30 Within 30: Women Making History 2026 | A Chronicle News Community Recognition Campaign
- The Chronicle News
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
This Women’s History Month, The Chronicle News proudly celebrates 30 extraordinary women whose leadership, courage, and commitment to community are shaping the present and inspiring the future.
Across Michigan and beyond, women are building businesses, leading classrooms, strengthening families, mentoring young people, and advocating for change in ways that impact entire communities.
Some lead from boardrooms.
Some lead from classrooms.
Some lead quietly through service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to others.
All of them are helping shape the story of our region.
The 30 Within 30: Women Making History 2026 campaign was created to recognize women whose work continues to move our communities forward. These women represent leadership across business, education, healthcare, government, nonprofit service, media, and grassroots community impact.
For nearly four decades, The Chronicle News has documented the people and stories shaping our community.
This campaign continues that tradition by honoring women whose contributions deserve recognition today, not decades from now.
While this collector’s edition highlights several stories in print, readers can explore the full Women Making History 2026 series online.
Each profile highlights the journeys, leadership, and community impact of women who are building legacy through their work.
These women are not waiting for history to remember them.
They are making it now.
Explore All 30 Women Making History Features
WOMEN MAKING HISTORY 2026
A Roll Call of Excellence
30 Women Shaping the Present.
Legacies of Power.
One Collective Story.
The Honorees
✨
Legacy & Leadership
Yanice Y. Carter, MBA, CSSGB
Publisher, The Chronicle News
Founder & Executive Director, The Community Catalyst
LEGACY HONOREE Carolyn Carter (In Loving Memory)
Graphic Designer & Co-Founder, The Chronicle News
LEGACY HONOREE. Dr. Joan Thomasina Jackson Johnson (In Loving Memory)
Former Director, Human Relations and Community Services City of Lansing Clinical Psychologist, Community Advocate, Legacy Leader
Dr. Leola Taylor
Executive Director, Brand New Me Workshops, Inc. (BNM) Founded 1974, Lansing, Michigan
✨
Public Service, Education & Advocacy
Dr. Tareva Watts
CEO/Founder & Clinical Director Inspired Faith Counseling and Consultation (IFCC)
Honorable Judge Wanda M. Stokes
Circuit Court Judge, 30th Judicial Circuit Ingham County, Michigan
Dr. Toni Hughes Glasscoe
Associate NVice President of External Affairs, Development, and K-12 Operations
Sharon D. Rogers
Community Resource Manager
Family & Community Engagement Leader
Community Action Leader
Lucianna Solis
Mayor’s Community Relations & Faith-Based Initiatives Manager
City of Lansing
Dr. Shenika Hankerson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Applied Linguistics and Language Education University of Maryland Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership
Judy Kehler, CPFIM, ACPFIM
Founder, Kehler Strategy Group
Former Chief Strategy Officer, City of Lansing, Former City Treasurer, KPMG Senior Management Consultant
✨
Health, Wellness & Medicine
Dr. Stacy L. Leatherwood, M.D.
Senior Staff Attending Physician
Department of Pediatrics, New Center One
Henry Ford Health System
Dr. Melody Angel, MD
Physician, Author, and Speaker Leader in Trauma Recovery and Transformational Healing
Dr. Farha Abbasi, MD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Michigan State University Director, Muslim Mental Health Conference & Consortium President, Pakistan Association of Psychiatrists of North America
Director, American Psychiatric Association Foundation Chair, Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force, Lansing
✨
Business, Entrepreneurship & Community Impact
Ashlee Willis
Owner & Founder, Michigan Premier Events
Ms. Lansing 2026 Candidate, Ms. Michigan Corporate America
Candace Phillips
Owner, CandyShoppe Hair Studio CEO, CandeCollective
Ali Bennett
Founder & CEO, Grassroots Giving
Corean Canty
Founder, Speak More Human Co-Founder, Shift to Play
Kiara Dumas
Founder, Kingdom Mind Design, Portrait Photographer Former Dispute Specialist (9 Years)
Elyse Ribbons
Owner & Founder, Chengdu Teahouse
Erica Lynn
Co-Founder, The Village Lansing Co-Host, “Merica 20 to Life” Podcast
✨
Arts, Culture & Community Expression
Rae-Kel “Lady Kellz” Moore Certified Life & Encouragement Coach Founder, Sistah’s Reach
Bonita McAfee Mitchell Executive Director, Thread of Hope Records, LLC Founded 1999, Benton Harbor, Michigan
Heather Taylor
Community Advocate, Director, Worship Without Words Community Dance Group
AnJanette “Ms. Angel” Taylor
Director, Brand New Me Youth Reading Readiness Program Director, Youth Entrepreneurs Program (Y.E.P.) Christ’s Kingdom Builders Church
Terry Riley
Founder, SisterHood Excellence (S.H.E.) Community Advocate
✨
Law & Justice
Attorney Teresa A. Caine Bingman
Founding Partner, Law Offices of Teresa A. Bingman
✨
Family Legacy in Dentistry & Excellence
Dr. Patricia A. Lucas, DDS
Dentist & Practice Owner
Dr. Evelyn Lucas-Perry, DDS, MPH Diplomate, American Board of Dental Public Health Dentist & Practice Owner Aspen Dental – Ypsilanti & Allen Park, Michigan
Dr. Victoria Lucas-Perry, DDS
Owner Doctor & Clinical Leader
Aspen Dental – Michigan Region
Crystal Lucas-Perry (she/her)
Tony Award® Nominee, Obie Award Winner, Lucille Lortel Award Winner, Dorian Award Winner Adjunct Faculty, New York University Doctoral Candidate, New York University, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT), Registered Drama Therapist (RDT)
✨
Mental Health & Professional Leadership
Dr. Terra DeFoE
Founder & Managing Partner De’Cole & Associates – Detroit, Michigan
Comments