🎟 Words That Lead · April 15, 2026 · Jackson, Mississippi · Get Tickets — $40
The Next
Little
Black Book
of Success
BY
Elaine Meryl Brown · Marsha Haygood · Rhonda Joy McLean
Three nationally acclaimed Black women executives bring their no-nonsense wisdom to Jackson, Mississippi — live and in person. Meet the authors. Hear their story. Transform your leadership.
April 15, 2026 · Jackson, Mississippi
Words
That Lead
A Celebration of Black Women's Leadership
Presented by Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc. — celebrating 48 years of advocacy, awareness, and action — this landmark event brings three of America's most respected leadership voices directly to our community for an evening of dialogue, inspiration, and connection.
Date
April 15, 2026
Location
Jackson, Mississippi
Ticket Price
$40 per person
Presented by
Women for Progress of MS
Search "Words That Lead" on Eventbrite · Early purchase encouraged
Event Countdown
Why This Event Matters
Premier women's leadership event in Jackson, Mississippi
Direct access to nationally recognized thought leaders
Opportunities for networking, mentorship & professional growth
Elevates Mississippi as a space for women's leadership and influence
Schedule
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Networking & Book Signing
Meet the authors, get your copy signed, and connect with fellow leaders. Books available for purchase on site.
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Book Talk & Discussion
A moderated conversation exploring the leadership insights of The Next Little Black Book of Success, with audience Q&A.
Attire & Details
Dress Code
Business Casual or Professional Casual
Preferred colors: Black & Pink (not required)
Books
Available for purchase on site
Author Signing
Authors will be signing books during the networking hour
Photos
Photo opportunities with the authors available
Event Moderators
The evening's discussion will be moderated by Dr. Lemia Jenkins. Panelists include Elaine Meryl Brown, Rhonda Joy McLean, and Dr. Theresa Horne — bringing nationally recognized expertise in leadership, law, media, and community development to the stage.
Dr. Lemia Jenkins
President, Brownkey Consulting Group
ModeratorDr. Lemia Jenkins is the President of Brownkey Consulting Group, a dynamic leadership and organizational development firm. A seasoned strategist and executive, she brings deep expertise in business consulting, community engagement, and professional development to every conversation she leads.
Dr. Tonja Murphy
Writer · Author · Educator · Author Coach
Opening: Setting the StageDr. Tonja Murphy is a celebrated writer, published author, educator, and author coach dedicated to helping others find and amplify their voice. Her work sits at the intersection of storytelling, scholarship, and community empowerment, making her a natural guide for conversations about leadership and legacy.
Dr. Theresa Horne
VP Community & Business Development, JP Morgan Chase
Local Leader PanelistDr. Theresa Horne serves as Vice President of Community & Business Development at JP Morgan Chase, where she leads strategic initiatives that connect financial resources with community growth. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to economic empowerment, civic leadership, and the advancement of women in business.
Established May 11, 1978
About Women for Progress
of Mississippi, Inc.
Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc. was chartered on May 11, 1978, as a non-profit, non-partisan community improvement organization of action-oriented, influential, and talented individuals. Under the leadership of Mrs. Dorothy T. Stewart, founder and first president, Women For Progress's mission was to become a catalyst for:
This is more than a conversation;
it's an investment in growth.
— Women for Progress of Mississippi
Your Mentors
in Your Pocket
Hardcover · 176 Pages
Published Jan 13, 2026
Penguin Random House
As "mentors in your pocket," three successful Black women executives share their strategies for playing, and ultimately winning, the power game in corporate America. This updated edition of their 2009 classic The Little Black Book of Success offers all corporate professionals — from college students to entry level employees, senior executives to global leaders — across all industries advice to help them find success.
Anchored in the wisdom of experience — navigating their own transitions from high-powered corporate jobs to becoming entrepreneurs, authors, public speakers, and community leaders — Brown, Haygood, and McLean share all they have learned (and wish they had known), so future generations of professionals can benefit and flourish at work and beyond.
Meet the Authors
Three powerhouse executives. One transformative book. One unforgettable evening in Jackson, Mississippi. Get ready to meet them in person at Words That Lead on April 15, 2026.
© Gerald Peart · 2025
Elaine Meryl Brown
Emmy Award-Winning Writer & Producer
Elaine Meryl Brown is a Daytime Emmy Award-Winning Writer and producer, former Vice President of Special Markets and Creative Services at HBO, and Creative Director at Showtime. At HBO, she led a team that launched and created content for HBO's digital platforms and established the in-house agency. Her passion for writing led to two critically acclaimed novels — Lemon City and Playing by the Rules — both published by Random House, as well as the Amazon bestseller The Little Black Book of Success. As the result of the book's success, Elaine has spoken at Fortune 500 companies including Johnson & Johnson, ESPN, Exxon Mobil, Ogilvy and Mather, and Warner Bros. Chosen as one of The Network Journal's 25 Influential Black Women in Business, she is a graduate of Wheaton College and holds a Mini MBA in Digital Marketing from Rutgers University.
Marsha Haygood
President & Founder, StepWise Associates, LLC
Marsha Haygood was the President and Founder of StepWise Associates, LLC, a career and personal development consultancy she built following a 25+ year career as a corporate executive in Human Resources. She was formerly the EVP of Human Resources and Administration at New Line Cinema and Orion Pictures. At StepWise, Marsha utilized her expansive knowledge of talent development to assist corporations, organizations, and individuals in managing the challenges and changes of workplace culture. A founding member of Black Women of Influence, she received numerous honors for her contributions to business, community service, and leadership development. Her guidance, humor, and thoughtful presence were gifts she shared generously with all who were fortunate to know her. Marsha's legacy continues in the countless leaders she helped shape and the readers she inspired.
Rhonda Joy McLean
President & CEO, RJMLEADS LLC | Yale Law School Graduate
Rhonda Joy McLean is President and CEO of RJMLEADS LLC, a leadership consulting and career advancement company based in New York City. She is the former Deputy General Counsel of Time Inc., where she managed one-third of the law department and provided legal counsel to over 200 clients for nearly 20 years — including Time, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, People, and Essence. A graduate of Yale Law School, she is a past chair and lifetime emeritus member of the Yale Law School Executive Committee, representing more than 16,000 alumni. She has been honored by the New York Women's Foundation, the Association of Black Women Attorneys, the National Organization of Women, and Yale Law School. In June 2023, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Rogue Media Group, and in October 2024, the Social Justice Award from the Alliance of Families for Justice.
Event Partners
Words That Lead is made possible through the partnership of organizations committed to advancing Black women in leadership, law, and community life.
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.
Central Mississippi Chapter
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) advocates on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. The Central Mississippi Chapter brings this mission to life through local programming, civic engagement, and community partnerships across the Jackson metro area.
Metro Jackson Black Women Lawyers Association
MJBWLA
The Metro Jackson Black Women Lawyers Association (MJBWLA) is comprised of Black women lawyers, judges, and law professors in the Jackson, MS metro area. The organization is dedicated to the professional advancement of its members, the promotion of justice, and the empowerment of the broader community through legal education, mentorship, and civic leadership.
What People
Are Saying
The Next Little Black Book of Success is exactly what we need in this moment: equal parts wisdom, courage, and care. Elaine, Marsha, and Rhonda don't just tell us how to succeed; they show us how to lead with intention, resilience, and generosity in a world that too often overlooks our brilliance. This book is a roadmap, a mirror, and a reminder that none of us rises alone.
Daisy Auger-Domínguez
Author of Burnt Out to Lit Up and Inclusion Revolution
An outstanding update to an essential career guidebook. It provides key advice on how to successfully navigate the new realities of the workplace.
Henry McGee
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
A brilliant guide that reminds us that leadership is not only about personal success but also about legacy—and lifting others up as we rise. It's about shaping a future where every seat at the table is earned and shared. These principles have been central to my own career journey and success.
Maria Weaver
Managing Director, Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips & Former Global President, Warner Music Experience
Your Questions,
Answered
Why is this event important for women in Mississippi?
+Why should women attend this event?
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+Get Your Copy
Hardcover · $25.00
Ebook · Available
Audiobook · Available
Buy from Penguin Random House →Women for Progress of Mississippi · 48th Anniversary
Words That Lead
April 15, 2026
Jackson, Mississippi · $40 per person
Attendees will leave with tools, connections, and inspiration to impact their leadership and career journey. Early purchase is encouraged — seats are limited.
Reserve Your Seat on Eventbrite →Search "Words That Lead" at WordsThatLead.eventbrite.com