Professional women from the community lead sessions to empower young women in areas of literacy, education, self-esteem, finding financial aid for college and much more...

	Christine Askew, Mental Health Specialist
	Carla Thomason
	Tiana Rollinson ,
Sista Victoria	"Sista Victoria" Straughn, Independent HIV/AIDS Educator & Community Advocate Victoria began her work in the medical field in 1978. She attended the University of Cincinnati and Southwestern College of Business and became a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant/Phlebotomist and currently works as an Independent HIV/AIDS Prevention Educator. During her years of service at University Hospital she became very active working on issues around diversity, cultural competency and institutional racism. Victoria is a dynamic motivational speaker and has organized several Town Halls, workshops and banquets designed to inform and call to action…
Annie Ruth	Annie Ruth, Author & Illustrator Annie Ruth is an award-winning visual artist, poet who has authored and illustrate numerous volumes of poetry, inspirational verse and children’s books. She is active within the community, leading causes that impact children, education, and literacy.
Monica Black	Monica Black, CPA Monica Black, CPA is a Regional Vice President with Primerica Financial Services. Monica is a graduate of Central State University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Toilynn O'Neal	Toilynn Oneal, Diversity Director, St. Ursula Academy & Owner, New American Art Gallery II Toilynn O’Neal works to promote and provide exposure for up-and-coming as well as established artists in the Tri-state region. She served as visual arts director for the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati for over 11 years and worked hard to improve programs—getting the community involved. For the past five years she has served as the Diversity Coordinator at St. Ursula Academy promoting the school’s mission of inclusion and support for cultural endeavors of our city. She is the owner of New American Art Gallery II in Tower Place Mall in downtown Cincinnati. Her motto is “promoting diversity through the arts”.
Tracy Wilson	Tracy Wilson, Director of Community Relations, Cincinnati Opera Fondly referred to by friends and colleagues as the "The Connection Lady," Tracy holds a genuine passion for people, resources, and bringing them together for the collective benefit of the community. A 21-year veteran of Cincinnati opera, Ms. Wilson is responsible for promoting and facilitating the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts among a broad spectrum of local communities. Tracy has produced and organized a number of community events and programs.
Arnice Smith	Arnice Smith, Children’s Librarian, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, College Hill Branch Arnice is the first Ohioan to receive the 2005 New York Times Librarian Award! She is one of 27 outstanding librarians out of 44,000 librarians across the United that was honored last year. Arnice talks about the importance of getting children to read at an early age, what books are appropriate, her secret in getting kids excited about reading and the relevance of libraries in the age of the internet…“I tell every child that I read a book to or tell a story to that my purpose as a children’s librarian is to plant a seed in their heads that will grow into a love of reading in their hearts.”
Annette Richardson	Annette Richardson, Holistic Personal Trainer & Motivational Speaker Annette Richardson is a motivational speaker, publicist, and holistic personal trainer. Her calling is to assist others in finding their true path to personal success. When it comes to promoting health and whole body well-being, both physically and mentally, Annette embodies the physical training and holistic healing that is her gift.
Lisa Mills	Lisa Mills, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist Dr. Mills is a clinical psychologist and Co-Director of the Harmony Garden. She is committed to partnering with the community with the goal of achieving and sustaining the health and wellness of all girls in our region.
Kathleen Burklow	Kathleen Burklow, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist Dr. Burklow is a clinical psychologist and Co-Director of the Harmony Garden. She is committed to partnering with the community with the goal of achieving and sustaining the health and wellness of all girls in our region.
Gail Bullard	Gail Bullard, MBA, CEO, Achieve Business Solutions Gail Bullard earned an MBA from Xavier University. Gail has over 20 years of experience in Healthcare and Software, Non-Profit board affiliations, and volunteer work for the community. Gail’s passion is empowering young ladies to fulfill their dreams!
Valarie Willis	Valarie Willis, Principal, Valarie Willis Consulting Valarie is an accomplished consultant, trainer, speaker, author, coach and designer of learning experiences. She is always able to rise to any business situation or challenge with humor and a clear commitment to helping people solve problems. Valarie holds an MBA from Xavier University and BA from Wilmington College. Valarie is the author of Words for Women, which has touched countless women throughout the region.
Bennyce Hamilton	Bennyce E. Hamilton, Firefighter/Paramedic and Professor Do you want to be happy and successful? There are a few things that you should know in order to make that happen. Bennyce knows first-hand. She currently works full-time as a firefighter for the Cincinnati Fire Department and is a professor at Cincinnati State Technical & Community College. She is one of few female firefighters for the City of Cincinnati. She has spent over 15 years working as a firefighter and paramedic. She realized she wanted to make a difference in the classroom: "I was tired of talking about things I didn’t like with the public school system and I decided the only way to do something about it is to get right in there and do it." In addition to all that she does, Bennyce serves as a mentor.
Anita Burke	Anita W. Burke, Educator and Sports Coach, CPS Coach Anita Burke is physical education teacher and has spent over 30 years educating youths. She is also a guardian angel to numerous inner-city girls pursuing athletics in Cincinnati. Coach Burke spent her basketball playing days as a star guard for Hughes High School before lettering at the University of Cincinnati. Burke was also a head coach at the now-defunct CAPE High School (1985-90); Walnut Hills High School (91-96), and presently Hughes (1996 – present) Burke was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Basketball High School Hall of Fame in May 2000 and was Leading Woman for Sports in 2003. She also coaches girl’s Volleyball at Hughes Center and was recently honored as S.O.P.L. American Division Coach of the Year.
Iris Roley	Iris Roley, Owner of RoSho Awards & Graphics A community organizer who loves her community unselfishly.
	Candace Alexander , Health Educator
	Theresa Coleman, RN, MSN, FNP-C
Tyree Gaines	Tyree Gaines, Assistant Director, Retention ad Recruitment, Roger Bacon High School Tyree is an eduator, motivator, and innovator. She is committed to helping students of all ages and their parents reach educational and occupational goals. Previously Tyree served as the Pride Grant Coordinator for the University of Cincinnati. Tyree Gaines says she had a tough childhood. By seventh grade she knew that the only way to transcend her situation and achieve her greatest potential rested on attaining a college education. “I was the first person to graduate from college in my family. That says a lot. So I know what its like to be a first-generation college student and it’s not easy. Tyree is here to help….