The Women’s Challenge

The Women’s Challenge is a vision to creatively challenge today’s women to be healthy, enriching their lives through interactive seminars and events focused on educating women in specific areas: sexual health; physical activity; diet and nutrition; beauty concepts; financial empowerment and spiritual motivation.

Whether a mother, a wife, a daughter, an aunt or a niece; a healer, a provider or a caregiver, women wear many hats and take on the baggage of those they care about in their lives. Where is the time for them? By embodying areas that all women seek to improve upon, this Challenge will empower its attendees and plant the seeds of balance between family and time for themselves.

http://wom​enschallen​ge.net​

The Center for Women in Business

The Center for Women in Business promotes and empowers women to achieve their personal and professional goals by:

• Increasing opportunities for women in leadership
• Mentoring women in all stages of their careers
• Building a network of women entrepreneurs

http://cwb.uschamber.com/

National Society of Black Engineers

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit association that is owned and managed by its members. The organization is dedicated to the academic and professional success of African-American engineering students and professionals. NSBE offers its members leadership training, professional development, mentoring opportunities, career placement services and more. NSBE is comprised of 242 collegiate, 70 professional and 82 pre-college active chapters nationwide and overseas.  These chapters are geographically divided into six regions. NSBE is governed by an executive board of college students and engineering professionals and is operated by a professional staff in our World Headquarters located in Alexandria, VA. NSBE has accomplished more for Black engineering students than any other organization in the world. The same light that flows from the NSBE torch to students and professionals in the United States is also relevant for NSBE students in Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, Canada, Australia and the Caribbean. It is the goal of the Society to replicate its mission and vision in countries around the world, creating a global network of Black engineers, scientists and technologists.

www.nsbe.org/

Black Women’s Agenda

Black Women’s Agenda was founded in 1977 in Washington, DC. It evolved from the work of ten courageous women who responded to an urgent call to recognize and articulate the needs of Black women within the then emerging women’s movement, by developing a Black Women’s Action Plan for the International Women’s Year (IWY) Conference held in Houston, Texas in November, 1977. The Action Plan, enthusiastically embraced by the Black delegates to the Conference, subsequently became the basis for the resolution on the rights of minority women, which was adopted overwhelmingly by the 2,000 conference delegates.

Building on the momentum of the IWY Conference, the ten women formed BWA as an active organization in the Nation’s capital to implement the recommendations in the Black Women’s Action Plan. In September, 1979, the leaders of forty-three Black women’s organizations met with the ten founders and pledged their support for the mission and program of the Black Women’s Action Plan, dedication to education, advancing, and supporting progressive measures for Black women. In June 1979, BWA conducted its first issues workshop on Capitol Hill. Since that date, it has conducted an array of activities, including town meetings for citizen dialogue with US Presidential candidates, and a popular issues workshop and luncheon held annually in Washington, DC in conjunction with the Congress. 


http://www.bwa-inc.org

National Women of Achievement

A grand and noble woman, Madame Maudest Walls Stewart, of Houston, Texas in 1975 had a long time dream of a legacy for tremendous opportunities for our women to make outstanding contributions to the welfare of one another, our youth, and our country. Based on this premise, Madame Stewart shared her dream and invited a group of women to her home who had achieved in various fields for the formation of this organization. The women who assembled at the request of her invitation were Mesdames Josie B. Taylor, Ozell Taylor Johnson, Eddie M. Johnson, Stella Collins, Lorene B. Lancelin, Judge Alice A. Bonner, and Dr. Hortense W. Dixon. The history of National Women of Achievement, Inc. documents these seven women as charter members of this organization. Achievers Maudest Walls Stewart, Josie B. Taylor, Dr. Hortense W. Dixon, Lorene B. Lancelin, Stella Collins and Eddie M. Johnson are now deceased.

   

On February 7, 1975, according to the minutes of the first meeting, these women and the Founder began a movement for thinking, planning, and growing. The first subject for consideration was to establish the purpose for which these women had banded themselves – to encourage youth and women to strive for excellence, to maintain high moral and ethical standards, and to make outstanding contributions in the fields of medicine, law, religion, business, politics, music, education, dentistry and other career fields of their choice. From that day, February 7, 1975, the birthday of National Women of Achievement, Achievers thought together, planned together, and reached decisions together that they might render the highest service to one another, our youth, and our country.

National Women of Achievement encourages youth through our scholarship program and recognize outstanding community leaders through our annual “Profiles of Prominence.”

http://www.nationalwomenofachievement.org/

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women

In the winter of 1970 in New York City, 24 Black women, led by visionary Edna Beach, began meeting in their homes to assess the problems and opportunities left behind in the wake of the turbulent 1960s.  As a result of their meetings, they formed the Coalition of 100 Black Women.  For the rest of the 1970s, they slowly but persistently worked to master root causes of issues that affected their families, their communities and themselves.  They boldly began to reach out to other Black women in common cause, and eventually, mobilized their emerging stature as a visible force of influence promoting gender and racial equity.

In 1981, the New York Coalition had over 500 members throughout New York City’s metropolitan area, far in excess of the symbolic “100” in its title. Its effective role-model projects and its association with grass-roots community activity won notice in both local and national news media.  As the Coalition gained recognition, Black women from other parts of the country aspired to duplicate its mission and programs in their own geographic areas.

In 1981, it decided to create a national organization, to expand beyond the boundaries of New York City, and, accordingly, to include the term “National” in the original title.  The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) was launched on October 24, 1981, with representatives from 14 states and the District of Columbia, with Jewell Jackson McCabe as its first national president.  The rapidity by which the organization grew is attested to by the statistics of 1986:  47 chapters in 19 states, with a membership of 3,000.  Discussions at meetings and other gatherings grew more and more serious and wide ranging. 

http://www.ncbw.org

The Charmettes, Inc.

The Charmettes, Incorporated is a national civic organization that had its beginnings when friends Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers and Frankie Drayton Thomas recognized the need for an organization that would bring together women with similar ideas, principles and backgrounds to organize themselves to utilize their skills, talents and resources for community impact. They invited ten of their friends to join them, and on June 17, 1951, the West Palm Beach Charmettes were created.
 
The work of the initial chapter had immediate impact in the community, and soon new chapters were being developed throughout Florida and beyond.  Our chapters are engaged in programs and activities that provide assistance to individuals and families in need in areas including: education, health, scholarship, and community development.  In 1981, the organization adopted a national thrust to eradicate cancer in our lifetime.  In addition to our cancer awareness and education programs, we have contributed over $500,000 to the Howard University Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., to support cancer research and services. In recognition of contributions and our long-term commitment to the University Center, an Infusion Suite was named for The Charmettes in 2007.

Today, The Charmettes, Incorporated is a nationally recognized women's community service organization, known for getting results and making a difference in the lives of African Americans and their communities. With 17 chapters active throughout Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., we are poised for even greater accomplishments in the future. 


http://thecharmettesinc.org

Madison Black Chamber of Commerce

The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is a self-help group of Black business owners and entrepreneurs who believe in the value of sharing information and resources, helping one another prosper, the positive energy that comes from networking together and sustaining entrepreneurship to create a basis of wealth in our community.

http://aabba.net/index.html

Sole Girl Shoe Party

 Whether your guilty pleasure is 3 or 5 inches *snicker*…Sole Girl has the latest in shoe fashion and styles. Hate crowded malls? Disappointed with online shopping purchases? Now you can have the latest must-haves right in the comfort of your own home. Book a shoe party, invite all of your friends, and Sole Girl will do the rest. Not only will we bring the most fashionable shoes, but we’ll supply the drinks and games! Shoe sizes ranges from 5 ½ to 11 and all purchases are yours to keep.

http://shop.solegirlshoeparty.com

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds

Ginger is the owner and curator of award-winning Girls Just Wanna Have Funds ™-empowering women in personal finance and career. She has been featured on MSNBC, Fox News, WSJ, GMA and MSN dealing with issues that center on women and personal finance.

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds is dedicated to the woman that wants to take charge of her personal finances. We value budgeting, investing, frugality and remain mindful of our spending habits.  How women think about money affects their ability to spend it, earn it while demanding to be paid fairly in comparison to their male counterparts. This affects income during the working years and position in life upon retirement.  Girls Just Wanna Have Funds makes way for women who are in control of their financial destinies and not afraid to say it. We’re armed with a positive net worth and not afraid to flaunt it while breaking financial ceilings one stiletto at a time!

Loretta R. Walls

Loretta R. Walls has been writing since the age of thirteen and was inspired after reading Secrets by Danielle Steel. 

 Throughout her teen years, she completed over a dozen books for personal enjoyment.  Her debut novel, Spices of Life was released in 2005 with Authorhouse.  www.authorhouse.com)

An innovative thinker, Loretta enjoys taking her audience to places most dream of visiting and all the while, making her readers feel as if they are among it all.  The author enjoys taking risks with her creativity, always striving for a new level of interest with her characters she places in the forefront. 

In 2006, she also became a top ten finalist in Cushcity.com’s “Best New Author Contest”, which featured over a hundred new authors vying for a finalist position. 

Her second novel, Brittany was released in April 2007 with Lulu.  (www.lulu.com/authorlrwalls)

In December 2007, Ms. Walls established Nu Cherte  Publishing.  A Fantasy of Love  made its debut under Nu Cherte, receiving rave reviews.

The author lives in the Richmond, Virginia area with her family.

The Princess of Original Urban Romance is like no other when it comes to writing a story. 

For more information about the author, go to the following websites: 

http://www.nucherte.net/

www.facebook.com/lorettarwalls           www.myspace.com/lorettarwalls           www.twitter.com/NCPCEO

Makeup Shenanigans by Frankie Grant

 Self taught makeup enthusiast residing in Houston, Texas. I am self taught with celebrity artist and makeup gurus from YouTube as my mentors/teachers. I am definitely a late bloomer in makeup, as I just got interested in it Oct/Nov of 2010. I started working on other people in February of 2011. With my main background being in photography, the combination of photos and makeup quickly jump started my following when I started a fan page on Facebook. From that page, I started receiving more work as well a request for tutorials. I currently have over 20 videos for "how to's" on YouTube with more being added weekly. I continue to work as a freelancer helping to add the finishing touches on brides, as well birthdays, concerts, and other special events that my clients attend. As business continues to grow, I hope to be able to afford to school so I can get certified and eventually even start traveling to assist my followers who request me from other states. I have only been in this industry for 8months and have achieved so much... I plan to keep growing and learning and become well known as a professional with a personable and helpful attitude who can make you GAWGEOUS!!

Makeup Shenanigans by Frankie Grant

YouTube: FocusonFrankie

Freelance makeup enthusiast

kimberleyfg@gmail.com

http://www.msbyfrankie.com

Ayanna Smith

Ayanna Smith’s new and invigorating debut album “So Free”, released digitally July 8th and in stores nationwide soon. This new project is fresh and will uplift your soul from track to track. The title track “So Free” is already making an impact on internet radio and gospel stations in various markets. Other highlight songs on this project include “Nothing Too Hard” and “Breathe”. This project has been released on the ANG Music Group imprint, in which CEO Rob Gaines is at the helm. His experience and passion for music coupled with hit making production from gospel great Johnny Ruffin Jr. at John Blaze Productions and the electrifying production of Bro. J at Black Door Studios bring the listener to the heart of worship and praise. Ayanna is gearing up for the “So Free Tour” which will take place for sixteen weeks in over thirty two cities across the country beginning in September 2011. The classically trained psalmist will be a sure hit at your church, concert, event or occasion. Ayanna has been an educator for almost fifteen years. She is also an active member of the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
 

•  Itunes for CD purchase
•  Personal website 
•  Artist Facebook Page

Check it out the new single at:
 www.reverbnation.com/ayannamsmith

Felicia Renae

What do you get when you combine the smooth vocals of classic R&B and the energy and fun of futuristic Hip-Pop? An irresistible cocktail that soothes the soul and heightens your senses by the name of Felicia Renae.

While she grew up on Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey, her sound innovates like Neyo and Beyonce. To top it off, she incorporates 

 the cosmopolitan sensibilities of an educated, cultured, and bilingual woman to create an urban aesthetic that’s anything but around the way. There’s everyday and there’s exceptional. Felicia Renae’s fans know the difference, and that’s why they can’t get enough of this 21st century entertainer.

Since she exploded on the scene, Felicia has been recognized by the likes of Seventeen Magazine and Atlantic Records as a rising star. After performing to the delight of her audiences on countless stages across the globe, Felicia Renae is ready to share a new body of work that is sure to excite and intoxicate.

After a single look and listen, this girl’s appeal is crystal clear. She’s the quintessential it girl with an edgy style and an approachable vibe who embodies a rare combination: vibrant vocals, true talent and tempestuous yet sugar-sweet sexiness. Her southern roots make her too much of a lady to ever make her fans choose. When Felicia’s on the mic, all of their expectations are fulfilled.Felicia has incredible material in her debut CD. Her super ballad “My Heart” will stir your emotions with every note, while her head bopping, hand clapping, sassy song “Hell to the No” will have you running straight to the dance floor. Her mellow tune “Get Away” will take you on a vacation in your mind. Still, the true magic is in her live performance; it is that of a seasoned veteran. Rarely do you see a young talent so experienced and comfortable on the stage. Felicia not only commands her audience’s attention, but leaves them asking for more. From the moment she touches the microphone and sings the first note, Felicia delivers powerful, true – to – the recording performances that meet all her fans expectations. Felicia is surely in her element on any stage. 

http://www.FeliciaRenae.com

 

The Heart Truth®

The Heart Truth^® Women of Color initiative is reaching thousands of African American and Hispanic women throughout the United States with key campaign messages about lowering the risk for heart disease. The campaign expanded its outreach efforts in partnership with three longtime Heart Truth community partners to implement a series of community events, including Heart Truth workshops to educate women about heart disease and risk factor screenings. These programs are helping to increase awareness of heart disease among African American and Hispanic women in the communities where they live.

The Heart Truth Website

The Black AIDS Institute

The Black AIDS Institute (The Institute) is the only national HIV/AIDS think tank in the United States focused exclusively on Black people. The institute's mission is to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing traditional Black leaders, institutions-clergy, media, academics, civic, social, celebrities, business, elected officials-and individuals in efforts to confront HIV/AIDS.

The institute offers training and capacity building, disseminates information, analyzes and offers critics on private and public sector HIV policies, and provides advocacy and mobilization from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view.

Phill Wilson, President and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute, is available for interviews and press queries. PhillWilson@blackaids.org or (323) 829-4195.

www.BlackAIDS.org

African American Chamber of Commerce of W.PA.

Doris  Carson Williams

President,  African American Chamber 

of Commerce of  Western Pennsylvania

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania is an organization with a mission to continuously improve business and professional opportunities for African American Business Owners and professionals.  The Chamber offers programs and services, such as: Advances in Health Care, Ask the Expert Program, The Chamber’s Business Institute, Strengthening Your Business Acumen, Candidates Forum ( A program that allows the opportunity for the membership to ask questions with regard to what has been done to promote minority businesses), and How to do business with a major company, authority or organization.

http://www.aaccwp.com/

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a council of national African American women's organizations and community-based sections. Founded in 1935, the NCNW mission is to lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. NCNW fulfills this purpose through research, advocacy, and national and community-based services and programs on issues of health, education, and economic empowerment in the United States and Africa. With its 39 national affiliates and more than 240 sections, NCNW is a 501(c)3 organization with an outreach to nearly four million women.


http://www.ncnw.org/

Kendra Norman-Bellamy

Beginning her career in 2002, Kendra is an award-winning, national bestselling author and the founder and president of KNB Publications, LLC. She is the author of over a dozen books and is a member of the national organization, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Additionally, she is the founder of Cruisin’ For Christ, a unique groundbreaking at sea ministry (cruise) that celebrates artists who use their talents to glorify God.

Most recently, Kendra launched The I.S.L.A.N.D. (I Shall Live And Not Die) Movement, a motivational ministry based upon her own life’s testimony. Its vision is to empower people with God-inspired faith, hope, and determination to live Psalm 118:17 existences despite their present circumstances, situations, or conditions.

Having had the opportunity to write for some of the industry’s most recognized publishers, and having been fortunate enough to acquaint herself with some of the nation’s most respected authors and entertainers, Kendra describes herself in a single word: Blessed.

Kendra and her family currently reside in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. She is a member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

Some of her novels include The Grace Series (For Love & Grace, Because of Grace and More Than Grace), A Love So Strong, Crossing Jhordan’s River, Three Fifty-Seven AM, One Prayer Away, In Greene Pastures, Battle of Jericho, The Lyons Den and This Far By Faith.

· Official Website

Discover Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a national business and professional sorority which seeks to:

• Unite in sisterhood qualified business and professional women in order to enhance and improve the status of women in our highly complex, competitive business and professional world; 
•  Promote increased interest in the broad field of business education among high school and college young women through planned programs and scholarships; 
• Encourage the development of personal goals and leadership potential; and 
• Establish and promote civic and social service activities for youth and adults.

The Sorority's most recent and national youth projects place emphasis on the social, economic and psychological needs of youth by offering programs of remediation through tutoring, career exploration and teen pregnancy prevention.

The Sorority's aims are to:

•  Make worthwhile contributions to the changing socio-economic patterns of our time; 
•  Project the philosophy of the pursuit of excellence in all worthy endeavors among youth and adults; 
•  Develop leadership expertise among business and professional women.

Today, there are more than 100 chapters with an approximate membership of 5,000 stretching across the width and breadth of our country in 85 cities, representing 31 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

http://www.iota1929.org