Women Making Waves
2023 Keynote address by Ta’Rhonda Jones
Ta’Rhonda Jones, Keynote
Ta’Rhonda Jones is a true representation of a woman with many hats. She stands strong as an activist, actress, director, producer, celebrity master chef champion, fashion designer, host, comedian, intoxicating rapper, song writer and philanthropist. Jones is most known for her breakout role as Porsha, on Fox’s hit television show Empire. Showcasing more than just her acting skills on the show, Ta’Rhonda is the Founder of Black Village Foundation. A nonprofit focused on supporting young budding entrepreneurs on the southside and westside of Chicago. Her most recent fashion project as a fashion designer consisted of a collaborative partnership with AKIRA, showcasing the Black Village Foundation Collection on one of the biggest fashion stages for New York Fashion Week. Actress, Rapper, Director & Philanthropist
Karen C Simms, MAMFT, LMHC
Karen Crawford Simms is an experienced consultant, trainer, facilitator, and coach. She has a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and has spent over 30 years advocating for individuals, families, and communities marginalized because of race, gender, sexual orientation/identity, health, or socioeconomic status. She has expertise in trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practices, community engagement, outcome-based planning, collaborative processes, and the implementation of evidence-based practices. Karen is the founding director of the Trauma & Resilience Initiative, which provides training and technical assistance to schools, universities, community organizations, law enforcement, local governments, civic organizations, not-for-profits, and employers.
Samantha Carter, Entrepreneur
Samantha Carter, a native of Urbana, IL, draws her strong work ethic from her mother, Carrie Carter, who worked tirelessly to support their family. After graduating from Urbana High School in 1999 and the Concept School of Cosmetology in 2001, Samantha earned her Cosmetology license. However, in 2001, she also faced a conviction for cannabis-related charges, setting her on a challenging path.
Through unwavering determination, faith, and community support, Samantha persevered. In 2003, she opened Jazzie Looks Beauty Salon, employing stylists and barbers for over 13 years. In 2004, she became the proud mother of her son, Samarion, who later served in the US Army at Ft. Hood.
Samantha's felony conviction limited her access to housing vouchers. To overcome this obstacle, she converted her salon's basement into a two-bedroom apartment and saved $10,000, eventually purchasing the $90,000 building housing her salon in 2008.
In 2010, she became a Licensed Cosmetology Instructor and began advocating for her son and underserved communities. Samantha received numerous awards, such as the John Amico Outstanding Cosmetology Professional Award and the C-U DAY Community Leadership Award. She currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Champaign County Board, District 6 Representative.
Samantha, a single parent to her seven-year-old son, Seth, is the Owner/Operator/Teacher at Logistic Natural Hair Care School in Champaign, IL, where she has licensed nearly 40 Professional Hair Braiders since opening in 2017.
Recently, Samantha was a keynote speaker at the Garden Hills groundbreaking ceremony and recognized as a vocal community leader for the Sleep Program. She successfully expunged her cannabis felony conviction in 2022, and she is actively involved in projects, like the $35 million Garden Hills neighborhood renovation funded by various sources, including Arpa Funds, Grants, Champaign County, and the City of Champaign. Samantha is grateful for the support of State Representative Carol Ammons and Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons in creating the Expungement Summit.
Karma Carrington, Performer
Karma Carrington (she/they) is a Champaign-Urbana native and has been performing for six years. Karma organizes and hosts the local "Drag Queen Story Hour" in collaboration with Urbana Free Library and Uniting Pride. Outside of drag, she works in childcare and youth recreational programming. Karma is the current reigning Mx. Chambana Pride 2023.
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