President/Founder

Mrs. Uvonka Shanta Wallace was born in Monroe, LA as an only child. She had other siblings from her father.  Uvonka moved to California which was a very complicated transition. She went from a house full of family members in the South then moving to Oakland, CA was strange to her. She spent many days alone. Her parents divorced when she was very young, and the hurt endured from that experience was difficult. Uvonka felt being dark-complected, changing weight, and shyness often made her a target for being teased. Her mother worked and went to school at night to further her education to provide only the best. Uvonka grew up with a private school education from elementary to high school due to the work ethic and diligence of her mother. During this time Uvonka was alone yet again to get herself dressed in the morning and come home to an empty house until late in the evenings. 

Being alone caused Uvonka to develop anger and low self-esteem because of the insensitive people with whom she interacted daily some even called themselves her friends. Words and phrases like “black tar baby and blackie” brought her to tears repeatedly.

Fortunately, the ancestry of the family consists of phenomenal women mainly her grandmothers Melba L. Williams and Maurine Lloyd. It was these two women that taught her how to be positive, to hold her head up high, to look a person straight in the eyes, to articulate when she spoke, and to find her confidence.

 Uvonka’s journey has come full circle, and she is now deeply committed to the mission of Black Girls in Blazers. She understands the profound impact that a positive influence can have on a young person’s life, and she is dedicated to paving the way for the girls the organization serves. 

Uvonka has been married for 34 years and has 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Her work experience includes 20 years in the insurance industry and 10 years in the healthcare field.

Kennedy Parson is a recent graduate of San Francisco State University, where she earned a degree in Biology with a concentration in Physiology, and is currently pursuing a Pharmacy degree at SF State. With a deep passion for healthcare, Kennedy is determined to make a significant impact in the field.

Born in Oakland, California, and raised in Elk Grove, Kennedy’s life journey has been shaped by unique experiences, including growing up in a foster care environment as her mother served as a foster parent. As a child, Kennedy struggled to understand the sadness and anger of the foster children in her home. However, with time and personal growth, she gained a deep understanding of their pain and the challenges they faced.

Kennedy’s academic journey has been anything but easy. She attended St. Elizabeth High School in Oakland and graduated from Oakland Technical High School. Throughout her education, Kennedy faced criticism for the way she spoke, often being labeled as talking "like a white girl." In elementary school, a teacher even told her she would never finish high school, would have children young, and end up on welfare. This hurtful statement stayed with Kennedy for years, making her question her worth and self-esteem. She struggled with her confidence, especially as she grappled with weight issues. Despite these challenges, Kennedy remained dedicated to her education and stayed focused on her dreams.

As Kennedy matured, she realized that true self-worth comes from within, and that no one else can define her potential. She found strength in her journey of self-discovery and became more determined to break through any barriers in her path. Kennedy now uses her story to inspire others, particularly young girls, to understand that perfection is not the goal; resilience, growth, and self-belief are what truly define us.

Kennedy’s accomplishments speak for themselves—she’s currently on the Dean’s List in her senior year of college and has become a beacon of inspiration to those around her. She has taken an active role in developing programs, building meaningful relationships, and driving initiatives that align with her mission to empower others. One such initiative is the creation of the women’s group Surviving Your 20s, which has achieved tremendous success in helping young women navigate the challenges of self-discovery and personal growth.

Kennedy Parson is not just a scholar—she’s a leader who has set a benchmark for excellence, purpose-driven leadership, and community engagement. She is excited to continue her journey of empowerment, and Black Girls in Blazers would be privileged to have her on their team.

Denicia was born and raised in Sacramento, California, where she navigated the challenges of a broken home after her parents divorced at a young age. Raised by a hardworking mother, Denicia witnessed firsthand the struggles of balancing family responsibilities and providing for her siblings. Academically, Denicia faced difficulties in elementary school and was not initially invested in her education. However, a shift occurred during high school when she made the decision to prioritize her academic success. Motivated by the desire to become self-sufficient and build a secure future, she worked diligently to improve her grades.

Denicia's perseverance paid off when she graduated at the top of her class from Dillard University, despite the obstacles she faced along the way. Today, she is a dedicated Registered Nurse, real estate investor, and the proud founder of two thriving businesses: Predestined Investments LLC, which focuses on investment opportunities, and The Girls Who Fly LLC, a travel company with a mission to empower people to explore the world.

A key driving force in Denicia's life is her passion for giving back. She is deeply committed to mentoring and inspiring young girls who look like her, helping to shape them into strong, confident women. Denicia continues to prove that determination, hard work, and a commitment to lifting others up can turn dreams into reality.