‘Service Is My Superpower’: County Women Awarded At Third Annual Tea Party Awards

STORY AND PHOTOS BY RAOUL DENNIS

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ADDED - SEE BELOW

Tea and lunch may be dipped in the long traditions of fine southern living, there’s a great deal to be said for new traditions in county living - especially if county councilmembers Wala Blegay (D-District 6) and Krystal Oriadha (D-District 7) are setting things in motion.

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, who received an award for service, shared remarks in her capacity as the Democratic nominee for County Executive. Braveboy gave brief remarks about the challenges the upcoming administration may face.

Blooming with the same spirit of Spring as well as the cherry blossoms that line the parks and corridors of the nation’s capital, the Third Annual Awards Tea Party held March 29 honored nearly 30 women of Prince George’s whose work and dedication have been obscured by the shadows in which their duties have often been performed. Until now.

Themed Women Who Lead: Barrier Breakers, the councilmembers dedicated the afternoon to giving recognition and spotlight to women who mostly provide services from all walks of life and need to residents and leaders alike. Most of the awardees have dedicated their lives to non-profit and/or volunteer efforts despite their own personal loss and sacrifices over the years. Over and over, as they called recipients to the stage, the hosts noted the way that recipients never refused a request, never refused to help. All 28 winners shared these character traits of sacrifice, community service and find-a-way spirit that suggested they all came from some secret army of county heroes all cut from the same cloth and training. They were supported by husbands, daughters, sons, friends and family as they approached the podium, smiled with weeping eyes, and accepted their award certificates.

"It is truly an honor to get this recognition. I am a product of Prince George’s County schools and in seventh grade, I had a teacher who [had a great influence on me]. So, for me to get this award in this place is truly an honor for me. So, thank you for that,” said Nicole Pinkney, a District 6 resident. “What’s really touching in this moment is pushing boundaries and leading with a purpose——and that’s what I see in this room. So, as we leave here, let’s continue to come together, break barriers and lead with a purpose.”

Ordinarily, the space at the Seat Pleasant Activity Center would be bustling with young ball players on a Saturday afternoon or full of folks in sharp, tailored business suits for such an occasion. But this was a day for pastels, light colors, soft flowing ensembles and hats that had personality all their own.

But that didn’t mean that some didn’t keep their message simple and humbling: “All the praise goes to God. Thank you for honoring us today,” said Seat Pleasant Councilwoman Hope Love, based in District 7, as she accepted her recognition.

Brooke Lierman, the first woman to serve as Maryland State Comptroller, was keynote speaker Kim Rhim, founder and former president/CEO of The Training Source, an employment readiness and employment source center, was a key honoree along with Prince George’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.

District 6 Barrier Breaking Awardees District 7 Barrier Breaking Awardees

ARDANIA WILLIAMS TAMIKA PAIGE

SHARRARNE MORTON TIFFANY YOUNG

DR. CHINASA NWAULU ASHLEY GALE

BONNIE SERMONS PAMELA JANIFER

KATRINA DIXON PATTERSON BRITTANY DRAKEFORD

JUDGE LAKEECIA ALLEN ASHLEY DRAKEFORD

ANGELA D. HUTCHINS ELACIR CAMARGO

PHILIMENA OWONA MARY TOUCHSTONE

MEL JOHNSON RENEE FORD

JILL OLIVER KAREN F. JEFFERSON

MARIAN DICKSON HOPE LOVE

NICHOLE PINKNEY FAITH FORD

AUTUMN JOI LIVE CYNTHIA RUDOLPH

SHARON MCINNIS LA VERA MANNING

When Women Lead

The event was a reflection of the positive impact on quality of life when women lead.

Maryland State Comptroller Brooke Lierman assured the audience that her office has an understanding of the positive impact of women-owned businesses and women-led enterprises. She shared positive remarks about procurement opportunities that will help women continue to grow in business and prosperity in Maryland.

Award recipient Tiffany Young, a young, developing professional, reflects the kind of future for women in business and service that Oriadha, Blegay and Lierman hope to support.

“It was truly an honor to get recognized,” Young says. “The work I've been doing in the community has been my greatest achievement. I realized that growing up my grandma and mother were always of service and doing for others and for the community. I grew up watching women share their gifts and talents and so now as an adult it is my calling,” says Young.