A group of journalists from the Baton Rouge area has launched a project that honors the accomplishments of women of color with Louisiana roots from various professions. We are requesting coverage of our unique calendar, which was released at the start of the new year.
The Shades of Success 2023 Calendar is available for purchase now, with a portion of the proceeds going to The Butterfly Society, an anti-domestic violence nonprofit. The 12 honorees will be further recognized at an awards banquet in late February.
This year’s honorees include Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Terri Porche Ricks; serial entrepreneur and tech founder, Sevetri Wilson; former WAFB and WVLA TV news anchor, Valentina Wilson, who currently anchors for a TV station in North Carolina; Realtor, boutique owner and HGTV host, Joy Russell; Dr. Kia Callender-Price, whose nonprofit works to house the homeless; Dr. Tanisha Toaston, a rehabilitation physician specializing in spinal cord injury.
Other honorees are Family Practice Physician Dr. Paulette Grey-Riveria, who is a Harvard grad; Labeaud Colbert, a faith-based counselor, business owner, professional Actress, and model; Dr. Krystal Shelmire, the only black female naturopathic doctor in the state of Louisiana; Krystal Brumfield, Associate Administrator of the Office of Government-wide Policy for the Biden administration; Avis Brown, a licensed clinical social worker, board-approved clinical supervisor, and nonprofit founder; and Kayla Gill, a speech-language pathologist, and entrepreneur.
The African-American journalists behind the calendar wanted to give back to the community and felt this project was a great way to inspire younger generations, especially during Black History Month and Women’s History Month. A unique instructional tool, the calendar also gives children an opportunity to view the photos and read the biographies of living role models.
The honorees will receive their awards at a banquet on February 25. It will be held at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center in Gonzales, from 6 pm to 9 pm. The public is invited to attend the event, and tickets and sponsorship information is available online theshadesofsuccess.net.
