Diana Nance - 2023-2025 Treasurer, 2021-2023 President
Diana Nance, ABWA member of Polaris Chapter since 2018. Diana has a M.Ed. degree in Agency and Community Counseling from Xavier University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Lincoln University.
Diana's employment history includes approximately 17 years in the health administration field and 8 years in a management role with the YWCA of Greater Concinnati
Diana retired in 2017 from Centene/Buckeye Health Plan. She is married, has 2 daughters, 1 son and 2 grandchildren.
Diana's passion is advocating for the elderly and disabled population.
Diana's employment history includes approximately 17 years in the health administration field and 8 years in a management role with the YWCA of Greater Concinnati
Diana retired in 2017 from Centene/Buckeye Health Plan. She is married, has 2 daughters, 1 son and 2 grandchildren.
Diana's passion is advocating for the elderly and disabled population.
Marva Colston - 2021 Women of the Year
Marva Colston was the first African American female Zoning and Code Enforcement Administrator in the City of Huber Heights and Montgomery County, starting at Wayne Township in 1975 before the incorporation of the city of Huber Heights. She retired after 29 years of loyal and dedicated service as the Zoning and Code Enforcement Administrator.
Marva was born in Richmond, Virginia and is the daughter of Alease Fountain Jones and James Edward Jones, Jr. Marva’s family was a small closely-knit family where honesty and striving for excellence were highly encouraged. Because her family believed that you must “study to show thyself approved…” Marva graduated from Armstrong High School, Richmond, Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Howard University, Washington, D.C. and furthered her studies for a Master of Business and Public Administration degree at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She also completed coursework and received certification in Zoning and Code Enforcement at the University of Wisconsin Urban Planning and Development School.
Marva is a conscientious, committed leader in overseeing and organizing educational and scholarship programs, distinguishing herself as a dedicated church and community servant by her volunteer service through the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Program, the American Business Women Association, Polaris Chapter, and the National Council of Negro Women. Her volunteer efforts, while broad in scope, have specifically benefitted the student population in the Miami Valley Community. Since 2010, Marva has been Chairperson of St. Luke MBC Scholarship Program. Under her leadership, over $100,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded to graduating seniors of St. Luke through the generosity of members of the church and community as well as The Singing Pastors and The Gourmet Gents fundraisers.
Marva passionately serves her church, community and the organizations with which she is affiliated. She is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women, and past Scholarship Chairman of the American Business Women Association (Polaris Chapter), Chairman of the St. Luke Music Ministry’s Senior Choir and President of The Sisters In Christ Chorale. With all of these activities, she still takes time for community and is the recipient of many Distinguished Service Awards from the Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce, Huber Heights Jaycees, Huber Heights City Schools, the Knights of Columbus, American Business Women Association, Polaris Chapter 2015 Woman of the Year Award, and the Northwestern Ohio Missionary Baptist Association 2017 Rowena Smith Wisdom Award. Some of the professional organizations to which she belonged include the Ohio Code Enforcement Officials Association, the American Association of Code Enforcement, the American Planning Association and the Dayton Urban League.
Marva is married to Cleveland. They have two children and three grandchildren. She believes that “a family who loves and lives by God’s word is a family destined to be blessed.”
Marva was born in Richmond, Virginia and is the daughter of Alease Fountain Jones and James Edward Jones, Jr. Marva’s family was a small closely-knit family where honesty and striving for excellence were highly encouraged. Because her family believed that you must “study to show thyself approved…” Marva graduated from Armstrong High School, Richmond, Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Howard University, Washington, D.C. and furthered her studies for a Master of Business and Public Administration degree at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She also completed coursework and received certification in Zoning and Code Enforcement at the University of Wisconsin Urban Planning and Development School.
Marva is a conscientious, committed leader in overseeing and organizing educational and scholarship programs, distinguishing herself as a dedicated church and community servant by her volunteer service through the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Program, the American Business Women Association, Polaris Chapter, and the National Council of Negro Women. Her volunteer efforts, while broad in scope, have specifically benefitted the student population in the Miami Valley Community. Since 2010, Marva has been Chairperson of St. Luke MBC Scholarship Program. Under her leadership, over $100,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded to graduating seniors of St. Luke through the generosity of members of the church and community as well as The Singing Pastors and The Gourmet Gents fundraisers.
Marva passionately serves her church, community and the organizations with which she is affiliated. She is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women, and past Scholarship Chairman of the American Business Women Association (Polaris Chapter), Chairman of the St. Luke Music Ministry’s Senior Choir and President of The Sisters In Christ Chorale. With all of these activities, she still takes time for community and is the recipient of many Distinguished Service Awards from the Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce, Huber Heights Jaycees, Huber Heights City Schools, the Knights of Columbus, American Business Women Association, Polaris Chapter 2015 Woman of the Year Award, and the Northwestern Ohio Missionary Baptist Association 2017 Rowena Smith Wisdom Award. Some of the professional organizations to which she belonged include the Ohio Code Enforcement Officials Association, the American Association of Code Enforcement, the American Planning Association and the Dayton Urban League.
Marva is married to Cleveland. They have two children and three grandchildren. She believes that “a family who loves and lives by God’s word is a family destined to be blessed.”
Roberta Taylor - Vice President
Since joining ABWA in the fall of 2004, I have served as the chaired the following committees: scholarship, professional education, served as 3 terms as secretary, two terms as vice president, and terms as president. My highest honors in Polaris Chapter are being selected and approved to run District V vice president, being selected as Woman of the Year, and nominated for top 10. In addition to serving my local chapter, I co-chaired the Miami Valley Council American Business Women Day event and was s elected as Miami Valley Council Woman of the Year. Additionally, I have served on the registration committee for a regional conference. On the national level of ABWA I served on Credential Committee, Auction Committee and Logistics Committee. I have earned ABWA – KU MBA Essentials and 6 Apex Awards.
I have over 25 years of experience working in public health education and prevention with numerous health agencies, physician offices, academic institutions and private sector groups and business. I received my formal education at the University of Dayton.
For the past 18 I have also served as an adjunct professor in the Allied Health Division at Sinclair Community College and have delivered presentation at the local, state, and national conferences.
I have been a member of Mt Carmel Missionary Baptist Church for over 35 years; taught Sunday School for 20 years, served as President of the First Aide group for 4 years, past assistant Sunday School Superintendent, served on the youth activities committee for 15 years, a member of the new members committee and now serving as the Sunday School Superintendent for the past 3 years.
I have over 25 years of experience working in public health education and prevention with numerous health agencies, physician offices, academic institutions and private sector groups and business. I received my formal education at the University of Dayton.
For the past 18 I have also served as an adjunct professor in the Allied Health Division at Sinclair Community College and have delivered presentation at the local, state, and national conferences.
I have been a member of Mt Carmel Missionary Baptist Church for over 35 years; taught Sunday School for 20 years, served as President of the First Aide group for 4 years, past assistant Sunday School Superintendent, served on the youth activities committee for 15 years, a member of the new members committee and now serving as the Sunday School Superintendent for the past 3 years.
Monica Richardson - 2023 Protege
Monica Richardson was born in Springfield, OH and now resides in Huber Heights, OH. She is the co-owner and partner of Razor Sharp Salon and Barbershop located in Huber Heights, OH. Monica began her journey while in high school studying cosmetology at Springfield Joint Vocational School. After graduation she went on to attend Clark State University and Sinclair Community College focusing on business management and marketing. Over the years:
• Monica has been presented with numerous certifications and received her instructors license in cosmetology
• She has been featured in Ohio Hairstylists Magazines
• Won several awards for state and national competitions
• Traveled nationally as a make-up artist for several theatre plays.
She has mastered the Cosmetology arena for over 33 years and counting. While managing and owning numerous salons and barbershops she still enjoys learning, focusing on her trade, promoting healthy hair & creating natural tattooed permanent makeup. Monica also has a catering company, First Bite, “Won’t be your last”, that caters to private dinner parties, special events & those looking for soul food with an American twist. Personally, Monica is the proud mother of 3, Channing, Marquan, Arrinae & Grandmother of 1 Lorenz (the love of her life) and wife to her best friend Arrick. In her spare time, she gives honor to God by serving in her home church Greater Grace Temple of Springfield, OH. Also serving as a stylist for the American Cancer Society LGFB and she is a member of the Springfield Chapter of the Links, Inc. In her down time she enjoys reading, being in the bright sunshine and fellowshipping with her Sistahs!!
• Monica has been presented with numerous certifications and received her instructors license in cosmetology
• She has been featured in Ohio Hairstylists Magazines
• Won several awards for state and national competitions
• Traveled nationally as a make-up artist for several theatre plays.
She has mastered the Cosmetology arena for over 33 years and counting. While managing and owning numerous salons and barbershops she still enjoys learning, focusing on her trade, promoting healthy hair & creating natural tattooed permanent makeup. Monica also has a catering company, First Bite, “Won’t be your last”, that caters to private dinner parties, special events & those looking for soul food with an American twist. Personally, Monica is the proud mother of 3, Channing, Marquan, Arrinae & Grandmother of 1 Lorenz (the love of her life) and wife to her best friend Arrick. In her spare time, she gives honor to God by serving in her home church Greater Grace Temple of Springfield, OH. Also serving as a stylist for the American Cancer Society LGFB and she is a member of the Springfield Chapter of the Links, Inc. In her down time she enjoys reading, being in the bright sunshine and fellowshipping with her Sistahs!!
Edwina Harris - 2023-2025 President
Edwina M. Harris is the owner of Harris Notary Services, LLC. Her motto is “Making notarizing documents convenient.” As a notary public, Edwina has more
than 4,000 notarial acts under her belt since starting her business in 2019. She serves as a loan signing agent, an online notary, and a traveling notary where she takes and certifies acknowledgments, affidavits, wills, trusts, deeds, etc. Edwina contracts with various banks, mortgage companies, real-estate agents and title companies to generate the majority of her income. When possible, she provides free notarial services to the average customer in nursing homes, hospitals, and home-bound persons, while charging a service fee based on need and location. Edwina is a 20-year United States Air Force veteran. During her career, she has had many opportunities to do many things. Recruiting and being instructor are among the of those opportunities she experienced. Edwina had the opportunity to educate high school students about the scholarship process and how to be better prepared to
take advantage of those opportunities. She uses her public affairs and public speaking experiences to advocate and make people aware of a myriad of issues close to her heart. These issues include: financial planning, estate planning, life insurance, educational scholarships and opportunities and veteran benefits.
Edwina is married to McKinley Harris, III, who is 23-year U.S. Air Force Veteran and government contractor. They have two daughters, Baylor and McKayla, and a son, McKinley Harris, IV.
than 4,000 notarial acts under her belt since starting her business in 2019. She serves as a loan signing agent, an online notary, and a traveling notary where she takes and certifies acknowledgments, affidavits, wills, trusts, deeds, etc. Edwina contracts with various banks, mortgage companies, real-estate agents and title companies to generate the majority of her income. When possible, she provides free notarial services to the average customer in nursing homes, hospitals, and home-bound persons, while charging a service fee based on need and location. Edwina is a 20-year United States Air Force veteran. During her career, she has had many opportunities to do many things. Recruiting and being instructor are among the of those opportunities she experienced. Edwina had the opportunity to educate high school students about the scholarship process and how to be better prepared to
take advantage of those opportunities. She uses her public affairs and public speaking experiences to advocate and make people aware of a myriad of issues close to her heart. These issues include: financial planning, estate planning, life insurance, educational scholarships and opportunities and veteran benefits.
Edwina is married to McKinley Harris, III, who is 23-year U.S. Air Force Veteran and government contractor. They have two daughters, Baylor and McKayla, and a son, McKinley Harris, IV.