Keynote Speaker
April Ryan
White House Correspondent, CNN Political Analyst,
D.C. Bureau Chief for TheGrio, author, speaker, and mother
April Ryan has a unique vantage point as the only black female reporter covering urban issues from the White House – a position she has held for 25 years, since the Clinton era. On behalf of TheGrio, she delivers her readership and listeners (millions of African Americans and close to 300 radio affiliates) news that "amplifies black culture.” Her position as a White House Correspondent has afforded her unusual insight into the racial sensitivities, issues, and attendant political struggles of our nation’s last presidents.
April Ryan is the author of the award-winning book, The Presidency in Black and White, and At Mama's Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White (December 2016), where she looks at race relations through the lessons and wisdom that mothers have given their children. Her latest book is Under Fire: Reporting from the Front Lines of the Trump White House.
Asia Rogers
Asia Rogers is the founder of A Rogers Apparel, a women’s clothing brand designed to empower women through fashion. With her 16 years of experience in the Fashion and Apparel Industry, Asia saw a void in the marketplace for a lifestyle brand for women 30 and over that offered fashionable attire that could be worn to work, but could also transition to weekend and evening attire. Grounded in mentorship, Asia is passionate in leading young professionals and entrepreneurs in their life journey by offering consulting for their small businesses in brand imaging and career coaching.
Asia has a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an Associate’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Advertising and Communications. She has traveled globally working with some of the largest brands in the world. Over the course of her career, Asia has spent time working for multi-million dollar corporations like Jos. A Bank Clothiers, Under Armour and DTLR in various roles like Merchandise Allocation, Planning, and Buying. She also has professional experience in international manufacturing, product development and project management with Apparel Branding Innovation company, Lion Brothers.
Asia is co-founder of the non-profit I Am MENtality Youth Male Empowerment Project where she and her husband and host of mentors teach leadership skills and a multitude of life application skills through mentorship for youth in Baltimore, MD. She also serves on the Board of Directors and works in event planning for the organization.
Asia currently lives in Baltimore, MD with her husband Darren and two daughters, Laila (13) and Laci (5).
Dr. Kym Lee-King
Makeup artist• Beauty Mogul• Minister • Wife • Mother!
With over “147,000” verifiable social media followers, and an impressive list of celebrity clientele, renown Celebrity Makeup Artist and Cosmetics Entrepreneur, Dr. Kym Lee-King is a highly sought out National Glam and Style Influencer. Dr. Kym has been painting beautiful faces for over 25 years. Inspired by the ability of makeup to transform and boost self-confidence from the board-room to the red carpet. Dr. Kym’s career path has come full circle as a Best Selling Author, Beauty Correspondent (Fox 5, Radio One, and BET), Educator, and Beauty Brand developer (WinknPout Cosmetics). Notable clients among Dr. Kym’s “brushes with fame” include: Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Kerry Washington, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Venus and Serena Williams, Regina King, Mary Mary, Tasha Cobbs, and many more.
Dr. Kym affectionately calls her makeup case her pulpit as an Ordained Elder who has a Masters in Divinity and an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Studies and Marketplace Ministry. Her daily mantra is “I teach and encourage women to Clear it Up instead of covering it up”.
Mental Health Panelists
Dr. Carla Debnam, MS, DMin, LCPC
Lady Stephanie Thomas, Certified Life Coach
Lady Stephanie Thomas, Certified Life Coach
Dr. Carla J. Debnam – Is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and a member of Morning Star Baptist Church, Gwynn Oak, MD. She has a Master of Science degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Transformational Leadership from the Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. She is a
Dr. Carla J. Debnam – Is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and a member of Morning Star Baptist Church, Gwynn Oak, MD. She has a Master of Science degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Transformational Leadership from the Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She serves as the executive director of The Renaissance Center, a Christian counseling center and outreach ministry of Morning Star Baptist Church. Dr. Debnam is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Maryland Counseling Association (MCA), and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has written articles on mental health topics and frequently presents at workshops and conferences. She is a mother and grandmother and enjoys spending time with her family, reading and baking. Dr. Debnam stands on the promise of Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (NIV).
Lady Stephanie Thomas, Certified Life Coach
Lady Stephanie Thomas, Certified Life Coach
Lady Stephanie Thomas, Certified Life Coach
Stephanie Thomas is a native Baltimorean and proud graduate of Western High School. She earned an AA degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and was listed in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. Stephanie attended Towson University, earned a degree in Business Administration with a con
Stephanie Thomas is a native Baltimorean and proud graduate of Western High School. She earned an AA degree in Fashion Merchandising from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and was listed in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. Stephanie attended Towson University, earned a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Strayer University, and holds a senior certification in Human Resources. Additionally, she holds a Masters degree in Business Management and Leadership. Stephanie is a licensed Maryland Realtor and as a certified life coach, she helps to guide many people through the challenging complexities of life. She is an advocate for children and adults with learning differences, serves on the board for Urban Life Solutions in Baltimore, and has shared as a speaker for numerous organizations. As the owner of Stephanie Thomas Consulting LLC, she provides strategic solutions to help businesses and individuals thrive.
Stephanie is the loving wife of Dr. Reginald Thomas, Pastor of the Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, and the mother of Reginald Jr., Candace Victoria, and Kayla Moriah.
Medical Panelist
Dr. Carmen Fulton
Dr. Chesahna Kindred
Dr. Chesahna Kindred
Board Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Chesahna Kindred
Dr. Chesahna Kindred
Dr. Chesahna Kindred
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Karen Perkins
Dr. Chesahna Kindred
Dr. Karen Perkins
Board Certified OB GYN
Sponsors
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General Admission
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