to practice in the state of Texas and in the northern and eastern district of Texas in federal court, the Northeast Louisiana University graduate is also a member of the Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyer Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
DANA LESTER
Dana Williams Lester is the owner and program manager at Able Family Services. A long-time volunteer for Junior League of Collin County, Dana has worked as an Oncology Sales Specialist for Publicis Touchpoint Solutions/Archimedes Pharma, Assistant Director of Community Relations for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and Ticket Services Re/Community Relations Assistant for the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club. Dana was also a Publisher’s Rep for McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Hailing from Washington PA, the graduate of Trinity High School received a B.S. Degree in Marketing Management/ Supply Chain Management from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management.
TAMECKA GRATE-FRAZIER
Tamecka Grate-Fraizer made headlines decades ago when she was brutally attacked and survived an extensive surgery and recovery only to go on and do great things for so many.
Tamecka Grate-Frazier went from employee relations manager at AT&T, to a motivational speaker and best-selling author. A graduate of Northwood University, this wife and mother is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the CEO of Exclusive Cutz. In her book, Life After, Tamecka tells of her journey as she rebuilt her strength, confidence and faith. Tamecka is passionate about children, education, health, human rights, science and technology. She is a community servant and is enjoying life to the fullest.
NICOLE KING
Nicole King is the entire package as she manages a business and family. This wife and mother is passionate about helping others.
Nicole King is a personal trainer and nutrition consultant who is dedicated to helping clients achieve their fitness goals. A Summa Cum Laude graduate with a bachelor of business administration degree from Jarvis Christian College, she is the owner of NicFit LLC, a weight loss, nutrition and personal training company. She enjoyed stints as a program director for Jenny Craig and a Manager and Nutrition Counselor for Slim 4 Life Weight Loss Center.
NATALIE CRAWFORD
Talk about servant leader. Natalie Crawford is just that.
A graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management and an MBA, Natalie Crawford is a Global HR Partner, and leader at AT&T. She’s a past President of the Dallas- Fort Worth Chapter of the FAMU Alumni Association and a member Jack and Jill of America, the National Black MBA Association and Junior League of Collin County. Her volunteer efforts are extensive, including as the Vice Chair of the Plano Phototraffic Safety Committee, a tutor and mentor for We Teach Science Foundation, food pantry volunteer at St. Philip’s Community Center, and working with Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry and Friendship West Baptist Church.
DEANDREA FLEMING
The Honorable DeAndrea Fleming is involved. She co-hosts a community-focused online radio show and serves as the Director of Missions at Trinity Disciple Outreach Church in DeSoto.
The Honorable DeAndrea Fleming has been a teacher, department chair, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal and district administration professional. Currently serving on the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Houston and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University. Fleming also holds dual Master of Education degrees in Training and Development and Education Technology from Texas A&M University- Commerce. An advocate of lifelong learning, Fleming is currently pursuing a doctorate with an emphasis in Ministry at Dallas Baptist University.
ZENETTA DREW
A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zenetta Drew is a consummate professional who is highly respected and loved.
Zenetta Drew is the Executive Director at Dallas Black Dance Theatre and an Adjunct Professor in SMU’s M.A./M.B.A. Arts Management Program. She has also held several management positions at ARCO International Oil and Gas. The Alumni Association of Texas A&M University- Commerce honored Zenetta Drew as a Distinguished Alumna. She received a BBA degree in accounting there and also received a management certificate in nonprofit leadership from Dallas College. She has participated in executive programs at Harvard Business School and the University of Michigan. She strengthens her leadership skills at Leadership International, Leadership Texas, Leadership Dallas and Leadership Arts.
SHERILYN K. SMITH
She fields invitations from around the country because Sherilyn K. Smith is in demand as a speaker or to ensure your event is a success.
Sherilyn K. Smith is the owner/president/ CEO of Enigma LLC Marketing Agency. A graduate of H. Grady Spruce High School, she attended TSTC in Waco and Tuck School of Business. The former marketing director at Dallas Weekly, Sherilyn is an event planner, a marketing guru and strategic PR manager who specializes in advertising, social media management and engagement, online marketing, team building, business development, media relations, and fundraising A devoted mother, Sherilyn is a member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.
AMYE THOMPSON HOLLINS
Amye Thompson Hollins has a servant heart and a desire for public service.
Amye Thompson Hollins is an HR expert with more than 20 years of experience. A product of Dallas ISD and graduate of W.T. White High School, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University, College Station and she has a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from the University of Dallas. A member of Central Pointe Church of Christ, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the immediate past president of the Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter. Her public service includes executive board chair of the T. Boone Pickens YMCA, parliamentarian of Sam Houston Elementary School PTA and League of Women Voters. She’s a devoted mother and mentor.
JESSICA WASHINGTON
Talk about comfortable in her skin, the statuesque and confident Jessica Washington is a businesswoman, wife and mother.
Hailing from the city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA., Jessica Washington attended Hillcrest High School before attending college to study psychology at Southern Arkansas University. Currently she is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance for the Dallas Weekly. Jessica has enjoyed stints at Washington Media Co., Faulkner Design Group, Accountemps, Technifax OfficeSolutions, Bay Bridge Administrators, LLC., and Greenleaf Book Group. Jessica is comfortable in her skin and focused with her eyes on the prize. With a beautiful smile and no-nonsense attitude about taking care of business.
KARON ”KAYE” FLEWELLEN
Karon Flewellen is a business owner, community activist, keynote speaker and author who is carrying on a great legacy.
Dallas’ own Kaye Flewellen attended South Oak Cliff High School before going on to Baylor University where she received a BS Degree in Communications/Public Relations. A former technician at Design Essentials, she also worked at Navarro College of Cosmetology as an adjunct instructor. The owner of Flewellen’s Hair Salon, this highly regarded entrepreneur is a best-selling author of Unleash the Greatness Within and A Mane Attraction. She is also a business coach at Beyond the Chair Coaching, where she coaches beauty industry professionals. Always impeccably dressed and hair stylishly coifed, Kaye is a celebrity stylist.
KENA WILLIAMS BACCUS
Kena is a motivational speaker and definitely a person to watch as her star continues to shine brighter and brighter, like the glowing faces of her satisfied customers.
The beautifully talented Kena Williams Baccus is celebrating 30 years in the beauty industry and she’s leading in a big way. MOCCA Cosmetics is this mother and businesswoman’s vision and she uses it to uplift aspiring entrepreneurs and her community. She just opened a store in Red Oak, TX but you can order online and gather product anywhere in the world. But if you ever come to Texas, you definitely want to visit the store and get that special treatment. She takes care of everyone with her skincare products and regimen. Kena is a jewel. She is a joy and brings joy into the lives of others because of her loving and supportive spirit.
ALISA PEOPLES
Alisa Peoples is one half of that wonderful duo, Grammy nominated Yarbrough & Peoples.
A graduate of W. H. Adamson High School, Alisa Peoples attended Bishop College, graduating in 1976 with a degree in business. She is a singer/musician/ actress/producer/vocal arranger and all- around beautiful person. Alisa attends North Park CME Church where she is the. Minister of Music and this wife and mother, still performs in stage plays and continues to write and produce songs at Yarbrough & Peoples Productions. She has won awards for her music and she also received an honorary doctorate degree from Grace International Seminary.
DR. TIFFANY CLARK
Dr. Tiffany Clark says education is her passion and we can’t get enough of educators who their job! And, she is a trustee for DeSoto ISD.
Dr. Tiffany Clark, born and raised in DeSoto, attended DeSoto schools and graduated from DeSoto High School in 2007. She then received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston, a Master’s in Education with a concentration on School and Community Counseling from the University of North Texas and completed her Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Conflict Resolution – at Abilene Christian University. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Upsilon Lambda Omega, DeSoto, TX), she is a faithful and proud member of Friendship-West Baptist Church. She is the owner/manager/CEO of Akkomplished Experience and she’s a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.
