Photo : MBK Photography
Photo : Kelly Frost
DONNA BAXTER PORCHER DR . APRIL AVERY TORRENCE
CEO and Tech Diva , Soul Pitt Media www . TheSoulPitt . com
It wasn ’ t until my darkest hour that I realized how important the female friends I have in my life are to me . They stepped up like sisters when my mom passed in 2014 .
Most people may not know I used to be a rap artist signed to a label in California and then with one in Pittsburgh , Pa . During that time , I did small tours , had my videos featured on BET , and frequently performed on the PBS show Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego ? I didn ’ t know it at that time , but those years of my life prepared me for entrepreneurship and dealing with public speaking , branding , competition , and inspiring audiences . Now , I am passionate about technology and teaching people , especially the technically challenged , to embrace it and use it to get ahead , build their business and personal brand , and so much more .
I grew up in the small steel town of Johnstown , Pa ., and I watched my father , one of the only minority bosses at the wire mill , deal with blatant racial discrimination on the job daily , but it didn ’ t stop him from creating a great life for our family . As an African-American woman , I know I can ’ t let little digs and jabs get to me , or they will become obstacles and defeat me . That ’ s why I keep it moving , just like my dad . Our present actions are creating the future that generations will inherit . My dream is that this generation gets it together NOW so the future can have what they need to succeed .
Founder and Executive Director at Zion Education Center
Having a sisterhood that has my back means endless possibilities . I know that my mission can be heard around the globe .
I am passionate about helping others reach their fullest potential through education , entrepreneurship , and empowerment . Young children can become scholars , entrepreneurs , scientists , engineers , world leaders , and technological geniuses . I want them to rise to the forefront of their classrooms and show the world that this generation possesses the greatest minds known to mankind . I have instilled these dreams in my own children and expect nothing shy of the impossible !
As an African-American woman , my pecan tan complexion has created many obstacles in my life . For example , I was hired for a position in 2014 to lead a predominantly white organization , but after I reported to the office , another candidate was awarded the position . The wounds of blatant discrimination are still open .
Being the ONLY minority in the room helps others turn a deaf ear to my words , even when I offer expertise to colleagues . Being a business owner , I have dealt with mistrust issues and have been hindered by the mistakes of other minorities , like their ethical dilemmas .
Being part of the Global Sisterhood means that people will celebrate my success regardless of my skin pigmentation . I also know that as my sisterhood grows , more opportunities await me to meet the world ' s most incredible women from all walks of life . Our multicultural network is amazing , and the United Nations should take notice of how we are ROCKING THE GLOBE !
WINTER 2017 INSPIRING LIVES 35