Superb Women: August 2022 – Texas Metro News

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 disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!

ETHEL LORAINE GREEN LEE

Ethel Loraine Green Lee hails from Natchez, MI and she is full of southern hospitality.

A former Manager, College Planning and Partnerships at Tom Joyner Foundation, Ethel Loraine Green Lee also enjoyed stints at Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Dallas ISD, Visiting Nurses Association, Texas Area 6 Health Systems and the City of Austin. A proud graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Mass Communications/Oral Interpretation, the graduate of North Natchez High School also studied Journalism/Public Relations at The University of Texas at Austin and received her masters degree in 1978. A wife, mother, grandmother and community servant, Loraine is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

DELORES ELDER JONES

Delores Elder Jones is a gourmet baker who specializes in cooking w/liquor and liqueurs.

Owner/Caterer at D’s Delectables and Owner/Photographer at Remember the Moment Photography by Grand Diva, Delores Elder Jones hails from Memphis TN where she studied Urban Revitalization at the University of Memphis.  She enjoyed stints at Richland College, Garland Housing Finance Corporation, Dallas County and Memphis Housing Authority.  Also a Community/Patient Liaison at Dependable Care Health Service, LLC, Delores is a community servant.

CASSANDRA BRADFORD

Cassandra Bradford gets it! She said she absolutely loves what she does and who she is!

A senior consultant at Genesis Preferred Solutions, Cassandra Bradford studied business, forensic science and Kinematics at the University of Phoenix and business at California State University-Fullerton.  The founder/president of Run Women’s Conference, and the No. Texas Minority Chamber of Commerce,  she is a managing partner of Santonye’s Event Center. In 2016 she was the recipient of the NAACP African American Woman in Business and of Influence Award.  She’s also a member of Fort Worth Black Chamber of Commerce, Arlington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, DFW Roundtable-Fort Worth. Cassandra also offers a course in securing the government as a client. Log on to: www.contractattraction.com

HON. ANDREA LANE

Hon. Andrea Lane is a wife, mother, district judge, child of God and blessed.

Hailing from San Antonio, TX, Judge Angela Lane graduated from Judson Senior High School and received her degree in English/Political Science at Our Lady of the Lake University . She then studied law. While at Texas Wesleyan, she was inducted as a Member of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society. Currently she is the District Court Judge of the 304th District Court – Dallas County.  Previously she was the owner of Martin Law Firm and a former Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Judge Lane attended Disciple Central Community Church in DeSoto, Texas, where she was a member of the choir, active member of the fitness ministry and served as a boot camp and running instructor.

SILK LITTLEJOHN

Silk Littlejohn is an empowerment speaker and lifestyle coach.

Silk Littlejohn works at the Silk Littlejohn Experience (TSLE), a multi-media educational, lifestyle and entertainment brand. A North Texas White Cane Day Board Member, she studied cosmetology and is licensed by Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation – TDLR. According to Silk, “TSLE is committed to changing how the world’s views the blind community, with awareness, applied vision infused with inspiring moments, that will continue to motivate change inclusive to the blind and visually impaired.” She is beautiful, talented, smart and the sister can dress! She also has a testimony because she is a survivor, full of love and support for others.

YOLANDA HERVEY

Smart, beautiful and engaging. That’s Yolanda Hervey!

A risk manager at Osburn Contractors, LLC, Yolanda Hervey is a strong finance professional with a Bachelor of Science focused in Business Administration (B.B.A) and Management, General. Previously she worked in risk management at the Wal-Mart Corporation and she is skilled in Claims Handling, Claims Resolution, Team Building, Management, and Leadership A member of North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship, Yolanda is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

ROSIE GRAY

Rosie Gray loves to travel and she is a stylish, classy dresser and shopper.

A wife, mother, and grandmother, Rosie Owens Gray is living her best life, A retiree from FWISD, she hails from Mansfield LA, but lives in Fort Worth, TX. Rosie studied at Tarrant County College and Grambling State University. Active in her church, she puts family first and loves hitting the road with her daughter and grandchildren, traveling around the country. She’s also a dancer, loving to participate in sessions and display her graceful moves.

KIMBERLEY RUNNELS

Kimberley Runnels is a campus support team trainer/coach for family and community engagement for Dallas Independent School District.

With more than 25 years of experience Kimberley Runnells has also enjoyed stints as a leader for Weight Watchers, a consultant for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, a family services specialist for Rainbow Days, Inc. and campus manager for Communities in Schools; among others. The Skyline High School graduate received a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Prairie View A&M University and she also studied Organizational Development and Leadership at the University of Texas at Tyler,; Spanish language and Literature at Universal-Quernvaca Mexico.

JUDGE KIM COOKS

The Honorable edge Kim Cooks enjoys training for amateur bodybuilding competitions.

The Judge of the 255th Family District Court, Judge Kim Cooks studied at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.  Hailing from Colorado Springs, CO., Judge Cooks graduated from Roy J. Wasson High School and went on to the University of Texas at Arlington where she received a BS, in Biological/Medical Technology/Business Management. For 12 years she practiced family law litigation at the Law Office of Kim A. Cooks, p.l.l.c. specializing in divorces, child custody, child support, child protective services and juvenile matters.  She’s a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

CHRISTY DEAN

She’s a radio personality, actress, poet and professional play watcher.

Hailing from Dallas, TX., Christy Dean is a substitute teacher with a wealth of knowledge, experience and talent. A graduate of Paul Quinn College with a Bachelor of Arts a Degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies.  While in school, she served as Miss Paul Quinn College, was a member of the student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and participated in the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists Urban Journalism Workshop.

IRMA D. CRAYTON

A committed educator and community servant Irma D. Crayton greets the world with a smile.

Irma D. Crayton attended Justin F. Kimball High School. She studied Elementary and Special Education at East Texas State University now Texas A and M and a Masters Degree from Howard University.  A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Irma, the talented and lovely Irma D. Crayton, has almost 30 years of experience in the field of Elementary Special and General Education.  She is also a retired United States Navy Veteran.

DELORES WILSON

Delores Wilson has a heart of gold. Loving, compassionate and a true servant. That’s this beautiful diva.

Delores Wilson hails from Winston-Salem, NC, and attended Atkins High School and the University of the District Columbia.  A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, serving in several positions and leading with grace, Delores is president of Wilson,Wilson and Associates and owner of MDW Ventures. She’s a community servant, a born leader and a team player. A wife and mother, Delores remains an involved and integral part of the community, serving as a mentor to and for so many. 

DORSHA BLACKBURN

Dorsha Blackburn is a mother and servant leader who has a promising future ahead and students will benefit from her dynamic personality, caring spirit and knowledge.

Dorsha Blackburn is a Special Education Teacher at the Science and Engineering Magnet at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center where she graduated from in 1999. She went on to graduate from Paul  Quinn College and then she received her Masters Degree in Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. Previously she has worked at Stream Energy; Mom at ZiaB, Inc; Already Gear; Walmart; and Dallas Can Academy.  

DESREE ROBINSON

Desree Robinson is the CEO and Founder of Lost Kids.

Desree Robinson created Lost Kids in 2009 and brought it to life, she says, during the pandemic. Lost Kids is storytelling for children ages five and up who experience trauma at an early age. It delivers strength, resilience, and hope and leads to a pathway of overcoming fear and doubt. Desree shares her story of how art gave her the funnel to re-establish her self-worth and the value her purpose has on earth. Desree found a life of gratitude and abundance to share with youth through M & M Beginners Art School. M & M Arts is a time capsule of creativity, emotional healing, and resolutions through expressive color painting for The Lost Kids who cannot communicate, find rest, and have lost connection with their source of life.

TIFFANY JACKSON

Kind, sweet, compassionate, talented and a joy to be around, that’s Tiffany Jackson.

A graduate of Skyline High School and native Dallasite, Tiffany Jackson received a BA Degree in Public Relations/Psychology from the University of North Texas. Skilled in nonprofit management, she’s a fundraiser and philanthropist. She’s a dynamic and motivated professional with a proven record in spearheading programming development, grant writing, cultivating community partnerships, managing projects from conception to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success. An executive director at Friends of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, she has served as director of education at Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Communication Liaison/Recruiter at ETAN Industries and community site manager at Big Thought, and staff writer/editor at the Dallas Weekly and Dallas Gospel Connection.

CHANTE BRANTLEY

Professor Chante Brantley is constantly making moves and making a difference

Chante Brantley received her B.S degree from Texas Woman’s University studied law, J.D. at University of Texas School of Law, a M.S.S.W. from the University of Texas at Arlington and J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. Prior to joining the faculty at SMU Dedman School of Law, Professor Brantley was managing attorney and mediator at Barnes Prox Law, PLLC, which focused exclusively on family law matters. Professor Brantley began her career as a Child Protective Services caseworker, transitioning to law working as a legislative aide to Texas State Senator Royce West. She’s a leader, a community servant and an educator!

SYLVIA HAMILTON

Sylvia Hamilton is the Savvy Retiree, and she is enjoying life to the fullest.

 Hailing from Greenwood MI where she graduated from Greenwood High School, Sylvia Hamilton is a graduate of Dillard University with a bachelors degree in Mathematics.  A former business analyst and program manager, Sylvia  spent almost 40 years at 7-11.  She was also a programmer for Haggar Company. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she has lived a life of community service and commitment to making this world a better place.  Also active with the Dillard University Alumni Association, this wife and mother is someone you can depend on!

JESSICA DIXON WEAVER

Professor Jessica Dixon Weaver is a thought leader, multiple award recipient and a distinguished fellow.

Jessica Dixon Weaver is the Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Law. Professor Weaver teaches Family Law, Advanced Family Law, Professional Responsibility, and Children and the Law.  She joined the tenure track faculty in 2009 and became the first African American female to earn tenure at SMU Dedman School of Law in 2015.   She is an expert in child welfare law and public policy, and much of her scholarship focuses on theorizing methods for improvement of the legal systems and policies affecting families and children. She received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

SHARI HICKS

Shari Hicks is moving on up!

Shari Hicks has just started a new position as executive director, Community Impact at JP Morgan Chase & Co.  She has had several positions as VP of Business and Community Development at Amegy Bank, Asst. VP of Corporate Banking at Frost Bank, Senior VP of Marketing and Public Relations at AJ LLEZO, LLC, Special Assistant to the Mayor of Dallas and Senior Advertising Marketing Manager at the Dallas Morning News.  A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she received a BS degree in Applied Arts and Science and an MBA from the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas.

SANDRE STREET MONCRIFFE

Public service is one of Sandre Streete Moncriffe’s passions and she has a solid track record.

Soon we’ll be calling her Judge Sandre Street Moncriffe. She attended Hillcrest High School and St. Catherine High School Jamaica W.I. She went on to pursue a degree in English Studies at Wiley College and she studied law at St. Mary’s University School of Law. She served in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, and was a managing attorney in the Law Office of Sandre Street Moncriffe and Assistant Regional Counsel for the U.S. Social Security Administration. She served as a Trustee for the DeSoto Independent School District from 2015 to 2018. She has also been active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Dallas NAACP, Tri-Cities NAACP, Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, and the Democratic Party in Dallas County. A wife and mother, she attends Concord Baptist Church.

ANGELA PITCHER

When you think of Angela Pitcher, you think of compassion and love!

Hailing from Tulsa OK, Angela Pitcher attended Green B. Trimble Technical High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Northwood University/John Peter Smith School of Nursing before going on to pursue an MBA from Strayer University, with a concentration in Healthcare.  An executive director operations, she is a Nurse Care manager/Community Resource Specialist for Monas Heart Outreach, an organization she co-founded to  provide assistance, food, resources, and relief to those who are affected by homelessness, domestic violence, and medical illness in the DFW Metroplex including but not limited to: Mansfield, Arlington, Fort Worth, parts of Dallas County.

LYNETTA HAYNES-OLIVER

Lynetta Haynes-Oliver is the epitome of grace, elegance and sisterhood!

Lynetta Haynes-Oliver graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas and  then attended Bishop College where she was initiated into the Delta Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, in Marshall, Texas in the Fall of 1959.  She, like the Deltas on campus and as she remains today, was “smart, friendly and had high moral standards.”   She has been accurately described as, “wonderful, classy, sophisticated, strong and loving!”  Lynetta graduated with a Masters of Arts degree from San Francisco State University. As an educator, she  has also worked as an instructor at Collin College.

REV NEWTONIA P. HEMPHILL

Rev Newtonia P. Hemphill loves Clark Atlanta University!

Rev Newtonia P. Hemphill is a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc-Alpha Rho Chapter, and Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.- Psi Chapter.  She attended Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, graduating from the Government and Law Magnet then receiving a BA degree at Clark Atlanta University.  She studied at Prophetic Ministry at P.A.W.N.S. of God International Ministry, Intercessory prayer at New Birth (Life) Bible Institute and Seminary, Ministers in Training at Howard Thurman Bible Institute at Friendship West Baptist Church, McAfee School of Theology Masters of Divinity at Mercer University, SMUPerkins School of Theology, and Emory University Candler School of Theology and Oblate School of Theology.  She received an MA in Christian Education from Morehouse School of Religion.

FELICIA QUIGLEY

Felicia Quigley is celebrated as a sister, mother, educator and soror.

Hailing from Dallas, TX, Felicia Quigley studied at Texas A&M University – Commerce.Recently celebrating 25 years as a Silver honoree of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she was initiated into the Epsilon Sigma Chapter in 1996. An educator, she is a charter member of the Alpha Beta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha; serving Grand Prairie, Irving, Mansfield and Midlothian. An educator, she is a graduate from Skyline High School Class of 1993. A wife and mother of four, Felicia is a community servant who is committed to the educating of our youth!

RACQUEL WASHINGTON

Just add service and sisterly to Racquel Washington’s name because she is a true servant with a sister spirit.

There’s so much to know about Racquel Washington. A Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this Independent Travel Agent with InteleTravel is a Dallas native. Racquel Washington is a proud graduate of Skyline High School (Class of 1991). Then it was off to the University of North Texas and Texas A&M Commerce. An education consultant, she has enjoyed stints as a manager and educator at ChildCareGroup, Care First Consulting, KinderCare, Bright Horizons Family Solution and CMBC Learning Center. A servant leader, previously she was secretary or the Heads Up! Foundation and she is a recipient of the Excellence in Leadership from the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children.

TONYA COUNCIL

Tonya Council is a Human Resource Business Manager at Celestica, helping smart managers keep their employees productive and engaged. She’a a single mom on a mission; working to make a better life while also enjoying life. Tonya has enjoyed stints as a Human Resources Manager at several companies, like Lennox International – Commercial Division; McLane Company; Optimal Blue; Neiman Marcus; and Texas Instruments. Tonya received certifications from the University of Dallas, but also received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Campbell University and a Masters in Human Resources, Human Resources Development from Bowie State University. She assays licenses and certifications in Confronting Biases and Developing a Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Program

THE HONORABLE FELICIA PITRE

Felicia Pitre is proud of her community involvement and volunteer activities assisting families, the elderly, job-seekers and helping ex-offenders re-enter the job market.

The Hon. Felicia Pitre is the Dallas County (TX) District Clerk, was first elected on November 6, 2014 and was sworn in on January 1, 2015. A native of Lake Charles, LA and graduate of Marion High, Felicia received her Bachelor’s degree from Northwood University and her Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Metropolitan AME Church in Dallas and the former president of the Phillis Wheatley Neighborhood Association in South Dallas/Fair Park.

CARRON JONES PERRY

To know Carron Jones Perry is to definitely love this kind, caring and committed woman!

Carron Jones Perry is a Senior Auditor for the City of Dallas. She received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (BADST). A wife and mother Carron brings over 25 years of internal auditing expertise to the City of Dallas. Hailing from Vidalia, LA, Carron has enjoyed stints at Tribune Publishing Company, Neiman Marcus, Metromedia Restaurant Group and Haggar Clothing Co. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), who is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA).

BENAISHA POOLE-WATSON

Real Estate Mogul and Bank owner, Benaisha Poole-Watson is passionate and committed while focusing on exceeding expectations.

Benaisha Poole-Watson is the Owner / Team Leader / Realtor at The Bailey Watson Real Estate Group. Hailing from Los Angeles where she attended St. Mary’s Academy, Benaisha served in the United States Air Force for nine years. Benaisha graduated from George Washington University in Washington D.C with a Masters Degree in Political Management, a Masters Degree in Public Administration and she studied Law at the University of Maryland College Park. Benaisha is dedicated to international aid work, and volunteering in her community, the arts and traveling the world.

CHARLONDRA THOMPSON

Charlondra Thompson is a caring and sincere servant leader.

A graduate of Townview Magnet School, Charlondra Thompson is a realtor at Charlondra Thompson Enterprises and Network. She studied Marketing at Dallas Baptist University and also enjoyed stints at KW Commercial, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Steed Media Group and KLIF-AM. Charlondra serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House & Museum and the board of Managers for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. Her extensive volunteer efforts include service with Best Southwest Partnership, North Texas CCIM Chapter, Asian Real Estate Association of America, NAHREP, over in Action and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce.

MICHELLE STIMPSON

Michelle Stimpson loves combining her passion for writing with her gift of teaching, training adults on various topics.

Bestselling veteran author Michelle Stimpson has penned more than 50 faith-based books including traditional bestseller Boaz Brown, the beloved Mama B series, and Deacon Brown’s Daughters. She has published more than 50 short stories through her educational publishing company, WeGottaRead.com. Michelle holds an English degree from Jarvis Christian College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Texas at Arlington. Michelle believes journaling is a gift from God and a vital component of  her success. She regularly hosts journaling sessions so that others can experience the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of writing in all its many forms. When she’s not writing, Michelle coaches educators, listens to audiobooks, or eats chocolate. She’s a wife, mother and grandmother.