By Shayna Mace
We love highlighting the vast achievements of Black, African American and multicultural leaders in our community at BRAVA during Black History Month. We decided to ask some of our recent Women to Watch who they admire during Black History Month — and why. Here are their responses.
Jazmynn Appleton, chief director of entrepreneurial growth and innovation, Progress Center for Black Women (2024 Woman to Watch)
Who inspires you?
Sabrina Madison, founder/CEO of Progress Center for Black Women and alderperson of District 17 for the City of Madison.
Why is she influential in your life?
Sabrina and I were both teen, single moms who were able to overcome many obstacles … in order to reach success and build a good life for our child. Sabrina was very instrumental in mentoring me from when I first started working at the Progress Center for Black Women and took every opportunity to uplift me and push me to succeed in addition to her already being a great leader in our community. She does whatever in her power to help others win and get the support they need. She is also a previous Brava Woman to Watch and [nominated] me for [Women to Watch in] for 2024.
Dominique Christian, founder/CEO, Sondercove Wellness (2021 Woman to Watch)
Who inspires you?
Shirley Ruth Christian, a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Why is she influential in your life?
My mother, Shirley Ruth Christian, embodies compassion, care and selfless devotion. Her life’s work, professionally and personally, reflects her deep love for others and her belief in the power of community.
As a CNA, she dedicated her entire career to ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of elderly individuals, especially those with Alzheimer’s. This work wasn’t just a job for her — it was a calling inspired by the memory of her mother, Ruth Wellmaker Christian, who had suffered from Alzheimer’s and passed away too young. She understood firsthand the challenges families face when caring for loved ones with this disease, and she brought a sense of comfort and peace to the families she worked with.
My mother’s ability to connect with people—whether through her role as a CNA or her work within the community — was her greatest gift. She taught me and many others that authentic leadership isn’t about recognition or titles; it’s about showing up, creating safe spaces and ensuring that people know they are valued.
Uchenna Jones, community impact director of health at United Way of Dane County (2024 Woman to Watch)
Who inspires you?
Marian Anderson, an opera singer.
Why is she influential in your life?
Growing up in New York, when Black History Month came around at school, I often shared the story of Marian Anderson and how she was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1955. She also sang at Carnegie Hall. Imagine my surprise that she and I would have something in common several decades later. In April of 1997, I had the honor of singing at Carnegie Hall as a member of the Rufus King High School women’s choir. I also got to sing live on “Good Morning America.” It was a beautiful moment in my life that I will never forget. Marian and I will forever be connected in this way.
Jasmine Banks, deputy director for empowerment and strategic initiatives at Operation Fresh Start (2021 Woman to Watch)
Who inspires you?
Betty Banks, co-founder of Club TNT (no relation).
Why is she influential in your life?
For as long as I can remember Betty has been a pillar in the community who uplifts Black families and especially Black mothers. Even though Betty has known my family for an extremely long time (before I was born), it wasn’t until our paths crossed professionally that I learned of the extensive impact and extent of Betty’s work.
It’s because of Betty’s understanding of and love for the families whose lives she has impacted that I was able to have a front-row seat on how to engage with people. Not just some people, but all people — and especially the ones that are oftentimes overlooked and forgotten. Even though Betty is officially retired, she is someone who still provides guidance to me and so many others. She is someone who I aspire to make extremely proud but also to carry on her legacy of doing good in the world.
Rachelle Stone, instructional coach at Leopold Elementary School and program manager for Black Girl Magic Educational Services Inc. (2025 Woman to Watch)
Who inspires you?
Dr. Bettina Love, author and professor at Columbia University.
Why is she influential in your life?
She is influential to me because her work is centered around affirming and validating Black students and pushing educators to think about the conditions that we set up for students in order to see their brilliance and what is missing from education (i.e., curriculum that centers our most marginalized students, diverse teaching staff, et cetera).
Afra Smith, founder & CEO, The Melanin Project (2024 Woman to Watch)
Who inspires you?
Dr. Barbara Wheat, formerly known as Dr. Barbara Smith, a retired educator, mentor and advocate.
Why is she influential in your life?
[Her] work has had a lasting impact on the lives of many. Throughout her career, she was deeply committed to uplifting and empowering others, particularly within the BIPOC community, ensuring they had the knowledge, tools and encouragement to reach their fullest potential.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is my greatest inspiration — not just as a leader, but as my mother. She has exemplified resilience, integrity and service, shaping the lives of her students, colleagues, and her four children. Her influence is deeply woven into the foundation of my own work, and she continues to be a guiding force in my life.
