Join Us For Our Virtual Women's Conference!
It's Her Power is a virtual women’s conference
encouraging and preparing women to pursue leadership in any industry in their communities & sharing with women interested in running for office the tools they need to reach success. We also encourage men to utilize their power to advocate for women, too.
Meet Our Founder & Host!
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Cierra Jackson is a proud alumna of two women's colleges, Spelman College and Yale University's Women's Campaign School and is the fourth of, now, eight women in her family to attend Spelman College. Selected as both a White House and Capitol Hill intern, Cierra served as the only White House intern in her class to serve the Chief of Staff's office during the Obama Administration. Miss Jackson is also an accomplished singer who has not only worked in the White House, but has performed there too. Cierra, who has also served as a TV host, has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Essence, People and on First Lady Obama's Instagram and service campaigns. In addition to serving as Miss Black International Ambassador and Miss District of Columbia in the Miss America & Miss USA/Universe Organizations, Cierra has also served as an ambassador for two nonprofits, Running Start and She Should Run, where she encouraged and trained young women from all over the nation (and even in Iceland!) to run for political office. As the Founder of It's Her Power, Cierra hopes to redefine what it means to look like a politician, not just for herself, but for all women and to encourage them to lead in their communities with a servant's heart.
Introduction of Our Conference Sponsors
Scroll Down below to see Sponsorship Spotlights
Check Out Our Speakers!
* Be sure to come back and visit to see updates*
Women of Faith
Speech & Interview with Audience Q & A
Anita Nicole Salley is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and life coach who has always treasured the performing arts. She holds a BA in Drama from the illustrious Spelman College, where she served as Second Attendant to Miss Spelman 2013-2014, and an MFA in Acting from Regent University. Anita is the Founder & CEO of One of Grace LLC, a business dedicated to inspiring Black Millennial Women to be their best selves through products and services flowing from her boundless creativity. She wrote her first self-published book, Peace, Grace, Patience: A Devotional for Anyone Going Through the Storms of Life to help millions of people begin their daily walks through good times and not so good times. From grade school to graduate school, Anita pursued her passions of acting, singing, dancing, and creative writing. In her free time, she writes original music, sells knitted and crocheted goods, and develops original screenplays. Beyond family time, one of the greatest joys of her life is eating excellent chocolate.
Peace, Grace, Patience: A Devotional for Anyone Going Through the Storms of Life is now available on Amazon as an e-book and as a paperback. Anita looks forward to connecting with you and can be reached through her website www.anitasalley.com, Instagram @msanitasalley, Facebook as One of Grace LLC, and LinkedIn as Anita Nicole Salley.
Instagram: @msanitasalley
FB: One of Grace LLC
Linkedin: Anita Nicole Salley
Peace, Grace, Patience: A Devotional for Anyone Going Through the Storms of Life is now available on Amazon as an e-book and as a paperback. Anita looks forward to connecting with you and can be reached through her website www.anitasalley.com, Instagram @msanitasalley, Facebook as One of Grace LLC, and LinkedIn as Anita Nicole Salley.
Instagram: @msanitasalley
FB: One of Grace LLC
Linkedin: Anita Nicole Salley
Women & Men in Government & Community Activism
Q&A: Woman Enough to Lead
Representative Miriam Paris, a fourth-generation Macon-Bibb County native, is a leader dedicated to public service and community development. She was raised in a close-knit family with five brothers and one sister, guided by the values instilled by her parents, Javors J. and Mary D. Lucas. Her father, Javors J. Lucas, served as Vice Chair of the Macon Water Authority’s board for more than 22 years, where he championed reliable water access and spearheaded infrastructure improvements that continue to benefit the community. Paris attended Bibb County public schools and is pursuing higher education at Mercer University, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.
Paris has a 25-year career in real estate, helping families and businesses achieve their goals and navigate the challenges involved in property ownership. Her work as a realtor has given her firsthand knowledge of economic development and the struggles facing working families and small business owners. Motivated by these experiences and her father’s strong example, she stepped into public service to tackle vital issues on a larger
scale.
In 2006, Paris was elected to serve on the Macon City Council, which at that time had fifteen members. Her colleagues recognized her leadership and unanimously elected her as Council President in 2007, a position she held until 2011. She led initiatives to strengthen local governance and foster civic engagement and was instrumental in moving the consolidation of Macon and Bibb County forward. In 2011, Paris began serving in the Georgia State Senate, representing District 26. There, she focused on education reform, economic development, and public infrastructure improvements, ensuring that Middle Georgia received vital resources. She was also a key player in the final phase of consolidation for Macon and Bibb County in her role as state senator.
In 2016, Paris was elected to represent the people of Georgia House District 142. As a state representative, she has championed legislation strengthening public schools, creating jobs, and uplifting families. Serving on legislative committees such as Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, Education, Special Rules, and Urban Affairs, Rep. Paris has shaped policies to drive meaningful change. Her leadership and advocacy prioritize the needs of her constituents and amplify their voices.
Paris champions strong families as the foundation for thriving communities. She fights for equity, inclusion and expanded opportunities, using her platform to represent Middle Georgia’s values at the state level. Her focus remains on creating tangible improvements that elevate the lives of her constituents.
Beyond her legislative work, Paris actively supports local organizations and has served on the boards of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Manna Ministries and NewTown Macon. Her dedication to service has earned her respect, recognition and numerous accolades from colleagues and community members.
In her spare time, Paris immerses herself in music, reading, art and travel. These passions enhance her perspective and deepen her connection to the diverse cultures and ideas that inspire her leadership. Her most treasured role is that of mother and grandmother, following the fine example of family leadership that her parents established.
Representative Miriam Paris embodies resilience, leadership and a deep commitment to making a difference for the people of Macon-Bibb County. Her ability to navigate a thriving real estate career and her work as a trusted public servant highlights her determination to build a brighter future for all of Georgia. As she continues her work in the Georgia House of Representatives, Paris remains steadfast in her mission to strengthen communities and empower her constituents.
Paris has a 25-year career in real estate, helping families and businesses achieve their goals and navigate the challenges involved in property ownership. Her work as a realtor has given her firsthand knowledge of economic development and the struggles facing working families and small business owners. Motivated by these experiences and her father’s strong example, she stepped into public service to tackle vital issues on a larger
scale.
In 2006, Paris was elected to serve on the Macon City Council, which at that time had fifteen members. Her colleagues recognized her leadership and unanimously elected her as Council President in 2007, a position she held until 2011. She led initiatives to strengthen local governance and foster civic engagement and was instrumental in moving the consolidation of Macon and Bibb County forward. In 2011, Paris began serving in the Georgia State Senate, representing District 26. There, she focused on education reform, economic development, and public infrastructure improvements, ensuring that Middle Georgia received vital resources. She was also a key player in the final phase of consolidation for Macon and Bibb County in her role as state senator.
In 2016, Paris was elected to represent the people of Georgia House District 142. As a state representative, she has championed legislation strengthening public schools, creating jobs, and uplifting families. Serving on legislative committees such as Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, Education, Special Rules, and Urban Affairs, Rep. Paris has shaped policies to drive meaningful change. Her leadership and advocacy prioritize the needs of her constituents and amplify their voices.
Paris champions strong families as the foundation for thriving communities. She fights for equity, inclusion and expanded opportunities, using her platform to represent Middle Georgia’s values at the state level. Her focus remains on creating tangible improvements that elevate the lives of her constituents.
Beyond her legislative work, Paris actively supports local organizations and has served on the boards of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Manna Ministries and NewTown Macon. Her dedication to service has earned her respect, recognition and numerous accolades from colleagues and community members.
In her spare time, Paris immerses herself in music, reading, art and travel. These passions enhance her perspective and deepen her connection to the diverse cultures and ideas that inspire her leadership. Her most treasured role is that of mother and grandmother, following the fine example of family leadership that her parents established.
Representative Miriam Paris embodies resilience, leadership and a deep commitment to making a difference for the people of Macon-Bibb County. Her ability to navigate a thriving real estate career and her work as a trusted public servant highlights her determination to build a brighter future for all of Georgia. As she continues her work in the Georgia House of Representatives, Paris remains steadfast in her mission to strengthen communities and empower her constituents.
Women in Education & Government
Eshé Collins is an Atlanta native, civil rights lawyer, and school board member, she is a dedicated advocate, proven leader, and passionate community member. With her deep roots in Atlanta and steadfast commitment to public service, Eshé brings a wealth of experience in addressing systemic disparities and improving outcomes for families and communities and brings a solid vision for a thriving future for all Atlantans.
Eshé is the immediate past Chair and Vice Chair of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) board, where she has worked tirelessly to improve the educational landscape for our children and families. She has championed policies that support equitable access to quality education, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Under Eshé’s leadership, APS attained its highest graduation to date, APS provided more than $130 million in staff pay increases and stipends, invested more money directly into schools while increasing APS’s fiscal stability, and approved over $615 million in technology and infrastructure improvements. She led collaborative efforts with city leaders, which resulted in a $5 million investment into the city’s first early childhood education initiative and a master plan focused on reimagining vacant properties to support affordable housing and community development.
Eshé’s legal background, combined with her passion for education and community empowerment, has positioned her as a dynamic leader in the fight for equity and justice for all. She is the Director of the Equity Assistance Center-South at the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), and in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, she leads efforts to provide equity-focused assistance to public school districts and governmental agencies across the South. Prior to joining SEF, she led national advocacy and programming efforts to deliver high-quality early education programs to children across the country, beginning her career as an elementary educator in Atlanta Public Schools.
In pursuit of her passion, Eshé earned a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College, an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and a J.D., cum laude, from North Carolina Central University School of Law. She has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Atlanta Business League's 100 Women of Influence, Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40, Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, the Martin Luther King Torch of Peace Award and President’s Award for Community Service and Social Justice. She is also a member of prestigious organizations such as Harvard University's Public Education Leadership Project, Leadership Atlanta, Outstanding Atlanta and Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.
Eshé is the immediate past Chair and Vice Chair of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) board, where she has worked tirelessly to improve the educational landscape for our children and families. She has championed policies that support equitable access to quality education, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Under Eshé’s leadership, APS attained its highest graduation to date, APS provided more than $130 million in staff pay increases and stipends, invested more money directly into schools while increasing APS’s fiscal stability, and approved over $615 million in technology and infrastructure improvements. She led collaborative efforts with city leaders, which resulted in a $5 million investment into the city’s first early childhood education initiative and a master plan focused on reimagining vacant properties to support affordable housing and community development.
Eshé’s legal background, combined with her passion for education and community empowerment, has positioned her as a dynamic leader in the fight for equity and justice for all. She is the Director of the Equity Assistance Center-South at the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), and in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, she leads efforts to provide equity-focused assistance to public school districts and governmental agencies across the South. Prior to joining SEF, she led national advocacy and programming efforts to deliver high-quality early education programs to children across the country, beginning her career as an elementary educator in Atlanta Public Schools.
In pursuit of her passion, Eshé earned a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College, an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and a J.D., cum laude, from North Carolina Central University School of Law. She has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Atlanta Business League's 100 Women of Influence, Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40, Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, the Martin Luther King Torch of Peace Award and President’s Award for Community Service and Social Justice. She is also a member of prestigious organizations such as Harvard University's Public Education Leadership Project, Leadership Atlanta, Outstanding Atlanta and Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.
Women & Men in Government & Activism
Interview & Panel with Audience Q & A
Darrell Coles is the National Project Assistant for Black Youth Vote, a program under the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) that has successfully engaged and trained a new generation of civic leaders and political activists for over 20 years. In addition to his work with Black Youth Vote, Darrell is deeply passionate about reframing the narrative around Black men in the civic participation space, creating opportunities for diverse youth voices to be a part of the political process, and expanding the multigenerational, multiracial coalition needed to preserve and expand our democratic institutions.
Before joining NCBCP, Darrell was a member of the NAACP chapter of Allegany College of Maryland, where he discovered his passion for community advocacy and civic engagement work. He was brought on board as an intern at NCBCP in May of 2015 and hasn't looked back since. Since joining the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Darrell has been responsible for helping plan, coordinate, and support rallies, protests, and marches in front of the Supreme Court and Capital Building, get out the vote efforts from state to state, amendment campaigns, and many more civic engagement events.
Darrell Coles has dedicated his life to finding solutions regarding social and economic justice for all. His passion for creating opportunities for diverse voices and expanding the coalition necessary to preserve democracy is truly inspiring.
Before joining NCBCP, Darrell was a member of the NAACP chapter of Allegany College of Maryland, where he discovered his passion for community advocacy and civic engagement work. He was brought on board as an intern at NCBCP in May of 2015 and hasn't looked back since. Since joining the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Darrell has been responsible for helping plan, coordinate, and support rallies, protests, and marches in front of the Supreme Court and Capital Building, get out the vote efforts from state to state, amendment campaigns, and many more civic engagement events.
Darrell Coles has dedicated his life to finding solutions regarding social and economic justice for all. His passion for creating opportunities for diverse voices and expanding the coalition necessary to preserve democracy is truly inspiring.
Young, Female & Gifted
Young, Female & Gifted
in Scholastics
Alannah Pittman is a 11-year old in the 6th Grade in Atlanta, Georgia. She leads in her community as the President of Girl Who Came for the past 3 years and has been the Captain of her Cheerleading Squad. Last year, she came in 1st place winning her school's Spelling Bee. She is a recent inductee of the National Beta Club. She has also received the following scholastic and community awards: Honor Roll, STEM Award, Art Award, Science Award, 2nd Place in the Science Fair, and many more. She is a Member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church Dance Team & her school's Travel Team where she had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC to the white House and met Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams. When Alannah is not leading in her community, she enjoys spending her time with her family & friends and learning beautiful hairstyles on her hair mannequins. She has aspirations to one day be a hairstylist among many other things.
Young, Female & Gifted
in Student Government
Juliah Gray is a 14-year old in the 8th Grade in the Metro Atlanta, Georgia area. She leads in her community by serving as the SGA President of Brookhaven Innovation Academy Charter Schools and has been the Captain of her Cheerleading Squad. She has been awarded Honor Roll 4 years in a row and Principal's List. She is a Member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church Dance Team, her school's Yearbook Club and an avid singer. When Juliah is not leading in her community, she enjoys spending her time with her family & friends and advocating for Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts & Math in her community. She has aspirations to one day be a singer among many other things.
Young, Female & Gifted
in Music
Philicia Hope West is a 6th-grade student at Drew Charter School whose love for music and entertaining began when she was a toddler. At the tender age of four, Philicia would listen to songs, jingles, and even commercials, then quickly learn them just so she could sing from sun up to sun down. From ages four to twelve, she has been afforded the opportunity to perform as a lead and choral singer in some church and community productions. She is also involved in performative dance and is a 2024 reading bowl competitor. The idea to play an instrument came after an encounter with the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble at her school. Once she heard them play, she decided that she would add playing the harp to her music and drama inclined talent pool. Philicia began playing the harp in August of 2024 and has performed in a winter concert, as well as a harp soloist for a church based production. Besides music, Philicia enjoys spending time with family, reading novels & scriptures, and watching funny sitcoms! You can listen to her most recent performance here.
Women In Music
Interview with Audience Q & A
Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and producer, with vocal prowess, Diane Durrett proves it again on her 10th American Roots upcoming release “Sweet Georgia Blues” available on August 2nd. She can belt gut-bucket blues with the best of them. And her velvet voice shines through on feel-good singles ‘Chasing Sunsets’ and ‘The Sweet Spot’. Every song on the album has a story and an authentic meaning, recorded with her band Soul Suga’, drummer Melissa Junebug, keyboardist Yoel Yehuda and bassist Fuji Fujimoto. Special guest appearances by Georgia artists, including Tinsley Ellis, Eddie 9 Volt and Joey ‘Papa J Sez’ Sommerville as well as New Orleans GRAMMY award winning Trombonist Craig Klein contribute to the soulful blend of the album. Setting the rhythm at the top is a tribute to their bandmate, the late Yonrico Scott, inspired by his life called ‘Child of the Blues’. As the album closes with gospel overtones, Durrett reflects on how growing up singing at church on Peachtree Street began her musical journey.
“Having grown up here, in the heart of the south, I know Georgia’s music beats with soulful rhythm and heartfelt emotion. As a producer and artist, I wanted to capture that feeling.” The Georgia music community holds profound significance for Durrett, exemplified by her recent election as President of the Recording Academy Atlanta chapter, best known for the GRAMMYs. She has served on the board for eight years in leadership roles as well as hosting and producing a two-part series for the Producer & Engineer Wing called "In the Mix Studio PROS: Ladies Leading the Way”. Nationally, Durrett joined music leaders as an advocate for creators rights meeting with Senators for GRAMMYS On The Hill in Washington, DC. In time their efforts resulted in the passing of the Music Modernization Act.
Diane Durrett & Soul Suga's 2022 American Roots release ‘Put A Lid On It’ soared to #2 on the Soul Blues International Roots Music Report. Critics reported, “Flirts with perfection, while remaining full of feeling and spontaneity”. In 2019 her album ‘Diane Durrett & Soul Suga LIVE’ was reviewed as “Killer, high octane soul throughout" and rose to #5. In 2017 Durrett and Melissa Junebug were recipients of two Global Peace Song Awards. Durrett was the winner of the 2015 ‘Peoples Choice Award’ by Atlanta Blues Society, as well as awarded the ‘Best Self-Produced Album’ for “Soul Suga’ & Diane Durrett' ' which charted in the Top 10 of the RMR Contemporary Blues chart. In 2023 she was awarded an honorary lifetime membership by Atlanta Blues Society for her music and work with the highly successful Women in the Blues event.
With a blend of raw soulful vocals, sultry tones, and strong original songs Durrett has sung with Sting, Gregg Allman, Indigo Girls, and Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones). Durrett has opened shows for Tina Turner, KoKo Taylor, Delbert McClinton, and Derek Trucks. As well as lending her vocals to recording sessions for GRAMMY award winning producer Brendan O’Brien and Kristian Bush (Sugarland). Her song catalog includes co-writes with William Bell, Jerry Ragovoy, Oliver Wood, Emily Sailers and Bonnie Bramlett.
Durrett has long reflected the musical passions that inspired her while growing up in Atlanta, Georgia. From her energy-driven breakthrough debut ‘50,000 Volts of Soul’ (1993) to her superbly executed ‘Rhythm of Life’ (1998) to her acoustic soul ‘CHILL’ (2004), to the LIVE, ‘Georgia On the Groove’ (2007), the groovy ‘Blame It On My DNA’ (2009) produced by Ike Stubblefield to her holiday album ‘Georgia Christmas’ (2012) to her release where she joined forces with drummers Yonrico Scott and Melissa Junebug on ‘Soul Suga’’ (2015) to her soulful single of GRAMMY award-winning song ‘The Rose’ (2017) co-produced with Thom 'T.K.' Kidd to her electrifying LIVE album recorded at Eddie’s Attic ‘Diane Durrett & Soul Suga’ (2018) to her holiday single ‘Another Ride Around the Sun’ (2019) to her chart topping (2022) ‘Put A Lid On It’ to her latest (2024) Sweet Georgia Blues.
In 2011 Diane began her artist development company Blooming Tunes Music, coaching vocalists, songwriters and producing records. In true writer’s spirit, Diane also authored a book titled “Driving Music City”, which was published by Amazon 2009. She sings from her soul and writes with heart & humor.
“Having grown up here, in the heart of the south, I know Georgia’s music beats with soulful rhythm and heartfelt emotion. As a producer and artist, I wanted to capture that feeling.” The Georgia music community holds profound significance for Durrett, exemplified by her recent election as President of the Recording Academy Atlanta chapter, best known for the GRAMMYs. She has served on the board for eight years in leadership roles as well as hosting and producing a two-part series for the Producer & Engineer Wing called "In the Mix Studio PROS: Ladies Leading the Way”. Nationally, Durrett joined music leaders as an advocate for creators rights meeting with Senators for GRAMMYS On The Hill in Washington, DC. In time their efforts resulted in the passing of the Music Modernization Act.
Diane Durrett & Soul Suga's 2022 American Roots release ‘Put A Lid On It’ soared to #2 on the Soul Blues International Roots Music Report. Critics reported, “Flirts with perfection, while remaining full of feeling and spontaneity”. In 2019 her album ‘Diane Durrett & Soul Suga LIVE’ was reviewed as “Killer, high octane soul throughout" and rose to #5. In 2017 Durrett and Melissa Junebug were recipients of two Global Peace Song Awards. Durrett was the winner of the 2015 ‘Peoples Choice Award’ by Atlanta Blues Society, as well as awarded the ‘Best Self-Produced Album’ for “Soul Suga’ & Diane Durrett' ' which charted in the Top 10 of the RMR Contemporary Blues chart. In 2023 she was awarded an honorary lifetime membership by Atlanta Blues Society for her music and work with the highly successful Women in the Blues event.
With a blend of raw soulful vocals, sultry tones, and strong original songs Durrett has sung with Sting, Gregg Allman, Indigo Girls, and Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones). Durrett has opened shows for Tina Turner, KoKo Taylor, Delbert McClinton, and Derek Trucks. As well as lending her vocals to recording sessions for GRAMMY award winning producer Brendan O’Brien and Kristian Bush (Sugarland). Her song catalog includes co-writes with William Bell, Jerry Ragovoy, Oliver Wood, Emily Sailers and Bonnie Bramlett.
Durrett has long reflected the musical passions that inspired her while growing up in Atlanta, Georgia. From her energy-driven breakthrough debut ‘50,000 Volts of Soul’ (1993) to her superbly executed ‘Rhythm of Life’ (1998) to her acoustic soul ‘CHILL’ (2004), to the LIVE, ‘Georgia On the Groove’ (2007), the groovy ‘Blame It On My DNA’ (2009) produced by Ike Stubblefield to her holiday album ‘Georgia Christmas’ (2012) to her release where she joined forces with drummers Yonrico Scott and Melissa Junebug on ‘Soul Suga’’ (2015) to her soulful single of GRAMMY award-winning song ‘The Rose’ (2017) co-produced with Thom 'T.K.' Kidd to her electrifying LIVE album recorded at Eddie’s Attic ‘Diane Durrett & Soul Suga’ (2018) to her holiday single ‘Another Ride Around the Sun’ (2019) to her chart topping (2022) ‘Put A Lid On It’ to her latest (2024) Sweet Georgia Blues.
In 2011 Diane began her artist development company Blooming Tunes Music, coaching vocalists, songwriters and producing records. In true writer’s spirit, Diane also authored a book titled “Driving Music City”, which was published by Amazon 2009. She sings from her soul and writes with heart & humor.
Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors!
Thank you to all of Our Incredible Speakers, Panelists & Attendees!
Check Out Last Years Conference Below!
Check Out the 2024 It's Her Power Playlist!
Our 2023 It's Her Power Playlist is Officially Here! Check It Out! |
Check Out Our 2022 It's Her Power Playlist! |
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The 2021 It's Her Power Playlist is here! Listen Now! |
Check Out the 2020 It's Her Power Conference Playlist Here! |
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