Lynn Argenbright

Bio...

Gloria Bowles-Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Gloria Bowles-Johnson serves as an obstetrician-gynecologist in Washington, District of Columbia and is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She practices general obstetrics/gynecology with interest in fibroid management both medical and surgical, abnormal uterine bleeding, minimal invasive surgery and vaginal surgery for prolapse, urinary incontinence.

She was trained at Harvard University school of medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital in Obstetrics/Gynecology. Receiving her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, she has been in practice for more than 20 years. She served as an active duty Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy at Bethesda Naval Hospital from 1993 to 1996.

More recently, Dr. Bowles-Johnson became board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is currently a member of ABOG as a board examiner for the last 15 years. She was also honored as a Top Doctor by the Washingtonian in 2015-2020 for the Ob/Gyn specialty.

Today, Dr. Bowles-Johnson enjoys teaching the next generation of doctors as an associate professor in obstetrics/gynecology through Georgetown University Medical School.

Dr. La Keita D. Carter

A licensed psychologist in Maryland, specializesin trauma,sexualwellness and relationships, addictions, women’s issues, and cultural barriers to treatment. A native Baltimorean, Dr. Carter completed her bachelor's degree at Temple University (magna cum laude) as well as master's and doctoral degrees at Loyola University Maryland. Aside from being a licensed psychologist, she is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and licensed clinical alcohol & drug counselor (LCADC) in Maryland.

Dr. Carter is the owner and CEO of the Institute for HEALing, LLC (iHEAL), an award-winning, nationally-accredited wellness agency based in Owings Mills, MD thatspecializesin the treatment of mental health disorders in children, teens, and adults. In addition to her practice, she teaches psychology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Affectionately known as "Dr. C" by her patients and graduate students, she has authored three psychology textbooks and regularly writes articles related to sexual health,wellness, and relationshipsin her Psychology Today column, InsideIntimacy.

Over the past two years, she was recognized as one of Maryland’sMostAdmired CEOs,Maryland’s Top 100 Women (in 2021 and 2023), and Top 40 under 40 by The Daily Record and a Leader in Diversity by The Baltimore Business Journal. She has been featured guest discussing mental health topics in media outletslike The Afro, Fox45, WBAL,NewYork Times, Washington Post, WJZ13, and Baltimore Sun.

With love for her community being a driving force behind her work, she volunteers her time as a member of the Board of Directors for Pro Bono Counseling as well asthe Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the Black MentalHealth Alliance, Inc. She holdsthe office of Secretary on the Board of Deacons at Providence Baptist Church aswell aschaplain of one of the church’s oldestclubs.

A 23-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., our nation’s oldest historically Black Greek-letter organization, Dr. Carter was initiated in Delta Mu chapter at Temple University. She is an active member in Rho Xi Omega chapter (Baltimore, MD) where she currently serves as the Mental Health Committee Chairman, Technology Committee Chairman, and External Awards Committee Co-chairman.

She is married to Jarrett Carter, Sr., and they have fourchildrenwho range in age from 5-14. She enjoys exercising (lifting and cycling), baking, cooking, traveling, home decorating, and watching movies. She reserves Sundays, her favorite day of the week, for faith, family, and fun, which includes baking herweekly loaf of bread.

Sherry Curry

Sherry Curry joined Fulton Bank in May of 2021 as a Business Development Officer in Baltimore. She has over 13 years experience. In this role, Sherry identifies, acquires, and expands relationships with small, woman owned, and minority businesses in the community.

Specifically, Sherry educates and builds relationships to help guide business owners with all of their financial needs and goals, and she works closely with internal and community partners to be a resource for them along the way.

Glenna Cush

Glenna Cush is a 35-year veteran of the small business and economic development community. She is currently the director of marketing for the Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) at the University of Maryland, College Park—a position she has held for 20 years. Ms. Cush is also an instructor, mentor, consultant, and subject matter expert for the Baltimore Metropolitan Women's Business Center (BaltMetroWBC) and serves on the professional development and marketing committees for the National Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). She is a small business owner and serves on the board of the Forward Women Leadership Forum (FWLF) and the leadership committee of The 3rd, a non-profit organization providing mentorship, training and support to businesses owned and operated by women of color.

Iris Drayton-Spann

Iris serves as a Managing Director at Stanton Chase in Washington, D.C. and has years of experience from for-profit to nonprofit organizations specializing in for-profit and nonprofit organization executive placements, commercial and public media executive placements and human resource executive placements. She also engages in board placements, diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting, and executive coaching for clients.

Prior to joining Stanton Chase, Iris was Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer at WETA TV, one of the largest-producing stations of new content for public television in the United States. While at WETA, Iris developed a strategic human resources function that supported WETA’s business strategy, aligning policy and programs with the organization’s strategic plan, mission, values, and culture. As a member of the senior leadership team, Iris promoted positive employee relations, addressing all aspects of human capital strategy and operations including diversity, equity, and inclusion; talent development; employee relations; culture-building; and innovation. At WETA, Iris also created and led the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council.

Iris has a Master’s from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Howard University. Iris holds certifications from the Society of Human Resource Management, the Human Resources Certification Institute, and The Society for Diversity as a Certified Diversity Executive. She is a member of the National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC); a member of Mercer/Marsh Women’s Executive Leadership Group; and is a volunteer member of the board and is current Chair for New Endeavors by Women. In 2019 and in 2021, DCA Live honored Iris as one of the 25 HR Leaders of the Year in the Washington, D.C. region. She was also named to Mogul’s Top 100 DEI Leaders of 2021. Most recently Iris was featured as one of the Top 10 Most Influential D&I Leaders of the Year 2022, by CIO Views Magazine.

Hennither Gant

Hennither Bianca Gant is a human resources expert and entrepreneur with almost 20 years of experience. She is a superb problem solver for clients in the private, nonprofit, and governmental sectors. As the founder of Career Image Solutions, she works on behalf of large companies as well as for individuals seeking advancement in the workplace. Whether the need is employment compliance or diversity training, recruitment or workforce development, Hennither is the go-to person known for her expertise and common-sense approach to problem-solving. Her enthusiasm for cultivating talent in the workplace makes her a sought-after panelist, trainer, and keynoter.

“The best approach for any employer is to anticipate and set up strategies to mitigate people's problems,” says Gant. “The reality is that recruitment, hiring, employment, and firings are intrinsically tricky. You’re dealing with people who bring personal issues and different characteristics into the workplace.

“No matter how carefully you plan and develop procedures, problems will arise. It’s important that you solve the problems as quickly and fairly as possible.”

Donna Greene

Donna Greene is a Vice President at Wells Fargo serving as a Senior Business Growth Strategy Consultant for the Home Lending Diverse Segments group. Acting as a diverse segment subject matter expert in this role, Donna works through internal and external partnerships and strategic alliances to advance homeownership, serving diverse customers and underserved communities. She is responsible for a disciplined approach developing and executing strategies focused on helping households successfully achieve and sustain the dream of homeownership.

Donna Greene joined Wells Fargo in 2003 bringing with her over 35 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, she worked with a mortgage corporation managing mortgage production for the City of Los Angeles and the South Bay District. Donna has held a variety of progressive leadership positions including District Manager, Branch Manager, and Real Estate Mortgage Manager. She is a direct endorsement underwriter for FHA and has automatic approval for VA.

As a valued industry and community partner, she is a member of several real estate trade associations and has served on the board of several non-profits focused on homeownership and homeownership preservation. Donna dedicates her career and personal life to advancing sustainable Homeownership.

NaTasha Hornton

NaTasha Horton is currently a Senior Vice-President, Regional Community Development Manager at Truist Bank formerly SunTrust Bank. NaTasha is a graduate of The University of Phoenix, where she received her MBA in Business Management with a minor in Human Resource Management. NaTasha has over 26 years of banking experience and has held various leadership roles within the bank. NaTasha is a native of Baltimore with extensive ties to the community. She is responsible for leading community reinvestment and development programs across the State to include specific programs and initiatives focused on affordable housing, small business, workforce development, and community development outreach. She represents Truist across the State of Maryland on various boards and committees to include: Executive Alliance, Forward Women’s Leadership Forum, Morgan State University EDAC, University of Maryland’s Patient Program, and her membership with the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. NaTasha has previously served on several boards in Maryland including the Baltimore City Workforce Board (appointed by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake) and The Baltimore County Commission for Women under former Baltimore County Executive, Kevin Kamenetz. Also, NaTasha is a Board pipeline member of the Associated Black Charities. In 2014, she was awarded one of Baltimore’s top honors of being named Baltimore Business Journal “Top 40 under 40”.

Jeniece Jones

Jeniece Jones, MPA, JD joined the Public Justice Center as Executive Director in January 2022. She has been a champion for social and economic justice and anti-racism throughout her career as a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, attorney, educator, and volunteer. Most recently, Jeniece was Executive Director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Greater Cincinnati, where she led a team in advocating to eliminate unlawful discrimination in housing and promoting stable, integrated communities. She has also led Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati (a community fund focused on building awareness of and fundraising for local social, economic, and environmental justice causes); worked as an attorney dealing with civil matters; and taught courses in nonprofit law, strategic planning, and best practices to students in Northern Kentucky University’s Master of Public Administration program. Jeniece served on boards of organizations working to create an affordable housing trust fund for Cincinnati, helping to resolve landlord-tenant issues, fighting to reduce infant mortality, and advocating on behalf of human services providers in Hamilton County, Ohio.

She has been honored for her contributions to social justice by the Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus and with the Cincinnati Bar Association’s Academy of Leadership for Lawyers Fellowship. In 2021, the National Council of Negro Women, Cincinnati Section, saluted her efforts in the advancement of racial justice.

Jeniece earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from West Virginia University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University, and a Juris Doctorate in Law from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky.

Geri McCarter

Geri McCarter affectionately known as Coach G is a leader, mentor, and advocate to youth. Born in Baltimore, MD and graduated from Thee Coppin State University with honors earning a B.S. in History.

In 2017 Coach G was featured in Sundance, AFI, and NAACP award winning documentary STEP earning her choreography credits with Elle Magazine, Vogue Magazine, New York Times, and LA Times, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Essence festival, New York City College signing day where she had the opportunity to choreograph a private performance for the former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama and a host of many other choreography credits.

She is the founder and Executive Director of Coach G Academy, Inc. Baltimores Preeminent mentoring program and the home of Baltimore's First and Only Citywide Step team. She is the definition of your life’s purpose greater than your circumstances. Having the gift of gab she has been able to secure over 20k in unrestricted funds for her organization. Pitching has become a lucrative way to fund her passion and wants to give that gift back to others.

Angel King-Wilson

Angel King Wilson is a professor, entrepreneur, activist, and author of "Am I Doing This Right?". In 2022, she received the Maryland Independent Artists Award. Wilson is the co-director of the award-winning film, "Hiding in the Walls," which has been featured in several film festivals, including the Black Girls Rock Film Fest. Her book and film have been taught at schools and universities, including Morgan State University, Towson University, and West Virginia Wesleyan College. She is an Adjunct English Professor at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) and County Community of Baltimore County (CCBC). Wilson is the founder and chief executive officer of Silent Books Publishing (SBP), a self-publishing company for aspiring authors. Under her leadership, she and her team have successfully assisted with various publications. Angel King Wilson is a Baltimore native and is committed to giving back to the city in the efforts of her work.

Raven Paris

Raven Paris is a dynamic millennial wife, Communications Strategist, and a true champion for empowerment. As the founder of the CEO Empowerment Network Non Profit, Raven's mission is to serve underserved 10-19 year olds in Baltimore City through tuition-free courses, providing them with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty.

She is also the brains behind CEO's Evolve Studios, the DMV's first content creation co-working space. This innovative concept allows entrepreneurs and creatives to collaborate and bring their visions to life. In addition, Raven is the founder of CEO's Evolve Marketing Agency, where she has changed the game by helping over 300 entrepreneurs develop 5-figure plus brands.

Raven's diverse background showcases her multifaceted abilities. She was the first female African American Field Producer for TMZ in NY, NY, where she had the opportunity to interview over 200 powerhouses, including influential figures like Oprah, Omari Hardwick, and Tyler Perry. Her expertise extends to working with renowned organizations such as Radio One, Facebook, Baltimore City Public and County Schools, Deleon Tequila, BET, and John Hopkins.

Beyond her impressive professional achievements, Raven is also an author, educator, speaker, and host. Her book, "The Game Changer: Start-up Kit to Become or Sustain Entrepreneurship," is a testament to her passion for empowering others.

Raven's dedication to making a difference in her community and her unwavering commitment to helping entrepreneurs thrive is what sets her apart. With her infectious energy and wealth of experience, Raven Paris is truly a force to be reckoned with. To learn more about Raven and her incredible work, visit www.TheRavenParis.com.

Ciera Parks

Ciera Parks has over 15 years of experience focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, having worked in higher education, manufacturing, non-profit, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and technology industries. Ciera is an HR Strategic Consultant and DEI Trainer, specializing in talent and organizational development.

Ciera supports her clients by offering customized service plans for introducing or enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within an organization. Her DEI wheelhouse includes training, focus groups, coaching, employee resource group development, impactful programming, advocacy conversations and creating policies and practices that embody equity and inclusiveness. Working within organizational structures, she helps drive change initiatives that are progressive, yet sustainable. Her expertise in building organizations and developing people, delivers measurable results. Ciera helps organizations discover how they can maximize their operation, by developing the talent they have.

Ciera partners with several organizations to increase dialogue around diversity, equity and inclusion. Some of her notable training clients include Microsoft, The Carter Center, Maryland Public Television, General Dynamics, and the US Pentagon.

She's currently the Director of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the Chesapeake Human Resources Association, Board Chair for Progressive Steps Incorporated and volunteers with the Greater Baltimore Urban League, helping youth chart a path to college through training and mentorship. Ciera’s commitment to inclusive environments has gotten her elected to the board of two Amazon affinity groups: the Black Employee Network (BEN), as Community Involvement Director for her commitment to community outreach, and Glamazon (LGBTQ Affinity Group), as Professional Development Chair for her commitment to skill and leadership development for all diverse populations.

Michelle Petties

Michelle Petties is a writer, speaker, food addict in recovery, Food Story coach, author of an award-winning memoir, Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict, and host of Get the Back Story Live, which airs monthly on the SORC® TV-Radio Network. Her memoir, a category winner in The 2022 Memoir Prize for Books, illustrates how events, experiences, and memories inform our beliefs, attitudes, and habits around food, eating, hunger, and everything else in life. For years, Michelle worked in a fast-paced, high-pressure corporate world, as a top performer for the most influential brands in media, including Radio One and Disney/ABC. Finally, the highly stressful and competitive media and advertising space took its toll on her mental and physical health. Looking at her today, you would never guess that Michelle used to be morbidly obese, once tipping the scale at 260 plus pounds. After gaining and losing over seven hundred pounds, she finally discovered the “secret” to winning the battle between her mind, body, and hunger – her “Food Stories.” Michelle now conducts healing-through-reading-writing-and-storytelling workshops where she teaches others how to find their food and personal truths. She speaks to organizations, large and small, sharing her unique insight and her story of hope, healing, triumph, and transformation.

Company: Brand New Now Press, Owner

Website: MichellePetties.com and MichellePettiesSpeaks.com

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Nikia Pratt

Nikia Pratt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience serving the youths and families of Baltimore City’s foster care system. Not only is she a successful social worker, but Nikia is also a wife, mother of five children, #1 international best-selling author, an international motivational speaker, a "Moach", and the founder and CEO of To Know Thy Self LLC.

Nikia’s career has earned her the pleasure of being featured in magazines such as Divine Purpose, Canvas Rebel, and Powerhouse Speakers and Coaches (alongside Lisa Nichols, Dr. Cheryl Wood, Gloria Mayfield-Banks, and Trent Shelton). She has also been a guest on a plethora of radio and podcast shows such as, The Happy Entrepreneur Show, She is a Nourished Mom podcast, WHUR 96.3 radio show and CUTV radio show where she gained the endorsement of celebrity host, Doug Llewelyn (creator of the hit show “Judge Judy”).

As a mompreneur, Nikia is familiar with the complexities of balancing it all.

Nikia’s personal and professional journey has led her to educate mothers on how to maintain a healthy balance between work life, family life, and mindfulness. Her life experience, career, and educational training have equipped her with the skills required to position all mothers to know who they are, align with their purpose, operate at their maximum potential, and live a life of abundance. To Know Thy Self’s motto is “Knowing who you are is the roadmap to life”.

Melissa Reaktenwalt

As the Founder and CEO of EViE Financial, a comprehensive financial planning and wealth management firm, Melissa has helped clients across the country improve their financial understanding, make strategic money moves, and invest for their future. This session combines her nearly two decades of experience in the investment world with realistic, bite-sized steps to take charge of your money. From understanding the basics of investing to navigating potential challenges, this session aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a leader in the world of wealth management and connect with like-minded women on the path to financial empowerment. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, this session is sure to boost your financial know-how.

Erica M. Roberts

Erica M. Roberts is a decorated executive, business owner, and certified coach and trainer with a passion for unlocking the potential of individuals in the realms of career success and entrepreneurship. With an illustrious career as a federal government executive, Erica has amassed a renowned portfolio of organizational development solutions. Erica is widely recognized for her transformative work in improving the organizational culture and practices of government agencies, and she was approved for Senior Executive Service by the Office of Personnel Management in 2018. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing comprehensive career development programs.

Driven by her commitment to broaden her impact, Erica founded X Is Possible LLC, a boutique consultancy specializing in organizational effectiveness and professional development. Through X Is Possible, she provides executive and career coaching, leadership development, nonprofit capacity building, and management consulting services. With over 20 years of experience leading change and delivering results, Erica empowers clients towards professional growth, focusing on C-Suite executives and middle to senior management. In 2019, she launched the E-Suite Academy, enabling career women to embark on their professional journeys, whether through career advancement, change, or entrepreneurship. X Is Possible expanded its offerings in 2023, introducing the 90-Day Exec program for nonprofit Executive Directors and Future Focused Now for aspiring government leaders.

Erica holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Florida A&M University. She is a Certified Professional and Executive Coach, as well as a Project Management Professional. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Pathways To Excellence, Inc., a Maryland-based nonprofit. Erica also served as a member of the National Black MBA Association's National Advisory Council, and was the Founder and Interim President of the Greater Maryland Chapter. Active in her community, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Ericka Sallee

Ericka Sallee is an experienced and highly sought-after coach, speaker, and self-help author who specializes in assisting women and organizations break through the barriers that hold them back from achieving success. With her personal coaching and professional-development programs, Ericka provides her clients with the strategies they need to identify and overcome the obstacles that are preventing them from living purposeful and fulfilled lives.

She has served as moderator, expert panelist and workshop facilitator for three consecutive years for the Women’s Leadership Forum hosted by Maryland Public Television (MPT) and served as co-host for MPT’s on-air pledge drives. Ericka has also served as virtual emcee for the Pittsburg-based Professional Women’s Network (PWN) annual women’s conference. As a guest on multiple podcasts, delivering various keynote addresses and managing her diverse client base, she uses her voice to create transformation.

Ericka firmly believes in the importance of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being when it comes to achieving your full potential. As a result, she incorporates self-care and wellness into her coaching services, providing a holistic approach to personal growth and development.

Ericka's education, history in the corporate environment, and life experiences have all contributed to her ability to develop the tools and methods she shares with her clients. As a divorcée, she understands the unique challenges that women face and has added this knowledge to her tool kit to better help women seek and enjoy their best lives.

Monique Smith

Energetic, engaging, dynamic, inspiring, and industrious are just a few adjectives that capsulate this phenomenal woman. S. Monique Smith reared in Baltimore, Maryland, received her formal education from the Baltimore City Public School System. She holds numerous certificates and certifications in various disciplines. Ms. Smith is a full-time student of life, and prides herself in being a lifetime learner. Armed with undeniable wit, charm and personality, she has faced numerous challenges and overcome tremendous obstacles throughout her life. To her credit, Ms. Smith has only used them as motivators while carving out her place in the world as a savvy business woman, a prolific entrepreneur, and most recently added to her long list of achievements Ms. Smith is an accomplished author. There are certainly multiple dimensions to this woman and they are constantly unfolding, however amidst all her accomplishments the one that resonates and remains a constant in her life is that of “Mother.” As a mother, she wants nothing but happiness and a “real legacy” for her four beautiful children. Ms. Smith has often said that her children are her reason for breathing. She manages to balance both the role of motherhood and professional with finesse and her own unique style. But it doesn’t end there. Ms. Smith is an involved parent, a mentor to many, a philanthropist and an activist.