Fall 2016 Issue - South Florida Women of Color

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WOMEN LEAD
CATHY
HUGHES
MEDIA MOGUL
FOUNDER OF TV ONE
AND RADIO ONE
SOLEDAD
O’BRIAN
INTENTIONALLY
CHANGING THE
MEDIA IMAGES
OF WOMEN OF
COLOR
JOIN US FOR UPCOMING
ADVOCATES FOR CHANGE
SERIES DISCUSSIONS
WWW.SOUTHFLORIDAWOMENOFCOLOR.COM
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS.... UNITING LEADERS
1
WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
FALL 2016
WOMEN LEAD
FALL 2016
There has been much talk in recent months about the need to improve the media
images of women of color. From comments describing Gabby Douglas as “Crabby
Gabby” -- due to her perceived lack of enthusiasm during the 2016 Rio Olympic games
to complaints about Leslie Jones’ less than feminine persona in a widely aired Allstate
Insurance Company commercial, it’s time to push back.
4
INTENTIONALLY CHANGING
MEDIA IMAGES
6
MEDIA IMAGES AND WOMEN
OF COLOR
Are some women of color too sensitive? Maybe not. We are keenly aware of being
depicted as simpleminded, sexual objects or just plain angry. When left unchecked,
these seemingly harmless images serve to reinforce negative attitudes against women
of color, thereby impacting professional advancements and personal relationships.
These images can be especially damaging when dealing with persons who have
limited contact with diverse groups of people.
8
MEDIA OWNERSHIP
A Personal Growth and Lifestyle Magazine
The powerhouses contributing to this Women Lead edition are all helping to change
the media landscape for people of color in the media. Through their thoughtful insight,
we learn that even as individuals, we can influence if we are intentional, seek media
ownership opportunities and diversify our viewing habits. Our power to demand
more smart and positive programming is real. Shows like Blackish, starring Tracee Ellis
Ross and Anthony Anderson depict a multi-generational family going about everyday
life in a way that is positive and respectful to Black history and culture. Tracee Ellis
Ross’ character offers an alternative to Taraji P. Henson’s portrayal of quick-tempered
“Cookie” Lyon on the hit show Empire. Although Cookie is entertaining, she’s no role
model for a young girl who may not recognize the character as “over the top.”
10
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
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ABOUT WOCEI
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MEMBERSHIP AND
SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION
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WOCEI ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
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ADVISORY BOARD AND
CHARTER MEMBERS
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INFLUENCING MEDIA
22
GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED
FASHION DESIGNER
Join the Women of Color Empowerment Institute (WOCEI) in becoming aware of
our collective power to help shape more positive media images for people of color.
This issue of Women Lead tells us how to begin. Join the WOCEI movement today!
Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Esq., Publisher of Women Lead
401 North Avenue of the Arts
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33311
Ph: (954) 768-9770 or (954) 900-3494
www.southfloridawomenofcolor.com
All rights reserved.
On the cover:
Cathy Hughes, Founder of TV One
and Radio One
marcumllp.com
IF YOU’RE NOT INTENTIONAL
THE IMAGES WON’T C HANGE
By Soledad O’Brien
W
omen of color are barely portrayed in today’s images. They
barely exist, unless they are exceptional — like Michelle
Obama, Beyonce or Oprah Winfrey.
What we do see are two of the many stereotypes that inundate our big and
small screens — the angry black woman and the sassy Latina girlfriend. The
rest of us in society go largely ignored.
There have been changes for the better. There are some voices being heard
at high levels, though they are not necessarily seen in the media.
I recently watched a panel where people were testifying before Congress
and House Speaker Paul Ryan about poverty in America. They were hearing
from an African American woman who was smart and well-prepared. I kept
asking myself: where was her voice on the cable talk shows? Why was her
image missing from the network news?
It’s not the same for every group. Whites still have the privilege to run the
gamut.Their images can range from business mogul to suburban housewife
to working class laborer to woman of the night to everything in between.
They also have great influence in the highest level of the media apparatus
— the nation’s newsrooms, radio, local TV and the networks, cable channels,
films and production studios.
Meanwhile, Blacks are often praised for their athletic skills, but portrayed as
criminals or persons of questionable character. Latinos are similarly limited
when it comes to media images. Asians, on the other hand, suffer from a
far different stereotype. They’re supposed to be super smart, good at math
or nerds.
I now have a new and exciting opportunity to do even more of that this
month with my involvement in a new syndicated television magazine show,
“Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.” The show airs on Hearst TV stations
across the country. You can see where it airs in your area by going to http://
matteroffact.tv/on-tv/
Minorities do have more influence in the media than they once did. We
have Univision and TV-One now. We also have people of color creating and
producing their own shows on cable channels and the major networks,
and today’s new media technology has opened the doors for enterprising
individuals to tell their own stories and reach new audiences in the process.
The new half-hour program will be a vehicle to reach out to very different
voices to better understand the issues facing society. We have an opportunity
to not only talk about the portrayal of women of color but to talk to them.
Our goal on “Matter of Fact” is to make sure that every voice is represented,
heard and understood.
I think there is still a little bit of a laziness in today’s media when a broad range
of people aren’t reached. Too often, we talk to researchers about the poor,
but we don’t actually talk to the poor. We rely on the experts to describe
working moms, but we don’t talk to working moms. I am determined to
I have been trying to expand the portrayal of people of color ever since I make my show better than that.
first became a broadcast journalist, starting off as an associate producer at
WBZ-TV in Boston and a reporter and anchor at KRON TV in San Francisco, If you’re not intentional, the images we see day in and day out won’t change.
It won’t happen. You have to set out to do those stories, and it’s a challenge.
before moving on to a bigger stage at NBC News and CNN.
You can’t just say run the positive images. Stories aren’t just good or bad.
As CEO of Starfish Media, an independent multi-platform media production They have to be true to who and what they’re about.
and distribution company, I continue to tell stories about people and issues
That to me, as a journalist, matters. 
that would go overlooked by network television.
Attitudes are changing, too. There is a greater sensitivity today about images
in the media than when I began my career. I’m always encouraged when
people are outraged. Years ago, people didn’t care.
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WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
FALL 2016
Friends.
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State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm
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Media Images and Women of Color
By Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i Executive Vice President, Diversity, Inclusion & Communications at CBS Corporation
G
rowing up, my incredible mother
would constantly tell me that I
could be anything I wanted to
be. When I was six-years-old, I
remember watching an NFL game and seeing
sports commentator, Jayne Kennedy and being
completely amazed to see this beautiful, African
American woman—someone who looked like
me—on television! It was at that moment that
I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera just
like Ms. Kennedy!
I was fortunate enough to intern with the local
CBS affiliate while I was a student at “The Mecca,”
Howard University, however I quickly realized
that being in front of the camera was not my
passion after all. I always say, internships are a
wonderful way to be exposed to what you want
to do, as well as what you might not want to do.
My current role as Executive Vice President of
Diversity, Inclusion and Communications for
CBS, is where my passion met my purpose, it
also provides me a front row seat to all that goes
on within the Entertainment Industry.
We’ve come a long way since Ms. Jayne Kennedy,
however, women of color still have a lot of
“As a society, we have a responsibility to make sure the authentic voice
work to do when it comes to being accurately
represented in all forms of media. I’m reminded behind and in front of the camera include women of color.”
of Viola Davis’ historic 2015 Emmy Award
winning speech, “the only thing that separates I feel very fortunate that I myself get to be part of students of color applying and securing
women of color from anyone else is opportunity.” of changing the landscape of television. In my internships and ultimately starting new careers.
Representation truly matters!
position I get to provide exposure, opportunity The biggest challenge hasn’t changed, but my
and access for writers, directors and actors with view of it has. It’s easy to think that a lack of
As a society, we have a responsibility to make several initiatives and programs through CBS diversity & inclusion is a product of narrow or
sure the authentic voice behind and in front Entertainment Diversity, including our Writers even closed mindedness, and sometimes it is,
of the camera include women of color. With Mentoring and Directors Programs and our however, I’ve found that the biggest hurdle isn’t
genuine voices, we can make sure that women annual Sketch Comedy Showcase. “CBS On closed minds but combatting the unconscious
of color are also portrayed accurately and Tour,” is also very important to me, the initiative bias that’s hardwired into all of us. We overcome
outside of stereotypical roles. Television and brings Entertainment Executives to Colleges & these issues by introducing and mediating
films play a huge part in establishing social Universities across the country to share the conversations between underrepresented
norms and audiences identify with characters numerous careers that are available within the parties and decision makers. Now, every
that look like them. In essence, people don’t industry that often go unnoticed and unfilled challenge has become an opportunity to
believe something until they see it; if you see with women of color. “CBS On Tour,” has been educate others! #EachOneTeachOne. 
it, you can be it!
extremely successful with an increase of 42%
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WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
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WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
FALL 2016
MEDIA OWNERSHIP
WILL IMPROVE THE IMAGE S OF WOME N OF C OLOR
By Cathy Hughes
B
iting my tongue
is something I
find hard to do,
whether it’s in my
position as chairwoman of
Radio One, the nation’s only
wholly black-owned radio
and television broadcast
company, or in my personal
life.
it is. We need better roles
to reflect the broad range
of women of color, most
which isn’t seen on the big
and small screens today.
We’re not scrubbing floors
or cleaning toilets, but we
still have a long way to go.
I’ve seen a lot of changes
since I was a little girl growing
At times, though, I have to up in public housing in
hold back — a little — when Omaha. There wasn’t much
I’m asked for an opinion racial diversity in Omaha,
about the images of women other than the city’s black
of color in today’s media.
and white communities. Our
neighborhood had its share
The ratings may be high of professionals, including
for Empire’s Cookie Lyon, my father, William Alfred
and Scandal’s Olivia Pope Woods. He was a CPA and
may be a household word the first black to graduate
on Thursday nights. Halle from Creighton University.
Berry and Monique may
have won Oscars for their My mother was special,
respective roles in the hit too. Helen Jones Woods,
films “Monster’s Ball” and was my first role model.
“Precious.” But, I don’t like She was a trombonist and a
the imagery.
member of the International
Sweethearts of Rhythm, an
To say, I’m not happy about integrated all-women’s
those roles, and their band that during the 1940s
popularity today, would be featured some of the best
an understatement. I think female musicians of the day.
those characters are negative
and destructive. I know it’s Soon after college I took a
“work,” but that rationale job at Omaha’s KOWH radio
doesn’t move me.
but left when I was offered a
job as a lecturer at Howard
If my response is reminiscent University in Washington,
of the late C. Delores Tucker, D.C. The move was lifea friend, mentor and changing for me.
black woman who led the
campaign against Gangsta It was so African-centric, and
Rap, which belittled and there were so many women
debased black women with of color in top positions. The
its misogynistic lyrics, well, pride I felt was almost like an
8
adrenaline rush. The fact that with the 2004 launch of
someone like Dorothy Height TV One, a national cable
took me on as a mentee was and satellite lifestyle and
simply amazing. Washington, entertainment network for
D.C. was, and still is, the most African American adults.
wonderful experience for
African Americans.
As for my son who once
shared living space in our
In 1973, I was offered a job first radio station, Alfred
as general sales manager at Liggins III is now the CEO
WHUR-FM, the university’s and president of Radio One
radio station.
and an accomplished media
executive in his own right.
A promotion to vice president
and general manager I’m now in the position to
presented more challenges help shape some of the
and opportunities. In that images we see in today’s
position, I created the media, including ones that I
“Quiet Storm” format, which have lived — daughter, wife,
transformed urban radio single mother, struggling
and eventually aired on entrepreneur and successful
more than 480 radio stations executive.
nationwide.
My company is now
In 1980, I saw an opportunity developing and airing
to strike out on my own positive new programming
and started Radio One. It for adult African Americans.
was a financially daunting
challenge. It would have There have been positive
been easy to give up, but changes with the advent
I didn’t, largely because of
my son. I persevered and our
fortunes soon turned. WOLAM had had a R&B format,
which I changed to 24-hour
talk with a new theme —
“Information is Power.”
The change was the start
of commercial success.
Today, Radio One owns 50
radio stations in 16 major
markets and is listed on the
NASDAQ stock exchange as
a publicly traded company.
The company has grown
of more people of color
exercising greater control
behind the camera. The
new movie, “Southside with
You,” with John Legend as
executive producer and
Oprah Winfrey’s Greenleaf
series, are two examples that
come to mind.
Greater change will come as
more women of color move
into positions where they
can use their experience to
achieve ownership. More and
more millennials are doing
this today out of necessity.
At one time our community
sent kids to schools to get a
“good job.” Now, it should be
about getting an education
to open up an industry for
themselves.
In today’s media and
communications industry,
it’s critical that we own our
own. We shouldn’t expect
other cultures to tell our story
correctly.
Cathy Hughes founded Radio
One and later expanded her
company by creating TV One.
The company went public
in 1998, making her the first
African American woman
to head a publicly traded
corporation.
WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
FALL 2016
9
WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
FALL 2016
2016 Women of color empowerment
6th Annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference
8:00
am
BREAKFAST AND RECOGNITION OF SPONSORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
8:15
am
HOT TOPICS – Moderated by Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Esq.
“LEADING FROM WHERE YOU ARE”
Las Olas
Blanche Williams, President/CEO, Greatness By Design, LLC
“2016 ELECTION, TRENDS AND WOMEN OF COLOR”
Dr. Susan McManus, Distinguished University Professor, University of South Florida
“LIVING BETTER: BEYOND MEDICINE”
Anique Bryan, M.D. and Linell King, M.D.
Q & A ON HOT TOPICS – Moderated by Damita Salters, President, Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter
The Links Incorporated
Introduction of Morning Speaker: Dionne Polite, Manager of State Operations, AARP Florida
“KNOWING YOUR #BLACKGIRLCONSUMERMAGIC”
Rebecca K. Roussell, Senior Director-Diverse Intelligence Series, Nielsen
10:55
am
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS (CONCURRENT SESSIONS – CHOOSE ONE)
SESSION A-1 “SOCIETY NEEDS YOU: A STRATEGIC RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE”
Rio Vista
From polling to Election Day, this session will provide an overview of what you need to know when considering a run
for public office.
Moderator: Gloria Romero Roses, Chair, Ruth’s List Florida
Panelists: Alfreda Coward, Esq., Judicial Candidate
Dr. Kathryn DePalo, Senior Instructor-Dept. of Politics and International Relations, FIU
Jim Kane, Founder and Chief Pollster, The Florida Voter
SESSION A-2 “ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CORPORATE LEADERS”
Bonet
Explore corporate leadership from a whole new perspective. This session will explore the roles and responsibilities of
the corporate structure from a day in the lives of leaders who are at the top.
Moderator: Michelle Austin Pamies, Esq., Austin Pamies Norris Weeks
Panelists: Jocelyn Carter-Miller, President, TechEdVentures and SoulTranSync
Bentina Terry, Vice President-Customer Service & Sales, Gulf Power Company
Jennifer Love, Chief Security Officer & Senior Vice President, Safety, Environment & Health,
Royal Caribbean International
SESSION A-3 “WORKPLACE CULTURES AND UNCONSCIOUS BIAS”
Himmarshee
12:00
pm
This panel will explore why diversity in the workplace is important and how workplace cultures can be established to
make workers more aware of their individual biases.
Moderator: Shirlyon McWhorter, Director-Equal Opportunity Programs, FIU
Panelists: Osamudia James, JD, LLM, Professor of Law, University of Miami
Bob Swindell, President and CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
Marie Waugh, Sr. Vice President-HR/Environment/Health and Safety, SUEZ North America
POWER LUNCHEON
Las Olas
Grande Mistress of Ceremonies: Terri Crook, Comedian, Entertainer, Television Producer
Blessing: Earlene Striggles Horne, President, N. Broward Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Entertainer: April Raquel, Recording Artist
Introduction of Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Alcee Hastings, U.S. House of Representatives
“RELATIONSHIP CAPITAL: THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS FOR WOMEN OF COLOR.”
CATHY HUGHES, FOUNDER AND CHAIRPERSON, RADIO ONE, INC.
The Women of Color Empowerment Institute, Inc.: Board of Directors
1:30
pm
FULL GROUP SESSION B (REMAIN IN LAS OLAS)
“MEDIA IMAGES AND WOMEN OF COLOR”
These high-profile panelists will explore the power of the media in shaping the images of women of color versus
real life. Panelists will discuss various media forms and how technology and social media are playing a part in
shaping societal images today.
Moderator: Robbin Simmons, Co-Anchor Weekend Editions, WSVN 7 News
Panelists: Guylene Berry, Haitian American TV and Radio Personality
Constance Jones, Anchor/Reporter, WPLG Channel 10
Shiree Woody, ABC News Manager, Fort Meyers
Howard Saltz, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Sun Sentinel Media Group.
Q & A on Media Images and Women of Color
2:50
pm
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS (CONCURRENT SESSIONS – CHOOSE ONE)
SESSION C-1
Himmarshee
SESSION C-2
Rio Vista
SESSION C-3
Bonet
4:00
pm
“LIVING LIFE OUT LOUD”
It is often said that there are 3 types of people in this world: “those who make things happen; those who watch things
happen and those who wonder what happened.” This session will encourage you to take control of your own destiny
and get out of your comfort zone.
Introduction: Kathy Eggleston, Managing Partner, Avenue Executive
Speaker: Robyn Perlman, President, R.F. Perlman, Inc.
“A PURSE OF YOUR OWN”
How do you turn a solid annual income into real wealth? This panel of experts will share the latest technological
advances and financial strategies being used by women who are serious about growing and securing their prosperity.
Moderator: Michele Hyndman Hodge, JD, LLM, Senior Manager, Marcum LLP
Panelists: Simone Arnold, Vice President-Operations, First Data Corporation
Toni Cave, Vice President-Senior Business Development Officer, PNC Bank
Deborah Owens, Media Personality and Financial Expert, “America’s Wealth Coach”
“VENUS AND MARS: LEADERSHIP DIFFERENCES”
Is it true that men and women think differently when it comes to leadership roles? You be the judge after hearing
various scenarios and leadership styles from successful state and national leaders.
Moderator: Juliet Roulhac, Esq., Regional Manager-Corporate External Affairs, Florida Power & Light
Panelists: The Honorable J. Michelle Childs, United States District Judge, South Carolina District
Gregory Haile, Esq., General Counsel /V.P., Public Policy and Governmental Affairs, Broward College
Bacardi Jackson, Esq., Managing Attorney-Florida, Tucker Law Group, LLC
Eugene Pettis, Esq., Co-founder, Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm
Andre Pierre, Esq., Law Offices of Andre D. Pierre, P.A.
Evett Simmons, Esq., Shareholder and Chief Diversity Officer, Greenspoon Marder
RECEPTION AND WOMEN OF COLOR EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE SURPRISE
Las Olas
SUNDAY PROGRAM:
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 8:30 A.M. – INSPIRATIONAL PURSE, PEARLS AND SLIPPERS SISTERHOOD BREAKFAST
Be inspired to pursue financial freedom during this sisterhood breakfast overlooking the Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Learn the “7 Steps to 7 Figures” from global television business expert Deborah Owens.
ABOUT THE
WOMEN OF COLOR
EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE, INC.
The Women of Color Empowerment Institute, Inc. (WOCEI) is
a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to addressing
public policy issues of concern to Women of Color in South
Florida and elsewhere. Our mission is to enhance and expand
the footprint of leadership by Women of Color through uniting
leaders and building professional relationships. Some of our
objectives include:
• Building awareness of health care disparities, disease and social ills that
disproportionately impact Women of Color nationwide
• Supporting and encouraging women leaders to run and win public office
• Developing capacities for social change that will empower women to transform communities
• Developing programming that will increase and promote heritage awareness
• Combating stereotypes, double standards and bias against Women of Color
• Providing training opportunities for businesses and government
• Providing mentoring programming
• Expanding technological capacity for Women of Color
• Uniting Women of Color with multicultural differences
We work collaboratively with a number of state and local partners, including but not
limited to universities, bar associations, urban leagues, corporations, sororities and Links
chapters. Our largest yearly project is the Women of Color Empowerment Conference,
generally held during the Fall of each year in the State of Florida. The leadership conference
focuses on educating and motivating dynamic Women of Color to lead organizations,
launch effective advocacy campaigns and take full advantage of technology in today’s
marketplace. We take the successful strategies discussed during the conferences and
formulate yearly programming directed towards transforming communities. WOCEI
has also established a professional mentorship program for young and emerging
professionals.
WOCEI’s events are well attended and supported by state, local and federal leaders.
Past event speakers have included Trumpet Awards Founder Xernona Clayton; Judy
Smith, the inspiration behind the hit television show Scandal; Africa Channel Founder
Paula Madison; MSNBC’s Joy Reid; National Bar President Benjamin Crump; Congressman
Alcee Hastings; Congresswoman Donna Edwards; Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy
Quince; American Bar Association President Paulette Brown; television Judge Glenda
Hatchett and Gina Paige, Founder of African American Ancestry, to name a few. Our
panel conference discussions have been comprised of women news anchors, election
experts, technology experts, top corporate executives and legal scholars from across the
nation. Our programming has received national awards from various organizations. In
2014, the conference was featured on C-Span.
In order to continue our great programming and grow into a national linkage and policy
research institute for Women of Color, we need you as a partner. Please review our
objectives and let us know how you are planning to join the movement!
12
WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
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WOC EI AC TIVI TIE S A ND E VE NTS
WO C E I A DVOCATE S F OR C HA NGE F OR U M S
WO C E I TR AVEL C LUB
WO C E I ME NTOR SHIP P ROGRA M
LE A D E R S C O NNEC T E V E NT S
O U R N AT I O N A L A D V I S O R Y B O A R D
Paulette Brown, Esq.
American Bar
Association, President
Xernona Clayton
Founder of the Trumpet
Awards
Beverly Johnson
Former Supermodel,
Actress and Entrepreneur
Donna Edwards
Congresswoman
These women are all collaborators, communicators and great role
models for all women. All of these women have stellar reputations and
are committed to ensuring that the next generation of women leaders is
prepared for the future. Our advisory board members inspired us to start
a mentorship program for young professionals. Applications for the next
class of mentees will be available online starting October 1, 2016. The
Institute will select ten (10) women professionals who will be paired with
Paula Madison
Williams Group Holdings LLC.
Dr. Brenda Calhoun Snipes,
Educator Broward County
Supervisor of Elections
Gina Paige
African Ancestry, Founder
an established professional following an application process, including
an interview. The mentors participating are leaders committed to the
Institute’s mission to enhance and expand leadership by women of color.
If you are a young professional or know of a professional under the age of
40 who is willing to be mentored, this may be the perfect empowerment
program. For more information or to become a sponsor of this program
go to our website southfloridawomenofcolor.com
Charter Members
These women have committed financially to the mission and goals of the Institute... Sincere thanks to the Charter Members of the Women of
Color Empowerment Institute, Inc. These members have made a financial commitment to ensure that women of color can be successful in every
field of endeavor through the provision of information and resources to help remove barriers, access opportunities and replicate successes.
Nancy Allen
Shirley Baker
Donna Rice Berry
Lorna E. Brown-Burton
Anique Bryan, M.D.
Carmen Cain-Banner
Traci Cloyd
Lisa K. Crawford
Terri Crook
Eileen Davis-Jerome
Renee Davis-Prude
16
Kathy Eggleston
Chetachi Egwu, Ph.D.
Yolanda English
Sonia W. Eutsey
JoAnn Fletcher
Rhoda Glasco Foderingham
Vickie Frazier-Williams
Phyllis Gillespie
Dione Gordon
Toni Cave
Bacardi Jackson
Carolyn Jones
Marilyn M. Jones
Belvit Jordan
Lanetta Jordan
Cassandra E. Joseph
Kerline Jules
Sophia Lopez
Charlotte Lovely
Cynthia Martin
Delores Y. McKinley
Michelle Moore McNeil
WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
Shirlyon McWhorter
Chantal Meo
Stefanie C. Moon
Burnadette Norris-Weeks
Julie Owens
Michelle Austin Pamies
Andrea Pelt-Thornton
Sheila L. Pettis
Brenda Powe
Erica Ricketts
Brenda Rivers
Gloria Romero Roses
Ebony Daniels Sanon
Salesia Smith-Gordon
Lynn Solomon
Dinah Stephenson
Tina Teague
Marie Waugh
Easter Wilcher
FALL 2016
Join more than 200 local companies
dedicated to economic prosperity in
Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Find out more at LessTaxing.com
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is Broward County’s
official public/private partnership for economic development.
GFLAlliance.org
Meet Our 2016 Women of Color Empowerment Conference Committee Members
Odessa Bennett
Lorna Brown-Burton
Suzanne Boyd
Rochelle Clarke
Alfreda Coward
Terri Crook
Kathy Eggleston
JoeAnn Fletcher
Donna Guthrie
Annette Hurry-Johnson
Bacardi Jackson
Linda Jones
Marilyn Jones
Angela Lucas-Mumford
Shirlyon McWhorter
Mia Merritt
Leslie Nixon
Burnadette Norris-Weeks
Michelle Austin Pamies
Damita Salters
Earlene Striggles Horne
Building Relationships Uniting Leaders
Hastings
Alcee
for CONGRESS
DISTRICT 20
to CONGRESS
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WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
FALL 2016
BROWARD/MIAMI DADE
PALM BEACH/BOCA RATON
1250 S. Pine Island Rd
Suite 325
BG Capital Group Bldg
Plantation FL 33324
5550 Glades Road
Suite 500
AMTrust Bank Bldg
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Ph: (561) 299-3994
Ph: (954) 642-2117
Fx: (954) 642-2848
SOPHIA LOPEZ, ESQ.
WOCEI Charter Member

WILLS AND TRUSTS
 ESTATE PLANNING
 PROBATE
 ASSET PROTECTION
 GUARDIANSHIP
 ELDER LAW
 LONG TERM CARE &
MEDICAID PLANNING
 NON-TRADITIONAL
FAMILY PLANNING
 MARITAL AGREEMENTS
 BUSINESS SUCCESSION
PLANNING
 SPECIAL NEEDS
PLANNING

WHAT’S YOUR LEGACY?
I am often asked if estate planning is necessary if one has “no assets”. However,
estate planning is not just about assets, and it’s not “filling in a form”. Without the
proper legal advice, an improperly drafted document can create more legal and
financial problems than not having one at all. Estate planning is about educating
yourself and your family about the importance of financial planning and
management, planning for life, retirement, incapacity and death; It’s the difference
between building wealth and making money; It’s as simple as starting the
conversation in your home. Having an estate plan and teaching your loved ones
about estate planning is an invaluable legacy you should begin today.
At
we specialize in LIFE PLANNING. Our estate
plans and documents are customized to meet your family’s specific needs. We help
our clients protect and secure their assets and a LEGACY for generations to come.
With a proper plan, our clients save money and time by avoiding costly probate
and guardianship proceedings. Live your life on your own terms, and have the final
say with a proper estate plan. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU TODAY AND THERE
FOR YOUR FAMILY TOMORROW!
YOUR PLAN ♦ YOUR FURTURE ♦ YOUR LEGACY
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Sandy Boisrond
○
Daniel T. Fleischer
WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
○
Sophia A. Lopez
FALL 2016
W O M E N O F C O LO R H AV E M O R E
POWER INFLUENCING MEDIA
THAN WE THINK
By Jeanine D. Liburd EVP, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, BET Networks
Black women are 22 million strong and have
more than $500 billion in spending power.
We are dynamic, influential and cultural
contributors. As the CEO’s of our families,
black women play a powerful role in moving
our communities to a better state of being.
complex lives but also those of our men and
families. I chose a career in communications to
amplify authentic messages and bring powerful
images to the broadcast audience – creating
the change we want to see. We want to see
women of color as complex, multi-dimensional
characters. We want to learn, grow and be
inspired. We have so many more powerful,
beautiful stories to share and I feel lucky to be
a part of telling them!
Women of color are dramatically changing the
television landscape and shattering stereotypes.
From Being Mary Jane to Scandal, our viewing
choices are driving some of the most successful
programming on television today.
Jeanine D. Liburd is Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for BET
Networks. She is responsible for managing the corporate brand and positioning the company’s
assets, including several cable television channels, digital offerings, mobile and music festivals
and events.
Our power is real! As women of color, we can
make a difference by simply watching shows we
believe showcase authentic images and feature
complex characters worthy of our attention.
When we find programs that resonate, we need
to watch with enthusiasm, spread the word and
the market will follow.
With social media, we can give immediate
feedback to producers, talent and networks.
Let’s use our influence to be vocal on what type
of shows we are looking for and what we want
to see more of. Trust me, we are listening!
We now have more range in programming
than ever before; thanks to a growing cadre
of phenomenal black women serving as
executives, producers and show runners driving
change. Leading the charge is my boss, Debra
L. Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks.
She orchestrated BET’s reinvigorated brand
approach, creating high quality programming
hits such as Black Girls Rock!, The Game, Real
Husbands of Hollywood and The BET Honors.
Debra was also instrumental in re-branding
Centric as the first television network designed
for black women. I am so excited about
Channing Dungey’s appointment as President
of ABC Entertainment Group, Pearlena Igbokwe
tapped as the President of Universal Television
after years at Showtime and the incredible Mara
Brock Akil and her big deal with Warner Bros.
As more women of color gain roles like these,
we will see more characters that represent our
“We grow in mind, body and spirit as we move from comfort zones to new and different places”
Globally Recognized
Lifestyle Fashion Designer
Tanya-Marie Mclendon
By Tanya-Marie Mclendon
F
ashion has always been second nature to
celebrity designer Tanya-Marie Mclendon....
even as a child, the Jamaica born designer
had definite ideas about clothing. “It’s
wasn’t always what I had to wear to school that day.
“Explained TM” for me, it was really about what I
felt like wearing. “.....”Dream pieces “she described,
that didn’t exist in her wardrobe...”I would sneak
into my mom’s closet “she laughingly continued
“and take her pants, blouses, whatever, literally cut
them up, stitch them in by hand and confidently
wear them to school that day.” Ultimately, getting
her into major trouble when her mom discovered
her indiscretions.
”I’ve always been a dreamer” admitted TM”but
always with a propensity and drive to work hard for
everything I dreamed about”.....hence, her mantra
“Dream big, Work hard “...which has formed the
basis of her successful business…Tanya-Marie
Design....
TM has always had very strong work ethic and a
love of fashion, even as a student attending the
University of Miami, as a cheerleader for the Miami
Dolphins and later the Miami Heat, Tanya-Marie
always worked in hip high end boutiques. First in
sales, then in management and eventually working
her way up to Buyer. For years, she travelled the
world as a celebrity stylist and Buyer. ...”
While working in this capacity, Tanya-Marie would
never wear anything “off the rack”. As she did as a
child, if she bought something, she would cut, alter
or change it completely before it became good
enough for her to wear. Ultimately, TM travelled
the globe to buy beautiful fabrics and create one
of a kind dresses.. .fabulous clients, celebrity and
other wise, started buying her pieces. The demand
became so overwhelming that everything else
took second place to her new found passion....”it
felt as though God gave me a gift for all the years Liberty City, a predominantly black area that is
approximately 10 minutes away from her Design
of hard work “
District location, but light years away from the
in 2011, Tanya-Marie opened a boutique and glamour and opulence of the former location..”
design studio in Miami’s fabulous Design District... I want to bring jobs and opportunity to this area
She decided not to renew her lease, however, “continued TM..” so my husband and I bought
and instead to invest her business in Miami’s a building on 54th street and 12th Ave , so
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WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
that we can bring manufacturing jobs, fashion
and glamour to the community...she also has
established a charity ‘Teach a girl to Sew ‘ aimed at
teaching sewing and design skills to local women
and girls, so that they can be hired for positions
in the fashion industry, including the Tanya-Marie
Design team! 
FALL 2016
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WOMEN LEAD MAGAZINE
FALL 2016
Y O U R R I D E B E G I N S AT W W W . S U N N Y . O R G / R E U N I O N S