Women Who Dared: A Time to Care Affair 2024
Celebrating Our Legacy and Our Future 

THE GUILD THEATER
SACRAMENTO, CA
​SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024

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During this empowering event, and in celebration of our 30th anniversary, we uplifted the mental health of Black individuals through a panel discussion and honored exceptional Black women who dared to make a difference in the lives of Black girls, women, families and communities.

OUR 2024 HONOREES

This year, we honored: CEO, speaker, radio personality and host of Ms. Wanda's Full Circle Radio, Wanda Smith; Executive Director of ONTRACK Program Resources Inc., Madalynn C. Rucker; USC professor, Dr. Tyan Parker Dominguez; and Taylor Lynn McClure, ​Community Activist, Producer, Podcast Host.

​Ms. Wanda Smith
​Full Circle Radio

Wanda Smith (Ms. Wanda) is a highly sought-after speaker and coach dedicated to facilitating conversations important to Black Women. As the host of the popular radio show and podcast Full Circle, she is an expert at creating space for women to disrupt thought patterns, get clear on their worth and show up authentically. In 2019, Ms. Wanda founded SpeakHer Consulting LLC, a public speaking and coaching firm aimed at helping women become confident speakers, by crafting a message that supports their vision and authentic voice. Through the years, Wanda honed her gifts while serving in training, outreach and leadership roles with the State of California. She currently serves as the training manager for a state government agency. Wanda has a heart for seeing people thrive in every situation. Her energetic presentations are centered around encouraging others to walk in the freedom of the life they desire. A 20 year thyroid cancer survivor, Wanda certainly has had her share of life changing events. She readily shares her story of overcoming difficult circumstances on her radio talk show and on stage. In her essay, “Freedom by G.R.A.C.E.”, Wanda recounts the steps she took to heal after a painful divorce. Ms. Wanda is the recipient of many honors and recognitions, including 2019 Exceptional Woman of Color and the State of California Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award. When she is not elevating black voices, she can be found competing in 5k races, at the ocean or treating herself to a spa day. *Wanda happily accepts this award in loving memory of her niece Taylor Lynn McClure.

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Madalynn C. Rucker
Executive Director, ONTRACK Program Resources Inc.

Madalynn is the founder and executive director of ONTRACK Program Resources (ONTRACK), which was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1997. ONTRACK provides training and technical assistance for community-based nonprofit organizations, local and state public agencies with a primary focus on behavioral and public health. ONTRACK’s focus is to strengthen programs and policies to improve health and social justice outcomes for populations/communities disproportionately impacted by the interconnectedness of poverty and racism. Madalynn is a passionate advocate for racial justice, which led her to join the Black Panther Party upon graduation from high school in 1968, an experience which has guided and anchored her entire career.

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Tyan Parker Dominguez, PhD, MPH, MSW
​Teaching Professor in the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

 Dr. Parker Dominguez's research focuses on racial disparities in adverse birth outcomes and infant mortality, with an emphasis on psychosocial determinants of health, such as stress and racism. Dr. Parker Dominguez has been a member of the U.S. Secretary of Health’s Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality and has partnered with public health departments and organizations, such as March of Dimes, on initiatives related to health equity and birth outcome disparities. She also serves as an expert advisor and collaborator with the Center for Health Equity at the University of California, San Francisco, and co-chairs the Improving Pregnancy Outcomes Committee of the American Public Health Association’s Maternal and Child Health section (APHA-MCH). Dr. Parker Dominguez has been honored with the MCH Section’s Young Professional of the Year Award, the Hutto Patterson Foundation Distinguished Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching and Service, and is a co-recipient of the Council on Social Work Education’s Community Impact Award.

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Taylor Lynn McClure
(posthumously)
​Community Activist, Producer, Podcast Host

Taylor Lynn McClure, a vibrant presence within both her Sacramento family and the community at Sacramento City College. Born and raised in the heart of Sacramento, Taylor's effervescent personality left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Taylor's commitment to social justice and community activism was unwavering. She dedicated herself to uplifting the Black community in Sacramento, leaving a legacy of empowerment and advocacy. At Sacramento City College, Taylor's influence was profound. Set to graduate with a degree in journalism and communications, she wasn't merely a student; she was a catalyst for change. Within the Black Student Union, Taylor played a pivotal role in establishing what would become the ASHÉ Center, a testament to her vision and leadership. Her involvement in programs like Umoja-SBA demonstrated her dedication to ensuring Black students had the resources needed to excel academically. Taylor mentored many Black students, encouraging them to stay in school, assisting with professional recommendations and providing wisdom and emotional support. To her colleagues and mentors, Taylor was more than a student; she was a revolutionary force, a driving energy for progress and equality. With a passion for holding space for conversations that could transform and inspire, Taylor created, produced and hosted a podcast, Blu Cup Convos.  Taylor's spirit of activism and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come. She touched countless lives, leaving an indelible imprint of love, resilience, and hope. Taylor McClure will forever be remembered as a champion for change and a beloved member of the Sacramento community.

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ABOUT THE PANEL

"The Generational Journey of Healing: Navigating Mental Health as a Black Woman from Gen Z to Boomer" panel discussion was a transformative experience. From Gen Z to Boomer, our esteemed panelists shared their personal experiences, challenges and triumphs in navigating mental health within the context of their respective generations. Through candid conversations and shared narratives, we explored the evolving landscape of mental health awareness, stigma and support within Black communities.

This panel discussion shed light on the unique intersectionalities that shape Black women's mental health across generations, including societal pressures, cultural expectations, historical trauma and systemic inequalities. Our panelists offered valuable insights into how these factors have influenced their mental health journeys and shaped their approaches to healing and health.

From the digital age of Gen Z to the trailblazing activism of the Boomer generation, we examined how generational differences impact attitudes, resources and access to mental health care.

This panel fostered intergenerational solidarity and empowerment. We can continue to forge a path towards collective healing and liberation, by honoring the wisdom of our elders, amplifying the voices of our youth and building bridges across generations.

Adwoa Akyianu
​Gen Z
A Ghanaian American powerhouse, creative, and entrepreneur hailing from the vibrant city of Sacramento, California. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Sacramento State, Adwoa is not just a proud graduate but also the visionary CEO behind the revolutionary beauty education and empowerment brand, She Has Shea. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Adwoa graces the stage as a celebrity emcee, leaving her mark on Northern California events and celebrations. Stay up to date on all things Akyinau by following her on social media @adwoavalis and @shehasshea. 

Allisha Crockett
​Gen X
​A dedicated higher education professional specializing in Mental Health Recovery, Trauma Informed Care, and Restorative Justice Practices. A passionate advocate for educational equity and the empowerment of youth in the California Community College network. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Educational Counseling with a focus on these areas at San Diego State University, and will graduate this spring. Allisha radically embodies the art of being authentic to who she is, fostering mindful connections, and holistic well-being through spiritual growth and community. She honors being a jewel of her Ancestors hearts, a proud mother of three beautiful humans, a sister to all brothers, a cherished daughter, and a loyal friend.

Toni McNeil
​Boomer
Toni McNeil is the Founder and Executive Director of CDI- Concrete Development Inc.
She is among the first graduating class of the National Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy from the University of Chicago. She provides leadership development and training to individuals within marginalized communities who have been system and/or justice impacted surrounding Restorative Justice Issues such as: Gun Violence Reduction, Principled Policing, exposing/dismantling the Prison Industrial Complex, as well as Housing & Homelessness. She believes that it is our lived experiences that make us the experts in the healing and investment our communities need in order to rise above the oppression created through a historically racist male dominated white supremacist system.

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Isali Rahotep
​Millennial 
C. Isali Rahotep, RN BSN NC-BC, graduated from Dominican University of California in 2011. Throughout her career, she grew concerned with the traditional healthcare model, which focuses on symptoms and often neglects root causes. This led her to pursue the specialty of Nurse Health Coaching. She founded I Affirm Holistic Health, LLC, where she provides workshops and keynote speeches spreading life-changing holistic health education. Nurse Isali guides her divine community toward transforming their lives and helps them actualize and sustain holistic health through group and individual coaching. She also provides an additional modality to healing as a Level 2 Kemetic Reiki Practitioner. Nurse Isali is a community enthusiast passionate about contributing to the vital healing of black women, girls, and beyond.

Anita Ross
​Panel Moderator
Anita Ross is coined the Self-Love Expert because she’s on a mission to empower millions of women to love themselves fully, awaken to their worth and ultimately, live the life of their dreams. Anita’s life path has taken her through unique experiences that have allowed her to discover her purpose early in life. She knows firsthand the struggles that women face with low self-esteem, gender discrimination, body image pressures and domestic violence.

We celebrated with music and live performances by The Band Hayez

About the band
Alicia K. Huff is the founder and lead vocalist of the band Hayez. Getting her start in church down south, she was afforded the opportunity to watch, build, and grow with some of the top musicians in the music industry. Her education and career in jazz allows her to meld genres and create a unique sound of her own. 

Jeffery Archie comes from a long legacy of phenomenal gospel musicians and has carved his own path with his vast knowledge of Hip-Hop and R&B. He has produced songs for artists, arranged music for a short film, and served as a musical director for festivals.

Damond (Dj) Barbee jr is a world renowned musician based out of Sacramento, California. Being expertly skilled at piano, bass, and drums has allowed him to break out into the music industry and perform with national recording gospel artists across the country. 
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Jordan A. Sanders is a passionate and hard-working drummer that got his start playing for churches in the Sacramento region. To date he’s played for various notable artists and events, just making it back from an overseas tour. 

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What was on the menu?

Bites crafted by Pavi's Creations and signature mocktails!

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM WOMEN WHO DARED: A TIME TO CARE AFFAIR 2023

​WE THANK OUR EVENT SPONSORS FOR UPLIFTING THE

HEALTH & WELLNESS OF BLACK WOMEN & GIRLS IN

​CALIFORNIA!