2025 cbuswgFest Schedule
Check back often as we continue to add entertainers, artists and speakers!
Our Host: Leah Henry!
Named a Top Media Trailblazer in 2024 by Black Women in Media, Leah Henry's almost a decade into her career and has cemented her brand in the industry.
She is The On Air Personality, Multimedia Producer, and Host, who is a definite force in entertainment and is most known for her viral brand "Leah's Lemonade."
You can also catch Leah as a Entertainment correspondent on outlets like MSNBC, Fox Soul, and Fox 5 DC. CATCH HER AS THE HOST OF THE 2025 COLUMBUS WOMEN & GIRLS’ FEST!
As Leah famously says at the Lemonade Stand "Grab a cup, throw it back, and sip on all of that!"
IG: @LeahaHenry
Visit Diamond Grl Art, Miss Ladybug and Kiara Booker for face painting, artwork, and mural painting.
DiamondGrl Art
DiamondGrl is a multi-talented Columbus Ohio-based artist.
She expresses her creativity through vocal performance, songwriting, rapping, modeling and visual art, which includes painting, drawing and mixed media art.
Visit her art booth and get your face painted!
IG: @diamondgrlart
Miss Ladybug
Miss Ladybug’s Unlimited Creativity (MLBUC) is not a one stop shop for Creativity but one for Originality.
She has learned to capture people’s inner creative spirit, capped off with a smile when completed. With MLBUC there are no mistakes but originality on display.
Her motto is: One person can make a difference through creativity, so ask yourself are you that One?
Visit Miss Ladybug’s face painting booth and experience the creativity!
Facebook: @Missladybug2009
Kiara Booker
Kiara Booker prides herself as an artist who provides interactive murals for children of all ages.
Her company is Artkiarab LLC. She is Mother 💙, and a Self-taught artist from Columbus, Ohio. She offers Originals/custom artwork/ Paint parties/Face painting/ Live painting/muralist.
Check her out and paint a little at her installation.
IG: @artkiarab
DJ DNTFRT (pronounced DJ Dont Fret)
Enjoy the Sounds of her Music & Feel free to dance throughout the Festival!
Since 2017, DJ DNTFRT (pronounced Don’t Fret) has been moving dance floors across Columbus with her signature blend of feel-good grooves, timeless R&B, and anything that makes the body move.
A staple in the city’s nightlife and creative community, DNTFRT creates sets that celebrate joy, rhythm, and Black girl magic—always spinning with intention and soul.
With roots deeply planted in the Columbus music scene, she currently holds a monthly residency at the city’s beloved dance party, Orange Soda, where she consistently brings the vibes and gets the crowd jumping.
Whether she’s playing intimate venues, big festivals, or community-centered events, DNTFRT brings warmth, connection, and a deep love for music that transcends genres.
Follow her on IG: @DNTFRT
Visit the Empowering Young Voices Visual Artists Gallery throughout the Festival inside the OSU AAAS Community Extension Center
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX)
Lunch and Learn Workshop: Helping Girls “Own It” facilitated by Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), inside the OSU AAAS Community Extension Center
12:05 PM - 1:30 PM
This session opens with a live performance of "Own It" by powerhouse performer Gabrielle Solange, whose music speaks to the power of self-ownership and authenticity. Her talent and energy create the perfect foundation for what follows.
ROX facilitators will lead participants in activities designed to help girls explore their worth, build genuine connections, and envision bold futures. Participants will examine what it means to value themselves and support each other. This session welcomes all girls and the incredible adults in their lives – parents, mentors, coaches, and community members committed to lifting up the next generation.
You'll create meaningful keepsakes, connect with others who share your experiences, and leave with real tools for building the life you deserve. Come ready to celebrate, connect, and own your power. Connect with ROX and the powerful work they do locally and nationally to help girls thrive!
Tiara Ross
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Attorney Tiara Ross serves in senior leadership at the Columbus City Attorney’s Office where she holds the titles of Deputy Chief of the Property Action Team (fka “Zone Initiative”) and General Counsel for the City of Columbus Inspector General of Police.
She is a trusted leader using her voice for good.
Tiara Ross proudly announced her run for Columbus City Council in January of this year.
Cincinnati Rope Twisters
~Motivation, Determination, Dedication & Sisterhood~
1:45 PM - 2:05 PM
The Cincinnati Rope Twisters Double Dutch Team was founded in the fall of 2017.
They are an nonprofit 501c3 organization that focuses on motivation, determination, dedication, and sisterhood. They are located in Cincinnati, Ohio. They currently practice at the Cincinnati Recreation Center in College Hill.
The Cincinnati Rope Twisters accept girls from ages 4 to 14 years old. Their program helps with fitness, mental health, and overall self-esteem. They belong to the American Double Dutch League and the National Association for Double Dutch Organizations and have participated in World Tournaments: 2018- Sumter South Carolina (ADDL) 2019- Tolland, Connecticut (ADDL) 2022- Washington, D.C (NADDO) 2023- Sumter, South Carolina (ADDL) 2024- Sumter, South Carolina (ADDL) Cincinnati, Ohio (NADDO) 2025-Sumter, South Carolina(ADDL)
IG: @crt_doubledutch
Alanna’ la Primadonna
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Alanna' Gibson, known as Alanna' La Primadonna, is an interdisciplinary visual and performing artist and writer based in Columbus, Ohio.
La Primadonna practices stilt walking to reclaim and revive its Cultural significance through the lens of the Divine Feminine, and in advocating for the mutuality of Art and Science in the creation of Wonder, absolutely essential for a thriving World.
Stay connected with Alanna Primadonna!
IG: @alannalaprimadonna
Gabrielle solange
2:05 PM - 2:20 PM
Gabrielle Solange is a multidisciplinary, award-winning, highly sought-after performing artist and speaker whose life and work embody resilience, creativity, and empathy.
A former runaway and foster youth, she credits her faith and the inner-city youth arts programs of Columbus, Ohio for awakening her self-worth and purpose.
She is the founder RunSong Generation, which provides trauma-informed vocal coaching, tutoring, and creative workshops for schools, museums, libraries, and ministries that teach arts as a tool to heal, connect with others and overcome life’s obstacles.
She encourages and inspires every heart!
Ballet folclórico Xochihua
2:25 PM - 2:40 PM
Ballet Folclórico Xochihua is a passionate Mexican folkloric dance group based in Ohio and was founded in September 2022.
Xochihua is formed by dancers of all ages—children, teens, and adults—who are united by a shared love for Mexican traditions and cultural expression through dance. Their vision goes beyond the stage.
Xochihua strives to be a catalyst for positive change by using dance as a tool to strengthen cultural identity, foster intercultural respect, and promote social inclusion. They proudly represent their heritage not just within their local community, but beyond borders, as cultural ambassadors of Mexico.
Come and be inspired by Ballet Folclórico Xochihua!!
Facebook: @Ballet Folclórico Xochihua
Kelo
2:45 PM - 2:55 PM
Kelo is a spoken word artist/singer/songwriter/producer & music educator.
She started singing at 7 years-old in church and it has been her life ever since. She has shared the Pride stage with Debra Cox and Martha Wash and the First ladies of Disko. She has been a regular performer at Columbus Pride for more than 18 years.
Her album "I will house you" and newly released album "Sober Vibes" is streaming on all media platforms.
Follow her on IG: @officialkelomusic, FB: @Kelo-Music Journals, YouTube: @Kelovevo
Priscilla woodson
3:05 PM - 3:20 PM
Priscilla Woodson is an international performing artist, Singer-Songwriter certified life coach, Pastor, author and Mental Health and wellness advocate.
Her life work has been to connect with audiences of all sizes and backgrounds. Move them out of the familiarity of their comfort zone and lead them to a safe space where creativity, purpose, passion and authenticity all collide.
Enriching lives with Music and transforming lives through Wellness.
Get ready to be uplifted UP by Lady Soultress!
IG: @ladysoultress
Starlit Ways
3:25 PM - 3:40 PM
"Starlit Ways is an acoustic duo made of international singer Rose Nkechi and guitarist Chris Glover.
Rose has performed the U.S. National Anthem at the 2024 U.S. Skating Figure Championships and the bilingual Canadian national anthem for the 2023 Columbus Crew vs. Toronto game. She is also part of the Columbus Symphony Chorus. Her truly gifted vocals and stylish multilingual story-telling in French, Spanish, and Italian (to name a few) delivered with great flair, embark listeners on a delightful journey of her passion for music.
Chris is an excellent self-taught acoustic and electric guitarist whose attention to detail and clean style effortlessly complement their combined talents and desire to spread joy through music.
Together they are a dynamic duo performing varying genres from Jazz, Waltz, Broadway, etc. They have been featured on ABC 6’s Good Day Columbus and have performed at renowned venues and festivals locally and out of state.
Follow them on IG: @starlitways
Trivia Games & Prizes!
3:40 PM - 3:55 PM
Dr. Melissa Crum
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Dr. Melissa Crum, is an award-winning educator, and founder of Mosaic Education Network, a Columbus, Ohio-based consulting firm.
Mosaic infuses the arts, self-reflection, research, storytelling, and critical thinking into professional development, community building, and curriculum development.
Dr. Crum holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, a master’s in African American and African Studies, and a Ph.D. in Art Administration, Education, and Policy from Ohio State University.
As the keynote speaker for the 2025 CBUSWGFEST, she will highlight our theme: Her Voice: Our Future!
Eyv Youth Showcase
4:35 PM - 4:55 PM
Empowering Young Voices (EYV) Mentoring for the Arts is a program designed for youth with an emphasis on building confidence, social emotional development, literacy, and leadership through the arts. These youth have been working hard all summer to share their hearts through their arts!
gigi
5:00 PM - 5:10 PM
Gigi has been making a name for herself in Christian hip-hop music for over five years.
She credits becoming a Christian back in 2021as the impetus for her to begin making hip-hop music.
She is grateful for her journey and the opportunities to grow in her faith, spread hope, and to rap and sing! Follow her!
IG: @_ginafavors_
Detroit Diamond
(Featured Artist)
Performance: 5:15 PM - 5:45 PM
Q & A: 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM
Detroit Diamond was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Diamond has made a name for herself in the film and music industries, being one of the top four finalists in the Netflix Series "Rhythm and Flow." Her hustle and desire to win is undeniable.
Following the success of the show, Detroit Diamond has opened on tour for Kash Doll and performed with legendary R&B singer Lloyd.
Detroit Diamond is on fire with her latest freestyles on Sway In The Morning, After Hour Show & On The Radar! She is excited to headline the Columbus Women & Girls' Fest.
Follow her on IG: @_detroitdiamond_
Moriam Photography LLC
The 2025 Columbus Women & Girls' Fest photographer is MoriamPhotographyLLC.
Moriam specializes in capturing authentic moments, vibrant personalities, and the beauty of everyday life through her lens.
Whether it's a family session, branding shoot, or special celebration, Moriam aims to create a relaxed, joyful experience that leaves you with captured memories you will cherish forever.