Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, LaTonya Branham, Charlotte L. Jenkins

Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, LaTonya Branham and Charlotte Jenkins joined forces to create the Dayton Book Expo in 2009, an event that’s attracted more than 500 authors and thousands of book lovers. It gives aspiring writers the opportunity to meet and network with established literary greats and industry professionals. Another Expo feature is the Kids Zone, a special program designed to foster appreciation and love for reading among children. All three women have distinguished credentials and impressive achievements. Valerie J. Lewis Coleman is a best-selling author and award-winning publisher. She has spent the past 15 years helping writers avoid the pitfalls of the publishing industry, and providing them tips to maximize their professional appeal. Charlotte Jenkins is an author and publisher, the owner of 31 Woman LLC., and a freelance contributor to Jo magazine. An EU member and Vice President of the new EU Book Club, her most recent works are “Jayden’s First Vacation: A Day At The Beach” and “Beacon of Hope: Surviving Abuse.” LaTonya Branham is an author, editor, businesswoman, and academic. Her previous works include two editions of “Culture Seek,” as well as “Spirit Seek,” and “The Academic Prayer.” A two-time contributor to the “Chicken Soup for The Soul” series, she’s the founder and CEO of the Reader2Leader Foundation and Branham Consulting, LLC. She’s also a doctoral student at Antioch College. These three dynamic women are the 2017 Trailblazer Excellence in Literary Advocacy Award winners.