ElevateHER Conference Closes Out Women’s History Month with Empowering Event

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TULSA, Okla. — The spirit of resilience, excellence, and innovation was on full display Saturday, March 29, as The Black Wall Street Times hosted its inaugural ElevateHER conference at the Greenwood Cultural Center. The event, intentionally held at the close of Women’s History Month, spotlighted the remarkable contributions of Black women leading in medicine, mental health, finance, entrepreneurship, and the creative arts.

Bringing together a powerful lineup of Black women physicians, mental health professionals, business owners, financial experts, and creatives, ElevateHER celebrated the transformative work of women whose influence is shaping a brighter future for Tulsa and beyond.

From right to left: Dr. Danielle Miner, Dr. Ranelle Bracy-Lewis and Black Wall Street Times writer and author Najah Hylton at the inaugural ElevateHER 2025 Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday, March 29 | Photo by Cory Young for The Black Wall Street Times

From the Margins to Center Stage: ElevateHER Uplifts the Women Who Carry Tulsa Forward

“Twenty years ago, I never would’ve imagined standing on a “pink” event carpet, taking photos with Tulsa’s first Black mayor with our mothers and hosting an event to platform Black women and celebrate their excellence with a powerful, dedicated and passionate team,” Nehemiah D. Frank, founder, editor-in-chief, and publisher of The Black Wall Street Times said.

“America owes everything to Black women, yet at every turn, our society tries to silence and suppress them. We created this conference to change that narrative—to place Black women front and center, sharing their truths, the challenges they face, and the dreams they’re determined to achieve.”

The event bloomed with vibrant spring florals arranged by The Wild Mother, a Black woman-owned florist based in Oklahoma City, adding an elegant and meaningful touch to the stage.

The panels showcased Black women leading conversations as physicians, mental health therapists, financial experts, and more—highlighting the depth and brilliance of Black women across every field. Hence, these expert panelists addressed the challenges Black women face and the victories won.

ElevateHER Conference — From left to right: Nehemiah D. Frank, founder, editor-in-chief, and publisher of The Black Wall Street Times; Dr. Ebony Johnson, Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools; Jericah Wortham, founder and director of J’Parlé, Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, founder and Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, LeKesha Johnson-Wilkes, founder and Director of Greenwood Midwifery and Integrative Health; Jayme Broome, Co-Founder and School Administrator for Solid Foundation Preparatory Arts Academy, and Monroe Nicholes, Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Celebrating Tulsa’s Trailblazers: Women of the Year Honorees Recognized for Leadership, Creativity, and Community Impact

Dr. Ebony Johnson, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, was honored with a Woman of the Year Award. Jaymore Broome–Executive Director of Solid Foundation Preparatory Arts Academy; Jerica Wortham–a best-selling author and founder of J’Parlé, and Lakesha Johnson-Wilkes, were also honored.

Additionally, this inaugural event held special significance, marked by a heartfelt introduction from Tulsa’s first Black mayor, Monroe Nichols. Mayor Nichols took the stage to proudly introduce his mother, Dr. Ramona Curtis, this year’s keynote speaker. With warmth and humor, Dr. Curtis had the crowd laughing as she shared personal stories from Monroe’s upbringing before delivering five powerful principles designed to inspire and elevate Black women and their communities.

Dr. Ramona Curtis delivers the keynote address at ElevateHER 2025 in the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2025 | Photo by Cory Young

ElevateHER 2025 ignites legacy, leadership, and community power in the heart of Greenwood

Set in the historic Greenwood District, ElevateHER was a powerful reminder of Black legacy, resilience, and community. It celebrated continued progress, with Black women at its foundation.

“This event was more than just sharing information, it was about connecting and celebrating our coming together,” said Black Wall Street Times staff writer and event organizer Britny Cordera.

Attendees left with more than just information; they departed with renewed motivation to invest in themselves and their communities.

As The Black Wall Street Times continues its mission of access being a civil right, events like the ElevateHER Conference reaffirm its broader purpose. The publication is not just a newsroom, but a movement rooted in celebrating the brilliance and power of Black voices.

The Black Wall Street Times ElevateHER inaugural event is sponsored and supported by the Terence Crutcher Foundation, Justice For Greenwood, Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, the Muscogee Creek Indian Freedman Band, the National Parents Union, Oklahoma Policy Institute, George Kaiser Family Foundation, and Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies.

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