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!
SHAUNDALE RÉNA HORNES JOHNSON
Shaundale Rénā Hornes Johnson, is an award-winning freelance developmental editor and author specializing in romantic comedy, historical and women’s fiction, and nonfiction self-help and memoirs. She received her B.S. Degree in Computer Information Systems at Grambling State University where she also joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She also completed a creative writing course and Technical Writing and Editing Certification at UTA. She writes the New Releases column for KIZA Blacklit and quarterly book reviews for the African American Literary Book Club (AALBC). A freelance Developmental Editor at S. Rena + Co Editorial Boutique for the past decade, she has enjoyed stints at OCBF/The Turnaround Agenda, Wattage, Concord Church, BNSF Railway.
SONYA RUNDLES
Sonya Rundles has a smile that lights up the room. She can immediately turn a bad moment into a feel good moment. She attended Detroit High School in Detroit, TX and she was the valedictorian of her class. An evangelist and claims specialist at State Farm, she studied at Paris Junior College; received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from the University of Texas at Arlington; and her Master of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas. She is also an Eastern Star who is loved and revered.
TONYA M. KNOX
Tonya M. Knox is the HR Director at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and a life coach at MerrKnox Associates, LLC. Her expertise is in performance management, leadership development, conflict resolution, succession planning, data management, HR policy development, and employer compliance of federal and state laws. She has worked in Alabama, Florida and Texas. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Tonya received her B.S. Degree in Social Sciences Education from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts Degree in Professional Development and Human Behavior from Amberton University.
MUFYN ROBINSON
Mufyn Robinson hails from Orlando, FL and attended Dr. Phillips High School. An English teacher in Frisco ISD, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from American University where she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, National Pan Hellenic Council and National Council of Negro Women. She has also held positions as a legal assistant, Deputy Legislative Director, political consultant and Policy consultant. A member of the Frisco Women’s League, and PTA Board of Goals Elementary School, she was a Youth soccer Coach for Frisco Soccer Coach and Team Manager for FC Dallas.
ROBYN GERARD
Robyn Gerard is a Communicator and Content Creator. A communications manager and previously a senior public information officer for the City of Dallas, she is the owner of Semplice Naturals, featuring natural bath and body products. Robyn received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, Radio and Television, from the University of Houston where she joined Alpha Omega Alpha Christian Society and the Good News Gospel Choir. A consummate professional, Robyn is focused, meticulous and enterprising. She has also spent several years in the production management and film industry.
DANIELLE SCOTT PARKER
Danielle Scott Parker, is a Director with PFM’s Management and Budget Consulting (MBC) practice and co-director of PFM’s Center for Budget Equity and Innovation. Danielle specializes in providing equity, budgetary, and financial analysis, reviewing municipal operations, and developing multi-year financial plans to help municipal governments overcome their fiscal challenges. Danielle is also the Founder and CEO of the Leverage Collective where she provides consulting and coaching to clients navigating corporate and professional environments. She is a board member for Youth Run NOLA and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Danielle received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Howard University.
TAMARA BOND
Tamara Bond is a super talented writer, author, speaker and mentor. Through her leadership, the Corporate Girl Network is just what women need! A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and serving in several leadership positions in other organizations, she founded “Brilliance and Beauty -The Ultimate Experience.” This one-day event brings together some amazing women to collaborate professionally, share their entrepreneurial pursuits and experiences, and to simply show each other that they are not alone in their personal, professional and spiritual journeys.
The focus is on SPIRITUAL – GROUND YOURSELF IN FAITH, PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH – EMBRACE SELF-CARE AND PRESERVATION, RELATIONAL -NURTURE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, ECONOMIC – BE A GOOD STEWARD, and JOY – SMELL THE ROSES AND DANCE IN THE RAIN. Beauty, talent, brains – that’s Tam Bond and she spreads joy and love wherever she goes.
DR. VALERIE CRUMPTON
Dr. Valerie Crumpton is the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program for the Potter’s House where she oversees several ministries, including: The Potter’s House Ministerial Alliance, New Members Relations, Acts II Street Ministry, Military Veteran’s Ministry, Transformation Substance Abuse Ministry, and the Translation Ministry. She is also the Choir Director of The Potter’s House’s Bishop’s Choir. A member of the Dallas chapter of the African American Pastors Coalition, she received her Doctor of Ministry (Portland Seminary, George Fox University), Master of Business Administration (Dallas Baptist University), and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (University of Phoenix). An author, writer, and adjunct professor, she is a wife, mother, and grandmother.
LAUREN N. GILLESPIE
Lauren N. Gillespie is an executive Sales Professional currently working at the Lorenzo Hotel as Director of Sales. She has worked as an Operations team Specialist at Cottonwood Financial, Corporate Sales Manager for Hall Arts Hotel, NYLO Hotels LLC, and Pillar Hotels & Resorts; and as a sales representative for Republic National Distributing Company. A born leader and team player, she received her Bachelor of Science in Restaurant Hotel and Institutional Management and Master of Business administration from Texas Tech University.
MS. MARY
Ms. Mary is the owner of MSMSK, and many know this restaurateur, entrepreneur, and certified Chef with 20-plus years of restaurant and catering experience for the wonderful dishes she serves up at Ms. Mary’s Southern Kitchen. Ms. Mary has studied at DeVry University, Dallas College, and TCJC. She is also the founder of the nonprofit, Mary’s Mission Kitchen which provides nourishing meals to people who need them the most. Ms. Mary is committed and concerned about her fellow man. Through her non-profit, she is able to touch and help so many; while also collaborating with others. She is also a volunteer with the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce and The Salvation Army.
COURTENAY PRELOW
Courtenay Prelow is a teacher in Dallas ISD and she is the type of educator you want to see in the classroom, dedicated to making the learning experience rewarding for students. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Paul Quinn College where she also was initiated into the Theta Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Courtenay also studied health and physical education and business administration and management at Southern University and A&M College.
KASSIE GOSSOM
Kassie Gossom is a Human Resources Business Partner holding several management positions with City of Dallas, Strategic Human Capital Management, Hilton Worldwide, Baylor University Medical Center, JPS Health Network, and DART; among others. She studied at the University of Texas at Austin and received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Business Administration in Management from Texas Woman’s University. A graduate of Dallas’ Lincoln High School, Kassie is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
VEETTA POWELL
VeEtta Powell is an events coordinator; planning events that are senior-friendly, like day trips, shopping, going to the movies or plays. She loves working with people and presenting a special experience and was previously the event planner for St. Philip’s School and Community Center. A graduate of I.M. Terrell of Fort Worth, she received her degree in Psychology from Dallas Baptist University. VeEtta is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and she is spiritually rounded. She wears a smile that lightens a room and she is a woman of her word. A doting mother and grandmother, VeEtta is loving and kind.
WHITNEY COULTER
Born and raised in Waco, TX, Whitney LaTrice Coulter is an educator, actress, costumer, and director. She attended McLennan College and later transferred to Sam Houston State University where she earned her BFA in Acting and Directing (Cum Laude). Currently, she is a member of the Performing Arts Faculty at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, where she teaches Stage Makeup & Design, Intro to Costuming, Advanced Makeup & Costuming and acts as the resident Costume, Hair/Wig and Makeup Designer for all Ursuline productions. Super talented, and creative, Whitney is a star! Her students and audiences who get to view her work love her.
KIRSTEN BRADFORD
Kirsten Bradford is a seasoned social media marketing and digital strategy professional who is the president of 4TheGirls and has also worked for. Motion Recruitment, Hairline Matters, Sankofa Kitchen and Stay Up Media. Kirsten is motivated, focused, and strategic. She received an Associate’s Degree in nursing from Carrington College, studied communication at Mountain View, and then an Associate’s Degree in biology from Cedar Valley, a Bachelor’s Degree with honors in Communication Technology/Communications from the University of North Texas at Dallas. She also received a Master of Science degree in Management from SMU Cox School of Business.
REBECCA C. WERTS
Rebecca C. Werts is a speaker, writer, educator, therapist, and licensed professional counselor. A National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a 2022-2023 Doctoral Minority Fellow for the NBCC Foundation, she is passionate about her work and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education at the University of North Texas (UNT). She is a two-time alumna of UNT, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2013 and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. A Denver native, Rebecca was an honors graduate. She is accepting clients at Chill Counseling, a Dallas-based virtual counseling practice. Check her out at https://rebeccacwerts.com/
APRIL K FICH, LMSW
April K Fich, LMSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker who leads with compassion & a nonjudgmental attitude. She is the Director of Strategic Relationships at ScholarShot, Inc. April received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She gained experience at Hickory Trail Hospital, St. Gabriel’s Hospice & Palliative Care, Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Dallas, to name a few. She enjoys traveling, listening to ’90s & 2000s RNB, hip hop, and pop music, and spending time with her husband and Berne doodle. Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation at https://gheffectpsych.com/staff/april-fich-lmsw/
DR. KIMBERLY BURDINE, PHD
Dr. Kimberly Burdine, PhD has worked with Austin Child Guidance Center, Colors of Austin Counseling, and The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and others for training and enhancing programs and service offerings related to mental health practices involving marginalized and underserved populations. Dr. Burdine is a licensed psychologist, based in Dallas, Texas. She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling from Oklahoma State University. Her undergraduate studies include a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Langston University. Find out more at https://www.drkimberlyburdine.com/.
CORI HILL
Cori Hill, NCC, LPC, LMFT-S is the owner & Clinical Director of Chill Counseling, where she offers you safe, supportive, and empathetic counseling services that cater to the needs of marginalized communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She received her Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Psychology and Philosophy and Master of Science from Southern Methodist University. She also worked at SMU and Lifeologie Institute in numerous capacities and as a Tutor/Life Coach. Cori believes that everyone deserves to have access to care and community. Find out more at https://chillcounseling.com/team//
MADDISON ADIMORA
Maddison Adimora, Med, LPC, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC who primarily works with professionals of color to help them find a sense of empowerment to take up space, find balance, and create peace in their everyday lives while staying true to their genuine and authentic selves. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies and Sociology from Texas A&M University and then she was off to Lamar University where she received her Master of Education (M.Ed.), in Clinical Mental Health. She says therapy helped her and now she can help you at https://www.imindscounseling.org/about
DEVYN WALKER
In 2020, Devyn Walker embarked on a journey to establish Transcend Wellness: a safe space offering BIPOC individuals a community for therapeutic and wellness services. Her motivation was prompted by a personal tragedy; discovering her father’s suicide. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Arkansas State University, as well as a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Texas. She also gained experience as a Disability Program Service Coordinator, Therapist, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Qualified Mental Health Professional, Yoga Instructor and Crisis Counselor. Devyn said she is on a mission to create an amazing wellness community specifically designed for BIPOC individuals.
GUINEA BENNETT-PRICE
Guinea Bennett-Price is an independent Entertainment Professional. A graduate of Howard University with a BFA in Theatre and Directing, she spent almost a decade as the artistic director for Soul Rep Theatre Company, of which she was a co-founder. An actor, writer, and director, Guinea attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she is a Theatre Conservatory Director/Instructor. She’s one of many talented locals who make Dallas great! Her transition as a full-time educator at the Wilmer Hutchins Performing Arts High School in 2004 led to five successful years at Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy and four years of innovative arts integration at George Washington Carver Creative Arts Learning Center.
BEATRICE NEALY
Beatrice Nealy is a social worker, program developer and professor; working as a social worker for the JPS Health Network and adjunct professor at University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). She received her A.B. Degree in Public Policy from Duke University and MSSW in Social Work from UTA. She also studied at Southern Methodist University. Hailing from Sumter, South Carolina, she attended St. Jude High School. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, today she is “happily retired and actively involves in volunteer and community service.”
SHARON HOLLAND MODABBERI CORNELL
Sharon Holland Modabberi Cornell hails from Dallas I.S.D. schools graduating with a concentration in dance from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA). After high school she graduated from the University of Texas, Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communications. The Magnet Coordinator/Public Relations Specialist at BTWHSPVA, Sharon is a member of many community and arts boards in the Dallas area. A wife and mother, in 2019, she was awarded the Revolutionary Award from the Arts Magnet Advisory Board for outstanding contributions to the arts.
DAWAYLA MURRAY-PATTERSON
Dawayla Murray-Patterson is a Professional and Digital Learning Instructional Specialist at Dallas ISD. A graduate of Dallas’ W. T. White High School, Dawayla received her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Prairie View A&M University. A born leader and team player, Dawayla is a highly skilled community servant who brings her engaging personality and smile wherever she goes. This member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is a joy to be around and work with.
RACHELLE CAMPBELL
Rachelle Campbell hails from Dallas where she attended W.T. White High School. She studied at Texas A&M University, then received her Bachelor’s Degree in nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Science Degree in Nursing at Texas Woman’s University. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rachelle is the treasurer of the Omega Alpha Omega Chapter. She has worked at Trinity Family Health Center, and is on the faculty of Texas Woman’s University as Interim MSN FNP Online Program Director and Associate Clinical Professor; and also works at Campbell Healthcare Consulting, LLC.
LAWANNA WILLIS
LaWanna Willis is the president of the Omega Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, serving Denton, Frisco, Little Elm, Prosper, and The Colony. A Silver Star member of the sorority, LaWanna is a Risk Management and Governance Manager at Raytheon. LaWanna is a board advisor of the Alliance for a Brighter Community (ABC) Foundation; a steadfast pillar of support for underprivileged and at-risk students in North Texas. LaWanna is a competent, committed leader who stresses community service and sisterhood.
DEON HAWKINS
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Deon Hawkins attended Mesquite High School and has traveled around the globe exploring the diverse cultures of this wonderful wide world. An alumnae of Spelman College, where she received her degree in Economics. A realtor sales associate at Ebby Halliday Realtors, recently she was named the Ebby Halliday Realtors in Southwest Dallas Rookie of the Year! Deon also received a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Denmark Institute of Study Abroad. A skilled content developer and project manager, her areas of expertise include crafting engaging content and driving collaborative solutions. Deon has enjoyed stints at Fisher Investments, Cannaclusive, Apple, Center for Teaching and Learning in China, and Spelman College.
LAUREN E. BLACK, ESQ.
Lauren E. Black is the Deputy Administrator at the Dallas County District Attorney. She oversees multiple divisions including the Appellate Division, Misdemeanor Division, Grand Jury/Intake, Restorative Justice and Mental Health, and the newly created Vehicular Crimes Unit that she was instrumental in establishing in 2022. She has also been a Trial Court Chief for Rockwall County and Contract Attorney for Sayles Werbner, PC. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Dallas and her Juris Doctorate Degree from Texas A&M University School of Law. A community servant, she volunteers with Annie’s List, UNT Dallas College of Law, Dallas Bar Association, and the Family Place.
KANDACE WALTER
Kandace Walter is a Dallas Intellectual Property and Small Business lawyer, and Associate Clinical Professor. A graduate of Richard High School, she received her B.S. degree in Chemistry from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. Kandace is a managing attorney at Walter Legal PLLC and in 2018, she was recognized in the inaugural class of Best Lawyers Under 40 by D Magazine. Kandace honed her unique skills and legal perspective at an intellectual property and business litigation boutique law firm, a medium-sized school law firm, SMU, and the Dallas County District. She is an Adjunct Professor at Collin College and this year she became President-Elect of the J.L. Turner Legal Association.
CHRISTA BROWN-SANFORD
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Christa Brown-Sanford attended First Baptist Academy and studied electrical engineering at Rice University. She received her law degree from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law. Specializing in patent law. She is the former head instructor at Varsity Spirit and American Cheerleaders Association. A partner at Baker Potts. Christa is a member of the Board of Trustees for SMU, The Crystal Charity Ball, the Engineering Advisory Board of Rice University, has served as president of the Junior League of Dallas, Advisory Board member of the State Fair of Texas, Board member of Dallas Children’s Theater and numerous other community volunteer efforts.
