Volume 1 Issue 2 | September 01, 2025

A Message from Stephanie Bolton James

Dear SHELeads Community,

Welcome to the second issue of SHELeads! This growing newsletter is more than just updates—it’s a space to empower, equip, and uplift women who are building, leading, and making an impact. Whether you're launching something new, navigating change, or scaling with intention, we hope the insights, tips, and stories in this issue fuel your next bold move.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant network. Your presence, your progress, and your voice matter. Let’s continue to grow, learn, and lead—with purpose and power.

With gratitude and purpose,

Stephanie Bolton James

CEO & Co-founder, Women of Prince George’s

www.womenofpg.com

Small Business of the Month

Blueprint for Style is a wardrobe strategy and personal branding consultancy based in Washington, D.C., serving clients across the U.S. and London. Founded by wardrobe strategist and personal brand expert Monica Barnett, we believe your wardrobe should work as hard as you do. With nearly 18 years of experience, Monica helps C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and public-facing professionals project a powerful first impression and align their personal style with professional goals.

Using our signature Visual Resume™ framework, we deliver personalized wardrobe strategy, styling, and executive presence coaching—because our clients don’t have time to stress over what to wear, but understand their appearance is part of their influence. Whether refining your daily style, curating travel looks, or preparing for high-impact moments, we make dressing effortless, strategic, and impactful.

✨ Exclusive Offer: Sign up for our Style Blueprint newsletter and receive a complimentary 30-minute Style Strategy Session. This private consultation will uncover quick wins, align your wardrobe with your goals, and show you how to lead with style.

Availability is limited—claim your session now and step confidently into your next chapter of influence.

https://blueprintforstyle.com | https://www.instagram.com/blueprint4style

Entrepreneur Tip of the Month

Focus Area:

Branding & Identity

Key Tips: Go beyond just creating a logo—craft a brand story that speaks directly to your audience’s needs, aspirations, and pain points.

Where Is She Now?

Reflections & Updates

From past keynote Speaker,

Dr. Roni Ellington

Dr. Roni Ellington was our Keynote speaker at the 2025 Women of Prince George's 15th Annual May Women's Conference.

Dr. Ellington served as a Transformation Coach at the conference and delivered a keynote titled, "Well‑being is the Way: Being Sovereign while Navigating the Unpredictable and Unprecedented."

In her talk, she shared strategies around:

• Cultivating clarity, resilience, and purpose even amidst high uncertainty.

• Emphasizing self-sovereignty and holistic well-being is foundational to personal and professional success.

What Made the Talk Stand Out

The keynote wasn't just motivational—it aligned perfectly with the overarching goals of WPG's milestone conference by offering tools to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment. Her speech had:

• Relevance: Addressed timely stressors—shrinking federal support, challenges to DEI efforts, and broader economic uncertainty.

• Empowerment: Encouraged participants to claim their power and well-being as essential to navigating complexity and uncertainty.

Dr. Ellington's Key Projects:

Leadership of Major NSF-Funded Research Initiatives

Dr. Ellington serves as Principal Investigator on several influential National Science Foundation (NSF) projects:

-Co‑PI on the Bessie Coleman Project, leveraging computer modeling and flight simulation to create inclusive STEM pathways.

Founding Transformative Organizations: Transforming STEM Network & EvókLife

-Dr. Ellington is the visionary founder and leader behind two impactful entities:

-Transforming STEM Network – a platform committed to reshaping education models in schools and districts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM disciplines.

-EvókLife – a well-being company she co-owns that creates transformative programs for individuals and corporations, aiming to enhance productivity without compromising wellness and to shift workplace cultures toward inclusivity.

Thought Leadership through Scholarship and Speaking Engagements

-TEDx Baltimore Speaker – Her provocative and heartfelt talk on the future of STEM education earned her a featured spot on the TEDx website and a standing ovation.

-Published Scholar – Her research spans STEM education, parental engagement, equity, culturally responsive teaching, and interdisciplinary learning.

We appreciate you and your passion, as well as your consistent commitment to all that you do.

Empower your business, elevate your brand, and position yourself for long-term success with this transformational three-part series. Designed for dynamic women entrepreneurs and professionals, each session delivers high-impact strategies from seasoned experts.

Unlock Your Q4 Potential with the Women of Prince George’s Annual Educational Module Series

📅 SEPTEMBER: Dr Stephanie Parson 9/3 6 pm to 8 pm September - Finish Strong – Preparing for Profitable Q4. Ramp up your momentum and set the stage for your most lucrative quarter yet—After-Hours Session with Monique Rose Sneed, CEO of Monique Rose Management, Leader-Visionary- Public Speaker-Survivor. Positively impacting the trajectory of "successful' women.

Hear about the RPG Advantage

📅 OCTOBER: Special Guest 10/ 15 6 pm to 8 pm - Visibility = Revenue – Positioning Your Business for Q4 Peaks. Learn how strategic visibility can drive exponential growth and increased revenue.

📅 NOVEMBER: Deena Parker WBENC 11/12 6 pm to 8 pm - Wrap and Rise – Prepare to Scale in 2026. Gain the tools and insights needed to wrap up the year strong and build a foundation for sustainable scale.

🎤 Hear from the Experts

📝 Register now

Whether you're leveling up or launching something new, this series is your blueprint for success.

Business Dilemma Scenario

A Business Dilemma: Scenario for Group Exercise

Every month, we present a realistic workplace challenge. After reading it aloud, have participants discuss:

What’s the core issue?
What are the possible actions?
What are the risks and consequences?
What would they do and why?

Late Arrival Disruption

Charlie joins a virtual meeting 8 minutes late, apologizes loudly, and asks, “So what’s this meeting about?”

_______

💬 Discussion Prompt: How should the team handle disruptions? What’s a respectful way to catch up?

🧠 Suggested Answer to Business Dilemma Scenario

Answer: The team might briefly summarize key points, but also remind Charlie to review the meeting notes afterward. A gentle nudge about punctuality could be helpful.

Community Leaders Awardees

Class of 2025

The 2025 WPG cohort comprises exceptional business professionals who are redefining leadership and making a lasting impact.

Read Their Bios

WPG Mission Statement

The Women of Prince George's uses our strategic roster of business relationships in the Washington D.C. area to create mutually beneficial relationships between key businesses and local women. We connect professional women and entrepreneurs with neighboring markets and provide exposure to businesses targeting the Prince George's County community. We provide mentorship, education, workshops, content, and professional direction. We aspire to educate women, strengthen our families and communities, and thus increase our economic position as a global leader.

Visit Our Website

Questions? Contact us at womenofpg@gmail.com

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