Elevate H.E.R.: Honoring Her Journey, Shaping Her Wings

Anita Walker
President, Anita’s Harmony LLC

“From an early age, my mother instilled in me the importance of hard work, resilience, and kindness. She led by example, demonstrating how to face challenges with grace and determination. Whether it was through her encouragement during my academic journey, her patience in teaching me life skills, or her ability to turn setbacks into learning experiences, she consistently guided me with love and wisdom.”

“As the owner of Anita’s Harmony, I see a world where communities are reunited as a village. Individuals to help one another and make positive changes. I believe the community needs God-fearing, positive people to show the next generation how to become positive role models for the future.”

Erica Richardson
Senior Program Manager, American Red Cross

“I was fortunate in one of my previous roles to have supervisor who was more than just my manager, she was a mentor as well. Tessa Lovro was my supervisor when I was a first-time manager. She helped me to get more comfortable with seeking feedback about myself as well as providing it constructively to others. I would previously avoid conflict, but she gave me tips on how to lean into it and focus on the actions and not making it personal.”

Erica was born and raised in Georgia, though has resided in Baltimore, Maryland for the last 15 years. Her life journey has always involved acts of service whether it was personal or professional. She just recently celebrated 9 years of working at the American Red Cross. Her various roles there have allowed her to travel to many cities around the country to help those affected by disasters. When she is not serving in her professional role, she serves in her personal life as the Vice President of the Ladies of Vision Enterprise (L.O.V.E.). The group hosts different events like bus trips, dances, and raffles to raise money for charities in Baltimore.

Roxie Icon
CEO, LUX10SKYN

“While I haven’t had a formal mentor, I’ve encountered many individuals and experiences that have significantly shaped my journey. The most impactful moments come from my interactions with clients. Their stories and aspirations inspire me to continually learn and grow—not just for myself, but to better serve them. These shared experiences fuel my passion and commitment to the art of esthetics, driving me to elevate both my skills and their confidence.”

Roxie Icon is a highly regarded esthetician with 10 years of experience, specializing in pro-aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne treatments. Her journey into the beauty industry began at Baltimore’s School of Massage, where she was inspired to shift from a successful career as a freelance makeup artist to skincare after a transformative makeup session ignited her passion for esthetics. In 2018, Roxie founded “LUX10Skyn,” where she fosters a culture centered on learning and self-acceptance. Her story embodies the power of self-belief and highlights her mission to empower others to feel confident in their own skin.

Jenny Nguyen
Miss District of Columbia Mission, Miss Mission USA

“The first time I volunteered for a pageant, I never imagined myself on stage. One day, the pageant director sat down with me and told me she believed in me—that I had the potential to grow, lead, and inspire others. Her words gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and embrace something I had never considered before. Now, through pageantry, I empower and mentor other women to take that same leap of faith. I help them see that pageants are not just about appearances, but about personal growth, confidence, and leadership. I guide them through the process, offering encouragement, advice, and support so they, too, can find their voice and strength on stage. Seeing them grow into empowered, self-assured women reminds me of the impact mentorship can have, just as my director’s belief in me changed my own path.”

Jenny Nguyen is the Program Specialist for Southeast Asia at the U.S. Institute of Peace, where she works on the Vietnam War Legacies and Reconciliation Initiative. She is the founder of MentorSHIP: Sailing to Success, an initiative promoting the transformative power of mentorship through Awareness, Advocacy, and Action. Jenny also serves on the Girls on the Run Montgomery County Young Professionals Advisory Council and is a dedicated volunteer for MENTOR MD|DC, Liberty’s Promise, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. She previously served as President and Board Chair of the National Association of Asian American Professionals, Washington, D.C., leading efforts to promote leadership and professional development within the Asian American community. Jenny proudly holds the title of Miss District of Columbia under the Miss Mission USA Organization. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from Wichita State University and a master’s degree in International Development Studies from George Washington University.

Rev. Dr. Greta Willis
Co-Founder/CEO, Kevin L. Cooper Foundation

“Having kindred spirits is the best mentorship when it’s from the same family tree. My sister eldest sister Elder Patricia Campbell was my mentor without even realizing the impact she had on my life. She showed me the power of faith, stability, persistence and how to be tenacious and resourceful. I learned by observing her walk and actions in keeping the faith.”

Rev. Dr. Greta Willis Elder, Advocate for Social Equality& Victims of Crime, Police Reform Activist, Motivational Speaker and Community Outreach Leader Greta Willis is an ordained Elder at the Pillar Worship Center. She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Theology at the Pillar Bible College, Baltimore, MD. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her primary focuses are at risk youth between the ages of 5-21. She motivates and inspires them. Her slogan is “Transforming Youth into “CHAMPIONS”. She is the co-founder of the Kevin L. Cooper Foundation, Inc., name after her youngest son Kevin L. Cooper whom life was stolen unjustly by a Baltimore City, police officer on August 12, 2006 at the tender age of 14 years old. Thrusting her to advocate against police misconduct holding them accountable for their actions. Rev. Willis is dedicated to advocate for the youth through her personal pain. She travels nationally encouraging others through the word of God and standing with families who experienced loss. She has been able to turn her tragedy into Triumph. Through her foundation she yearly, donates books, clothes and other necessary educational tools to various schools to promote education. Also, through the foundation she has a Scholarship Fund, Achievement Award, FREE Summer Camp, Summer Connect program where school supplies, clothes, food, health screenings, literature and other items are given to the community at no cost.

Danielle Brown
Sales Executive, McCormick

“Early in my career, I found myself in a predominantly male-dominated industry, where I was consistently outperforming peers but not always receiving equitable recognition. Fortunately, I had an incredible mentor who championed the power of a “disruptive voice” and encouraged me to advocate for myself. She challenged me to have bold conversations about fair and equitable pay and to be comfortable showcasing my successes for visibility. Her guidance not only shaped my approach to leadership and innovation but also reinforced the importance of compassionate and empathetic leadership—a philosophy I continue to uphold in empowering those around me.”

A highly regarded corporate sales leader with nearly 20 years of experience, Danielle Brown is a seasoned professional in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Throughout her career, she has successfully led across a diverse portfolio of food and personal care brands and has consulted for several Fortune 500 companies.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Danielle is a best-selling children’s author, recognized for her book Girl Dad (2022). She is deeply committed to community engagement and serves on the boards of Associated Black Charities and iMentor Baltimore. Additionally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Greater Baltimore Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.

Rita Iwelumo
Program Outreach VISTA, MENTOR MD|DC

“A mentor shaped me in college by choosing the right degree and career path.”

Rita has a bachelor’s in psychology with a Global Business minor from Troy University class of 2021. She went ahead to further education by getting her master’s in marketing from University of South Florida class of 2023. She served first in the Americorps with the Virginia department of social services as a marketing and outreach coordinator VISTA.

Patrice Lee
Strategic Business Executive | Luxury Fragrance Founder | Community Leader

“Many people have shaped my journey, including my amazing parents and teachers, but my paternal grandmother, Willie Nell Lee, was a powerful reminder that circumstances don’t define your future. A widow with seven children, she had only a sixth-grade education but never complained—she persevered. Through her self-taught skills as a professional seamstress and community leader, she sent five of her seven children to college, including my father. Growing up in Africatown, USA, her resilience, entrepreneurship, and unwavering positivity inspired me to see business as a tool for empowerment. Her influence shaped my confidence, ambition, and passion for serving others.”

Patrice Lee is a results-driven business strategist, entrepreneur, and community advocate with expertise in enterprise sales, branding, and corporate sustainability. She has held leadership roles at major companies, including Dassault Systèmes as a Global Senior Software Sales Strategist and Maryland Energy Advisors as an Energy Efficiency Product Manager, where she has driven multi-million-dollar initiatives, expanded market presence, and built high-value partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. With an MBA and a background in Chemistry, Patrice merges science and strategy to create transformative experiences. In 2020, she founded a luxury fragrance brand that redefines confidence and self-expression through scent. Each fragrance is meticulously crafted to elevate moods and enhance individuality, bridging the gap between beauty and science. Beyond business, Patrice is deeply committed to community impact. As Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at St. Francis Neighborhood Center, she supports educational and economic empowerment programs aimed at ending generational poverty. An active fundraiser and mentor, she dedicates her time to advancing opportunities for underrepresented communities in Baltimore and beyond. Her career spans energy, education, and luxury branding, but her mission remains consistent—helping individuals and businesses elevate their confidence, presence, and success. Whether through strategic business development, fragrance innovation, or community leadership, Patrice is dedicated to making a lasting impact.

Tiaira Robinson
Director of Programs – I AM MENtality Youth Male Empowerment Project

“A pivotal moment in my journey was when my grandmother, my first mentor, brought me into her classroom as a teenager. She encouraged my creativity, allowing me to design bulletin boards and create drawings for her presentations. Through her guidance, I saw firsthand the impact of education and the power of engaging learning environments. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students inspired me to pursue a career in youth development and education. That early mentorship shaped my desire to empower young people, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive, just as she did for her students.”

Tiaira Robinson, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, discovered her passion for art at an early age, which led her to pursue a degree in Urban Arts with a focus on Arts Administration from Coppin State University. She later earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum Design & Instruction from Louisiana State University Shreveport. With experience as a Baltimore City Schools educator and over a decade of dedication to youth development, Tiaira currently serves as the Director of Programs for I AM MENtality Youth Male Empowerment Project. She is deeply committed to seeing Baltimore’s youth thrive, succeed, and reach their full potential, using education, mentorship, and community engagement to create meaningful opportunities. She is a past fellow of the American Express Campaign for Black Male Achievement, the Center for Urban Families’ Practitioner’s Leadership Institute, and the Baltimore Corps Mayoral Fellowship. She also holds youth and community-driven certifications from the Center for Creative Leadership, the Academy for Educational Development, and the Beloved Community Center. Her extensive experience, leadership, and passion continue to shape the landscape of youth empowerment and education in Baltimore.

Christine Warren
Chef – 2 Spoons Catering

“I was told by my mentor, ‘An amateur practices until they get it right. A master practices until they CAN’T get it wrong.'”

“I am a personal chef/caterer. I have been cooking all my life, and professionally since 2007. I love food in all its aspects; being in the kitchen helped me find my purpose and helped me understand who I am to my core. I love the controlled, structured environment of a kitchen, but I thrive on the freedom of creating art through food.”

Charmayne Strayhorn
Owner – Product Creator, The Bath Nut Co.

“Pivotal moments throughout my journey that have shaped my perspective on life have come from being surrounded by incredible BOSS women in my sister circle. These women not only own, operate, and manage multi-million dollar acquisitions but also successfully balance family life. Seeing them confidently navigate their businesses with such strength and grace motivates me to keep pushing forward and never quit on my own path. Building a brand comes with its share of challenges, but with powerful mentorship and a strong support system, anything is possible.”

Born and raised in Washington DC, Charmayne embodies a multifaceted persona, excelling in the realms of science, technology, and the arts. Despite the underrepresentation of women of color in STEM fields, Charmayne has dedicated over three decades to advancing her engineering career at leading Aerospace and Defense corporations globally. Transitioning from a STEM background, she ventured into entrepreneurship, crafting luxurious all-natural bath and body products. In 2017, Charmayne introduced her sustainable and innovative product line, The Bath Nut Co., infusing her passion for science and creativity into the brand’s essence. Through this venture, her entrepreneurial spirit flourished, leading her to manage her son Myles Frost’s entertainment career. Charmayne’s journey is marked by a trail of accomplishments, as she continually shatters barriers and advocates for increased opportunities for women of color. By intertwining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), she endeavors to ignite curiosity and innovation, transcending the boundaries of traditional STEM fields. Charmayne’s evolution from a woman in STEM to a woman championing STEAM reflects her commitment to empowering individuals and fostering creativity at the intersection of diverse disciplines.

Dr. Sophia Rudisill Holmes
Manager – Mentoring and Adult Relationships, Baltimore City Public Schools

“I lacked formal mentors until adulthood. Nevertheless, as a child, I sought guidance from individuals like Linda Hall, my choral director, who invited me into the choir—shifting my sense of belonging and paving the way for future opportunities. In college, Reginald Pindell helped me find my literal voice, while early in my career, Beth Casey helped me discover my figurative voice. Each provided a model for navigating complex systems despite the odds. These pivotal relationships transformed my journey, teaching me that mentorship doesn’t require formality—just someone who believes in your potential when you can’t yet see it yourself.”

Dr. Sophia Rudisill Holmes leads Baltimore City Public Schools’ Mentoring and Adult Relationships (MAR) initiative. As a leadership coach and systems architect with a doctorate in Strategic Leadership, she has led the creation of district-wide mentoring programming that connects students with supportive adults. Her diverse experience across education, business, and nonprofits strengthens Maryland’s educational goals by developing systems that help students thrive through meaningful relationships.

Maggy François
Founder of Maggy François, LLC

“Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors across various industries—fashion, entertainment, education, and film, each bringing a unique perspective. While I can’t pinpoint just one moment, the collective wisdom I’ve gained has taught me the importance of moving with grace, respect, kindness, and, most importantly, patience. In an industry as demanding as mine, success isn’t just about talent but about how you navigate challenges with integrity and perseverance.”

Maggy François is a multifaceted creative focusing on fashion, education, and the entertainment industry. Her love of writing came when she started journaling at 14 years old about her life experiences. Maggy began her career in film when she was featured in a documentary that spawned a desire to control her destiny through black stories. An entrepreneur by day, writer by night, she is currently an adjunct professor at Bowie State University. A Brooklyn native, she is a lover of naps, organic foods, and anything peaceful, and you can find her always multitasking. When she is not writing, Maggy spends most of her time reading, cooking, and catching her favorite Broadway show, “MJ The Musical.” Maggy has contributed to writing curriculums, non-profit programs, and editorials for Huffington Post, Glamour Magazine just to name a few. In 1996, Maggy began her stylish career producing events for clients up and down the East Coast landing her first contract with the Congressional Black Caucus. Her ultimate goal was to always increase awareness and bring visibility to the fashion design industry through productions and education. From humble beginnings to soaring above and beyond to achieve her clients her wildest dreams, she continues to turn fantasy into reality and is instrumental in the selection, planning and development of every production. Francois is a visionary with unmatched talent and genius. With more than 25 years in the event planning, public relations, fashion, film and marketing industry, she draws people to brands, causes, events and ideas, by weaving in her certain “je ne sais quoi”.

Lisa Hawkins
Section Chief, Arbitration, FEMA

“I was a poor-performing student in high school. Actually, I may not have graduated but for my English teacher Dr Davy. Dr. Davy was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (AKA) and started Girls Emerging as Mature Students (GEMS). This outreach program, in short, is solely responsible for my course correction. I continued to Frostburg State University where I was elected President of the student body. I continued to Berkeley Law School and studied at Harvard Law School my third year. I was elected to the Takoma Park, Maryland City Council. I’d say I owe it all to Dr Davy!”

“I was born in DC. I work for FEMA as the Public Assistance Arbitration Section Chief. When not working, I volunteer in several realms including AKA high school outreach programs.”

Coach G
Executive Director, Coach G Academy, Inc.

“I had a mentor Adrienne Watson Carver who is now a sorority sister of mine who saw me going down the wrong path and cared enough about me to encourage me to come to step practice. That invite changed my life it helped me actualize college and make better plans for my future.”

NAACP & nationally award winning step coach affectionately known as Coach G. The Founder and Baltimore’s preeminent mentoring program Coach G Academy, Inc. She has over 10 years of experience in Step and Body Percussion as an art form but a lifetime of passion in empowering and inspiring the youth specifically young girls ages 12-18. With choreography credits including STEP the movie, Vogue Magazine, and even a private performance for former first lady Michelle Obama. She’s working hard to spread the artform of step and change the conversation about youth in Baltimore.

Dakotah Shamblin
Data Management Specialist, MENTOR MD|DC

“A mentor who continues to shape my journey is a physician who took an untraditional path to medicine while balancing a full life and career. She recognized qualities in me that I often overlook and reminded me that I am capable of pursuing this path. Her encouragement, along with her willingness to share her own experience, has been a reminder that women can define success on their own terms—and that support from other women can be transformative.”

Dakotah is the Data Management Specialist at MENTOR Maryland | DC, where she helps drive insights on how best to serve youth-focused programs and increase the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships. Having been shaped by mentors herself, she believes in the impact of supportive relationships and is currently preparing for medical school with guidance from mentors who encourage her to pursue her goals.

Kianna Bermudez, CNP
Program Outreach & Support Manager, MENTOR MD|DC

“In high school, I met a woman while volunteering as a Spanish-English interpreter at a church. She was the first adult I befriended, an askable adult I could talk to about anything, while treating me as an equal. A pharmacist who built a life on her own terms, she showed me what balanced adulthood could look like. She used her connections to support my career aspirations, but more importantly, she modeled independence, generosity, and community engagement. At the time, I wouldn’t have called her a mentor, but looking back, she was one of my most impactful, and our mentorship was mutual.”

Kianna is an accomplished youth-development professional with over ten years in the mentoring field. Currently serving as the Program Outreach & Support Manager for MENTOR MD|DC, Kianna brings her profound understanding of effective mentoring techniques and exceptional relationship-building skills. As a mentor, youth advocate, program coordinator, and District-level consultant, Kianna has consistently displayed her ability to foster personal and professional growth with her constituents. Her strategic guidance and insights optimize mentoring initiatives and outcomes, creating impactful experiences for mentors and mentees. Always seeking to improve her impact and stay sharp in the social-impact world, Kianna earned the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential in 2024, enhancing her professional development and growth. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation and dismantling barriers that perpetuate social injustices faced by marginalized individuals disproportionately.

Laura Green
Executive Director, MENTOR MD|DC

“Sometimes, people mentor us without even realizing the impact they’ve had. I had a former boss who showed me the power of persistence—how to be tenacious and resourceful, and to never take “no” as the final answer. They never explicitly taught me these lessons, but by allowing me to shadow them, I learned by observing their actions and leadership.”

Laura has over 20 years of diverse corporate, government, and nonprofit experience. She has created and executed successful comprehensive fundraising and sponsorship programs for various organizations, including Baltimore City charter and public schools. Her involvement included the following industries: apparel, film, music, marketing, and nonprofit event management. Laura has established relationships with industry influencers and corporate and community partners who translate to the critical mass required for successful campaign execution. Furthermore, this project led to restoring and repurposing the historic former YWCA building in Baltimore City.

Jeannette Simon
Founder/CEO, Ananizach LLC

“In 1992 I started mentoring a feisty 9th-grader with a short temper, a sharp wit, and a heart of gold. Tiny (nickname) brought to light something in me I didn’t know existed. She tried my patience and taught me to be nonjudgemental, to respect and embrace our differences, and to appreciate our commonalities. She allowed me to be authentic and vulnerable and she did the same. Her allowing me to be a part of her life changed mine. I switched careers. Years after her high school graduation, she thanked me for sharing my time with her. Our relationship continues.”

Jeannette Simon is the Founder/CEO of ANANIZACH LLC, a mentoring consulting firm. Utilizing 32+ years of mentoring experience, Jeannette offers technical assistance and training to new, emerging, and established mentoring programs. Jeannette directed the mentoring division of Concerned Black Men National, developing their one program into a unique in-school/community-based national mentoring model that served over 800 African American middle school boys in underserved and under-resourced communities in nine states Jeannette spent 7 years with The Maryland Mentoring Partnership managing special projects, and community partners, developing specialized trainings and producing televised recruitment events. Working with Dr. Michelle Kaufman at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Jeannette has been a mentor advisor, human subjects interviewer, and support person on the development of smartphone apps for mentoring programs and other mentoring-related projects. She has been credited as a co-author in four published articles. Jeannette is a 1989 graduate of Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Sciences. She is the proud mother of a son and daughter. To add to her joy, she is blessed with four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.