The Essence of Sisterhood Summit Panelists
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Joi Francis-Johnson
Joi Francis-Johnson is the first President of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Beta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. An esteemed member since September 2007.
A native of Newark, NJ, Joi completed her undergraduate education at Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice where she obtained a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. She was awarded a second Bachelors of Science in Sociology while at Rutgers University. While attending Rutgers University, Joi was the acting President of the University College Student Government from September 2008 to May 2010. In December 2010, Joi led this organization to win an award for excellence in Haiti Relief. She was also awarded the James Creadle Award for Outstanding Community Service for her on and off campus service. Currently, Joi is pursuing her Masters Degree in Criminal Justice at Boston University – Metropolitan College.
On July 7, 2011, Joi was married to Minister Carla Johnson of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement in a small ceremony in Washington, DC. True to the purpose of this organization, Joi continues to strive for excellence by giving back to her community in abundance. She was recently asked to speak at a panel discussion offered by HRC to lgbt youth from historically black colleges and universities. A proponent of education, Joi believes deeply in pursuing any educational goal despite the magnitude.
Nayvette G. Fowlkes
Nayvette G. Fowlkes is the Founder and President of Bringing On New Direction (BOND) Inc. Their mission is to uplift, motivate and empower women of color to reach their highest potential. This thriving organization provides support and resources to its members, supporters and to the community. Since 2004 BOND Inc has grown into a household name and continues to serve women throughout the Baltimore, DC metropolitan area and surrounding cities. It’s clear to so many of those who’ve come in contact with Nayvette that she has a big heart for women, in particularly women of color and spends much of her time and efforts tirelessly empowering women in many areas of their life.
Ms. Fowlkes currently resides in Virginia but calls Baltimore, Maryland home. She is a product of the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Ms. Fowlkes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morgan State University and a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology from Texas A & M.
Nayvette is the daughter of a Pentecostal preacher, which means that God plays a very important role in her life. Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, reading, marketing and networking with others.
Myra Roach
Myra R. Roach is a member of the Circle of Self Love (COSL) Club in which the president and CEO of the organization is Ms. Keytah Murray.
Myra joined the COSL Club in 2012 and professes that from the moment she was introduced to the organization, the members made her feel welcomed and she knew that this was the organization for her. She feels that they have helped her in so many different ways. Not only has she gained a sisterhood with the women of the group, but they have also shown her that you can be a part of something without the judgments and drama that come with everyday women. Myra’s self-esteem has blossomed, as well as her confidence, and she owes this all to her lovely COSL sisters whom she thanks and loves deeply.
Myra is a native of Toledo, Ohio; she is an only child adopted by two. She studied Secretarial Administration at Davis Business College. In her free time, she loves to read as well as model. She has been told that she is a white girl in a black woman’s body because she loves to listen to 70’s and 80’s rock music. She also loves doing anything that motivates and empowers the African community as well as the African American woman.
Denai "B-Fly" Nixon
Now residing in the city of charm, B-FLY is originally from Los Angeles CA. Born a big dreamer she moved from LA to Atlanta immediately following her high school graduation. While attending Clark Atlanta University, she fully embraced her love for hip-hop culture and began the shaping of her future career as a songwriter and entrepreneur. Once moving to Baltimore, she became gainfully employed with The Framin Place. In 2005 she purchased the business from her employers, and changed the 20 year old business name, making BeFRAMED the largest seller of Fine African American Art in Maryland, Black Owned and operated. With over 15 years experience in the custom framing industry, B-FLY is a dedicated artist and conservationist of rare Black Art.
Mothyna James-Brightful
“A Nation can rise no higher than it’s woman,” a quote by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad edifies the passionate belief that Mothyna James-Brightful has in her mission to work with women and girls to build upon the quality of their lives and thus that of their families and communities.
She has honored speaking requests at numerous conferences, community programs and schools. Sister Mothyna enjoys serving as a consultant and coach for community organizations that serve women and girls. Mrs. James-Brightful holds a Bachelors Degree in Journalism from Morgan State University and a Masters in Human Service Administration from The University of Baltimore. In recognition of her works, she has appeared in publications such as Black College Today, Ebony, Trends Magazine, Be What I Want to Be Magazine and The Afro-American Newspapers.
In addition to her commitment to her community, Sister Mothyna currently works as a Director for Community Education and Training with TurnAround Inc. a non-profit that works with victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Sister Mothyna is the Co-founder and Visionary Director of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation, Inc. She currently speaks to over 5000 individuals annually. Sister Mothyna has worked with women and girls for over 10 years and has spent the last 7 years educating communities of issues of sexual violence.
Meko Taylor
Meko Taylor has been a proud member of Omicron Epsilon Pi Sorority Inc. since 2006. Leading fundraisers, organizing pride events with Orlando Black Pride and serving our community in sisterly love.
Meko has also been in the television industry for 17 years as one of the few African America female television directors in the country; directing several national morning shows & entertainment shows; including "The Daily Buzz" that aired in over 45 major markets on the WB, NBC's talk show iVillage Live and Wake Up with Al Roker on The Weather Channel.
Melissa V. Victor
Melissa Victor is a 21 year old recent graduate from The Catholic University of America with her Bachelors of Music for Musical Theater where she served as the 2011-2012 chapter president of the Iota Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Melissa is a working performer in the DMV area, and is currently in a production of "The Color Purple" at Toby's Dinner Theater. Melissa's passion for the arts has allowed her to share her gifts with the youth in Baltimore City as a teaching artist for local workshops, summer camps and different projects.
Meet the Organizers
Cheryl Allen
Cheryl Allen is an Entrepreneur, Publicist, and Organizer/Founder of the Networking Group, "A Sista's Circle Networking." For the past Five (5) years, Cheryl’s Passion and Purpose is to “Empower and Inspire Women through the Power of Networking,” with Health and Wellness, Personal Development, and Life Coaching Resources.
With expertise in the fields of Marketing, Non-Profit and Public Relations, Cheryl also works Part-time as a Publicist for Thomas Creations Publishing. Cheryl Markets "New" up and coming Authors in the Metro Maryland, D.C. and Virginia areas.
As a small business owner, Founder and Organizer of a Community Networking Group, Cheryl serves the Community in a beneficial way by Marketing, Event Planning, and Managing well know Special Events including: Meetings, Trainings, Book Signings (Meet and Greet) Readings, Speaking Engagements, Lectures, Workshops and Seminars for local businesses and organizations. Working and serving the Community not only makes a difference by helping others, it establishes partnerships, and builds relationships with Businesses and “Community” Organizations.
“Working on various Community projects with Community Leaders, Businesses, and Organizations gives me much pride in knowing that I make a difference by helping others.”
Meet Our Panelists
Sherie N. Brooks
Sherie Brooks is a proud member of Delta Rho Sorority, Inc. in which she crossed the burning sands Fall 2010. She is the Eastern Region Rep and the Delta Zeta Chapter Rep for Delta Rho Sorority, Inc and a member of the CHOICES committee (teen pregnancy education program).
As a teen mother, Sherie knows firsthand the struggles and decisions that teen mothers have to face. Sherie educates teens about making positive sexual choices and the safest form of sex, abstinence. Sherie uses her own personal experiences to deglamourize teen pregnancy in hopes that society will begin to view teen pregnancy as a consequence of unprotected sexual activity, which can also lead to sexually transmitted diseases, some which are incurable. Not to mention one in four girls have at least one sexually transmitted disease and the rate in African American girls is one in two. This statistic alone should motivate one to join in on a winnable battle and educate our young girls and boys about the consequences of unsafe sexual behaviors.
Sherie has been happily married for over 16 years and has 4 boys and a granddaughter. Her last pregnancy resulted in her twin boys being born at 33 weeks and being on respirators in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit); not fully understanding what was going on, Sherie developed an interest in Respiratory Therapy in which she subsequently obtained her Associates in Respiratory Therapist.
Sherie currently works as a Respiratory Therapist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In this role, Sherie works with children and teens on a daily basis who often times have preventable hospitalizations. Advocating for children, Sherie is passionate that education and support can help children live healthier lives.
Renee P. Goldsby EllisR
If not eradicating Domestic Violence as an Advocate; Ms. Goldsby Ellis empowers youth through positive relationships and motivates them to make conscientious decisions that will allow them to advance into womanhood with self confidence and a positive outlook on life. Publicly speaking on issues related to women empowerment, domestic/teen dating violence and sexual assault; Ms. Goldsby Ellis continues to advocate for women and teens from one generation to the next.
Ms. Goldsby Ellis holds a Master of Nonprofit Management and is the founder/president of Black Women of Essence, Inc (1999). Fulfilling her passion of social services and law, by day Ms. Goldsby Ellis is a Domestic Violence Legal Advocate at a nonprofit organization in Harford County, Maryland. As a Domestic Violence Advocate, Ms. Goldsby Ellis inspires women on a daily basis rather it is through legally advocating for them to obtain protection from their abuser or if it’s crisis counseling and safety planning with a victim to ensure they remain safe within their relationship.
She is also the visionary behind C.H.E.R.Y.L’s Survivors (www.cherylsurvivors.com) a support group for victims and survivors of Domestic Violence. C.H.E.R.Y.L. (Courageously Honoring Every Resilient Young Lady) is named after Cheryl Renee Goldsby, a victim (Ms. Goldsby Ellis’ mother) of domestic violence who was murdered on January 12, 2000. Ms. Goldsby Ellis (daughter of Cheryl) felt the need to create an atmosphere for women to express themselves and lean on one another for support, guidance and hope.
Sisterhood Summit