The 18th Annual Women of Color Expo OKC Held on April 18th

OKLAHOMA CITY — Women of Color from near and far will celebrate, empower, and uplift each other at the 18th annual Women of Color Expo in Oklahoma City. The Women of Color Expo is one of Oklahoma’s largest and prominent events of its kind.
Why does the Women of Color Expo exist? Women of color often face unique challenges and experiences based on their race and gender. They are confronted with discrimination and prejudice, both overt and subtle, that can affect their opportunities in education, employment, and other areas of life. They also may encounter intersectional discrimination, where their experiences of discrimination are compounded by other factors such as sexuality, ability, or socio-economic status. At the same time, being a woman of color comes with a tremendous source of pride. The balance between tenacity and benevolence is an unfathomable tightrope that women walk without complaint and often without recognition.
Many women of color have rich cultural heritages and communities that they draw strength from, having worked to create spaces and movements that edify, affirm, and inspire women of color around the world. By hosting this annual event, Perry Publishing & Broadcasting Company aims to epitomize the essence of what it truly means to be a woman of color.
The title sponsors for the Women of Color Expo are Oklahoma City Community College and Tinker Federal Credit, which, along with other sponsors, allow PPBC to provide attendees with access to vendors offering an abundance of goods, services, and sustenance for free.
This event is brimming with workshops, seminars, and sessions centered on health, wellness, finances, family, and entrepreneurship, encouraging engagement with experts in their field on a level unlike any other.
Just some of the featured seminars are:
• Let’s Talk Skin presented by Lenox Skincare, hosted by Founder/Owner Tiffany Lenox and Dr. Pamela Allen, Dermatologist;
• The Pitch – Will Your Business Win by the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City;
• Protect, Prepare and Position in Real Estate by Ellum Realty Firm hosted by Lacretia Mitchell, Founder/Managing Broker and Arlicia Bryles, Co-CEO and Branch Broker;
• Life After Incarceration by Donna Thompson;
• Financial Literacy with Lightening the Load; and
• Momma Didn’t Raise a Renter by First Security Bank.
For the Women of Color Expo Oklahoma City seminar schedule go online at www.womenofcolorexpo.org
One of the biggest events during the expo is the Fashion Show, produced this year by Back to My Roots, owned and operated by LeKeytha Dukes.
New this year is a dynamic seminar targeting Black female teens with the Black Girls Rock Seminar, with the theme “Rock Radiant Roots.” The seminar features a panel of speakers, including Simone Burrough, Eleisha Rhone; Leah Hughes and Ann Wytch, as they discuss the beauty of embracing heritage and personal growth from a teenage perspective. This will be moderated by Dr. Cecilia Robinson Woods, Superintendent of Millwood Public Schools.
The Women of Color Expo awards luncheon will once again honor women who are regarded as cornerstones of the community and highlight the resilience and unique magnanimity women of color offer daily in their various roles as mothers, sisters, and daughters, as well as career-driven and educated individuals, respectively.
This year’s award recipients are Woman of the Year Dr. Jamie C. Polk the Superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools; Lifetime Achievement recipient Marylin Luper-Hildreth; Trailblazer Woman of the Year Dr. Vita Threatt-Pickrum; Trailblazer Woman of the Year Karen Ekuban; Icon Hair Stylist of the Year Javon Bowie-Polk; Corporate Woman of the Year Andrea Grayson with the City of Oklahoma City; Public Servant of the Year Janice Gaddis, first lady of Greater Bethel Church; Entrepreneur of the Year Tonjua Whetstone owner of T-Stone, LLC, dba, McDonald’s; Educator of the Year Charlotte Jackson with OKC Public Schools; Impact Woman of the Year Ayana Talley, co-owner of Faded & Educated Back to School Bash; Hair Stylist of the Year Shirley Stoner-Noel; and Mother of the Year Latrice Rhodes.
The host for the luncheon is Launa West, co-host of the Open Mic Talk Show heard weekly on OKC Heart and Soul 92.1 & 1140 in Oklahoma City and statewide. She was also the recipient of the Women of Color Expo 2023 Influencer of the Year award.
The keynote speaker for the awards luncheon is the legendary music artist and actress Kandi Burruss.
The Women of Color Expo Oklahoma will take place on Saturday, April 18 at Metro Technology Centers, located at 1900 N. Springlake Drive, from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., and it’s free for everyone to attend. To see the full itinerary go to www.womenofcolorexpo.org
The Women of Color Expo Oklahoma City would like to thank all of their Sponsors who help make this event possible: Tinker Federal Credit Union; Metro Technology Centers, Guiding Right, Inc., Excalibur Executive Black Car Service, Metro Technology Centers, Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, West Elm, First Security Bank, Langston University, Oklahoma City Community College, KRMP OKC Heart and Soul 92.1 & 1140, KVSP FM Power 103.5, TBC Magazine, The Black Chronicle Newspaper, and Perry Publishing & Broadcasting Company.