This Women’s History Month, join Social X MKE as we celebrate women who inspire, overcome and re-write history with a shared voice. We’ve curated a panel of phenomenal women in Milwaukee to discuss how they’re breaking down barriers and exuding an entrepreneurial spirit!
PANELISTS
Nicole Acosta - Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, a first generation multi-disciplinary Mexican artist. Whether through visual art, written word or photography-most of Nicole’s work reflects the exploration of identity, experience, place, culture, and storytelling.
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Management from Alverno College and is a proud graduate of the Milwaukee high school of the Arts, and prior to her transfer to Alverno, spent years at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and Milwaukee Area Technical College studying photography. Nicole is a former member of LUNA (Latinas Unidas eN Las Artes) an artist collective based in Milwaukee, WI. Her HOOPS Project is being nationally recognized and her current focus.
“The study of existence emerges through images, film, and story found in the HOOPS project. This body of work expresses themes like reclamation, power, belonging, and place. All of which inspire and advance conversations around erasure, decolonization, and representation. HOOPS also considers culture, language, memory, and ritual as a mode to go beyond traditional archives. As a contemporary artist, it’s important for me to create art that allows me to understand myself better, experience deep joy and love, and form meaningful relationships through communal experiences such as HOOPS.”
Markia LaShay - Markia is a multi-cultural hair extension specialist. Specializing in tape-ins, hand tied wefts, volume wefts, Microlinks, and closure wigs. Markia’s favorite thing to do is bridal hair and teaching aspiring beauty professionals. Markia has been licensed for over a decade. She's the co-owner of The Charm Suite alongside her business partner, Jean Canady, whom they met in beauty school over 10 years ago. Markia has worked with local artists, influencers, photographers, and videographers. She’s been published four times out of her career. Markia offers solutions for women with thinning or ALOPECIA hair.
Rhondi Love - Rhondi is the founder and owner of Edith, a specialty cocktail bar in downtown Milwaukee. Leveraging the unique lessons she learned from public service and non-profit work, Rhondi made a seamless transition into the world of hospitality. Rhondi learned the value of serving at an early age growing up on Milwaukee's northside and has always had an unrelenting passion for empowering and serving people. Rhondi values dedication and service, and wants to be known as someone who inspires others to do what makes them happy.
Tomira White - Tomira is a wife, mother, chef, and owner of Delicious Bites, which has been in operation for five years. Tomira has a Bachelors of Science and a Masters in Psychology. In addition she has completed several business incubator programs to assist with establishing and growing Delicious Bites. Tomira has always been creative and had a passion for food, which was instilled by her grandmother, a serial entrepreneur, and owner of four restaurants in the city of Milwaukee.
Tomira is extremely passionate about cooking and preparing delicious and quality meals. Tomira thrives on creativity in the kitchen and enjoys putting her spin on traditional dishes, and values the use of quality ingredients. Outside of the kitchen Tomira enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and fashion.
Moderator
Marquayla Ellison is co-owner and president of Social X MKE, a young professional diversity and inclusion consulting group. She is also the owner and creative force behind Ellastic Designs ,a small design firm set on creating custom digital and print designs for corporations, small businesses and nonprofits.
Since May 17, 2011, Ellastic Designs has illustrated a creative vision for many clients including: Traci Braxton, The Milwaukee Health Department, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Medical College of WI, Near West Side Partners, and Milwaukee Film – just to name a few.
In 2022, she was honored as a Milwaukee Business Journal “40 Under 40” and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County “Philanthropic 5” honoree. She serves the community by facilitating art sessions and was recently appointed by the Milwaukee County Executive to serve on the Charles Allis Art Museum & Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum Board. Marquayla is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., AIGA, and chaired The City of Milwaukee Millennial Task Force.