3rd Annual Conference
April 15, 2023
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST
The Season To Bloom
Delceno Miles
PhD in Excellence Award
The Miles Agency
Delceno C. Miles, President/CEO of The Miles Agency, a Virginia Beach-based niche marketing and public relations firm she founded in 1989. She serves on the boards of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce (regional and Virginia Beach Division). Delceno was appointed in 2002 as the first African American and only the third woman chair of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce regional board. She was elected to the Virginia Beach School Board and served as vice chair for two years. She was honored by Inside Business publication with its Women in Business Achievement Award in 2009. The YWCA named her its 2011 Woman of Distinction in Communications and Inside Business named her to its 2011 Power List as one of the top 75 most powerful leaders in Hampton Roads. She was named to the Power List again in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
She was inducted into the 2013 Inaugural Hall of Fame by the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Stanford University and her M.A. in Communications from Regent University.
Dr. Alexandra Ward, MD
Cardiologist
Riverside Health System
Dr. Ward earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2012. She completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where she was selected to be a chief resident. Dr. Ward then completed fellowship training in cardiology at the Jefferson Heart Institute in Philadelphia. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. She is also certified in adult echiocardiography by the American Society of Echiocardiography.
Dr. Ward serves as medical director for the Riverside Women's Heart Center and is an advocate for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of women's cardiovascular disease. Her interest began during residency, when she became increasingly aware that women’s cardiovascular disease is different in presentation, diagnosis and management as compared to their male counterparts. Dr. Ward is passionate about groundbreaking treatments and therapeutic options in cardiology and encourages her patients to be actively involved in decision-making for their treatment.
Born in New York City and raised at the Jersey Shore, Dr. Ward appreciates the history of Hampton Roads. In her free time, Dr. Ward enjoys being outside, especially at the beach, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Education
Medical: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Internship: University of Maryland Medical Center
Fellowship: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Post Graduate: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Board Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine - Cardiovascular Disease
Locations
Riverside Cardiology Specialists - Port Warwick
11803 Jefferson Avenue, 110, Newport News, VA 23606
Phone
(757) 873-0360
Riverside Cardiology Specialists - Gloucester
7544 Hospital Drive, Building A, Suite 202, Gloucester, VA 23061
Get Directions And Drive Time
Phone
(804) 694-5553
Riverside Cardiology Specialists - Hampton
A Department of Riverside Regional Medical Center
850 Enterprise Parkway, 1300, Hampton, VA 23666
Phone
(757)827-7754
Riverside Cardiology Specialists - RRMC
500 J Clyde Morris Boulevard, Annex 1st Floor, Newport News, VA 23601
Phone
(757) 594-2074
Riverside Cardiology Specialists - Williamsburg
117 Bulifants Boulevard, B, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone
(757) 259-9540
Blog Articles
Featuring: Alexandra E Ward, MD
Wellness During COVID-19Heart and Vascular
What Patients with Heart and
Dr. Angela Reddix
Keynote Speaker
ARDX
Dr. Angela D. Reddix is a visionary and innovative thinker with global perspective and entrepreneurial drive. Dr. Reddix is a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and a 2021 Ebony Power 100 Entrepreneur & Innovative Leader Honoree. As a passionate mentor to the next generation of young girls and a proven Entrepreneur Coach, Dr. Reddix is a leading advocate for entrepreneurship as a way of creating positive transformation in the world. Her own entrepreneurial drive led to the formation of ARDX®, a 15-year multi-million-dollar award-winning professional services management and consulting firm with over 100 employees dedicated to improving the lives of our nation’s most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Reddix is a motivational keynote speaker, community leader, philanthropist, and the author of Envision Lead Grow – Releasing the Boss Within™.
https://angelareddix.com/about-dr-angela/
Sebrina Brown
Mistress of Ceremony
Sebrina Brown’s podcast, Girlfriends Tea with Sebrina, airs on social media and ROKU. On ROKU, the viewership ranges from 250,000 to 1.8 million per show within the United States, Ghana, United Kingdom, Japan and United Arab Amirates (Dubai). Sebrina’s luxury tea line, Girlfriends Tea, boasts a popular Samples Pack for tea lovers to try all of the flavors. Sebrina is available to book luxury tea parties for bridal showers, birthdays and girlfriend gatherings.
In 2022, Sebrina Brown launched PhD in Excellence, a 501(c)3, to raise awareness and educate about child sexual abuse. Miss Brown is passionate about helping others achieve their own PhD in Excellence, as they address the secrets of their past, rise above them, and pay it forward!
Miss Brown was among ten business women selected to participate in Reddix Rules Cohort 3, an entrepreneur grant and training program, launched in May of 2022 by Dr. Angela Reddix to empower and develop 10 women-of-color entrepreneurs. Sebrina was awarded a grant for winning the CEO of U Speech Competition.
Sebrina retired from the United States Postal Service after 35 years of service. Throughout her career, she conducted hundreds of workshops for internal and external customers, coordinated local and national events and was certified as a master and national field trainer.
Miss Brown graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University with a B.A. in Business Administration, received a certificate in Practical Theology from Regent University and is currently pursuing a Master of Ministry with a Concentration in Leadership at Virginia Bible College. Miss Brown grew up in Norfolk VA in Tidewater Gardens where her mother raised her and her two sisters. Sebrina is an active servant at Calvary Revival Church. As a cheerleader, Sebrina immensely enjoys spotlighting others; it’s in her DNA.
Tameka Kirkland-Shepherd
CO-HOST
Tameka Watts is a native of Georgia and relocated to Virginia by way of the military. She now works for the Department of Defense and is the super proud mother of one daughter. Tameka previously served on three non-profit board of directors and is excited to be the co-host of Girlfriends Tea. As the Co-Host of Girlfriends Tea, Tameka is a consummate professional and enjoys connecting with all of the girlfriends and guests. She started the Keto diet which resulted in impressive weight loss. So many people inquired about her weight loss story that she was inspired to launch her own business: The Art of the Stomach, LLC. If you are interested, Tameka is ready to help you experience the Keto diet and her own keto-friendly line of products. Check out Tameka’s story and her store: https://www.artofthestomach.com/
Vanessa L. Hill
Project Nana, Inc.
Speaker: Vanessa L. Hill, MFA, MPH, Founder and Executive Director of Project Nana, Inc., & Health Equity Project Manager for Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk, Virginia
Bio: Vanessa L. Hill, MFA, MPH is an author, filmmaker, program development consultant, a women’s health and aging advocate and researcher. She has previously served in academia, media, and as a creative services consultant and producer. Ms. Hill serves on several committees including the Patient Education Committee for the Society of Gynecologic Oncology/Foundation for Women's Cancers, is Co-Program Chair for the American Public Health Association’s Caucus on Public Health & the Faith Community, serves on the Howard University Alumni Association - Hampton Roads Chapter, the National Council of Negro Women, and was selected to serve on the Inaugural Alumni Advisory Board of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University (GWU).
Ms. Hill received her Master of Public Health degree and Certification in Social and Behavioral Research George Washington University. She attended Howard University’s School of Divinity and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film from Howard University’s School of Communications. In 2019 she received the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s Alfred A. Chiplin Award for Civility and Social Justice and her ongoing research with GWU on aging women’s health programs have been published in a featured chapter in Older Women & Well Being: A Global Perspective, Vol.1, Springer Nature, India, 2021.
Jennifer Shinn
Riverside Health System
Jennifer Shinn is the System Director for Riverside’s People Operations team. Jennifer has been with Riverside for over 15 years, previously serving as an HR director and business partner for both the medical group and lifelong health divisions. Prior to joining Riverside, Jennifer worked as a HR director and medical research administrator for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Jennifer has a passion for developing and engaging team members to grow into their best selves. She has both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas, as well as her SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications, and is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green belt.
Thank you,
Jennifer Shinn, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
System Director, Workforce Development/People Operations
Riverside Health System
(757) 354-6861 cell
[email protected]
www.riversideonline.com
Dana Beckton
Sentara Healthcare
Dana Beckton joined Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk Virginia as their first Chief Diversity Officer in 2019. At Sentara, Dana is responsible for engaging across the organization to set the vision and strategy to cultivate an inclusive work environment where diversity is embraced and developed and where all employees feel valued and have equal opportunities to succeed. Dana drives the alignment between the Diversity, Inclusion & Cultural Competency roadmap and Sentara's business strategy.
Dana has participated in the National Association of Health Service Executives, first with the Delaware Valley Chapter’s advisory board and as a mentor to Early Careerists and now as interim president of the Virginia chapter. She has also served as a guest speaker on various diversity and inclusion topics for companies and non-profit organizations including the Health Management Academy, PA Diversity Council, New Castle Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Conference, Becker’s Hospital Women and Diversity Leadership Conference and the National Diversity Conference. Dana currently serves on the boards of the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Dana is the 2022-2023 Hampton Roads Go Red for Women Campaign co-chair and sits on committee for the United Way African American Leadership Society and the Hampton Roads Community Action Program’s Community Builder’s Award.
Dana was recently recognized by the National Diversity Council as a Top 100 Healthcare Diversity Officers. Dana has her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Temple University and her graduate degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from St. Joseph’s University.
Toiya Sosa
Riverside Health System
Toiya Sosa is Chief Diversity Officer at Riverside Health System where she is responsible for the ongoing development, implementation, and oversight of the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. Prior to this role, Sosa was a community leader and public affairs leader at GEICO where she had oversight of partner relations and philanthropic investment, media relations, and government relations for the VA, NC, TN region. Sosa is a Director for the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Vice Chair of the United Way of South Hampton Roads African American Leadership Society, a Director for Women United, and Chair of the Virginia UNCF Leadership Council. Sosa has been recognized with the 2022 UNCF M.A.S.K.E.D. Award, the 2020 Tidewater Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the James V. Koch Award from the Urban League of Hampton Roads and was named to the Inside Business Power List from 2019-2021. Sosa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Norfolk State University, a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University, and a Master of Arts in Law from Regent University. Sosa was trained by the National Diversity Council as a Certified Diversity Professional (NDCCDP).
LT Arabia Shanklin
United States Navy
LT Arabia Shanklin hails from Steubenville, Ohio. She commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in 2013 with a major in Economics. While at the Naval Academy, she lettered 4 years in Women’s Track and Field and holds an all-time record in the 400m dash.
Arabia attended Basic Division Officer School and commenced her first tour assigned as the First Lieutenant and Main Propulsion Assistant aboard the USS SIMPSON (FFG 56) in Jacksonville, Florida where she qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer and deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following the decommissioning of SIMPSON, Arabia was assigned to the USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) as the Command Training Officer and Legal Officer, where she trained more than 150 outstanding Sailors through an AFRICOM deployment and qualified as an Engineering Officer and Tactical Action Officer. While stationed in Virginia, she remained a community servant and public speaker known for her advocacy of the military-civilian community partnership.
Arabia’s initial shore duty enabled her to move to Camp Pendleton, California to be with her active-duty husband Major Gerrico Shanklin, USMC, and serve as the CG I MEF G-6 Amphibious Communications Liaison Officer where she qualified as a Fleet Marine ForcOfficer. Her Marine Corps tour was cut short when she was nominated to serve as Flag Aide to the Commander of Expeditionary Strike Group THREE; in charge of the largest expeditionary strike group in the world. After transitioning to the Human Resource community, Lieutenant Shanklin served as the Manpower Analyst Officer and first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Navy Region Southwest. While at Navy Region Southwest, Arabia curated the first-ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit in collaboration with the County of San Diego to drive collaboration between local military and civilian executive stakeholders.
She’s deployed to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf, and has been fortunate to have served with crews that have earned the Battle Efficiency Award during every afloat tour.
In 2022, she reported to the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs as Director for Congressional Inquiries and Human Resource Management, overseeing constituent inquiries and $52B worth of government contract announcements, civilian and military HR actions, and Equal Employment and Opportunity (EEO) functions.
Arabia has been featured in VOGUE Magazine as one of this generation’s trailblazing black servicewomen and is highlighted in the “Proudly She Served” traveling art exhibit honoring active duty military and veteran women who exemplify courage, strength, and selfless service. She has Co-Founded the United States Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA) and co-authored the book “Visionistas: Women Who Think Outside the Box”.
Arabia is a certified Professional in Human Resources, Resilience-Based Leadership Trainer, and Diversity in the Workplace. Her civilian awards include being named the 2022 Servicewoman of the Year Award by the American Auxiliary Legion and while perfoming as a Film actress, was named the 2022 Best Actress in TV/Film by Black San Diego Magazine.
Her military decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, as well as other individual, unit and campaign awards.
Tracy Barbee
Fountain of Hope Counseling
Tracy M. Barbee is a native of Youngstown, Ohio and currently resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. She is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist at Fountain of Hope Counseling Center, & the Co-founder of The Marriage Builders
Tracy has over 10 years of experience in social services delivery, working as a case manager, CPS supervisor, and counselor in a variety of agencies and capacities with diverse groups of people throughout metropolitan Atlanta and Hampton Roads area. She has over 20 years of counseling experience in the mental health and marriage & family field.
She is the founder of Fountain of Hope Counseling Center, LLC, a private practice located in Hampton & Chesapeake, VA that offers counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups who may deal with anxiety, depression, addictions, woman and men issues, mood disorders, and much more. She is the co-founder of The Marriage Builders. A counseling service were she and her husband offer a variety of services designed to assist couples with laying the foundation for a prosperous relationship or with replacing a crumbling foundation with a strong new ground work.
Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Pre-Law from Central State University, a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling from Luther Rice University, and a Master of Science degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Capella University. She also has additional graduate studies in English from the University of Akron. She is a member of the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Tracy is a committed Christian and servant of the Lord. She has served in numerous ministry leadership capacities over the years including: Director of Family Life Ministries, Director of Discipleship, Marriage Mentor Director, Lay Counselor, and Prayer Ministry Leader.
Tracy’s greatest desire is to serve the people of God and see them realize their potential in Him. She has been happily married to Derrick B. Barbee for 28 years and they have two children together, Derrick II and Serenity. To find out more about Tracy Barbee, you can go to www.fountainofhopecc.com, www.themarriagebuilders.com, and https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/216311
Vanessa Torres
FBI, Headquarters
Vanessa Torres is an experienced public speaker and creative writer. Her uniquely empowered voice shines through in her Butterfly Blogs and book titled “Unshackled: The Unfinished Journey.” Vanessa’s goals include sharing her spiritual awakening and how her journey has helped other women heal from sexual abuse and shame. Driven by a desire to inspire others, she takes pride in providing motivational content for women who long for restoration and a closer walk with their Creator.
Vanessa has over a decade of experience working with diverse and underprivileged communities. She holds a B.A. in Communications and an M.Ed. from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Dynamic Speakers
Door prizes: