Barbara Earl Thomas
Artist
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Artist
Earnest D. Thomas
President, Onyx Fine Arts Collective
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President, Onyx Fine Arts Collective
Kate S. Mensah
Cultured Designer
Kate Mensah entered the industry officially in 2009. Then She opened her first ready-to-wear /evening collection with which she got the winning prize of “Best Evening Wear Designer” for her 2011 collection named “Femme Fatale”, awarded by renowned Seattle based Magazine’s “Seamless” in Seattle Competition. Kate’s 2012 collection, “The Visionaire” was launched at Seattle’s Metropolitan Fashion Week, and nominated as one of the best designer in town. Carrying the legacy further, her design ensembles have added flair to runways such as Bellevue Fashion Week, with the Spring 2013 collection in Bellevue Collection’s Independent Designer Runway Show. She is also proud to be nominated on the category of “Women’s Evening Wear of the Year 2014”, by the much coveted DList magazine’s annual award show held on 12 Sep’ 2014. She is as well recognized as one of the leaders of the fashion industry in Seattle in several events such as A.Convention by A.Productions in January 2016.
Kate extended her wing in the fashion industry as a fashion stylist and Model. Her fashion style has been recognized by entrepreneur women, Model agency such WespeakNY and fashion magazines such as Ellements magazine or VGXW magazine, Surreal beauty Magazine to name few that have published her styling work.
She is as well the owner of a new personal stylist consulting services name Volee Vie that will officially launch in 2019.
When she is not designing for her brand, she is helping other brands to develop their designs by offering her consulting service to her clients.
As a testimony to her strong complex character and talent, Kate is teaching fitness boxing/kickboxing, Yoga, personal trainer as well as other fitness classes at Fly Fitness in Kirkland. You can as well see her teaching yoga at Get Zen Yoga.
She lives her passions (fitness and fashion) every day and nicely melting them together to empower women.
Kate believes that the two disciplines represent the yin and the yang of our behavior: intensity, aggressiveness, but also kindness and softness.
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Cultured Designer
Rashida Gaye
Financial Agent
Rashida Gaye graduated from Penn State in 1999. She is an Agent with New York Life helping her clients achieve financial security. Before starting her financial services business, she had a great sales career and sold over $2 million dollars in programs. She was also a mindset coach and business coach for three years and during that time helped her clients sell over $4 million dollars in new business by helping them upgrade their money mindset, confidence, and business strategy.
She recently just started a non-profit organization called WomenRise where she provides free coaching and other free resources to help women all over the world achieve their goals. She has been married for 14 years and has a 6 year old daughter and a 9 year old son. Her interests include spending time with her family, working with clients, traveling, and hosting international retreats for women.
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Financial Agent
Tammra Ellingson
Employment Navigator for the YWCA
Tamrra Ellingson is an Employment Navigator for the YWCA. With a decade of work experience. Tamrra is currently working with the intricacies of managing women in a Women’s Employment in Non-traditional Occupations program known as the WENO Program. This YWCA program showcases women who are building their lives and careers around positions that are primarily dominated by males.The positions are in the fields of IT, Welding, Manufacturing, Construction, Masonry, Pre-apprenticeship programs, Aeronautical Technology, Automotive Technology, Robotics, and Transportation and Logistics. Tamrra’s partnership with various colleges, training/certification programs and Unions in these fields allows her to be a well-informed change manager to assist women in these non-traditional occupations while keeping them employed and in their training and certification programs.
As a true believer in education, Tamrra has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from American-Intercontinental University. Tamrra’s concentration in Organizational Psychology & Development allows her to develop and build successful clients and employees in fields that are stable and allows them to provide for families and be active members in society. Tamrra is also a retired Boeing employee with over twenty years of service and also worked as a Grant writer for the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. Tamrra was born and raised in Seattle, WA and has one daughter and two grandchildren.
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Employment Navigator for the YWCA
Tameka McNair
Senior IT Auditor
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Senior IT Auditor
Abiola Akanni
Healer | Liberator | Yogi
What’s good ya’ll! Abiola Akanni (pronounced Ah-be-ahla) here, wellness entrepreneur, founder of Trap Vinyasa™ and creator of the Divine Feminine Yoga Workshop.
My yoga journey started almost 10 years ago after a bad drug habit and annoying scoliosis diagnosis that took me off the track, literally (I used to be a sprinter) and left me on the couch. In the midst of this I was introduced to yoga which helped me build awareness around deep-seeded insecurities and a victimization mindset while healing from sexual trauma. From there the practice ushered in healing that allowed me to alchemize my trauma into ascension points.
www.yogabybiola.com
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Healer | Liberator | Yogi
Ajay Thompkins
COO and Co-Founder of Vioure
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COO and Co-Founder of Vioure
J Mase III
Poet and Educator
J Mase III is a Black/trans/queer poet & educator that has worked in the US, UK, and Canada on LGBTQIA+ rights and racial justice in spaces such as K-12 schools, universities, faith communities and restricted care facilities. He is founder of awQward, the first trans and queer people of color talent agency.
Mase is author of And Then I got Fired: One Transqueer's Reflections on Grief, Unemployment & Inappropriate Jokes About Death and co-editor of the Black Trans Prayer Book.
His work has been featured on MSNBC, Essence Live, Everyday Feminism, Black Girl Dangerous, the New York Times, Buzzfeed, the Root, the Huffington Post, TEDx and more.
Find him on Instagram (@jmaseiii) and www.jmaseiii.com!
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Poet and Educator
Merri Ann Osborne
Executive Director, Mahogany Project
Merri Ann Osborne is the Executive Director of the Mahogany Project and has performed in Japan, the UK and US as an actor, singer, dancer voice-over artist and songwriter. She recently published her first short story, "The Crew" and plans to complete her first historical fiction novel later this year. She is the granddaughter of Caribbean immigrants (Barbados) who arrived to the US through Ellis Island AND a descendent of enslaved peoples. As a child, she had the honor of living in Nigeria which coincidentally brought both sides of her families history full circle. These experiences, rooted in her DNA, influence Merri Ann's art and her collaboration with others on sharing stories of the African diaspora-past, present and future.
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Executive Director, Mahogany Project
Dani Tirrell
ance artist, performer, choreographer and dance educator
Dance artist, performer, choreographer and dance educator. Dani has danced with Jazz and Spirit Dance Theater of Detroit, Monroe Ballet Company, Full Circle Dance Company, Natural Locz Dance Company and Dani Tirrell Dance Theater that he founded and serves as Artistic Director. Dani also created Color Lines Dance Ensemble for youth dance artist ages 12 to 18.
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ance artist, performer, choreographer and dance educator
John Guy
Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Reconciliation & Restoration Facilitator
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Reconciliation & Restoration Facilitator
Dr. Claudelle Glasgow
Licensed Psychologist
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Licensed Psychologist
Natasha is a 38 year old African American woman born and raised in the Central District. Natasha is a certified mental health Peer counselor, lead FCS clinician, CEA assessor and studied business at Seattle Central. Natasha also has certifications in clinical supervision, assessing and managing suicide risk just to name a few. Natasha has beat the odds and continues to thrive for success while sharing from lived experience to support, encourage and educate her community around the stigma of mental health.
About Natasha Jenkins, CPC
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CPC
Tracy Stewart, MA, MEd, LMHCA
Marriage & Family Therapist
Deciding to seek support for life problems can be an important first step toward taking care of yourself. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you to improve relationships, problem solve, or reduce your suffering. I provide comprehensive services, including assessments, to assist those coping with educational, life change, or long-term problems.
I apply 25+ years of experience as well as PCIT and TF-CBT provide to support children and families with healing skills. Parents and caregivers are an integral part of our work to support children (ages 3 - 18) cope with trauma - including abuse, anxiety, depression, anger, oppositional behavior, ADHD, or relating to others.
For adults struggling with loss of self, maintaining relationships, anxiety and depression, trauma, PTSD or sexual health issues, I provide a safe space for exploration and growth. With couples, I support your efforts to strengthen your connection, repair relationship, and develop more effective communication.
About Tracy Stewart, MA, MEd, LMHCA
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Marriage & Family Therapist
Micheal Kane, Psy.D, MSW LICSW
Clinical Traumatologist and Forensic Social Worker
Dr. Michael Kane is a certified Trauma Specialist (CTS) through the
Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists (ATSS), and has specialized training in complex trauma from the Department of Veterans National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and The Justice Institute of British Columbia in Canada.
Professionally, Dr. Kane has served on the clinical and practicum faculties of the University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences (Department of Psychology), School of Medicine
(Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences) and the School of Social Work. He has served on the advisory board and faculty for the University or Washington's Certificate Program in Psychological Trauma, and as a consultant on post-traumatic stress disorder for the Congressional Black Caucus. He is a founding member of the Journal of Forensic Social Work, the research body of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work.
His latest publication, Our Blood Flows Red: African-American Men in Military Service
(2010} was used as the research basis for the Congressional Gold Medal for valor being awarded to World War II black marine veterans. This publication focuses on assisting mental health clinicians in working with African-American veterans experiencing complex trauma. It is read in graduate schools and utilized by organizations providing veteran services.
About Micheal Kane, Psy.D, MSW LICSW
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Clinical Traumatologist and Forensic Social Worker
Nichelle Alderson, MSW, LICSW, NTP
Founder, Holistic Health Therapist, Coach and Consultant
Nichelle is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker; Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner; and Certified Professional Life, Health & Wellness Coach. She has worked in the field of human services for over twenty years and currently works as the lead holistic health therapist, coach, and educator in her private group practice INFINITELY WELL on Beacon Hill in Seattle. Nichelle specializes in working with adult people of color on stress and blood sugar related issues including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, adrenal fatigue, weight imbalances, and chronic pain. She offers a client centered and holistic approach that aims to bring to light the associations between diet, stress, family history, support systems/resources, life experiences, environment, and issues related to current and/or historical oppression, and how YOUR body, mind, and spirit have been responding. Find more information about Nichelle's practice and offerings online at: www.liveinfinitelywell.com.
www.liveinfinitelywell.com
About Nichelle Alderson, MSW, LICSW, NTP
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Founder, Holistic Health Therapist, Coach and Consultant
Dr. Katrina Sanford
Psychotherapist
Dr. Katrina Sanford is a Psychotherapist with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology with specializations in Trauma and Sex Therapy. Dr. Sanford uses her trauma informed background to challenge social injustice for her clients and community, particularly racially induced inequities. In her private practice, Dr. Sanford treats couples and individuals with a focus on issues related to sexual health difficulties, alternative lifestyles/relationships (polyamory/non-monogamy,) members of the LGBTQ community, anxiety and mood disorders, womyn’s issues, gender identity struggles, and trauma, including different forms of abuse. Katrina is also the Executive Director of Earth Pearl Collective, a queer black womyn nonprofit organization dedicated to healing their community through creative collaborations (www.earthpearlcollective.com), owner of the new African Centered Healing space called Nile's Edge (www.nilesedge.com), and Co-chair of the Seattle Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Commission, which advises the Mayor and City Council on issues affecting the LGBTQ community.
About Dr. Katrina Sanford
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Psychotherapist
Tameka McNair
Engineer and Microsoft Security Program Manager
Tameka McNair was born and raised in a single parent household in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school she moved to Tempe, Arizona where she obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University. Focusing on Human Factors Engineering a minor in African American Studies in May 2010 and completed an MBA from Anderson University in December 2017. In the middle of Engineering school Tameka gave birth to her twin boys who are currently 12 years old. A big believer in inspiring and empowering women and minorities of all ages to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they may face due the challenges that she personally overcame. She is passionate about helping others see their and enthusiastically walk in their Purpose! Tameka is a Program Manager focusing on Security training for Engineering groups across Microsoft’s Cloud + Artificial Intelligence organization. Prior to Microsoft Tameka worked in 2 other industries (Manufacturing & Energy) holding various roles. Tameka is the Co-Founder for the Women-IN-Energy conference a platform that provides an opportunity for women to learn and engage in thoughtful, relevant discussions focused on development and the Energy industry.
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Engineer and Microsoft Security Program Manager
Dr. Gwen Hosea-Mimms
Manager of Volunteer Service, YWCA
Dr. Gwen Hosea-Mimms, Founder and Chair of Quality Thinking by
Design Business Solutions has been a community organizer and
activist in Seattle Washington since the sixties. Gwen has worked as
an entrepreneur as well as with numerous organizations providing
education and training workshops and services to underserved
populations. As a high school drop-out herself and teen mom her
passion to provide a better life for her children paved the way for her
to seek higher education. Gwen earned her Bachelors of Arts from
Evergreen College, Masters in Whole Systems Design, from Antioch
University, a Teaching certificate from Seattle University, PhD in
Human Resource Management, from Madison University. She is also
a certified Life Coach. Gwen’s passion drives her curriculum on
Empowerment, Family Reunification, and Financial Planning, she
understands that everything and anything is possible with the right
direction and a hand up.
About Dr. Gwen Hosea-Mimms
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Manager of Volunteer Service, YWCA
Randy Ford
Dancer and Choreographer
Randy Ford, is a Seattle-born dancer, choreographer, actor, curator, director and activist. She is the creator and curator of the QUEEN STREET Festival, a performance platform for Queer, Trans, Non binary, and Gender nonconforming artists of color. Be on the lookout for her show QUEEN STREET co-produced with CD Forum and set to premier at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute September 2019.
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Dancer and Choreographer
Dr. Georgia McDade
Charter Member of the African-American Writers’ Alliance
Georgia Stewart McDade, a Louisiana native who has lived in Seattle more than half her life, loves reading and writing. As a youngster she wrote and produced plays for her siblings and neighbors and collaborated with church youth to write plays for special occasions. Earning a Bachelor of Arts from Southern University, Master of Arts from Atlanta University, and Ph. D. from University of Washington, the English major spent more than thirty years teaching at Tacoma Community College but also found time to teach at Seattle University, the University of Washington, Lakeside School, Renton Technical College, and Zion Preparatory Academy. As a charter member of the African-American Writers’ Alliance (AAWA), McDade began reading her stories in public in 1991. She credits AAWA with making her regularly write poetry. For a number of years she has written poems inspired by art at such sites as Gallery 110, Seattle Art Museum, and Columbia City Gallery. She wrote for Paci?c Newspapers, especially the South District Journal. Convinced all of us can learn to write well, McDade conducts and participates in a variety of writing workshops. “Good writing can force us to think and think critically; we can theorize, organize, analyze, and synthesize better,” says she. A prolific writer, she has works in AAWA anthologies I Wonder as I Wander, Gifted Voices, Words? Words! Words, and Threads. Her works include Travel Tips for Dream Trips, questions and answers about her six-month, solo trip around the world; Outside the Cave, a collection of poetry; and numerous essays, stories, and poems. This year a second collection of poems and a collection of stories and essays will be published. She volunteers at community radio station KBCS (91.3 FM) and Boys and Girls Club. Among her several writing projects are the biography of her high school principal and journals kept during her travels.
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Charter Member of the African-American Writers’ Alliance
New Track City
Hip Hop Music Group
Coming on the scene with jazz, Soul and Alternative inspired sounds mixed with the lyrically captivity of Hip Hop, Federal Way's New Track City is something new and different. Formed of two rappers (Bem and Chi. Stone) and producer (Dru on Beats) the Federal Way, Washington trio plans to leave everything on the table letting the chips fall where they may. This "all in" attitude can be heard throughout New Track City's first internet album, “Spring Exceeds Winter”, in which they blend live instruments with Big Band Jazz to create a hip hop sound of their own. Not only is the sound different but the diversity is also what sets it apart from most projects out there. Their follow up mixtape the "Damn Gina Tape" also recreates a vintage era of music with a soundbed filled with live instrumentation, thumping drums, and soulful vibes. With the 2017 release of their EP "Lose Sight of Shore" produced entirely by Dru on Beats, New Track City intends to continue their streak of pushing the level of sounds we have became accustomed to hearing in Hip Hop.
http://www.allnewtrackcity.com/
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Hip Hop Music Group
Nigerian-American artist who specializes in public and digital art
Workshop / Presentation: A Look Inside Mural Painting / Art in the Digital Era.
About Iwuchukwu Okafor
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Artist
Regent Brown
Regent is the program director for African Americans Reach and Teach Health Ministry
Regent Brown, is a multiracial, multicultural, dynamic, unapologetic womxn who works with those who wish to impact change by looking internally, acknowledging our role in change and then moving through difficult learning to remove barriers to reaching our fullest potential. Regent is the program director for African Americans Reach and Teach Health Ministry; along with being principal of Fostering Real Opportunities consulting firm. Utilizing restorative practices and trauma-informed principles, Regent primarily focuses on racial and disability equity in her work with organization's, Human Resource Departments, and community members who wish to actively create equitable and thriving communities.
http:"//fropros.com
About Regent Brown
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Regent is the program director for African Americans Reach and Teach Health Ministry
