The DivaSoulSistas of 2008 For a great 2008, we'll feature 12 dynamic women all actively pursuing their dreams and making a difference. In Feng Shui circles, the number Eight is associated with prosperity, wealth and money. Even if this year's crop of DivaSoulSistas hasn't attained the financial wealth yet, they are still wealthy in spirit, intelligence and contribution. These are everyday women who every day make an extraordinary impact on the lives around them. I am privileged to be able to share their stories with you. Click on the picture to read their profiles. Kim Crouch January An attorney and author, Kim believes in making change one person at a time. Her insightful debut, Mother to Son: Words of Wisdom, Inspiration and Hope for Today’s Young African-American Men gives advice to young boys about becoming men and encouragement and perspective to the women who are raising them.   Bessie Winn February Actress, advocate and beauty queen, this former Miss Black Georgia is more than a pretty face. She's the co-founder of Break Free, a non-profit focused on teenage domestic violence. She's also looking to add author to her list of titles, as she is working on a book for teens as well. She's been featured in Ebony,Vibe Vixen, Atlanta Voice and Rolling Out, and we are honored to feature her here on DivaSoulSista. Kelle Jolle March When her father died of cancer, Kelle realized just how short and uncertain life is. She decided right then to take charge of her life and follow her dream. A mere two years later, she's living her dreams professionally and personally - making beautiful music on stage and with her new fiance!   Michelle Moorer April "Healing the hurt" could be the mantra for Michelle Moorer. The founder of Lean on Me Services, Michelle, a survivor of childhood abuse is committed to helping women and girls acheive their dreams regardless of their challenges and circumstances. Single mother, survivor, author and mentor, Michelle is not just living her dream but helping others realize theirs. Catresa Meyers May An attorney by trade, Catresa always had the desire to write. By combining her passion for writing with her faith, Catresa Meyers is living her dream and inspiring others to do the same.   No DivaSoulSista of the Month for June. Angel Braham July Pastor, Author, Entreprenuer Angel is changing lives by putting her faith in action. She's founded her own ministry, hosts an radio show and has just released a book. She's an accomplished business woman, pastor and mother, all before the age of 30!   Adriene Hobdy Entreprenuer Adriene Hobdy is all about business. She is active on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is active in her church. She is also starting a financial planning business to help other young professionals get their money right! Cindy P. Canty September Photographer and graphic artist, Cindy Canty has an eye for beauty. She also has a mind for business as she is stepping out to start her own photography service. A single mother who lives the values of hard work and dedication, Cindy is a DivaSoulSista who won't be stopped!         The DivaSoulSistas of 2007 Unfortunately for the first half of 2007, there were no DivaSoulSistas of the Month. Nominations were non-existent! I thought about disbanding this feature all together, I mean, after all, it has nothing to do with movies. Then I got a nomination, then another and I met a few dynamic women. So it's back. I've said it before and I will say it again. If you are working hard and pursuing your dreams, you are a DivaSoulSista! Don't be afraid to share your accomplishments or be proud of your success. To nominate yourself or someone else, send an email to diva@divasoulsista.com and let me know in a few sentences why you should be the DivaSoulSista of the Month. Click on the picture to read their profiles.
	Tekoa Summers May President, H.O.P.E. - Helping Others Pursue Excellence Recognized as one of Ebony magazine's 30 Leaders Under 30, Tekoa is already making things happen. As a motivational speaker and president of her own foundation, Tekoa is a woman who walks the walk. She's made a career out of helping other people make their lives better.			Sister Mary Harris June Singer/Pediatric Transplant Nurse She wowed them at the Apollo's famed amateur night competition, so you know she must be good. A traditional gospel singer, Mary Harris is not only inspired to sing but inspires others through her song.
	Timogi July Designer Timogi is a woman who just oozes creativity. With her own line of inspirational greeting cards, Timogi also designs and makes many of her own clothes. A true creative and positive spirit, Timogi is a woman who lives her art. .			Robin Byrd August Writer/Actress/Poet Robin Byrd is dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs make the most of their opportunities. Coordinating biannual women's conferences in her hometown of Charlotte, Robin gives women an opportunity to learn, network and inspire one another.
	Devin Cofield September Motivational Speaker A certified diversity and women's empowerment trainer, Devin does more than speak on empowering women, she lives her words as well. A gifted speaker and aspiring writer, Devin Cofield is a diva in hot pursuit of her dreams.			Eunice Cofie October Entrepreneur Eunice is the current reigning Miss Black Florida. But this is one beauty queen not content to rest on her tiara! She's also an entrepreneur with her own line of African-inspired line of beauty products. Ambitious, intelligent and dedicated to making all women beautiful, Eunice is a DivaSoulSista on the move.
	Lakara Foster November Guidance Counselor/Spoken Word Artist/Motivational Speaker Lakara has the distinction of being the first DivaSoulSista to have appeared on Oprah! This diva motivates women through her poetry, her book, her speaking and her radio show. Lakara is truly a Diva of all trades!			Comilla Thompson December Financial Services Comilla is a living testimony that you can go from victim to victor and she's helping other women do the same. As the founder of S.A.F.E.T.Y, she is using her experiences to help other women overcome the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. She's also the owner of her own design company. Comilla is a diva putting compassion in action.

 

The DivaSoulSistas of 2006 Read about twelve driven and dynamic DivaSoulSistas. What makes these women so special? They are real, everyday women who are working hard to achieve their dreams. They prove that if you can dream it, you can do it. Varying in age, professions and locations, these women are here to inspire and share a few of their secrets! Click on the picture to read their profiles.
	Lisa Moten January President: LJM & Associates Lisa is the founder and president of a thriving, internationally-recognized and award-winning public relations and marketing firm. An accomplished business woman and wonderful mother, Lisa is an ambitious diva and a force to be reckoned with!			Caren Lewis July Owner, Cc Elaine Salon Bride Chic Caren's dream is helping other women make their dreams come true on that special day, their wedding day. A newlywed herself, Caren prides herself of capturing every bride's uniqueness in her designs.Her work has been featured nationally in several publications and in fashion shows across the country.
	Sheila Chadwick February Writer and Online Publisher Sheila Chadwick is a woman on the move, in addition to publishing a monthly e-zine, she also holds down a full-time job, while pursing a Master's in Adult Education and raising two teenage daughters. .			Tawanna Kelley August Training Manager As a trainer, Tawanna uses her knowledge of computer software programs to give her students the tools they need to take their careers to that next level. Upbeat, positive and dedicated, Tawanna isn't just a DivaSoulSista, she's also my friend!
	Kali-Ahset Amen March Doctoral Student For Kali-Ahset Amen, her dreadlocks are more than just a fashion statement. She is a woman who lives her African heritage and is committed to improving the lives of people of African-descent the world over. She is truly a diva of vision.			Nicole Sharpley September Full-Time Student/Claims Processor Nicole is the first DivaSoulSista to also be related to me! But that's not enough to make her a DivaSoulSista. This hard-working young woman is holding down school (full-time), two jobs and looking forward to buying a home. And she's not even 25!
	Ebony Jackson April Writer/Actress At the time of this profile, Ebony was a woman in transition, starting a family (pregnant with her first child) and starting a new business. This fearless diva is not afraid of change or confronting new frontiers. In fact, she welcomes the challenge!			Sheila Goss October Author A self-published author of an Essence magazine best seller and author of many freelance articles, Sheila is a writer with heart. On her blog, she gives advice and encouragement to other writers. Her talent and generous spirit makes her a true DivaSoulSista.
	Anya Adams May Assistant Producer: CSI Miami This talented diva is used to besting the competition. From winning a position with Up with People to completing the ultra-competitive Directors Guild of America Trainee program to landing a position on one of the hottest shows on TV, Anya is an ambitious diva making it happen.			Angelique November Radio Personality/Actress If you are in Los Angeles, you may have heard her on 100.3 The Beat. If you have kids, you may recognize her as the voice of Paris on The Rugrats - All Grown Up. This accomplished radio personality, voiceover artist and actress is making quite a splash.
	Dana Ross June Author/Documentary Producer Black fathers have taken a beaten over the years, but Dana Ross is here to set things straight ... or at least make them more balanced. With a book, Black Fatherhood: Reclaiming Our Legacy and the companion documentary, she has the courage to show the good, bad and ugly of a complex subject.			Prof. Gayle McKinney Griffith December Co-founder/director of Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre A dancer and artist, Prof. McKinney Griffith is dedicated to making social statements through the arts. From her start at the Julliard School and with the Dance Theater of Harlem to promoting independent and unique black expressions through the Black International Cinema Festival, she is committed to helping other artists realize their visions.