Erika Todd is VP of Operations for StoneCreek Dental Care where she plans, directs, coordinates and oversees support operation activities for 25 dental offices located throughout Alabama and Tennessee. Self-described as a “Leader for Leaders” she provides direct leadership support for regional managers, practice managers, department heads and dentists. Born and raised in Illinois, she attended the University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign for her undergraduate education. She received bachelor of science degree in community health with a concentration in health planning and administration. She relocated to Birmingham after college and began her career in healthcare. After a few years of managing a multi-site dental group, she returned to school and obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a firm believer that one cannot lead others well until they lead themselves well. On November 3, 2021, Erika was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Just four short months after losing her mother to pancreatic cancer. Once diagnosed, she began aggressive treatment starting with intravenous chemotherapy that included eight rounds of chemo with three different drugs and an additional targeted therapy. Following IV chemotherapy, Erika had surgery and underwent 20 treatments of radiation. Pathology reports of her tumor after surgery were still positive for cancer therefore, she completed an additional six months of a chemotherapy pill. She finished her last dose on January 31, 2023. She is grateful for the outstanding team at the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center that created an aggressive treatment plan to tackle her aggressive breast cancer. She is also grateful for her support systems including family, friends and her work team that walked through 14 months of treatment with her. She worked during this entire time. She is especially grateful for her husband Jameel Todd that not only supported her physically and emotionally by attending every appointment and caring for her following chemotherapy, but he also felt the initial lump that led to her diagnosis. After her initial diagnosis, Erika was introduced to Forge and joined their Young Breast Cancer Support group where she met other breast cancer warriors and received emotional support during her tough journey. She is grateful to be on the journey to restoring her health in every area and gives honor to God for seeing her through and allowing her to be resilient. When Erika is not working she is active in her church, enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their fur babies, Jada and Lady. 

Cheri Fashion is a custom apparel company founded in Birmingham, Ala., in 2013. Designer and founder Tiffanie Williamson designs tuxedos, prom gowns, streetwear, dancewear and more. She has been interested in fashion since she was twelve. Tiffanie fell in love with a garment, while watching Model TV and saw a model walk down the runway in a red Valentino gown. The gown flowed with such elegance. It was beaded with a touch of red lace. From watching this gown, she became interested in fashion. She started sketching garments from memory and experimenting with many colors. Over time she began to become inspired by nature, music, and culture. Her design philosophy is that clothes are a way of expression - everyone should love what they are wearing. Her target market is for women in their late 20s to late 40s. She loves to use vibrant colors, such as reds, blues, greens and pinks. Today she continues to expound upon her design aesthetic. She continues to learn about different design techniques, technology, and fabrics. She graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelors degree in apparel and textiles, in which she attended on academic scholarship. She attended LIM College in New York where she majored in the business of fashion. As a graduate student, she learned how to operate a successful business. She learned managerial skills and built a solid foundation in fashion. She has collaborated with other companies, has showcased her work in New York in 2018 and 2019, and has participated in many fashion shows in Alabama. She has taught sewing lessons within her community. She is in the process of writing a book about her fashion journey. In addition, she has just accepted a role as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Fashion Drawing, at the University of North Alabama. To sum it up, she has broadened her horizon in the fashion industry. She has thrived in the industry and is paving the way for many Black fashion designers.