Angela Abshier has a passion for all things creative and advocates for artists and artists’ rights across the board with a special love for film and music. She has produced, written and directed award-winning independent short films and commercial productions  Angela is an intellectual property lawyer and is currently serving as Creative Director for Aristocrat Technologies, an Australian based casino gaming manufacturer.  She is responsible for leading all creative aspects of slot machine cabinet design and content created for the innovation studio in the US.   

Angela is also the Las Vegas producer for the international filmmaking competition, The 48 Hour Film Project and serves annually as a judge for the National Film Challenge.   Angela supports of the ASPCA and volunteers locally for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and the Nevada Cancer Institute.

After accomplishing her dream of becoming a police officer, Vernice Armour decided, at age 24, to become an Officer in the Marine Corps and a combat pilot. Only 3 years later, she was the United States Marine Corps’ first African American female pilot and, shortly after, was recognized as America’s First African American Female Combat pilot by the Department of Defense.

Upon completion of two tours in Iraq and leaving the military, Vernice leveraged her experience and conceptualized the Zero to Breakthrough™ Success Model.  After leaving the military, she launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC.  By applying the Zero to Breakthrough™ Success Model to her own company, Vernice produced over six-figures in revenue within the first 12 months!  Her passion is helping others create similar results.

Sharon E. Barrett, MS has over thirty years of leadership in public, nonprofit and private sectors in the areas of administration, program development and public health practice for eliminating health disparities.  Ms. Barrett retired from the Federal Public Health Service in 2003. In her last position, she was the Director of Minority and Women’s Health in the Bureau of Primary Health Care in the Health Resources and Services Administration. She currently consults on issues concerning minority and women’s health and health disparities, primary care, health literacy, language access and cultural competency.  She is a consultant to the Association of Clinicians to the Underserved (ACU) providing consultation and expertise to improve the skills of primary care clinicians working with underserved populations, especially as it relates to health literacy, cultural competency and language access. She has served as the Principal Investigator on two qualitative studies for ACU: one examining health literacy practices of safety net providers funded by the Commonwealth Fund and Kaiser Permanente; and the other examining language access issues in primary care settings funded by the National Health Law Program through the California Endowment. She is currently serving as the content expert for ACU’s Learning Collaborative on Health Literacy, Cultural Competency and Language Access. Ms Barrett is an active member of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Roundtable on Health Literacy and is a member of the DHHS Minority Women’s Health Panel of Experts. She received her Masters of Science at Columbia University’s School of Social Work in New York and is currently completing her Doctorate of Public Health at Morgan State University’s public health program.

Ray Michael Bridgewater is the President, Founder and CEO of the Assembly of Petworth, a non-profit, culturally diverse and multi-ethnic community empowerment organization serving the metropolitan Washington area and focusing on issues concerning health disparities, technology, workforce and community development. The Assembly of Petworth was funded by a grant from the Kellog Foundation.  Mr. Bridgewater has guided and directed over a dozen major community development projects whose work is concentrated in business development, institutional capacity building and public policy intervention strategies.  He is involved in diverse programs, with the common theme of providing health, education and social services for underserved, at-risk populations.  Mr. Bridgewater plays a significant role in overseeing operations of and bringing community resources to projects including the March of Dimes Mama and Baby Bus – a pre-natal mobile unit and NICU project at the Children National Medical Center; Howard University Hospital Prostate Cancer and Diabetes Telehealth Medical Mobile Unit; WUSA TV-9 Grassroots and Media Campaign around Men’s Health Initiative, a local and national Health Communication Media Campaign in partnership with WUSA TV9 [Gannett Inc.], Telemundo, RadioOne and many more.  Domestically and internationally, Mr. Bridgewater has designed, developed and coordinated the Telehealth/Telemedecine Medical Unit Model to achieve improved health delivery and outcomes.  He is currently providing full project management services enhanced by his expertise in community development, micro-enterprise and public/private partnerships.  With the telehealth mobile unit, using a public/private partnership model, he has built successful working relationships with hospitals, clinics, universities, healthcare providers, health departments, ministries domestically and internationally. 

Since March, 2004, Anita K. Hillman Brower served as Director of Development for the College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CPNAHS) at Howard University in Washington, D.C. until retiring on June 26, 2009 after 31 years with the University.   Ms. Brower has demonstrated her skill as an effective planner with extraordinary ability to focus on the organization’s mission and vision and conceptualize the necessary actions to accomplish its desired objectives. As the Director of Development, she was charged with sustaining the Colleges mission by providing opportunities to develop public/private partnerships with client donors and generate constituency interest and resources to build and maintain Howard University’s status in research and scholarship through major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations that benefit both the client and the institution. She is credited with establishing the Planned Giving Office in the University’s College of Medicine and cultivating relationships within the University, which are so vital to the success of a planned giving program.  

Prior to her position with CPNAHS, Ms. Brower served as Development Associate for Planned Giving, Howard University, and Major Gifts Officer with the Howard University Hospital; Interim Assistant to the Dean for Development, and Assistant Director of Development/Planned Giving Officer with the College of Medicine. Ms. Brower has also served as an Assistant Director of Annual Giving with Trinity College in Washington, D.C.  Educational opportunities for thousands of African-American students were affected by her fundraising in the University’s health sciences enterprises. As a result of her extensive fund-raising expertise, her contribution to the growth of the University’s endowment is unprecedented.  She successfully identified a Planned Giving portfolio of realized and potential gifts of more than $10 million and was instrumental in the organization’s success by raising more than $20 million for the University.  

Ms. Brower’s memorable record of service includes active membership on the boards of many civic and professional organizations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), as a member of the Professional Advancement Division and the Washington, DC Metro Area Chapter where she served as Immediate-past President, Chair of the 2005-2007 Strategic Planning Committee, Chapter President, and Vice President for Governance. Ms. Brower has also served on the Executive Board of the Veteran’s Memorial YMCA and The Planning Board of the Montgomery County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet and Education Committees.  

Born in Dayton , Ohio , Ms. Brower received the Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Trinity College in Washington , D.C. She received the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification in 2001 and completed the AFP Faculty Training Academy in 2004.  Greatly regarded among her peers, she characterizes with proven and great distinction, Howard University’s core values of excellence, leadership, service and truth. Anita is currently enrolled in the Master’s of Public Administration program at Howard University.  

Ms. Brower is a member of the Sovereign Grace Church in Fairfax , Virginia and serves on the Biblical Counseling Team and the Greeting/Usher Team.

Esther Burgess, Serving as SVP, Deputy COO at Vistronix, Ms. Burgess is responsible for strategic and GWAC programs designed to fuel growth of the company. Her knowledge and background in Federal Acquisition, Program Management Office Operation, Process Management, Business Operations, as well as Sales and Business Development in large (ITT and CSC), mid-size (SI International), small (STG, Inc.) and 8(a) (Synernet Corp.) companies give her a strong understanding of the shared and unique needs from companies in their various stages of development.

Ms. Burgess holds a Masters Degree in Systems Management for R&D Programs from the University of Southern California. She possesses over 25 years of experience in Federal Information Technology environment, and is a co-author of the Earned Value Management book titled “EVM Demystified”, published in 2007.

Serving as the Chair for IAC Acquisition Management (AM) SIG, Esther continues to actively participate in professional organizations including ACT/IAC, ITAA, and GEIA, and is a member of the IAC Past Partners Program. Her previous IAC and SIG experience included Chair of the NIH Industry Advisory Council; Chair for the Collaboration SIG Excellence.gov event, IAC Acquisition Management (AM) SIG Communication Chair, Vice Chair for the AM SIG.

Reverend Renee’ Cole is a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and more than a conqueror.  She and her husband, Bishop Henry Rex Cole are the co-founders of Breath of Life Ministries, Inc. and Breath of Life Ministries Christian Fellowship Church based on Genesis 2:7 ”…And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”   After two bouts with cancer, she feels blessed to be given the gift of life and has purposed to share her life with others.    
 
Renee’ is a native Washingtonian who graduated cum laude from Howard University and worked at IBM for many years.  Renee’ Cole is proud to be of African American and Native American descent.  Renee’s life has been a journey of trials and triumphs.  Renee’ was initially diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31 after a self breast exam.  She vowed to fight for her life and felt in her heart that although she may have been diagnosed with cancer, cancer could not have her. To this end, she boldly tells her story and educates others.  She seeks to empower cancer patients to strive to not only become survivors, but conquerors. 

Renee’ Cole is now a cancer activist and patient advocate. She takes very seriously and personally the fight against cancer, the importance of clinical trials, and the pursuit of a cure.  Renee’ uniquely understands the impact of cancer on the lives of the patient, family, community, and the health care system.  She has been a keynote, conference and plenary speaker, and is involved with a myriad of both national and international efforts.  To this end, she is honored to be called upon by  various organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, National Coalition Cancer Survivorship (NCCS),  represented Howard University Cancer Center at the  Mayo Cancer Clinic as a member of the Gender & Ethnic Committee, the Komen Foundation, the Witness in the Heartland Cancer Support and Advocacy Project, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), NAACP, the LINKS and other organizations.  Through the American Cancer Society, she has been involved in many efforts such as the “Relay for Life” , a speaker for the Capital Breast Care Center’s Annual Candlelight Vigil and Walk, and most recently featured in the ACC Documentary “More Than A Conqueror” – African American Stories of Hope & Healing, which is to be aired this fall. She openly speaks to youth on issues of wellness and early cancer detection at such programs as the “Check it Out Program” in the public school system. Most notably Renee’ was honored to share her message of hope as a spokesperson for the national MARCH on Cancer and Candlelight Vigil on the Mall and at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Rev. Renee’ Cole serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Howard University Hospital Cancer Center. She has been featured in Essence magazine and CURE magazine’s article on “Remarkable Survivorship” and on the TBN Network and many other national and local television, cable, and radio broadcasts.  Rev. Renee’ Cole works tirelessly as a Resource Liaison and Patient Navigator to assist newly diagnosed patients and families facilitate necessary assistance. Renee’ has a passion and love for people. Rev. Renee’ Cole is the mother of four children, Russell, Brandon, Taylor Renee’ and Henry II (now deceased).   Rev. Renee’ Cole believes,   “If we learn, we can LIVE!”

Lisa A. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., is a professor of medicine, epidemiology, and health policy and management at the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. She is a board-certified general internist, health services researcher, and medical educator. Dr. Cooper received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master of Public Health degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She was a Picker/Commonwealth Scholar in patient-centered care research (1995–1997). Her research program focuses on patient-centered strategies for improving outcomes and overcoming racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare. Lisa Cooper is a nationally and internationally recognized physician and public health researcher whose scholarship on clinical communication is improving medical outcomes for minorities in the United States.  She also established a direct link between the propensity of physicians to involve patients in treatment decisions and the success of health care interventions.  In response to these findings, Cooper has developed culturally tailored education programs.  Preliminary results indicate that when patients and physicians are trained in patient-centered communication skills, patients are more likely to keep scheduled appointments, take medications as prescribed, and adhere to diet and exercise regimens.  Given the growing population in the U.S. of ethnically diverse consumers, Cooper’s analytical and clinical skills are key to enhancing the quality and delivery of medical care.

Most notably, Dr. Cooper has been named a 2007 fellow by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.  The fellowship comes with a $500,000 “genius grant” that Cooper may use in any way she chooses.  Cooper follows eight other Johns Hopkins faculty and alumni who also received MacArthur fellowships.

Kimberly Higginbotham is employed at Howard University Hospital as a Patient Navigation Coordinator. The navigation program has been very beneficial to many patients who come to Howard University Hospital for treatment. 

She also coordinates “Project Early Awareness, A School Breast Health Education Program for High School Girls”. As Program Coordinator, she works with D.C. Schools to educate girls about breast health and breast cancer, the program also educates young boys about breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer and smoking cessation.  The program has educated over 2,000 girls and over 1,000 boys.

Kimberly co-facilitates the S.E.E.D.S. Cancer Support Group at Howard University Cancer Center. S.E.E.D.S., the acronym for Support, Education, Encouragement and Determination to Succeed’s motto is, “Once these S.E.E.D.S. have been planted we hope that the member grows from their experience”. 

Kimberly also facilitates the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good… Feel Better” Program. The “Look Good…Feel Better” program is a community-based, free, national service that teaches female cancer patients techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Kimberly was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23 and she is in 10th year of remission.  She has been blessed with the opportunity to share her story via numerous media outlets. She has been featured in magazines such as: Marie Claire, Shape, People, Glamour and Black Enterprise. She has also participated in commercials for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, an educational video for the American Cancer Society and has been featured on many local news and radio programs.

In 2006, Kimberly was selected to be a Legislative Ambassador for the American Cancer Society. This is a two-year volunteer position that consists of lobbying for the rights of cancer patients and survivors. The Ambassador’s major purpose is to try and increase the government’s understanding and commitment to fighting cancer.

Kimberly received her Bachelors Degree in Allied Health Sciences and Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Howard University.  

Kimberly, a native Washingtonian, lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Anthony and son Logan.

Todd Mayman is Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Governance Officer at Gannett Co., Inc.  Gannett Co., Inc. is a leading international news and information company that publishes 85 daily newspapers in the USA, including USA TODAY, the nation’s largest-selling daily newspaper.  The company also owns nearly 900 non-daily publications in the USA and USA WEEKEND, a weekly newspaper magazine.  Gannett subsidiary Newsquest is the United Kingdom’s second largest regional newspaper company.  Gannett also operates 23 television stations in the United States and is an Internet leader with sites sponsored by its TV stations and newspapers including USATODAY.com, one of the most popular news sites on the Web.  Mr. Mayman provides legal support to Gannett’s CEO and Board in connection with Board and corporate governance matters and is responsible for legal matters in the following areas:  acquisitions, corporate and securities, finance, contracts, human resources, real estate and construction, environmental, tax, bankruptcy and related litigation.  He also is Secretary of the Gannett Foundation, a corporate foundation sponsored by Gannett Co., Inc.  He currently serves as a board member of the Dulles Corridor Rail Association and Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, VA.

Prior to joining Gannett in 1993, Mr. Mayman was an associate at Arent Fox for five years and served as a clerk to Judge Judith W. Rogers at the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.  He holds a B.A. with Honors from Swarthmore College and a J.D. magna cum laude from Boston University School of Law.

Angela Peabody is the publisher and founder of Global Woman Magazine, a publication dedicated to capturing the essence of women who represent international culture and experiences and are sources of inspiration to the magazine’s readers.  In her native country of Liberia, Angela worked as a television journalist and press secretary for the country’s minister of agriculture.

In the latter part of her career, Angela became a published author. Her writings include Exiled – Within the Heart of American Society, a tribute to the survival of the Liberian coup d’etat, Unconditional Love, a collection of poems, and is the author of the play, What Goes Around Comes Around. Angela is currently writing her second novel, When the Games Froze. Angela launched Global Woman in May 2006 with the motivation of creating a publication that crossed ethnic and generational lines, as well as demonstrated the influence of women on a diversity of scales and circumstances.

Angela is a highly sought after public speaker on the issues of poverty, women empowerment, literacy and illiteracy, displacement, female genital mutilation, fistula, breast cancer, vegetarianism, survival, violence against women and The New Liberia. In 2006, she received an award in Print Journalism from the Victor E. Ward Educational Fund. She spoke at Harvard University, University of Pittsburgh, Catonsville Community College and The Making Poverty History Conference in London, where she shared the stage with two House of Parliament Members.  Angela is the former Chair of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Writers Union.

Andrea Roane is now in her 27th year with W*USA 9, and currently co-anchors 9 NEWS NOW from 5-7am and 9-10am with Mike Walter.  Andrea is honored to have been recently selected as a distinguished annual honoree by the ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership's Greater Washington Network, which recognized Andrea's outstanding work within the community and the region as a "leader and trailblazer deserving of recognition." The GWN serves over 8,000 industry professionals in the region.

Andrea joined 9NEWS NOW in August 1981 as the Sunday evening and 6:30am weekday anchor. In 1983, she co-anchored the Noon broadcast with Bob Dalton. In 1989, Andrea co-anchored the 4pm news with Mike Buchanan. In 1995, Andrea co-anchored the 6 & 11pm newscasts with Gordon Peterson. In October 2000, Andrea was re-teamed with Mike Buchanan for the 5, 6, and 9am newscasts.  During her career, Andrea has covered a wealth of hard news stories, from politics, the arts, education and sports to women's health issues. She has interviewed newsmakers, entertainers, and politicians including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Defense Secretary William Cohen, David Rockefeller, Michael J. Fox, Danny Glover, Magic Johnson and author Mary Higgins Clarke. She covered the 1996 Republican and Democratic conventions and the 1988 GOP convention.

Andrea is best known to viewers for her passionate reporting on breast health issues and promoting the importance of Early Detection in the fight against breast cancer. Andrea was recently named one of Washingtonian Magazine's sixteen "Washingtonians Of The Year" for her continued work on breast cancer awareness. Thousands of women die annually of breast cancer, but the highest mortality rate from the disease is here in the nation's capital. In response, Andrea initiated an innovative Washington, DC breast cancer awareness program, Buddy Check 9. On the ninth of every month, Andrea encourages viewers to team up with a friend or relative to follow the National Cancer Institute's 3-step breast examination early detection program. Since its inception in 1993, thousands of Washington-area women and men have signed on to the program.

Andrea has worked as the mistress of ceremonies at the Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure.  Her commitment to women's health and community service has been recognized with several awards including the following:   2004 Lombardi Symbol of Caring Award; 2004 Innovators in Advocacy Award- GW MFA Mobile Mammography Program; 2002 Women of Distinction Award - Northern Seaboard Region and Greater Washington Area Chapter Hadassah; 2001 Leadership Award - American Women in Radio & Television; 2000 Outstanding Community Commitment Award - Columbia Hospital for Women; 1999 Susan B. Anthony Award for Community Service, Montgomery County Chapter of NOW; 1999 Best of Gannett - Gannett Broadcasting Company; 1998 Outstanding Public Service - Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasting Association; 2001 Glenn Brenner Award - Washington, D.C. Chapter/NATAS; 2001 Media Excellence Award - National Foundation of Women Legislators; 1999 EMMY Finalist, Community Service Award - National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; 1997 Emmy Award/Program Segments - Washington, DC Chapter/NATAS; 1997 Gracie Allen Award - American Women in Radio & Television; 1990 Emmy Award/Feature News - Washington, D.C. Chapter/NATAS; and the 1989 Emmy Award/Feature News - Washington, D.C. Chapter/NATAS.

Andrea co-chairs the Kennedy Center Community and Friends Board and is a board member of the National Museum of Women In The Arts. She is also a member of the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation Board; the Howard University Hospital Cancer Advisory Board; the National Catholic Education Association Board and a Trustee of the Catholic University of America. Andrea is a member of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Federal Association); the Women's Forum of Washington. She is a lifetime member of both the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women.  Andrea earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Education and a Master of Arts degree in Drama and Communications from Louisiana State University in New Orleans, now the University of New Orleans.

Ms. Kathleen M. Rogers, CTR
Quality Control and Program Specialist
D.C. Cancer Registry

Susan Silberstein has served as Executive Director of the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education since she founded the organization in October of 1977, after the death of her young husband to cancer. She also serves as Educational Advisor to the National Foundation for Alternative Medicine, as trainer for Ultimate Health Group, Inc., and as consultant for various educational, clinical, and nutraceutical facilities.  In conjunction with her work at the cancer center, Susan is Editor of Immune Perspectives magazine, creator of the video, Breast Cancer: The Diet Connection, author of the recipe book Hungry for Health, and originator of Philadelphia’s annual “Food & Health Expo.”

A national speaker on nutrition, cancer prevention, and complementary and alternative medicine, Susan lectures frequently for medical and nursing schools, continuing oncology nursing education programs, universities, corporations, and other organizations. Since 1977, she has appeared on scores of radio and television talk shows, has coordinated hundreds of health conferences, and has counseled thousands of patients. For several years, Susan taught the psychology of health and disease in the Graduate Division of Counseling Psychology at Immaculata University and served as Director of the Integrative Program for Cancer Prevention at the Village at Newtown Medical Center. A frequent contributing writer and interviewee for various health publications, she is featured in Rutgers University Press’s Evaluating Alternative Cancer Therapies.

A Phi Beta Kappa and Fulbright scholar, Susan is the recipient of the Jefferson Award of the American Institute for Public Service, the Legion of Honor Award of the Chapel of Four Chaplains, the Montgomery County Woman of Vision Award, the Founder’s Award of the National Foundation for Alternative medicine, and the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education.  Susan is also an accomplished linguist, a trained opera singer, and mother of four.

Guy Timberlake is the Chief Visionary and Chief Executive Officer of The American Small Business Coalition LLC, an organization providing a unique and innovative membership program for companies doing business with government agencies and government contractors. Since 2004, The American Small Business Coalition (ASBC), has helped Industry and Government to leverage the extensive network of active and retired entrepreneurs, public servants, senior executives, military leaders and thought-leaders, to achieve their respective organizational goals and objectives.

For over twenty years, Guy has been involved in government programs with a focus on federal sector initiatives and requirements. He has provided mission-critical support to agencies of the U.S. Intelligence Communit. Guy spent his entire career working for and with small businesses, including his own venture in 1997, a reseller company that processed nearly one million dollars in revenue in its first four months of existence.  Guy serves in an advisory capacity for several small businesses.  In 2007, Guy was appointed to the Board of Governors at the exclusive Tower Club at Tysons in Northern Virginia and was a nominee for the Fifty Influential Entrepreneurs in Business award, presented by the Minority Enterprise Executive Council. Additionally, Guy and The ASBC have been referenced and quoted in industry publications such as FCW, Washington Technology, Federal Times and GovernmentVAR, and local, regional and national programs and publications such as Federal News Radio, Washington Business Journal, Washington Post and Inc. Magazine.

Terrie Williams is President of the Terrie Williams Agency, a public relations and communications agency, which was launched in 1988. The company would become one of the country’s most successful public relations firms—handling through the years the biggest names in entertainment, sports, business, and politics. Clients included Miles Davis, Eddie Murphy, Johnnie L. Cochran, Essence Communications Partners, Time Warner, HBO and dozens of other notable personalities and corporations.

Terrie is a clinical social worker by training who became a successful public relations pro by her own design. Over the years she has also inscribed her prominence as an author of the successful business and inspirational story, and she has emerged as a passionate advocate for youth and those who battle depression.  Her public relations achievements—and that of the Agency’s—have been featured as case studies in PR seminars, college texts, industry newsletters, and novels. Terrie’s triumphs have been chronicled in numerous publications such as Adweek, Jet Magazine, The Boston Globe, New York Daily News, Washington Post, Crain’s New York Business and People Magazine. She is a highly sought-after speaker and has shared her unique talent with many Fortune 500 companies and diverse organizations, from New York University to the National Hockey League.

She has also received countless honors and awards, including: The New York Women in Communications Matrix Award in Public Relations (she was the first woman of color to receive this award in its 70-year history); the PRSA New York Chapter’s Phillip Dorf Mentoring Award; and The Citizen’s Committee for New York Marietta Tree Award for Public Service. In 1996 she was the first person of color honored with the Vernon C. Schranz Distinguished Lectureship at Ball State University, and in 1998 she donated her papers to the Howard University Moorland-Springarn Research Center Archives.

Terrie is the author of three successful books: the business bestseller The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today’s Fast-Paced Business World; the inspirational A Plentiful Harvest: Creating Balance and Harmony through the Seven Living Virtues; and Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens, the basis for the 2001 launch of The Stay Strong Foundation, a national non-profit designed to educate and encourage American youth.  Terrie’s current work, a book entitled Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting, will be published by Scribner in January 2008.

Terrie has a B. A. (cum laude) in Psychology and Sociology from Brandeis University, and an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University.

Michel Wright brings both class and creativity to the airwaves.   A veteran on-air personality, she can be heard simultaneously on WPGC 95.5, The Globe 94.7 and SiriusXM’s Heart & Soul channel.  Her "Wrightrak" entertainment feature is a part of the syndicated "Live in the Den with Big Tigger" show.  A consistent ratings winner for over a decade, she has earned the title “The First Lady of Middays” in the DMV! 

Her smooth friendly, voice has been heard on many national TV and radio commercials including Colgate, Frito-Lay and Kodak as well as a voice of the BET-J television network.  She is also a Brand Ambassador for Mercedes Benz, Burger King and Ray Hills American Pilsner.    

Applying a “never settle” philosophy, Michel writes and voices ecological vignettes on AOL.   You can also check out her column "Wright Here with..." in Elan Extreme Magazine (www.elanexmag.com) where she interviews celebrities and other people you might want to know.  Recently, she made her principal acting debut in the upcoming inde film “Money Matters”.

Through her company LitSVC, LLC and “Michel Wright Presents”, she brought together best-selling and local authors presenting The Literary Café at a CBS radio outlet event that attracted over 20,000 attendees.  Michel is a "Wammy" (Washington Area Music Award) winner and her community involvement includes "The Free-Style Project", which she founded to provide clothing to needy families and the "Neighborflava Program", which was cited with a proclamation from the Mayor and City Council.