LIAP Celebrates Women's History Month 2024
Love Is A Parable, in partnership with At The Helm, LLC, Beauty 180, Inc., Good Steward Apparel, and Iconic Bond, is honoring amazing women during the month of March. March is Women's History Month, commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in history. We are taking it a step further and celebrating those women who are making history every day.
Domanique Taylor is a brand strategist and website designer. A lifelong creative, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2014.
In 2019, she founded The Rebrand Lab, a design and consulting agency, to help fulfill the overwhelming need that many service-based businesses have for strategic and outside-of-the-box marketing, messaging, and design.
In the past 5 years, she’s had the privilege of helping over 35 business owners with their brands – spanning industries including beauty, coaching, wellness, and more. She's especially passionate about working with female-led businesses.
On a personal level – Domanique is married to her best friend, Ronald. Together they run Black Burgh Love, a community that celebrates positive black relationships in the city of Pittsburgh. They have two sons, ages 10 and 8 months.
Meet Shonquella Terrell, a beacon of resilience and determination, whose journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance. Armed with a degree in Business Administration and certifications from Wake Tech, Shonquella embarked on a path that unexpectedly led her through the harrowing depths of homelessness due to domestic violence.
In September 2018, Shonquella found solace and strength in the vibrant community of Holly Springs. Despite the hurdles she faced, she refused to succumb to adversity. Instead, she emerged as a force for change, determined to rebuild her life and help others facing similar challenges.
Today, Shonquella stands tall as the founder of BeSHE Inc., a thriving non-profit organization dedicated to combating domestic violence in the Southwest Wake community. Through BeSHE Inc., Shonquella provides essential support and resources to survivors, empowering them to reclaim their lives and futures.
As a devoted single mother to three remarkable children, Shonquella draws inspiration from their unwavering love and resilience. Her journey, though marked by challenges, has instilled in her a deep sense of gratitude for the lessons learned and the strength gained.
BeSHE Inc. offers a range of critical services, from emergency assistance to ongoing support programs, aimed at aiding individuals and families affected by abuse. Through partnerships with local organizations and collaborations with law enforcement agencies, BeSHE Inc. tirelessly raises awareness about domestic violence and provides a compassionate response to those in need.
At BeSHE Inc., Shonquella and her team are committed to fostering a community where survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered to break free from the cycle of abuse. Through outreach, education, and advocacy, they strive to create a future where domestic violence is eradicated, and every individual can live free from fear within their own home.
Shonquella Terrell's story is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering determination. Through her work with BeSHE Inc., she is changing lives and building a brighter future for her community.
Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith (Ty) has over 15 years of experience at an executive level in human resources and organizational development roles in various industries, including nonprofit, corporate, and healthcare organizations. Ty is a results-driven leader who currently serves as the Executive Director of ATHENA of the Triangle in the Raleigh-Durham area. Additionally, she serves as a consultant in the areas of HR, training and development, grant writing, and curriculum development.
Ty is known as a creative, enthusiastic, and resourceful professional with strong intellectual curiosity. She has a proven ability to communicate effectively across a broad range of audiences and, as a communicator, trainer, facilitator, and coach, creates a safe place for everyone to share their "voice."
She currently serves as a member of the Kraft Family YMCA Advisory Board in Apex, NC, and Pretty Pink and Purposed Inc. Over two decades, Ty participated as a mentor in the AAUW Women Helping Girls Program, served on several community boards in upstate NY, was Leader of a multi-level Girl Scout Troop in an area that was called the "crescent of violence," and spent countless hours involved in various volunteer roles.
Ty holds a doctorate in education and executive leadership and a master's degree in human resources and organizational development from the School of Education at St. John Fisher University. Ty completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Buffalo with a major in Political Science and a minor in African American Studies. She is married to her supportive partner, Robert. She is also the proud mom of daughter Taylor, a PhD student at UC Berkeley, and son Jonah, an enthusiastic kindergartener.
Katie Gailes is a proud native North Carolinian, born in Granville County, raised in Forsyth County, educated in Guilford and Durham Counties, and currently residing in Wake County.
A graduate of Bennett College for Women and the Duke University Fuqua School of Business, Katie has dedicated most of her professional life to assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs. After a lengthy career with IBM, Katie spent seven years as a marketing and business strategy consultant for small businesses in her own venture. She then served three years as a counselor in the Growing America Through Entrepreneurship (GATE) program at the NC Rural Economic Development Center, helping individuals who had been laid off from their jobs create their own small businesses.
In 2015, she established the Entrepreneurship Initiatives function at Wake Technical Community College. As the inaugural Director of Entrepreneurship at Wake Tech, Katie co-founded the LaunchMyCity community-based economic development model and implemented it under the LaunchWakeCounty program umbrella. This program, free to participants who earn one of the 20 available seats each year in their town, provides the four essential elements for entrepreneurial success: training, mentoring, community, and access to capital. By 2022, the program had trained approximately 600 small business owners and entrepreneurs across nine towns in Wake County, with 70% of them being African American and/or women. The LaunchMyCity model is now gaining traction nationally and internationally, with programs in Johnston County, Rocky Mount, Denver, CO, Lenawee County, Michigan, and Reading, England.
To better serve Wake Tech students, Katie established LaunchWakeTech to integrate entrepreneurship education and training into existing curriculum programs such as the Barber School, Natural Hair Practitioner, and Cosmetology Programs. She also created the Graphic Design Practicum, enabling 2-year graphic design degree students to gain practical experience with real-life entrepreneurs. By the time she left the college, over 130 students and over 30 entrepreneurs had been served.
In 2020, Katie co-founded OUR STORIES: Brave Conversations on Race, a nonprofit aimed at fostering peace in America through guided conversations about personal experiences with and knowledge of race and racism. The organization now has three chapters and over 400 graduates.
Currently, Katie serves on the Advisory Board for the Wake Tech Business Administration curriculum program, as well as on the Board of Directors for the Carolina Community Impact CDFI and the United Strings of Color. She provides entrepreneurship training and coaching through her own venture, earning her the nickname "The Entrepreneur Whisperer" in entrepreneurship circles.
Overall, your bio is impressive and provides a comprehensive overview of Katie's accomplishments and contributions.
Meet Connie Jordan, the creative force behind Sweetsituationz Cakes by Connie, Snapped by Connie Photography, and Lunar Intentions Candle Co. Hailing from Augusta, Georgia, Connie is a multi-talented entrepreneur, content creator, and CEO extraordinaire.
For the past 14 years, Connie has been delighting taste buds with her delectable cakes at Sweetsituationz. As the owner and CEO, she pours her heart and soul into her creations, spreading joy and smiles with every slice.
In addition to her culinary talents, Connie has ventured into the world of photography, honing her skills behind the lens for almost 2 years now. While she may still be relatively new to the craft, her passion and dedication shine through in her work, capturing moments with creativity and finesse at Snapped by Connie Photography.
Lunar Intentions Candle Co. is another venture close to Connie's heart, where she crafts candles, wax melts, body butter, body oil, beard oil, and various skincare products. With a dedication to quality and a keen eye for detail, Connie has been delighting customers with her handcrafted creations for about two years.
Connie's dreams know no bounds, as she aspires to provide her services to celebrities and expand her reach beyond the local scene. A lover of travel, Connie has explored numerous destinations thanks to her parents' military background. Currently, her passion lies in cruising, with dreams of revisiting Germany and Puerto Rico in the near future.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and fueled by her love for creativity, Connie Jordan continues to inspire others with her talents and aspirations, proving that with passion and dedication, the sky's the limit.
Dr. Gaddy Robbins serves as the founder and head consultant of Ashley Gaddy Enterprises, an organizational culture agency that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion using an authentic approach to center humanity. She has previously worked in Higher Education, Corporate Sales, and Telecommunications, serving in all organizational levels.
Dr. Gaddy Robbins is a North Carolina native and received her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and Master’s in Liberal Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and a PhD in Cultural Studies from George Mason University. Social Justice Education and Social Change are passion areas for Dr. Gaddy Robbins, and she enjoys watching individuals transform during their DEI journey.
As the daughter of an Executive Director of a non-profit, Ashley has personally witnessed the ongoing work and dedication required to serve communities. She is a wife, Amma to four girls, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
AsheLee Bonham Gahagan is passionate about expanding access to music education in Holly Springs and all of Southern Wake County. She began a music studio teaching piano, violin, and cello lessons out of her home in 2019, which quickly grew to over 40 students. In 2023 she opened Ashe School of Music with two additional instructors - within four months, the student number doubled, more instructors were hired, and the school added a second studio in the downtown district to accommodate the exponential growth.
Today, the school operates from both facilities and provides lessons for piano, strings, voice, guitar, woodwinds, and brass for over two hundred local students each week. The faculty of twenty-plus instructors are master teachers and performers, all of whom adhere to AsheLee’s philosophy of creative, tailored, and compassionate music instruction.
AsheLee is also dedicated to giving back to the community and serving the people that make the school a success. You will find students performing in fundraising concerts, at local retirement homes, and at various community events. Ashe School of Music inspires students to be creative, encourages them in their music journey, and creates lifelong musicians.
Donna J. Friend, President, and Founder of Outside the Box Consulting, LLC retired from IBM in 2009 after completing 30 years of outstanding service. During her IBM career, Donna held leadership positions in software development, sales and distribution, mergers, and acquisitions. Her most recent role was executive project manager of a $35 million global software development project, requiring extensive communication and scheduling skills.
Donna is a strong believer in giving back to her community, and while working for IBM, she volunteered as a part-time project manager for Habitat for Humanity. This was a life-changing experience for her, and it was at that point she knew it was time to retire from her current project management position at IBM and start "Outside the Box Consulting, LLC."
Donna’s vision for Outside the Box Consulting, LLC is to provide an innovative, creative approach to project management that transcends the ordinary and raises the bar for both businesses and nonprofit organizations. Her outside-the-box approach to project management, process design, and re-engineering will help clients not only meet but exceed their financial goals.
When Donna and her wife Linda moved to Holly Springs, NC in 2016, Donna hit the ground running. She has built a successful consulting practice and has worked with many charitable organizations and for-profit corporations. You may recognize Donna from an interview or two advocating for the passing of the Wake County Non-Discrimination Ordinance in Holly Springs. Donna currently serves on the Southwest Wake Landfill Committee, is an active member of the Holly Springs Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, and has recently been appointed to the Wake County Open Space Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Charice Talbert is a very established and accomplished woman at forty-nine years old. She has successfully starred in multiple productions and led worship at various churches. Charice has maintained a career in financial services, most recently corporate trust at CPU Australia. She is an active member of her religious community and enjoys giving hope to mankind. Charice is a mother of 1 daughter and believes in youth empowerment. Charice has volunteered in the local school systems advocating for at risk youth via service projects with Team Sting and Carver Alumni Association.
Charice started SPC Group ( Successful Parents Group) via social media in 2018. The initial intent was to support single parents through life’s transitions using practical tools and methods producing real conversations. SPC group has now evolved into a community of leading men and women of diverse relationships that hold common interest in life, love and relationships. From building an inclusive adult culture via grown folk conversations, sharing her artistry advice, life experiences or sweet melodies; Charice is a woman you want to know.
Thank you for this prestigious recognition and honor. Together we win! Stay tuned for her newly created website and service opportunities.
Contact Charice via email at ladycharice@gmail.com for more information.
Kimberly H. Winborne, CFEI is an entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals access their winning potential through personal, professional, and financial development, tools, and strategies. This Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) is the author of The Debt Detox: Deep Cleaning the Financial Habits that Hold You Back. Along with financial fundamentals, Kimberly focuses on behavioral finance and generational wealth in her practice. She recently received the 2024 Economic Empowerment Award by the Capital Area Section of the National Council of Negro Women.
Kimberly has extensive experience in project management and community outreach, and has received awards and recognition for her community leadership & philanthropic efforts. She is the founder of Beauty 180, Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to support disenfranchised communities of women toward a "renewed mindset, new opportunities, moving forward together."
Kimberly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Elizabeth City State University and has recently completed a Masters of Arts in Christian Education as well as a Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership. She recently accepted the Executive Director/CEO position of Seasons Village, Inc., a nonprofit serving single mothers to break the cycle of generational poverty. Legacy is a targeted focus of Kimberly's life--She is the mother of one daughter, Sophie who she is extremely proud of, and proud daughter of the most high God whom she aspires to please daily, her legacy.
Saleemah Graham-Fleming, a proud New Jersey native, is a graduate of Benedict College and Webster University in Columbia, SC.
She is the author of "When God Was Effervescent," a poignant narrative based on her true story, released in 2013. With over 22 years of experience in social/human services, Saleemah has embraced her calling to lifelong service to humanity.
Tragically, Saleemah is the mother of the late Sanaa Mahari Amenhotep, who was kidnapped and murdered on April 5, 2021. Despite the heart-wrenching loss and the absence of a proper farewell, Saleemah has turned her grief into a relentless pursuit of justice and advocacy against gun and community violence, particularly targeting children, on a global scale.
In response to her daughter's tragic fate, Saleemah founded Royal Status Interprises LLC on October 18th, 2022, driven by her unwavering faith and guided by the scripture from Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good of them that love God & who are called according to his purpose."
Saleemah's journey is defined by the mantra, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." In her relentless pursuit of change and advocacy, Saleemah stands as a beacon of resilience, inspiring others to join her in the fight against violence and injustice.
Tonya Palumbo is the Executive Director of the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce, spearheading initiatives within the organization since November 2022. Tonya's journey with the Chamber began in 2015 with committee service, escalating to the role of chairwoman of the Board, all while successfully managing her photography venture, T&T Photography. A Rochester, NY native, Tonya's life has been marked by a fervent commitment to community, spanning from high school to her education at John Jay Criminal Justice in NYC, St. Petersburg College, and the University of South Florida. She has been actively engaged in various nonprofits such as Fill Your Bucket List Foundation, 100 Women Who Give a Hoot, Meg's Smile Foundation and she was a founding board member of Launch Holly Springs. She has been recognized with numerous community accolades including the Parrish "Ham" Womble Distinguished Service Award and the Triangle Business Journal's Women in Business Award. Tonya's leadership is defined by her unwavering passion for equality and community empowerment. In her current role, she amplifies programs that uplift women, small, and minority-owned businesses, embodying her enduring commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive local economy.
Tonya and her husband moved to Holly Springs in 2009 and she has two children Brett and Hudson.
Amanda Benbow Lunnn was born in Hitchin, England, and throughout the years has lived in Germany, Tennessee, New York, and North Carolina. She attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, received Dean’s List honors, and ultimately graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2004 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Integrative Health Studies.
Originally, Amanda was planning to become a doctor, but one day during a complementary health class, a massage therapist came in to discuss her trade. During that discussion, Amanda got butterflies in her stomach and realized that massage therapy was her pathway to helping others heal. Later in 2004, Amanda received her massage diploma from the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Rochester, NY. Since then, she has obtained licenses in both New York (#017989) and North Carolina (#6481), become nationally board certified, and taken over 200 hours of continuing education in courses like reflexology, Thai massage, pre-and post-natal massage, myokinesthetics, cranial sacral therapy, ethics, and research.
A couple of years after graduating massage school, she decided to forge a new life in North Carolina. Since receiving her massage diploma, she has given over 22,000 hours of massage and worked in a variety of settings including a fitness center, a spa, a chiropractic office as well as a national franchise, gaining vast knowledge about how each of them operated and the clientele they served. In 2012 she branched out and decided to start her own business and later in 2014 founded Massage Ingenuity.
Amanda chose this career because it fits her personal beliefs of wellness and healing. She feels it is important to look at and treat one’s whole body instead of a few, minute cells within it. Furthermore, she believes that integrating various health modalities is essential to achieving total wellness. Overall, her aim is to help people to take control of their health.
Amanda highly values personal and professional growth. As such, in July of 2023, she began her journey as a podcast host after being asked to take over the Holly Springs Deep Dive. Since then, Amanda has rebranded to the NC Deep Dive to expand her service to those within Southern Wake County and beyond. Her mission is to dive into local issues, build community, highlight humanity, share perspectives, and keep you better informed! You may find her podcast at www.NCDeepDive.com or anywhere you listen to podcasts like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Audible.
When she is not working, Amanda enjoys reading, being outside and reconnecting to nature, hiking, volunteering, learning new things, and spending time with her husband Michael, two daughters, Ashley and Amber, and bonus children, Seth and Alex.
Lady Shandolyn Brown is a remarkable individual who embodies a blend of compassion, dedication, and service to others. Married to Jamal Brown, the esteemed owner of Trinity Insurance LLC and Pastor of Holly Springs United Church of Christ, she brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her endeavors. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from North Carolina Central University, Shandolyn has spent years offering physical and emotional healing to her patients in the Triangle Area.
Transitioning from her role as a Registered Nurse, Shandolyn is now fully engaged in her work with Trinity Insurance Group, where she aims to double her income while continuing to support families in new and impactful ways. Her passion for community service is deeply rooted, stemming from her time as a US Army Veteran who served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Shandolyn's dedication to veterans' welfare is evident in her commitment to serving them through Trinity Insurance Group.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Shandolyn is a devoted mother to four children: Immanuel, serving in the US Navy; Alexcia, a teacher and actress; Candace, a manager at Amazon; and Charitee, a graduate specializing in wealth and trust management from Campbell University. Alongside her own children, she has played a pivotal role in guiding and nurturing three other remarkable individuals into adulthood: Daquan Render, Daesha Adair, and Ricordo Thorpe.
With her husband's pastoral duties, Shandolyn actively participates in the life of Holly Springs United Church of Christ, enriching her commitment to community engagement and spiritual leadership. Through her blend of expertise, compassion, and dedication to community welfare, Lady Shandolyn Brown exemplifies a leader committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Reverend Claudia LaVerne Prince Cofield was called into ministry over tens years ago and has allowed God to use her for His Glory and He has done marvelous things in her life. She was ordained the first female Deacon in the history of her local church and holds the distinction of the being the first female to be ordained for ministry in her local church and community. She is active in her local church, Holly Springs UCC, Holly Springs, NC as Associate Pastor, Bible Study teacher and serves as adviser to the Seniors’ Ministry. God has equipped her to preach and teach in many places beyond her expectations, in nursing homes, senior living facilities, revivals, and as conference speaker.
Reverend Cofield is a licensed and ordained minister through the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ in the Eastern North Carolina Association. She is a former member of the Southern Conference UCC Board of Directors and the Shaw University Divinity School Alumni Executive Board and the Board of Directors of the UCC Association of United Christian Educators representing the Southern Region. She currently services on the Western Wake Crisis Ministry Board of Directors representing the Holly Springs area.
At the age of 42, Rev. Cofield returned to school to earn her BS Degree in Business Administration from Shaw University in 2001. Rev. Cofield was a 2012 graduate of Shaw University Divinity School, Raleigh, NC and holds a Master’s in Divinity degree. In 2016, Rev. Cofield received the Barak Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation/community through volunteer services. Other recognitions include 2019 Woman of Worship in appreciation for the model she presents to all women, and she is a member of Western Wake Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Rev. Cofield resides in Holly Springs, NC and was married to the late Wiley Cofield for over 40 years. Her “new support system” includes her two daughters, Deanna C. Hamilton; son-in-love, Brian Hamilton and Devin Nishea Cofield, son, Braxton, and daughter-in-love, LaTasha Mangum Cofield. She has five beautiful granddaughters and three handsome grandsons who are the joy of her life. She is the daughter of Deaconess Claudia Lee Harris Prince and the late Deacon Jessie Lee Prince.
The scriptures that motivate her ministry are:
Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Meet Lashaunda Rice: A Passionate Expert in Real Estate and Community Education Lashaunda's journey in real estate has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a passion deeply rooted in educating her community, Lashaunda brings over ten years of invaluable training experience to our team. Her commitment to sharing knowledge and guiding individuals through the home buying and selling process is truly commendable.
Armed with a Master's Degree in business management, Lashaunda seamlessly incorporates strategic insights into her approach, ensuring a smooth and successful journey for all her clients on the path to homeownership. What sets her apart is not just her extensive experience as a real estate salesperson but also her dedication to going above and beyond. After three years in sales, Lashaunda took the bold step to obtain her broker license.
Lashaunda's commitment to excellence is further underscored by her impressive credentials. Holding the Military Relocation Professional designation, serving as a SC Housing Down Payment Assistance Agent, and being endorsed by the National Association of Realtors as a Commitment to Excellence Agent (C2EX) showcase her dedication to staying at the forefront of industry standards.
Beyond her professional prowess, Lashaunda brings a unique touch to her real estate brand, seamlessly blending her love of fashion with the world of real estate. True to her personal style, she confidently closes deals in high heels, showcasing that success in real estate is not just a profession but a lifestyle.
In her personal life, Lashaunda is a proud basketball mom, married to her college sweetheart. Together, they find joy in supporting their sons as they excel on collegiate and professional basketball courts.
Jennifer Kublin, originally from Upstate New York, has resided in Fuquay Varina for almost 3 years after spending 28 years in South Florida. She is a proud graduate of Northeastern University, holding a BS in Cardiovascular Health & Exercise Fitness, and Florida Atlantic University, where she earned a BS in Healthcare Management. Jennifer and her husband, Neal, have been happily married for 28 years and are proud parents of two daughters, Samantha and Gabrielle.
In her professional life, Jennifer works in the publishing industry, specializing in data management.
Upon relocating to Fuquay Varina, Jennifer noticed a lack of Jewish presence within the community. Motivated to connect with other Jewish women in the area, she founded the Facebook group "Jewish Women of Fuquay Varina," which has since garnered 165 members. Jennifer expanded the group's reach to include neighboring communities, extending invitations to Jewish women from Kenly to Sanford. She organizes various events, both in person and virtually, fostering social connections and providing opportunities for members to engage with local synagogues, restaurants, and other community resources.
Additionally, Jennifer is an active member of Hadassah, serving as the chair for the Evolve Young Women Group for the chapter and region. In this role, she aims to empower young women by facilitating social connections and advocating for women’s rights, combating antisemitism, and supporting Israel. Jennifer also contributes to the Holly Springs Interfaith Alliance, working towards inclusivity among all faiths and religions in the community.
Jennifer takes pride in her efforts to strengthen the Jewish connection within Fuquay Varina and surrounding areas.
Alicia D. Montgomery graduated from E. A. Laney High School; earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Fayetteville State University and her Master of Science in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University.
Alicia has provided 10+ years of mental health services, but particularly substance use services via Intensive In-Home, Community Support Team, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, Group Homes, and Outpatient Therapy. Alicia is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Clinical Supervisor Intern currently serving as a Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program Coordinator at Coastal Horizons Center. She is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Instructor at Cape Fear Community College. Alicia’s passion and purpose is to help those who desire a change and betterment of life for themselves first, then those whom they support. Alicia takes pride in advocating for mothers, particularly people of color, to reunite with their children once that have gained stability in their recovery. Alicia also considers herself a bridge to those wanting to cross over into the helping profession by providing the educational foundation in the field of substance use.
Alicia is very active in her community. She is a member of The Lower Cape Fear Alumni Chapter of Fayetteville State University- National Alumni Association where she holds the office of Treasurer as well as the 3rd Vice President and WIN Chair of the New Hanover Unit of the NAACP. Alicia is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Alicia became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated at Fayetteville State University in Spring of 2007. She is a member of the Zeta Rho Zeta in Wilmington where she serves as the President. Alicia is also the Area IV Coordinator for North Carolina. Former positions include NC Mental Health Co-Coordinator, NC Zeta Male Network Coordinator, NC Zeta Sigma Liaison, Eastern Region Mental Health Coordinator, and International Mental Health Team Eastern Region Representative
Alicia is the wife of Deacon LeRon T. Montgomery, mother to 9-year-old, Leah M. Jones, and grandmother to Emily Unicorn Montgomery- their beloved cat.
Nia Harden has been proudly serving North Carolina since 2019.
Before taking on an Anchor position in Charlotte at WBTV, she was a Morning Reporter for WRAL in Raleigh.
She's also worked at WXYZ in Detroit, Michigan, and KWTX in Waco, Texas.
Nia is a regional Edward R. Murrow Award Winner and AP Award Winner. She’s also been nominated for an Emmy.
Not only is Nia an experienced journalist, but she’s also a military wife and mother of two. She and her family attend church in Holly Springs.
Feeling connected to the community and having a desire to serve, she and her husband opened The Mocha Room, a coffee shop in Apex in 2022, providing a space to reach every heart in the community one cup at a time. Nia graduated from Virginia Union University. She enjoys fitness and traveling, and teaches indoor cycling.
Her hope is that people feel inspired by her story and don't get put in a box to be like others when they're called to do so much more
Kimberly McGhee is the CEO and founder of The Management Firm and Fusion Now Production, a subsidiary of His Name Media Group, LLC. She speaks excellently on various topics, including spiritual growth, sales management, team building, social media, diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a woman of biracial heritage, Kimberly connects with people genuinely, with a personal touch.
In addition to her business endeavours, Kimberly is committed to advocating for the rights of women and children in underserved and underrepresented communities with low socio-economic status. Her philanthropic work reflects her passion for social equity. She founded The Robert-Ann Foundation to combat racial discrimination and bias through the performing arts. Kimberly's love for dance and the arts is evident in her personal and professional life.
Kimberly co-hosts a live show called L.O.V.E & Flow, and she has extensive experience as a speaker, radio host, social strategist, and content marketer. She is a proud mother and grandmother who finds joy in serving her community and church.
Rev. Dr. Hanna R. Broome is a native of Spartanburg, SC, and the daughter of two remarkable parents, Mrs. Tommycine Broome, and the late Robert Broome. As a proud yet humble servant leader within the Central North Carolina Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church, Rev. Broome has dedicated her life to inspiring and guiding her community.
She began her journey by graduating from Spartanburg High School and later pursued her passion for technology at Spartanburg Community College, earning an associate degree in computer technology. Building on her educational foundation, she graduated from the University of South Carolina-Upstate with a BA in Information Systems Management. Rev. Broome's commitment to growth led her to achieve a Master of Divinity Degree in Biblical Leadership from Columbia International Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Courageous Leadership in a Changing Culture from Drew Theological Seminary.
Rev. Broome's impactful leadership extends across various pastorates and roles, including serving at Smalls Chapel AME Zion Church in Winnsboro, SC, and Catawba Chapel AME Zion Church in Catawba, SC. Her passion for education and spiritual growth has been evident through her positions as Episcopal Director of YACM, South Atlantic Episcopal District, Chair of the Christian Education Board for the South Carolina Conference, and Conference Secretary. She has also made significant contributions as Office of Presiding Elder, Conference budget chair, and conference studies teacher.
Presently, Rev. Broome holds esteemed positions, including National Director of Religious Affairs for Repairers of the Breach, President of the North Carolina Council of Churches, Assistant Director to Church Growth and Development for the AME Zion Church, and North Carolina Regional Director for Oikos Institute for Social Impact. She also serves as the Executive Director for Project 100 and is an active member of faith communities for the North Carolina Poor People’s Campaign. Her commitment to the community is further reflected in her role with Faith Leaders of Color against the Death Penalty, NC Pastors for Children, and National Council of Negro Women.
Additionally, Rev. Broome is a distinguished Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated member. Beyond her many accomplishments, her most cherished role is that of a devoted mother to her three sons: Michael, Mitchell, and Thomas Broome. She also takes pride in being the "Gee-Nee" to six g-babies, including five bear cubs—Michael Jr., Robert Jr., Nolan, Thomas Jr., baby Alexander, and Princess Riley.
Rev. Broome lives by the inspiring motto, "…If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b), exemplifying her unwavering faith and dedication to positively impacting the lives of those she serves.
Edna Lockley Utley is a wife, mother, sister, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was born and raised in Holly Springs when the town's population hovered around 500 residents. Edna began her educational journey at the original Holly Springs Elementary School, attending from 1st grade (with no Kindergarten) through 8th grade, walking to school each day alongside many others. In 1974, she graduated from Cary Senior High School, where she proudly served as Marshal for the 1973 graduating class.
The following years saw Edna dedicating herself to serving the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) as a Teacher Assistant, working across various roles from K–5th grades, 6th–8th grades, media center, special programs, to one-on-one and after-school programs. Through her 38 years with WCPSS, Edna accrued valuable knowledge that she now applies in caring for her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love for working with children was evident, as she often remarked how much they taught her in return. Edna was a staunch advocate for children's rights, never hesitating to speak out on their behalf when necessary. In 2012, she retired from WCPSS, concluding a dedicated chapter of service.
Alongside her career, Edna served as the church secretary at Holly Springs United Church of Christ for nearly 30 years. Her commitment ensured everyone remained informed and engaged with both church and community affairs. Edna has a passion for documenting history, often preparing church bulletins, booklets, calendars, and other materials to commemorate events. She cherishes tangible records, believing they serve as timeless reminders of cherished moments.
Edna takes immense pride in her family's accomplishments, finding joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's successes. Despite her remarkable contributions, Edna prefers to remain in the background, allowing others to shine. She describes herself as a servant, always ready to give 110% without seeking acknowledgment.
In her retirement, Edna remains active, finding fulfillment in her work at a facility where she enjoys doing laundry, engaging in heartfelt conversations with residents, and treating them to her famous banana pudding monthly. She still enjoys dancing, reminiscing about her days on the Packhouse dance floor after Sunday church services. Edna embraces life to the fullest, expressing gratitude to God daily for the rich experiences she continues to enjoy in retirement—doing precisely what she wants, when she wants, and how she wants.
Alesia Brown is a distinguished author, speaker, and confidence coach focused on personal development. With a profound dedication to empowering individuals to unlock their potential, Alesia has authored three impactful books, including "In the Shadow of the Steeple," "Why You Hatin? (Pride, Jealousy, and Envy)," and the Amazon best-selling e-book "Let the Church Awake," co-authored with her daughter.
Alesia's journey has been marked by profound personal loss, having navigated the tragedy of losing her husband and pastor to suicide. This experience has fueled her mission to extend compassion and support to those struggling with adversity, empowering them to transcend pain and emerge victorious.
Alesia commits to fostering dialogue and resilience as the host of the podcast, "The Heart of A Pastor." Through candid discussions with various pastors on the highs and lows of ministry, she offers invaluable insights into overcoming life's challenges with grace and fortitude.
Alesia spearheads the Eagles Rising Initiative Movement, a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering leaders, stakeholders, and gatekeepers poised to make a lasting impact in their communities. Alesia Brown continues to leave an indelible mark on the realm of personal development, empowering countless individuals to embark on journeys of self-discovery and fulfillment.
Staci Hegarty is the COO at Envision RISE, a company that provides organization with insights, training, and services to build a culture that values each employee for who they are and helping them attain their goals for professional growth. Before joining the Envision RISE team six years ago, Staci worked in higher education administration for more than 20 years.
With master’s degrees in anthropology and higher education, Staci believes that a workplace culture is driven from within, not only by the people but by policies and procedures, mentorship, and how employees engage with lifelong learning.
Staci is active in her community, serving on the Management Board for ARCST/SA, as the DEI Chairperson for Denver Council PTSA, and as a member of the Parent Steering Committee for Full Circle, a group that provides support to young people in recovery. She is a proud parent of her 15-year old daughter, Rue.
Vickie Adamson is a native of North Carolina. She has lived in Raleigh since 1983. Vickie and her husband Mark attend Highland United Methodist Church and have one son who graduated from Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School. In addition to her work with PTA, Vickie has worked with the Clothing Closet, Artsplosure, First Night, AnimalKind and African American Dance Ensemble.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University, Adamson worked for several large corporations as a business analyst, helping companies develop and maintain strong business practices. Adamson is in her second term on the Wake County Board of Commissioners. She currently serves as Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee utilizing Tax Credits to build more affordable units in 2021 than any year in Wake County History. Adamson is fully committed to keeping housing affordable and Wake County a great place to Live Work and Play.
Vickie summarized her focus: “North Carolina has been my home all my life. As a Wake County Commissioner, I will always put our citizens first with sound policies and solutions for the entire community. I will support our students our teachers and do everything I can to ensure that all our children have the schools they deserve,” she said. “I will put Wake County first, not politics or worries over future elections. I want to keep Wake County as the top place in NC to live, work, play and learn.”
Sana Siddiqui is a community builder with a passion for supporting small businesses and fostering meaningful connections in Raleigh. With a diverse background spanning engineering, marketing, and entrepreneurship, Sana brings a unique perspective to everything she does.
She founded Get2KnowRaleigh with a simple yet powerful mission: to shine a spotlight on the people and stories that define Raleigh's essence. This platform not only showcases the stories of local businesses and people but also brings them together with the community through free events. Through these initiatives, Sana provides small businesses with the visibility they deserve while strengthening community bonds in real-time.
Sana is also the force behind 1Eatz, a CPG startup that has rapidly expanded its reach. Their products are now stocked in 200+ Food Lion locations across three states. She also serves as a member of the City of Raleigh Environmental Advisory Board and on the advisory board of the Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department at NCSU.
Philadelphia native and Founder of The House Of Sheba Keah Cheri, is a published model and model coach with over fifthteen years of experience in the plus-sized industry. Keah specializes in model coaching, styling/image consulting, fashion show production,makeup artistry, and empowerment seminars. Keah’s passion for bridging the gap between fashion and self-confidence is brought to life through her collections; helping women to fall in love with their curves through vibrant colors, quality garments, and offering stylish eye-catching patterns to elevate their everyday look. With such an extensive background in fashion, personal styling, coaching, and empowerment speaking, To date, Keah has produced four sold-out shows, coached over 75+ models, and has been published in a book (“Waist Does Not Equal Worth” By Dr. Janelle Simmons) and several magazines. Most recently, Keah made her international runway debut as a designer in Toronto Plus Size Fashion Week. She is also the current cover model for the 26th issue of Intellectual Ink Magazine, where her most recent fashion show (Timeless) earned a 21-page spread for its mission to include plus-size models over the age of 40. After launching her online boutique in 2018, Keah Cher’i crossed over into an international market, with clients in Canada, Amsterdam, Jamaica, and St. Lucia. Nationally, Keah’s garments have been spotted on runways in New York, North Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, and most recently Texas and Philadelphia. With over a decade of experience, Keah is still making strides to advocate for the plus community through her love for fashion and body positivity.
Dr. Andrea Diese is not just the President of American Management and Leadership by Design (AMLD); she is a powerhouse, a beacon of empowerment, a transformational force, and a dynamic force of nature. Beyond her impressive professional titles, she is a source of inspiration, a devoted wife, and a mother.
Drawing on her extensive experience in executive leadership, Dr. Diese has become a driving force in the realm of woman empowerment. Her leadership journey is marked by a commitment to helping women recognize and unleash their inherent potential, a mission she passionately pursues through the AMLD Leadership Academy.
Before taking the helm at American Management and Leadership by Design, Dr. Diese demonstrated her strategic prowess as the Chief Operating Officer for Sterling Marketing, Management, and Consulting. Her two decades of knowledge in training and development seamlessly integrated with her passion, making her a trailblazer in strategic planning and implementation.
Beyond the corporate world, Dr. Diese has left an indelible mark in the realm of education. Her tenure in administration at the university level, where she served as a College Chair for the School of Business and President, showcases her multifaceted leadership skills. Here, she took charge of crucial responsibilities, including the selection, assessment, certification, mentoring, evaluation, and training of campus faculty. Her role extended to developing and maintaining the quality and integrity of academic programs, overseeing fiscal and academic development, and ensuring a legacy of excellence in the College. Dr. Diese’s journey is a testament to her unyielding dedication to transformative leadership, education, and the empowerment of women.
Tara Tywan Greene is a native of Orangeburg, SC. She graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School an later attended the University of South Carolina in Aiken, SC with a BA in History and a minor in International Studies. She continued her studies at Strayer University with a Masters in Education with a concentration in Educational Management. Tara began her literary career after college which was a two year journey that was unexpected. During her journey of completing the Upside Down of Things, she became to embrace her passion in education an began pursuing it. By doing so, she started working in education, using her writing journey as inspiration for others.
After releasing her first novel, Tara took on other projects such as ghostwriting, assisting independent authors, speaking to youth groups, and small "talk to the author" groups including book clubs.
Tara released her second novel in 2013, TurnAround Again, a sequel to The Upside Down of Things which shows the growth of Tara as an author, released through Red Lead Press.
Tara is proud to announce to release her long awaited novel Religious Sinner-independently released that entails the realistic aspects of growing up in the home of a preacher and being held to the highest expectations. This reality brought closer to home for the author herself.
Dr. Gwenda R. Greene is a tenured Professor of English with a profound dedication to advancing critical-diaspora literacy, shaping educational policy, and fostering the development of educational programs that amplify voice and empower through transformative curriculum and instructional practices.
With nearly four decades of experience in academia, Dr. Greene has served in diverse roles including higher education and secondary educator, administrator, research associate, and grant writer. Her commitment to excellence in education has been recognized by esteemed institutions such as the South Carolina Council of Independent Colleges, where she was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Center for the Education and Equity of African American Students, which bestowed upon her the Advocate for African American Students Award.
Dr. Greene's passion for global education is evident in her experiences abroad, where she has engaged in educational initiatives and shared her expertise in countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Barbados as a Fulbright-Hays scholar. Her work resonates with a deep understanding of the transformative power of education and its ability to shape futures and empower communities worldwide.
The world is filled with so many amazing women. We, Love Is A Parable, in partnership with At The Helm NC With Kelli & Wayne, Beauty 180, Inc, Good Steward Apparel, Iconic Bond, and our past partners, Lenora Lassiterr and We Are Connect-ED, consider it an honor to celebrate Women’s History Month and highlight those women who are making history every day. Be sure to celebrate the women in your personal life and let them know that you see and appreciate them. Today, we reflect on our 2024 and 2022 Women's History Month Honorees.
Love Is A Parable- an initiative and movement that later became an organization within itself. Love is A Parable is a DBA and subsidiary of Altar and Dwelling Place, Inc. We are a charitable and an educational 501c3 organization, who provides character, social, and leadership development to those who desire value-based education, reflective storytelling, and the promotion of personal acceptance through a reflective thinking approach and sacred-box theory.
