Get in touch with us at info@new.com
The Team
Who We Are
Luevenia P.
Chief Executive Officer
Preferred name: Lou
OG
In Year: 2022
Reason for joining: I desire to unite like minded women together to have fun and create long-lasting memories.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Opening an event planning institution.
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Industry/profession: Hospitality/Financial Services
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Key skills or expertise: Leadership/Strategic Thinking
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“GJWHF is more than just a sisterhood it's a movement. I'm passionate about creating opportunities for women to serve, connect, and uplift each other while making a tangible impact in our communities."
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Spearheaded key initiatives like Friendsmas, toy donations, and state-based service meetups. Advocated for unique service opportunities like back-to-school drives, feeding the homeless, and supporting women and children in our local communities. Collaborates with leadership to design impactful group events quarterly fostering genuine connections, camaraderie, and community impact.
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Hobby or personal interest: planning girl's trips and destination events.
Dream Vacation: Hawaii
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Unique interest: Discovering good food spots and unique travel experiences.
Annette H.
Treasurer
OG 2022
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Reason for joining: I enjoy spending time with persons who love to travel, enjoy giving back to community efforts, and realize the need to grow in their educational pursuits.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Traveling, meeting people. education, giving back to my community, and trying new foods!
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Industry/profession: Education
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Key skills or expertise: Enhanced mindset and skills to with people of all ages.
"To me GJWHF is a Sisterhood of women, from all walks of life, who are uniting together to enjoy, spending time together, traveling, learning, laughing, sharing, and relaxing."
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Participating in preparation for GJWHF Events, decorating at GJWHF events, purchasing and delivering toys for Christmas community effort, packing, and mailing packages to GJWHF Members, and participating on the GJWHF Welcome Committee.
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Hobby or personal interest: Traveling, crafting, meeting new people, trying new foods, reading.
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Dream Vacation: China
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Unique interest: Authentic Chinese food.
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You can connect with me: Annette Harris
State: South Carolina
Brea A.
Pioneer Member
Preferred Name: Brea
OG
In Year: 2022
Reason for joining: I was seeking a community of like minded women who shared similar values, interest, and goals and to be a part of a supportive environment where I'd build life long friendships and sisterhood.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Mental health, motherhood, and career development.
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Industry/profession: Human Resources
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Key skills or expertise: Leadership, patience, empathy, and support.
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"Lifelong sisterhood of support, encouragement and friendship."
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Volunteering with my local high school to help run sporting events, participated in toys for tots, donating time to my local church volunteering in their medical clinic for the less fortunate.
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Hobby or personal interest: Trying new coffee shops, shopping, and roller skating.
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Dream Vacation: Santorini, Greece
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Unique interest: New True Crime podcast, candles, and designer fragrances.
Belaun M
Executive Committee Chairlady
State: Virginia
Winter Cohort 2023
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Reason for joining: of the interconnectedness between each of us.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Serving and Uplifting those around me.
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Industry/profession: Administration and Hospitality
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Key skills or expertise: The ability to organize, manage, delegate, and execute ideas.
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: I have helped enrich my community by being involved in community events where I partnered and held cooking demonstrations and presented information about food education.
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"Enriching the lives of women through travel, community involvement, and sisterhood!"
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Hobby or personal interest: Shopping, singing, and relaxing.
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Dream Vacation: Phuket in Thailand
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Unique interest: Delectable, rich, and superb food.
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You can connect with me: @thebsydell on Facebook and Instagram
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Chanisty M.
Pioneer Member
State: North Carolina
Summer Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: I am seeming genuine unity among women.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Networking
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Industry/profession: At risk youth and Nursing
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Key skills or expertise: Public speaking and leadership.
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"My acts may not change the world, but it may mean the world to someone."
Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Own and operated a residential treatment facility for teenagers girls ages 12-18.
Hobby or personal interest: Traveling, Watching my children play sports, Speaking.
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Dream Vacation: Africa
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Unique interest: New business opportunities.
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You can connect with me: chanistylasha@yahoo.com
Doreen L
Community Service Advocate
State: Virginia
Spring Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: A very dear friend of mine introduced me to the group. She said she thought I would be a good fit for the group.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Community service which helps people in so many aspects of their everyday lives.
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Industry/profession: Registered Nurse or service for humanity both of which I enjoy.
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Key skills or expertise: The compassion and an interest in paying forward the joy that was afforded to me by others and so the gift of love and making a difference as I see the potential growth in our leaders vision entices me in my path.
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"GJWHF sisters are like beautiful butterflies spreading joy to others while we have fun doing it."
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: I have been a member of National Council of Negro Woman for 24 years, a local section Tidewater Section, founded by Mary McCloud Bethune and later followed by the late Dr. Dorothy Heights. My Nursing Sorority CHI ETA PHI, affiliate of NCNW contributes to services to humanity.
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Hobby or personal interest: To dance and shop till I drop as well as spending time with my children and grandchildren.
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Dream Vacation: Dubai
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Unique interest: Entrepreneurial opportunities which offers services for humanities.
You can connect with me: Email: Daslarkin@gmail.com
Ebony C.
Pioneer Member
State: Virginia
Summer Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: Female fellowship is so important to me.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Community service and friendships.
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Industry/profession: Human Resources
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Key skills or expertise: Strategic workforce planning, mentoring, coaching, HR laws and customer service.
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"This sisterhood means I will always have support, friends and most of all love!"
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: I serve on two Boards of Directors and raise funds for students. I volunteer at women's shelters, Pride celebrations, and many other events. I donate to multiple causes and promote the unity that GJWHF embodies.
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Hobby or personal interest: Cooking and mentoring.
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Dream Vacation: Maldives
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Unique interest: Shoes, purses, earrings, dresses and great Roti.
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You can connect with me:
Email: Nashaibj@hotmail.com
Ebony K.
Secretary
State: Virginia
Spring Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: Authentic friendships, support, and travel opportunities.
Specific interest related to the mission: Giving back
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Industry/profession: Finance
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Key skills or expertise: Analytical Reasoning and Financial Management
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"GJWHF is a beautiful blend of trust, loyalty, compassion, creativity, commitment, and growth that inspire me to keep pushing boundaries no matter what!"
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Supporting GJWHF leadership initiatives, I participate in local food and toy drives, donate toiletry items to a local outreach center, and volunteer at my community closet.
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Hobby or personal interest: Spending time in nature and trying new activities.
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Dream Vacation: Costa Rica
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Unique interest: Unique jewelry
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You can connect with me: Facebook: Ebony Kirby
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Jae S.
President
State: North Carolina
OG 2022
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Reason for joining: Fellowship with like minded women.
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Specific interest related to the mission: My daughter, career and family.
Industry/profession: Customer Service and Financial Management.
Key skills or expertise: Leadership, Organizational and Problem Solving.
" Sisterhood is acceptance. Sisterhood is understanding. Sisterhood is compassion." -Phylicia Rashad
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Contributing to St. Jude's and March of Dimes. Volunteering at Fayetteville Urban Ministries and Advocating for Elderly Adults living in Skilled Nursing Facilities.
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Hobby or personal interest: Crafting and fulfilling my duties as a Dance and Cheer Mom.
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Dream Vacation: Paris
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Unique interest: Tasty healthy recipes.
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You can connect with me: https://www.facebook.com/JaeSto?mibextid=wwX|fr&mibextid=wwX|fr
Lametra C.
Pioneer Member
State: Georgia
Summer Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: Interacting with other ladies.
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Specific interest related to the mission: helping people in need.
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Industry/profession: Production
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Key skills or expertise: Building things.
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"Connecting with my sisters!"
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Helping wherever I am needed.
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Hobby or personal interest: Spending time with my family.
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Dream Vacation: Hawaii
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Unique interest: The best food.
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You can connect with me: Facebook: Lametra Bridges
Mattielisa G.
Pioneer Member
Spring Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: I want to connect with traveling and fun women!
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Specific interest related to the mission: Empowering women.
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Industry/profession: Coaching and styling.
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Key skills or expertise: Several attributes to help others be their best selves.
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"It allows all of us to be our best selves and connect with like-minded women."
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Community outreach, motivational sessions, helping the elderly and financial literacy.
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Hobby or personal interest: Traveling, reading and shopping.
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Dream Vacation: Paris
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Unique interest: Purses
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You can connect with me: Mattielisa_ on social media
Janine R.
Pioneer Member
State: North Carolina
Summer Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: I enjoy being around women with passion and drive.
Specific interest related to the mission: Inspiring other women in reaching their goals.
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Industry/profession: Healthcare/Nursing
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Key skills or expertise: Leadership skills, knowledge, and compassion.
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"GJWHF is important and beneficial in building a network of women inspiring and advocating for each other through experiences and community involvement.”
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Participating in my children's academics as part of the PTA. Supporting them in extracurricular activities such as dance. Volunteering in our local Teacher Supply Warehouse. Assist with planning trips for GJWHF group.
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Hobby or personal interest: Traveling with family and friends.
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Dream Vacation: Bora Bora
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Unique interest: Great places to eat and travel destinations.
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You can connect with me:
Email: Jrawlins10@gmail.com
Melodie H.
Executive Director
State: Virginia
OG 2022
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Reason for joining: I am dedicated to fostering a community of like-minded, purpose-driven women who prioritize community involvement.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Creating meaningful moments of connection, joy, and mutual support with my sisters, all while making a positive impact on others
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Industry/profession: 20+ years of experience in the beauty and management industries, and the past 8 years in the shipping sector.
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Key skills or expertise: Strong leadership, collaboration, and effective communication skills. These diverse professional experiences have equipped me to lead with purpose, vision, and dedication to building a thriving, supportive sisterhood.
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"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun matters to me because it represents more than just a sisterhood; it embodies a community built on purpose, connection, and empowerment. This organization offers a space where like-minded women come together to uplift each other, share experiences, and give back to the community. It fosters an environment where joy and personal growth intersect, and where every woman feels seen, valued, and supported. My involvement with *GJWHF* is driven by a passion for creating moments of genuine connection and fun while contributing to causes larger than ourselves. In a world where women often face challenges that can be isolating, *GJWHF* provides a meaningful support system that promotes collaboration, purpose-driven action, and community engagement. It is a place where we can thrive individually and collectively, making a difference while celebrating the essence of sisterhood."
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: I have had the privilege of making an impact on both the community and *Girls Just Wanna Have Fun* through a range of philanthropic initiatives. Our efforts have included delivering care packages to local nursing home residents, contributing to hurricane relief efforts, and supporting churches with school supply and uniform drives. Additionally, through our sponsorship of Harvest Fest 2024, we've fostered community engagement and celebration.
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Hobby or personal interest: Singing with my choir and trying new food spots.
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Dream Vacation: Europe
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Unique interest: Delectable food
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You can connect with me: Instagram @missmellymel86
Patricia B.
Pioneer Member
State: Georgia
Summer Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: Love the connection of like minded women.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Giving back and serving my community.
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Industry/profession: Caring for others, and working in the hospitality industry.
Key skills or expertise: Industry key organization, culinary, and decor.
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"A genuine sisterhood that provides genuine bonds.”
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: continue to serve my community, by volunteering at local churches and schools that provide food to those in need.
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Hobby or personal interest: Spending time with my family and shopping.
Dream Vacation: Las Vegas
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Unique interest: the best Red velvet cake with pecans and cream icing.
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You can connect with me:
Email t.onin@live.com
Shinita L.
Pioneer Member
State: North Carolina
Summer Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: I joined this sisterhood to connect with like-minded women who are eager to help, support, and celebrate one another.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Celebrating accomplishments big and small.
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Industry/profession: Nursing and Entertainment
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Key skills or expertise: As a nurse, I bring compassion, organization, and the ability to work under pressure, along with a deep commitment to helping others. My experience in entertainment has enhanced my creativity, event planning, and communication skills, allowing me to bring energy and innovation to any project or gathering.
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“I absolutely love my sisterhood! Being part of GJWHF means the world to me because it's a community that never lets you stay down. We motivate, uplift, and celebrate one another, always cheering each other on. This sisterhood is filled with love, generosity, and an irreplaceable bond that I treasure deeply.”
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: I am deeply committed to community service and have actively participated in several initiatives to support those in need. Some of my key contributions include: Community Toy Drives: I have organized and participated in toy drives to bring joy to children and families during the holidays. Fundraising for a House Fire Victim: I have led a successful fundraiser for a patient with 5 children who lost everything in a devastating house fire, helping them rebuild their lives. Career Drives for School-Age Children: I have supported career drives aimed at inspiring and guiding students toward their future aspirations. Health Education Programs: I have participated in various health programs to educate the community about diet and exercise, tailored to managing and preventing different health conditions.
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Hobby or personal interest: Travel, decorating, event planning, and cooking.
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Dream Vacation: Africa
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Unique interest: Dishes that shock my palette. I love discovering and savoring good food.
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You can connect with me: N/A
Toni J.
Senior Vice President
State: Georgia
OG 2022
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Reason for joining: To connect with like minded women to build a genuine sisterly bond.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Serving my community and giving back in every aspect
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Industry/profession: Law Enforcement and Education
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Key skills or expertise: Leadership, Mentorship, and Organization.
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“There is nothing like building genuine bonds with likeminded women while having fun doing it.”
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: While I continue to make monetary donations, it is the hands-on volunteering that brings me the most joy. Knowing I have made a direct impact on changing others' lives, even just by providing a week's meal, is an unmatched feeling. I also continue to mentor children and adults in pursuing higher learning and continuing their educational journey.
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Hobby or personal interest: Spending time with my family and shopping for new home decor.
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Dream Vacation: Hawaii
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Unique interest: The best braised ribs.
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You can connect with me: Facebook Toni Johnson, IG tonijohnson4115
Varanessa M.
Pioneer Member
State: Georgia
Summer Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: I want to empower and be empowered.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Women's physical and mental health as well as youth and young adult development.
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Industry/profession: Bank Regulation and Resolution
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Key skills or expertise: Strategic thinking, collaboration, and analytical skills.
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"I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Pioneer Member of GJWHF because I believe in the power of collaboration and support among women. My introduction to the group's mission came at a time where I needed the reminder of how necessary genuine sisterhood is as we journey through the various stages of womanhood. This group not only empowers individuals to reach their full potential but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility. By giving back, we can create positive change and inspire others, which makes a meaningful impact on both our lives and those of the people around us. Together, we can uplift each other and contribute to a brighter future for all we're privileged to encounter.”
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: I've contributed to breast cancer awareness causes and regularly support high school students as they prepare for their collegiate experience.
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Hobby or personal interest: Watching all levels of football (Go Dawgs and Falcons!)
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Dream Vacation: A European cruise
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Unique interest: Some great live music.
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You can connect with me:
@varanessa for IG and Varanessa Dixon Marshall for FB
Veronica Y.
Chaplain
OG 2022
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Reason for joining: I was looking for like-minded individuals to create a bond with.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Outreach and volunteer work.
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Industry/profession: Retail, and church organizations.
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Key skills or expertise: People skills, public speaking skills.
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"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is a reminder that joy, freedom, and self-expression are vital parts of life. It speaks to embracing moments of laughter and lightness while celebrating who we are without judgment. To me, it's about living boldly, finding delight in the small things, and letting go of the pressures to be anything other than ourselves. Fun isn't frivolous it's an essential part of a balanced, meaningful life."
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Participating in back-to-school drives that provide the essentials for students returning to school. Also, in Christmas toy drive giveaways.
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Hobby or personal interest: Curling up with a cozy blanket and watching TV or reading a book.
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Dream Vacation: Thailand
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Unique interest: Good Asian food and elephants.
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You can connect with me: N/A
Victoria H.
Fashion Coordinator
Summer Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: I strongly support my sister’s vision and want to share memories with like-minded women.
Specific interest related to the mission: Helping others through fashion, training and development.
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Industry/profession: Training and fashion
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Key skills or expertise: Training and development skills and fashion design.
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"Trust, dedication, and loyalty. This sisterhood not only uplifts but it ignites us all to be better women!"
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Donated clothes to others in need. Volunteered to serve the community through outreach events.
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Hobby or personal interest: Workout, be around family, attend church, and shop.
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Dream Vacation: Paris
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Unique interest: Self improvement
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You can connect with me: Victoria89Harris@yahoo.com
Wanda J.
Vice President
State: North Carolina
Spring Cohort 2024
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Reason for joining: I was interested in fostering relationships with like minded women.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Giving back to the youth.
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Industry/profession: Nursing
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Key skills or expertise: Critical thinking skills.
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"I truly value the sisterhood and the positive relationships I've been able to build over the past year."
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Youth sport volunteer, Christmas toy drives and Easter basket drives.
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Hobby or personal interest: Traveling
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Dream Vacation: Dubai
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Unique interest: Unique souvenirs when I'm out of town.
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You can connect with me: Email: Wndjac@msn.com
Yvonne H.
Pioneer Member
OG 2022
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Reason for joining: I was looking for a Sisterhood where I could travel and enjoy friendship.
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Specific interest related to the mission: Helping children and the elderly.
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Industry/profession: Corrections and Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement.
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Key skills or expertise: Going into situations calmly and with an open-mind.
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"A bond between a friend, not always related by blood!"
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Some ways I have contributed to the community and/or GJWHF include: Participating in feeding the homeless yearly. Adopting a foster child at Christmas.
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Hobby or personal interest: Working in my yard.
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Dream Vacation: Africa
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Unique interest: Living life to the fullest
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You can connect with me: Facebook: Yvonne Haly
