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Information and photos provided to TVL by: Nechelle Harris
The Village of Empowerment Honorees exemplify successful and sustainable leadership with a deep commitment to developing their career paths, positive lives , as well as impacting their community. We are proud to recognize the accomplishments of each award recipient who consistently demonstrate their values by modeling Action, innovation and the tenacity for others to emulate from their stories, and unique experiences throughout their lives . The Village of Empowerment mission is to highlight the communicative power, consistency, unification, upliftment, inspiration and celebration of the women of our community. The purpose of these stories is to introduce you to hard working women that grew up in Cumberland Gardens, Hanover Acres, Terrace, and 2nd Street in Allentown . The Village of Empowerment wanted to honor and give back to these women from the simplest hug to the hardest fight of making others realize their level of ability ,and potential to meet their own goals, achievements and dreams. Despite what is seen, heard or said in front of them about the rest of the Lehigh Valley, these Natural Productive Leaders have a determined passion, a thriving force, to give back to those in the community in which they live.
Where communication, collaboration, compassion, and connection is at the forefront of knowing that you have someone to not only listen to you but hear you and see you !!! That is what The Village of Empowerment aims to do. We want to honor the women that grew up with laughter, love, lessons and learning. While poverty , ignorance, violence, dysfunction are often seen as barriers. Each honoree used their surroundings and upbringings to strive for more, achieve more, and become more. We have only just begun!! We must bring back the concept of the Village where we as Women support, uplift, gather and truly The Village of empowerment seeks to the purpose of bringing the morals, values, strength, self-worth, inspiration, communication, sisterhood, and empowerment of women in our community. We have lost the village and it is time to Bring the Village Back. The Village of Empowerment wants to encourage, inspire, and implement positive awareness and change among our women inclusively. Let’s start applauding each other’s achievements, success, triumphs, and goals, but let’s also hold each other’s hand when our women have falls, failures, doubts, mental health issues and fears of new experiences. As a trailblazer, I see new trails and avenues that need to be blazed with consistency, unity, education, leadership, experience, self-care, career skills, engagement and empowerment. Where a setback will be nothing more than an erased track , We want to embark on empowering each other to become our Super Power!!!!
YAMILETTE SANCHO GOMEZ– POWER OF VOICE AWARD
BUSINESS OWNER AND COMMUNITY ADVOCATE – Moving from the Bronx at an early age with her family and Growing up in 
both Cumberland Garden’s and Hanover Acres Yamilette learned to adapt to a more cohesive urbanized family oriented family where the small communities became a subset of your family. By being resilient, focused, and staying dedicated to her beliefs, Yamilette (Yami) converted her dreams into actions by striving and achieving a better life . Today Yami plays a key role in the start and success of the The Village of Empowerment, Community Advocacy, and Self-Actualization movement. Yami has decades long experience of owning and operating several small businesses as well as her passionate devotion and voiceful dedication to equality and civil rights in our local community. Yami is a Super Power who is embarking on a new journey of real-estate as a realtor with Keller Williams not only is she destined to market your properties , She is destined to market this movement!!
NERFIS NIEVES- AMBITIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Growing up in Hanover Acres, Nerfis Home was the safe haven and happy place to be. Her mother instilled compassion, giving and the importance of a great quality of life. She went from being a child of the projects .. to an ambitious scholar, woman, and friend. Her 
weapon and Super Power has always been her ability to think and use her own mind! Today this woman of ambition, drive, and true compassion has risen above and beyond where reaching for the stars is a straight path. Her work is grounded in a clear commitment to mental health and intellectual disability and justice for her consumers where she focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes for them. As Agency with Choice Bi-Lingual Coordinator for The Lehigh County and Northampton County ARC Nerfis uses her Spanish heritage and language through technology to disseminate accurate data , assist Support Professionals and provide accessible resources and services to ensure healthy, safe, assistance for her consumers. She possesses a commitment to preparing succeeding generations of citizens to continue envisioning that one day all families with mental health or special needs across America will have access to the resources and opportunities needed to achieve their goals and dreams in their Everyday Lives. Nerfis is a Super Power!!!
MARISOL ACEVEDO-VISIONARY AWARD
Growing up in Cumberland Gardens Marisol ( Madi) Acevedo’s foundation was noted and embedded in her family values, beliefs, discipline and Hispanic culture. Her parents’ shared dreams to make the world a better, happier, safer and loving place for Marisol(Madi) and her family. Marisol carried these lessons that 
would manifest themselves tenfold in her business, family life, social relationships and in the community. She used these same values in implementing trust, discipline, loyalty, hope and aspirations in having a vision in building her own goals and dreams. Throughout her professional career along with her experience of leading and driving business growth, organizational optimization, strategic planning and operational excellence across business functions her vision for her own business was destined. Today Marisol(Madi) , owns her own Traveling agency business called Madi Ace Travels , where she provides beauty and luxury in booking breathtaking vacations for her clients. Marisol encourages and promotes leadership in her business with her love for traveling and her strong business and marketing knowledge she continues to grow and share the beauty and appreciation of her clients. Marisol has always felt that it is a good business strategy to not only represent the allure, but represent the client when assisting with their dream vacations , and has put this belief into practice. Marisol Acevedo is a Super Power !!
JENA BROWN- SOARING STRENGTH AWARD
Growing up on 2nd street Jena always had a shining spirit and ultra inviting smile and spirit. Throughout her life Jena has always 
demonstrated strength in her character and integrity; a positive attitude with the determination and drive to win; and an unquestionable dedication to her friends and family . So it was no surprise to me when she entered and excelled in the healthcare field. Jena has the Strength of a Soaring Eagle !! She continues to smile and channel her passion and resilience into helping others in the healthcare field. Jena’s continued laughter and smile continues to inspire others to never give up. Her lifetime of experiences helping others through trauma, grief, illness, and setbacks-combined with her own personal experiences-led her to become such a soaring Eagle of self-healing. Wherever you are within your journey, Jena’s inspiration , positive attitude and tenacity will help you seek to become your Super Power despite any obstacles. Inspiration as you seek to become the best version of yourself, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Jena is a Super Power!!
CONNIE MIDDLETON- DISTINGUISHED MOTIVATING MENTOR AWARD
EDUCATOR , MENTOR, LEADER– Growing up in Cumberland Gardens Connie (Twinkle )Middleton was a leader, mentor, a confidant, a talent, a coach, a teacher, but more importantly She was the safe haven for many of us growing up in Cumberland Gardens. Connie used creative outlets such as plays, fashion shows, art, dancing and comedy to not only make laughter a part of
our upbringing but she also used comedy as a form of activism and education on subjects like alcoholism, racism, inequalities and poverty. She was a natural born Teacher and educator!!! Throughout her social and professional development Connie Twinkle Middleton found her Super Power in teaching further professional development. It was during her teaching experience she was fortunate enough to be surrounded by inspiring educators and leaders who motivated, coached, and encouraged her growth as she encouraged the growth of her students. She has always had a deep love for curriculum and curriculum development which led many of us to utilize this concept in our consistency in achieving our goals. Connie Twinkle Middletown continues to be a great leader who listens, mentors and educates.. Connie Twinkle Middletown is a Super Power!!!!
DENISE MACK WRIGHT– COURAGEOUS AWARD
Growing up Denise( Niecy) Wright-Mack was a sweet , compassionate , self-less, caring individual, so it is no surprise to me that Denise used her Super Powers and became a Licensed 
Practical Nurse. Denise has always been strengthful, resilient and dedicated even when she faced problems she continued to strive , use courageous abilities and overcome . Now a ARMS Staffing Traveling Nurse with diverse nursing experiences from working on the front line through Covid-19 saving lives and caring for the ill and sick to working in personal home-care , Adolescent Behavioral Health, as a Substitute School Nurse , and with Lower Moreland High School students in Disney World. Throughout life Denise learned that she was worthy of a good life, happiness and She came first. I can achieve it. I learned I was a strong, confident and independent person who had a life to live. Her compassionate leadership was most evident in her desired commitment to providing patient and family centered care with diligence and perseverance. Denise’s love for nursing is evident in her commitment, and dedication in delivering high quality, compassionately connected care to patients, students and families on a daily basis. Denise is a Super Power!!
DIONNE RIDDICK- CREATIVE INNOVATOR AWARD
Even before deciding to take the leap and open her own business Dionne who grew up in Cumberland Gardens and 2nd st was well known and recognized for her Punky Brewster spirit and her colorful individualized creativity. From dying her hair with Kool-Aid to making her first fashionable outfit to wear . Throughout her years of working in the healthcare field Dionne would really learn what being creative and imaginative meant. Dionne successfully cares for her special needs daughter Bianca who is a character herself. Dionne prides herself in not only engaging with Bianca , 
but more importantly Never limiting Bianca. Dionne continues to champion the goal of bringing change attitudes surrounding disability, by always keeping Bianca active, happy and inspired. She has empowered and championed Bianca’s transitions, needs of support and overall motherly love. While caring for her daughter Dionne successfully learns about her creative processes, strengths, and gains insights into the inspirations that fuel her imaginative ideas to one day open her own business. Creativity and Home Decor has always been a part of her life, learning to use what you got to create what you want Dionne’s mother and sisters were all creative individuals. Taking time to learn , test and perfect her creativity and gain social and community support Dionne successfully made the decision to commitment and use her Super Power to successfully open her own business called D’s Creativity where many of her customized made creations are used to, uplift, bring community awareness and advance the chic and creative, artistic cultural style to improving the quality of life for all women empowerment, women of color , and women in business. This creative innovator has just begun to walk into her Power of D’s Creativity . Dionne is a Super Power!!!
SHARAWA WHITE- PASSIONATE PERSEVERANCE AWARD
COSMETOLOGY EDUCATOR--Growing up in Cumberland Gardens, Hanover Acres as well as 2nd street she took on a tough exterior for survival. Sharawa’s strength and passion has always been in her ability to transcend and overcome great obstacles 
through perseverance and determination.. Learning and taking interest in beauty and doing hair as a teenager, over time she has successfully brought style and hair care throughout her community by braiding , weaving and styling hair . Sharawa states ‘ I teach beauty because I believe that every woman is beautiful and enhancing such beauty brings confidence and self- love which is the key to women being their best. Sharawa aims to inspire others that she grew up with and to those who are growing within those same streets.. She has recently obtained a job with Empire Beauty School as a Cosmetology Educator Sharawa’s dream and goal is to one day open an beauty educational program where she can empowered students to create positive inclusive environments through mentoring, new-student transition support, conflict management, service learning, tutoring and decision making activities. Sharawa continues to be determined and dedicated to make her own path and lane where she has a real understanding of overcoming all barriers in which she was kicked down and came up standing tall in getting back up in finding her !!! Sharawa is a Super Power !!
APRIL RIDDICK- COMMUNITY DEDICATION LEADERSHIP AWARD
Growing Up in Cumberland Gardens and 2nd st April has always been involved in community liberation, community development, and a community organizer with a gift of mediation , observation and conversation. I argued that unless given the opportunity, true talents, gifts and excellence shall never be found. Well April Riddick is a gift and the community is happy that she was given several opportunities to successfully implement change, an equal 
standard of morals, and accomplishments, further emphasizing the importance of leadership. Through community education, leadership development and advocacy, she continues to develop local leadership to improve the community’s economic and social well-being and provides a platform for families to move up together, helping them achieve their goals by strengthening existing and creating new social networks. Her leadership actions and activities to improve change and teach others how to design and direct their own lives and families to match and contribute to the initiatives that facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the well-being of Allentown’s New Community. April’s dedication, loyalty, innovative ideas , valuable skills, exceptional service and experience prepared her for an extraordinary future. Today, April is a founding member of the Pennsylvania Democratic Latino Caucus and a 2nd Term Elected 2022 Democratic State Committee Person for Lehigh County at PA Democratic Party. April is a Super Power!!
DEBORAH JOHNSON -PALMER- INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
Growing up in Cumberland Gardens Deborah( Debra) Johnson was known for her beauty, unique hairstyles, beautiful smile and a soft 
voice of understanding and at times sarcasm. She consistently gave out wisdom with her words throughout my childhood and still teaches me things from her experiences in the words of faith.When confronted with life-altering situations and problems Deborah used perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome these events and most importantly her faith in God. She now serves as a role model to give hope and inspiration as a Sister of Faith at her church Union Baptist , and in the community. Deborah’s faith and true belief in God has impacted her life by living by the great qualities and self-worth she has had ever since she was a young loving woman. Today Deborah works as a Patient Occupational Assistant at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg where she has the concept of working hard for things that you want and never giving up . She is always actively involved with and committed to the values and mission of being inspirational and praising God one Villager at a time !! Debra is a Super Power !!
DR. TRINIDAD SERRANO- EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION AWARD
Growing Up in Hanover Acres Dr.Trinidad(BIBI) had a positive impact on broadening participation in academics, community events and long lasting friendships. Focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of the students and the communities to which they belong. She always -Demonstrates a passionate 
commitment to furthering experiential education principles Dr. Trinandad carried her belief through her educational career and life the pursuit of education and reaching students while still reaching her goals and dreams of becoming a Doctor of Education and now an assistant principal at Donegan Elementary School . Dr Trinidad embodies the philanthropic spirit that belief is the key to building a stronger, more flourishing student. Her longtime commitment to education and pursuing her own achievements has included serving as a superintendent, and now assistant principal at Donegan Elementary School in Bethlehem. As an educator Trindad believes that educational development goes hand in hand with community development, with education as an integral part of the community fabric of the village.
NECHELLE HARRIS- TRANSFORMING TRAILBLAZER AWARD
Growing Up in Cumberland Gardens, Hanover Acres and 2nd St Nechelle was known for her love of dance, wearing her shades, 
academic excellence, jokes , style and winning Little Miss Cumberland Gardens. From the beginning, Nechelle has always wanted and worked hard to achieve and obtain more in her life than she saw in front of her Nechelle is an innovator, a natural born leader who prides herself in supporting, educating, communicating, inspiring, and uplifting others. Nechelle is an action where she uses her platform as a business owner, a community leader, intellectual disability advocate force, mentor, counselor , business consultant, and her spiritual faith to give back to her communities. Using her business savvy,legal mind, ability to connect, compassion, empathy, experience and know-how to transform and inspire others is precedent for Nechelle. She inspires others to Never stop but to be the driving force and change. She continues to encourage all women to be their own Super Power to have innovative thinking, imagination and creativity among her village . From making individuals understand the importance of social respect, education, self-love , self-worth, financial literacy, communication, independence to equipping them with essential life skills, spiritual inspiration, and empowerment in the concept of using your gifts, talents and skills to achieve way beyond your surroundings. Nechelle’s passion lies in her love and dedication to individuals with intellectual disability, Autism, Medical Complex and Behavioral Health. She applies very simple rules to her dedication, advocacy, support and implementation. Connection, Compassion, Communication, Collaborate, Champion, Culminate, and Congratulate with my participants and their families. Having someone you can trust, rely, depend, listen and understand is the core of providing quality care and support. I empathize and implement a pride, a confidence of self -actualization while supporting and empowering their super power and achievements.
As Women we can all celebrate each other and each other’s achievements. There shall be no more women hurting women but better yet women empowering women one village at a time. Let’s start honoring , celebrating , inspiring, supporting, and connecting in sharing success. And rebuilding our Village. But better yet let’s start supporting each other with our fears, unknowns and doubts.
