Influential Mamas
Moms Who Rock
Ariel DeNey Rainey is the CEO and Founder of Hustle Mommies, a social service agency rooted in policy, advocacy, and social work that is transforming how mothers are empowered to lead within their families, businesses, and communities. She is also a Creative Strategist dedicated to brands, innovation, and community building, with collaborations that include Nike, Amazon, Walmart, and Hip-Hop icon MC Lyte. Guided by her lived experience and a vision for systemic change, Ariel has created groundbreaking initiatives under the Hustle Mommies brand, such as Paint The Hood Orange, a violence prevention and healing movement, and Pitch Like A Mom, a pitch competition that invests in Black mom-owned businesses. These efforts reflect her commitment to addressing community needs through innovative programs that blend advocacy with direct impact.
In addition to her community-based initiatives, Ariel has expanded Hustle Mommies’ reach through programs like #EducateUS, which champions equitable education for urban and rural Black families, and Mom Means Business, a platform designed to cultivate entrepreneurship and financial independence among mothers. Her signature healing program, Mom Who Grew From Concrete, highlights the resilience of mothers overcoming trauma and adversity while creating pathways to wellness and stability. Through these programs, Ariel has positioned Hustle Mommies as more than an organization—it is a movement that builds bridges between mothers and the resources they need to thrive.
Recognized for her leadership and global vision, Ariel was named an Obama USA Global Leader for 2025–2026, an honor that underscores her influence in shaping policies and solutions that uplift women and families worldwide. With Hustle Mommies, Ariel continues to inspire a national and international network of mothers, advocates, and changemakers dedicated to ensuring that moms are not only seen and heard but also equipped with the tools to lead change in every sphere of life.
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Nethra Hill is a passionate advocate for motherhood, early education, and community empowerment. A devoted mother of four innovative, God-fearing children, Nethra has made motherhood her life’s greatest calling. She created the Blueprint to Bloom Project, a transformative initiative that supports social, emotional, and educational growth of mothers and children in under-resourced communities. Her impactful work earned a five-figure grant and support from national organizations such as Vela Education Fund and The National Parent Union.
Her dedication to uplifting families earned her a front-page feature in The St. Louis American, Missouri’s largest weekly newspaper, alongside her children, sharing her mission and programs with the world.
Nethra is the founder of Rose Aroma Nation, a growing grassroots movement focused on enhancing the spiritual and cultural well-being of mothers and families from the ground up. She also leads Mamas Teach, a socially responsible business that provides educational resources, empowerment tools, and parent-focused products. Her work has served organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama, St. Louis area daycares, and families across the United States.
She is a proud graduate of the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University, where she earned her certificate in business.
Nethra enjoys poetry, reading, crafting, and teaching. She is a proud resident of Ferguson, Missouri, where she continues to inspire others through faith, education, and the power of motherhood.
Lumbie Mlambo is a visionary leader at the intersection of music, philanthropy, and global advocacy. As the founder of JB Dondolo and JB Dondolo International Records (J.B.D.I.R.), she has transformed her passion for music into a powerful platform for social impact. With an unwavering commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, Lumbie serves as a Music Talent Manager and Publisher, using her expertise to empower emerging artists while addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through campaigns such as International Music for Water, she has harnessed the universal power of music to raise awareness around water scarcity, inspire sustainable living, and promote global unity. Her work
has helped bridge the gap between artistry and advocacy, making music not only a tool for entertainment but also a catalyst for meaningful change.
Lumbie's philanthropic journey is deeply personal and rooted in legacy. Inspired by her late father—a humble, orphaned man with no formal education who became a respected humanitarian in his community—Lumbie founded the nonprofit organization JB Dondolo in his
honor. Armed with degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from Indiana University South Bend and Texas Woman’s University, she turned her technical background into a force for good. Her work focuses on equitable access to clean water, gender equality, and community
empowerment, especially for women and girls. As a Global Goals Ambassador, she is an advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, consistently working to close systemic gaps in underserved communities. Whether through providing clean water or
advocating for education and health, Lumbie's mission is deeply rooted in justice, dignity, and empowerment for all.
A highly sought-after speaker and advocate, Lumbie has lent her voice to global stages
including the UN Science Summit during the United Nations General Assembly, where she serves as a session Convenor. She actively participates in a variety of impactful organizations and initiatives, including judging for Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), leading as a Hub Lead for
the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and advising youth-focused organizations like NEYA and
Accelerate Africa. Her community engagement extends to her volunteer work with Rotary International and her presence at events such as World Water Day, International Women’s Day, and Women in Technology. Lumbie has delivered keynote talks for the University of Arizona
Forbes School of Business, European Technology Chamber, SHE-UNLEASHED, Girl Scouts of America, The State of Women, and more. Across every platform, she continues to use her voice, experience, and influence to advocate for those often unheard—demonstrating that
music, technology, and advocacy are powerful tools for building a more just and resilient world.
Connect with Lumbie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lumbie-mlambo-7ab65019/
and visit her charity website at https://jbdondolo.org
Auntéa Marie has consistently contributed to the community, and the culture, through her creative endeavors and businesses. Her expertise includes a variety of unique skill sets such as public relations, live event production, entertainment media, and brand strategy. Most importantly, she is a proud mom of a dynamic son who is just as ambitious as she is.
Auntéa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kids Fashion Week Network, a non-profit organization established in 2017, that has created a lane for youth working in the fashion, arts, and entertainment industries. The Network works closely with young professionals, providing various exposure and development opportunities, raising their professional standards, and setting them up for success! Beyond the runway, KFW Network is a community for creative youth to grow and work together in an adult-dominated industry.
Auntéa has also contributed over 17 years as a high-profile Publicist, representing a variety of public figures and notable organizations through her creative communications firm, Media International Public Relations & Marketing. She prides herself in achieving results and crafting opportunities that surpass her client’s goals and expectations.
With a tenacious drive and a well-defined focus, Auntéa only believes in one option, Excellence!
Ekene Onu is the Chief Principal of Refresh With Ekene LLC, a Coaching & Consulting company and the Founder of the Iconic Womanhood brand.
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She has coached women executives of color from Bank of America, HBO, NBC Universal, Graca Machel Trust, Union Bank, AT&T, Eli Lilly, and the Morehouse School of Medicine.
Her unique holistic style of executive coaching supports the whole leader & her clients increase performance & feel more connected, happy and engaged & find deep meaning in their work.
Through these initiatives, she has built a community of intentional women who are profitable and purposeful.
She also leads workshops and retreats gloabally, and has been featured in various media publications for television and magazines in both the USA and West Africa.
LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/ekeneonu
Dr. Ankrehah “Kre” Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician. She is from Marion, Alabama, and absolutely loves her Black Belt roots. Dr. Kre is a proud graduate of Spelman College and has her Bachelor of Science in Biology. After leaving Spelman she took some time to transition before medical school and attended a post baccalaureate program at SIU at Carbondale in Illinois. Once admitted to medical school she travailed the cold and attended Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri. Happy to get back to her southern roots, Dr. Kre completed her Family Medicine residency and training at St. Vincents East Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Immediately after residency Dr. Kre started her own practice Brownstone Healthcare. She is the Medical Director for Brownstone BWell, The City of Birmingham Employee Health Clinic & Living Well PrEP & HIV Clinic.
She resides in Trussville with her husband Jay, have 2 children London and Zoe, and 2 dogs Apollo & Izzy.