BBW Empowerment Seminar Speakers 2010
Host
Ms. Gwen DeVoe
Ms. Gwen DeVoe is a former plus model who now specializes in the production of fashion related events for plus size women and plus model training, development and management. You will always find Gwen doing what she does best… motivating and inspiring others. Gwen is driven by the messages that are being sent to young women through the media, stating, “The message that your beauty is equated with a dress size is what I am trying to change. I am driven by the lack of positive plus size images and role models that young women have today. I am also driven by the plus size consumer’s inability to find quality, affordable, fashionable clothing in their sizes. All it takes is a few voices to make a stand. I am thrilled to be one of those voices.”
In addition to being an inspiration for plus size women, Gwen also dedicates her time to being a fashion commentator and personal shopper/stylist for plus size women. She is a highly sought-after motivational speaker for plus size women and teens. Gwen has appeared on such national television and radio programs as The Ricki Lake Show, Fox 5's Good Day New York morning show, Insiders Edition, Entertainment Tonight, New York 1 News, Hot 97’s Steve Harvey Morning Show, Plus Model Radio and the Divas by Design Radio show.
In 1998 she successfully opened The Plus Academy®, one of
Gwendolyn DeVoe is passionate about what she does and is determined to continue to be a pioneer in the field of fashion and plus modeling by empowering women to love the skin they are in.
For more information on Ms. DeVoe, please visit: www.dseventsinc.com
Showcase Designer
Ms. Monif C.
A love of color, prints, and vintage details has been a part of Monif's life from childhood. A child of Barbadian immigrants, Monif spent many summers enjoying the sweet life in Barbados. While there, she was awed by her grandmother's love of color (red is her favorite!) and she was transported to a time when women dressed up for every occasion recognizing that taking pride in their appearance is one of the best things they could do for themselves.
Today as a plus size woman, Monif understands the need for a new perspective in the plus size market. "It took me many years to appreciate my curves and recognize them as a plus and NOT a minus. I know that there are women like me who recognize that we get dressed everyday in the hopes of reflecting creatively what we bring to the world. I was tired of buying the standard uniform that every woman has, I needed luxurious feminine clothes that make a statement...Who says plus size can't be sexy, luxurious, and feminine??"
A trip to Europe in 2004 and frustration with the plus size market prompted Monif to start designing her own line. Monif doesn't follow trends when she designs, but rather she makes what she wants to wear. Monif loves curvy figures and therefore she makes clothes to accentuate curves, not cover them up. Her designs are heavily inspired by her love of the Caribbean, the glamour of New York City nightlife, and European style. Versatility is also a key design element. Monif C. pieces work well for day and night...dressed up or down. Also, the young and the young at heart both enjoy Monif C. pieces.
Some women will wear the Monif C. line as item pieces, coordinating them with jeans, capris, and short jackets for a more casual look. Other women may decide to wear the entire collection. Fabrics, trims, and treatments are carefully selected to bring integrity to each piece. In fact, every piece offered in the collection is something Monif herself would wear, perhaps on a date, out with her girlfriends, or on vacation in Barbados. The Monif C. collection is quintessentially the wardrobe for the young, contemporary, sexy plus size woman.
Monif C. offers a fresh and unique interpretation of well-priced style for plus size women. Monif C. is fabulous fun in luxurious fabrics, delicate trims, and details often developed from original artwork. When you wear Monif C., you reclaim your femininity and your strong sense of self.
For more information on Monif C, please visit the official website: www.monifc.com
TaKasha Francis
TaKasha was born in Houston, Texas, August 4, 1976. She is the eldest of two children born to James and Sandra Francis. TaKasha completed her secondary studies at the Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions in 1994.
TaKasha received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication, with a minor in Broadcast Journalism, from Texas Southern University in 1999. TaKasha appeared on the Dean’s List from 1997-1999, and was the sole recipient of the Houston Advertising Federation Minority Diversity Scholarship in 1999. The National Council of Negro Women and Aunt Jemima Brands paid national tribute to TaKasha as a Woman of Wonder that same year.
TaKasha not only excelled academically, but as a nationally and internationally ranked debater and orator on the world –renowned Texas Southern University Debate Team. TaKasha was a stellar member and former president of the team during her college years. She achieved prominence as a debater landing honors in Madrid, Spain (1995), Athens, Greece (1996), London, England (1997), and Rome, Italy (1999). Since graduation, TaKasha has served as an Assistant Coach alongside esteemed Head Coach, Dr. Thomas F. Freeman.
Her unique oratorical prowess was prominently showcased when TaKasha captured the title of Miss Texas Southern University in 1998. She broke barriers and made history as the first plus-sized queen in the university’s history. TaKasha’s awesome gift for speech landed an internship as a Student News Broadcaster for “The Choice”, KTSU FM in 1997-1999, as well as several leadership positions: TSU Association of Black Journalists, National Council for Negro Women, and Executive member of the Student Government Association. Throughout her illustrious undergraduate career TaKasha was active within the community. TaKasha mentored youth in Good Gang U.S.A., a non-profit organization designed to keep youth out of gangs and off the streets. TaKasha also served as a mentor and coach in the Smooth Talkers program, sponsored by the TSU Debate Team, which teaches middle school students debate and forensics and helps them to become great communicators.
TaKasha received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the esteemed Thurgood Marshall School of Law in May 2003. TaKasha is a respected attorney practicing family law in Houston. TaKasha continued her academic excellence by appearing on the Dean’s List and was honored in Who’s Who: American Law Students (2002-2003). The National Association of Women Lawyers named TaKasha Outstanding Law Student of the Year (2003). TaKasha excelled as a moot court competition champion garnering regional and national honors. Additionally, TaKasha has captured numerous honors and awards in Mock Trial and Client Counseling competitions. TaKasha held membership and offices in several organizations during law school: James M. Douglas Board of Advocates, the National Black Law Students Association, the American Bar Association-Student Division, and Student Bar Association.
TaKasha’s professional affiliations include Houston Black Lawyers Association (Executive Board Member, 2004-2006), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Fraternity, National Association of Women Lawyers, and the College of the State Bar of Texas, an honorary society of lawyers who are among the best trained attorneys in Texas. TaKasha is also featured in Who’s Who in Black Houston along with Houston’s African-American achievers and prominent citizens.
In 2007, TaKasha formed her company, The Voice Communications, a premier company that contracts her engagements as a motivational speaker, author, and voice over artist.
In July 2008, TaKasha penned her first book, “The Diva’s Diary-Original poetic thought notes and commentary on love and life-Volume I” Inspiring, humorous, real, life changing and life challenging are just a few descriptions of this awesome "must-read"! Francis self published this book last July, and has impressively sold over 300 copies and counting in its inaugural run! Copies of “The Diva’s Diary” has made it into the hands of notables such as Tavis Smiley, Dr. Cornel West, music sensation Jill Scott, Essence magazine’s Susan B. Taylor, Black enterprise Business report’s Shon Gables, CNN’s Roland Martin and First Lady Michelle Obama! Francis was recently contacted by a member of First Lady Obama’s staff requesting this phenomenal “must-read” after hearing her speak last June. “The Diva’s Diary” is carving its niche as a timeless favorite.
Pat Matson
Pat Matson, the Wise Weight Woman, uses spiritual principles to help women overcome their fixation with body image. From her education, her experiences, the lessons Life has taught her, and her deep-seated sense of spirituality, Pat ‘s passion is to help women learn self love. For more tips to help you achieve self-acceptance, get her free report, You Are Good and Perfect Right Now and I Can Prove It! at http://www.theworldofwithin.com/
Renee D. Jennings
What if people were to replace the written meaning of words in dictionaries across the continents with a picture of a person who exemplifies the definition? Words like eclectic, intricate, spunky, fearless, resourceful, and steadfast would certainly be among the adjectives in which this often categorized “superwoman” would be defined. A woman who predicted her own fate at the tender age of twelve; announcing she would indeed live in New York City one day and be in the entertainment business. This luminous female could not hide her shine even in the midst of the most catastrophic tragedy. After all, she is and always has been cut from the echelons of that old school “big momma” kind of strength. She is a writer, model, trendsetter, mentor, entrepreneur, advocate, radio show host, and quite frankly one of the biggest diversified personalities to ever reign in the complicated walls of society. She is Renee “Soooo Brooklyn" Jennings.
Born in 1980, Renee seemed destined to surpass any obstacles put in front of her. Being an only child until the age of fifteen, Renee spent a lot of her time immersed in her grandmother's and aunt’s record collection. Listening to Roberta Flack and Stevie Wonder, she would close her eyes and feel each word that was sung and listen to each chord played until she became one with the melody. By age ten, she could rap Queen Latifah and Monie Love's, “Ladies First,” like she wrote it herself and in turn, could write lyrics like a polished emcee. She began writing everything from short stories to poetry. Often entering writing contests that landed her winning entries such as the one she entered regarding the values her grandmother taught her that landed her lunch with Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Her journalism career began to blossom in high school; interviewing Queen Latifah, R&B group, Silk and activist like Dick Gregory, for her school newspaper. In 1999, she left Washington, DC and moved to New York City. Her 10 year span in the city that never sleeps has afforded her many opportunities. After attending Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, her desires to immediately place herself in the entertainment industry, lead her to leave college and go out on her own. The results of this often criticized decision were astounding.
Renee has been the music editor for Full Bloom Inc. She also had the opportunity to be one of the associate producers and co-host of the hit talk show on Fusebox Radio called "Her Voice." She has been a freelance audio and print journalist for HHNLive.com, Femmixx.com, and Heavy Rotation Magazine. She has interviewed countless celebrities such as Too $hort, Jagged Edge, Russell Simmons, Sway, Beenie Man, Krucial Keys and Roy Jones, Jr., and Buffie the Body. Renee is the on-air host and producer of her own Internet talk radio show, "Sarcasm with No Chaser." The show was started in July 2007 as an avenue for people to speak their minds freely and listen to more than just the average rotation of music that plays on local radio stations.
Renee has also been featured as an independent woman of the month on Belle-Noir.com. In February 2008, she was selected as one of the models for the 2008 Spring/Summer collection photo shoot for Blur Custom Dezign that took place in Buffalo, NY. She also formed her own company; R. Media Group in June 2008. The company specializes in all aspects of public relations, event planning and promotions. Her projects have included, Meeting in the Ladies Room: “Flashing Lights & Lip-Gloss” event, Belle-Noir’s Curves and Cocktails, Tiffany Braxton Belvin's Miss Black Queens,
In October 2008, Renee co-starred in the Sharon McGhee's The Pocketbook Monologues; where she performed at the Sage Theater in Times Square, New York. In October 2009, Renee was featured in the NY Daily News and NY1 News for a photo shoot she completed with Michaela Dalzell. She has been on CBS News and the BBC online for her views on President Obama and on NBC News as a panelist on being single in the African American community. She has also been interviewed by Life Size Radio, Goddess Talk Radio, and Size is Sexy.
Her newest endeavors include working on an a book that will consist of memoirs to be published under Bravin Publishing in 2011, serving as the public relations and event logistics coordinator for Kiss the Curves – Hollywood Kiss 2011 and Caribbean Kiss 2011, managing author and educator, Keith K.L. Belvin, and continuing as a contributing writer for Marie Denee's blog, The Curvy Fashionista and Belle-Noir Magazine. Renee will also be a seminar speaker in September 2010 for Blissful Elegance Events – Meeting in the Ladies Room: Divas Who Brunch Series, as she discusses being an entrepreneur in public relations. Her list of accomplishments continues to grow and proves her daily mantra, “the impossible is ALWAYS possible!”
Renee resides in Brooklyn, New York.
