KEISCHA, DIANE, TONYA AND SONYA

As leaders, we are all dedicated to helping the organization succeed. The City of Rochester is very fortunate to have these women leading Sisters Together Achieving Results, Inc.

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Keischa J. Higdon

As the founder and full-time CEO of Sisters Together Achieving Results, Inc., (STAR, Inc.), Keischa J. Higdon has been a vital part of the success of STAR, Inc. to date and her vision is the moving force behind the growth of the organization. Herself a Rochester, New York native, Keischa cares deeply about the nurturing and development of young women globally but in particular those in her home town whose lives are changing by their participation in STAR, Inc. Such passion does not go unnoticed; it results in a Woman to Watch award. On February 25, 2012; at the City of Rochester 10th Annual Black Heritage Gala: Year of the Black Woman, Keischa received a black heritage pioneer award for touching in a positive way the lives of the young women of the city of Rochester. On May 7, 2011, The Rochester Chapter of The Links Inc. presented Keischa a White Rose of Friendship Services to Youth award. READ MORE


Diane E. Bowens

Diane is founder and Finance Manager of Sisters Together Achieving Results, Inc., (STAR, Inc.). As a past participant of the Rochester Debutante Club she desired to see more positive female role models involved in the community. Due to the humbling beginnings imparted in her at an early age by her parents, Diane realizes her ability to connect with young ladies to help empower them to uncover their purpose through guidance, inspiration and motivation. She serves as a devoted, resourceful and team-oriented individual dedicated to producing timely and cost-effective results. READ MORE


Tonya L. Barnes

Tonya is founder and program coordinator for Sisters Together Achieving Results Inc. A native Rochesterian and is currently Regional Systems Trainer at a Women‚ Health Clinic where she has been employed for 16 years. She is a graduate of the University of Buffalo. She received her Family Development Credentialing through Cornell University in 1999. Tonya has also been trained in Lean Six Sigma and has successfully completed 3 projects using its methodology. Tonya has a passion for working with youth which began soon after graduating from college. She spent the early years of her career counseling youth through the Salvation Army, Urban League and Center for Youth Services. READ MORE


Sonya Lawhorn

Sonya is our Preventive Education Manager, and a 2011 Leadership Rochester graduate. A 1994 graduate of the United Way African American Leadership Development Program, Sonya is also affiliated with: Monroe County Inter-Agency Council, Reclaiming Youth Collaborative, Greater Rochester Mother of Twins Club, Rochester City School District Hall of Fame, and is a member of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Sonya was affiliated with the Rochester Debutante Club and made her debut in 1983. READ MORE