HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2020

“The most important thing one woman can do for another is to illuminate and expand her sense of actual possibilities.” -Adrienne Rich

Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate yet another year of womanhood, power, and strength! As you may already know, Women’s Day is celebrated each year globally as a way to pay homage and recognize phenomenal women on a global scale. The reason we even celebrate International Women’s Day, to begin with, is to expose the disparities that women still face worldwide and to put an end to the discriminating and unfair acts towards women. This is why International Women’s Day is so special to me because it isn’t just about shining a light on the trials we as women still face today, but it’s also about the great accomplishments that women have contributed to our society as a whole, and that’s amazing! We get to celebrate women of all ages, races, backgrounds, and all walks of life. Why is this so important? Well, it’s quite simple…representation! It’s important that our little girls know that despite our ever-changing world, there’s hope and there are opportunities for them to carry the torch of justice and fairness into their generations too.

International Women’s Day is special for many reasons. What does International Women’s Day mean to you? I tell you what it means to me. Fearlessness, Innovative, Goal Setters, Movers & Shakers, and Sisterhood are a few words I think of when I think of this group of special women. They are all around phenomenal and shaking up things in their own mountains of influence! Let me introduce you to my class of 2020 International Women.

Ms. Osa Gomez

Educator, Mom, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist, are the many titles that Osa Gomez manages oh-so gracefully. A native of Brooklyn, NY by way of Trinidadian parents, Osa started her career as a military veteran, earning her MBA degree in International Business/ Business Law. After earning her degree, Osa found her passion and love in Education. “Although my background is not in education I’ve always been a proud “nerd”. Other than being a parent, being a teacher gives my life such an unexplainable purpose. There’s nothing like the joy you feel when you help children learn something new or overcome a challenge”

When Osa’s not teaching and preparing our future bright minds, she finds herself giving back to women from all walks of life through support and guidance. “I’m all for women supporting women in the most sincere way. Women are the backbones of society. We are the moms, caregivers, friends, advisors and much more. I believe we are all unique and beautifully made and our voices deserve to be heard.”

In addition to all the amazing things she’s contributing to help our society, Osa shares a love for traveling the world by venturing to at least one new country yearly, an eye for fashion, and the skills for all things related to natural haircare. “I love all things haircare, fashion, and interior design. I feel like everyone and everything has the capacity to have some beauty in it. Sometimes people just need direction or help in what style works best for them and helping them find those options brings me joy. Helping others look and feel their best without breaking the bank. I also freelance as a personal stylist and shopper helping people look amazing even if they have busy schedules.” And, she also enjoys spending time with family friends, and beautiful children.

Way-to-go Osa! She’s a woman of many gifts and talents. Want to keep up with Osa, check out her IG: @sincerely_osa

Outfit Details: Black puff sleeve top: Nasty Gal, Pink Skirt: INC (Macy’s), Patent Leather Pumps: Burberry, Accessories: INC (Macy’s), Velvet Headband: TwelveNYC (Macy’s)

Dr. Sarepta

She’s a mother, innovator, woman-prenuer, change-maker, and advocate.

Dr. Sarepta completed her undergraduate studies at Pace University in NYC with a major in biology and minor in chemistry. She subsequently went on to Medical school to pursue and receive her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree in 2011 from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. She went on to residency training at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside, NY, where she served as Chief Resident in the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery residency program during her final year. At the end of her studies, she was awarded a Completion of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery degree with an added credential in Reconstructive Rearfoot Surgery. While serving as Chief resident, Dr. Sarepta began pursuing her Masters’ in Business Administration degree with a Concentration in Health Care Management which she completed in August 2016.

Shortly thereafter, Dr. Sarepta began her entrepreneurial journey in private practice, opening her first medical practice in June of 2016, a mobile concierge model, Serenity Podiatric Concierge, LLC and most recently, expanding to include an additional office, Serenity Podiatry & Med Spa in October 2019 located in Roswell, Ga.

Additionally, Dr. Sarepta is the visionary and founder of Serenity Health Talks, LLC, a health education platform that she uses to motivate, educate and advocate on behalf of the underserved members of the community, concerning their health. She achieves this through various forums and events that she holds, coined “Health Talks”. When she’s not busy running her platforms, Dr. Sarepta also enjoys researching and exploring all aspects of healthcare. She is a sought-after speaker and contributor to various health and wellness topics in numerous publications, conferences, television, and radio shows. She is affectionately known as Atlanta’s Health Advocate due to her love and passion to motivate, educate and advocate in the arena of health and wellness, helping her patients and non-patients alike better understand their diagnosis, treatments, and options as it relates to healthcare. In addition to writing and speaking, Dr. Sarepta contributes philanthropically by serving as Vice President of the Board of an international non-profit organization committed to the health and education of children in her native country of Haiti. For the work she has done in her community here and abroad, Dr. Sarepta was awarded and inducted into the “Network Journals’ 2018 “40 under 40,” as a trailblazing influencer and leader under the age of 40, in her community.

Here’s how to keep up with Dr. Serapta

IG: @drsarepta | 678-373-3050

www.drsarepta.com, www.serenitypodiatry.com, www.serenitypodiatricconcierge.com

Serenity Podiatry and Med Spa, 770 Old Roswell Rd Suite A300 Roswell, Ga 30076

Outfit deets: Black Blouse: Lexinfifth, Red Tube Skirt: Lexinfifth, Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Demesha Ashford

Meet Demesha, a lovely wife of 4 years, stepmom, and businesswoman.

An Alabama native, Demesha earned her MBA and Master’s in Human Resources from Strayer University. After successfully completing her collegiate programs, she found her way to the city of Atlanta taking on the role of a Project manager at Verizon Wireless, a career that started over 12 years ago. Demesha’s extensive knowledge in team building and organizational growth has helped her be successful throughout her career at Verizon.

In addition to working as a Project Manager, Demesha spends most of her free time giving back to the community and empowering women to step outside of their comfort zone and live OUTLOUD! For instance, Demesha is one of the directors of the Atlanta Division of Fab Wives, a community of women who are committed to love and marriage.

Demesha is committed to creating a support system for like-minded women to network, be transparent and inspired by other women all while being FABULOUS! She has a passion for people and helping others believe in living out their purpose and helping others because there is a seat at the table for all of us!

From working in a fast pace environment as a Project Manager and juggling being a director of Fab Wives, to being an amazing wife…Demesha is definitely a powerful woman!

Stay connected with Demesha by Instagram: @IAMMRSASHFORD @Fabwives

Outfit Deets: Dress: Gingham Body-con Business, Shoes: Steve Madden, Hair: Blended and Co, Make up: Touched by Nneka

Angel Burns

Meet Angel Burns, as self-described, 1/3 southern (now corporate woman), 1/3 uberly adventurous, and 1/3 a loving evolving human being.

As a force in the telecommunications industry for the past ten years, Angel, a Georgia native has shown the ability to thrive within the industry where she has held various roles. Her expertise includes, but not limited to, strong interpersonal skills, high-level sales results and lead acquisitions, and also a solid business acumen decorated with an MBA and presentation skills.

At any given point in time, you will find Angel traveling around the world, leaving her footprints on several continents as well as various cities throughout the United States. In addition to her love of traveling, Angel is also a fitness enthusiast who encourages others to carry a healthy lifestyle.

Angel has always had a vision and passion to help others. “I’m a huge community advocate, volunteering with various organizations around the Atlanta market. Most well-known affiliations include “Big Brother Big Sister Atlanta” and “JLA“. Angel values integrity, high morals and excellence in performance. She is seeking to work with individuals who have a desire to travel, enthusiasts who are ready to travel, and ready to change the world with her.

Get connected with Angel and stay tuned for new updates during quarter 2.

Follow her via IG: @iamearthangel, Twitter: @wesowfly

Outfit Details: Houndstooth Jumper accented with sheer beating blouse. Black beret with pearl accents, Suede pink shoes with black fishnet ankle socks.

Meet The Author, Martine Bibanga.

I’m Martine Bibanga, the founder and owner of Blessed and Chic LLC. I teach, I travel, I run a business, and I love all things fashion!

When I started the International Women’s Day tributes, I initially wanted to highlight all the amazing things my friends were doing in their fields. I was impressed and thought it was important to share what they had going on. Now, years later, the same goes. I wanted to write a special tribute about everyday women working hard, living life, and making a difference in areas they are so gifted in. I was inspired and really urged by God to do something like this…highlighting specific women you see and read about all the time. I’m so proud of every single woman and their accomplishments. I stand on this truth, we are gifted and we are phenomenal. I am honored to have shared a glimpse of what they do and hope you’ve found some sort of inspiration as I did.

Today we salute these women! Today, we salute all women! Happy International Women’s Day!

Martine’s Outfit Details: Puff Sleeve Top: Zara, Faux Leather Pants: Zara. Heel Sandal: Nordstrom, Beret & Leather Gloves: Amazon Fashion, and Purse: Chanel

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