Theme: Sharing HERstory

What better time than Women's History Month to feature 5 amazing women and their stories? Held on the historic campus of Shaw University we will hear from two students, one alum, and two experts on how and why the future is female.

Estey Hall
721 S Wilmington St
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601
United States

Alaya Mack

Undergraduate Student

Alaya Mack is a Junior Accounting major with a minor in Business Administration, hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Alaya is an outgoing student who strives to succeed in everything she does. She currently has the cumulative GPA of a 4.0 at Shaw University. Alaya has been a member of the Universities Track team, Business Club, Entrepreneurship Club, National Association of Black Accountants, Vice President of the Beta Rho chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Royal Court. As a freshman, Alaya was placed on the President's List for academic achievement and was awarded as the First-Year Student of the Year. She aspires to continue a strong academic career here at Shaw University and hopes to eventually go to grad school and to obtain her Master's degree in Finance. Alaya prides herself in being an impactful student leader in whatever room she walks in.

Cynthia Barnes

CEO and Author

Cynthia BarneS IS A a beacon of resilience, empowerment, and groundbreaking leadership. Rising from the unique challenges of being the only Black family in a Sundown Town, Cynthia has transformed her life's obstacles into powerful lessons of courage and determination. She's not just a trailblazer; she's a ceiling-shatterer, becoming the first Black woman to headline a national sales conference and founding the National Association of Women Sales Professionals. Cynthia's is a 4x Salesforce influencer, a 3x author, and voice behind "Unstoppable" podcast. Her advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in leadership has made her a LinkedIn Top Voice. Cynthia's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can have in transforming not only their destiny but the industries and communities around them. She embodies the essence of empowerment, inspiring us all to confront challenges with courage, to strive for excellence, and to lead by example.

Evingerlean Blakney, Ph.D

Podcaster. HBCU Champion

Dr. Evingerlean D. Blakney, affectionately known as Dr. Eve®, is a first-generation college graduate who earned a Ph.D. A higher educator turned trailblazing entrepreneur, Dr. Eve is the founder of two corporations, Evingerlean Worldwide® and Blakney Global Solutions. Evingerlean Worldwide, Inc. is a leading social entity empowering first-generation scholars and professionals across the globe. Its mission is achieved through its impactful, engaging, and transformational brands including an award-winning podcast (The First-Gen Lounge™), a first-of-its-kind store (The First-Gen Shop®), and unparalleled programs and trainings (First-Generation University®). Blakney Global Solutions, Inc. (BGS) is a highly respected, product-oriented enterprise built on strong client relationships. Its mission is to provide exceptional customer service and quality products to help corporate and governmental (local, state, and federal) thrive.

Nakya Carter

Communications Student

Nakya Carter is a graduating senior, double major in Mass Communications and Business Management attending Shaw University. As a student leader, journalist, and entrepreneur, she focuses on advancing her knowledge with the hope that it can create solutions for others that come after her. She is an advocate for higher education and mental health. In a world where popular culture can suppress creativity and uniqueness, she embraces it with open arms Nakya eagerly creates stories out of every moment and lived experience. She has worked in many different areas of communications and marketing, and through various leadership positions continues to provide platforms for others to tell their stories and speak their truth.

Sarah Glova

Educator and Writer

As a business reporter, Dr. Sarah Glova writes about people who have accomplished big things. Her interviews form the basis of her research and serve as the foundation of her work on the science of setting and achieving goals. She has educated audiences around the globe, equipping them with tools to help them conquer their most important goals. Known for blending humor and data-driven insights, Dr. Glova has a unique talent for demystifying complex challenges and helping groups walk away with clear, actionable insights. Also an entrepreneur, Dr. Glova is the CEO of Reify Media, an award-winning eLearning firm she founded over a decade ago. She began her career as an instructor at North Carolina State University, where she taught technical communication to undergraduate business and engineering majors. She has guest lectured at dozens of universities — including Shaw University.