60 Black Women In DFW To Book For Your Next Event
As we close out a very wild March, I wanted to do something special and necessary to close out Women's History Month 2020. As our community has adjusted and responded to the Covid-19 pandemic, I kept finding myself incredibly frustrated and appalled at the lack of color on panels and "community conversations". While reflecting I simply asked myself was I going to keep complaining about it or would I help tilt the trend. In true CJ fashion, I chose the latter.
This has been a long time coming. I'm grateful that I can rattle off the names of many speakers / organizations when my professional or volunteer organizations have a need. But now, I'm bringing the Rolodex to you and in return, I hope you share this with your networks. It is 2020 and quite frankly, if your panelists / workshop presenters / facilitators, etc are all white, you are simply being lazy and disingenuous. There is no excuse for a lack of representation especially as most of us shift to virtual means. "I couldn't find a person of color" is no longer an excuse. I also want to be incredibly clear that it's pretty lackluster to only seek the opinion of a Black woman when you want to fill a checkbox and have her speak about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Black women I know in DFW, the ones that I have included below (and those not listed), have an arsenal of intelligence that they're ready to share if you ask them. As you continue to plan your events, book your speakers, seek panelists, consider these women, and pay these women.
To the women included and not included, thank you for doing the work. Thank you for continuing to push and fight for what's right even though we are often ignored or pushed to the side... until it's time to fix a crisis (because that's typically when Black women are called in). I know some of you more than others but I know you're a gem, you have something to say, and it needs to be recognized.
This list is presented in alphabetical order! I also encourage you to learn more about them because these are simply some of their areas of expertise. Enjoy learning more about them and happy connecting!
Terri Alford: Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education
Bianca Avery: political strategy, advocacy, civic engagement
Froswa' Booker-Drew: Community partnership, mentorship, strategic alliances
April Bowman: youth empowerment, education
Jarie Bradley: Human resources, organizational strategy, people, justice, & equity
Jasmin Brand: entrepreneurship, media, startup innovation
Stacey D. Brown: spiritual wellness, mental health, advocacy
Brittany Bullock: digital & partner strategy, influencer marketing, brand management
Ashley Cash: interview strategy, salary negotiation,
Bree Clarke: content curation, motivation, influencer strategy, brand management
Lacy Durham: estate planning, law, employee benefits & compensation
Errika Flood-Moultrie: equity, non-profit leadership, women leadership
Leah Frazier: media, public relations, journalism, fashion
Summer Galvez: creative consulting
Kala Garner: wellness, health, entrepreneurship
Judge Amber Givens-Davis: youth mentorship, law
Carrie Harris: media strategy, digital outreach, health & wellness
Aliah Henry: nonprofit marketing & communications
Kian Hervey: career, entrepreneurship, communications, & strategy
Lyria Howland: mentorship, public relationships, leadership
Bola Ibidapo: female youth empowerment, travel
Cheryl "Action" Jackson: nonprofit industry, philanthropy, community engagement
Sarah Jackson: strategy, public affairs, volunteerism
Amber Jones: travel, holistic wellness
Kyla Jones: diversity & inclusion, media relations, brand management
DeNita Lacking-Quinn: community relations, diversity & inclusion, civic engagement, public relations
Gabrielle McBay: chef, entrepreneurship, lifestyle
Cathryn McClellan: community engagement, talent, nonprofit leadership
Bemnet Meshesha: strategic partnerships, civic engagement, community partnership, advocacy
Alicia Morgan: STEAM education, leadership, advocacy
Amanda Mosby: culturally relevant pedagogy, teacher development, community partnership
Shareefah Nadir-Mason: student advocacy, educational best practices, urban education
Yolian Ogbu: student leadership, advocacy,
Kimberly O'Neil: community agency, social innovation, nonprofit leadership,
Colea Owens: healthcare, entrepreneurship, mentorship
Veleisa Patton Burrell: public relations & communications strategy, wellness practices, yoga instruction
Crystal Perry: community and organizational development
Councilwoman Candice Quarles: advocacy, paid parental leave, political strategy
Brandi Rand: brand management, social media & digital marketing, diversity & inclusion
Brooke Roberson: youth activism and leadership, student organizing
Joli Robinson: community leadership & partnership
Asia Rodgers: philanthropy, nonprofit management
Amber Sims: organizing, DEI, political strategy, community partnership, advocacy
L Michelle Smith: career, mentorship, business coaching
Sheria Smith: civil rights law, education
Candra Sweat: executive presence, professional development, entrepreneurship, leadership
Maya Talley: marketing & sales strategy
Jamila Thomas: education, advocacy, youth development
Lorren Thomas: influencer strategy, public relations, brand management
Dominique Torres: law, community agency,
Jacqueline Twillie: entrepreneurship, female negotiation, business coaching
Akilah Wallace: philanthropy, community agency, organizing, nonprofit leadership
Aries Webb-Williams: technology, DEI
Catherine Wheeler: career coaching, human resources management, nonprofit strategy
Brittany White: advocacy for incarcerated & formerly incarcerated, community organizing
Lauren Whiteman: community strategy, storytelling, training
Princess Whittington: mental health advocate
Michelle Williams: nonprofit leadership, startup innovation, community partnerships, advocacy
LaDondra Wilson: leadership, entrepreneurship
Tyeshia Wilson: community & strategic partnerships, philanthropy
Courtney "CJ" Cross-Johnson: Plot twist! I never would have included myself a few months ago but I am actively working on putting myself out there. I'd love to chat all things leadership, philanthropy, wellness tips, travel, and mentorship for young girls.
I love Black women. I appreciate Black women. I support Black women. Know of another dope speaker? Drop their profile in the comments!
Thank you for reading. Be well and stay in community.
CJ
