The Collective: Telling the Stories of Women of Color

04/21/2026

Join us for the Women of Color Leadership Summit: The State of Women of Color. This is a powerful virtual gathering centering the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of women of color.

🗓 April 25, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CST
💻 Virtual Conference
🎟 FREE & Open to All

Together, we will discuss the state of women of color, building on the powerful success of last year and bringing together voices from women across the globe.

This dynamic conversation will feature visionary leaders, including Dr. Candice Bledsoe, The Global CEO & Professor and Dr. Mary Margaret Carrillo (Doctora MMC), as we explore the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future for women of color.

💬 As Audre Lorde reminds us, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”

Together, we will uplift stories, share insights, and spark meaningful dialogue that drives impact and change.

💫 Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, informed, and connected.

🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gpx9Ektz

04/16/2026

She was making sure they got the care they needed!

Dr. Hokehe Eko was a board-certified pediatrician and the owner of Glow Pediatrics, the first Black-owned virtual autism clinic for children in the U.S., according to AfroTech.

A mother of three with more than a decade of experience working with children, Dr. Eko trained extensively to conduct autism diagnostic evaluations using the CARS standardized test. Through her work, she was able to help children receive diagnoses across the U.S.

04/16/2026

Congrats Dr. Chong!

Sabrina Chong has been promoted to Assistant Dean for Global Engagement, a newly created position at USC Rossier.

With more than 25 years in international education and nearly a decade leading the Global Executive EdD program, we're looking forward to the continued growth of our global programs under her leadership.

Congratulations, Sabrina.

04/16/2026

Mary Winston Jackson became NASA’s first Black female engineer in 1958 after starting as a human computer in 1951. She contributed to 12 technical papers on supersonic flow and advocated for women and minorities in science, later inspiring the film Hidden Figures. 🚀👩🏽‍🔬

04/07/2026

Join us for the Women of Color Leadership Summit: The State of Women of Color. This is a powerful virtual gathering centering the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of women of color.

🗓 April 25, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CST
💻 Virtual Conference
🎟 FREE & Open to All

Together, we will discuss the state of women of color, building on the powerful success of last year and bringing together voices from women across the globe.

This dynamic conversation will feature visionary leaders, including Dr. Candice Bledsoe, The Global CEO & Professor and Dr. Mary Margaret Carrillo (Doctora MMC), as we explore the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future for women of color.

💬 As Octavia Butler reminds us, “All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you."

Together, we will uplift stories, share insights, and spark meaningful dialogue that drives impact and change.

💫 Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, informed, and connected.

🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gpx9Ektz
All are welcome!

04/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BxAgzexd7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

J. Janice Coleman is an English professor at Alcorn State University and is known as a seamstress who often incorporates history and colorful designs into her quilts, tote bags and other works. Mississippi Today Ideas talked to Coleman about blending English and history in her art. https://ow.ly/LPs450YBuEx

03/07/2026

Today is the Day!

After 18 years of investing in young leaders, the Cutting Edge Youth Summit is happening TODAY!

Students from across the Dallas–Fort Worth area are gathering at SMU’s Collins Executive Center to level up in college readiness, career pathways, leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal branding.

This summit is about helping young people discover their voice, own their story, and prepare for their future.

Thank you to our speakers, volunteers, partners, and community leaders who continue to pour into the next generation.

Let’s empower the future—together.

02/27/2026

Big ideas start with bold students.

Join us for an engaging student-focused session designed to spark creativity, leadership, and real-world thinking around building businesses and driving innovation.

✨ Valecia Harris – Moderator
Founding Partner of Black BooK Agency

💼 Tara Walker-Joseph – Entrepreneur & Autism Therapist

🌍 Cynthia Nwaubani – Entrepreneur & Community Leader

🌱 Anna Clark – Leader in Sustainability

This powerful panel will equip students with practical tools, honest insight, and the confidence to turn ideas into action.

🗓 Saturday, March 7 | 9AM–1PM
📍 SMU Collins Executive Center
🎟 RSVP: cuttingedgeyouth.eventbrite.com

02/24/2026

We’re excited to announce the speakers for the 18th Annual Cutting Edge Youth Summit — a dynamic lineup of executives, entrepreneurs, attorneys, educators, and innovators committed to serving students and families. For 18 years, we have been inspiring the next generation of leaders and equipping them with the tools to succeed. Come grab your Scholarship & Financial Aid Toolkit and Grant Writing 101 Toolkit at no cost.

Hear our amazing morning keynote speaker, Mr. Nakia Douglas, Executive Director of Dallas Education Collective.

Learn about:
✍🏽 Idea to Impact Workshop with Jin-Ya Huang, Founder of TSP Consulting and Dr. Doric Earle, PhD MBA, Professor & Founder of SMU Impact Lab - Fund.

Community Building, Networking & Leadership for Impact with Attorney Louis Hill, Jr., Dr. Jamila Thomas, Ph.D., Senior Consultant at Big Thought, Cheryl Orr, CEO of Insights HR Partners, Martha Rodriguez, Director of Buckner Hope Family Center, and Dr. Olga Martinez Hickman, PhD, Executive Director of Bachman Lake Together.

College & Career Readiness with Keisha Ware, Dean of Students at UNT Dallas College of Law, Antonio G. Soresh, M. Ed., Student Coordinator Dallas College, Cindy Hua, Lecturer & SMU Lyle School of Engineering PHD Student, and Dr. Marta Torres, Ed.D, Head of Education at The Sixth Floor Museum.

Interactive Student Sessions on Entrepreneurship & Innovation with Cynthia Nwaubani, CPA and Tara Walker-Joseph

Social Media Influence, Personal Branding, & AI Presenters: Edsel Duréus II, Cale Sanders, and Miles Gill.

And listen in with me, Dr. Candice Lucas Bledsoe, as I lead my Master Class- Grant Writing 101.

📅 Saturday, March 7 | 9AM–1PM
📍 SMU Collins Executive Center at SMU Cox School of Business
Seats are limited! No cost to attend but register today: cuttingedgeyouth.eventbrite.com

02/09/2026

Join us on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9AM to 1 PM, at SMU for a powerful day of inspiration, leadership, and empowerment at the Cutting Edge Youth Summit!

This dynamic experience equips high school students, parents, and community leaders with tools for success in college, careers, and entrepreneurship. Students will engage in sessions on Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Scholarships & Financial Aid, College & Career Readiness, and Social Media Awareness. Parents and community leaders will gain valuable insights through Grant Writing 101 and Networking & Community Building.

Be part of a movement developing the next generation of changemakers. Inspiration, empowerment
, and tools for the future. No cost to attend!

Rsvp: cuttingedgeyouth.eventbrite.com

02/04/2026

Still reflecting on the power of The Collective: Telling the Stories of Women of Color. This video captures just a glimpse of the voices, stories, and community that made it special.

📚 Her Stories
Sat., March 28 | 1–3 PM
📍 The Dock Bookshop
6637 Meadowbrook Dr., Ft. Worth, TX

👑 Women of Color Leadership Symposium
Sat., April 11
More info coming