Saturday, February 20, at 11:30 a.m

In honor of the outstanding contributions to their community, The OBSERVER Media Group, along with Intel Corp., is hosting the annual “Women of Inspiration” luncheon during the Capital City BLACK EXPO set for the Sacramento Convention Center.

The “Women of Inspiration” luncheon will take place Saturday, February 20, at 11:30 a.m.

Five of Sacramento’s outstanding African American women will be recognized for their distinguished civic and community contributions.

Here is a description of the 2010 Women of Inspiration Award honorees:

Dr. Ramona Bishop

Education Administrator

Dr. Ramona Bishop has long been a champion for education. Her distinguished achievements and academic background reflect this. Dr. Bishop earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley, a master of science degree in Educational Leadership from California State University, Hayward and a doctorate of education from the University of Pacific, in Stockton, Calif.

She is currently the Associate Superintendent for the Curriculum and Academic Achievement Division in the new Twin Rivers Unified School District.

After completing her education she wasted little time in utilizing her special set of skills, serving as an elementary school Principal, and later, as Superintendent of the Del Paso Heights School District.

Her talent, hard work and determination have been recognized. She’s been commended as CSA Region 3 Superintendent of the Year. She earned the Distinguished Educator Award given by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, as well as the Silver Star Award from the Association of California School Administrators. She also received the Governor’s Performance Award in 2000.

A strong Christian foundation is attributed to Dr. Bishop’s success along with the support and love of her husband, Dwayne Bishop, and two daughters, Kilan and Malia. Dr. Bishop continues to change lives through education.

Betty Davis,

Cultural Gift Store Entrepreneur

Despite having successfully run a business for more than 16 years, cultural gift store entrepreneur Betty Davis says that her greatest achievement has been seeing all three of her children graduate from college.

However, much of the success she’s had as a parent can be attributed to learning the ropes of entrepreneurship.

In 1992, Ms. Davis opened the Culture Collection. She sought to provide a unique retail outlet where consumers, looking for special African and African American products, could find what they wanted and could enjoy their shopping experience.

Born in Marshall, Mo., Ms. Davis attended California State University, Sacramento, earning a bachelor of arts degree. From there she continued her studies at the University of California at Berkeley where she obtained a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).

Much of her inspiration to achieve came from a loving father, Herman “Ace” Lawson. Lawson was a well-known Tuskegee Airman, who later became a City Councilman in Sacramento. Ms. Davis calls him “her hero.”

Other experiences in her childhood contributed to Ms. Davis’ outstanding achievements. Growing up in a military family, she had a unique opportunity to travel and live internationally. For example, she lived in England from age 7 to 16.

Ms. Davis is married to the person she describes as her “best friend.” The couple has successfully raised three children, Vais, Aliya and Cecilee. Like their parents, the Davis children feel a special need to give back to the community.

Margaret Fortune

Education Consultant

Margaret Fortune grew up in a household that knew the value of a good education. Her father, a former school superintendent, sent her to the best colleges in the country. Ms. Fortune has been an education adviser to two California governors — most recently as senior adviser to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

She currently serves on the board of trustees for the California State University System. As a trustee, she helps govern the 23-campus system, the largest university system in the United States.

Ms. Fortune has also served as assistant education secretary under Governor Gray Davis, and she currently leads Fortune School of Education, a graduate school targeting mid-career professionals studying to become credentialed teachers.

Early in her career, Ms. Fortune was the founding superintendent of Sacramento’s St. HOPE Public Schools. As such, she helped a struggling Sacramento High School get on track, converting it into a charter school. Later she was instrumental in opening PS7, a K-8th grade campus. PS7’s student population is 80 percent African American and 70 percent low income.

Ms. Fortune holds a baccalaureate degree in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley, where she was the first African American woman to be elected Student Body President. She earned a master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Wanda Lewis

Trailblazing State Service Advocate

Anyone who can go back 33 years as a state worker has witnessed a lot of changes, especially as it relates to Black hires, promotions and the emergence of an appreciation for diversity in State Service.

Wanda Lewis has seen it all. Her accomplishments are proof that she was the change she sought to observe.

With her goals set on making her community more inclusive of state resources, she took a position with the State of California’s Employment Development Department. She grew within the department, ultimately becoming a manager, supervising Veteran Services, Unemployment Insurance and County Social Workers.

Ms. Lewis distinguished herself in a number of initiatives and programs.

As she matured as a state worker, the trailblazing Ms. Lewis helped develop the Independent Living Program (ILP) for foster youth, created California’s first Statewide child adoption conference, and established one of the first pools of minority foster and adoptive parents.

Ms. Lewis reached out to other African American employees by serving as statewide President of Black Advocates in State Service (BASS), during which time she designed and implemented the state’s first multi-ethnic advocacy training conference.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Ms. Lewis has been married for 50 years. She is the mother of four and grandmother of three.

Tina Roberts

Family Center Co-Fonder

Tina Roberts has devoted the last 25 years of her professional life to improving the living conditions of children and families in Sacramento. As co-founder of the Roberts Family Development Center, along with her husband, Derrell Roberts, she provides educational and support services to families in the diverse neighborhood of North Sacramento.

Ms. Roberts earned valuable experience as an administrator and program manager in Health and Human Services, with the Sacramento Community Clinic Consortium. The agency is responsible for securing financial resources, and advocacy on behalf of the state’s uninsured and underinsured. She also served as associate director of the Center For Community Health and Well-Being Inc., the Birthing Project Clinic, for 10 years.

Her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. She was selected as the YMCA’s Woman of the Year in 2001. She was also awarded for her service on the Sacramento Public Health Disparity Advisory Board.

Ms. Roberts has served on the California State Department of Health Services Citizens Advisory Board, and as a board member of the Birthing Project USA. The Birthing Project is nationally recognized for providing services to assure that healthy babies are born in poor communities.

Ms. Roberts is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, a part of the Penn State System of Higher Education. She is happily married to her Roberts Family Development Center partner, Derrell Roberts.

Words of inspiration will be given during the program by Barbara Perkins, author of the book, “Sistahs at the Well.” Ms. Perkins currently serves as Executive Director of the International Black Women Public Policy Institute.

During the luncheon, a special tribute will be paid to California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, who has served as Assembly Speaker since 2008. The legislative term of Ms. Bass will end later this year.