FULL SPEAKER ROSTER

Chevalier DeShay

Chevalier DeShay is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, committed to helping women reach their spiritual potential. Alongside her husband, Pastor Carl L. DeShay Sr., she co-founded Kingdom Harvest Ministries International in Bastrop, Texas. Her message of unity and support among women reflects her belief that we are all on a shared journey toward our individual purposes.

​

As a speaker, wife, mother, and professional, Chevalier’s life exemplifies resilience, overcoming challenges, and embracing growth. A graduate of Huston-Tillotson University with a B.A. in Business Management and an MBA from Baylor University, she inspires others to transcend their pasts and step into the divine purpose laid out for them.

​

Chevalier invites all women to join her in empowering each other, redefining the narrative of strength and support in faith, family, and career.

Dr. Melva K. Wallace

Results, stability, and forward planning define the leadership of Dr. Melva K. Wallace,Seventh President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, a nationally ranked private liberal arts historically Black college and university (HBCU) and the third oldest business in the city of Austin, Texas. Her career spans more than 20 years in senior leadership across public and private higher education.

Since she took the helm in 2022, Huston-Tillotson University has advanced measurably in national prominence, fundraising, enrollment strategy, and academic innovation, including expanded international, graduate, and online offerings. Most notably, Huston-
Tillotson secured a historic $150 million philanthropic investment from the Moody Foundation—the largest gift in HBCU history—and the top 30 largest gift to any university
in the country. Dr. Wallace is widely regarded for her innovation, advocacy on AI use at our nation’s HBCUS, disciplined financial management and strategic execution.

Prior to her presidency, she held senior executive appointments within the Southern University System, the only HBCU system in the nation. Her service as vice chancellor and chief of staff included system-level oversight of multiple campuses and complex operations. Earlier academic leadership roles included service at Centenary College of Louisiana, where she contributed to student retention initiatives and now serves on the
Board of Trustees.

Nationally, Dr. Wallace is recognized for her perspective on HBCUs and higher education leadership. As a Presidential Leadership Scholar, she studied leadership under former
U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H. W. Bush. Her honors include the ATHENA Leadership Award, recognition by Diverse: Issues in Higher
Education as a leading minority woman in higher education, designation as one of Texas’
Top 100 Influential Texans in Business, and the Austin Chamber’s Top CEO award for 2026.

Her academic preparation includes degrees from Grambling State University and a Ph.D. from Jackson State University.

She is married to Dr. D. L. Wallace, who is the CEO of an ed tech company and pastor who has been on the cover of Money magazine and Global Millionaire. They reside in the Dallas, Texas area.

Shakela Matthews

Shakela T. Matthews is a Woman of God, wife, mother, military veteran, and the founder of Divinely Restored LLC. As a certified Life and Relationship Coach, speaker, and author, she empowers women to overcome their past and live with purpose and peace.

​

Shakela has inspired audiences nationwide through platforms like the Leadership Experience Tour and Empower Her Summit, and her message has been featured on ABC, NBC, TapIn Magazine, CanvasRebel, and more.

Demeca Hobbs

Community Outreach Coordinator with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, which includes over 10 years of mortgage lending. Skilled in Commercial Lending, Consumer Real Estate Loans, Consumer Lending, and Branch Banking. My current role has an emphasis on financial empowerment and education by providing a catalog of workshops, seminars, and tools developed to meet the unique and varied financial needs of minority communities in Texas.

Nzinga W. Benton

Nzinga W. Benton is the daughter of Dr. Emeritus Micheal and Dr. Y’Vonne Benton of the Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA. Nzinga is a licensed and ordained minister and loves to spread the gospel through word, song, and deed. She has been involved with music and ministry most of her life. God has blessed Nzinga to exercise her gift both at her home church and several local churches to include Love Life Christian Fellowship under the pastorate of Dr. Grace C. Washington and Beulah Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Jerry D. Black. Nzinga’s musical talents have afforded her the opportunity to travel the world with some amazing artists and talented singers. Although Nzinga loves to sing, she is passionate about
spreading God’s message through word. She believes that God has called her to be a changing agent for past, present, and future generations. With her unique style and
delivery, Nzinga is determined to do just that, change the world!

In addition to her musical talents and word ministry, Nzinga is passionate about behavioral health. She is a licensed professional therapist and the owner of Open
Door Counseling, LLC. Nzinga is on a mission to help educate her community and the church at large on the benefits of counseling and the importance of caring for the
whole person. Nzinga’s favorite scripture is John 14:12 “Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than
these shall he do: because I go unto my Father.” Nzinga has chosen to daily live with the expectation of “greater works”!

Belinda Everette

As a dedicated advocate for financial literacy and community empowerment, Belinda Everette applies her passion and expertise to making a lasting impact.

30+ years in financial services, housing preservation & social justice equity

Executive Committee Member, NAACP Houston Branch

Chair of Housing Committee and Advocacy

Developer of housing programs for BIPOC communities

Daniele Spivey-Sorrells

Daniele Spivey-Sorrells, a Detroit-born and raised artist, began her dance journey in the M. L. King High School Dance Program, training in Modern, Ballet, and Jazz. Her early years were enriched by master classes and performance opportunities that deepened her love of movement.

​

She holds a BS in Psychology and a Master’s in Business and Organizational Leadership from Defiance College, where she also taught and choreographed for community and faith-based dance programs during her college years. 

Since making Austin her home in 2007, she has performed as a company dancer with several prominent dance companies in the Austin area, and as a multidisciplinary creative.  Daniele has blended her artistry with a career in higher education as a manager and professional coach at Western Governors University.

​

She currently owns and directs Mercy Moves Liturgical Dance Company and continues to serve as a leader, choreographer and teacher within her church, weaving artistry, faith, and storytelling through dance. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Chantal Hunt

Chantal’ Ashantè Hunt, author of "The Spiritual Ballerina: From Passion to Purpose," embarked on her dance journey at the “late” age of 18 with a divine calling to study ballet & other styles of dance style aiming to spread the gospel through dance.

Her illustrious career includes performances with prominent dance companies such as Red Clay Dance Company, Praize Productions, Zion Dance Project, Joel Hall Dancers, Judah International Dance Theatre, Dance Ministry Institute, Elements Contemporary Ballet, Hiplet Ballerinas, Centre du Danse Marais in Paris, France, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She currently serves as the appointed Dance Education and Rehearsal Director for the Yielded Vessel Dance Ministry at New Life Covenant SouthEast.

She has been featured on TV shows "Praise The Lord" (Trinity Broadcasting Network), “Bobby Jones Presents,” "Empire” as featured Ballerina- & lead ballerina feature in "Fuse" music video of Violinist Damien Escobar & ballerina in 'I'm Not Lucky, I'm Loved" video by Gospel Artist Jonathan McReynolds.

Dr. Donna Slater

Dr. Donna Slater is not only a compassionate servant of God, but also an influential community leader, an accomplished author, and a dynamic preacher. Her life’s work continues to empower and transform lives, leaving an enduring legacy of faith, love, and wisdom.

​

She is the visionary behind two impactful annual events under Donna Slater Ministries, Spiritual Strip DownFace2Face with God, a women's summit and Silver Sparkles, a gathering that uplifts seasoned and widowed women. Both events are a testament to her ability to bring people together for reflection, renewal, and inspiration.

​

​Her leadership has been recognized with distinguished awards, including Volunteer of the Year for her work with Head Start National Preschool Education Program, Volunteer of Distinction with Christian Women Job Corp, and the First Lady: Extending the Legacy Woman to Woman Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., T. Mathis-Hawkins Section.

Tonda Owens

I am a servant leader with over 20 years of experience supporting children, individuals, and families through leadership and service. I currently work as an Internal Network Provider Representative at Blue Cross Blue Shield, serve as Senior Vice President of Operations for Chosen Women Empower, and proudly lead as Board President of the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry.

​

I hold a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University and a Master’s in Social Work from UT Austin. Most importantly, I’m the proud mother of Taylor Andry-Jackson and lovingly known as Ma’T to Myles and Symone.

Tresha Silva

With over 24 years in nonprofit leadership, Tresha is the Executive Director of the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry & Support Center. She began her career at Bastrop’s Family Crisis Center and holds a nonprofit management certificate from UT Austin. She is currently studying Business Administration at Huston-Tillotson University.

​

A dedicated advocate for seniors and hunger relief, Tresha has received several honors, including the Bastrop Chamber’s Point of Light Award and the Central Texas Food Bank’s “Hunger Hero” recognition.

Jean Drummond

As President and Chief Executive Officer of HCD International, Jean is a dynamic and knowledgeable healthcare professional with vast experience providing executive oversight on extensive quality services across the Federal, state, county, community and private health sectors. Specifically, Jean’s strength lies in her ability to bridge the gaps between health policy, program implementation, and access to care for our most vulnerable populations. She began HCD International in 1991 after a successful career as a practicing clinician.

Her focus on placing only the best candidates for positions based on skills, experience, work ethic and drive ensures that clients receive excellent value on each contract. Jean received her undergraduate degree as a Physician’s Assistant from Howard University and earned her Master’s in Public Administration in Health Care Management from Bowie State University. She is also a devout mother of three and wife to Dr. Jimmie Drummond, a Veteran of the US Air Force. Recognizing her divine purpose in life, Jean realizes her success rests in giving the greatest gift of all – love and service to mankind.

Tiffany N. Davis, Esq.

Tiffany N. Davis, Esq. is a minister, executive leader, and poet who is passionate about helping women release the noise of life so they can stay locked into God’s purpose for their lives. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Population Health and Vendor Management for a major health plan, where she leads teams focused on improving outcomes for high‑risk and underserved communities through health equity initiatives, programs, and community partnerships.

​

For more than a decade, Tiffany has worked as an executive health plan leader, attorney, and servant leader, stewarding programs that increase access to care and reduce disparities for vulnerable populations. Prior to her current role, she served as a Medicaid attorney and ombudsman for elders in long‑term care facilities and as a program coordinator for first‑time youth offenders in the Washington, D.C. area, advocating for dignity, justice, and restoration.

​

Beyond her corporate leadership, Tiffany is a co‑owner of a family‑owned restaurant Paige and Charlie's in Gary Indiana, where she sees hospitality as ministry and a tangible expression of breaking bread, building community, and nurturing both body and soul. She is also a devoted mother and caretaker within her family, walking closely with loved ones through illness, transition, and everyday life, which has deepened her heart for women who are juggling many roles while still longing to stay focused and not distracted.

​

Tiffany’s ministry flows from her own practices of staying grounded in God’s presence. She enjoys walking, yoga, and meditation as ways to quiet her mind, listen for the Holy Spirit, and realign with purpose. A poet at heart, she writes poetry and creates collages that accompany her written work, using words and images to tell stories of grief, healing, resilience, and hope in God.

​

A proud graduate of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tiffany earned her B.A. in Journalism from Bennett College for Women and her law degree from Howard University School of Law with a focus in criminal justice, and she is admitted to practice law in the state of Maryland. In honor of her late sister, who was killed due to gun violence, she volunteers with Butterfly Dreamz, a nonprofit dedicated to developing girls into leaders, and she often weaves themes of calling, legacy, and “focused, not distracted” living into her speaking, mentoring, and teaching.

​

At Chosen Women Empower – Sister’s Night Out, Tiffany will lead “Breathe: Release the Noise,” a guided release and alignment session designed to help women clear mental clutter, exhale the weight of distraction, and inhale God’s peace, so they can move forward more fully locked into their God‑given purpose.

Monica White

Founder and Principal Broker of Forward Management Group LLC; a minority and female owned company. She has been involved in the buying and selling of Atlanta
real estate for more than twenty years. She has been a licensed Realtor since 1995 and received her
Broker's License in 2005. 

Monica White is a dynamic and distinguished leader in residential property management, dedicated to excellence and community impact. She is known throughout Atlanta as “The Property Management Diva” and delivers top-tier service while mentoring future leaders in real estate. A passionate advocate for women empowerment, she leverages her influence as a social media powerhouse to educate, inspire, and elevate the next generation of real estate professionals.

As an Atlanta native and graduate of Georgia State  University with a B.S. in Commercial Real Estate she is prepared to work and lead in the current real estate and government contracting environment.

Beyond her business, Monica is deeply committed to service and leadership in her community and proudly serves on multiple boards and is active with her local board of realtors; while being recognized as a multi-year recipient of top sales awards-proof of her dedication, drive, and impact in the field.

Anyrah Shavéh

Anyrah Shavéh is an award-winning poet and author from Flint, Michigan, now based in Brooklyn, New York. Renowned for her thought-provoking performances and advocacy work, she has gained national recognition for merging storytelling with profound social commentary.

​

She has graced major stages, including the inaugural Afropunk Herstory event and the Lincoln Center Poetry Festival, and has shared the spotlight with Grammy Award-winning artist J. Ivy and New York Times best-selling author Kennedy Ryan. In 2024, she captivated audiences as both a performer and keynote speaker at the University of Michigan-Flint’s Boss Up Leadership Conference, delivering a message of empowerment and resilience.

​

Beyond the stage, Anyrah’s artistry extends into brand collaborations. As a Brand Ambassador for the Kenneth Cole x Perfect White Tee collaboration, she crafted a compelling spoken word piece on perfection, self-judgment, and self-acceptance.

A proud alumna of Tennessee State University with a degree in Mass Communications, Anyrah is also the visionary behind the Protect Your Peace & PH Balance apparel collection, using both words and wearable art to inspire and uplift.