Staff
Tia Ross
Tia Ross is the Founder and Executive Director of the Black Writers Alliance and the Director and Producer of the Black Writers Reunion & Conference, both formed to further her efforts to promote excellence in writing, nurture the growth and quality of African-American literature, and support the professional growth and development of Black writers through educational programs, networking, scholarships, and public information.
Along with her event management savvy, Tia has an extensive background in professional and technical writing, editing, information architecture, e-commerce, and web, database, and publication design and development. She was the editor of the NAACP Image Award-winning “More Than Entertainers: An Inspirational Black Career Guide,” recipient of the 2005-2006 Platinum Page Award for her contributions to the African-American literary community, and a nominee for the 2008 Influential Black Women in Business Award. By day she oversees document technology at a top 50 U.S. law firm. In her “spare” time, she consults as a conference planner and editorial project manager with Pentouch Communications, a firm she launched in 2000. The Los Angeles native currently resides in a Dallas, Texas, suburb. For more information about Tia, visit www.tiaross.com.
Moni Blache & Tia Ross
Monica Blache, Conference Manager
Working primarily behind the scenes until she makes her presence known at the conference, Monica “Moni” Blache has served as the Conference Manager since the first BWRC in 2000. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Moni is the key on-site coordinator of registration management, the author expo, catered events, and social activities. She is also an instrumental member of the conference site/venue selection team.
Mathew Wilson, Flow Manager
Marklyn Pierre & Mathew Wilson
Mathew Wilson (better known as “Dad”), also of New Orleans, has worked with BWRC since 2006 as the immensely popular, awesome young Flow Manager. Mr. Wilson primarily handles exhibit floor management, audiovisual support, and exhibitor services, but is well known for being everywhere and handling everything all at once.
Marklyn Pierre
Marklyn Pierre of Chicago, Illinois, provides registration, exhibitor, floor management, and at-large support.
Neecha Turner
Neecha Turner
Neecha Turner brings over 10 years of business management/administration experience and 7 years’ experience as a university recruiter to the BWRC staff. Neecha assists with volunteer recruitment, training, and organization. A native of New Orleans as well, Neecha currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Monica Blache, Neecha Turner, Tia Ross & Marklyn Pierre
