This Black History Month, we honor the remarkable women in our community whose leadership, creativity, and dedication continue to inspire and uplift those around them. From breaking barriers to nurturing the next generation, these special ladies embody resilience, vision, and the power of giving back—reminding us that history is not only remembered but actively made every day.

Dr. Charlitta Hatch serves as the CMS Board of Education District 1 Representative and Chief Data & Analytics Officer for the City of Charlotte. A proud product of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, she attended Statesville Road Elementary, Davidson IB, and Vance High School (now Julius L. Chambers High School). She is married to Mark Jr., her high school sweetheart and together they parent their two children Mark III (8) and Amelia (4). Her work is deeply personal, blending her experience as both a CMS alum and parent with a commitment to building systems that prioritize innovation, equity, and leadership. Dr. Hatch credits her parents, Rev. Melvin and Michele Crowder and mentors Dr. Debra Smith and the late Dr. Debra Saunders-White for shaping her leadership. She is passionate about amplifying women, introducing innovation in resistant systems, and integrating work and family life thoughtfully. Beyond professional pursuits, she enjoys family road trips, spa days, and the Real Housewives franchise, finding joy in presence, purpose, and creating lasting memories.

For Charlisa Herriott (Coach C, the Crushing Chemo Chic®) life’s toughest lessons became her classroom. Cancer diagnoses taught her resilience, hope, and the art of living fully, turning hospital corridors and chemo chairs into spaces of profound learning. Each setback, infusion, and sunrise became a lesson in surrender, perseverance, and gratitude. These experiences inspired Crushing Chemo Chic®—a mission to help women thrive beyond diagnosis through coaching circles, affirmation journals, healing retreats, and spaces to be heard. Charlisa shows survivors that they are whole, worthy, and capable of rewriting their narratives, trading fear for faith and victimhood for victory. Her compassion extends to children, too. Healing Hugs: A Mother-Daughter Story of Love and Resilience teaches young hearts courage and hope even amid illness. Through her work, Charlisa honors everyday teachers: patients, caregivers, and families who model perseverance … proving that the real curriculum in life is courage, community, and love.

Author, speaker, and woman of God Solonia E. Wade-Baskins is the founder of Unapologetically CHRIST and the author of Stepping Into Heaven: The Mission of a Blessed Woman, a 31-day devotional guiding women toward healing, identity, and deeper intimacy with God. Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Solonia now resides in Huntersville with her husband, Sammie Baskins, and their children, Messyla and Chance. A dual-master’s graduate of Saint Peter’s University, she credits her spiritual foundation—not her credentials—as the true source of her strength and leadership. In 2010, she founded the Empowerment Through CHRIST prayer line, creating a sacred space for prayer, worship, healing, and growth that has endured for more than 16 years. Her ministry reminds women they are worthy, chosen, and called—no matter their past. Readers can explore Solonia’s devotional work, upcoming gatherings, and faith-centered resources at www.steppingintoheaven.com, where her mission continues beyond the page. She lives by the reminder she shares with every woman she serves: “Always remember that GOD loves you most.”