Journalists launch Shades of Success 2023 calendar celebrating, honoring Louisiana women
Journalists launch Shades of Success 2023 calendar celebrating, honoring Louisiana women
A group of journalists with Louisiana ties has launched a new calendar and awards program honoring outstanding women of color.
By Victoria Meeks, Special to The Drum
A group of journalists with Louisiana ties has launched a new calendar and awards program honoring outstanding women of color.
The Shades of Success 2023 Calendar, which will be available for purchase this fall, features 12 business women who also were born or reared in Louisiana.
It was nearly a year ago that veteran television news anchor Valentina Wilson approached friend and longtime TV photojournalist Virnado Woods about partnering on the calendar. They assembled a team of fellow journalists who pooled their talents to showcase the women and their accomplishments.
“We wanted to do a project that would bring together some of our journalism friends we’ve known for decades, with a goal of giving back and honoring our roots,” said Wilson. Collectively, the group of journalists has almost 150 years of experience in the field. Wilson has worked for both WAFB and WVLA in Baton Rouge and is currently an evening anchor in North Carolina. Woods has worked for Louisiana Public Broadcasting for about 30 years. The other journalists involved with the project are Chante Warren Pryer, a former longtime reporter and Saturday columnist for The (Baton Rouge) Advocate; freelance writer/editor and copy editor Donald Lee, who also spent many years at The Advocate; Ken Brumfield, a retired TV photojournalist; Rahsha Holmes, a former TV news manager and producer; and Cecily Holland, who has worked in both journalism and public relations.
According to Wilson, more than two dozen well-accomplished women applied online to participate. A few others were identified based on their achievements. Then the group of journalists made their selections.
“It’s important to recognize change agents from various professions, and of varying ages,” she said.
“Louisiana has so many women who’ve achieved great things, but many don’t get the recognition they deserve,” said Valentina Wilson, who grew up in Pride, La., just northeast of Zachary. “These are women who work in ministry, education, business and technology, media, medicine ... the list goes on and on. These women uplift their families and communities, set the bar higher, and make their communities better for all.”
Wilson, who is also the founder of the Teen Fashion Academy mentoring program for girls, will be featured, along with Avis Kado Brown, a clinical social worker and self-care coach; Kayla Brown, a speech language pathologist and business owner; Krystal Brumfield, associate administrator of the Office of Government-Wide Policy for the Biden administration; Dr. Kia Callender-Price, a program director and entrepreneur; Labeaud Colbert, a marketing executive, life coach and entrepreneur; Cheryl Duhon, L'Auberge Baton Rouge Vice President for Marketing; Joy Russell, a Realtor and HGTV host; Terri Porche Ricks, Deputy Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services; Dr. Krystal Shelmire, a naturopathic physician; Dr. Tanisha Toaston, a rehabilitation physician with a focus on spinal cord injury; and Sevetri Wilson, an author and serial entrepreneur.
The calendar will be published annually, spotlighting a different group of women each year.
“Our mission is that The Shades of Success Calendar will become a valuable resource in classrooms and other settings,” Valentina Wilson said. “It is a tool that can be used during Black History Month and Women’s History Month, filled with role models that children can reach out and touch.”
The goal of the calendar is to share the stories of powerful women through pictures and biographies, said Virnado Woods, a Brusly, La., native.
“Each woman featured in our calendar will have several photographs showcasing different aspects of their personalities in different locations,” he said. “We chose some of the most beautiful, scenic settings Louisiana has to offer. You’ll also be able to read about their many accomplishments and what inspires them to succeed.”
The Shades of Success calendar and website will showcase these women’s legacies while leaving its own and offering a platform where women of color shine. The 12” x 12” full-color calendar will soon be printed, and those interested will be able to buy copies before the upcoming holiday season.
In August, The Shades of Success hosted a calendar launch party in Baton Rouge. Several honorees attended the event, along with community members and business professionals.
Next February, the journalists will host a Shades of Success banquet where each honoree will receive an award, and the group will reveal a short film on the ladies’ success stories.
A portion of proceeds from The Shades of Success calendar sales will go to a nonprofit that supports domestic violence survivors. Companies and individuals looking to partner with the group can do so via ads and sponsorships.
ONLINE: www.theshadesofsuccess.net
email: theshadesofsuccess@gmail.com