Sponsored by Real Times Media, Cummins Inc., WBBP Radio and Comcast, the invitation-only high tea event will be held at 3 p.m. in the Crescent Club, 6075 Poplar Avenue.  Mearl Purvis of WHBQ FOX 13 will serve as emcee.

“I believe that women of color should celebrate themselves – accomplishments, beauty, and appreciation for each other – often,” said Phyllis Fickling, general manager of the Tri-State Defender.  

“The Tri-State Defender, along with its parent company, Real Times Media, chose to formalize these compliments with an event of elegance to remind us of how valuable we are.  Recognition in high tea fashion at 3 o’clock in the afternoon will certainly provide a fun atmosphere for a celebration.”

The honorees were selected from various professions and walks of life.

“Sisterhood is the key to the next move we must make as an ethnic family in Memphis and America,” said Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku, executive editor of the Tri-State Defender.

“There are many women of excellence in this community. This event is a starting point for ongoing recognition and for creating a communication network through which we can talk about the needs of the greater community, particularly the children.”

Dr. Femi Ajanaku
Director, Center for African
and African American Studies
LeMoyne-Owen College

Dr. Femi Ajanaku is director of the Center for African and African American Studies at LeMoyne-Owen College.  Developer of the African and African American Women’s Social Activism Section of the center, she uses it as a tool to encourage collaboration among scholar-activists who bridge the academy-community gap and celebrate women's work in all spheres of cultural, social, scientific, political, and economic affairs.

In addition to presenting and writing articles about African American women, she has taught and co-developed publications for the college’s general curriculum courses.  She was a mentor for the Seek to Servant grassroots leadership program in 2007.  She is a recipient of LeMoyne-Owen’s 2000 McLemore Excellence in Teaching Award.  

She is an active member of the Howard University Alumni Association and the Obsidian Council of the Elders, an international community development organization, with main activities in Senegal, West Africa.  She enjoys designing clothing and traveling to African countries.Adrienne Leslie Bailey

Adrienne Leslie Bailey
Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis

Executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis for the past 13 years, Adrienne Bailey has the challenge of addressing a critical social issue with limited resources – youth mentorship, matching children with a Big Brother or Big Sister who can have a positive influence on their lives. 

Prior to joining BBBS in 1995, she served as community relations/volunteer coordinator for the Memphis Food Bank for five years.  A well-known community volunteer, she spent two years as chair of the Memphis in May Children’s International Festival.  In both 1996 and 2001, she was selected as a local Community Torchbearer for the U.S. Olympic Torch Relay.  In 1997, she served as a state delegate to the “President’s Summit for America’s Future.”  

Born in Chattanooga, she is a Mass Communications graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Mo.  She is the wife of Circuit Court Judge D’Army Bailey and has two sons, Justin and Merritt.

Lt. Peggy Bailey
Lieutenant, Shelby County
Sheriff’s Office-Jail Division

Lt. Peggy Bailey has worked for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office since 1982.  During her career, she has had many assignments and served on several rewarding committees, including the Accreditation Committee, which resulted in the jail received their accreditation from the American Correction Association in 2006, and the Jail Re-certification Committee, which led the jail to be recertified in 2003 after 15 years of not qualifying.

She is a regional field coordinator for the Regional Board of the National Institute of Corrections and is a graduate of the NIC’s Executive Excellence Program.

In 2007, she served as United Way employee campaign manager for the Sheriff’s Department, which raised over $56,000.  She has also served as a loaned executive and on the Allocations Committee for United Way. 

A member of Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church, she has been married to Carl Bailey for 35 years.  They have two children, Corey and Brooke, and one grandson, Amir. 

Dr. JoeAnne Ballard
Executive Director, Neighborhood Christian Centers

Dr. JoeAnn Ballard is the long-time executive director of the Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc. (NCC). Her service impacts more than 100,000 residents annually.

From the age of 3 months, she grew up with two siblings in the financially poor, but loving rural Mississippi home of a great aunt and uncle who raised more than 45 foster kids.  She attended Nazarene Bible Institute in West Virginia and later continued her education at University of Tennessee and Trevecca University, where she received a Ph.D.

Her first job was with the Memphis South Church of the Nazarene. After a short later, she married a young school teacher, Monroe Ballard. Together, they began bringing needy children into their home. Since 1969, they have fostered 75 children along side their own children.

In 1979 when local churches and agencies saw the need for an inner-city ministry and they fittingly chose her to operate the Neighborhood Christian Centers. 

Valerie Bobo
Founder & CEO, SHIELD, Inc.

Valerie Bobo is founder and CEO of SHIELD, Inc. (Sharing, Helping, Involving and Encouraging the Lives of the Disadvantaged), a non-profit organization that works with homeless individuals and families, the disabled, and youth transitioning out of state custody.  An Arkansas native, she has raised over $4 million to assist individuals in Memphis and Arkansas since 2000. And, the agency received nation Top 10 recognition for educating seniors about Medicaid prescription discount cards.

For her work, she has been recognized by Greater Memphis Inter-Agency Coalition for the Homeless, Youth Villages and others. She served as chairperson for the Memphis Housing First Task Force and treasurer for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-Memphis. 

She is a member of GMICH, Creating Homes Initiative, SETH Initiative and Neighborhood Redevelopment of Greater Memphis. An associate minister at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, she also writes worship songs and is writing a book.  

Dr. Beverly G. Bond

Director, African and African American Studies Program; Associate Professor of History, University of Memphis

Dr. Beverly Bond is director of the African and African-American Studies Program and associate professor of history at the University of Memphis.

Formerly an award-winning social studies teacher at Germantown High School, she has also taught social studies in Memphis City Schools and history at LeMoyne Owen College and Christian Brothers College. Before joining the University of Memphis full-time, she was a part-time history instructor.

Also, a researcher, writer and book reviewer, she is particularly interested in the ways 19th-century African-American women negotiated boundaries of race, class and gender in the urban South. She has co-authored three books — Memphis in Black and White, Images of Beale Street and Tennessee Women: Their Lives, Their Time.  A new book, Troublesome Times: African-American Women in Memphis, Tennessee, 1820-1905, is nearly completed.

Bond serves as president of the University of Memphis’ chapter of Phi Kappa Phi International Honor Society, and vice-chairperson of the board of Humanities Tennessee,

Jozelle Luster Booker
Manager of Procurement
and Contracts
Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division

Jozelle Luster Booker is manager of procurement and contracts at MLGW. She oversees a $120 million budget spent annually on purchase orders and contracts for one of the countries largest utility companies.  She plans, organizes and directs employees in the overall activities of the Supplier Diversity, Purchasing and Contract Management departments. 

Previously, an economic development representative at MLGW, she is the recipient of the 2003 Paul Harris Fellow award from The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.  She served as a secretary on the board for the Memphis in May International Festival and former vice president of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, Tennessee chapter.

Born in Vicksburg Mississippi, she is a Marketing graduate of Jackson State University and holds a MBA from the University of Memphis.  She is the wife of Wayne P. Booker and has three daughters, Keisha, Shanelle and Erica. 

Dr. Marcia Bowden
Physician, Bowden Internal
Medicine

Dr. Marcia Bowden is a board-certified internist and the owner of Bowden Internal Medicine.  A graduate from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine in Little Rock, she conducted her residency at Allegheny University Hospitals in Pittsburgh and has been practicing medicine for 14 years. 

Per her web site, she and her professional staff have a combined 30 years of experience in outstanding primary care services and treat a variety of adult medical conditions.

In addition to seeking the care of a physician instead of toughing out health concerns, she advises men and women to take a simple walk of 30 minutes to an hour each day to improve blood pressure, to cut down on salt and eat more fruits and correctly prepared vegetables, and to take prescribed medicine as instructed.  Live well is her motto.

She is a member the Leadership Circle of the National Council of Negro Women and other organizations.

Henri Brooks
Commissioner, Shelby County
Board of Commissioners

The Honorable Henri E. Brooks is no stranger to public service, and in 2006 her constituents elected her to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.  She takes an active role in legislation by serving on numerous committees.  She serves as the vice-chairperson of the Legislative Standing Committee and serves on the Family Court Task Force Committee.

Previously, she served as state representative for the 92nd District.  As state representative, she served as chair of the Tennessee Legislative Black Caucus.  She earned degrees from the University of Memphis and Nashville School of Law.  She has received numerous awards, including Legislator of the Year from the National Black Chamber of Commerce and Merit Award from the Memphis Branch NAACP.

She is a member of the NAACP, Southern Leadership Conference, Orange Mound Concerned Citizens and Greater Imani Church and Christian Center.

Sandra H. Burke
Consultant, Global Consulting Group

Sandra Burke is a consultant for training and development, non-profit management and government relations and advocacy with Global Consulting Group. Previously, she served as managing director of INROADS, owner of the first African American art gallery on South Main, assistant state commissioner of Children’s Services, and most recently, president of Girls Inc. of Memphis.

A University of Tennessee Knoxville graduate, she is involved on boards and task forces for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Memphis Orchestral Society, Urban Arts Commission and National Girls in Science Project.  Among the 50 Women Who Make A Difference, she also is a recipient of the INROADS Memphis Frank C. Carr Award and Tennessee Office of Minority Business for Economic Development Award.

She is a member of Leadership Memphis, Alpha Kappa Alpha, River City Chapter of Links, Inc. and UT Alumni Association. A talented pianist and a member of Trinity CME Church, she has two sons -- Arthur and Anthony Burke.

Margaret Calicott
Principal, St. Joseph Catholic School

Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School, Margaret Calicott was born in Holly Springs, Miss., to the late O.C. and Velma Pegues.  As the oldest of nine siblings, she learned the importance of leadership and hard work while working on their farm and attending catholic school.  With strong leadership abilities, she excelled in the education field.

Prior to St. Joseph, she worked for Henry Jr. High School for over 30 years.  She received degrees from Siena College and the University of Memphis. While helping youth to reach their full potential she served as former Webelo Scout Leader with the Boy Scouts of America.  She also served as a former president of Oak Acres Neighborhood Association.
She is a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. 

Joyce Cobb
Entertainer

A singer, recording artist, teacher and actor, Joyce Cobb has done it all -- from touring Europe to teaching jazz vocals at the University of Memphis’ Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.  She has signed a deal at Stax Records, cut a Top 40 hit, “Dig The Gold” (Cream label), opened shows for the Temptations, Muddy Waters, and Al Jarreau and performed with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. 

Honored with an honorary doctorate from Grand Valley State University, she has gained worldwide recognition and awards, including Best Female Singer by the Recording Academy/NARAS and the 2007 W.C. Handy Heritage Award. She has a brass music note on the Beale Street “Walk of Fame” and is the first female to have a nightclub there named in her honor. And, starred in local productions of Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Beale Street Saturday Nights.

Born in Oklahoma and reared in Nashville, she started singing in her grandmother’s church. 

Gail Jones Carson
Member, Democratic National Committee; Director of Corporate Communications, MLGW

Gale Jones Carson is a member of the Democratic National Committee, which communicates the Democratic Party platform, plans the Party's presidential nominating convention, promotes candidate election, and works with national, state, and local party organizations.  She has served as past chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party and secretary of the Tennessee Democratic Party. DNC membership has given her Super-Delegate status for the Denver convention.

In her professional life, she is director of corporate communications for Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division.  She is responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of employee and public communication programs, media and community relations, web site management, graphic arts, printing, mail services and distribution operations. 

She rejoined MLGW in January 2007, after working as executive assistant and chief spokesperson for Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton for almost seven years. Formerly, she worked 16 years in corporate communications at FedEx. Carson also previously worked in public relations for MLGW.

Veronica Coleman Davis
President/CEO, the National Institute for Law and Equity (“NILE”)

Veronica Coleman-Davis is president and CEO of the National Institute for Law and Equity (NILE), which she founded in 2001 as a national public policy institute with its mission to raise discussion and public policy debates on criminal justice.  Her most recent research project includes a Public Health Action Plan for inmates infected with HIV/AIDS in local jails.  

A practicing attorney for 30 years, she served as a juvenile court referee from 1989 until 1993 when she was she was appointed by President Bill Clinton as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

She is a graduate of Howard University and the University of Memphis School of Law.  As founding president of the Memphis Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, she initiated a pregnant teen mentoring program, Mentors of Mothers, which successfully encouraged girls to stay in school and not have a second pregnancy.  

Alvenia Cunningham
Regional Sales Manager,
First Tennessee Bank

Alvenia Cunningham is currently a Regional Sales Manager for the Memphis Financial Centers at First Tennessee Bank.  She is responsible for coaching sales managers in achieving sales goals and coaching them on how to coach their employees as well.  

She started out as a secretary in 1973 in Memphis Retail Banking then moved up to various levels as financial service representative, assistant branch manager, financial center manager and to her current position now as Regional Sales Manager in 1998.  Later, she also was promoted to senior vice president.

She attended Rust College and graduated in 1973 with a BA in business administration.

Dr. Anita A. Davis
Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of African American Studies
Special Assistant to the Provost for Faculty Diversity, Rhodes College

Associate Professor of Psychology, Dr. Anita Davis has taught at Rhodes College since 1996.  As the director of African American Studies and Special Assistant to the Provost for Faculty Diversity, she researches the campus climate at Rhodes and the identifying factors that promote resiliency among disadvantaged adolescents and teen mothers. 

She has published articles in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, the Journal of Adolescent Research and the Journal of Community Research.  Her involvement in the community earned her the Ira Samelson Jr. Boys and Girls Club of Memphis’ Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award and Rhodes Black Student Association’s Outstanding Alumni Award.     

A graduate of Fairley High School, she earned her BA in Psychology cum laude from Rhodes and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  She is the wife of Dr. Russell Wigginton, vice president of college relations at Rhodes, and they have one son, Ryan.

Carolyn Hardy
President/CEO,
Hardy Bottling Company

In spite of being the seventh of 16 siblings, Carolyn Hardy of Hardy Bottling Company, ranks first in many other areas of her life.  In September 2006, she became the first African-American female to own a major brewery with the ability to manufacture over 100 million cases of beverages annually.  Previously, vice president for Coors Brewing Company-Memphis unit, she was the first African American female to hold this position with a major brewery.  In addition, she was the first the African-American female plant manager for J.M. Smuckers. 

A native Memphian and graduate of Melrose High School, she received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis.  Her commitment to service has gained her numerous awards: the 2008 Trumpet Awards’ High Heels in High Places and the University of Memphis’ 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year award.  

She is the wife of Marino Hardy and she has three children. 

Kim Harper
Program/Music Director, WLOK-AM
Gilliam Communications

Kim Harper is WLOK’s Program/Music Director.  A member of the local and national chapters of Gospel Announcers Guild, she brings 15 years of broadcast experience to gospel radio. In her show, “1340 WLOK Early Morning Show with Kim Harper,” she provides listeners with news, traffic reports, gospel music and interviews with community leaders and gospel artists. Mistress of ceremonies for many gospel events across the Mid-South, she also co-hosts “Focus on Women,” a radio forum to inspire, inform, and empower women.

A graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College, she won the Memphis Gospel Bridge Award for Female Gospel Announcer of the Year in 2005 and was recently nominated for the Memphis Stones Award for Best Radio Personality for 2007. 

She is a member of the National Association of Black Female Executives in Media and Entertainment and Alpha Kappa Alpha.  A member of Love Fellowship Ministries, she is the mother of a teenage son, Jonathan. 

Tomeka Hart
Commissioner,
Memphis City School Board
President, Memphis Urban League

An elected member of the Memphis City School Board of Commissioners for District 7, Tomeka Hart was selected as president of the Memphis Urban League in December 2006. 

A graduate of the University of Memphis Law School, she previously maintained a labor and employment law practice with Ford & Harrison, a national law firm.  She is also a graduate of Trezevant High School with degrees from University of Tennessee Knoxville and Kennesaw State University. She has been honored as a Memphis Business Journal’s “Top 40 under 40” and with Mpact Memphis’ Mpact Maker Award for Political Achievement.

In addition to chairing the school board’s Policy and Legal Services Committee, she serves on the Academic Support, Budget and Mental Health Committees.  She also serves on community boards, such as the Riverfront Development Corporation and New Pathways Community Development Corporation.  She is a graduate of Leadership Memphis and Leadership Academy Master’s Program. 

Evelyn Hibbler
Owner/Director, 1st Class Montessori Preschool

Evelyn Hibbler is the owner, director and principal of 1st Class Montessori Preschool. She started the school in 1991 after working and training at similar schools in Memphis and Seattle.  She received her Montessori Teaching Certificate-American Montessori Society from Seattle University. A talented writer and composer of educational children’s music, she graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Music degree followed by a Masters of Music Education from the University of Memphis and a degree in administration and supervision from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Her volunteer service includes the Muscular Dystrophy Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis N Motion, Memphis City Schools and Project C.O.M.E, an outreach effort to the Latino community to provide food, books, education and genuine concern. 

She has been recognized with the Ordinary People’s Award, Women of Achievement Award, Iris Award as well as proclamations, resolutions and certificates from city, state and federal governments.

Doris Thomas Hill
Senior Manager of Human
Resources, Kraft Foods

As senior manager of Human Resources for Kraft Foods, Doris Thomas Hill manages the day-to-day human resources functions of the Ingredients Division of one of the largest processors and marketers of packaged foods and beverages in the world.  She also oversees community outreach for civic and community projects and coordinates corporate grants. 

Previously, she was vice president of Human Resources for Welcome Wagon International.  A graduate of South Side High School, she earned a BBA in Management at the University of Memphis.  A recipient of the Commercial Appeal’s Award for Public Service, she has sponsored ministry teams to Jamaica as well as teachers to Haiti. 

She is also founder and executive director of ESPN (Education, Scholarship, Preparation, Nurture) Academy.  Now, in its seventh year of operation, the Academy provides after-school counseling, mentoring, tutoring, character building and conflict resolution classes. 

Velma Lois Jones
Spokesperson and Associate Team Leader, AARP

Named as a spokesperson on the AARP State Team on Social Security, Velma Lois Jones is now associate team leader for the Memphis Region and a member of the local Advocacy Team and Chapter 2443.

A retired educator, she graduated from LeMoyne College, earned her master’s degree at Columbia University’s Teacher College and completed studies at University of Memphis (then Memphis State) and Michigan State University.  She served as president of the Tennessee Education Association, the first black classroom teacher ever elected, as well as a board member of the National Education Association.

She has served on local, state and national levels in the fields of civil rights, politics, religious, community service and education. She is a board member and past president of the local NAACP, three-time president of AKA’s Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter and a charter member of various organizations.  She is a lifelong member of Trinity CME Church.

Georgia A. King
Community Activist

Georgia Anna King (Queen Akua) proves that women are achieving at the grassroots level. King, also known by her freedom name Queen Akua (Sweet Messenger), is a community activist who has been involved on numerous fronts for several decades.

Through various ministries, King has voiced the need for safe and affordable housing for the homeless, the safety and inspiration of children, and the preservation and restoration of communities to mental and physical health.

A familiar face in local movie productions, King is a past recipient of the Women’s Achievement Award for Courage, and has been honored by the 100 Black Women, the FedEx Corporation, Youth Against Crime, Inc., city and county mayors, the Tennessee General Assembly and the U.S. Congress.

Her affiliations include links to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Church of God in Christ, National Trust for Historical Preservation, National Black Alliance for Educational Options, Crown of Righteousness Ministries, and Future America Basic Research Institute.

Carlene I. Leaper
Executive Director,
The Arc of the Mid-South

Carlene I. Leaper is executive director of The Arc of the Mid-South, which she joined in 1980 as secretary. With 28 years of experience in the developmental disabilities field, she is a champion of providing children and adults with developmental disabilities with the supports they need to be as independent as possible in the community. She has led the way in shifting the organization's vocational focus from sheltered employment to community job placement — creating a job readiness program, expanding personal assistance services to include support for individuals living independently in the community, creating a family-driven Family Resource CD and developing an advocacy program to assist juvenile offenders. 

Leaper has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Human Services Management. A member of the National Association of Executives of the Arc, she lectures on transition, employment, housing, parenting and programmatic issues regarding people with developmental disabilities throughout the United States.

Norma Lester
Retired healthcare professional

Norma J. Lester, RN, MSN, CDDN, CLNC, is a retired healthcare professional with over 40 years experience in the industry.  Lester began her journey in the healthcare field as a nursing assistant in Ohio and her passion led her to assume positions of LPN, RN, nurse practitioner, quality assurance director, nurse educator and administrator.   

Lester served as a missionary in Africa during the Rwandan crisis in 1994.  Afterwards, Lester assumed the position as state nursing director for Tennessee.  During that time, the state was involved in legal battles due to noncompliance of federal regulations and under her strong leadership, the state came into compliance. Lester has earned degrees from Shelby State Community College, University of Memphis, Union University and University of Tennessee Memphis.  She is also a recipient of numerous awards and boards.  In 2005, she was appointed by Governor Bredesen to the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.  

Neva L. McGruder
Director of Human Resources,
Steel Structures Division
Thomas & Betts Corporation

Neva McGruder is director of human resources for the Steel Structures Division of Thomas and Betts.  She has also worked as a labor relations representative for New United Motors Manufacturing in California and at Toyota Motor Manufacturing.  Before joining TNB in 1998, she worked as manager of human resources for Ford Motor Company in Detroit.  She also worked as chair of the Thomas and Betts Charitable Contributions Committee for two years.

She grew up in the North Memphis area of Memphis and graduated from Hillcrest High School with an academic scholarship to Tennessee State University.  After two years, she transferred to Texas Southern University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs and Political Science. 

A former high school majorette and cheerleader, she serves as sponsor of the Divas of Olive Branch Majorette Team as well as a Habitat for Humanity house-building volunteer. She is the mother of a 12-year-old daughter.

Louise Patterson
President, Bountiful Blessing
Incorporated
General Manager, WBBP Radio

Sis. Louise Patterson is president of the board of directors of Bountiful Blessings, Inc.  She is the widow of Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) to whom she was married for almost 40 years.

She is general manager of WBBP Radio and president of Podium Records. A licensed evangelist, she maintains an active role in the in the Bishop’s Wives Circle and hosts TWWC, the Total Woman Women’s Conference, which draws women from across the country. 

She also spearheaded a dinner for the 3,000-5,000 pastors and their wives who attended the Annual Holy Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ. At Temple of Deliverance Church Of God In Christ, she organized the clothes closet, an annual Christmas dinner for senior citizens and the Women’s Day Overcomers Award.

Ruby J. Payne
Principal, Hanley Elementary School

As principal of Hanley Elementary School, Ruby J. Payne assists her students in developing their academic abilities by initiating numerous activities to enhance their educational opportunities.  In 2006, 94 percent of her fifth-graders scored proficient or advanced on the TCAP writing assessment. She recently spoke on “Attitudes of Parents and Teachers toward Improving Academic Achievement in Inner City Schools” at the Mid-South Educational Research Association’s 12th Annual Convention.

Payne has earned degrees from LeMoyne-Owen College and the University of Memphis, where she continues post-graduate studies.  She is the recipient of numerous awards, including a key to the city from former Memphis Mayor Hackett.  She serves on several boards and is a former president of Whitehaven Community Center Booster Organization and co-chair of Memphians for Positive Community Action.  She is a member of NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 

Johnnie Mae Peters
Community Activist,
Oak Grove Baptist Church

Johnnie Mae Peters has been a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church for 58 years, serving on the Usher Board, welcoming visitors, and serving on various committees.   Divorced in 1962, she spent many years as a single mother raising five children. 

She is mentioned in George C. Fraser’s Success Runs in Our Race and credited with making the difference for her eldest son Howard A. Peters, the first African American director of the Illinois Department of Corrections.  To monitor her children’s progress, she took jobs as school cafeteria cashier, crossing guard, and Head Start teacher. She joined the PTA, later becoming local and state president.

A self-described pusher and shover, she can be counted on to prepare meals for the sick and shut-in, help others access services and get needed assistance through community agencies and government.  Much honored for activism, she serves on the boards of Memphis Area Legal Services and NAACP and has served on the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center board and Restoration Advisory Board for Defense Logistics Agency.

Janice Pilot
Deputy Director,
Memphis Police Department

Janice Currin Pilot is Deputy Director of the Memphis Police Department.  She brings valuable insight and knowledge regarding leadership and management challenges of the Memphis community and the Memphis Police Department and focused guidance for more than 2,000 officers with management of a general operating budget of over $195 million.     

Beginning her career in 1979 as a MPD patrol officer, she is now the highest ranking female officer and the first female deputy director. She has served with distinction in various ranks, including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Major, Inspector, and Deputy Chief as well as supervisor of the Training Academy.

She is the president of the West Tennessee Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E).

A graduate of Memphis State University, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Hill Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  She is the mother of a daughter, Monica and a grandson, Anthony.

Cathy Ross
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
FedEx Express

Cathy Ross oversees the worldwide financial affairs of FedEx Express. Managing 2,400 finance professionals throughout the U.S., Asia, Europe, Middle East, Canada and Latin America, she is responsible for strategic and financial planning as well as financial analysis, reporting and forecasting and oversight functions. 

Hired as a senior financial analyst in 1984, she is a five-time recipient of FedEx’s Five Star Award and two-time recipient of the CEO Five Star Award.  A recipient of the University of Memphis’ 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award, she has been listed among Black Enterprise magazine’s “75 Most Powerful African-Americans in Corporate America” and JPMorgan Chase’s “25 Rising Women of Finance.”

She serves on the boards of Steelcase, Inc. and National Civil Rights Museum.  She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Delta Sigma Pi and Links, Inc.  A native of Henderson, Tenn., she holds an accounting degree from Christian Brothers University and an MBA from the University of Memphis.

Cecelia W. Sawyer
Senior Vice President,
Eldercare Services
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Cecelia Sawyer is the newly appointed senior vice president of Eldercare Services for Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare. Responsible for developing and implementing innovations in geriatric and senior care services, she recently became a Certified Senior Advisor.

CEO for Methodist Healthcare University Hospital for five years, she began her career at Methodist in 1974 as a registered nurse. Previously, she also served as COO/senior VP of LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center and CEO/administrator of Methodist South.  She earned her MBA at the University of Memphis and bachelor degrees in Nursing from University of Tennessee and in Biology from Rust College.  A graduate of Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, she spent 10 years as associate director of nursing.

Sawyer serves as a Rust College trustee and on the board of Lifeblood Foundation and Leadership Academy.  President of the Shelby County Chapter of Links, Inc., she is a member of St. Andrew AME Church.

Mae Simpson
Author and Volunteer

Rev. Mae Simpson is the author of Giving God the Glory: A Living Testimony.  Retired from the U.S. Postal Service and the Internal Revenue Service, she is known to many as a phenomenal woman -- honest, aggressive and determined in all tasks that she takes on.  In her ministry, she is “blessed” with the spiritual gifts of prophecy and visions.  She also loves working with children and takes special care to assist teenagers from abusive homes.

Mae Enterprises is one of the two businesses she has owned and operated successfully.  In her free time, she volunteers for the Mid-South Chapter of the Red Cross as an instructor and member of the Disaster Assistance Team. She is a proud mother of two children and one grandson.  She presently is a member of the New Olivet Baptist Church.

Rhonda Nelson
Vice President of Patient Care
Services and Chief Nursing Officer
The Regional Medical Center
at Memphis

Rhonda Nelson is vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer of the Regional Medical Center at Memphis (The MED). She is responsible for directing all nursing personnel within the hospital system.  Prior to that appointment, she held various administrative positions - executive director of Mid-South Health Care Center and director of nursing.

A Hamilton High graduate, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a master’s degree in public administration from University of Memphis. 

Honored as one of the “Excellent Eleven” in nursing, she has served on the board of Girls, Inc., Memphis City Beautiful Commission, and the Advisory Board for Nurse Executives. 

Presently enrolled in Master of Arts program at Memphis Theological Seminary, she is a member of Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ and a COGIC-licensed evangelist with several outreach missions to Africa.

Rochelle Stevens
Founder and CEO, Rochelle’s Health & Wellness Spa

An Olympic medalist, Rochelle Stevens is founder and CEO of Rochelle’s Health and Wellness Spa. She and her coach Beatrice Davis are the first mother-daughter team to win two Olympic Gold Medals (1992, 1996). Ranked Top Ten in the World six times and USA Track and Field National Champion four times, she has been inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

A TSSAA State Champion while at Melrose High School, she earned NCAA awards and a degree in Telecommunications and Sales at Morgan State University.  She has been spokesperson for Fortune 500 companies like Johnson Products, Sara Lee, Nike and Bank of America.  

She is the president of the Rochelle Stevens Foundation, which has sponsored the Rochelle Stevens Invitational Track Meet annually since 1990.   A member of Word of Life Healing Ministry, she is also a member of the USA Olympic Committee Alumni, Memphis Food Bank, Liberty Bowl, FraserNet and Delta Sigma Theta.

Jayton Stinson
President/CEO,
Conexx Staffing Services

Jayton Stinson, president and CEO of Conexx Staffing Services, started her own staffing company in 2002. As president of the company, she runs the daily operations with an office staff of six employees and a roster of 300 weekly, temporary employees.  Her client list includes Thomas & Betts, the Peabody Hotel, Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority, FedEx Forum and others.

She has 15 years of staffing experience that started in 1988 with Norrell Temporary Services and in 1994 with Horizons Resources. She graduated from Northside High School and later attended Southwest Community College and Tennessee State University with a major in Business Administration. 

She is married to Mark Stinson and they have two sons, Mark Jr. and Joshua.  She is a devout member of New Salem M.B. Church where she serves as vice-president of the Tri-Guild Deacons Wives, on the Hospitality Committee and as an advisor to the Youth Usher Board.

Tyra Taylor
Director of Guest Services
The Memphis Grizzlies

Nearly 15 years of management experience in the hospitality, sports, and entertainment industries have made Tyra Taylor a one-woman powerhouse on the local professional landscape.

As director of guest services for the Memphis Grizzlies, Taylor’s innovative approach to training in customer service, telemarketing sales, and operating procedures offer those who work with her a creative challenge: to move beyond the bounds of defined job descriptions and anticipate the needs of every guest who enters the FedExForum.

Taylor has devised an impressive guest relations and service-oriented staff who, win or lose, ensure that guests enjoy the night out at a  Grizzlies game or some other event which being hosted at the Forum. More than 400 employees fall under her areas of responsibility.

She manages a busy household with husband, Arthur Taylor Sr., and two teenage children, Jasmine Taylor, and Arthur Taylor Jr.
She is a member of the International Customer Service Association (ICSA); Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Junior Achievement Board of Directors.

LaShell Vaughn

Vice President of Information Technology Services, Hilton Hotels Corporation

Lashell Vaughn is vice-president of Information Technology Services for Hilton Hotels Corporation.  With a personal motto of Faith, Family and Finance, she has been called unselfish, professional and community-minded. 

Currently, a member of the School of Engineering Advisory Board at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss., where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, she also holds a Master of Science degree in Information Systems and Telecommunications from Christian Brothers University. 

Recognized for volunteerism and devotion to service, she is a founding member of the National Civil Rights Museum, board member and former chair of Porter-Leath Children’s Center, and adult leader of Girl Scout Troop 722 at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, where she also co-chairs the Women’s Ministry. 

She is a member and past president of the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and is married to Clinton Vaughn Jr.  They have two children, Victoria and Clinton III.

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