Page 100 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2025

A Sisterhood of Strength
Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies
Across South Mississippi, a powerful truth is rising—women are not just leading in their fields, they’re reshaping them. With servant hearts, sharp minds, and a deep commitment to community, women are rewriting the rules and lifting others as they climb.
From classrooms to courtrooms, coffee counters to film studios, this local group of women does more than show up— they lead, mentor, and move the needle. Their impact stretches far beyond résumés and accolades. These are the quiet forces and vocal change-makers behind real progress on the Gulf Coast. And they’re not just breaking barriers. They’re building legacies.
Meet the Powerhouses:
Taja Cunningham
STEM educator and founder of Girls ARE Boys CAN, empowering youth through education and innovation.
Stephanie Catlin Piper
USAF SAPR Advocate and award- winning volunteer dedicated to education and community service.
Inez DeShields
Veteran math educator and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. member with decades of recognized service.
Zelma Currie Holmes
Retired lab tech and longtime community leader committed to service and mentorship.
Delorise “Delo” Nettles
Owner of Delo’s Heavenly House of Coffee and business mentor, widely honored for service and impact.
Deborah Quave
Founder of Use Your Words, a healing movement focused on trauma recovery and empowerment.
Jerry Hopkins
Community organizer and nonprofit leader active in Moss Point civic life and events.
Donna Richardson
School nurse and health educator promoting wellness and care across her community.
100 | September 2025
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Cherie Ward
photos by David Pitmann, DP Photography