Meet the 2010 Oratory Contest Judges
Toni Cole MSW, LICSW is a clinical Social Worker for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare profession. She has received many accolades and honors for work with the department and the community. Ms. Cole is committed to giving back to both the Social Work profession and the community through mentorship and by supporting non-profit grassroots organizations.
Sian Lewis is the first African American, the first female, and the youngest political director of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees International Union representing over 1.6 million members. She is an accomplished author and activist, field director of the National Black Justice Coalition and Membership Director of Pride at Work, AFL-CIO. Also an accomplished political campaign manager, Ms Lewis served as the national labor liaison on the Obama campaign, and state director for Michigan and Ohio.
Robin Alva Marcus, MFA, has led fiction writing workshops for over 20 years in the Washington area including at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, for the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation and at the Duke Ellington School for the Arts. After ending a long career in grass roots social work she began a career in academia and has taught at the University of Maryland, Trinity University and Howard University where she was honored by the Talented Tenth student organization for outstanding service to the Howard Community.
Nikita T. Mitchell is a proud alumna of Howard University’s School of Business. She currently works as a management consultant for Deloitte Consulting’s Federal practice. Her passion for service has led to her involvement with many local non-profits, particularly the Cultural Academy for Excellence (CAFE) where she serves as the youngest member of the Board of Directors.
Renee Nash, Director of Information and Public Affairs for WHUR, is a well-respected journalist who has covered a range of issues from local and national politics, to healthcare reform and civil rights. She has also spearheaded numerous award-winning projects including radiothons, town hall meetings and food and clothing drives. Over her 25-year career at WHUR, she has been a writer, reporter, producer and anchor. Renee serves on the boards of many organizations including the Edith P. Wright Breast Cancer Foundation and Sisters of Hope.
Reverend Sylvia E. Sumter is the Senior Minister of Unity of Washington, DC. She is a gifted educator and teacher who spent the early part of her career as a professional counselor in institutes of higher learning. Reverend Sumter brings to her congregation, the principles of Truth and inspires individuals to transform their lives through an awareness of their innate divine potential. She has received a multitude of honors for her vision and passion for teaching and preaching.
Alternate Judge: Esperanza Anderson, Trial Attorney
Timekeeper: Juanita Burton, M.D.
Contest Director: Cassandra Burton, VP, AAWRC
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