Pat Smith
Pat Southall Smith is a journalist, minister, author, actress, speaker, entrepreneur, executive producer and philanthropist. A native of Chesapeake, VA, this mother of five received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from James Madison University. She is the first African American woman to win the Miss Virginia USA title and she placed first runner-up in the 1994 Miss USA Pageant. She is founder and CEO of Pat Smith Enterprises and Treasure You, a non-profit organization that inspires women to pursue their second chance in life despite difficult circumstances and setbacks. She recently launched an online clothing boutique, PS by Pat Smith, and a portion of the proceeds support the emergency needs of women and girls. She ministers to and mentors females of all ages. Pat is a member of the prestigious Vogue 100, was voted one of the 10 Most Beautiful Women of Dallas, named a celebrity role model for the Dallas Elevators mentor program; this member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is also involved with battered women’s shelters and breast cancer initiatives. She is simply amazing!
Monique “M.P.” Stone
Monique “M. P.” Stone is an author, executive, writer, entertainer and actress. A graduate of Miller High School in Corpus Christi, she moved to Atlanta, GA where she trained at the Dance and Theatre Arts Institute and toured as a troupe member. She moved to Dallas to join the Dallas Minority Repertory Company, producing and performing in several independent stage and film productions. Founder and Exec. Director of Angel Faces, Inc., she opened a Performing Arts Center providing free arts and etiquette training to disadvantaged youth. She also developed ENCORE, a “safe haven” before and after school program. She was named “2010 Woman of the Year” by the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, received a “Decade of Excellent Community Service” recognition by the City of Dallas, and was listed in “Who’s Who In Black Dallas” 2012 edition. Monique released two documentaries, wrote several stage-plays, screenplays, television pilots, mini-bibles, and, was a Lifestyle writer for I Messenger Media. She’s also a whiz at organizing! She will whip you, your office and your home into shape!
Joyce Williams
Joyce Williams has a B.S. degree from Mississippi Valley State University and a M.Ed. degree from Delta State University with post-graduate studies at the University of Mississippi and UNT. She serves as Associate Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Community Initiatives for Dallas College. Touting more than 20 years of experience in education, she has impeccable credentials. Joyce was instrumental in the development of a strategic implementation of the Amazon Veteran Apprenticeship program (Cloud Support Technician); and development and management of 9-12 apprenticeship programs serving over 2000 apprentices. She has served as President of Texas Association of Community and Technical Educators (TACTE); and Chair WECM State Leadership Committee. Additionally she has published articles in “Community Colleges for International Development.” A recipient of numerous awards and a life member of the NAACP, she is a past chair, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas; Executive Board member, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce; Chair, Visit Dallas; board member, Friends of Fair Park; and, member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Certification Advisory Council.
Judge Bobbie Edmonds
Bobbie Edmonds is an aspiring interio decorator, author, practicing attorney, mentor and associate judge for the City of Forest Hill, TX. She has been the leader of a legal aide corporation, adjunct professor at two universities: McNeese University and Texas Wesleyan University; a motivational speaker, and legal analyst on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Heaven 97AM and KKDA Soul 73. Bobbie earned her undergraduate degree in Interior Design at Southern University, and law degree from Southern University School of Law. She is a sought-after speaker on legal topics for lawyers, students, community groups and other organizations. Her book, “The Legal Navigator” is an essential tool for parents and children to use in the school disciplinary process. A member of National Bar, Tarrant County Bar, and the L. Clifford Davis Legal Associations, Bobbie was a legal commentator on The Quad Review, and has hosted the TV show, “Legal Peek” and received the 2019 State Bar of Texas Law-Related Education award for her theatrical play, “Santa Goes to Jail.” All rise for this phenomenal woman.
Honorable Monica McCoy Purdy
Monica McCoy Purdy is Judge of the 95th Civil District Court. Judge Purdy earned her law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Well-respected, this native of Tampa, FL, earned her degree from Spelman College. She helped develop the Legal Studies Department at Paul Quinn College where she taught as an adjunct professor. She has served as President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association; Regional Director for the National Bar Association. She’s a member of the National Bar Association, National Association of Women Judges, Dallas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Association, Mac Taylor Inn of Court, Texas Bar Foundation Fellow (the highest honor bestowed upon a member), League of Women Voters of Texas former board member, Dallas Assembly, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links Inc., a founding member of Village Giving Circle, Commissioner to the Lawyers Network Commission & Advisory Committee for the Center for Reproductive Rights, Judicial Nominating Commission for the City of Dallas, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law National Alumni Board. Supreme Court, here she comes!
Hon. Jasmine Crockett
Keep your eyes on this sister. She plays to WIN! Civil Rights Attorney Jasmine Crockett is in the Texas House of Representatives, District 100. Hailing from St. Louis MO, her passion for empowering people politically and in justice led to her career as a public defender, county party chair, and civil rights and criminal defense attorney focused on defending our most vulnerable neighbors from unlawful accusations, and exploitation, in the criminal justice system. Jasmine has made every decision with one goal in mind: protecting the civil liberties of those in underrepresented communities. She has a Bachelors degree in business from Rhodes College and law degree from the University of Houston. Now she is taking that fight and fire to the Texas House of Representatives and folks are taking notice. This member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is well respected for her work ethic, passion, hard work and commitment. She won with support from her neighbors and constituents who agreed it was time for new leadership to disrupt politics as usual and get to work for the people. Trust and believe that she is working in your best interest!
Clarice Tinsley
Clarice Tinsley was born in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University with a BA in Liberal Arts, majoring in Radio, TV and Film. In 1988, the Wayne State Alumnae Association named her as Headliner at a special luncheon. And, in 1992, Clarice was awarded Wayne State University’s Arts Achievement Award. In 2020 she was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame. Clarice is a proud Lifetime Girl Scout. Clarice began working at KDFW-TV in 1978 and she is the longest-serving news anchor in the D/FW market. Previously, she worked at WITI TV 6 in Milwaukee. Clarice has appeared as a news anchor or reporter in several Dallas-based television productions, including The Good Guys, Prison Break, Walker, Texas Ranger and Dallas. She has won numerous awards including the Peabody Award and Alfred I. DuPont–Columbia University Award. She enjoys working out, reading, acquiring art, traveling, dancing, listening to music and spending time with her family and friends. Kind, generous and compassionate, Clarice also paints works of art in the medium of acrylic on canvas.
Rev. Dr. LaVerne Whitehead Reed
The Rev. Dr. LaVerne Whitehead Reed is an effective leader in Christian Discipleship, Community Outreach and Education. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis and is Senior Pastor of Warren Avenue Christian Church of Dallas. Among her extensive years of service, she was Dean of Richard Allen Chapel at Paul Quinn College. A native Memphian, Dr. Reed relocated to Texas where she earned the Doctorate of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Bachelor’s and Associates degrees in addition to the Diploma of Vocational Nursing and completed further studies at The Interdenominational Theological Center. At Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School she received the Certificate of Academic Excellence and was designated a Benjamin E. Mays Scholar. Dr. Reed is a Certified Crisis Intervention Counselor, a Board Certified Chaplain, NAACP Life member, Southwest Regional Chaplain for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a Heroine of Jericho Worthy Matron, the published author of Mountain Move Around, and a contributing writer to a number of Lenten Devotional Guides. Dr. Reed is a trailblazer, a born leader and servant. She is our sister!
Symone Redwine
Attorney Symone Redwine is described as beauty, brains and a bold Southern attitude She studied finance at the University of Pittsburgh and received her law degree from Cornell University. She practiced fashion and trade law in New York before returning to Texas to launch her private practice, Redwine Law Firm; with offices in Dallas and Houston. She has handled many high-profile cases including the first case of its kind serving as co-council with attorney Lee Merritt, in the lawsuit against R&B singer R. Kelly involving an underaged girl with whom Kelly had a sexual encounter. She says she chose to defend those who cannot fight for themselves. Symone is a former child actor who appeared in Problem Child, Walker, Texas Ranger; and most recently, Season 3 of the OWN series Ready to Love! Attorney Symone is an expert on:
- How to get rent postponed during the pandemic
- How to get mortgage payments moved to end of agreement
- What employers cannot legally do
- Deferring student loans without penalty
- Re-applying for PPE loans for small businesses
Dannetta English Bland
The University of North Texas System has just announced the appointment of Dannetta English Bland as Chief Diversity Officer, effective July 19, 2021. A graduate of the University of Houston, she is certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). Dannetta has served Visiting Professorships at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin. Her impressive portfolio includes stints as a crisp management manager, internal audit consultant and corporate governance senior manager. Dannetta is passionate about serving the community around her and has served on multiple nonprofit and advisory boards inclusive of INROADS, Inc., the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business Accounting Advisory Board and the Louisiana State University E.J. Ourso College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council. She was Regional Director of Student Member Services for NABA and served on the advisory council for ether Houston Urban Debate League. Dannetta, who spent 17 years at Deloitte LLP, is a heavyweight in the diversity, equity and inclusion arena.
Alexia P. Hammonds
Alexia P. Hammonds is the Founder and CEO of Eat. Sweat. Undress, a female-led brand that offers fitness, wellness, beauty, and fashion products and services to enhance the lives of women. She’s proud to be recognized as the first Black woman to create perfume in Grasse, France, the historic home of perfume. A classically trained Pilates Instructor, former Beauty Editor, and a regular product and fashion segment television guest, Alexia performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the ‘96 Olympic Games. She performed as a dancer with the legendary Tina Turner during her Super Bowl performance. A graduate of Grambling State University where she was a member of Orchesis Dance Company and Cosmetic Executive Women Organization, she studied Political Science. Talented, beautiful and enterprising; Alexia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and her namesake collection of hair perfume is now carried in retail locations throughout the Dallas area and is poised to be carried at hair salons, gyms, and boutique retail locations throughout the United States.
Anita Odom
For decades Anita Odom has served faithfully developing and supporting minority programs to benefit inner-city youth. She’s the first African American Female Urban Area Director for Young Life West Dallas, a national nonprofit organization that spreads the Word of Jesus Christ to troubled inner city youth. Anita earned a degree in Accounting and Business Management from Cedar Valley College, and an advanced degree from Dallas Baptist University in Business Administration, graduating Magna Cum Laude. As the seventh of nine children and a dedicated mother of two sons, she understands the concept of family. When Anita is not lending her time and effort to social functions, working with children for Christ or serving on boards, you can find her working at Odom’s Bar B Q with her family; still serving the community of West Dallas and the City of Dallas. Deeply grounded in her faith, Anita enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, golfing, interior decorating and “working to motivate teens to believe in themselves, by planting seeds of hope.”
Angela Martin Lang
Angela Lang is a Sr. Content Strategist at Givelify and her extensive portfolio includes Vice President, Marketing at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Social Media Manager/ Digital Content Produce for KTVT, Anchor/ Reporter at WPMI, KVBC-TV, WJCL, KMTV-TV, KXAS-TV and KOMU-TV, and Assistant Director of Communications at the Savannah College of Art & Design. An award-winning journalist, Angela studied Journalism at the University of Missouri. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and while in high school she participated in the Dallas- Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists’ Urban Journalism Workshop. A long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists (Yes, she’s an NABJ Baby!), Angela is an accomplished professional and social media guru, with impeccable communication, management and organizational skills. She’s a servant leader and a previous winner of the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon. A wife and mother, Angela also loves to play cards. Beautiful, talented, smart and joyful, Angela is someone you want to have on your team.
Kamecia Mason
Folks recognized Kamecia Mason’s greatness long before she was appointed as McCarthy Holdings’ first vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, this year. Kamecia oversees the construction firm’s national internal and external strategy and implementation. As part of her duties, Kamecia leads McCarthy’s Capacity Building program — mentoring minority businesses. The program includes 32 women and minority owned construction-related companies through which McCarthy helps them shore up skills like project management, pre-construction, safety and after graduating, they are qualified to bid on McCarthy projects. Kamecia earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and criminal justice from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She also holds Certified Diversity Executive credentials from the Institute for Diversity. In a male-dominated industry, Kamecia rules! She was named to the 2016 “40 under 40” list by the Dallas Business Journal, 2015 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs by D-Mars Magazine, 2014 Luna Women’s Business Advocate of the Year by the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, and 2013 Advocate of the Year by the Dallas-Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council.
Loletha Horton
Loletha Horton was born and raised in Dallas and the Sunset High School graduate is a proud mother and Executive Director of Community Impact for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She has been with the organization for 26 years holding various positions throughout her career. She started out as a volunteer in 1990 and has taken the Christian values the YMCA embraced her and her three sons with during a tough time in her life to benefit others. Loletha now dedicates her time to “pay it forward” by serving needy families in the West Dallas community. She received an Associates degree from Eastfield College, two Bachelor’s degrees from Dallas Christian College and an MBA from Dallas Baptist University. Loletha is the first female to sit on the Theta Alpha Foundation (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.) Board. Loletha is a special woman who values the needs of every individual, family and community.
Mattie R. Thompson
Mattie Rutherford Thompson joined HEB ISD in 1968. As a music teacher, she was chosen as the campus Teacher of the Year at Bellaire and Wilshire Elementary schools. In 1988 she became the counselor at Bellaire, Oakwood Terrace and the
Transition Center. She worked for HEB ISD
for 43 years. Her hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed as November 17, 2004 was declared Mattie Thompson Day by the Hurst City Council. Also the recipient of a Texas State PTA Life Membership in appreciation of her dedication to children, she is a member of the HEB Retired School Employees Association and Mattie was awarded the Distinguished former employee when she was inducted into the 2014 HEB ISD Hall of Fame. A board member of the KwanzaaFest Foundation, Mattie is a servant leader, who serves with a smile and impeccable skills. A member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church where she also sings in the choir; she also volunteered with the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation. Quiet and unassuming, Mattie gets the job done. She’s a joy to be around and someone you can depend on.
Mrs. Opal Lee
Mrs. Opal Lee is the grandmother of Juneteenth. Years ago, the elementary school teacher, counselor and food pantry leader hosted fellow activist Dick Gregory at an annual Juneteenth Celebration in Fort Worth. The attendance was light, but that didn’t stop her or Mr. Gregory from celebrating June 19, and you can bet that the next time she calls for a celebration, the attendance will be anything but light for this 94-year-old social justice activist who President Joe Biden knelt before this week. She is elated that, with Vice President Kamala Harris by his side, the president signed a bill establishing Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S., as a federal holiday. Five years ago she walked 1,400 miles from Fort Worth to the nation’s capital, in what was part of a several decades long campaign to have June 19 recognized as a national holiday. She also gathered millions of signatures of support. A graduate of the old I. M. Terrell High School and HBCU Wiley College, she received a bachelor’s degree in education. Juneteenth is special to her for several reasons, good and bad; including the burning of her parent’s Fort Worth home in 1939 by whites who’d rather it be burned to the ground before they’d accept a “Negro” family as neighbors. Talk about a beautiful spirit and smile, Mrs. Opal, who was born in Marshall, TX; is tenacious, stays focused, and gets results.
Sheriff Marian Brown
Sheriff Marian Brown grew up in Dallas, and educated in Dallas Public Schools. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Arlington, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. She began her law enforcement career in 1988 with the Duncanville Police Department as a pioneer, being the first African American female police officer. Sheriff Brown rose quickly within the ranks from a patrol officer.
Her experience includes serving as a first line supervisor formulating and supervising the Community Oriented Policing Unit; Crime prevention/Community Relations Supervisor; Patrol Watch Commander; Criminal Investigations Commander; and Assistant Chief of Police. She holds a Master Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. A mother and wife, she is a graduate of the International Law Enforcement Institute’s Command College as well as the FBI National Academy Associates’ Command College. She has received training in Special Investigative Topics, Crime Prevention, Hostage Negotiation, and holds an Instructor Certification. The Chief is the type of law enforcement official who makes you feel pride. She realizes the importance of lifting people up instead of stripping them of any semblance of respect and dignity. Her actions are deeply rooted in her faith. The chief is smart, fearless, compassionate and no- nonsense. There’s so much you can say about her and that is why she is so widely respected.
Jamille Bradfield
Jamille Bradfield is all of that and more. She’s talented (did you know she was part of an all-girl group in the 90s?), she beautiful, brilliant, an excellent writer; and yes, she has the receipts. She is the communications/PR/marketing guru who works and promotes her client instead of herself. A native of Atlanta, GA, Jamille is a journalist/ movie/ entertainment critic, and campaign manager and strategist (her clients win!). She attended Howard University before returning home to Clark Atlanta University to graduate; and when she moved to Dallas, she got some serious training under the tutelage of PR guru, Lyria Howland, who is the absolute best! She has enjoyed stints in the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, GreyHound Bus Lines and Blockbuster. Currently, Jamille is Community Outreach & Special Events Manager at Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., this wife and mother underpromises and overdelivers, time and time again. She is a team player, who works well with others, and she’s a born leader who commands respect.
Carmina Barnett
Carmina Barnett began her broadcasting career in 2000, and a year later, the door opened for her to join D/FW’s only 24-hour Gospel Music Station. During Carmina’s radio career she has served as a Program Director, Promotions Director and Director of Operation for various radio stations. She was an award winning program director and music director for KHVN-AM. Currently she is a news correspondent for Onyx News Network. As host of the syndicated radio show, Inspirations with Carmina, she gained more popularity and continued to build a strong base in the industry. She is dedicated to contributing and having a positive impact, and has developed partnerships with many local schools, educational organizations, ministries and non profit organizations. She participates both professionally and personally in a host of community activities and she has gained a reputation as a Voice Over Pro and great event host. Carmina is also the owner of Tea Cakes by Minke. A very popular mistress of ceremonies, Carmina has a loyal fanbase locally and nationally.
Ptosha Storey
Ptosha Storey is Dallas’ finest. A long- time member of Dallas’ Friendship-West Baptist Church, Ptosha attended the famed Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts and after graduation attended SMU where she was initiated into the Nu Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. A series regular on the BET drama “The Oval,” Ptosha’s hometown fans cheered her performance at the Dallas Theater Center when she played Ruth Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun.” Her film and television credits include Brenda in “Acrimony,” and Chyna in “Empire,” both with Taraji P. Henson. She appeared in “Petals on the Wind” and Tyler Perry’s “If Loving You Is Wrong” on OWN-TV. Her assistant director credits include “Mountain Top” (Dallas Theater Center); “The Color Purple;” “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope;” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (Jubilee Theatre) and “Spunk” (WaterTower Theatre); and Stage West’s “Bootycandy.” Now you can see her on The Young and restless! Long committed to public service and a sense of community, Ptosha is a huge supporter of charitable events and causes. The multi- talented actress also enjoys: aerobics, cheerleading, cycling, racquetball, roller skating, running, softball, swimming, volleyball, weight lifting, and singing.
Perri Camper
Perri Camper is an actress and producer, known for several roles in American Soul (2019), The Last One (2017) The Bill (2017), Seven Deadly Sins: Lust Sonia (2021); to name a few. When she first decided to move to pursue her dreams, she landed in New York City, became employed by BET and then her acting skills provided opportunities in Los Angeles, where she is definitely making her mark. A graduate of Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet and the University of North Texas; she pursued a degree in Radio, Television and Film, was a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly Communicators), and, she participated in the DFW/ABC Urban Journalism Workshop. It was at UNT that she pledged the Amazing Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Perri is a dynamic woman, who attended the Potter’s House in Dallas and worked as an educator while also staring her own business (One Happy Camper, LLC). Always pleasant, full of love, compassion and grace; she is professional, talented and supportive. Nothing petty about Perri. She is spiritually grounded, loves her family and is respectful of everyone. Keep your eyes on Perri and support her efforts/works because she is so deserving and she is making us proud!
Karen Carter Richards
Karen Carter Richards is the Chairman of the Board at the National Newspaper Publishers Association. She is the CEO/Publisher of the Houston Forward Times, a multimedia company that publishes weekly; the largest Black owned and independently published newspaper in the southern region. At the age of seven, her father put a basket on her bicycle and she had to deliver the newspaper in her neighborhood. Karen is President/Founder of the Julius and Lenora Carter Scholarship and Youth Foundation (named in honor of her parents). She attended Xavier University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Born in Arizona, her family moved to Houston when she was an infant. She is involved and effective, serving in numerous positions and winning numerous honors. She also served as chairperson of “Go Red Girlfriend,” an African American Awareness Initiative for the American Heart Association and she is a beacon of light, hope and influence in Houston because of her commitment to journalism and community. A born leader, Karen is about taking care of business.
Jordan Hora
Jordan Hora, founder of JH Collaborative, is a multi award-winning strategic communications executive who got her start in the world of communications after serving at The White House in the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, where she assisted in executing a national grass-root outreach program that communicated the intent and responsibility of the President’s initiative. Jordan has led brand and consumer communication and social media strategies for corporate and multimillion-dollar companies including McDonald’s, Western Union, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Alberto-Culver Multicultural Brands, Soft & Beautiful and Just-For-Me across diverse industries and continents. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists. As host of a podcast, “So, About That,” she led carefully curated conversations that “sidestep the predictable and tap into themes lying dormant underneath the surface of what always gets discussed.” Recently promoted to Senior Director of Communications for T.D. Jakes Ministries, the native Texan and alum of Oklahoma State University, is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Public Relations Society of America. Jordan is described as “amazing,” “intelligent,” “brilliant,” “full of energy,” “authentic,” “sincere” and super talented. She is all of those things and more!
Leona Allen
In the 1980s, as a reporter at the Dallas Times Herald, Leona Allen made her hometown proud, covering stories and also appearing as a regular commentator on KKDA- AM Radio. A longtime editor and member of The Dallas Morning News editorial board, her recent promotion to Deputy Publisher is significant as she is responsible for diversity and inclusion initiatives across the company. Her promotion in 2020 made her one of the highest- ranking Black female executives in the newspaper industry. Before joining the company in 1994, she was part of a team at The Akron Beacon Journal that won a Pulitzer Prize for a series of stories on race relations. Over the years she has continued to build a career and it was a dream to come home to her hometown of Dallas and assume leadership position after leadership position, representing The Dallas Morning News and the community at large, in addition to her alma mater (University of North Texas) and aspiring journalists. In addition to mentoring and leading in the newsroom, Leona volunteers and serves as a mentor to many in newsrooms across the country.
Hon. Toni Rose
The Honorable Toni Rose is currently serving her fourth term in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 110; which includes the diverse communities of Oak Cliff, Highland Hills, Pleasant rove, Balch Springs and Mesquite. Born and raised in Dallas, Rep. Rose developed a passion for civic engagement at an early age which mirrors her work in mental health, social justice and criminal justice. Representative Rose earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Paul Quinn College, where she also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A former president of the Paul Quinn College Alumni Association, Rep. Rose is passionate about mental health reform, access to affordable healthcare, improving the quality of life for our aging population and underserved communities, among other issues because she is a servant leader. She is a member of and has held leadership positions in several organizations including: the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, Women In Government, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She’s also been honored by several groups and organizations.
DeMetris Sampson
DeMetris Sampson is an attorney, and retired in January 2014 from Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP where she was the first African American woman to become a partner in a majority firm in the City of Dallas. DeMetris is all that! She holds a BBA degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a Juris Doctorate from UT School of Law, and a Masters of Laws (Taxation) from SMU. A member of the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NAACP, Dallas Assembly and Links, Inc., DeMetris served as president of the J. L. Turner Legal Association and the Dallas Association of Black Women Attorneys. In 1990, she was named an Outstanding Young Texas Ex by UT and in 2012 was awarded the Legacy of Service Foundation Image Award by her sorority. At her retirement she was honored, by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, for her distinguished career. In 1991, she was named to the East Texas State University Board of Regents. She is featured in The Historymakers and is the recipient of numerous awards for community service, leadership and just for being the bomb. A member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church for over 30 years, she is Board Chair of the Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center.
Ella Goode Johnson
Ella Goode Johnson is a graduate of UNT, where a library was established in her name, and Amberton University. A General Motors retiree, she is a wife and mother to two adult sons. A native of Hearne, TX, she was instrumental in chartering the UNT National Pan-Hellenic Council. Ella’s community and civic involvements, include the Theodore and Bertha Roddey Foundation, Dodd Education and Support, Inc, the Priscilla Art Club, Project Male (Cedar Valley College), African American Museum, NCNW, Natl Assn. of Parliamentarians, The Power of Woman Coalition at Paul Quinn College. The Board Chair of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, she is a graduate of Leadership Southwest and serves as a volunteer administrator for the Heads Up! Foundation. Ella has received UNT President’s Green Glory Award; Texas PTA; Blackshear High Academic Hall of Fame; KKDA’s African American Hero; Dallas Women’s Center/SMU MAURA AWARD; South Dallas BP&W Trailblazer Award; Concord Church Lydia Award. A 2-time president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ella is an event planner and Dallas County Elections Precinct Judge. She’s served as President and Program Chair for Women’s Council of Dallas. She’s also a Dallas Office of Arts and Culture Commissioner. WOW!
Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson
Eddie Bernice Johnson is the first registered nurse to serve in the Texas House, Texas Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. She advocates for veterans and a number of other causes and issues, like science and technology, Lupus, World Peace or foreign affairs. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links Inc., Congresswoman Johnson has strong family ties and feelings of loyalty to those she trusts and respects. She mentors many and is widely respected for her political prowess and work ethic. The congresswoman is serving her 15th term representing the 30th Congressional District of Texas. Congresswoman Johnson is the first African American and woman to chair the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The Dean of the Texas Congressional delegation and the Texas, New Mexico and Arizona Democratic Congressional Delegation, this former Congressional Black Caucus Chair is the highest- ranking Texan on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. A mother and grandmother, she hails from from Texas Christian University and a Master’s degree from SMU. A strong proponent of education, there’s a school named after her in Dallas ISD! Her awards and honors are numerous. She is superb!
Valerie Fields Hill
Valerie Fields Hill is news editor for I Messenger Media. She is a proud graduate of Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge. She has been a staff writer at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, an assistant city editor at The Dallas Morning News and a Fellow at the Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education. She is a member of National Association of Black Journalists, D/FW Association of Black Journalists (serving as the scholarship chairperson), the Southern University Alumni Federation – Fort Worth Chapter and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A mother to a Howard University junior and an award-winning gymnast, Valerie is committed to her children and a life of community service. She serves as an instructional facilitator at the St. John Church Counseling Ministry and she has outstanding project management skills and enjoys working in fast- paced environments. Valerie has used her excellent skills in journalism, social services and education. She’s a mentor to many and this Jaguar has used her impeccable journalism skills to train numerous aspiring journalists to be successful in their careers whichever path they chose to follow.
