With our culture constantly changing and more professional women holding positions of leadership, many of us still wrestle with designing who we are as leaders in and out of the office. With over 15 years of experience in crafting strategy and design, Ayesha Matthews-Wadha holds the position of creative director for PIXINK, a branding design agency. Working with notable name brand companies such as Apple, Facebook and Sephora to name a few, Ayesha uses an approach that is thoughtful and comes from a place of inquiry. 

Partnering with clients who want to usher in a new era a feminine stewardship, Ayesha helps companies synthesize and connect the dots to engage the world’s most influential consumers. Currently at the intersection of brands and the female economy, tune in as Ayesha shares with us how creative design fuels her passion for women, her recipe for success and her ability to transform goodness into greatness.

Ayesha Matthews-Wadha, Creative Director | PIXINK

When we think about building our brand, often times we forget how crucial development programs can be on our reputations and our lives. From professional to personal responsibilities, many of us question what steps we need to take in order to get to the next level. With an academic background as an educator, coach and counselor, Dr. Janice Hilliard is able to use her knowledge to unlock and use her passion for helping others. As the Vice President of Player Development for the National Basketball Association, she knows all too well about innovation, anticipation and development. Providing leadership for the department’s programming and professional development initiatives for players and staff on 30 teams, Dr. Hilliard developed the player programs model for the leagues inaugural Development League in 2001. Serving as a member of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics and representing NBA Commissioner David Stern on the Board of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, join us as Dr. Hilliard shares her secrets to success, her passion to helps others and her journey of development in her personal and professional life. 

Dr. Janice Hilliard, Vice President of Player Development | National Basketball Association

Not many of us can say we had the pleasure of working with Oprah, but today’s special guest can...and then some. As an award winning television producer, writer and multimedia consultant, Denise Hendricks is currently a Senior Producer for the 4-hour national weekday newscast HLN: Morning Express with Robin Meade. Being in the news and entertainment business for 20 years, Denise has built an impressive resume including associate producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show, producer for ABC’s The Revolution and BET’s The Mo’Nique Show, news producer and executive producer for CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC and other FOX television affiliates. 

As the recipient of a regional Emmy for Best Newscast, an NAACP Image Award, Denise received the Unsung Heroine Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in 2012 for highlighting her volunteer work with youth from undeserved communities in Florida, Georgia and Illinois. Join us as Denise shares with us what its like to live in the spotlight, her secret to resting and recharging and what longevity means in her personal and professional life. 

Denise Hendricks, Senior Producer | HLN

One of the best things women are recognized for is their ability to multitask and get things done and today’s special guest is a prime example of what it means to be a modern woman and woman in the spotlight. Not only is Marney Reid the founder of Stilettos On The Glass Ceiling, but she is also the National Program Manager for Medtronic Advanced Energy, a company dedicated to developing technology to improve outcomes for doctors and their patients.  With a passion to help women gain access to resources to enhance their business and career, Marney watched her website grow from an internet platform to a community almost overnight. Tune in right now to hear how Marney defines work-life balance, her passion for networking and how she finds time for herself.

Marney Reid, Founder | Stilettos On The Glass Ceiling

Known as a drama-free drama coach and personal greatness guru, Nevaina and her company have transformed, inspired and empowered the lives of thousands through acting classes, seminars, books, CDs and speaking engagements. Her life coaching programs use proven acting techniques to help you create the life you want and release your inner gladiator for greatness. Tune in as Navaina shares with us how she uses acting as a unique tool to unleash personal creativity, the importance of being committed to yourself and how using your own voice helps you to live a purposeful life. 


Nevaina Rhodes, President | RAW Empowerment Productions

Welcome to Women In The Spotlight Radio with Melissa Dawn Simkins. Everyday women around the world are branding a new model of success beyond their careers. Each week, join me for inspiring interviews with leading women who share their success, struggles and secrets on their journey on becoming a woman in the spotlight. You will leave empowered and energized to brand your best life so you can sacrifice less and start living more. It all happens right here, right now!