Memphis, TN – January 14, 2023. The Accolades 1st Annual Gala was held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. This black-tie event honored 10 Women of Prestige for their achievements, distinction, and service to the community.
The event was hosted by Dr. Telisa Franklin and Brennae Brooks ESQ. The evening was filled with live performances and special guests.
The attendees include:
Apostle Kevin Davidson, a Grammy Award-winning, Billboard #1, Stellar and Dove Award nominated gospel artist has an extensive history that dates back 30 plus years. Davidson is the lead singer of the new sounds of 4EC (Forever Culture).
Kevin Davidson is a two- time Billboard chart topping songwriter penning "God Wants to Heal You" and "Thank You So Much" recorded by Dr. Earnest Pugh. He has recorded seven CDs with New Haven Records and has three independent recordings.
Twana Johnson, an entrepreneur and owner of Fit with Twana and Runway Redi Boutique. She has been a professional model for over 20 years and has been in various commercials, and three movies. Twana has also Trained hundreds of young ladies on the Art of Fashion.
Dr. Telisa Franklin, the president of Flowers and more, president of Memphis Juneteenth Festival, president of Telisa Franklin Ministries and the sole owner of WAVN the Trend FM104|AM1240 Radio Station. Dr. Franklin is also a licensed life coach, author, community organizer and she is involved with various organizations.
Brennae Brooks, she is a combat veteran and attorney who served in the United States Air Force for 8 years as a Civil Engineer Technician, including deployments to Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. In 2009, Brooks began researching the requirements for law school during her last military deployment to Afghanistan. Shortly afterwards, Brennae Brooks went on a civil deployment to Afghanistan with the United States Army Corps of Engineering. While there, she took the law school admissions test (LSAT) and was admitted to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University. Brooks has been practicing veteran benefits law (VA Disability Benefits) since 2015.
Zanderia Davidson, a 24-year public servant where she serves as the Deputy Director of the City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity & Compliance. Davidson also serves on the board of Directors of the American Contract Compliance Association. She earned her undergraduate degree in Management and Organizational Development and her Master's in Business Administration from Bethel University. Zanderia Davidson serves in ministry with her husband, Pastor Kevin Davidson.
Toni Green, her career as a background singer with both Isaac Hayes, Luther Ingram, Millie Jackson, The Bar-Kays, Dennis Edwards and others. In 1998 she recorded her first LP as a solo artist with Quinton Claunch's Soultrax imprint. "Mixed Emotions" was steeped in the Memphis soul sound and remains her best full length to date. From there she cut a couple albums for Goodtime Records and one on her own imprint Pegasus in 2006. In 2009 she released a 2-song EP featuring some of the last production work by the legendary Willie Mitchell. Toni Green is a prolific songwriter and is flexible in the entertainment genre from R & B, SOUL AND JAZZ TO BLUES. Toni also worked with a group from France called. "Malted Milk".
Lady Rhonda Johnson, a graduate of University of Memphis, where she received a bachelor's degree in Education. She is a dedicated educator and teacher at Kate Bond Middle school. Lady Johnson is the wife of Senior Pastor Donald L. Johnson of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church and serves in different ministries and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Enkia Anita Leach, is the Manager at Melanie's/Ms. Girlees which is a renowned establishment in Memphis, TN. She is a Licensed Missionary, President of the Helping Hand Department and Program Coordinator at True Gospel Church of Deliverance, which is under the leadership of her eldest brother, Bishop Aaron Leach.
Enkia Leach also attended Carver High School and later graduated from the Memphis Institute of Health.
Dr. Tonya Lyons, the president and CEO of New Image Family Dentistry and Founder of Rock Development Corp. Dr. Lyons is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is the 2011 recipient of the Loretta McNary Show Mother of the Year award, a 2012 recipient of the Kindle award for community service. Dr. Tonya Lyons is a Breast Cancer Survivor and in 2014, she received a Church Girls Rock Survivor Award and 2015 Vera David Survivor Award. Dr Lyons serves in various organizations and is an author of the book, "SHATTERPROOF".
Angela Rucker, a proud member of The Brown Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bartholomew Orr since 2015. Where Angela Rucker serves in various ministries and is one of God's faithful and loyal servants.
The Honorable Judge Danielle Sims, she is the Judge of Shelby County General Sessions Court Division III. As one of Sox Civil Judges, Judge Sims presides over cases involving matters less than $25,000 in the most voluminous court in the state of Tennessee. She is a 4th generation Memphian and graduate of Germantown High School and graduated summa cum laude from Howard University in Washington, DC. Judge Sims earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center where she participated in the Domestic Violence Law Clinic. She worked as a Legislative Correspondent in the House of Representatives and interned with the Senate Judiciary Committee during law school. Judge Sims is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. And is active with the Shelby County Alumnae Chapter.
Lakina Sidney, a multi-talented event planner and owner of Dream Extravagant Events, LLC where she has 20+ years in creating designs, planning and providing decorations for luxury events. Sidney is the Chief Brand Officer for The Sims Financial Group, Inc. A full financial services firm. She has a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership from the University of Memphis and has received numerous certifications in event planning, marketing and branding.
Michelle Hayes Thomas, president of Hayes Homes & Realty and has been a trusted business professional in Memphis for over 25 years. Thomas is the daughter of Memphis Business Legend Charles Hayes of Hayes Body Shop and proud to carry on the Hayes mane. Michelle is also of service for her family, ministry and sings at various churches and conferences throughout the Mid-South.
Dr. Constance Wright, a member of House of Faith Ministries in Somerville, TN under the leadership of Bishop Connie H. Wright. There she serves as the Director of the Children's Ministry, (Kingdom Kidz), Praise and Worship leader, and sings in the sanctuary choir. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; Inc. Dr. Wright has 18 years of experience in Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS). She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University, a master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Bethel, an Education Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership from Freed-Hardeman University, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.
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Nubian Queen Management PR
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