This Black History Month centers on the theme of African Americans and Labor, recognizing the various ways that work and working of all kinds intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.This month's focus, as stated by ASALH, includes an acknowledgement of the "community building of social justice activists, voluntary workers serving others, and institution building in churches, community groups, and social clubs and organizations."
In keeping with the month's focus, Step Up invites you to join us in celebrating our dedicated members who volunteer their time and resources to support our mission of guiding every girl to her unique vision of success.
Ready to join this inspiring group of changemakers? Learn more and join us as a Step Up Member today at https://www.suwn.org/membership/. Your investment makes it possible for Step Up to continue creating safe, brave spaces for girls to connect, learn, and grow alongside caring mentors.
Ashley Kwateng
senior sales strategy manager, Kellanova-Mars
Step Up Board Member
Member Since 2023
"One of my favorite moments as a Step Up member was being a panelist at an event discussing job changes and navigating careers. After the panel so many women came up to me saying how grateful they were with my honesty and vulnerability. That really touched me because giving back is the main reason I became a member. You never know whose life you can affect in a positive way."
Karen Kwetey
managing director, PwC
Member Since 2020
"The most inspiring moments to me are hearing from the mentees about how their perspectives have shifted - whether they have seen how their career goals are now more attainable, or see how their interests open up a new career path they hadn't thought of before."
Kim Richardson
VP chief privacy offer, Tandem Diabetes Care
Step Up Board Member
Member Since 2022
"My favorite moments with Step Up are when I have the opportunity to meet with the mentees at our mentoring events. The speakers and activities are always empowering and I love seeing the girls grow in confidence. They impress me every time."
Kimberly Cockrell
group VP & CHRO, Toyota
Step Up Board Member
Member Since 2020
As a Step Up Board Member, Kimberly helps facilitate Step Up's impactful partnership with Toyota, supports fundraising initiatives, and serves as a mentor to share her unique insights with girls through in-person and virtual programs.
Lamica Mackey
general manager, American Liberty Hospital
Member Since 2024
"I find immense fulfillment in contributing an innovative and creative approach to a new generation of hospitality professionals. I am passionate about the vigor, exuberance and “all the feels” hospitality brings. This multi faceted industry creates unmeasurable platforms for creativity, designed to welcome and embrace diversity in every experience.
I envision my career to be aligned with Conrad Hilton’s philosophy, believing hospitality should be warm and welcoming, and that it is a responsibility to make a difference and opportunities in community. I attribute my successes to hard work and mentorship, believing a platform to engage and develop others fulfill both my corporate and social responsibility. I believe that my dedication to these causes are my life’s purpose- I am a vessel, freely pouring into others and continuously filled by the Divine power to serve."
Lawrencina Oramalu
director of center for student leadership, Texas Woman's University
Member Since 2022
"I love being a Step Up Member, having the opportunity to discuss what’s going on in a mentee’s life, giving them assignments to help them stretch and grow, and then having them come back to talk about their progress. One of my favorite moments was hearing the excitement in my mentee, Ahja Howard's voice when she told me about the progress she had made on some of the goals we had previously discussed. She said that she could not wait to give me an update. Our first coaching session was in 2023 and our official mentoring relationship has ended. We still keep in touch, and my heart almost burst when she reached out during National Mentor Month and told me she still considers me her mentor."
Connect with Lawrencina
Mark Page
founder & CEO, MFP Consulting
SVP client care and operations excellence, SoundThinking
Step Up Board Member
Member Since 2019
Mark has been a longtime supporter, mentor and leader for Step Up. Sitting on the National Board of Directors, Mark advises on the organization's reach, impact, and fundraising strategies, helping Step Up guide more girls to their success every year.
Monica Cooper
treasury management office, CTP, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Step Up Board Member
Member Since 2013
"My favorite Step Up Moment was when the girls taught me the latest dances and how to use snap chat."
Nyanza Shaw
founder & principal attorney, Shaw Esquire
Step Up Board Member
Member Since 2018
"As a mentor, it’s inspiring to help someone discover their potential. I once worked with a young mentee at a resume workshop who felt she had no skills to list because she’d never had a job. As we talked, I helped her realize that her work with the church bake sales showed organization and money management, and playing on her softball team demonstrated teamwork and collaboration. Watching her confidence grow in that moment was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have by simply helping others recognize their strengths. "
Tamera Woodard
VP/associate general counsel, AT&T
Step Up Board Member
Member Since 2016
As a Step Up Board Member, Tamera supports Step Up's through fundraising, outreach, and participation as a mentor. Tamera most recently attended a Step Up program in Atlanta to help guide teens to build connections with diverse mentors.
Tonya Major Gauff
investment funds and finance partner, DLA Piper LLP
Step Up Board Member
Member Since 2015
"One of my most inspiring moments as a Step Up Member is when my Step Up mentee Erin stated to me that my experiences I shared with her gave her the confidence to believe in herself and to never give up."
Zenola Campbell
VP concessions, DFW Airport
Member Since 2022
Zenola has directly invested in Step Up mentorship over the years as a Luminary Circle Member. Her dedication to serving the community extends to her professional life, where she was recently recognized in the Moodie Report for her commitment to diversity in the workplace and ability to mentor those around her with care.
