Rolling out is proud to announce its fourthannual Top 25 Women of Atlanta issue. Theillustrious list of women you’ll hear from in thenext few pages was constructed with this year’stheme — Divaism at the forefront.The FSF Top 25 focuses on dynamicwomen in a cross section of industries andprofessional pursuits, but particularly those whohave mastered the art of managing the rigorsof business while fostering lasting personaldevelopment strategies.2009 is a benchmark year as these celebratedwomen join with FSF alumnae to complete thelist of Atlanta’s Top 100 Women.While compiling our list of Atlanta’s mostnotable divas, we noticed a couple of commonthreads running through the stories andsentiments they shared — unshakable faith,unabashed resolve and relentless pursuit oftheir individual passions.We applaud their commitment and theircontributions to a greater good. –roz edward

Mishon Bouyer

AgentAmerican Family Insurance

As an agent with American Family Insurance, Mishon
Bouyer enjoys being able to help others. “Its about having
the freedom and flexibility to do what you love to do
and know that you are contributing to someone else’s
happiness,” says Bouyer.
Buoyer never underestimated the value of having a
strong support system. “Having a mentor is extremely
important in guiding someone in a professional capacity.
It has given me the opportunity to communicate with
someone that has walked through the same obstacles
I’m facing as well as keeping me motivated,” she says.
For Bouyer, success means understanding how to
master the difficult task of keeping every facet of your
life in perspective. “A lot of time we’re thrown different
curve balls and challenges in your life, you don’t necessarily
have to consider success by monetary things. It’s
your contributions and how you overcome challenges
every day ... that’s what makes you successful. Find a
balance between your personal life and professional life
so that you can remain levelheaded,” she says.

  

Marketing and PR Coordinator

The Alliance Theater

Andrea Gardenhire is bringing a fresh approach to the

way that theater is presented to young people. “We definitely

target people in very different ways. When we talk

to our youth, we have to go to them. They’re not necessarily

consuming their media in the same way as our older

audiences — [so] we are targeting them on Facebook

[and] Twitter,” she explains. “When we’re targeting our

younger patrons, we go to them and we talk about new

and hipper things … like we recently held a block party.”

For Gardenhire, theater offers a unique opportunity

to touch young lives. “Success for me

isn’t monetary,” she shares. “It’s not just selling

them a ticket — it’s giving someone art and

helping them understand the entire experience.”

 Andrea Riggs

Owner, Body Beautiful

Andrea Riggs understands the importance of making

healthy lifestyle choices. After witnessing several of her

family members suffering from the effects of obesity,

Riggs began to dedicate herself to remaining healthy

and teaching others about the value of eating nutritiously

and staying physically fit. Since creating Body Beautiful

in 1998, she has become a leading spokesperson for

health and wellness.

“Body Beautiful is founded on lifestyle, nutrition, and

fitness,” Riggs says. “I am dedicated to helping black

Americans have better lifestyles through fitness.”

Riggs has appeared as a health expert on ABC and

has worked with companies such as Gatorade, 100

Black Men, and Enterprise Leasing.

“My family had issues with being obese, so I decided

to make a career out of helping others avoid that

situation,” she says. “We’re all going to age, but if you

take care of yourself there is a chance that you will not

have to deal with so many illnesses.”

 April Crawley

Ms. Black Georgia USA

April Crawley has never given up on her dreams. After

participating in beauty pageants from the age of 17 to 21,

Crawley retired to focus on different business ventures.

But years later, Crawley stepped out of retirement and

decided to compete for Ms. Black Georgia USA. Since

recently winning the 2009 beauty pageant, Crawley has

inspired others to reach for success.

In November, her company C & D Inc., will coordinate

the Middle Georgia Idol talent showcase. Held in Warner

Robins, Ga., the event will provide a platform for aspiring

musicians to be heard. Crawley believes that dedication

is the key to achieving all your goals. “It’s good to see

black Americans doing so much,” she says. “In life, you

can never give up on what you want to do. You have to

push forward and never be afraid.”

President and CEO

Larché Communications

“You can’t settle for being less than the best. You

have to strive for excellence and be superior in your

field. You have to be the best at what you do … and

there is no room for mediocrity,” advises Diane Larché,

president and CEO of Larché Communications, a full

service communications firm specializing in sports and

entertainment. The premier PR firm boasts a bevy of

high-profile clients including the U.S. Department of

Commerce, the Bahama’s Consulate General, the Steve

Harvey Foundation and both the Atlanta and National

Urban League organizations.

The Philadelphia-born Larché, implores other women

in business to continuously hone their skills and perfect

their crafts for maximum benefit and optimal output.

“I’m always learning, I’m always growing and identifying

how I can be better … just don’t take anything for

granted,” advises the Delta Sigma Theta soror.

Larché and her husband are also the first African

American owners of a specialty shoewear store, a Foot

Solutions franchise outlet.

 Erica Blevins

Founder, Oh! My Nappy Hair Salons
Erica Blevins is a mane master who deftly applies herdivinely-inspired skills on a legion of troubled tresses atOh! My Nappy Hair Salons. As the heir apparent of abusiness dynasty that operates stores in Los Angeles,Oakland, Calif., and Atlanta, Erica has been workingto replicate the business feats of her hero and mother,Rosario Schuler, ever since she graduated from collegewith a biology degree.“I realized then that most of my colleagues wereworried about getting hired to work for somebody butwere never aspired to become entrepreneurs. Eventhose with families in business did not consider joiningforces with them to build the business into a majorcompany. I felt something was wrong with this pictureand began to reconsider my journey. Being in businesswas something I was comfortable doing and I knew mymother was on to something that I too, really believedto be great.”

 Janice Mathis

Vice President for Legal AffairsCitizenship Education Fund Inc.
“Committed to the people.” That phrase gets tossedaround rather casually, but in the case of Janice Mathis— it is actually an understatement. The vice presidentfor legal affairs for the Citizenship Education Fund Inc.is dedicated to helping improve the lives of everyone shetouches.“I can really agree with what Judge Sotomayor saidabout being a ‘wise Latina woman,’ ” she says with achuckle. “I think of myself as a wise African Americanwoman who over the years has factored human behaviorand human weakness into my expectations. It’s mademe more forgiving, more loving, more patient and morekind.”

African American Brand Manager,MillerCoors
Cherry Z. Knox feels blessed beyond measure,because as the brand manager for the African Americanmarket for MillerCoors, she doesn’t feel like she’sworking — but she’s leaving an indelible imprint withinthe African American demographic.“I remember the moment I first started in multiculturalmarketing and realized that I actually have the capacityto impact the thoughts, the [buying] patterns and thebehaviors of the general buying public within the AfricanAmerican community,” she says. “They say when youfind a job that you really love, you feel like you don’twork. I feel like I don’t work because I’m passionateabout what I do.”That passion fuels Knox’s drive to operate inexcellence at all times to make MillerCoors the No. 1brand among black consumers.

Dazon Dixon Diallo

Founder and Chief Executive OfficerSisterLove Inc.
“I was working in a women’s health clinic, and at thattime in the mid-’80s we didn’t have a lot of black womenon the front lines of the work. In the AIDS epidemic therewere even fewer black women involved in the activistand advocacy end of it,” explains Dazon Dixon Diallo,founder of SisterLove Inc., a nonprofit reproductive andsexual health organization focusing on women and HIV/AIDS.The visionary advocate credits much of herinvolvement in the HIV/AIDS movement to MarquisWalker, a financial aid counselor during her days atSpelman, who recognized her spirit of activism andsupported her to complete her education, and inspiredher to expand the scope of her service to women andher contribution to the larger community.

Demetria McKinney

Actress, Singer, Songwriter,Dancer, Choreographer
Initially, Demetria McKinney did not want to becomean actress. Nor did the singer, songwriter, dancer andchoreographer intend to become a household nameplaying a crack-addicted mother on “Tyler Perry’sHouse of Payne.” But an episode earlier this yearhelped Demetria understand conclusively and withoutquestion, that she is living her purpose:“I was doing an AIDS awareness reception withthe CETA Foundation about four or five months ago,”Demetria says. “And some lady came up to me. Theweek before she had been raped. Seeing me do whatI’m doing and being willing to talk about some of thingsthat I experienced in my life so that people can progressbeyond whatever has happened to them in the pasthelped her. … That’s when I knew, ‘Hey, I actually havea platform where somebody can be helped.’ … Now Ican’t see my life without [acting].”

I’na Saulsbery

The Starfire Group
I’na Saulsbery knows the value of observation.“I watched others, saw what worked for them andformulated my own plan to make it work for me,” shesays. And she’s found success making it work for her —though she had some tough lessons to learn initially.Saulsbery’s biggest triumph was understanding that itwas OK to make mistakes in the pursuit of greatness. Butonce she decided what her passion was, she stoppedbeing afraid of slip-ups. “For a long time I struggled withwhat my purpose was — what I was actually supposedto be doing,” she says.Her advice to youngsters is to be open-minded aboutthe future. “I would definitely tell somebody coming outof college to make a list of the things that you want todo … explore all your options [and] don’t be afraid tomake mistakes. That was something that I was reallyleery of. Some of the richest people out there have hadjust as many failed businesses as they had successfulbusinesses — because they weren’t afraid to take achance,” she says.

Jovita Moore

Television News Anchor
“I’ve always had a strong affection for TV news. It wasalways something I enjoyed. I thought the people on thenews were important people, I respected them and Iadmired them,” says Atlanta’s journalistic jewel, JovitaMoore who anchors the 5 p.m. newscast on Channel 2Action News. Moore joined WSB-TV in 1998 after movingto Atlanta, from Memphis, Tenn., where she worked as aweekend anchor and reporter. The Emmy Award winneris recognized for her stellar reporting standards and herspecial ability to connect with the subject matter to offeran accurate depiction of people and the issues.Moore, who began her career as a reporter at KFSMTVin Fayetteville, Ark., in 1990, is a native New Yorker.The celebrated broadcaster devotes countless hoursto working with civic associations, hosting events forcommunity agencies and mentoring students. Mooreis devoted to helping communities around the metroAtlanta area. She currently serves on the boards of theCenter for the Visually Impaired, Dress for Success andthe DeKalb Symphony Orchestra.

Kathleen Bertrand

Vice President,Community & Governmental AffairsAtlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sustaining a career as one of the industry’s mostrespected jazz vocalists-songwriters is remarkablein and of itself, but balancing that with the demandsand responsibilities of being the senior vice presidentfor community and governmental affairs at the AtlantaConvention & Visitors Bureau makes for an obviouslydemanding workload. But Kathleen Bertrand makes itall look so easy. It is also how she defines her success.“Success is the achievement of my professional andpersonal goals at the highest level of my capability,” sheshares. “It is recognition of those achievements by yourpeers, and it is the ability to share the fruits of my laborwith my family.”“Giving back is important, and there are so manyyoung people — both students and young professionals— who look to me for guidance and advice,” saysBertrand. “I love being able to … lend a hand that helpsthem achieve their career goals.”

Katrina Mallory

VP of Academic AffairsAmerican Intercontinental University –Atlanta Campus
“I was teaching fourth grade and I had a young[student] who couldn’t read. … I went through theprocess of getting her some type of assistance from thestudent support team and she was not approved … Icried on my way home and at that moment I knew Iwould have to be in a position to make the right decisionfor children,” explains Katrina Mallory, vice president ofAcademic Affairs at AIU.Having accomplished that objective and securing aleadership role in the university’s administration, theexperienced and enlightened educator says one of themost important attributes of a successful woman is herability and willingness to reinvent herself and adjustdirections to achieve balance.“We [have] to continue to be the advocates forensuring that there’s equity across the board when itcomes to jobs and employment positions,” Mallorywisely advises.

Kim Yokely

Kimochi Body N’ Sole
It is impossible to walk into Kimochi Body N’ SoleSanctuary without taking a piece of the atmospherewith you. Massage maven Kim Yokely provides anextraordinary mental and physical rest haven, where shechannels her divine gift to rejuvenate the body and spiritthrough the ancient massage techniques she learnedunder the masters in Japan and other places in Asia.Yokely says she knew she was on the path of herdestiny, “… the moment I followed my intuition andended up in a Shiatsu Massage Class in Fukuoka, Japan.It felt as if my hidden talent was being awakened,” saysYokely, who brings her gifts that were cultivated in Africato her business on Ponce de Leon Ave. “I was definitelyclear from that day that teaching others how to heal andbeing used to assist others with their health was mycalling in life.”Through Kimochi, Yokely is able to help her legion ofclients avoid hospitals to stay healthy. “The thing thatmotivates me most is the fact that I am doing the workthat I was chosen to do,” she says.

Nancy J. Lewis

President, Progressive Techniques Inc.Nancy J. Lewis knows what it takes to mold leaders.As the president of Progressive Techniques Inc., Lewishas dedicated her life to making sure that talentedindividuals reach their full potential.“I always like being in front of people,” Lewis says.“So 13 years ago, I started Progressive TechniquesInc. We are a management and development companythat specializes in human capitol for developing peopleskills from leadership to diversity and we do businesscoaching for executives.”Lewis’ clients include Delta Airlines, Chick-fil-A, Inc.,Coca-Cola Enterprises, and A T & T. “Our brand helps todevelop a better you,” she says. We help organizationswork from the inside out, to develop leadership skills tobe utilized in the workplace,” explains Lewis.

Rev. Cynthia L. Hale

Pastor, Ray of Hope Christian Church
For more than three decades, Rev. Dr. CynthiaL. Hale has been passionate about preaching the“Good News.” The founding and senior pastor of Rayof Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Ga., is knownas a revolutionary in ministerial circles.The always smartly dressed Hale tends to an activemembership of 5,000 and leads a mentorship programknown as Elah Pastoral Ministries,Inc. to assist in thespiritual as well as practical development of pastors andpara-church leaders.Hale preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Africa,Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, and South America,and serves on a number of boards. The mesmerizingminister blessed the nation with her oratorical andspiritual gifts when she gave the opening invocationat the 2008 Democratic National Convention. In2009, she was privileged to participate at the NationalPrayer Service for the inauguration of President BarackObama.

Sherry Bryant

CEO, Sherry Bryant & Associates
After working for the FDIC, Federal Home LoanBank of Atlanta, and several national banks, SherryBryant witnessed firsthand how minorities were beingdisenfranchised by the financial industry. In 2001,Bryant decided to provide financial services to those inneed and created Sherry Bryant & Associates.Sherry Bryant & Associates is a now reputableinstitution for individuals who are seeking advice onaccounting, taxes and wealth development. “My clientshave become more financially astute since taking partin our courses,” Bryant says. “They are more aware ofhow to prepare for business transactions.”Bryant works diligently to educate small to mediumsizedbusinesses, entertainers, athletes, nonprofitorganizations, churches and financial institutions onthe principles of business.

Terri Ellis-Ewing

Owner, Ellis VoiceoversTerri Ellis-Ewing says being the CEO of her family isher greatest role and her highest success in life. Andhers is a life that is filled with many successes. Ellis-Ewinghas a television broadcasting degree from RutgersUniversity. She has appeared on the “Today” show asa finalist for “Anchor of the Day” alongside Matt Lauer.She is also the co-founder of the Caring in Motion Foundation,and owns her own voice over company, Ellis Voiceovers.But for Ellis-Ewing, it all comes back to her children,and her husband Steve Ewing, owner of Wade Ford.“My most favorite ‘aha!’ moment of my life was whenI decided to put my family first while building a familybusiness,” she says. “I feel as though this has been mygreatest accomplishment.”

JUDGE PENNY Brown Reynolds

State Court of Fulton County
The Honorable Penny Brown Reynolds is thequintessential embodiment of the American Dream.As the star of the new court television show, “FamilyCourt with Judge Penny,” Reynolds demonstrates howshe used education to escape an impoverished, singleparentchildhood in Louisiana.A young Brown Reynolds moved to Atlanta, workedthree jobs and attained her undergraduate degree, cumlaude, at Georgia State University — all while handlingthe rigors of being a single mother. She went on toearn three degrees, including her law degree. JudgeReynolds eventually became an assistant attorneygeneral in Georgia, one of five blacks to ever hold theposition, and was the executive counsel to Gov. RoyBarnes, the first African American to ever hold that titlein Georgia. She was later appointed to the trial courtbench in the State Court of Fulton County.

Sahar Simmons

Author, Briana’s Neighborhood
Sahar Simmons noticed that young black girls didnot have many positive characters in literature thatembodied the African American experience. So afteryears of working with the NFL, NBA and on big budgetmotion pictures, Simmons created the children series,Briana’s Neighborhood.With four published books and the interactiveWeb site, brianasneighborhood.com, Simmons hasestablished a successful company while inspiring youngblack girls.“In order to become successful, you have to sellyourself and your product every chance you get,”Simmons says. “African Americans as a communityspend so much money appealing to brands that wesee daily. Imagine if we spent a portion of that moneyfocusing on what is true and dear to our hearts andbuilding a business.”

Sheronna Ashford

Finance Director of Financial PlanningArby’s Restaurant Group
Sheronna Ashford has risen to the level of financedirector of financial planning and analyst for Arby’sRestaurant Group because she chose to never live infear, self-doubt and procrastination.“I was fortunate enough to have role models earlyon in life that instilled in me a good work ethic andto get things done. I’m fortunate for such a situationthat I recognized an opportunity and took advantageof it, whether it’s pursuing my educational goals oropportunities at work. I wasn’t afraid to stand up andtake ownership and be accountable [for] projects andprocesses that happened at work.”Beside God, nothing motivates Ashford more thanher children, whom she lives for. “I want them to beoutstanding citizens and contribute to society and bemindful of reaching back to help others. I want themalso to be financially astute and prioritize to help buildgenerational wealth. That’s what I’m trying to leavebehind for them and I want them to be in a positionto maintain that and provide that for their children aswell.”

Dr. Virginia Dixon

Educator
Virginia Dixon is a pillar of academic achievementin the middle Georgia area. She has been a principle,vice principle, a middle school and high school biologyteacher, and has held a myriad of other titles during herstoried career. Few are as committed and passionateabout education as Dr. Dixon. She is a true advocate foryoung people in and out of the classroom.Dr. Dixon understands that an educator does morethan just teach the three R’s. A good educator iscommitted to shaping citizens, and helping to strengthenand empower the community. In that respect, Dr. Dixonis superbly accomplished. She is a member of severaleducational and civic organizations including; theNAACP, the Peach County Chamber of Commerce andThe LINKS Inc. And with all of that Dixon still finds timeto offer service and support in any manner she can.

Yolanda Reynolds

Associate PublisherWho’s Who in Black Atlanta
Although Yolanda Reynolds has derived careerfulfillment from her 20 years in event planning, shesays she walked into her creative destiny when shebegan working for the Who’s Who in Black Atlantapublication.“My involvement with Who’s Who publications let meknow I was really where I was destined to be,” saysReynolds, speaking fondly of her 10-year love affairwith the publication. “I love publishing the Who’s Whopublications because it’s rewarding to be engaged inwork that uplifts African Americans to the extent itdoes.”Reynolds also thrives on being an example for hersons to emulate. “My sons are a huge motivating factorfor me because I sincerely want them to be successfulyoung men. No matter what their aspirations are, theleast I can do is ensure that they have everythingpossible to make that a reality,” says Reynolds whoreceives the sustenance to succeed from her Creator.“I still know that I can do nothing without Him. It is Godthat makes me who I am,” she declares.

Beverly Daniel Tatum, ph.d.

President, Spelman College“If you want to invest in the future of this country,indeed the world, you have to invest in the humancapital,” said Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D., thecelebrated president of Spelman College president andthe ninth woman to lead the all-women HBCU.Tatum has set high expectations for Spelman whichis regarded as one of the finest liberal arts colleges inthe country. During her tenure, she worked to create theCenter for Leadership and Civic Engagement (LEADS)which produces an annual Women of Color LeadershipConference as a national professional developmentresource.This year, the 128-year-old college launched TheCampaign for Spelman College to raise $150 millionto actualize its strategic plan to graduate 5,000 firstgenerationand economically challenged but incrediblytalented young women. This is the institution’s largestventure in history.