An Evening Of Elegance...
Join us at the 30 Year Anniversary Gala, a special event honoring the exceptional work of the Children & Family Institute (CFI). This unforgettable evening allows the community to come together and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Rose Nesbitt Jones and other Community Leaders who share her unwavering passion for excellence.
Honorees & Speakers
Dr. Cheryl Jackson is the Power of Action advocate that is equipping people around the world. with tools to empower them to take Action for their life and accelerate their career. As an author, speaker, and multi-million-dollar social entrepreneur, she brings a unique insight into what it takes.to confidently stand out, speak up, and immediately amplify your impact. Her strategies are “the secret” you need to lead and succeed. Oprah says "Cheryl is relentless” Rihanna says “Cheryl is. about it” and everyone agrees.
Through her books, conferences, and Action Academy, Dr. Jackson has inspired and ignited. thousands to achieve their highest ambitions. Her courses in leadership development, executive presence, and professional communications equip high performers with the tools they need to take their career to the next level. Whether serving as a consultant to a grassroots entrepreneur, strategist or corporate trainer her goal is always the same – unleashing the Power of Action.
Jackson founded Minnie’s Food Pantry in 2008 to honor her mother, the late Dr. Minnie Hawthorne-Ewing. The pantry has served over 27 million meals and expanded from a small 500. square foot building to 12 locations and a 28,000 square foot building headquartered in Plano, Texas provides healthy meals, training classes, and work force solutions.
Froswa' Booker-Drew, PhD is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She is also the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.
Dr. Booker-Drew is a passionate philanthropist and Co-Founder of HERitage Giving Circle. Her connectivity expertise and notable research is highlighted in quotes and profiles in major media such as Forbes, Huffington Post, Bustle, Ozy, and other outlets around the world.
As a professional speaker, Dr. Booker-Drew educates and expands upon various subject matter such as social capital and networking, leadership, diversity, and community development. She is well-regarded by national and international audiences and served as a workshop presenter at the United Nations on the Access to Power.
Cynthia Izaguirre is an anchor at WFAA in Dallas, TX. Cynthia was raised in Dallas and is a proud product of the Dallas Independent School District. She is most proud of her work with Wednesday's Child. Since 2011, she has produced and anchored the weekly segments which help find abused and neglected children a safe and loving home.
She was also part of the team that won the 2023 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence. This is a tremendous accomplishment that reinforces the value WFAA places on high-quality journalism. When Cynthia is not working, she is spending time with her family. Cynthia is married to her husband who she affectionately calls Captain Awesome. They also have three children who are equally awesome! They are the light of her life!
Pamela Dawson was born in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest and only girl among nine children born to Leo and Shirley Wilson. At the age of seven, Pamela's musical odyssey began under the guidance of her father, who introduced her to the enchanting world of the piano. Her dedication and love for music only grew as she pursued her education, ultimately graduating from Cass Technical High School as a Vocational Music Major.
Building on her musical talents, Pamela went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Theater, specializing in music and business, from Eastern Michigan University. She delved deeper into the world of music, studying harp with esteemed mentors like Ruth Myers and the late Lucille Lawrence.
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Pamela began her teaching career in 1995 and was the Head Choral Director at several high schools in the Detroit metropolitan area. In addition to teaching in Detroit, she served as a Minister of Music and founded the Adoration Music Ministry. With a desire to explore new horizons, Pamela made the move to Texas, where she currently resides. Pamela's talent and dedication to her community did not go unnoticed, as she was appointed Chair of the DeSoto Arts Commission for six years.
Darla Shirley is the Executive Director of Youth World. Darla lives in Arlington, Texas and has been married for 45 years. Darla has been serving in Dallas County since 1982. Through Church of Faith, Inc., Darla founded Youth World Dallas Learning Center in 1998. Under her leadership and direction, Youth World has implemented programs to help alleviate food deficiencies, illiteracy, juvenile crime, financial stress and much more which positively impacts our families and our communities.
Darla's passion to help children find their place in this world and to help families rise to a higher level through God's power and direction is evident. She has been recognized for the positive impact and change in the community by Universities, Radio, News and Media stations, and civic organizations and received such awards as Community Partner Award, Heart of God Award, Women of Wisdom Award, Shining Star Award, LIFT Award, and Charity Award. Her commitment continues toward expanding Youth World’s impact.
Skye Turner is a standout singer, actor, and public speaker. She was a debater with the Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Debate Team. She has participated in the 2018 Gardere MLK Oratory Competition. She was a member of the Charles Rice Learning Center Honor Choir and the Dallas Metroplex Musicians Association from Kindergarten to 5th Grade.
Skye was selected to lead the closing performance of "Purple Rain" at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. (TBAAL), 31st Annual Summer Arts Institute’s production of, “Prince the Musical” and she lead Ms. Patti Labelle’s “If Only You Knew “at this year’s 32nd Annual Summer Arts Institute’s production of, “An 80’s and 90’s Musical Revue”, both written and directed by the renowned Curtis King.