SisterFriend Empowerment Expo

Bar Raisers

Syrna Bowers

Success Builders, LLC

Being a native of Pine Bluff, AR; Syrna L. Bowers received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

She began her career in substance abuse & behavioral health care working with non-profit organizations in Specialized Women Services and as an Adolescent Drug Counselor. In 2005 she transitioned to state government working with justice involved women as an Advisor. For the past 15 years she has progressed through the ranks of positions to her current position of Assistant Center Supervisor, Deputy Warden. As the Assistant Center Supervisor for the North East Center, Arkansas Community Correction (Osceola).

Roslyn Burks, APRN/BSN/BC

Roslyn Burks is a board-certified Family Medicine Nurse Practicioner. She has been in healthcare for over 32 years and works as an Advanced Practice Nurse Entrepreneur providing urgent care, long term care and primary care through various healthcare entities in Arkansas. She is the founder and owner of Body Guard, LLC which provides various services including individual life coaching, weight loss and lifestyle change coaching, grief counseling, health care marketing and strategies and several other services. She is a partner and governing body with James A. Campbell, Jr. and Fresenius Medical Care in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She is also a credentialed provider with Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

Pastor Marquis Cooper

Otter Creek Community Church Little Rock, AR

Marquis Cooper is a native of Marianna, AR. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Otter Creek Community Church in Little Rock, AR. He is a licensed school counselor for grades K-12 in the states of Arkansas and Tennessee. Marquis serves as the school counselor at both Carver and Rockefeller Elementary Schools in the Little Rock School District. Marquis has received many honors over the past few years. Some of which include the JV Educational Leadership Award, Citizen of the Year Award, Moton Strong-Lee Hall of Fame Inductee, and the SRS Community Leader of the Year Award. Marquis is an accomplished educator. He has presented for multiple educational associations, including the National Center for Youth Issues Organization.

Patterson-Cox Enterprises, LLC

Stephanie R. Cox, PhD holds a doctorate degree in Management with a specialization in accounting. She has worked in higher education for over ten years. Dr. Cox has served in various academic positions in public and private institutions. She has experience in college accreditation, assessment, curriculum development and instruction. She is very passionate about education and helping students achieve their goals. Dr. Cox recently started Patterson-Cox Enterprises, LLC, an educational consulting business in Cabot, Arkansas.

Dawson Financial Group, LLC

DeMarco Dawson

DeMarco Dawson is the founder and president of Dawson Financial Group, LLC. He attended college at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to major in History. He is a father of four children. He belongs to the National African American Insurance Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and is heavily involved in the community with various religious organizations. Since obtaining his insurance license, 10 years ago, he has embarked on a mission to educate people on the Medicare Health Insurance System, LongTerm Care Expenses, How to Position Your Life Insurance to Help You with Retirement Income, Funding your Business or Funding College Expenses for your Children, and Safe Money Investments. He partners with a wide range of carriers that serve employers ranging from sole proprietorships to large, multi-site and national employers, as well as students and individuals. He also delivers health and well-being benefits to Medicare beneficiaries and retirees. His goal is to have a portfolio of agencies and carriers that fulfills his demands, the needs of his existing clients and his potential clients. He is licensed in various states.

Tamika Edwards

Philander Smith College

Edwards has served as executive director of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College since September 2018.

She has 20 years of experience in public policy and community development. She has served as director of governmental affairs at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, where she led the development and execution of the organization's legislative strategy. Edwards has also served as community affairs specialist for US Senator Blanche Lincoln, where she worked to further community and economic development efforts and served as the senator's grassroots representative.

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Chante' K.R. Gamby, LCSW

Fringe CCC (Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting

Chante' Gamby is a woman passionate about changing the world by helping others change their perspective and ultimately their lives. As a License Clinical Social Worker, Chante' helps individuals and families define their own healing. She believes that we are all on a journey and if we choose to add healing as part of our journey, we can not improve ourselves, but also the world that we all live in. Thus, she has dedicated her journey to healing herself, and also helping others heal. Over the past decade, she has facilitated numerous workshops and provides consultation services to help individuals live their best life, both personally and professionally.

In her free time, Chante' can be found enjoying events in her hometown city, Chicago, traveling or catching up with her family and friends. She also enjoys reading, writing, occasionally binge watching her favorite Netflix shows.

Unlatched Educational Solutions

Chelita K. Greenlee

Chelita K. Greenlee is founder of Unlatched Educational Solutions in Anderson, SC. Having completed her B.S. Mathematics from The Fort Valley State University, she is currently completing her Masters in Secondary Education for Mathematics. An educator for 20 years, she has always had a desire to support students and parents. A sought-after test preparation specialist, she has facilitated workshops for school districts on ACT and SAT preparation. Believing in servant leadership, Unlatched Educational Solutions proudly provided free live virtual tutorials for over 250 middle, high school, and college students from 8 states in the areas of mathematics and science.

One of her guiding principles is the importance of the village of support. Through her latest venture, “The Parent’s Advocate”, her mission is to provide information and connect resources for parents to support their children academically, emotionally, and financially. Chelita can be found, alongside her husband, cheering her daughter on at basketball or volleyball games. She loves anything politics and spending time with family.

Dr. Tiffany Hardrick

Forrest City School District

Dr. Tiffany Hardrick currently serves as Superintendent of her alma mater, the Forrest City School District. Before being granted the opportunity to lead her home educational system, Tiffany served as an Assistant Superintendent in Newark, New Jersey. Her teaching career began as a Business Instructor at East Arkansas Community College before becoming a mathematics teacher in Shelby County Schools. It was during her teaching career in Shelby County Schools that she was selected to the leadership development program New Leaders for New Schools and was offered her first principalship as a middle school principal in Memphis, Tennessee. She later joined New Leaders in New Orleans post Katrina and co-founded the first all-boys public charter school in the city. Her work has been featured in Education Week, New York Times, Paul Bambrick's book Driven by Data: A Practical Guide to Improve Instruction and Davis Guggenheim's 2010 film Waiting for Superman.

Tiffany attended Fort Valley State University as a Cooperative Developmental Energy Program scholar and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She later obtained a Masters of Business Administration and a Specialist in Adult Leadership before receiving an advanced degree in Educational Leadership.

4-H Youth Development at UAPB

Teki K. Hunt

Teki K. Hunt is the Director of 4-H Youth Development at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Her involvement in 4-H began in elementary school as a memory of a 4-H in Jefferson County participating in public speaking, fashion, cooking, etc. Her background is in Child Development, with a BA in Child Development from Spelman College, and Special Education with a M.Ed. in Special Education from UGA. She has been an instructor in the Department of Human Sciences since 2012 and Director of 4-H Youth Development since 2015. 4-H curricula in health/nutrition, gardening, STEM, decision making and drug awareness and addiction prevention are presented in an experential learning environment promoting positive youth-adult partnerships.

Pastor Aaron Lee Johnson

Liberty Hill Baptist Church Pine Bluff, AR

Aaron Lee Johnson is the Pastor of the Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and also the full time resident chaplain for Millenbaugh, LLC dba Hospice Angels. He completed course work at North Central Theological Seminary obtaining the Bachelor of Theology. He has attended the Shiley Institute for Pallative Care at California State University enhancing his education pursuits in palliative care on a spiritual level. Pastor Johnson is a former licensed funeral director in the state of Arkansas, currently serving as the Chaplain for Brown Funeral Home.

On a local religious level he is currently serving as the fourth vice moderator of the St. Marion Baptist District leading out in youth and community affairs. Pastor Johnson is passionate about adding holistic and lifestyle changes not only on a spiritual level but also a practical level to ensure the growth and sustainability of the members of the community in which he serves.

Pastor Basil Joiner

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Bay, AR

Mary Catherine Liscinski, LPC

Mary Catherine Liscinski is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas with offices in Hot Springs and Sheridan. She completed a Masters' in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Henderson State University in 2011. Many of her graduate level courses were obtained from Richmont University (a Christian University in Atlanta, GA) and Denver Seminary in Colorado.

She went on to become a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor. Her own faith is very important in her life, and she strives to help clients who have that same desire, working through life's difficulties through a lens of faith in God, using sound psychological principles.

LifeWalk Professional Counseling, LLC

Candle Real Estate Group and Candle Media Group

Candle Lockett

Candle Lockett is a light in the areas of wealth building, real estate investing, and philanthropy. She is the CEO of Candle Real Estate Group and Candle Media Group in Atlanta, GA. A native of Chatanooga, Tennessee, she is a 3rd generation HBCU graduate of Fort Valley State University.

After graduating and teaching abroad, Candle obtained her real estate license and launched Candle Real Estate Group with Keller Williams. In less than 2 years in business, she exceled into the top 20% of her brokerage and into the top 20% of agents in Atlanta, GA which qualified her as one of Atlanta's Top Producers in Real Estate. Even after this achievement, her ambition did not stop.

International Medical Centers of Excellence, Inc.

Caribbean Healing Arts, Inc.

We Care & We Deliver, Inc.

Access for Life, Inc.

MyDoc, LLC

Dr. Roger A. Mason is a USA trained, double board-certified general and vascular surgeon who practiced surgery in Trinidad and Tobago from 2003-2009 and more recently in The Turks and Caicos Islands (2010). He currently maintains an active general and vascular surgical practice in Warren, Arkansas while participating in the activities of his healthcare companies. A graduate of Yale University and Yale Medical School, Dr. Mason completed his surgical residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center followed by a vascular surgery fellowship under Dr. Michael DeBakey at Baylor University Medical Center, Houston.

Zakiya Life Enhancement Arts Consultants (ZLEAC)

Hayse Miller

Hayse "Q" Miller has a Bachelor of Science in Education and is a Certified Prevention Consultant. Hayse serves as lead consultant for Zakiya Life Enhancement Arts Consultants (ZLEAC). Hayse provides assistance to communities in implementing pro-active approaches to reducing risk factors associated with violence, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Services training curricular development, community education, training and facilitation for both youth and adult leaders and assistance in program development and grant proposal writing. Hayse has over 25 years of experience in drug prevention, youth empowerment, grant proposal writing, violence prevention, community mobilization and program development.

Dr. John W. Miller

Director of Social Work Benedict College

Originally from Moncks Corner, SC, Dr. John W. Miller, Jr. is the Director of Social Work at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Dr. Miller was selected as the inaugural UALR Faculty Fellow from 2014-2016. In that role he led strategic campus initiatives focused primarily on faculty development and student success initiatives. Dr. Miller received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Experimental Psychology and his Master of Social Work degrees from the University of South Carolina. He earned his PhD in Social Work from The University of Tennessee. Dr. Miller's work has yielded a host of publications. Most recently, Dr. Miller has published his first textbook, African American Perspectives: Matters of Consideration for Social Work Practice.

J Mason Foundation

Jasmine Moore-Mason

Jasmine Moore-Mason is a native of Hampton, VA; however, she currently lives in Woodbridge, VA. Jasmine is a caseworker for a foster care agency in Alexandria, VA. Jasmine is a birth and bereavement doula in training.

Jasmine is a 2014 graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Jasmine is currently in graduate school at Walden University completing the Master of Social Work program with a concentration in children & families.

Jasmine is the founder of J. Mason Foundation LLC, created to assist expecting mothers and families in need. Jasmine created J. Mason Foundation in November 2018, after experiencing her second miscarriage. So far, Jasmine has assited over 60 families in 34 states.

Dr. Stacy Nakia Peebles, LCSW

Being Dr. Stacy

Dr. Stacy Nakia Peebles (Dr. Stacy), is a dedicated and motivated, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience providing services to individuals seeking support in navigating through life's challenges. Dr. Stacy's goal is to empower clients to make positive and informed decisions that will lead to a sense of well-being and serenity. Dr. Stacy takes a holistic approch to health care, with a focus on promoting a sense of self-love and empowering clients to live the meaningful life that they deserve.

Edward Jones Financial Advisor

April Pollard, CPRC

The cornerstone of everything she does is to give more than she asks for. April is a successful Financial Advisor and founder of Women Influencers, a rapidly growing organization that works to provide the space for women to connect and build deeper relationships. These relationships have proven to help entrepreneurs in both their personal and professional life.

While building two successful entities I have learned many ways that encourage success and sustainability. From emotional resilience in investing to growing your local credibility and
authority.

Althea Simpson, LCSW

CAMS-II, RPT-S, CSOTP Resident

Althea Simpson is the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Play Therapy Training. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator. Althea has a B.S. in Business Management, an MBA in Marketing, and an MSW in Organizational Leadership. Through her unique lens, she combines her Business Psychology Consulting experience and psychotherapy background to guide individuals, teams, and organizations to develop strategies that produce lasting results. Althea brings a strong yet devoted approach with a great sense of humor to her work as a clinical social worker, trainer and consultant.

Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions & Unicorn Life Play Therapy Training

Arkansas Relationship Counseling Center

Charlie Simpson, LFMT, LPC, MAP

Charlie Simpson has pursued his career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LFMT) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and provides therapy for couples, individuals, and families. Charlie currently resides in Bryant, AR and graduated from the University of Central Arkansas. After obtaining his bachelors in Psychology Charlie later attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and received his masters in Applied Psychology.

Charlie has worked in the mental health field for over 13 years and private practice for about 10 years. Charlie is the owner of the Arkansas Relationship Counseling Center which counsels over 300 couples per year. You can view Charlie on Fox 16 and past relationship expert for THV 11.

Charlie serves as the Marriage Ministry leader and the board of trustees for his church. Charlie embraces the concept of challenging the way we think to overcome the difficult challenges in our personal lives.

Dr. Justin Slaughter, BS, MeD, DPT

Slanguage Game Products, LLC

Dr Justin Slaughter is from Wynne, Arkansas and now lives in Houston, TX. Just attended the University of Arkansas to obtain his Undergrad Degree in Kinesiology and Master’s Degree in Business Management. Dr Slaughter was a member of the Razorback Football Team and maintained a 3.78 GPA. Later he went to the University of Central Arkansas to obtain his Doctorate in Physical Therapy! Dr. Slaughter enjoys sports, real estate, music (he DJs), and created a trademarked boardgame called What’s That Slang?

Occupancy Planner in Commercial Real Estate & Commercial Interior Designer

Sharifah Solomon-Pharr

Sharifah Pharr is an Occupancy Planner in Commercial Real Estate and a Commercial Interior Designer by trade and education. She currently works in Silicon Valley with tech clients to strategically plan the maximum use of real estate in their portfolio covering millions of square footage in leased spaces across multi building campuses.

Sharifah grew up in Berkeley, CA in the Lorin District submersed in an eclectic art scene surrounded by cultural centers promoting social justice, antique shops, an organic and natural international food market, family restaurants with various cuisines, and the Pacific Ocean.

Verizon Wireless

Samantha Stewart is a Business Account Manager with Verizon Wireless. Samantha received her BA in Marketing and minor in Psychology from U of A Little Rock in 2013.

She has a passion for people and small business owners. She uses her 13 years of technology experience to help small businesses across Arkansas. Samantha is also a leader in BNI Saline County Business Leaders and Women Influencers USA. She takes pride in building a community network of people and bridging the gap of connecting people together.

Linda Rowe Thomas

Romas by Linda Rowe Thomas

Linda Rowe Thomas is an award winning fashion designer, author, philanthropist, and motivational speaker who uses her own adversities to inspire others. After suffering from severe burns sustained in a house fire as a child, Linda has made it her mission to empower others to love themselves unconditionally. She founded her couture fashion brand Romas by Linda Rowe Thomas and later founded the Designing Hope Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization benefiting burn survivors and those with disabilities.

In addition to showing at over 10 Fashion weeks around the world, Linda is the first and only burn survivor to showcase on the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week Platform. Celebrity clientele includes: Erica Ash, actress from the hit STARZ series, Survivor's Remorse as well as other notable actresses, singers and professional athletes.

Kelisa Volson

Kelisa Gill Volson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with licensures for Georgia, Louisiana and is a registered telemental health provider for the state of Florida and an internationally Certified Anger Management Specialist that has extensive experience in the field of mental health. She is also a global Authenticity Coach/Speaker.

She is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Arts degree in General Counseling and Guidance, respectively. An expert in providing group and individual therapy, she has worked with children and adults from various ages and diverse backgrounds. Her experience ranges from working with agencies that provide supportive housing for those in transitional from homelessness with dual diagnosis, community counseling providing therapy in the homes and school settings, outpatient services for adults with severe and chronic mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and those that provide assessment for persons seeking to obtain disability and Social Security benefits.

Her passion is educating and inspiring change in the lives of others wherever they may be in their life’s journey.

Pastor Angela Walker

AW Divine Learning Center

Pastor, Television Personality, Radio Personality, Publish Author, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur and Musical Artist

Pastor Angela Walker exemplifies an individual truly on fire for the Lord. Her lively and vibrant personality reflects her strong passion to serve the people of God. Pastor Walker was licensed to preach the Gospel on February 5, 2005. In July of 2007 Pastor Walker was ordained as Co-Pastor of God’s House of Divine Revelation Church and after nearly three years of service as Co-Pastor, Pastor Walker was elevated in ministry and ordained as Pastor in June of 2010.

Pastor Walker is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the AW Divine Learning Center which aims to promote community development. Pastor Walker also oversees the operation of the “Feeding the Total Man” Food Pantry, which distributes fresh produce and nonperishable items on a weekly basis to members of Chicago’s Auburn-Gresham community.

Photographer, Education, Speaker

Big City meets small town girl from Cali, Chicago, and then Arkansas with nothing more than a passion, a purpose, a laptop and a vision to heal others. I’ve turned a hand-me-down pawnshop camera into a thriving digital business thats changing lives.

With her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, signature trainings and business approach, transformational podcast show Speak Life Conversations and national audience, I help people like you find balance & freedom through mental and emotional wellness, while cultivating the business and life you desire by backing it up with meaningful action that gets results.

Kimberly Ward

DC Department of Behavioral Health & Methods Therapy, LLC

Ms. Kimberly Ward is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker-Clinical in the state of Maryland. Also Ms. Ward is licensed in Washington, DC and Virginia on the clinical level. Ms. Ward has a background with working primarily in child welfare, as well as providing individual and family therapy with children, adolescents, and adults. A graduate from University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, she has been very passionate about providing work to children and families in the field.

Ms. Ward specializes in working with individuals who exhibits depression, anxiety, ADHD, challenges with self-esteem, trauma, and loss and grief. Ms. Ward does work from models of therapy such as CBT, Strengths Based, REBT, Basic EMDR, Solution Focused, and Problem Solving just to name a few. Ms. Ward also utilizes play therapy and mindfulness as other forms of intervention in work with clients.

TLW Yoga Studio

Tammy Ward has been an RCMP member for 23 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant after nine and a half years. Her career has allowed her to work in most of the communities in New Brunswick and as far North as Kimmirut in Nunavut. As a police office, she draws upon her lifelong experience in fitness and teaching to help deal with the stress of the job. Going for a run or stepping onto a yoga mat helps her process and release horrific events, such as the 2014 shootings in Moncton, and difficult losses. “Yoga keeps me grounded,” she says.

Yolanda West-Calvin

Arkansas Department of Health Public Educator

Infectious Disease Branch

Yolanda West-Calvin is one of the Public Health Educators in the Infectious Disease Branch at the Arkansas Department of Health. She holds a degree from the University of Central Arkansas with several years of experience in HIV/STD. Her experience consists of case management with HIV positives, linkage to care of HIV positives, and currently co-teaches the Voluntary Counseling and Testing class that is required to conduct rapid HIV tests in the state of Arkansas. Additionally, she serves as a community educator in HIV, STD’s , and Hep C, as well as, instrumental in planning the Ending the HIV Epidemic focus and listening groups across the state.

Kirra Williams

We Apply

Kirra Williams is the Founder and Executive Director of We Apply. She has always known that she wanted to make a difference in the community by working with youth and young adults in a nonprofit setting.

Kirra graduated as valedictorian from Hall Senior High School of Little Rock School District in 2008. She went on to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and graduated with her Bachelor's (2012) and Master's (2014) in Social Work.

Since graduation, Kirra has worked as a therapist and a college and career counselor. Kirra has experience working with severely mentally ill adults as well as youth and families in a school based setting. Kirra believes that her years as a therapist will aid her in helping students and parents create and achieve attainable goals to prepare students to prepare and apply for college.