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From the host to the seven honorees, the night belonged to trailblazing women.
LANSING - This past weekend, Women's History in the 517 was celebrated on a grand scale. Najeema Iman, owner of YouShine Events+Consulting, in partnership with Tatse African Cuisine & Bar, honored the lives of seven women who have been creating history throughout the capital city. From the medical field to the court of law, All seven have lived a life of service to the city of Lansing. Let's meet the honorees:
A'Jai Necole
A'Jai, or "Coach", as many of our sons and daughters call her, is the big sister of the youth. She's also an authentic voice to the entire city. Her work with the city's kids of all ages have consistently put her in the lives of those who need her most. Her passion shines through TheWork, a mental health service she founded and operates, which has led her to speak alongside titans in the public speaking space, like Eric Thomas.
Marsheda Ewulomi, Esq.
Marsheda is best described by her longtime friend Karrigton Kelsey: "This is an amazing person. Not just your average girl from Lansing. This is a Lansing born and bred woman that went to Everett; after she left Everett she became a whole lawyer; from there becoming a political strategist. Then after becoming a political strategist, she created two different consulting firms, She-Verse where she focuses on empowering women to create their destiny and choose to actually participate in it, and Ewulomi Works where she focuses on political strategy."
Lori Adams-Simon, MPA, CDM, CTA
Lori Adams is Director of Diversity and Inclusion with Sparrow Health Systems, where she's been working since 2014. She has resided in the Lansing area since 1983, and has been consistently celebrated and awarded for her passion for bringing inclusion for all. Her life's work to the 517 has already been recognized by Mcdonald's Broadcast Systems (Power 96.5 radio) as a Local Legend. She is also a Diamond member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc - one of the largest bodies of women on the planet dedicated to public service.
Anna Alicia
The hard-working CEO and operator of Better Than Ur's Designs, one of Lansing's premier shops for custom gear and designs, is in the prime of her career. Her work cannot be boxed into simple customization though. Better said, she is the creative mind behind countless events, decorations, holiday-themed spreads, business logos and more. To simplify even more: her work is at the heart of Lansing's growing culture for customization.
Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, M.D.
Dr. Alane Laws-Barker is the lead OB/GYN for Sparrow Health Systems and has over 23 years of experience in the medical field. Her care and technique is responsible for the healthy delivery of generations. As the lead OB/GYN for one of the most renown hospitals in the region, Dr. Laws-Barker is at the forefront of not only the healthy delivery of children, but also a big voice in understanding how to best care for both mom and baby at Sparrow - her studies in hypertension during pregnancy have been used by Sparrow in implementing better practices.
Yanice Jackson, MBA, CSSGB
Yanice Jackson is the current head of The Chronicle News, a local newspaper originally began by her father over 30 years ago in Lansing. She is a vocal advocate for social justice and community development throughout the 517, frequently using both The Chronicle News and her public speaking skills to stay apart of the fabric of change for Lansing and beyond. In addition to The Chronicle News, Yanice Jackson is a radio-show host, former City Council candidate, and one-time Regional Organizing Director for the Michigan Democratic Party.
Lorin Cumberbatch
Lorin Cumberbatch was an additional honoree on the night. After recently winning an $11,000 grant contest, Lorin, the owner of Lansing's best spa SkinStudio 211, is a rising entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Her business acumen, execution, and savvy, certainly have her on a history-making path. However, Lorin does much more than succeed in business. Her service to the community through book drives, giveaways, and Black Lansing (more on that below), has spoken volumes to her heart for the 517.
Najeema Iman
Lastly, but of course not least, Next Up News recognizes the night's host: Najeema Iman. She's the passionate owner of YouShine Events+Consulting, a true community developer, and certainly making history. Najeema has been at the head of countless events that bring awareness to dynamics of the city otherwise ignored. From her summer hit AfterGlow Pop-up Shop series at Rotary Park, to her Black Lansing organization that is connecting the black creatives and professionals from the 517, Najeema is already an unquestioned titan in the city.
Next Up News was out to cover the celebration of these amazing women! Head to our Instagram or Facebook to check out the sights and sounds of the night, including interviews with the honorees!