10 Women Making an Impact on Women's History
For over 4o years, March has been the month to pay homage to trailblazing women that have impacted today's society. Their influence and contributions have raised up leaders to continue the work of inspiring women.
As we reflect on women's accomplishments like Rosa Parks and Sojourner Truth, it is just as important to acknowledge women in our circle who are continuing the steps towards changing the narrative. Take a look around you or throughout social media, and you will see a new generation of women organizing movements, creating their brand, or becoming their own boss. We are contributing to history!
In celebration of Women's History Month, Put Your Dukes Up is applauding ten women that are making a positive influence on our history. These ladies are dynamic in their craft of leadership and creativity, and they are on the path to impact future generations.
Queinnise Miller, PhD
Queinnise LLC
My name is Dr. Queinnise Miller and I am an educator with over 20 years of experience in the field. I am a mom, teacher, leader, author and speaker who focuses on the humanity of education and building authentic relationships with all stakeholders. The Queinnise brand offers educator training, consultancy, leadership coaching, and mentorship rooted in love and service to children and those who serve & make the difference in their lives. I offer support, honesty, advocacy, and realness to those in this work for all the right reasons, to love by any means necessary.
It’s funny, I never thought that doing what my life’s work of loving children, serving others, and teaching educators how to really make a difference in the lives of those they serve would be a business. My book was written to inspire, but God sometimes has bigger plans for us if we let him do his job. The launch of my book, The Art of Giving a $#!T: A Memoir and Guidebook for Urban Educators, was also the launch of my brand & business. Excited to see what God has in store for Queinnise!
The advice I give everyone because I believe it and I am living it... follow your passion for in it lies your purpose. God gives us all a thing that we love, that we are good at and that allows our lights to shine bright. It is that thing that will ensure success in your business.
Connect with Queinnise at
Me@Queinnise.com
FB, IG and Twitter @Queinnise
Kiara Meade
sheGLOWS
sheGLOWS was created for women who have a heart for ministry but don't seem to "fit the mold." We are here to help you GROW spiritually, mentally and emotionally, LEARN how to navigate this journey, OWN your call and WALK in your divine purpose. Our mission is to build a community of women who will live out their call authentically and unapologetically.
After having my twins, I thought a lot about legacy and what I would want them to know about me as their mother. I wanted to be able to show them what it means to have dreams and pursue those dreams.
If you are thinking about starting a business, Do It Afraid! Our tag line at sheGLOWS is “Don’t deny your influence, sis!” And that means, don’t be afraid of your call. You will never know the impact of your influence if you don’t just get out there and try. Show yourself grace and just keep going.
Connect with Kiara at
www.sheglowsministries.org for our Influence Tee
IG: @sheglows_ministries
FB: SheGlows Ministries
Tiffannie Jones - Nonprofit Founder
The JCS Project: Just College Students
The JCS Project focuses on encouraging young students to not only go to college but to finish. We do this by giving FREE College Care Packages. The Care Packages that we give are not just boxes of food but it is packed with encouraging words and most importantly LOVE! Remember, students can not focus on learning if they are hungry. A few snacks goes a long way.
The JCS Project started in August of 2014. We are always asked, what does JCS stands for? Just College Students. It all started when my little cousin, Taylor Jones, enrolled at Blinn College. I felt like it was my responsibility to provide for her. Having no college experience myself it fell upon my heart to start providing FREE College Care Packages to her, a few other cousins and co-workers children. What started out as 5 girls has now expanded to over 3000 students and we have been to at least 20 campuses to pass out packages.
If you are considering starting a business or exploring your creativity, Do It! Don’t worry about who is not on board. Pray about it, put in the work and go forward with your vision!
Connect with Tiffannie at
FB: www.Facebook.com/thejcsproject
IG: www.Instagram.com/jcsproject
TW: www.Twitter.com/jcsproject
info@thejcsproject.org
Laquona Williams - Photographer
Caught Impressions by Q
Caught Impressions by Q offers photography by making memories from the lens. Taking pictures has always been a part of me. Majority of the time I’m looking around and my eyes instantly creates a still image. After doing photography for 5 years, I’m happy to have my partner on board Liy. Every session has been a memorable one! From laughing to crying, dancing and having church. It’s been priceless and all I can do is thank God! He has truly given me this gift and we’re elated to share it with the world.
My biggest advice to creators is to practice your craft, create your look and keep at it. Do not give up!! Always see the photos for what they are. Composition is key. YouTube also has plenty of resources for photography.
Connect with Laquona at
Facebook & IG: Caught impressions by Q
Email: caughtimpressionsbyq@yahoo.com
Malene Golding - Literacy Consultant and CEO
Golding Touch Education Consulting, LLC
Golding Touch Education Consulting, LLC provides professional development and coaching for elementary and middle school teachers and administrators focused on creating critical readers and writers.
Simplifying reading and writing instruction for teachers has been a passion of mine. When we look at the number of students who graduate from high school unable to take college level English courses or dropout of school due to repeated failure, we know that developing a strong foundation in reading and writing would have prevented these dismal outcomes. We would like to improve the lives of students and teachers by creating learning opportunities for teachers to add to their toolbox to ensure that they are creating critical readers and writers.
If you are considering a business idea, go for it! I read somewhere that "God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called." When God places a dream in your heart, He wants you to trust Him and step out on faith.
You can connect with Malene at
Meoshe “Mi Mi” Hennesy - Fitness Instructor
Get Your Body Back with Hennesy Fitness
GET YOUR BODY BACK is a fitness mission focused on motivating, educating and challenging our clients to achieve their fitness goals and improving their health through fitness. Our fitness passion for people is expressed through RENEWING the mind, RECHARGING those body batteries and REBUILDING a new you!
My husband and I decided to create our own fitness business to help educate, build and positively impact our community through living a healthier lifestyle. At first, our target was to work with the churches we were associated with and it really just grew from there. I remember how hard it was to lose weight after having baby#1, but when baby #2 came, I was ready to GET MY BODY BACK! With the right formula of dedication, motivation and persistence, not only did I GET MY BODY BACK but was able to help so many others do the same. I wanted to help others start their health journey and experience the real results that they were seeking.
The advice I would give to other women is to not be stingy with yourself. Don't think that you are not good enough to do whatever it is that God has called you to do. You have greatness in you and no one can experience it if you keep it to yourself. How many lives can be changed because of the gift(s) you have and how many people can be inspired by what you have to offer? You will never know until you jump into the mystery of all you can be or who you can touch.
You can connect with Meoshe at
Website: https://jwilldng.wixsite.com/hennesyfitness
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GYBBHouston/
Email: Mjhennesy@yahoo.com
Saida 'Christina' Carter - Fashion Designer & Business Owner
ERA Vintage - Everyday Repurposed Apparel
ERA Vintage was conceived on the premise of handpicking and selling vintage and vintage-inspired clothes from various designers to reduce waste and increase style. We have a positive approach to pre-loved clothes and believe fashion should be accessible for all. We celebrate and breathe life into past designers, owners and brands by rethinking and re-visioning our contribution to the future of fashion. We look good while keeping the earth looking good.
I’ve always been into fashion and style but never saw it as an important career. When I finally got the courage to understand you bring importance abs purpose to all that you do, I took a leap into starting my business. I figured if the world was falling apart (pandemic, Covid), life is too short not to take risks and get on yourself. So I went into business full-time using everything every job had ever taught me. I’m still standing.
My advice is to plan, brainstorm, write, meditate, discuss finances, visualize your success, and BELIEVE in your vision without the expectation of family, friends or anyone else. You have to know for yourself that this brings you joy and believe that God and the universe will grant you all of your needs. Then get ready for a wild adventure.
Connect with Saida at
Instagram: e.r.a.vintage
Vanessie Guillory -
The Loc Queen
I am a natural hair stylist with over 13 plus years of experience, while specializing in Sisterlocks. I am currently developing a haircare line, formulating a clarifying shampoo, leave-in conditioner and moisturizing hair midst for all types of locs.
My clients inspire me and always encourage me to do more. They have shared this dissatisfaction and concerns about not finding the right shampoo that works for their locs.
If you are developing a brand, don't allow fear to cause you to stay stuck in your dreams. Take it one day at a time and make your dream a reality. Ignore the negative thoughts in your head and speak positive affirmations into your life everyday until every dream comes true.
Connect with Vanessie at
IG: the.locqueen
Email: thelocqueen@yahoo.com
Auketria Manor - Publishing Coach & Editor
On Writer's Block
I manage the premier publishing solution for independently published Authors and Author hopefuls. I teach Authors all things self-publishing eliminating the uncertainty, the overwhelm and teaching them how to position themselves in front of the ideal reader.
Having experienced the trial and error of self-publishing seven years ago after my publishing house disbanded and finally succeeding at it, it was clear to me that so many other authors need now what I needed then. That's when On Writer's Block was born in 2019.
If you are thinking about staring a business, definitely do it. But you must know your why, know who exactly who you are providing solutions for and be able to make good on the solutions that you promise. Remember, when you go into business it's not about you as much you think it is, it's about those you serve.
Connect with Auketria at
IG: @onwritersblockpwps
Facebook: @AuketriaOnWritersBlock
Alisa Harris - Attorney at Law & Co-Owner
The Law Office of Alisa Harris, PLLC
Main Event Boxing Club, LLC
My Law Office provides top-notch criminal defense representation to people who are facing criminal charges, from felonies to simple misdemeanors. I practice mainly in small towns, rather than big cities, because I grew up in a small town and I know small town politics almost always play a role in whether black and brown people are given a fair chance at freedom. I zealously advocate and fight unjust and corrupt government prosecutions and I have a history of success at it and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.
I have 3 Life Inspirations: Legacy; Flexibility; Passion for Advocacy. I would say the greatest advice I can give to someone wanting to start their own business or start a movement, start a brand, or explore their creative side...is to do it out of passion. Passion will keep you going. Passion will cause you to walk onto uncharted territories. Passion will cause God to open doors for you. Passion will cause God to place you before great people. If you don't have the passion for it, you won't have the drive to get up everyday. If you don't have passion for it, it is easy for you to make excuses. When you don't have passion for it, it is easy for you to lose interest. However, when you have PASSION, you have everything you need to thrive! So I say, "GO FOR IT...All you need is a little FAITH and a whole lot of PASSION!
You can connect with Alisa at
www.facebook.com/lawofficeofalisaharris
www.facebook.com/maineventboxingclub
