KENDRA JOHNSON
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Motown native Kendra Johnson began her musical journey in the church, where her childhood passion for singing first took root. Over the years, she’s blossomed into a dynamic and versatile artist, seamlessly blending gospel, jazz, neo soul, R&B, and more. Her sound is a rich tapestry woven from these influences, reflecting both depth and soul.
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She’s graced stages across the East Coast, Midwest, Carolinas, and the DC area, with notable performances at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Fillmore, Twins Jazz Club, Montpelier Arts Center, and the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival.
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Kendra’s voice has been featured at high-profile events including AT&T’s Black History celebration, the National Association of Broadcasters gala honoring Jon Bon Jovi, and programs for Howard University Law School, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the U.S. Naval Academy, FDA, and The Victim’s Rights Foundation.
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Kendra has graced the airwaves on WPFW 89.3’s LIVE @ 5, performed at the Strathmore Arts Complex, and lent her vocal talents to a broad range of local artist projects across the DMV. After collaborating with a diverse array of gifted musicians, she’s now stepping into the spotlight with her own recording project in the works.
CORAE YOUNG
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Corae Young is the Chief Executive Officer of Young Consulting Services, Inc. (YCS). YCS is a consulting firm that provides training and technical assistance to faith based and nonprofit organizations that help to build organizational capacity.
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While this business has been in existence for three years, Corae has been providing
these services to organizations across the DC metropolitan area for more than 15
years due to her expertise in the field.
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In 2022, Corae was selected as one of the top 13 “Southern Maryland Women to
Watch” by Southern Maryland News. She is currently part of the 2026 cohort for
Leadership Southern Maryland. As part of her role with Young Consulting, she serves
on the planning committee for the Nonprofit Institute at the College of Southern
Maryland’s annual Nonprofits Conference, and on the Nonprofit Institute’s Strategic
Partner Council. She is an independent, licensed consultant trained by the Standards
for Excellence Institute, to help nonprofits improve accountability and best practices,
using the Institute's resources and expertise.
She also operates as a Certified Church Consultant through Thom Rainer’s Church Consultation University, helping churches to fulfill their mission in a strategic way. Corae also serves faithfully at her home church, Free Gospel Church of Bryans Road. Due to her two children’s history with premature births, she also serves on the NICU Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety (PFACQS) at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
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Corae has a double Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Sociology from the College of
William and Mary, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a
concentration in Nonprofit Management from American University.
Corae has a sincere heart for those who are most vulnerable and believes that collaboration is key in serving people effectively. She currently resides in Waldorf with her husband, Louis, daughters, Jada & Joanna and retriever Sky.
SHADAE PAUL
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Shadae brings 15 years of global health experience to Cornerstone for Women Leaders, having worked across five continents to improve the health and wellbeing of women and children worldwide. Before founding Cornerstone, she led pediatric care studies in Kenya and contributed to publications at the University of Washington. While working at the START Center, she consulted on global health projects for the Gates Foundation focused on reproductive health, health systems strengthening, vaccine delivery, and improving access to maternal and child healthcare. Her leadership and expertise reflect her dedication to advancing global health and empowering women.
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Shadae held her senior-most leadership position as President of the Washington County Commission for Women, having previously served as Vice President and Commissioner. In this role, she represented over 76,000 women across nine municipalities in Washington County, Maryland. During her tenure, she guided the commission through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the commission launched and coordinated multiple community-based initiatives in partnership with local nonprofits dedicated to supporting women and girls. In collaboration with fellow commissioners, she played a pivotal role in leading the commission through its milestone 35th anniversary, which resulted in a series of public-facing events, a comprehensive marketing campaign to elevate awareness of the commission’s impact, and strategic community engagement efforts. Additionally, she spearheaded the launch of the first-ever TEDx event in Western Maryland, a groundbreaking initiative that continues to thrive and inspire thought leadership in the region.
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Shadae has served on several nonprofit boards, including as a Founding Board Member of The Brighter Horizon, which provides financial literacy to women in recovery and survivors of domestic violence. She was also a member of the Maryland Maternal Health Task Force, chaired by the Maryland Department of Health, which unites key stakeholders to address the needs of pregnant and postpartum women in the state.
SOPHIA A. EVANS
Sophia Evans is a native of Elm City, North Carolina; she currently resides in Southern Maryland. Elder Evans received her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees from Washington Adventist University.
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Unbeknownst to Elder Evans, her ministry started during her youth while serving as the Sunday School Secretary at Williams Chapel Baptist Church in Elm City, North Carolina. After completing Ralph L. Fike High School, Wilson, North Carolina, she moved to Maryland and faithfully became active in ministry as the Bulletin Calendar Clerk at Macedonia Baptist Church, Bryans Road, Maryland, under the leadership of
Reverend Dr. C.H. Johnson.
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Elder Evans finally accepted her call to the ministry in September 2008 at Israel Total Life Ministries Waldorf, MD. She served as Church Administrator under Bishop Larry D. Palmer, Sr., Senior Pastor.
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Elder Evans is currently on the Ministerial Alliance, Director of Administration, Biblical Leadership instructor, and serves as Executive Team Leader at St. Stephen Baptist Church under the leadership of Regional Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr.
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In addition to being a Woman of God, Elder Evans is employed at Insperity as a Senior Human Resource Consultant. She is the emerging business owner of Apply It Consulting, LLC. She is the Director of Events and Teams for Greater Global, Inc. nonprofit. She is the Vice President of Human Resources for Barber-Scotia College.
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Elder Evans is an encourager, motivator, and serious about serving the people of God. Her life scripture is 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (MSG),
“Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You’ve heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts.”
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Elder Evans is the proud mother of one son, Kenneth Hatchett, Jr., and grandson, Ky’elle Wilson.
SANDRA LIMA ARGO
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Sandra Lima Argo brings more than 30 years of experience in education, with a career spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, curriculum development, and international educational entrepreneurship. A former school principal and founder of a private international education company, she has led the development of innovative academic programs that empower both students and educators. Over the past 15 years, Sandra has become a global leader in museum education, designing immersive learning experiences across the United States, Brazil, England, and Finland. She currently serves at the Museum of the Bible, where she leads the development of dynamic, audience-centered educational programs that foster meaningful engagement.
MICHELLE GOLDSHLAG
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Michelle Goldshlag is co-founder and Executive Director of Cultured Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering identity, empathy, and belonging through innovative educational programs. She partners with schools, educators, and global organizations to help bridge cultural differences and build meaningful connections. Michelle has collaborated with the Museum of the Bible for over five years and now serves on staff, expanding her impact through educational initiatives. With a background in art and Spanish, she designs experiences rooted in storytelling and creativity that help individuals better understand themselves and others. A speaker and leader, Michelle encourages women to embrace their God-given gifts and live with purpose, cultivating connection and impact in their homes, communities, and spheres of influence.
ASHLEY GARLAND
Director, Faith House at the Frederick Rescue Mission
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ABOUT FAITH HOUSE
Through Christ’s love, the Frederick Rescue Mission rescues people from hunger, poverty, and substance use addiction. Faith House is an employment focused program that provides housing and healing for women who have experienced trauma. At Faith House, the residents get stabilized, secure employment, and work towards being able to provide for themselves and their families so that they can live independently.
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Support, Like, and Share!
Visit the Frederick Rescue Mission at www.therescuemission.org and follow them on social media: @FrederickRescueMission
THE METROPOLITAN BALLET THEATER & ACADEMY
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Founded in 1989, Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy (MBT) is a nonprofit arts education organization serving Montgomery County, Maryland through exceptional dance education, community outreach, and inspiring performances. With locations in Gaithersburg and Clarksburg, MBT provides professional training in ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, and tap in a nurturing and inclusive environment for dancers of all ages and experience levels.
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Committed to both artistic excellence and accessibility, MBT creates opportunities for students to grow in confidence, creativity, discipline, and community while engaging with the performing arts. In addition to academy instruction, MBT is known for its outreach programming and professional-style productions that connect dance with the broader community.