About Women Empowering Women?
Diamonds In The Rough was formed November 14, 2009 in Richmond, Virginia. Galanda Simmons, is the founder and CEO of WEW-Diamonds In The Rough. Deshell Edwards was appointed Vice President. The other original officer is Crystal Manley who assumed the role as secretary.
Galanda introduced her idea for an organization to a group of friends through an informal group meeting. The meeting revealed there was an enthusiastic interest and need for an empowerment organization for women.
The organization was founded on Galanda’s strong belief that the potential for greatness exists within each of us and in many cases life’s circumstances and/or people can adversely taint our dreams and stunt the development of our talents. In doing so, we become like diamonds in the rough, “One having exceptional qualities or potential, but lacking refinement or polish.” It is from this ideology Women Empowering Women – Diamonds In The Rough was born.
Meet Our Board
Our board are experienced and professional women who are dedicated to empowering and supporting females. Get to know them and join us today to start your journey to empowerment.
Galanda Simmons-Wright
Founder, CEO
Galanda is the founder of Women Empowering Women – Diamonds in the Rough (W.E.W). She is the author of three published books (Living the Dream, Soul Nuggets and Understanding Your Inner Circle), a magazine journalist and has a podcast titled “Sauna Talk.” Galanda has a Master degree in Human Resource Management. In October 2020, she became an ordained and licensed evangelist.
Freda McArthur
President
Freda McArthur is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Alternative Academic Achievement Academy located in Illinois. Freda was elected to the city council of Country Club Hill, IL as the Third Ward Alderwoman in 1994. Freda is a Crisis Prevention Instructor who specializes in verbal de-escalation. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for Women Empowering Women – Diamonds in the Rough (W.E.W),
Michael Lewis
Vice President
Michael Lewis is a highly accomplished C-suite executive, corporate officer, and board member who has led global companies to new levels of financial, operational, and marketing performance.
Jim holds a Master of Science in Management / MBA from Purdue’s Krannert School of Business, and a BS in Accounting from Indiana State University.
Renola Hubbard,
Treasurer
Renola is an Information System Specialist II at the Department of Behavior Health and Development Services. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors for Women Empowering Women – Diamonds in the Rough (W.E.W).
Linda Kirk
Board Member
Linda is a Human Resource Recruiter at CarMax. Linda studied general studies at Spelman College. Her love for the community is very impactful to W.E.W. She has served on the Board of Directors at Women Empowering Women – Diamonds in the Rough for 8 years
Tracy King
Board Member
Tracy King is a professional in the criminal justice field and a Virginia State University professor who brings a wealth of knowledge about community based services to WEW. Her gift of coaching and leadership has had an impact on communities in Florida, Texas and Virginia. Tracy believes that recognizing and empowering others are building blocks for partnerships and collaboration and the foundation of a strong community. Tracy's belief that everyone has the potential to accomplish their goals, allows her to be a great member for the WEW Board of Directors.
Karla Vaughn
Board Member
Karla is the author Sunshine in the Midst of the Storms. She has been a board member at W.E.W for two years.