By Fred L. Jones, Jr.
Mia Fleming is one of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s outstanding women period, and will be honored by her peers and community as this year’s Woman of Color of the Year, at the 2017 Women of Color Expo in Tulsa at the newly renovated 36th Street Event Center. Mia has her hands in so many things from being a consummate philanthropist, to being one of the most in demand Photo Journalist in the nation, to Public Speaking all while being the wife of Tulsan of the Year Damario Solomon -Simmons.
It goes without saying that this incredible woman is working in her purpose, and giving back to her community, her city and her state. Interviewing some of the hottest Icons in the entertainment world, and continually staying focused on enhancing the lives of those she loves the most.
Mia insight-fully calls herself the #CharityChick, Mia took a leap of faith she stated: I love introducing amazing GIVE-back brands that will have you Looking GOOD! and Doing GOOD! More than two years ago, I left my successful career as a TV news anchor and reporter because I wanted to “Be the change I wanted to see in the world”. I wanted to do more than tell inspiring stories once in a while. I wanted to tell stories and share news every day that would change lives for the better!
The Oklahoma University alumnus has so many wonderful moments already on her resume with so many more to come as she continues to sew seeds and bless the lives of many others. Mia states on her website www.mmrwtv.com that: Whether you donate money or time, giving back is beneficial and not just for those who are receiving the giving. Giving is good for you, too! There are several scientific studies that show…doing good things for others makes you happier! So, I guess as the old saying goes…it really is better to give, than to receive. Studies have shown that the good feelings you experience when helping others may be just as important to your health as exercise and a healthy diet. And, there’s no denying that feeling you get when you’re really making a difference in someones life, it is the greatest feeling in the world.
There is so much need in the world. Many of us feel if we can’t write the big checks to support our favorite causes and charities, then we can’t do our part to help. That’s just not true. The “Mia’s Million Reasons Why” (MMRW) movement is all about creating a culture of giving in our everyday lives. There are so many different ways to give back, from volunteering, monetary donations, and yes, even shopping to look good all while also purchasing items that do good. We must remember, no act of kindness is too small. Collectively, we can all do our part to help others and change lives for the better, including our own.
Giving, for me personally, well, it’s just always been in me to want to do GOOD! While most kids played mom to their dolls or store clerk and cashier, I was playing like I was preacher telling my stuffed animals how to do right by their parents and help their friends. I also always played like I was a social worker helping others (my mom was a social worker, so I had a great teacher). As long as I can remember my mom would say, “Mia. you can’t save the world”, and even though I know she’s probably right, I will never stop trying.
The Women of Color Expo is the preeminent event for reaching 25-54 women of color in the Tulsa metro area. It provides a personal marketing opportunity that is unsurpassed in the market place. The audience is diverse across several socio-economic levels and provides sponsors and exhibitors an opportunity to market their products and services to the largest group of women of color gathered in one place in the state!
This years categorical honorees are Lifetime Achievement Award: Colleen J. Payne-Nabors Public Servant of the Year: Dion Owens MD, Entrepreneur of the Year: Risha D. Grant, Educator of the Year: Diahanne McClellan, Impact Woman of the Year: Pamela Smith.
For information or to purchase tickets contact Kenyatta Terry at (918) 494-9886.
