High Heels in High Places® is a premier celebration of the influential women reshaping the landscapes of music, ministry, entertainment, and business. More than a phrase, High Heels in High Places® represents a new era of influence—where “high heels” no longer represent a fashion statement, but a symbol of the bold strides women take as they navigate tradition and ambition; it honors the ascent of women into the highest tiers of leadership. High Heels in High Places® is a powerful reflection of today’s smart woman—leading with style, unwavering confidence and purpose. Join us for this signature moment during the Power Breakfast at the NABFEME Women’s Gospel Summit, experience the power of their journeys, hear the stories and witness the strength of women in high places.👠👠
Moderator — Jessica Grace
Jessica Grace White is an award-winning empowerment speaker, author, and multimedia personality with a distinguished career in Gospel media. As a producer at Memphis’ Stellar Award-winning 1480 AM WBBP, Jessica developed acclaimed programming like The Youth Platform Show and Growing With Grace, hosting icons such as CeCe Winans and John P. Kee. Her technical expertise was further honed at Grammy-nominated Bountiful Blessings, Inc., where she directed video and production for legends like Dr. Charles Hayes. Notably, Jessica served as Video Director for the National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Awards, honoring global figures like Eva Longoria and Dr. Wangari Maathi. Her journey came full circle through her multimedia tribute to the late Bishop G. E. Patterson, the visionary who first sparked her career in journalism. Currently, Jessica serves as an on-camera correspondent for JesusWired.com, covering premier industry events such as the “Red Carpet” at the Stellar Awards!
Jackie Patillo
Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association since 2010, is an energetic force for progress within the Christian and Gospel music community, working tirelessly to bring all genres of Christian music together into one unified community, celebrating all voices under one banner of glorifying the kingdom of God. As leader of the GMA, Patillo is the driving force behind the GMA Dove Awards. Inducted into the Stellar Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2019, she also serves on the Gospel Music Trust Fund as a trustee, Lipscomb Universities College of Entertainment and Artists Advisory Board, Studio Bank Founders Advisory Board and Love Justice International Board addressing the plight of human trafficking.
Wendy Moten
Born in Memphis and currently based in Nashville, Wendy Moten is affectionately known in various industry circles as “The Voice!” Multi-talented, she launched her career with a self-titled 1992 EMI album that included the ballad “Come In Out Of The Rain,” which reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and later hit the Top Ten on the UK singles chart. Wendy has shared the stage with Michael Bolton, Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Julio Iglesias, Vince Gill and many others. At age 56, she entered the NBC TV talent competition “The Voice” where she finished as the show’s runner-up. Wendy set the stage for her emergence as a bona fide country artist with numerous live Music City performances including the Grand Ole Opry where she is a consistent seat-filler!
State Representative Karen Camper
Tennessee’s first African-American woman to lead a caucus in the state’s General Assembly, Representative Karen D. Camper represents the 87th District. She holds critical positions in committees such as House Finance, Ways and Means, Government Operations, Commerce, Calendar and Rules, Banking and Consumer Affairs, and the House Select Committee on Ethics. Representative Karen D. Camper, a Memphis native, is the former President of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL) and the immediate past President of the National Foundation of Women Legislators. She is also a member of the Tennessee Legislative Black Caucus.
Charita Brittenum
Industry veteran. Icon. Living legend… these are just a few words used to describe Charita Brittenum, a 30 + year veteran of the music business. Her first job at a radio station in Memphis solidified what would not only be the path in her career but also served as the fulfillment of a dream from childhood. A graduate of Texas Southern University, Charita holds a BS in Fashion Merchandising. She spent 14 years with Epic, Columbia Records, and Sony Urban Music. She also did short stints at Geffen, Interscope and E1 Entertainment. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the biggest stars on the planet such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Luther Vandross, Sade, and Babyface; Beyonce, John Legend, Jill Scott, Nas, J-Lo, Mary J Blige, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Usher, Chris Brown, B2K, Fantasia, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Hudson, Charlie Wilson, Anthony Hamilton, Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R, SZA, TEMS, Bryson Tiller, Khalid, Latto and many others.
Eboni Funderburk
Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, ranked 3rd in the National Association of Gospel Radio’s 2025 Report… Eboni Funderburk brings over twenty years of experience in Gospel Music. She specializes in strategic marketing, radio promotion, and brand development for artists. As Founder and CEO of EFG Promotions & Consulting, she is committed to amplifying the voice of Gospel artists across the airwaves. Eboni’s experience includes serving as Senior Director of Promotions at Zomba Label Group and leading the Promotions Department at EMI GOSPEL, where she was instrumental in advancing established artists and launching new talent. She contributed to the historic success of Bishop Marvin L. Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It,” a milestone for Gospel radio. Eboni serves as Executive Board Secretary for the Gospel Music Association, is a member of the GMA Board of Directors, and belongs to the Recording Academy and SAGMA.
Dr. Telisa Franklin
Emmy-nominated leader, visionary entrepreneur, and community advocate, Dr. Telisa Franklin serves as President of Telisa Franklin Media, Memphis Juneteenth, and I Love My Community CDC. A sought-after motivational speaker, licensed life coach, Christian counselor, and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in mental health, Dr. Franklin is also certified in diversity and inclusion. Beyond her entrepreneurial efforts, she is an engaging on-air radio and television personality, connecting with audiences through her inspiring message of hope and empowerment. The author of four impactful books, Telisa penned Team Victorious, MVP, Juneteenth Activity Book, and Faith and Finances, further solidifying her commitment to education, empowerment, and celebrating culture. A devoted mother, Dr. Telisa Franklin takes great pride in her son, Charles Earl, a college student and emerging entrepreneur.
Evangelist Linda Jones
Pastor Evangelist Linda Patten Jones is the Co Pastor of Victory In Christ Christian Church. Certified as a Professional School Counselor, she holds a Bachelors Degree in Management from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, a Masters of Education from Freed-Hardeman University, and a Masters of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. Evangelist Linda Jones is a preacher, teacher, revivalist, prophetess and life coach. Her realistic and practical style of delivery allows her to minister to the body of Christ with power and conviction.
Benita Bellamy
Benita Bellamy is a Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee and a powerhouse in the arts and entertainment industry. With 27 years of experience, she serves as the Founder and CEO of The Bellamy Group, a premier marketing and public relations firm based in Nashville, TN. Throughout her career, Benita has spearheaded campaigns for high-profile projects, including the award-winning music soundtrack for the OWN/Lionsgate series GREENLEAF. Her extensive portfolio spans major corporate and non-profit initiatives such as Verizon’s How Sweet The Sound, the American Heart Association, and the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.
Beyond music, she has successfully represented a diverse roster of authors and actors, including Bishop George Bloomer, Kel Mitchell, and Bre’ly Evans. Her executive pedigree includes leadership roles at EMI Gospel, Light Records/eOne, and Sanctuary Records Group, where she worked alongside icons like CeCe Winans, Smokie Norful, and Shirley Caesar. A dedicated advocate for the arts, Benita serves on the boards of the United International Arts Expo of Barbados and the Alias Chamber Ensemble. She is an active member of The Recording Academy and the Gospel Music Association, where she continues to shape the industry as a GRAMMY® U Mentor and a former member of the GMA Diversity Committee.