Our Mind Our Voices Honor Women of Distinction at Powerful Awards Luncheon
Durham, NC – Since 2016, Aura Galleria has hosted the “Our Mind Our Voices” (OMOV) event, a powerful awards luncheon, in observance of Women’s History Month. The birth of this event began with visionary Gia Wilkerson Peebles, owner and operator of Aura Galleria. Wilkerson Peeples’ vision is a result of what was instilled in her by her grandmothers, parents, and women in her genealogy, which was to be strong, stay focused, and know your craft. From behind the salon stylist chair, Gia has mastered her craft. In addition, she has given and received pearls of strength and wisdom…to and from hundreds of women.
Now in its fourth year, the annual “Our Minds Our Voices” (OMOV) event featured the 2023 Aura “Women of Distinction” honorees and this year also presented the “Game Changer” Award and “Women to Watch” Awards. The 2023 “Women of Distinction” honorees are four influential and phenomenal women in education, business, and community development.
The Women of Distinction have demonstrated sustained excellence, accomplishments, and creativity in the sphere of their chosen profession, in their family, and/or in their personal endeavors. She has qualities of leadership, integrity, dedication, and motivation for helping others. The OMOV Women of Distinction 2023 are Dr. Alisa McLean (education), Montresa McMillian (business), and Lori Jones Gibbs (community development).
The Game Changer is a woman who may not just fit into one category. the game changer has made significant contributions in her community that have led to inspiring change and/or innovation. The Game Changer recipient is comfortable breaking the mold. She has been the impetus for a new idea or initiative that positively influenced her profession or community. The OMOV Game Changer 2023 is Koren U. Bowman.
The Women to Watch are young women who have had significant accomplishments and have achieved notable success. The Women to Watch recipients are considered up-and-coming rising stars as a result of their academic achievements, community service, and/or their talent. The Radiant Rays are the OMOV 2023 Women to Watch.
Stedman Graham, business advisor, chairman, and CEO of S. Graham and Associates, a management and marketing consulting firm, was the keynote speaker of the event held at the J.B. Duke Hotel. He is the author of 12 books, including two New York Times bestsellers and one Wall Street Journal bestseller. During his fire-side chat with OMOV event co-host and Gia’s husband, William Peebles, Graham told the 200+ attendees, “The world is calling for leaders and there’s no reason why we can’t answer that call. He went on to say, “Everybody has 24 hours and the question is what do you do with your 24 hours? That’s what makes everybody equal.”
OUR MINDS OUR VOICES 2023 Luncheon Recap
Our Minds Our Voices
Our Minds Our Voices (OMOV) is a 501(C)3 North Carolina non-profit corporation. Women helping women achieve their goals is at the core of OMOV. Its mission is to bring together a diverse group of accomplished women that lead by example to empower and promote health, wealth, and leadership for women. The mission is achieved through:
- The annual “Our Minds Our Voices” Awards event,
- Social and economic vignettes for women,
- Life coaching for “Sisters of Promise”, and
- Advocacy against interpersonal violence.
Sisters of Promise
More than 23,000 children will age out of U.S. foster care system every year after reaching the age of 18. Twenty percent of the children who were in foster care will become instantly homeless. Sisters of Promise supporters help a growing network of young women between the ages of 18 to 21 that are aging out of foster care to interpret and mirror the characteristics and competencies of a “Woman of Influence” and “Woman of Distinction.”
OMOV is committed to supporting mentoring and life coaching for a cohort of seven (7) young women annually. OMOV help these young women see, hear, and cultivate what’s possible for those who aspire for success and a positive impact on their lives and community. OMOV asks for your financial support with a fundraising goal of $50,000. Funds will be used to help women aging out of foster care to:
- Obtain basic healthy home essentials, and
- Participate in life coaching, job training, and skill development
Each of the seven (7) young women receives assistance up to $1500. OMOV is still accepting contributions. To find out how you can be a supporter of the Our Minds Our Voices Sisters of Promise program, click here.
ABOUT OMOV WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2023
Dr. Alisa R. McLean (Education)
Dr. McLean has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning nearly 30 years in North Carolina. Since 2017, she has served as the Superintendent for Granville County Public Schools. During this time, she led the district through significant transformational change, pivots for Covid, strong character development, and academic growth.
Prior to her current position, she served as the assistant superintendent for teaching, learning, and leadership for the Durham Public Schools and as an area superintendent (2014-2016). She previously served as a school transformation coach with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (2011-2014) and as an assistant superintendent in the Alamance-Burlington School System (2009-2011). She began her career in public education as a teacher, cheering coach, assistant principal, and principal in Roxboro and Hillsborough, North Carolina. Read her full bio.
Montresa McMillan (Business)
Montresa McMillan serves as Senior Vice President (SVP), Strategy, Change & Operational Excellence at TD Bank. Before joining TD, one of the most valuable experiences for Montresa was founding her own boutique consultancy firm, MJM Strategy, Inc. She leveraged her 22 years of financial services experience and combined executive acumen, leadership development, product development expertise, and IT solutions development to move digital channels forward in the industry. Her experience with MJM Strategy, Inc. as well as her time as a senior executive at BB&T (Branch Banking and Trust), were the necessary precursors to joining TD; they helped her define her style and approach.
Montresa was hired at the Bank to lead the first business mobile strategy and partner with the TD technology teams to launch the TD mobile app in Canada and the U.S. Under her leadership, she launched the TD mobile app. It offered account information, Electronic Money Transfers, and the integration of banking, wealth, and insurance functionality. Montresa also launched the Bank’s first online insurance portal. Read her full bio.
Lori Jones Gibbs (Community Development)
Lori Jones Gibbs, is an author, an advocate for women and girls, and CEO of LJG Consulting, LLC. Lori is an expert in mortgage lending, and financial and credit counseling. She uses her knowledge, wisdom, and skills with a bit of humor to help guide organizations and individuals to face financial facts, rather than fiction regarding money matters.
A retired banker, Lori was Senior Vice President and Community Development Banking Market Manager for the Carolinas at PNC Bank. Lori led a team that supported wealth creation within historically underserved communities through financial education, access to home mortgages and credit, workforce development initiatives, and neighborhood revitalization. Lori served on several boards that are at the forefront of advancing affordable housing, workforce, and economic development opportunities throughout the Triangle and nationally. She currently serves on the board of directors for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – National Program and Planning Committee as Co-Chair of the Economic Development Sub-Committee, Andrea L. Harris Foundation, First Calvary Baptist Church’s Financial Education Ministry, Delta Research and Educational Foundation and The Sisters Inspiring Sisters Incorporated. Read her full bio.
Koren U. Bowman (Game Changer)
Koren U. Bowman is a highly accomplished and influential leader in the real estate industry. She has charted a path from humble beginnings. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, and graduating from Virginia State University with an Economics and Finance degree to having a seat at the table at one of the world’s most renowned real estate brands. She is the Founder and CEO of KU Real Estate Group of Keller Williams based in the Triangle and Greater Charlotte areas of North Carolina.
In 2021, she became the proud Owner and Operating Principal of Keller Williams Premier, being recognized as the first African-American to achieve this level of achievement within the Carolina region and the 7th nationally. With over a decade of experience, she ranks in the top 2% of her local market and has established herself in residential and commercial real estate. In addition to her professional pursuits, Koren is deeply committed to giving back to her community through ministry, community service, and engagement. In 2015, she started a non-profit, Christ Saves Hearts Foundation, Inc. which focuses on heart health awareness and provides scholarships to minority students and families in need. Read her full bio.
The Radiant Rays (Women to Watch)
Student ambassadors and former summer 2022 interns for the Center for Energy Education, the self-named Radiant Rays continue to beam about their renewable energy studies and program experiences. Together they power clean energy innovation, strive for educational growth, and seek workplace development.
The Empowering Young Women in Solar Energy program, the first of its kind welcoming high school juniors and seniors in northeastern North Carolina, allowed 10 young women of color to explore clean energy career opportunities, meet industry mentors, and visit universities as well.
OMOV is still accepting contributions. To find out how you can be a supporter of the Our Minds Our Voices Sisters of Promise program, click here.