A Love Story

An article was published in the Courier Journal about the story of my Husband and me. 

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AKA Biography:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              

Contact: Christie McCravy 502-494-1146

September 18, 2013

Spalding University and First African American Sorority

 To Honor Women Entrepreneurs/Leaders-

Alice Houston to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

On Monday, October 7, 2013, Spalding University College of Education Leadership Education Doctoral Program and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), Eta Omega Chapter will honor five women for their outstanding community and professional achievements. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m., at the Spalding Kosair Ballroom, 812 S. 2^nd Street (former Kosair Shriners Building), 3^rd Floor, Louisville, KY 40203. Emmy award winning journalist Richelle McCoy will be the guest speaker.

The event is sponsored by the Economic Security Initiatives (ESI) Committee of the Eta Omega chapter and the Spalding University College of Education. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Black Butterflies-Soaring Towards Your season of Greatness.”

Sherrie Bethea, president of the Eta Omega chapter, states, “For many years, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has fostered financial excellence as part of our program. We believe it is crucial for women to avail themselves of every opportunity to become self-sufficient, and to translate their gifts and talents into successful businesses and programs.  The women we have chosen as this year’s recipients exude the spirit, excellence, and leadership that has placed them at the forefront as successful entrepreneurs. It is an honor to place a well-deserved award in their hands.”

Dr. Rita Greer, Director of EDD and Advanced Graduate Education Programs at SU states: We are excited about collaborating with AKA Sorority again this year in recognizing outstanding women entrepreneurs and leaders in our community.  The EDD program’s mission is to identify, educate and support emergent leaders, like these women.  We are especially pleased to be able to recognize an outstanding individual for her selflessness and dedication to the community as well.  “Transforming Today’s Leaders for Tomorrow’s World” is truly an attainable goal when we have such strong collaborative partners and role models.

Alice Kean Houston, president and CEO, Houston-Johnson, Inc., will receive a special lifetime achievement award. Other 2013 honorees are:

·       Paula McCraney – P Mc and Associates, Professional Management Consultants firm, and owner of Traveling Boutique since 2011.

·       Delanor Manson – Co-Owner/Artist – Koi Gallery at the Galt House.

·       Peggy Hankins – CEO – PAH Designs LLC – event planner and designer.

·       Rhonda Branch – Educator and student advocate.

Please plan to attend this exciting event. For more information, contact Christie McCravy at

502-494-1146.

Delanor Manson

Although her career spans diverse accomplishments in the medical field, military (she was a captain in the US Navy) and community involvement, she has always nourished an innate creativity. While living in Japan, she studied art forms such as ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, and origami, the traditional Japanese art of folding paper, but it is the beauty of stones that fascinated her as a child and led to the natural progression of jewelry designer.   Her jewelry was showcased at various juried art shows throughout the region and at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft while also being featured at Rodes for Her, Karen of Course, The Shop at the Brown, Aesthetics in Jewelry and other high-end boutiques.

In 2008, she opened Koi Gallery at the Galt House Hotel to exhibit and sell her jewelry.   As a member of the art community, she also supports local, regional and national artisans by showcasing and selling their paintings, sculptures and other art pieces in Koi Gallery.   About 20 percent of the artists showcased in the gallery are emerging artists. She has garnered national acclaim, as evidenced by the designs for poet, activist and educator Nikki Giovanni and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Other recognitions include: 2009-“Salute to Style” in the Courier Journal Scene [section]; 2010-recognized as a style ICON in Her Scene; Most Admired Woman in the Arts by Today’s Woman magazine in 2012; 2013 EPIC award finalist for the Woman Business Owner of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO); and in July 2013 featured in Mogul Magazine in an article entitled “Not a Boutique, but a Gallery of Jewelry and Art Infusion”.Ms. Manson’s community affiliations include: the Woman’s Club of Louisville, Look Consortium of Galleries, The Fillies and the Health Committee-Women’s Club of Louisville.

“Each time I design a piece of jewelry, I am acutely aware of the meditative and learning processes that result from caressing gemstones from all corners of the earth. I consider designing to be a journey, one in which I continually explore and relish the exquisite interplay of shape, color and texture as they meld into one piece that I hope will be treasured as much as I loved bringing it to life.”

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White House Recingition for Desgining a Necklace for First Lady, Michele Obama

100 Fascinating Women: Delanor Manson:

Read the full article at: http://100flw.com

Nawbo: Epic Honor: