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Copa Style Magazine
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  • FASHION
    • TROY ANTHONY BY KRISTINA CHRISTOPHER
    • GRACE LEMON BY KRISTINA CHRISTOPHER 1/16/23
    • LIZETH ALVARADO GATSBY SHOWCASE 2022
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS GATSBY 2022
    • DR. MOBI 12/30/22
    • CHIC NOUVELLE MODEL MANAGEMENT
    • LAURA FOTE THE GATSBY FOUNDATION 2022
    • KRISTINA CHRISTOPHER 12/23/22
    • JAY MARTINEZ, WINNER "2022 WORLD TOP MODEL DMV-USA
    • LEZLIE DAY REPORTS ON THE GATSBY SHOWCASE FASHION SHOW
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS REPORTS ON THE GATSBY SHOWCASE 2022
    • GAYLA BYNUM DAVID YURMAN FASHION SHOW PART 2
    • DR. MARCHETTE LOCKETTE-SMITH INTERVIEW 12/18/22
    • DR. MARCHETTE LOCKETTE - SMITH "WIGS"
    • CULTURA FASHION SHOW 11/21/22
    • JENNIFER WAKFIELD USOA PAGENT 10/25/22
    • LIZETH ALVARADO EPIC BEAUTY Rx
    • MARTINA MYERS 10/27/22 WORLD TOP MODEL 2022
    • SOBEIDY VIDAL LATIN FASHION WEEK 10/11/22
    • raMONA DESIGNS
    • AUTHENTIC BEAUTIES 10/30/22
    • DMV FASHION WEEK 2022
    • CARLA DIAZ DELEON 10/12/22
    • KALENA EVERETT
    • LAVISH CROWN PRODUCTS (CHINA WILSON)
    • ANDRES AQUINO (DESIGNER)
    • Jana Love Sedlokova & Lamont Easter HOSTS OF WE MODEL USA 5/16/22
    • PATRICIA WATTS & PHOENIX WEMODEL USA
    • ARETHA BAILEY (REE REE THE MODEL)
    • AMARIS JANELLE (MODEL)
    • YANA ZIOLKOWSKI
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS (INTERVIEW) 4/28/22
    • CRYSTAL NICOLE
    • JEANANNE ROBERTS 3/28/2022
    • SIMON BECHARA 4/1/22
    • CARLA DIAZ DELEON
    • YOLANDA STENNETT MRS. INTERNATIONAL
    • MARQUISHA FITZGERALD
    • MARQUISHA FITZGERALD
    • MAQUISHA FITZGERALD
    • MARTINA MYERS TEEN FASHION CORRESPONDENT
    • JORDAN WILDER
    • CINTIA HULLEN 1/20/22
    • PRESHANT GOYAL HERITAGE INDIA FASHIONS
    • SAVANNAH RABIN (WORLD TOP MODEL DMV WINNER)
    • CRAIG KELLEY (MODEL) 12/31/21
    • ROWENA KAY (CHIC NOUVELLE MODEL MANAGEMENT)
    • JOSIE VALDEZ 12/27/21
    • CYNTHIA JOHNSON
    • GATSBY SHOWCASE AT THE MANDARIN HOTEL (DC)
    • MALCOLM STAPLES 10/21/21
    • RONKE OGUNMOKUN
    • MIRANDA FRAZIER
    • JENNIFER ZIEGELBAUER, MODEL
    • PATRICIA WATTS WORLD TOP MODEL 11/6/21
    • CINTIA HULLEN MODEL CORRESPONDENT
    • TATIANA COLE PART 1
    • MYLANTA SIMPSON
    • JUDITH BARNES
    • CYNTHIA JOHNSON MODEL 9/25/21
    • WILLIAM CALLWOOD
    • CARLTON HART 8/15/21
    • BLAQUE BARBIE BOUTIQUE
    • JACQUELINE MIMS
    • CHEYANNE JENNAE 8/22/21
    • MYRNA (HAZELEYES) PITTS 6/4/21
    • SHOE FANATIC by SHEILA
    • CYNTHIA JACKSON
    • ANYA BY VIVIEN BRIDAL 2021
    • SHENETTA MALKIA 5/15/21
    • YELENA'S MAKEUP COLUMN: "A CINDERELLA STORY" 4/10/21
    • VASHTI GRAY BURGESS 4/23/21
    • MOZELLA PLACE 4/21/21
    • YELENA SCHEIDLER
    • LASHANDA THURSTON (SHANDA GRAND) 4/21/21
    • SAMRINA LEM LEM
    • ULYCIA GREGORY
    • ROWENA KAY (MODEL MANAGEMENT)
    • SABRINA SEOUL "YING YANG LEATHER SWING COAT" 2/8/21
    • INGRID CAMPBELL WHITE 3/19/15
    • SARA BEE
    • BRINETTE (ALCHEMY CLOTHING
    • LUPITA ANEZ "2020 MODEL OF THE YEAR" 11/17/20
    • NISHA SHETH MUMBAI BOUTIQUE
    • NAKIA HARDY
    • NADIA NALIINI NEUBERT
    • TATIANA COLE DESIGNS
    • SABRINA SEOUL "STYLE" COLUMN 12/7/20
    • HEAVEN HIGHTOWER
    • DEBRA STORY
    • CONSTANCE BELL
    • SABRINA SEOUL (Part 3)
    • SABRINA SEOUL (Part 2)
    • SELAMAWIT YIRGA
    • CYNTHIA PRESS "Le Billet D'or"
    • LISA BUSH 7/10/2020
    • SABRINA SEOUL (Part 1)
    • HOPEZ
    • MRS. SABRINA KAS FLANAGAN
    • MALCOLM STAPLES 5/29/20
    • DELTA VIRTUAL FASHION SHOW
    • NICOLE DANIELLE 8/12/20
    • LIZ NGUYEN'S INTERVIEW WITH COPA STYLE MAGAZINE
    • TONYA BROUGHTON 3/6/20
    • ANYA BY VIVIEN 4/14/20
    • CARLA FELIX-CLAURE
    • DANIELE COOKE
    • MIKELL REED CARROLL AT MILAN FASHION WEEK 3/6/20
    • SYDNEY WEBB TEEN MODEL
    • ALYSSHA SHANKS 3/8/20
    • LORD & TAYLOR (DC) HOST DELTA SIGMA THETA INC. FASHION SHOW/FUNDRAISER
    • RONALD BYRD DCFW 2020
    • BEHIND THE SCENES AT NYFW WITH HiTech MODA
    • TORI SOUDAN FOOTWEAR
    • MICHELLE WISEMAN
    • COPA STYLE MAGAZINE SALUTES GAYELA BYNUM AT LORD & TAYLOR
    • SHEKIRA RAMDASS
    • ZJAY KAYCI
    • MAYA CLARK
    • SABRINA YOUNG
    • PARIS FASHION WEEK 2020
    • LIZ NGUYEN
    • MELVIN LEE WALKER
    • HAITI ESTELLHOMME
    • KYMBERLY KNIGHTON
    • RONALD BYRD DCFW
    • LISA BUSH DCFW 10/9/19
    • STEPHANIE WHITE NYFW/THE POWER OF FASHION
    • RENEE ALLEN HOSTS THE "POWER OF FASHION" SHOW
    • EAN WILLIAMS: THE UNTOLD STORY
    • DUR DOUX
    • TREMAINE POLLYDORE
    • DUR DOUX PART 2
    • BUSINESS OF FASHION
    • CALI TYLER
    • SAROSH TAKES FOCUS ON FASHION AT THE TOWER
    • KYMBERLY KNIGHTON
    • CLYOPATRA COUTURE
    • DELL SCOTT
    • IFEOMA ONYIA DMV FASHION WEEK
    • JANELLE JOHNSON 6/30/19
    • RICHARD SENKBILE
    • LENZI BAZAAR (PHOTOGRAPHER) TAKES FOCUS ON COPA STYLE MAGAZINE'S 8TH ANNIVERSARY FASHION SHOW AT LORD & TAYLOR
  • EVENTS
    • GAYELA BYNUM: DAVID YURMAN FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT WWSC
    • JENNIFER WAKFIELD "SINGLES IN THE CITY"
    • DR. SOY RICHARDS "TEACHER FESTIVAL"
    • DMV FASHION WEEK 2022
    • TICKET FOR COPA STYLE MAGAZINE BLACK TIE AWARDS AT UNION STATION
    • SYLVIA TRAMORE MORRISON PORTRAYS JACKIE MOMS MABLEY
    • FELICIA'S FUND, VIVIEN ANYADUBA AGBAKOBA - FOUNDER
    • FOXTRAPPE REUNION 2019
    • KAREN MARIA ALSTON COVERS THE DAVID CHAPPELL PRIVATE AFTER PARTY
    • DC SWIM WEEK 2019
    • GEORGETOWN FASHION SHOW 2019
  • CUISINE
    • JESSE SEWARD CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE
    • JEMMALYN HEWITT
    • LOUBNA ENNADIR "Thermomix"
    • UTOKIA LANGLEY
    • GRACE COLLINS INTERVIEWS PACO CARRASCO
    • SWAHILI VILLAGE
    • JENISE'S KITCHEN AND WWSC CELEBRATION OF LIFE EVENT 2019
  • CULTURE
    • SISTERS 4 SISTERS NETWORK INC. 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
    • BARRY MORGENSTEIN 10/20/22
    • CHRISTIE BYNUM (WE WILL SURVIVE CANCER)
    • GIGI RILEY 7/26/22
    • MICHELLE VAN HAAS FITNESS TRAINER
    • ERIKA TEMPRO DETOX MESSAGE
    • CONVERSATIONS WITH MINGO 5/9/22
    • New Page
    • BELINDA QUEEN DISRICT 6 CANDIDATE PART 1
    • DERRICK CONYERS (SU'COY (PART 2)
    • THE COPA STORY
    • DANILA RODRIGUES FITNESS MODEL 1/4/22
    • KEN ROCHON, WWSC FUNDRAISER AT LAMBORGHINI
    • WALTER KIRKLAND 1/7/22
    • KEVIN WILLIAMS, 2020 "ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR"
    • ASK TIA! (TIA COLLINS ADVICE COLUMN) 12/16/21
    • LAVISH CROWN
    • JAS BOOTHE 11/16/2021
    • DERRICK CONYERS (SU'COY)
    • GWEN HURT
    • SIA M. FINOH 9/29/21
    • SUSAN SMALLWOOD CELEBRITY POLO & JAZZ 7/19/21
    • GILDA SYMEONIDES
    • ARIANA VARGAS (BLACK BARBIE)
    • NANCY ALERT
    • CHINA WILSON ATTORNEY AT LAW
    • TRESSY SHEFFIELD
    • JULIANNA YATES
    • JILL BRADLEY
    • KEMBA
    • ALLISON SUTHERLAND
    • KAROLA CAVAGNA Scout & Cellar Wines
    • TIA COLLINS ("The Real Modes of DC"
    • RASHAD MUHAMMAD
    • KNOIR
    • JESSICA M. GRAHAM
    • ROBIN PHILLIPS
    • HOW MUCH DOES THAT DOG REALLY COST IN THE WINDOW?
    • YA MINKO
    • THE REAL SOUTH AFRICA PART 2
    • ELIZABETH FELLOWS
    • THE REAL SOUTH AFRICA
  • PEOPLE
    • CARA & WILLIAM WEDDING
    • RON WEST 1/17/2023
    • LEZLIE DAY COVERS WORLD TOP MODEL 2022
    • JENNIFER WAKEFIELD PAGEANTS - AN INSIDE LOOK 11/22/22
    • ANGELA KALENDER, HUMANITARIAN
    • DARRYL SIMS, PUBLISHER
    • NATAKI SUGGS
    • BARRY MORGENSTEIN 2
    • SISTERS 4 SISTERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY 12/12/22
    • DR. NIECY FUQUA 9/1/22
    • CYNDI-LOU CARSON, MODEL
    • SUSAN SMALLWOOD 8/31/22
    • CECE ASHE ENTREPRENEUR
    • MUBASHER FAZAL (DR. MOBI)
    • DR. MARCHETTE LOCKETTE-SMITH
    • REARDON D. SULLIVAN FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
    • DR. RENEE ALLEN 10/5/22
    • CANDACE JOHNSON (MY DIAMONDS SHINE)
    • ALICIA PRYOR, DNA FINANCIAL
    • ANITA HOPE (DANCE INSTRUCTOR)
    • PAMELA R. BROWNE
    • ARETHA BAILEY
    • DR. ESSIE MCKOY 1/2/22
    • JENNIFER WAKEFIELD
    • CHRISTIE BYNUM WSSC
    • FLORENCE KING
    • REV. DR. D. AMINA B. BUTTS
    • WALA BLEGAY (DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE)
    • ARIANA VARGAS TEEN MODEL 12/24/21
    • DR. BO BEST
    • JEMMALYN HEWLETT POOLSIDE COOKIN/WECARE
    • CHERYL SHIVER 9/18/21
    • Untitled
    • ALLISON SUTHERLAND 8/3/21
    • DR. JAI 8/21/21
    • LORI CONWAY RAY
    • ANGELEE L. ALSTON
    • DR. SARAH RENEE LANGLEY
    • TRAE MCLEAN
    • LAURA DORSEY
    • THE HUNGERFORDS, 2021 COUPLE OF THE YEAR
    • SYLVIA TRAMORE MORRISON PORTRAYS JACKIE 'MOMS" MABLEY 6/10/21
    • SUSAN YOUNG 4/10/21
    • KYMBERLY KNIGHTON TAX PROFESSIONAL
    • ALEXANDRA LEVINE 5/8/21
    • ALYSON WILLIAMS
    • JANETTE OBENSON-AROGUNDADE
    • PANDEE CHI
    • ALESHA BROWN
    • SHARON JACKSON BULLOCK "Embracing My Sexy Sixties"
    • SABRINA WOOTEN
    • DANA HICKS-HUNGERFORD 10/26/20
    • TIA COLLINS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR
    • TAYLOR MADE
    • DIANA L. BROWN 10/19/20
    • FRONT ROW PHYLLIS
    • CHRISTINA BRICE
    • GAYELA BYNUM 7/8/20
    • JOAN ACHONG
    • MAYA CLARK "Indubitable Fitness" 8/10/20
    • SUSAN SMALLWOOD 7/24/20
    • DR. AVIS DEVEEVER
    • MIKELL 5/12/2020
    • THE SPECTRUM CIRCLE 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
    • ERANA & JAMES TYLER 2020 "COUPLE OF THE YEAR"
    • THE EUBANKS SIBLINGS
    • TAYSHA SHAW-DAVIS 5/30/20
    • CHELLY ROY
    • KATHI MUHAMMAD
    • JOHN WARDELL PHOTOGRAPHER
    • YOLANDA NELSON INTERVIEWS CHRIS THOMAS OF "RAP CITY"
    • TRACY LOVE 4/17/20
    • MICHELLE GREER 1/31/20
    • GWEN HURT SHOECRAZY WINE COMPANY
    • CHERYL SHIVER
    • CONNIE AMOS-PARSONS
    • DR. JOANNE CAREY VETERINARIAN
    • MIKELL REED CARROLL
    • SABRINA YOUNG
    • MAYA ROCKEYMOORE CUMMINGS
    • ANNA DEBOSE-HANKINS
    • GAIL KING 10/23/19 "All Roads Lead to Gratitude"
    • MARRIAGE CAN WIN
    • DR. RONNIE SIDDIQUE
    • JOAN ACHONG
    • SHARON PARKER
    • GAIL MARGARET KING
    • LEONARD DESHIELD
    • JANELLE JOHNSON 9/12/19
    • SETORIA
    • CARLA HOLMES COVER STORY
    • GIGI RILEY FOR MAYOR OF SEAT PLEASANT
    • EMMANUEL O. IRONO
    • SOFIA PELLEGRINO
    • KIMBERLY HICKMAN-BEY
    • MARGARET P. BEAN
  • JAZETTE
  • SOPHIA DAVIS
  • TIM BRADLEY
  • ALICE DOLL PART 2
  • THE REAL SOUTH AFRICA PART 2
  • GAYELA BYNUM AND WWSC'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY
  • ALICE DOLL'S BEAUTY SHOW PART 1
  • SPECTRUM CIRCLE 2019
  • KATRINA RAINEY
  • J. DE LOS SANTOS
  • RON COOKE
  • KAS FLANAGAN
  • SALOME AUTOLINO
  • NIKEA MARIE
  • DEBRA CHANDLER
  • LINKS LUNCHEON
  • WIPS UNSCRIPTED CHRONICLES
  • GRETA CHAPIN MCGILL 2/4/19
  • ERENA CHEBES
  • RICHARD FLEMMING
  • KEVIN GRANT
  • JAZETTE LANE-ENGLISH
  • HAZEL MITCHELL-BELL
  • CHEF MIA
  • LISA BUSH
  • GEORGE DINES
  • MARNIE IRENE JOPP 1/8/19
  • DR. RENEE ALLEN 2/10/19
  • SYLVIA TRAYMORE MORRISON 2/1//19
  • JIMMY LEE COMEDIAN
  • LAKESSHIA SLAUGHTER
  • MARK & KRYSTAL
  • DR. SHARON HARGRO PORTER
  • JANELLE JOHNSON 1/11/19
  • GIFT HUGHES
  • CARLTON HART PT 1
  • RYANN KELLY
  • FOCUSED MARRIAGES
  • CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
  • "GOSPELTEK"
  • VIVIEN ANYADUBA AGBAKOBA Part i
  • ANYA BY VIVIEN PT 2
  • CARLY MEEK (Cover Story)
  • JANELLE JOHNSON 10/22/18
  • HANNA JORDAN KENT
  • PATRICK AMARA
  • JESSICA SHIFFLETT
  • TRACY LOVE 9/12/18
  • BARRY FREEMAN
  • JANELLE JOHNSON
  • TRINA LOVE COVER STORY
    • MELANIE WEBB (PATE)
  • DANA DAYNE THE GIZ
  • ROSE HUNT
  • TRACY LOVE, IMAGE CONSULTANT
  • KENNEDY J GILBERTSON
  • TRINA LOVE
  • BILL HART TAKES FOCUS ON WEMODEL USA 2018
  • EMILY KENNERLY GONZAGA
  • Q ALLEN KING
  • CARLA
  • LIZ N
  • DR BERNIDA THOMPSON
  • MARNIE IRENE JOPP
  • MAIMAH KARMO
  • ANDREA ROANE PT I
  • JOSIE VALDEZ 7/8/18
  • YOLANDA & TARUS NELSON (STRIVE)
  • STEVEN GAFFNEY PART I
    • STEVEN GAFFNEY PART II
  • AMANDA LINTON 4/17/18
  • JAMAL ASHOUR
  • ANTWAIN DONTE' HILL
  • ROLL CALL CREW RCC
  • GAYELA BYNUM 1/6/18
  • JOSIE VALDEZ
  • MB DESIGN GALLERY
  • SPECTRUM CIRCLE AWARDS LUNCHEON 2018
  • MICHAEL LOMBARD
  • THERESA R. PROCTOR
  • NEW YEAR NEW ENGAGEMENT STEPHANIE WHITE 3/19/18
  • MONICA JONES DESIGNER NANALOLA COUTURE
  • ANCA BALINISTEANU
  • CATHERINE MARIE
  • KAREN MARIA ALSTON 2/6/18
  • STEPHANIE WHITE 2/22/18
  • TERRI JONES 2/2/18
  • JULIAN BRITTANO
  • CHERYL SHIVER 2/17/18
  • DANA DAYNE 1/17/18
  • BRIAN BENSON ACTOR
  • MARK MCKINNON
  • DR. MELANYE MACLIN, M.D.
  • DORIS MCMILLON
  • AARON CROUCH
  • JACKIE HICKS
  • LISA SPODEN 12/1/17
  • ERICA MAHONEY 12/11/17
  • GAYELA BYNUM 12/1/17
  • ELSA W. SMITH ATTY.
  • ANTONIO MCKAY
  • SANDRA SANTIAGO, ACTRESS
  • LISA SPODEN 10/13/17
  • MILAN 10/18/17
  • MELANIE GAMBLE Pt. I
  • SSB CREATIONS
  • GAYELA BYNUM 10/13/17 MISS GLOBE
  • SUZETTE MANDULEY: CYBER TIPS 10/1/17
  • THE OVERDUE RECOGNITION ART GALLERY
  • DANE E. CONNER ACTOR
  • ELISABETH'S BOUTIQUE
  • MARTA BOTA 1/28/16
  • FACIALS 8/4/15
  • NAKIA WRIGHT 9/1/17
  • LISA SPODEN 9/1/17
  • LISA SPODEN
  • GAYELA BYNUM 8/25/17
  • TRACI FOWLKES
  • MARTA BOTA 8/25/17
  • RONKE 8/25/17
  • DAWN HARVEY
  • REGGIE BELL
  • DANA DAYNE 7/20/17
  • JOHN MENSAH
  • "STAR POWER 2017"
  • VIKKI JOHNSON 4/17/17
  • THE SAVVY FASHIONISTA
  • LOLLY'S LOCKS
  • THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC
  • DANA DAYNE 4/17/17
  • ARTYCE DOZIER 4/17/17
  • LAWANNA HARROD
  • FELICIA GRAY
  • MARTA BOTA 3/9/17
  • VIKKI JOHNSON "REMEMBER TO BREATHE"
  • PAMELA REAVES 2/16/17
  • CHRISTINA
  • MARTA BOTA 1/17/17
  • GUISELLE RL 1/13/17
  • CHERYL WOOD PT 1
  • CYRENE RENEE
  • STEPHANY DEBERRY
  • RENEE ALLEN 11/8/16
  • ASHLEY CLOUD: 6 GREAT TIPS TO DEVELOP A SUCCESSFUL FASHION BRAND
  • JEREMEY PAUL
  • MELBA MOORE 9/25/16
  • JUDITH LEDBETTER
  • ANGELA STRIBLING
  • SERENE CREME
  • GAYELA BYNUM 7/12/16
  • SHANDA SOFABULOUS 6/19/16
  • MARTA BOTA 6/16/16
  • SOBE RESTAURANT
  • FOREVER MOORE
  • LATIN FASHION WEEK
  • TOURAINE LYNCH
  • We Will Survive Cancer honors Touraine Lynch as a 13 year Cancer survivor at a special Mardi Gras dinner at McCormick & Schmicks
  • DANA DAYNE 5/16/2016
  • MRS. DC AMERICA 2016
  • JOSEPH BRAXTON
  • GUISELLE RL
  • SHANDA SOFABULOUS 3/16/16
  • WARREN SHADD
  • SPECTRUM CIRCLE
  • WARREN CHRISTOPHER 2/19/16
  • SYLVER LOGAN SHARP PT2
    • SYLVER LOGAN SHARP PART 1
  • SHANDA SOFABULOUS 2/7/16
  • WARREN CHRISTOPHER PART 4
  • KATYA AVDEEV
  • SHANDA SOFABULOUS 1/17/16
  • MARTA BOTA 12/24/15
  • ASHLEY IVEY
  • PERNITHA TINSLEY 12/18/15
  • PERNITHA TINSLEY 10/30/15
  • WARREN CHRISTOPHER PART 2
    • WARREN CHRISTOPHER PT 1
  • DANA DAYNE
  • SUSAN SMALLWOOD
  • INGRID CAMPBELL WHITE 10/12/15
  • SIMON BECHARA
  • MARTA BOTA 10/31/15
  • LEGAL TALK 9/29/15
  • SHANDA SOFABULOUS 9/21/15
  • PERNITHA TINSLEY 9/22/15
  • MARTA BOTA 9/17/15
  • IRINA MOLOGOKO
  • PERNITHA TINSLEY 8/28/15
  • KEITH MIDDLETON Pt. 2
  • SHANDA SOFABULOUS 8/29/15
  • WERNER WESSELS
  • VIZCAYA SWIMWEAR
  • TRU BLACK 8/21/15
  • 50+ AND FABULOUS
  • PAM REAVES 8/9/15 "THE WHOLE TRUTH"
  • BOB PAFF
  • INGRID CAMPBELL WHITE 8/6/15
  • FLAMINIA GARIONI
  • GAYELA BYNUM JUDGES THE MISS UNITED STATES PAGEANT
  • MICHELLE GREER 7/23/15
  • JANA SEDLAKOVA 7/23/15
  • BILL HART
  • PAGEANTRY 2015
  • A TRIBE CALLED FABULOUS
  • BRETT JOHNSON ATLANTA
  • LOVE OF DANCE
  • PAM REAVES 6/24/15
  • HAROLD HAYLEY
  • TALYA VIKRAM
  • BRETT JOHNSON
    • BRETT JOHNSON'S TRUNK SHOW AT NEIMAN MARCUS
  • SHERRON WASHINGTON
  • TINDERBOX
  • ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL Pt.2 w/ KIMBERCY MARIE 6/11/15
  • RICHARD WRIGHT
  • SHANDA SOFABULOUS
  • CASSIE GAINEY
  • MEKEDA
  • ASHLEY JEFFERSON
  • SASHA HAILEY
  • MARTA BOTA "FOUNDATION"
    • MARTA BOTA "BROWS"
  • PAM REAVES 4/17/15
  • MARCELLA MOLLON WILLIAMS. CREATING YOUR PERSONAL LEGACY DAY 4/17/15
  • JANA SEDLAKOVA "CONFIDENCE" 4/17/15
  • ATLANTA SPRING EVENTS!!!
  • ANN ATKINS
  • ALVIN JONES
  • KAREN ALSTON
  • HEATHER FRITCHLEY SHUE
  • AARON D. SPEARS
  • TribBey
  • VALERIA
  • PAM REAVES 1/4/15
  • MARTA BOTA, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES 3/4/15
    • MARTA BOTA'S BEAUTY TIPS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
  • KIMBERCY MARIE INTERVIEW
    • KIMBERCY MARIE
  • CHERISSA JACKSON
  • INGRID CAMPBELL WHITE 1/26/15
    • INGRID CAMPBELL WHITE 1/21/15
    • INGRID CAMPBELL WHITE
  • BOB PAFF 2/25/16
  • ELENA
  • JENNIFER BRANDE
  • DARISE DEAL ON TWITTER
  • SEAN FOSTER
  • XMAS IN NEW YORK
    • MARTA BOTA BEHIND THE SCENES >
      • RED CARPET MAKEUP
      • MAKEUP MAGIC
      • MAKEUP FOR TRAVEL
  • HAYDEN
  • THE FASHIONABLE WORLD OF PAMELA REAVES
  • SARAH D. BELL
  • DUBAI
  • PREMIERE OF CITY OF LOST SOULS
  • JANA SEDLAKOVA
  • JEFF GALLO
  • GREGORY TAYLOR
  • FELICIA FLAHERTY
  • MICHAEL LILLY
  • METAMORPHOSIS
  • MONEY 10/7/14
  • MARSHA REEVES JEWS
  • PAMELA REAVES 10/7/14
  • SYLVIA TRAYMORE MORRISON
  • MONICA SCOTT HAYNES
  • PATTERNS 102
  • ALI RIZVI
  • MARTA BOTA NYFW 2015
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Gayela Bynum

Making a difference with her wonderful organization!

We Will Survive Cancer
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"We Will Survive Cancer" (WWSC) is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization that raises funds to directly assist families of cancer patients as they struggle to deal with the emotional, financial and physical devastations of cancer.

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 by Rodney W. Branche




Copa: Where did you grow up Gayela?

Gayela: I was born in Sulphur OK and from the age of 5 on lived in Oklahoma City OK until I married at 19 and moved away.



Copa: How did you find yourself in the Washington, DC area?

Gayela: I was living in Los Altos Hills California, when“I had a dream,” (so to speak) to move here. I was in the process of making a major personal change in my life – and had no idea what the change would be and then the inspiration came to me about 2:30 am when I receive most of my inspirations. It absolutely was the right move as I reflect on that turbulent time in my life

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Copa: We Will Survive Cancer, when and why did you establish the organization?


Gayela: My beautiful daughter-in-law Michelle Bynum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She had identified a lump in her breast when she was pregnant with my grandson but because she was pregnant the doctor said her body was changing and not to worry– besides, he told her she was “too young” to have breast cancer. She gave birth to Reid in 2004, breast fed him but felt the lump grow, yet still had the same response from her doctor “You’re too young” to have breast cancer. Finally when Reid was 14 months old, Michelle begged for a mammogram and was given the referral necessary – reluctantly, and was admonished by her doctor that she was “too young and the techs would laugh.” No one was laughing when Michelle was diagnosed with advanced Stage III breast cancer.

Michelle then began her valiant fight to live; more than anything, she wanted to see her son grow-up. In my many visits with her to chemo, her stories of young women, in the same fight, were very dissimilar to Michelle’s. She talked of husbands who left their wives, once they were diagnosed with cancer – chemo treatment often causes hair loss, toenail, fingernail, eyebrows and eyelashes and their breasts – it was just not what they “signed up for!” The wives were often left with no car, no insurance and could barely pay their rent. Michelle in her early diagnosis would drive these young women home (sometimes 30 miles or more) after taking her own chemo therapy, because they couldn’t even afford taxi fare to go home. Michelle’s support was just the opposite – my son took over the care of the house, cooking making sure their son Reid was well cared for; Michelle’s parents and all her friends were likewise there for Michelle at every turn. Michelle recognized the need for caring and support by and for the family. In the next five and a half years of her life, Michelle became an advocate; she and her “Michelle’s Angels” team raised over $125,000 for Komen Austin. In 2009 Michelle was named spokesperson for Komen Austin for the amazing work she did to raise awareness of the cancer threat in young women. She was interviewed around the state of Texas and featured in Livestrong Posters and other media outlets

 “We Will Survive Cancer” came about from this effort. Michelle made us aware that families often are left out – care and attention go to the patients, as it should be, but the family needs attention and support as well. 

Michelle coined two important phrases “Don’t Waste my Cancer,” and “Eat Life With a Big Spoon” - she was all of that and more. Michelle “Passed the Torch,” in January 2011 after a valiant fight against this cruel beast.


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Copa: Why should people get involved in this great cause?

Gayela: Everyone is affected by cancer in some way – whether we are personally diagnosed, have a family member, a colleague or friend who is diagnosed and fighting the battle. We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC) supports families by providing gift cards for grocery and necessities, and organizing and presenting workshops and special events for the children and their families – our big effort has been at Christmas. In 2010, we were able to provide Christmas to four families with gift cards ($500 to each family for groceries, gas or whatever they needed), and asked each family for a wish-list of gifts for their children which we did our best to fulfill. In 2011 and 2012, we were fortunate to provide the same amount of money and wish-list for 12 families because of a generous donation from a supporter. Last year we added two more families – totaling 14. These families would otherwise not have been able to afford Christmas; their costs to keep up with chemo treatment and medicine are staggering, leaving them little money and few resources to provide extra luxuries such as gifts.

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Copa: What are some of the events and fundraising activities the WWSC had so far this year?


Gayela: In 2012, Sharon Marroquin, dancer and choreographer in Austin TX, came to me through Michelle’s Texas network a year after Michelle passed. I was given a trailer of the dance “The Materiality of Impermanence” which Sharon wrote and choreographed depicting her own breast cancer diagnosis and experience. The dance debuted in Austin in 2012. I was immediately captivated by the dance as it brought to mind the early conversations I had with Michelle after she was first diagnosed with cancer; there are no words that adequately express those emotions – and here it was accurately represented in a dance. I was overwhelmed with the emotion of it all.

I was startled the way I was introduced to Sharon but was especially taken with her dance that begins with the despair of diagnosis and goes through acceptance to joy; it was truly one of those
Aha! moments for me. The Materiality of Impermanence is more than a dance for cancer patients and their families, it offers a message to anyone suffering from despondency, illness (both physical and mental) and offers hope and acceptance that life is truly impermanent. So WWSC signed-on to bring The Materiality of Impermanence to Washington. We had scheduled the performance at the Gala Theater, July 10 – 12, 2015 – and in the interim, we brought Sharon to DC to present workshops for cancer patients. So that’s a long explanation that many fundraising activities have been built around and for The Materiality of Impermanence. (Link to Sharon Marroquins' story) : http://www.copastyle.com/dance.html

In May WWSC sponsored a Movement and Healing Workshop for mothers living with cancer at Life With Cancer in Fairfax VA. A similar workshop was scheduled at the Smith Center on “U” Street in DC in July. Each workshop invited patients, their family and caretakers – the positive comments about the workshops substantiate the need for healing through alternative methods of art, music, movement and dance.

Additionally, we are raising money for our Christmas gift giving through other fundraisers such as Cocktail get togethers and other events. Our second year of “Celebrating Life” (survival) this year honored WWSC Board member Greg Babcock and his survival of cancer. Friday, we are featuring our second annual “Seersucker and Sundress” fundraiser at Irish Whiskey. It will be wonderful event, organized by Board Member Howard Fletcher. The event features beautiful models wearing the swimwear designs of Emily Gonzaga, Founder/owner of D’Milikah. It is a great way to close out summer with men wearing seersucker suits (which can’t or shouldn’t be worn after Labor Day) and girls in lovely sun dresses! 

Copa: You really care about what you do with WWSC; what is your philosophy on the approach that should be taken to support cancer survivors?

Gayela: I am very passionate about WWSC – my daughter-in-law made an enormous impression on me in the way she handled her diagnosis and ultimate fight; I was inspired by her courage and determination that her struggle could be the basis for helping others like her, who were less fortunate as they had no family support. As she put it: “Don’t Waste My Cancer!” WWSC has tried to fill the role of the “extended family” for both the patients and their families.

It really is very difficult for me to explain why I became so involved, but it was the voice of God or the universe or whatever one believes that compels one to move forward, that tugged at my heart. The families I’ve encountered are so very grateful for the assistance we can provide. I want to be able to do so much more which becomes doable with the wonderful support we have from sponsors. And so, we won’t waste Michelle’s cancer. 
Copa: We see that your organization consists of dynamic, dedicated individuals, how did you find them or did they find you?

Gayela: Thank you for noticing the amazing dynamic board of We Will Survive Cancer. Each member is highly intelligent and accomplished. And, if you’ve noticed very good looking! We are at capacity now – but to become a board member, one must submit a resume’ and provide a written statement as to why they wish to join the board and what they expect to bring to the board both monetarily and by volunteering. We are a working board, no one is paid and everyone is expected to contribute.

Copa: Have you found any roadblocks in your continued efforts in fundraising that you would like to mention that must be overcome.

Gayela: Certainly there have been roadblocks and challenges. This year in particular has been challenging from the beginning of the year through the summer. Everything seems to be evening out now that we are approaching fall. Money is tight and there are multiple organizations seeking the same sponsors and donors. WWSC tries to provide interesting, out of the ordinary events that attract people. With a smart board, it is easily achievable.

Copa: In your opinion, why are families so important in recovery of Cancer patients and dealing with their situation?

Gayela: Family support is important to the recovery of cancer patients. If the family is supportive, and not stressed because of financial obligations and worry, the patient has a greater chance to thrive and recover. As you can imagine, it is like a child who is neglected; if the child is not cared for, his chances of learning and growing are limited – the same is true of anyone who is suffering sickness – love and care increase the chance of recovery for both the patient and the family.

~Copa