Today we celebrate a local leading lady who is no stranger to the spotlight or the runways. Richmond Senior High School Class of 1991 graduate and Rockingham native Jennifer Michelle Everett has honed in on her artistic and creative talents to become quite the trendsetter on the runway and onscreen.
She attended N.C. A&T University and earned a bachelors degree with honors from American Public University in business administration in 2011, during which time she also became a member of the Delta Mu honors society.
For four years, she hosted Everyday Runway on WCCB New Rising and was also a media correspondent, interviewing icons, such as Cicely Tyson, Dionne Warwick, Cynthia Bailey, Michelle Williams, Thomas Davis and Mario Lopez. As a model, she has adorned runways in New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, LA Fashion Week, and a number of shows in her current residence of Charlotte.
Since beginning her career in the early 2000s, planning and producing fashion shows as an apprentice for Teddy Andrews and Robb Ferguson, Jennifer Michelle has coached numerous aspiring models, who went on to become professional models for major modeling agencies, appearing on television and in a variety of well-known publications.
She has a recurring featured role on “Our Kind of People” on Fox and has appeared on the following shows: “Homeland,” “The Game” on BET, “Being Mary Jane,” “Outcast,” and “Righteous Gemstones.”
When she is not strutting the catwalk, coaching others how to do it, or filming, Jennifer Michelle runs a virtual assistance business and works as a contractor for businesses looking to streamline their operations.
In the past 25 years, she accomplished a great deal in the business industry, specializing in business and project management with professional experience working for the Department of Defense, Walter Reed Military Hospital, and other major corporations and nonprofits.
Combining her passion for fashion, fitness, and the outdoors and her business expertise, Jennifer Michelle founded Culture Queens Outdoors, a women’s art and culture group for black women that has grown to include outdoor adventures. She plans and leads camping and hiking excursions in the outdoors of North Carolina, organizes private art tours for members to explore various galleries and museums, and coordinates lectures.
Somehow, in addition to all of the above, she still manages to give back to her communities by advocating for children in underserved areas for those seeking opportunities in arts, culture, and other professional fields. She also returns to her hometown to serve twice per month at Greater Gospel Lighthouse, where she has been an active member for the past 10 years under the leadership of Apostle Reginald and Pastor Emma White. She works within the church to assist with community initiatives to provide resources to the community and serve meals. Jennifer Michelle also volunteers with several other organizations that focus on preparing young ladies for adulthood.
Along with serving her home church, she delivered her first sermon at University Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, under the leadership and training of Bishop Claude Alexander. In October of 2019, she delivered another sermon to Mount Peace Baptist Church for their Women’s Day service.
Recently, Jennifer Michelle made history with her GarMINT District Fashion show held at the Mint Museum Uptown. (https://qcnerve.com/autumn-rainwater-mint-museum/) Formerly, the Mint Museum only allowed black people to visit the Randolph location on Thursdays, so her successful event marked a historic moment that featured multiple black designers, models and performers.
This leading lady is a mom, grandmother, daughter, sister, minister, and, in her words, “definitely more than a mannequin!”
See her website here: https://itsjennifermichelle.com/
Join us today in celebrating her success and for representing Richmond County to the fullest!
Meghann Lambeth is executive director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. Republished from visitrichmondcounty.com. Throughout March, Visit Richmond County will feature a local leading lady in honor of Women’s History Month.
