Join the Sisterhood of Power

� | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, �013

Despite the fact that many Black women have risen to positions of power and

influence in Michigan, their many contributions remain largely un-noticed by other media outlets. That’s why the Michigan Chroni-cle is proud to celebrate our sixth annual Women of Excellence event this year.

Our event, which has recog-nized the accomplishments of more than 300 remarkable African American women since its inception in 2007, speaks to the caliber of women who command our board rooms, executive offices and legislative chambers and whose many accomplishments are worthy of continued recognition, hon-or and applause. Discover the impressive roster of 2013 in-ductees in this week’s special insert celebrating our Women of Excellence. Our community applauds you.

Hiram E. JacksonPublisher

The Michigan Chronicle

We invite you to join us at our 6th Annual Women of Excellence event,

Friday, March 22 at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel

For additional information call 313.963.5522 or visit: www.michiganchronicle.com

•••

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors:

A STRONGER COMMUNI TY.A HEALTHI ER COMMUNI TY.

Henry Ford Health System is proud to congratulate our

own Stacy L. Leatherwood Cannon, M.D., and Meagan R.

Dunn on being honored as 2013 Women of Excellence by

the Michigan Chronicle. Their dedication and commitment

to service reflects the values we believe make for healthier,

stronger communities.

Stacy L. Leatherwood Cannon, M.D. Meagan R. Dunn

March, �013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 3

Ellen Anderson RNExecutive Director,ProCare Plus, Inc.

Ellen Anderson has had a career in Medicaid Managed Care that spans more than �0 years. She is considered an expert in her field. She has been invited to speak at national Medicaid conferences and has writ-ten several articles on the subject. She worked closely with the Michigan Associations of Health Plans, chairing the Utilization Management Direc-tors Subcommittee from its inception in �000 until �006.

She began her career with a degree in nursing and credits Dr. Julius Combs with bringing her into Medicaid Managed Care at Omni Care Health Plan. Since that time, she has held positions that range from Department Manager to Vice President of Health Services at ProCare Health Plan. She recently accepted a position as Executive Director of Professional Medical Centers, a multi-location primary care clinic in Detroit. In this position, her main goal is to increase city resident’s access to primary care.

She is President and CEO of “Anderson3” a Medicaid Managed Care consulting firm that fo-cuses on assisting managed care companies achieve national accreditation.

She also serves as Chairman of the Board for a local non-profit, Professional Care Initiatives. PCI has several goals in its mission, including the provision of basic care items for the homeless and low income.

Lauren Hicks Barton MDChief Physician,

Chrysler Corporation

Dr. Lauren Hicks Barton is board certified in Occupational and Environ-mental Medicine and recently was elevated to Fellow in the American Col-lege of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association, the high-est class of membership in this international organization. She serves as Chief Physician, Corporate Medical Operations, Chrysler LLC, a position she has held since �004. She holds a BA from Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, a MD from Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Barton has presented numerous lectures to the community on topics relating to public health. She is an adjunct professor in Family Medicine at both Meharry Medical College and Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr. Barton serves on the Board of the Michigan Occupational and Environmental Association, and Community Network Services, a mental health care organization for Oakland County residents. She is a member of the Oakland County Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Dr. Barton is married to Brandon Barton DDS and they have two children: Brandi Rose Barton and Brandon Barton, III.

Judith K. BerryAssistant Chancellor of Instructional Support &

Educational Accountability,Education Achievement Authority

Judith K. Berry is the Assistant Chancellor of Instructional Support and Educational Accountability for the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan, a statewide system of schools responsible for the transforma-tion of the lowest five percent of performing schools within the state. Fif-teen K-1� schools currently comprise its portfolio with enrollment of 10,000 students. Responsibilities include managing curriculum and instruction to ensure instructional resources, facilities, budget, human capital, and other educational components are sufficient to improve the academic achievement of all students. Berry leads the development and operations of all college readiness partnerships with area education entities including career and technical education programs, high school credit recapture programs, dual enrollment programs to enable students to learn forward to earn credits toward an associate degree. Prior positions include Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Dean of Busi-ness and Information Technologies for a community college. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College, a master’s degree from Michigan State University, and doctorate degree in edu-cation [May �013] from Walden University. Berry is married to Mandeville Berry, Jr. of East Lansing Michigan and they have two children.

Vernal T. Brand PhD, MSA, BSN, RNAssociate VP-Quality, Credentialing & Disease Management,

Health Alliance Plan

As the Associate Vice President of Quality, Credentialing, and Disease Management, Vernal Brand leads HAP’s patient safety, quality and perfor-mance monitoring activities, including the National Committee for Quality Assurance accreditation.

Dr. Brand serves as a HAP Healthcare Equity Ambassador to eliminate health disparities, and presents her findings at national conferences. Prior to joining HAP, Dr. Brand was Director of Utilization/Case Management for Molina Healthcare Plan of Michigan and Vice President of Medical Man-agement with OmniCare Health Plan.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Oakland University; a master’s in health servic-es administration from Central Michigan University; and a doctorate of Philosophy in Organizational Psychology from Walden University. She’s a member of the American Psychological Association PSI CHI Honors Society and is certified by the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, Inc. Dr. Brand partners with children, parents and educators to combat bullying.She received the Henry Ford Health System Focus on People, Shadow of a Leader, and Diversity Heroes Awards. Dr. Brand is married with one daughter and is a member of the Apostolic Church of Auburn Hills.

Lynn L. Marine-AdamsAttorney,

Lynn Marine PLC

Lynn L. Marine-Adams, Esq., is an outstanding attorney with her primary practice in Wayne County. She is a native Detroiter. Her area of expertise includes probate law, guardianships, conservatorships, wills and trusts. She has been in private practice for over twenty years.

She obtained a B.A. in Psychology and Communication from the Univer-sity of Michigan, and then attended the Ohio State University Moritz School of Law. While in law school, she had the distinction of clerking for the As-sistant Dean of the law school and for the city attorney of Dublin, Ohio. When she returned to her hometown, she entered into private practice.

An active member of the Wayne County Probate Court system, Marine-Adams has served as a board member of the Probate and Estate Planning Council for the State Bar of Michigan. She is a past board member of the Wayne County Probate Bar Association.

She volunteers for numerous activities to promote young people to become self-sufficient and pro-ductive members of society. She volunteers and raises money for the Ruth Ellis Center, an organiza-tion devoted to enhancing the lives of youths who are a part of the LGBTQ community. She regularly donates to LIFT, an organization dedicated to restoring self-pride and a sense of responsibility to women. She is member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is married to Anthony Adams, Esq.

Hon. Wendy M. BaxterWayne County Circuit Court Judge

After matriculating Eastern Michigan University, Judge Wendy Marie Baxter applied her BBA in Management to retailing. Judge Baxter’s ven-tures in real estate financed her law degree.

Experienced in banking, finance and court administration, and volun-teering in campaigns prepared her to win 36th District Court judgeship. Elevated to Recorder’s Court and Wayne County Circuit Court, she helped write jury instructions. She served on the courts’ executive committees and State Bar Representative Assembly, shaping policy and as president of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan and treasurer for the Mediation Tribunal.

Judge Baxter’s opinions span emergency managers, medical marijuana, duties of government officials, employment, labor, public school education and health care law. She lectured on Bio-ethics at the National Judicial College. Her skilled writings and acumen led to selection for the corporate community Business Court. Known for her mediation and ability to relate to people from all walks of life, Judge Baxter, a member of Hartford Baptist Church, heads the neighborhood yard sale charitable contribution to the Salvation Army.

4 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, �013

Linda BurgessCEO,

Linda Burgess at the World of Travel

Linda Burgess has enjoyed 34 years of success in the travel industry helping her clients explore the world. As CEO of The World of Travel in Bloomfield Hills, she specializes in trips for churches, clubs and organiza-tions, planning destination weddings, and class and family reunions. In addition to vacation and group trips, her company services corporations throughout Metro Detroit with their business travel needs. Burgess loves to cruise and has experienced 119 different cruises throughout her career. Burgess’ travel column, “Destinations,” has been featured in the Michigan Chronicle for over �0 years.

Prior to her career in the travel industry, Burgess was employed with the USPS and was a union official with the American Postal Workers Union. She also sold real estate and had a construction company.

Burgess is a member of Full Gospel AME Zion Church, diamond member of the NAACP, board member of Eastern Michigan University, member of the American Society of Travel Agents and the Women’s Business Enterprise. Burgess loves working with people, reading and spending time with her family.

Kimberly L. BurtonVP of Corporate Services and Director of Diversity

and Inclusive Practices,Council of Michigan Foundations

Kimberly Burton is vice president of Corporate Services and director of Diversity and Inclusive Practices for the Council of Michigan Founda-tions (CMF). In this capacity, Burton acts as liaison and resource for the CMF corporate member foundations while leading the implementation of a statewide diversity and inclusion initiative that includes the Michigan Forum for African Americans in Philanthropy. Burton also developed and leads an innovative mentoring initiative for African Americans designed to attract, retain and promote future leadership for Michigan philanthropy. Prior to joining CMF, Burton was vice rresident of Community Affairs at Charter One Bank and was responsible for the Charter One Foundation and the charitable contributions of the company in Michigan. Burton received both her bachelor of arts and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and although she originally hails from Grand Rapids, she considers metro Detroit her hometown since moving to the area to pursue her education. Burton is a graduate of Leadership Detroit XXIV and is deeply committed to the philanthropic needs of the community. She continues to serve on several trustee boards and committees including City Connect Detroit; Grace Centers of Hope and Vanguard Community Development Corp.

Cheryl ColemanPresident & CEO,

Northeast Guidance Center

Cheryl Coleman, a Master Level Social Worker, is the President and CEO of Northeast Guidance Center, a community behavioral healthcare organization in Detroit. She has served in the executive leadership posi-tion at Northeast Guidance since 199�. Some of her greatest accomplish-ments at NEGC include raising over $4 million in a Capital Campaign to construct Conner Campus, the agency’s largest facility and its Training Academy and working collaboratively to build the new 39-unit Mack-Ash-land subsidized apartment complex for the homeless and mentally ill on Detroit’s east side.

Coleman has been a dedicated agent for change for children and families since the early 80’s. Prior to coming to Northeast, Coleman was the Senior Manager of Family Preservation Services at United Community Services of Detroit, leading initiatives to strengthen the foster care system. She is a graduate of Wayne State University and Leadership Detroit XVI. Coleman serves on several local boards including the St. John Providence Health System Care Experience, Community and Culture Committee. She has also served as chair of the CareLink Network since �004, one of the largest managed care companies in Wayne County having over 60,000 enrollees.

Loretta V. Davis, MSAPresident & CEO,

Institute for Population Health

Davis’s management experience spans �5 years, two sectors, a myriad of key public health issues and a full range of administrative and operational functions, including fiscal management, contract negotiations, policy and procedure development, personnel management, and program design and development.

She responded to the Mayor of the City of Detroit’s call to find a way to continue to provide public health services in the face of extreme bud-get limitations. Now, as President and CEO of the Institute for Population Health, Davis joins the ranks of only four other city-level public health institute CEOs across the United States. In this position she oversees the provision of public health services to the residents and visitors of the City of Detroit.

A well-respected public health leader, Davis has been called upon to respond to a number of public health challenges throughout her career. In addition to leading the formation of the Institute for Population Health, she has led the financial repair of five clinics across southeast Michigan, bringing them from deficit spending to viability; mobilized a county’s response to the H1N1 flu pandemic; served as a principal partner in creating and implementing Michigan’s early response to HIV/AIDS; and partnered in crafting the HIV/AIDS response in Ethiopia, East Africa.

Sharlonda BuckmanCEO,

Detroit Parent Network

Sharlonda Buckman is chief executive officer of Detroit Parent Network, a premier nonprofit organization that transforms parents to make Detroit a better place to raise and educate children. Buckman, born and raised in Detroit, earned her master’s degree in Community Economic Development from the University of New Hampshire. She has been a powerful agent for change in the human service field for more than �0 years.

Buckman is recognized as a leader in Detroit’s education landscape, serving on the boards of Communities In Schools, New Detroit, Michigan Future and Excellent Schools Detroit. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Judge Wade McCree Jr. Friend of Children Award, the Spirit of Detroit and the Community Service Legacy Award from the Michigan Chronicle. Buckman was also recognized in �011 as Crain’s Detroit Business 40-Under-40. She has served as a national spokesperson for parents, having been featured on MSNBC’s “Making the Grade” town hall meetings and the “Education Nation” broadcast series. Buckman is a mother, a wife and a committed member of the Detroit community.

Dr. Dorinda Clark-ColeGospel Artist, Evangelist,

Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur

Three-time Grammy award winner Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole is a fired up sister for Christ and one of the most gifted vocalists in the music world. Dr. Cole has been evangelizing and juggling hundreds of speaking engage-ments annually for over twenty years, along with her singing career and being a wife and mother. She ministers nationally as well as internationally in England, Japan, Germany, France, Korea and South Africa. She made history in South Africa, having been the first woman to minister in the pul-pit to over 4,000 people. Dr. Cole has followed in her mother’s footsteps by having several leadership roles in the International Church of God in Christ.

Dr. Cole is the new host of TCT Network’s Dorinda Show, co-host of TCT’s Celebrate on the Road, former Stellar Awards host, and guest judge on Verizon’s “How Sweet The Sound” competi-tion. Her “Rose Collection” clothing line is now distributed by Terra Mina Fashions. She has since partnered with MR. SONG, an immaculate fashion designer of Detroit, in creating “The Bloom Collection”, a couture collection of hat adorning accessories. In September �004 she received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Mt. Carmel Theological Seminary of Fresno, CA.

March, �013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 5

Alexis C. DishmanVP & Alternate Group Manager,

Business Banking, Comerica Bank

Alexis Dishman began her career at Comerica Bank in �000 as a Cred-it Analyst, holding positions across several commercial lending depart-ments. In �00�, she was promoted to Business Banking Lender. She developed skills through managing a multi-million dollar portfolio, and developing client relationships. Dishman is currently an Alternate Group Manager, and Vice President. She now mentors new lenders, helps to de-velop complex loan structures, and is a voting member of loan committee. Dishman completed Comerica’s Leadership Development Program in �01�.

As a chairperson of Comerica’s African-American Business Development Initiative, she leads a team that fosters and develops relationships with key prospects, customers, and centers of influ-ence in the business community.

Dishman is a member of the leadership council of Comerica’s African American Network, an employee resource group. Dishman also serves on several boards for non-profit organizations, including Accounting Aid Society, Michigan Women’s Foundation, and The Community House of Birmingham.

Alexis Dishman earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Finance from Michigan State University. She is married to Todd Dishman, and has two daughters Elise and Haley.

Meagan Rose DunnDirector Community Outreach & Partnerships,

Henry Ford Health System and Henry Ford Hospital

Meagan Dunn is the Director of Community Outreach and Partner-ships for Henry Ford Health System. Dunn is responsible for managing the System’s Community Partnerships budget, builds strategic relationships with government, civic and community based organizations, and she is also responsible for streamlining and coordinating community and volun-teer activity on behalf of �3,000 employees.

Prior to joining Henry Ford Health System, Dunn worked with the last three Mayors in the city of Detroit. Her work includes various levels of strategic community engagement. She was also a project lead for the Next Detroit Neighborhood Initiative, a community development initiative aimed at revitalizing six neighborhoods in the city of Detroit. Additionally, Dunn served the Deputy Press Secretary, where she worked with national crisis management consultant, Judy Smith.

Dunn has worked on a host of local and state wide campaigns. In �010, she served as Commu-nications Director for the Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State campaign. In �009, Dunn served as the Deputy Press Secretary for Mayor Dave Bing.

Dunn is recently married, and resides in Detroit with her husband, Ethan.

First Lady Crisette EllisNational Sales Director,

Mary Kay Cosmetics & First Lady Greater Grace Temple

First Lady Crisette Ellis is a native of Detroit and a graduate of Michigan State University where she majored in Public Affairs Management. She is married to Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, the Senior Pastor of Greater Grace Temple and the Presiding Prelate of the P.A.W. (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World). They have two children, Kiera and Charles IV. First Lady Ellis is the Director of the Powerful Women of Purpose (PWP) Women’s ministry at Greater Grace Temple.

First Lady Ellis is also a successful entrepreneur with Mary Kay cosmet-ics. In November of �00�, she made history by becoming Michigan’s first and youngest African American National Sales Director in Mary Kay. Through her business she has earned numerous awards, trips around the world as well as other substantial gifts. She is also the CEO of Affirma-tions by Crisette which is a lifestyle brand of affirmation empowerment tees and other products produced with a specific goal of encouraging and inspiring people to use their gifts and talents as well as to stay focused fulfilling their divine purpose. First Lady Ellis is a wife, mother, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Rev. Karen Gray-SheffieldCorporate Director of Open Arms & Infant Mortality Programs,

St. John Providence Community Health

Rev. Karen Gray-Sheffield spends her work day and personal time pretty much doing the same thing: instilling hope and confidence in those struggling with adversity. As Corporate Director for St. John Providence Health System’s Open Arms, a grieving children’s program and Infant Mortality Program for the past 14 years – and as Senior Pastor of New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church since August �010 – her ministry is with her �4/7. Families dealing with a cycle of powerlessness, illiteracy, or grief can quickly feel overwhelmed by their circumstances. Rev. Shef-field offers counseling, encouragement and programming to help individuals to “dig deep within themselves to connect with their spirituality and get strength to cope with challenges in life.” Her bachelor’s degree is in human development and her master’s is in counseling education. Rev. Shef-field serves on several boards and task forces and has been recognized with numerous awards. In her role as a corporate director, counselor and a minister, she is helping to provide hope and growth both spiritually and educationally for children, their families and the community.

Lynnette HamptonGlobal Lead Commodity Manager, Raw Materials and Wheel Metalics,

Chrysler Corporation

Lynnette D. Hampton is successfully employed by Chrysler Group LLC and has held a variety of positions over her twenty four year tenure. In her current professional position she works as the Global Lead- Commodity Manager within the Raw Materials and Wheels Metallic team where she is responsible for the Wheels commodity purchase spend of approximately one billion dollars. As a Procurement and Supply professional, Hampton has earned notable achievements throughout her career within Purchas-ing, Supply Chain Management and Supplier Development which include her recent �01� Recognition of Excellence Awards from the Senior Vice President of Purchasing and Supplier Quality and Metallic Director. She was also highly acknowledged for her performance and leadership management goal achievements.

Hampton actively participates in ministry and community initiatives both locally and internation-ally at Hope Evangelical Ministries where she currently serves in various capacities that assist the need of others. Her earnest desire is to uplift, encourage and empower others to pursue their divine purpose in life.

Hampton received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Michigan State University and MBA from the University Of Detroit-Mercy.

Kimberly HarryCorporate Communications,

Ford Motor Company

Kimberly Harry currently works at Ford Motor Company as a Commu-nications Specialist. She began her career in television news working as a writer and producer at two Detroit television stations. Her love of communications began in high school where she landed a job as a student reporter. Harry holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Howard Univer-sity in Washington, DC and a Masters in Communications from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Harry owns her own production company; Picture This, LLC, in which her clients include the entertainment division of the Na-tional Basketball Association (NBAE). Her membership in such organizations as the Detroit Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Wayne State UniversityAlumni Association and the Howard University Alumni Chapter (Detroit), allows Harry the oppor-tunity to mentor and motivate aspiring students in the metro Detroit area. Harry is also involved in numerous civic and philanthropic activities, including mission work in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She is an active member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Detroit, Michi-gan and has numerous interests including traveling abroad, reading, and horseback riding.

6 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, �013

Dana C. HarveyDirector, Consumer Marketing,

Detroit Media Partnership

Dana Harvey is Consumer Marketing director for Detroit Media Part-nership, managing marketing and branding for the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit News, StyleLine Magazine and also operating as race director for the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Harvey also works as an anchor for Southfield Cable channel 15, where she has been reporting on city stories for over ten years. Her passion for sharing and uplifting has prompted her to launch her own show, “The Lipstick Lounge,” highlighting fearless women and their achievements.

Harvey’s dedication to community service has guided her to offer her marketing expertise to organizations such as Open Arms, Mosaic Youth Theater and Big Brothers Big Sisters Detroit. She is also a founding member of the Southfield Women’s Foundation. As a daughter of a breast cancer survivor and a passion for breast cancer awareness, she was honored to serve as past chair of the �010 and �011 American Cancer Society’s Southfield Relays for Life.

Harvey is a �010 Leadership Detroit graduate with an MBA in marketing from WSU and a BS degree from MSU. Harvey is the proud mother of two, son Kenneth, 13, and daughter Payton, 10.

Beverly HibblerPrincipal,

Detroit International Academy for Young Women

Beverly A. Hibbler currently has her dream job. She is principal, founder and leader of Detroit International Academy for Young Women, established in �005. DIA is currently the only all-girl K-1� public school in Michigan and serves as a model for same-gender education throughout the country. Her vision has been to provide a quality education in an all-female environment which has previously been reserved for the affluent.

Hibbler is a graduate of Wayne State University, University of Michi-gan, Western Michigan University and Detroit Public Schools. Her entire professional career has been dedicated to the Detroit Public Schools. She is presently on the Ad-visory Board for the National Association for Same Gender Education, DPS Principals’ Mentoring Program and a member of Hope United Methodist Church. Hibbler has been featured in various media venues for same-gender education, such as the Boston Globe, Education Week, Detroit Free Press, Advances in Gender and Education, and the Michigan Chronicle. In �009, she was awarded the prestigious title of “Michigan Lottery Black History Honored Educator.”

Hibbler has one son who graduated from Emory University in �01�. He is currently teaching in New York and has been accepted to Columbia University School of Education to pursue his master’s degree.

Marcia A. JacksonManager Customer Outreach,

DTE Energy

Marcia Jackson is manager of Customer Outreach for the DTE Energy Co. In this role, she manages the company’s outreach initiatives that pro-vide energy assistance to struggling individuals and families, education to help customers manage their energy costs, and opportunities for employ-ee engagement and community involvement through multiple channels and community organizations.

Jackson, a native Detroiter, graduated from Pershing High School and earned her bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University in 1980. She has held leadership positions at DTE Energy since 1998 in the Continuous Improvement Strategy Group, the Supply Chain and now Customer Outreach in Public Affairs. Prior to joining DTE Energy she held leadership positions at Exelon Corp. that included engineering, regulatory compliance and project management.

Jackson has served on the executive board of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. continuously since �003. She is currently first vice president of the Detroit Alum-nae Chapter’s 1,000-member organization and is responsible for program execution of seven pro-grams, including the chapter’s scholarship awarded annually to entering college students. Jack-son is the mother of a son, Charles, �010 MSU alum, who is completing his graduate degree at Tiffin University.

Anqunette M. JamisonNews Anchor, Fox � News

Anqunette Jamison was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. She earned her bachelor of science degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., completing a dual major in journalism and radio/television. She began her broadcast career in West Lafayette, Ind., as a morning show producer and editor and general assignment reporter. A year later, Jamison was hired at the NBC station in South Bend, Ind., where she worked her way up from reporter to weekend anchor and finally weekday noon anchor. She never considered working out west until a news director from Las Vegas called and asked her to consider it. It wasn’t long before she was reporting the gritty side of all that glittered on the Las Vegas strip. Looking for the next challenge, she took a chance and helped launch “The Morning Show” on Fox �5 in Boston.

After five years, she accepted a transfer to Fox � Detroit, anchoring Monday - Friday from 6-9 a.m. and “Live at 11.” She, her husband, Richard Sarfoh, his two sons and their two dogs live in Farmington Hills.

Dr. Charmaine D. JohnsonFaculty Chair, Early Childhood and Teacher Education,

Wayne County Community College District

Born in Detroit, Dr. Johnson has a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education from Wilberforce University, master’s degree in education from the University of Hartford, a doctorate in education from Wayne State University and an Urban Ministry diploma from Ecumenical Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in pasto-ral counseling.

Dr. Johnson is a licensed minister of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, where she works in the congregation’s health ministry, and has completed a fellowship in health ministry through the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.

Her spiritual and community service often focuses on young children, families and seniors. Before retiring, she worked as a school administrator in the Detroit Public Schools. She currently teaches early childhood education and human services at Wayne County Community College. This year Dr. Johnson was named Outstanding Professor.

In �010, she received the Institute’s Sarah Herbin Award. She is the author of “Mama Said,” a collection of common epigrams that reflect the worldly wisdom of common folk.

She’s passionate about personal fitness, is a runner, golfer, racquetball player, roller skater, ten-nis player and skier. Her other interests include fashion design, spiritual and holistic health, and politics.

Ifetayo B. Johnson Executive Director,

United Health Organization

Since 1999 Ifetayo B. Johnson has served as executive director of United Health Organization (UHO) and Project Healthy Living. She is an activist in the Healthy Cities movement and has directed several commu-nity projects focused on disease prevention and health and wellness pro-motion.

With Project Healthy Living, Johnson coordinates the delivery of free and low-cost health screenings to 15,000 participants in seven Michigan counties annually. In recent years, she has served on First Lady Michelle Obama’s national Task Force on Childhood Obesity Prevention.

Johnson formerly served as director of Healthy Detroit, an initiative of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC). Earlier in her career, she served on the faculty at Bowling Green State University and Livingstone College. she went on to direct a teen parenting program for the Urban League of Greater New Haven, Connecticut.

A native Detroiter, Johnson is a devoted wife and mother of two college-aged sons. Johnson holds an M.A. degree in Tran- disciplinary Communications from Bowling Green State University and a B.S. degree in biology from Philander Smith College of Arkansas.

March, �013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 7

Hon. Shelia R. JohnsonJudge,

46th District Court

Shelia R. Johnson is chief judge pro tem of the 46th District Court, located in Southfield, which serves six Detroit suburbs. Elected in �00�, she is the first African American to serve as judge in the 46th District and first African American female district judge in Oakland County. She was a �01� Democratic Party candidate for justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.

Judge Johnson is community oriented and believes mentoring youth is of paramount importance. She established a Court in Schools Pro-gram where court sessions are held at schools to deter youth from criminal behavior and inspire future careers. Judge Johnson is a board member of the Michigan District Judges Association, past president of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan, board member of the Judicial Coun-cil of the National Bar Association and a former board member and vice president of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ), among other associations. She is the recipient of NAWJ’s �009 Mattie Belle Davis Award.

Judge Johnson is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan Law School. She is a former federal judicial law clerk and the first African American president of the Law School Student Senate. Judge Johnson is single and enjoys the arts.

Jennifer L. JonesVice President of Diversity Markets,

AT&T Mobility

Jennifer Jones is vice president Diversity Markets, AT&T Mobility. With a commitment to being best in class in the industry in addressing the unique needs of diverse segments, and being the “Brand of Choice” for these consumers, she and her team are responsible for leading the joint planning and execution of integrated marketing aimed at increasing and maintaining customer penetration of AT&T Mobility and Home Solution Services in these market segments. Diverse Markets are defined as large segments of ethnic people, cultures and or life style interest, including Hispanic, Asian and African American markets.

Jones has held a number of leadership positions within AT&T in a variety of areas including Sales, Finance, Marketing and Offer Management. Jones has received many accolades, includ-ing being recognized by Black Enterprise as one of the Top Women Executives in Advertising and Marketing in �011 and �013, and Savoy Magazine named her as one of �01� Top Influential Women in Corporate America.

A native Detroiter, Jones is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University (MBA). She is a former officer in the U.S. Army Reserve/Michigan National Guard, and a Gulf War (Desert Storm) Veteran. Jones currently serves on the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan and resides in Northville with her husband Robert and son Brandon, a junior at Central Michigan University.

Joyce KeenerExecutive Director,

Human Potential Consultants, LLC

Joyce M. Keener is founder and executive director of Human Potential Consultants LLC (HPC), an award-winning employment solutions compa-ny. Established in 1997, with her sister Garnett, HPC assists individuals in identifying their true potential, self-worth, work readiness and employabil-ity skills, regardless of their background, with offices in Detroit and Cali-fornia. Keener’s Detroit focus is workforce development, work readiness and employment services for individuals with disabilities. HPC’s services are matched to meet current workforce needs in the metro Detroit area.

HPC was awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration as one of the top 100 businesses in placement and employment. In �01�, she founded the Detroit Business Consortium for Job Creation. Keener is a graduate of Wayne State University and retiree from the State of Michigan-Re-habilitation Services. She has recognitions, awards and accolades for her unselfish contributions to individuals and community. She is a member of Macedonia Baptist Church –Detroit and serves with the Greeting Ministry. She is wife to James, “auntie,”, sister to 11 siblings and adopted friends and family whose love keeps her focused and grounded.

Margaret Keyes-HowardExecutive President,

Government Administrators Association

Margaret Keyes-Howard began her formal career in healthcare as Marketing and Public Relations director for New Center Hospital; from there she was hired by Wayne County in various Public Health and Men-tal Health Management and Administrative positions. In 1990, she joined the Government Administrator’s Association (GAA), the bargaining union which represents government employees. As issues arose within the or-ganization, Keyes-Howard lent her voice, energy and resources to help to make the organization strong and viable. In �006, she was elected secre-tary of the Executive Board and became a strong advocate for the members, continually working to help raise awareness about the efficiency and competency of government employees.

Keyes-Howard was elected president of the Executive Board of GAA in �01� and became the first woman to lead the organization that represents employees from Wayne County, General Fund employees, engineers, nurses, employees at Probate Court, 36th District Court, Third Judicial Cir-cuit Court and the Airport Authority. Part of her agenda is to bridge the interests of the various employees represented by GAA and to help retain unions in these work environments despite the recent Right To Work legislation.

Keyes-Howard is a member of Peoples Community Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and is current vice president of Jack and Jill Detroit Chapter. She is the mother of three and is married to Hills Howard Jr., M.D., of Detroit.

Tammy KlughVice President, Diversity Inclusion & Compliance,

Kelly Services

Tammy Klugh is vice president of Diversity and Inclusion for Kelly Ser-vices, a leader in providing workforce solutions, headquartered in Troy. In her role, Klugh partners with leaders throughout Kelly to design global strategies to create an inclusive environment internally as well as develop staffing solutions for customers.

Prior to joining Kelly in 1999 as director of Diversity, Klugh was as-sistant director, Diversity and Compliance Office, for Oakland University in Rochester Hills. She began her career with the U.S. Department of La-bor, Office Federal Contract Compliance Programs as a compliance officer serving Southeastern Michigan.

Klugh holds a juris doctorate from Detroit’s Wayne State University Law School and a bach-elor of arts degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Individually and on behalf of Kelly Services, Klugh is committed to a number of programs that provide STEM education and career development for youth in metro Detroit. She currently resides in West Bloomfield with her husband Harvey Klugh and attends Christian Tabernacle Church in Detroit.

Charlotte KnightCEO/Agent,

State Farm Insurance Company, Inc.

Charlotte D. Knight was educated at Cass Technical High School be-fore attending Wayne State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and master’s degree in social work administration. After Wayne State, Knight started a career with the State of Michigan in the Department of Social Services helping families in need.

In 1989, after 1� years of government service, she took a leap a faith and became a State Farm agent. Knight first opened her agency in Farm-ington Hills. She remained there for 1� years before relocating her office to better serve the metro Detroit area. Throughout her �4 years in the insurance industry she has pro-vided over 70 products and services to help her clients meet their growing insurance and financial needs. Her agency currently provides auto, fire, heath, life insurance, banking products and mutual funds. Knight’s commitment to a client-centered and needs-based sales approach has helped her attain State Farm’s Select Agent status for achieving top sales goals. Knight has received recogni-tion from the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office, City Council, and State Senate and Representative offices. She was also previously named Woman of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners. Even with all her business successes Knight is most proud of her adult daughter Jasmine and strives to maintain a special bond with her.

8 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, �013

AsWarrenBuffettnotes,harnessingthetalentofwomeniskeyforbuildingstrong economies. There are five universal factors that, no matter where people are, wheretheyarefrom,orwhatsectortheyarein,makearealdifferenceinencourag-ingyoungwomentoreachsuccess. Though successful women are often prone to credit luck for their success, it is mostly hard work and perseverance that brings women to the top of their field, be they artists, scientists, entrepreneurs or academics. These are the women who never settle for the mediocre, are perpetually restless and striving, and who know that real success can only be found by crossing time zones, cultures and cruising through stop signs. The most successful women in the world have grabbed every opportunity afforded to them, and have created opportunities for themselves, harnessing their fears and doubts as rocket fuel instead of rocks in their pockets. The factors that con-tribute to the development of the next generation of women leaders can be gleaned from their experiences. Some of the characteristics of successful people, such as mo-tivation, natural curiosity, courage, self-management, enjoying being stretched and rising to a challenge, personal will and fortitude, drive and flexibility may be innate, butthereisnodoubtthatthesecharacteristicsalsoneedtobenurturedandencour-aged. Five factors stand out that help to support developing women leaders. Not particularly costly or demanding, they have proven to be very effective.

1. Basic Skills There are certain basic skills that everyone should be given access to beyond the standard education. We need to ensure that young women have access to build-ing these skills that help them move to success early in their careers. These include public speaking, writing, negotiation, and effective networking. People might have nature skills in some of these areas, but if not, then seeking out courses and oppor-tunities to practice these skills is worthwhile. Also, some employers will give women access to courses in these areas through career development opportunities, but that can often be in their mid-career, and it is actually more valuable and impactful if it startedearlieron.Ifthesearenotforthcomingfromwork,theyareworthseekingoutindependently.

2. International Exposure Travel brings an invaluable exposure to other cultures and ways of think-ing. It is essential for advancement in any profession, even in those that seem local, cloistered, or sheltered. This is particularly the case as the world becomes increas-ingly globally interdependent and actions that occur in a place that seems far away, inevitably affect, directly or indirectly, everyone. International experiences challenge thinking and certainty in a way that can be very healthy. The skills that come from living and working in unfamiliar settings are valuable in themselves and so are the

Building the Sisterhood of PowerBy Lucy P. Marcus

March, �013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 9

experiences that can be gleaned from seeing how other cultures deal with issues. It forces people to think outside the box and challenge them to find, and apply, solu-tionsbeyondtheircomfortzones.

3. Mentoring Mentoring plays a big role in developing any career. It is impor-tant,though,todistinguishwhatkindsofeffortsaremostusefulatdiffer-ent stages of career development. At different points in a person’s career, they need different types of mentoring. The needs for mentoring change from student years, to the first years out of school, to mid-career, to the most senior career positions.

Student Years During student years, meeting, shadowing, personal ex-posure to senior figures in the field all help to inspire young wom-en to aspire to something greater. It helps to be able to see what success looks like in any given field, and to get a sense of acces-sibility. Seeing the fruits of hard work and hearing the stories of career paths – more often than not, anything but linear ones – can help inspire young women. Access to as many people as possible, in as many fields as possible, helps to open up the vast horizons of opportunity that are avail-able. It can spark the imagination of young people about where their paths can take them. University alumnae networks are useful – and alumnae returning to speak openly about their experiences can make a real differ-encebymakingsuccessaccessible.

First-Third Jobs The early period in a person’s career is a time of exploration, of further learning, and of discovering ca-reer options, preferences, and interests. During this period, it is most useful to have exposure to a wide array of people in a chosen profession and perhaps to create a group of “go-to” people where a young woman can seek advice and ideas and begin to hone her ideas on her true career path. These men-tors can be found many places – speakers who inspire, pro-fessionals who are admired, colleagues and managers whothey know well. People are often receptive and flattered by emails – it never hurts to try.

Mid-Career It is helpful to have networks as a means of meeting people in their field and getting to know like-minded and like-skilled people. Equal-ly, if not more important for individual development, is having one or two people who know the individual well and can help to council them directly and specifically about options, choices and direction and concrete ways of achieving goals. This can be a vitally effective means of creating clear paths for career development.

Career Success The years when women are at the top of their careers are a time of consolidation, solidification and fulfilment. It is a time when women can stretch themselves or get greater depth in areas of interest – for example, in business that can be directorships, in politics it can be senior policy making or influencing positions. Mentoring one another via peer relationships and networks can be very effective and satisfying. Having a close group of trusted friends and peers who can be frank, generous, and root for each other’s success can be the thing that helps bring the goals that seem distant even at this point much more achievable.

4. Role Models

Role models are an extraordinarily fruitful way to inspire women to aspire to great things. Role models can be found close to home or in the people

aroundthem,aswellasinthoseatadistance-seenonlythroughthenews, even in faraway places.

There are two kinds of role models: First, those who help us to think about the kind of people we want to be through examples of kindness, fortitude, courage, bravery, integ-

rity, and other admirable characteristics, displayed equally by women and men, in their everyday lives and in the way they conduct them-

selves in the workplace.

Second, there are those who help us to aspire to roles that perhaps we’ve not thought of before or not encountered personally, particularly for young women – heads of state, heads of multinational corporations, leaders in political, cultural, or social movements. Seeing women in particu-lar, anywhere in the world, succeeding in an ever widen-ing array of roles helps inspire young women to broaden their expectation for their own possibilities.

It is vital to openly and publicly acknowledge and celebrate thework thatwomen leadersdoaroundthe world. It is important to recognize the critical roles that women have played in developing soci-etiesandeconomies.Byhighlightingthiswork,itbegins to help countries, societies and companies realizethatthisisnotunusual,andthatitshould

be the norm. It also helps to bring to light the ways in which these women have made the journey to their

positions and make that journey more accessible. Most importantly, it ensures that young women have the free-domtomakedifferentchoicesiftheywantto.

5. Starting Early Weneedtostartearlytomakesuregirlsknowthey

are capable of reaching great heights. It starts in the youngest years of their schooling with words of encouragement and aspiration.

Equally important is ensuring that boys and young men absorb these messages both openly and through example. Even the most closed societies and cultures have the ability to make shifts over the generationsandifwebegintochangethemindsetsofgirlsandboysalike.

Creating an environment where women can succeed is vital. Public policy that encourages women to be successful, workplaces that re-ward those encouraging and advancing women, and education sys-tems that educate women to the highest standards are just some of the things that are needed to help create an environment in which

women are prepared and encouraged to rise to leadership.

Never settling, always being driven and always seeking new experiences – thesearethehallmarksofthemostsuccessfulseniorwomenintheworld.Wemustall play a part in helping young women succeed, as our countries, economies, and futures depend on their success.MC

“Never settling, always being driven,

and always seeking new experiences – these are the

hallmarks of the most successful senior women in the world.”

-Lucy P. Marcus

➜

10 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, �013

Dr. Stacy L. Leatherwood CannonSr. Staff Pediatrician & Physician for Childhood Wellness,

Henry Ford Health System

Dr. Stacy Leatherwood Cannon is a board certified pediatrician with Henry Ford Health System. She was recently named the Physician Cham-pion for Childhood Wellness with LiveWell, Henry Ford’s Virtual Center of Excellence.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Michi-gan and her Doctorate from Meharry Medical College. Her pediatric train-ing was completed at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Dr. Leatherwood Cannon special interests include childhood obesity and adolescent medicine. She co-created a program for 9-13 year olds who are overweight called “Let’s Get Healthy!” that operates in five locations in the Detroit area. She received the “Michigan Steps Up Healthcare Recognition Award” from Michigan’s former Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom. In �007, Dr. Leatherwood Cannon initiated Healthy Start 101, an outreach program. It emphasizes the importance of raising healthy children to be physically, mentally, and spiritually strong. She speaks in the community and on her website www.healthystart101.com about the program.

When Dr. Leatherwood Cannon is not working she enjoys serving at Word of Faith International Christian Center, spending time with her husband, Mr. Will Cannon, family and close friends.

Karen A. LovePresident & CEO,

KarYzma Media Consulting

Karen A. Love, the President/CEO of KarYzma Media Consulting, kept Metro Detroiters well informed during her �0-year tenure as Chief Oper-ating Officer of the Michigan Chronicle and Publisher of the FrontPage newspapers. She forged many lasting relationships through her spirited efforts to boost the image of the City of Detroit and its people. She has 34 years of newspaper experience including successful stints at the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune.

Honored with awards and special recognitions throughout her career, Love is a graduate of the Detroit Regional Chamber Leadership Detroit Class XXVII. She has served on a wide range of boards and is currently completing a second appointment to the Executive Council of AARP-Michigan.

Slated to receive a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California, Love also holds a Sociology degree from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from the Eastern North Carolina Theological Institute.

A devoted member of Triumph Church, she is a teacher and Dean of Practical Application cours-es at Triumph University. Love is the founder of Project LoveSHARE.

Monique D. MarksPresident & CEO,

Franklin-Wright Settlements

Monique Marks is President & CEO of historic Franklin-Wright Set-tlements, Inc., a leading human services agency meeting the needs of families, and youth since 1881. The agency provides a variety of services including therapy, grief and loss counseling, after school programming, senior services, and early childhood education.

Marks is a graduate of Wayne State University with both a Masters and Bachelors of Science Degree in Social Work. Marks is both licensed and certified in the field of social work. She is a member of the Speaker’s Bureau for United Way and serves as an adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan University.

Marks has dedicated her life to serving the community with a prolific professional career span-ning over �0 years. In the past sixteen years, she has held a myriad roles, most notably her appoint-ment as President and CEO.

Marks has advocated for the prevention, treatment and amelioration of social problems plagu-ing citizens of Detroit. She is the recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award, Legacy in Motion Award, Hometown Hero Award. She serves and participates on a multitude of committees, boards and auxiliaries including Leadership Detroit, Midnight Golf, and Community Highlights.

Marks is supported by a loving husband Dr. Bertram Marks, two children Erika Batchelor and Bertram Marks, II and a host of community members within the Franklin Wright family.

Mildred C. Matlock, Ph.DChief Operating Officer,

Detroit Receiving Hospital, Detroit Medical Center

Dr. Mildred C. Matlock serves as Chief Operating Officer of Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center in the Detroit Medical Center. Beginning her career as a speech-language pathologist, she ad-vanced through leadership positions in middle and executive manage-ment including Chief Operating Officer at Rehabilitation Institute of Michi-gan. Dr. Matlock is responsible for the day-to-day hospital operations; for developing major service lines such as orthopedics and geriatric ser-vices; and oversight of major renovations of the hospital’s inpatient rooms and operating rooms.

A graduate of Leadership Detroit – Class XV, Dr. Matlock held numerous volunteer leadership positions. She served as President of the Board of Directors of Black Family Development, Inc. as well as President of the Wayne State University national Alumni Association. She currently is an officer of the Neighborhood Services Organization Board of Directors. Among other honors, she received the Homer D. Strong Award for distinguished service to the WSU Alumni Association.

Dr. Matlock earned bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in speech-language pathology from Wayne State University. She received a master of science in administration from Central Michigan University.

Irita MatthewsVice President, Associate General Counsel,

Health Alliance Plan

Irita Matthews serves as Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary for Health Alliance Plan, a Detroit-based regional health insurance company that partners with physicians, employers and community organizations to improve the health and well-being of its mem-bers and the community. Matthews has more than 10 years of in-house experience in matters pertaining to health insurance law, governance and regulatory compliance.

Her professional affiliations include the State Bar of Michigan, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Michigan Health Executive Group Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was recently appointed by Governor Snyder to the Michigan Health Information Technology Commission. She also served on Henry Ford Health System’s Diversity Council. She is a graduate of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s, Leadership Detroit program, Class XXX. She volunteers as an adult instructor with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet-Hannan Division, a U.S. Navy-based organization that serves to teach individuals 13 to 17 years old about naval operations, community service, citizenship, and understanding teamwork.

Matthews earned bachelor’s, master of public health, and law degree from the University of Michigan.

Elizabeth E. MaysPresident & CEO,MCS Multimedia

Elizabeth Mays is the president and CEO of MCS Multimedia, a pro-gressive graphic design and printing company located in Ferndale, MI. Since its inception in �011, the company, under the leadership of the �3-year-old Mays, has flourished at using today’s technology to produce su-perior graphic design and printing jobs for an array of industries across the region. Mays holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan Uni-versity, where she majored in Film, Video & Media Studies and Graphic & Printing Science.

Mays’ success in the printing industry is no surprise as she is a third generation of printers. Her grandfather, J. Caulton Mays, was a black pioneer in the printing industry when he started Mays Printing Company in 1946. Her father, James Mays, helped to expand and brand the company on a national level. Eager to keep the family printing legacy alive, Mays, after graduating from college started MCS Multimedia.

Always ready to give back, Mays is active in the community as a mentor and sponsor of events that empower youth throughout the metro Detroit area. She is a member of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.

March, �013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 11

JoAnne G. MondowneyExecutive Director,

Detroit Public Library

An innovative, award-winning library administrator, JoAnne G. Mond-owney has decades of library experience. She relocated to Michigan in �00� to serve as Assistant Director of the Flint Public Library, and in Au-gust, �009, when she was selected to lead the Detroit Public Library, one of the nation’s largest library systems with �3 neighborhood branches.

Ms. Mondowney also wrote Hold Them in Your Heart: Successful Strat-egies for Library Services to At-Risk Teens. This how-to manual has been used in library science courses and in public libraries for staff training across the country.

Active in professional organizations, Ms. Mondowney chaired the American Library Associa-tion’s (ALA) Budget Analysis and Review Committee. She is a member of Wayne State University’s Library and Information Science Program Advisory Board and the Michigan Library Association’s Legislative Committee.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Ms. Mondowney has an undergraduate degree in Marketing from Hampton University. She earned a Master of Library Science degree from Clark-Atlanta Uni-versity. She has also completed post-graduate studies in advanced accounting at the University of Baltimore and services marketing at Johns Hopkins University.

Jacqueline MorrisonState Director,

AARP Michigan

Jacqueline Morrison leads the strategic business unit that enables AARP to achieve its vision in the state of Michigan. She directs a 1�-mem-ber staff team accountable for a diverse portfolio of 50+ advocacy and social change initiatives with national, state and local implications. She works to develop AARP’s presence in the state, engage its 1.4 million Michigan members and establish a network of relationships with busi-ness, government and community. Morrison works in partnership with a Volunteer State President and Executive Council to develop AARP Michi-gan strategic priorities.

Prior to joining AARP in �005, Morrison served more than 18 years in non-profit leadership roles with Detroit organizations including Wayne State University, Detroit Urban League, and Planned Parenthood. Morrison holds a Masters in Public Health from the University of Michigan and is an ac-tive member of the American Society on Aging; Eastern Michigan University Gerontology Advisory Committee, and the Board of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council. Morrison believes the 50+ population has a critical role to play in securing Michigan’s future and invites others to live by the motto of AARP “to serve, not to be served”.

Alicia NailsDirector of The Journalism Institute for Media Diversity,

Wayne State University

Alicia Nails is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and director of Wayne State University’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity. She has pro-duced at WXIA (NBC) Atlanta, WTVS (PBS), WCBS (CBS) and Essence Communications in New York City, and at FOX �. She’s reported break-ing news and features as writer/producer at WWJ NewsRadio 950 (CBS). Her writing has appeared in the Michigan Chronicle, Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, and BLAC magazine, where she serves on the advisory board. A freelance writer through her company, SaidWrite, she’s on the board of the Detroit Chapter, National Association of Black Journalists and the Rosa Parks Scholar-ship Foundation.

Nails has executed city-wide PR campaigns for the African World Festival and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Detroit Alumnae Chapter, serving as Delta’s Michigan State Journalist. On the national communications team of The Links, Incorporated as managing editor, she’s on the PR team for the Oakland County Chapter.

She has produced major fundraisers: “The Salute to Emery King,” and “The Salute to �5 Year Journalists,” the UNCF Mayors’ Ball, Ebony Fashion Fair and Parade of Stars Telethons.

Priscilla PerkinsChief Development Officer,

Lighthouse of Oakland County

Perkins loves living, working and raising her sons in southeast Michi-gan. Arriving in Michigan during an ice storm in the fall of 1989, she has had a love affair with metro-Detroit ever since. Perkins received a MBA from Louisiana State University. She graduated from the Leadership Oak-land X class while serving as Junior League of Birmingham, MI, Inc. presi-dent, and has chaired the United Way Services for Youth at Risk Com-mittee. She served on the Board of Directors of The Community House, Lighthouse PATH, and Beaumont Hospital. Perkins received outstanding community service awards from United Way and Lighthouse of Oakland County. Active in Boy Scouts of America Troop 103�, Perkins also served as President of Detroit Country Day Upper School Parents’ Association and is currently Vice President of Detroit Country Day Friends of the Arts Board. Currently, she serves as Chief Development Officer for Lighthouse of Oakland County. Perkins is a former consultant with Price Waterhouse and Plante Moran. An avid knitter, reader, and scrabble player, she is married to Huel Perkins and has two sons.

Rev. Betty E. PulliamPresident,

Payne-Pulliam School of Trade & Commerce

Rev. Betty E. Pulliam was born in South Carolina and educated in the Detroit Public School Systems. She is President/Chairman of the Board of Payne-Pulliam School of Trade and Commerce, Inc., a non-profit educa-tional institution, since November 1, 1973.

Rev. Pulliam is a certified work force development professional and has managerial, developmental and operational skills in operating a work-force development agency. She has had monumental involvement in the business community, serving on many boards and organizations, including the Booker T. Washing-ton Business Association, as the “first” female President and Chairman of the Board. Moreover, numerous awards and citations have been bestowed upon her including two gubernatorial appoint-ments as Commissioner to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

Rev. Pulliam, a member of Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, became the “first” female to be licensed in July 1997 and ordained in May, �000, by her Pastor, Rev. Kenneth J. Flowers. She developed and coordinated an Entrepreneurial Component for the Female Respon-sibility Program, mentoring Girls 8-18. Her ministry includes Evangelism, Fundraising, Singing and Orientation of new members. Rev. Pulliam is married to Herman and has three adult children and seven grandchildren.

Karen P. RidgewaySuperintendent of Academics,

Detroit Public Schools

Karen P. Ridgeway has dedicated her professional career to improving the lives of young people in the City of Detroit through education. This life-long Detroiter has been continuously employed by the Detroit Public Schools for nearly 33 years. As the eldest of four, she learned early on the power of education, the importance of dedication to a worthy cause and the responsibility of service to others. Ridgeway has earned a B.S. in Education, Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees from Wayne State University.

A product of the Detroit Public Schools, Ridgeway has served as a special needs educator, school-wide test coordinator, interim special education department head, and special instructor for incarcerated youth. Ridgeway’s service to the children of the City of Detroit school district contin-ued as Program Associate, Director, Executive Director and Assistant Superintendent in the Office of Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Accountability.

Ridgeway currently serves the district as the Superintendent of Academics with responsibility for all district departments that support teaching and learning. She has become known as the “Data Guru” in the Detroit Public Schools and has served as a Cabinet-level administrator for the past eight years. Ridgeway’s personal and professional existence is guided by the philosophy that it is our duty to live in the committed service of others.

1� | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, �013

Raquel R. RobinsonPresident & CEO,

Southfield Community Foundation

Raquel R. Robinson is the President and CEO of the Southfield Com-munity Foundation with more than �0 years of executive non-profit and higher education leadership specializing in organizational performance improvement and capacity building. Robinson has served in executive level positions at nonprofits and universities in Indiana, New York and Michigan.

Robinson holds a B.A. degree from Indiana University, a M.A. degree from Purdue University in Communications, and a M.Ed. from Wayne State University focused on Human Performance Improvement and Training. Trained as an executive and personal coach with the Coach’s Training Institute, Raquel’s passion for transformation through performance improve-ment strategies go beyond helping organizations. As an entrepreneur, she is the co-founder of Making a Change LLC Coaching and Consulting where she works with individuals and groups to close the gap between present and ideal performance. She is author of the book Renew, Refocus and Recover! A Road Trip to the Life You Deserve (Salem Communication, �006).

Robinson’s mission-driven approach to leadership extends to her greatest work as wife to Henry L. Robinson and mother to Alexandria and Michael.

Carla E. SledgeChief Financial Officer,

Wayne County

Carla Sledge is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Charter County of Wayne Michigan, the 15th largest county in the world. Sledge provides financial and business leadership at the County through her dual role as CFO and the Director of Management and Budget. She directly serves the County’s CEO and routinely interacts with the 3,500 professional, ad-ministrative and union staff throughout the County. Her areas of expertise include finance, strategic planning, sustainability, risk management and information technology.

Sledge has implemented numerous comprehensive effectiveness programs, which resulted in cost containment improvements. One of her most significant achievements was the roll out of the County’s financial application that resolved budget needs, replaced outdated applications requir-ing extensive rework and created a fully integrated system capable of supporting a one customer process. Currently, Sledge is an advisor to the President and CEO of the Michigan Association of CPAs. Sledge has been recognized and admired across Government and Industry. Some of her achievements include the �006 AICPA and MACPA Outstanding CPA in Government Award and Crain’s Detroit Business �011 CFO Award. She has been featured in many magazines including the �007 and �01� Editions of Who’s Who in Black Detroit. Sledge is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. She lives in Franklin, Michigan with her husband, Willie.

E’Lois ThomasSenior Program Manager,

SEEL, LLC

E’Lois Thomas has more than �0 years of experience in Operation-al and Financial Management including Energy Program Management, Program Strategy & Management, Operational Management and Team Building. Thomas brings extensive years of experience in the service in-dustry, delivering outstanding returns by building, developing and driving business operations to new and exciting levels of performance. She is passionate to lead, coach and mentor others while challenging them to reach their full potential. Thomas is a highly analytical and driven leader cultivating business relationships and advancing teams toward top level corporate objectives. Her experience has made her able to rapidly assess operational challenges, resulting in the develop-ment of successful action plans to overcome those challenges – she is a true change agent.

Thomas is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph D) in Administration at North Central University with plans to complete her final dissertation in Green Energy Management and Sustain-ability. She has an MBA in Management from Walsh College. Thomas is married to the love of her life, Elder Charles Thomas, Jr. and they have two sons, Charles and Isaiah.

Carla Walker-MillerPresident & CEO,

Walker-Miller Energy Services

Mrs. Carla Walker-Miller is an energy industry veteran, and a dedicated advocate for residential and commercial energy efficiency. In �000, after 18 years of corporate experience, she formed Walker-Miller Energy Servic-es (WMES), an energy efficiency and energy optimization program service company, as well as a distributor for energy related products in the utility industry. Serving as President and CEO, she has led the organization to experience tremendous growth in energy services.

She is a sought after speaker on issues relating to energy efficiency, and determined to bring underserved populations into the important energy dialogue. As part of her strong commitment to the Detroit community, in �003, she started a nonprofit organization called The WAVE (Water Access Volunteer Effort) Fund. WAVE provides assistance to low-income citizens of Detroit with water and sewerage bills, and has distributed over $� million and assisted over 9,000 families.

She is a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), the Invest Detroit First Step Fund Investment Committee, Oak Grove AME Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., InForum, The Detroit Regional Chamber, The African Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, The En-gineering Society of Detroit, Women’s Informal Network (WIN), The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Booker T. Washington Business Association.

Jamie Kaye WaltersDirector of Creative Services & Programming,

WDIV

In �008, Walters and her business partner founded Velocity Cow, and formed a partnership with WDIV-Local 4 that allowed the station’s sales department to give its clients a boutique creative agency experience. Ve-locity Cow has produced more than 1,�00 commercials and marketing videos for a wide variety of clients. Walters also produced American Black Journal, MiWeek and the multiday coverage of the Mackinac Policy Con-ference for Detroit Public Television. In early �013, Walters returned full-time to the station where she got her start.

Walters worked from 1998-�007 for WDIV-Local 4 as the Senior Programming Producer. She produced high profile entertainment and political programs such as America’s Thanksgiving Pa-rade, Target Fireworks, Flashpoint and several of the station’s community initiatives. In �007, she took a five-month career sabbatical to travel internationally.

Walters earned a B.A. in American Culture from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She lives in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit with her fiancée.

Linda A. WareSupplier Diversity Manager,

General Motors

Linda Ware is Manager of Supplier Diversity at General Motors Com-pany (GM). She is responsible for managing GM’s Supplier Diversity Program which consists of over �00 suppliers. Ware started her career with GM in 1979 at the Delphi Packard Electric Division in Warren, Ohio and has worked at three other divisions – Allison Transmission (formerly GM), Indianapolis, Indiana, General Motors Customer Care & Aftersales, Grand Blanc, Michigan and General Motors Technical Center, Warren, Michigan.

In addition to Manager of Supplier Diversity, Ware has held prominent positions as a Purchasing Manager, Dean of Education and Employee Development for Global Purchasing & Supply Chain- General Motors University (GMU). Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, Reliability and Product En-gineering comprises and encapsulates her career at GM.

Ware is a Board Member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), Women’s Business Enterprise Coun-cil (WBEC), Great Lakes region, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is on the Advisory Council of the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA). She is also a member of The Links, Incorporated Oakland County Chapter, and a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit.

March, �013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 13

Anne WatsonRegional Director-Midwest,

Nelnet Education Loan Servicing

Anne Watson is Vice President-Regional Director for Nelnet Inc. for Michigan and Ohio. She is responsible for providing quality service to all higher education institutions in support of Nelnet’s Department of Educa-tion student loans servicing contract. Watson works closely with schools to identify their needs, and support their success in the Federal Direct Loan Program.

Watson was Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Detroit for �3 years. Before joining Nelnet, she worked as a Consultant, training new professionals at Marygrove College, Wayne State University, Henry Ford Community College, Concordia College and auditing student loan records on behalf of the Michi-gan Department of Education and Department of HHS.

With more than three decades of experience in Student Aid, Watson is a trusted resource for her customers and her colleagues. She recently received the Midwest Regional Association Outstand-ing Leadership Award in Michigan and a Life Time Achievement Award. She has held several ex-ecutive board roles in her state and regional associations, including past-president and continues to hold leadership positions on her Association’s Boards.

Watson, an undergraduate degree recipient from Western Michigan University is passionate about mentoring young women, assisting them with accessing higher education institutions and achieving their goal of getting a college degree and bettering their communities. She has a won-derful daughter, Brianna.

Lynn WeaverVice President of Human Resources & General Affairs,

Yazaki North America

As Vice President of Human Resources & General Affairs at Yazaki, Lynn Weaver is responsible for Human Resources, including talent man-agement, regionalization, benefits, compensation, and payroll. She is re-sponsible for regional Communications, Corporate Affairs, Security, and Facilities Management.

Weaver is one of the highest-ranking women executives in the corpora-tion, leading initiatives around work environment, recognition, resource planning and staffing, and employee development. She established a per-formance management program and a succession planning process that identifies employees for advancement into key executive and managerial positions.

Weaver earned a BS and an MBA from Michigan State University. She has held board positions with the Garth Fagan Dance Company (The Lion King choreographer), The Canton Community Foundation, Wayne State University Board of Visitors, and currently the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. She is a member of the NAACP, Urban league, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Links, Inc. Weaver is a board member of Inforum Center for Leadership Advisory Council and a member of AutomotiveNext.

Nicole Wells StallworthDirector of Community Engagement & Government Affairs,

The Children’s Center

Nicole Wells Stallworth is a child & family advocate, currently serving as Director of Community & Government Affairs at the Children’s Center where she leads community engagement activities, government relations, and advocacy initiatives. Stallworth has been responsible for hosting hun-dreds of community forums around Michigan, ranging from policy issues in k-1� education, to ensuring access to quality behavioral health services for families in need. Stallworth has been involved in advocacy on behalf of Michigan families for nearly 15 years, and has coordinated energy as-sistance programs for low-income families and senior citizens while with The Heat & Warmth Fund and has led advocacy initiatives within the K-1� sector while with MAPSA.

Stallworth is a member of the President’s Community Advisory Council for Wayne State Univer-sity, the National Congress of Black Women Greater Detroit Chapter, and serves on the board of Di-rectors for the International Preparatory Academy at the MacDowell Campus. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Wayne State University.

Stallworth loves fashion, physical exercise, writing, and performing poetry. She co-founded the Intellectual Divas, a women’s collective of vocalists & poets, in �004. She attends Oak Grove AME Church, with her husband State Representative Thomas F. Stallworth, III, has one daughter, Tonie Wells and numerous god-children whom she mentors with love.

Barbara WillisChief Operating Officer,

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

Barbara Willis, a native Detroiter, is the Chief Operating Officer for the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). Starting in 1966, she has suc-cessively served as Director of Oasis, Director of support Services and Chief Operating Officer. As such she oversees all programs, operations staff, social services and all interagency agreements. Prior to DRMM, Wil-lis was the Assistant Dean for City Colleges of Chicago; Instructor for the Chicago School of Ministries, English Instructor for Detroit and Romulus Public Schools. She earned her M.A. in Inner City Studies from North-eastern Illinois University; B.A. in English from Eastern Michigan University and numerous awards for her work in Michigan and Chicago.

Willis is a lifetime member of Leadership Detroit (Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce) and is a Superior Public Service Award winner for the City of Chicago. Professionally, Willis has served as a board member for Highland Park Communities First, Highland Park Business Association, “48�03” HP Collaborative and Love Inc., World Vision. She is currently Vice Chair of the Highland Park Planning Commission and a former Superior Township (Washtenaw County) Planning Com-missioner.

Salutes the 2013 Women of Excellence

14 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | March, �013

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Jo Anne G. MondowneyExecutive Director

The Detroit Public Library Commission, Administration and Staff Congratulate

On Being Named a 2013 Woman of ExcellenceThank you for your continued leadership, diligence, perseverance and vision in moving the Detroit Public Library forward. Wonderful things are happening at the Library and

we wish you continued success as we prepare to celebrate 150 years of service to the citizens of Detroit in 2015.

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St. John Providence Health System congratulates

on being named a Woman of Excellence by the Michigan

Chronicle. Rev. Sheffield exemplifies St. John Providence Health System’s commitment to

excellence in health care.

We’re so proud she’s on our team!

March, �013 | Join The Sisterhood of Power | 15

The Board and staff of Detroit Parent Network congratulate

Sharlonda M. Buckman for her recognition as a Michigan

Chronicle 2013 Woman of Excellence!

Ms. Buckman’s courageous leadership has allowed Detroit Parent

Network to become the premier organization for parent education

and training in Southeast Michigan, and a powerful force in creating opportunities for all children to

receive a quality education.

To learn more, visit: www.detroitparentnetwork.org

or call (313) 832-0617

200 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10010

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AARP congratulates our very

own Karen Love, Executive Council Member, and

Jacqueline Morrison, State Director, on being honored

by the Michigan Chronicle as Women of Excellence.

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