The Spectrum Circle

The Spectrum Circle Championing Women | Redefining Leadership
A community for visionary, professional and executive women to connect, grow & thrive. Impact. Leadership.

Hosts annual Spectrum Circle Awards
Stories. Conference: The Spectrum Circle is a platform, a community and a movement. A quarterly panel series of women innovators who connect and share professional and personal experiences through honest conversations to educate and inform about their life journey. Women featured at The Spectrum Circle series are innovators, leaders, creative, driver

s, makers and influencers in all aspects of business and industry in the local DC metropolitan area. Spectrum Circle women utilize their stories, experiences and authentic conversations to change perceptions and inform the world of their unique journeys. The Spectrum Circle brand is loosely based and an homage to an African American female superhero named Spectrum (Marvel™) who uses the power of energy to change the world. The Spectrum Circle women come from different socio-economic backgrounds, neighborhoods and are as diverse as titans of technology, business and politics and women on the rise in their respective fields/sector. The key focus of each panel is to highlight WOMEN and their contributions to business, technology, finance, politics, media and other industries in the region. Join the conversation and hear their stories.

10/28/2025

Celebrating, Bree West the 2025 Spectrum Circle Award Honoree for Innovation in Entertainment.

Bree West is a two-time NAACP Image Award–nominated writer, showrunner, producer, and director whose work has aired on BET, BET+, TVOne, Lifetime, ALLBLK, AMC, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. She began her film career in 2015, negotiating the deal and co-executive producing The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story. That same year, she and her husband, Chuck West, founded OCTET Productions, a full-service film, television, and event company based in Washington, D.C., where Bree now serves as Chief Creative Producer. Bree created the BET+ Christmas franchise, A Wesley Christmas, and has produced over twenty successful film projects. Her independent film A Kismet Holiday won Best Narrative at the 2024 Essence Film Festival. This year, OCTET’s feature The Class Reunion, starring Lil Rel Howery, will open the DC Light Reel Film Festival and will be featured at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. A proud mother of eight, Bree considers her blended family and her commitment to community her greatest achievements. She is currently producing a Netflix project about an HBCU dance team and will shoot two romantic comedies in Nevis and St. Kitts this summer. Bree believes in lifting others as she climbs and to dedicating herself to supporting fellow creatives.

Bree’s advice to women who wish to follow in her footsteps “Claim it, trust God and your talents. Whatever your passion, and what gets you up and motivated, pursue it and don’t give up!”

Congratulations, Bree, your passion and drive to create entertainment that inspires, motivates and teaches the masses is an inspiration to us all.

Take a moment to hear from Bree as she shares her excitement and impact of winning a Spectrum Circle Award in 2025.

Interviewer: Gates Williams MBA, MS Gates Williams, MBA, MS
Video: Insite Media Network



10/14/2025

Celebrating C. Diane Wallace Booker the 2025 Spectrum Circle Award Honoree for Innovation in Nonprofit Leadership

C. Diane Wallace Booker is the CEO and Founding Executive Director of the DreamAcademy

U. S. Dream Academy where she has led national expansion and created a transformative youth-development model serving more than 15,000 young people in under-invested communities across the country.

An attorney and national leader in positive youth development, particularly for children of incarcerated parents, Diane has spent her career advancing equity, opportunity, and hope.

Her leadership reminds us that transformation begins when we invest in people. She continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of nonprofit leaders to live their values, pursue purpose, and build solutions that strengthen communities.

Congratulations, Diane, on your extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to helping others rise. Your impact reminds us what it truly means to lead with purpose and vision.

Take a moment to hear from Diane herself as she reflects on the power of mentorship, sisterhood, and belief in changing the world.

Interviewer: Gates Williams
Video: Insite Media Network

10/10/2025

The future of leadership isn’t built in boardrooms or on panels. It’s built in trusted circles among visionary people who believe in what’s next.

Vetta Privé is that community. A private ecosystem where leadership, innovation, and community converge, a space designed for accomplished leaders to learn, engage, and grow in an environment rooted in trust, authenticity, and depth.

As we count down to the 2026 gathering, we’re forming the Vetta Privé Founding Advisory Board a select group of 10 visionary leaders who will help architect this next chapter:

We’re looking for those who:
Crave private, trusted and curated spaces
Believe in innovation and the power of new ideas
Are driven by curiosity, creativity, and purpose
Value authentic community and meaningful conversation
Are ready to help build something that transcends the status quo

This is not a ceremonial role, it's a partnership in shaping a new kind of leadership ecosystem. The time commitment is light (~6 hours per quarter).

If you are a visionary, builder, or change maker seeking alignment and community I invite you to apply to join the Vetta Privé Founding Advisory Council

www.vettaprive.com

10/06/2025

Taking a moment to celebrate Nyree Wright, a 2025 Spectrum Circle Award honoree for Innovation in Media.

Nyree’s career reflects a rare blend of mastery, mentorship, and impact. Her leadership continues to open doors for the next generation proving that visibility and voice matter.

“We are paving the way so that the next generation has more access and equity in who they are and where they want to go.” Nyree Wright

Congratulations, Nyree, on your extraordinary achievements and your commitment to empowering others. Your influence reminds us all what it means to lead with purpose and vision.

Take a moment to listen to Nyree in her own voice as she shares the importance of mentorship, sisterhood and raising our voices to uplift and support each other.

Video: Insite Media Network
Media Hostess: Tara Gates Williams

09/23/2025

Taking a moment to celebrate and recognize Chinyere Hubbard as a 2025 Spectrum Circle Award recipient for Public Affairs/Advocacy.

Chinyere’s commitment to shaping policy, amplifying voices, and driving meaningful impact for Washington DC's business community. Her words reminds us of the power of public affairs to transform communities.

"If you dream it believe it, because it can happen." Chinyere Hubbard

Her leadership at the DC Chamber of Commerce is an inspiration to all of us. Join us in congratulating Chinyere on this well-deserved honor!

08/25/2025

Hi everyone, it’s Karen Maria Alston, founder of The Spectrum Circle and the creator of Vetta Privé.

After deep reflection and strategic review, I’ve made the thoughtful, difficult, but necessary decision to move Vetta Privé: The Conference and Retreat to May 20–23, 2026.

This was not a choice made lightly. The world around us is in motion, disruptive technologies are accelerating, cultures are evolving, and each of us is being called to adapt personally and professionally. In listening to you, one truth is undeniable: the world doesn’t need another conference.

At Vetta Privé, our programming is designed to push boundaries and ignite bold conversations from all viewpoints.

Thank you for believing in me, for trusting this vision, and for being part of something bigger, a space where power meets purpose, where diverse viewpoints spark transformation, and where authentic connections don’t just change lives, they shape the future.

I can’t wait to see you in Palm Beach.

08/14/2025

On May 16, 2025, The Spectrum Circle hosted the 10th Annual Spectrum Circle Awards Luncheon at The Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC, a milestone moment celebrating 10 years of leadership, innovation, and community.

Over the past decade, we have honored over 70 extraordinary women whose influence spans business, technology, policy, media, arts, health, and more. We’ve proudly recognized early talent before it became mainstream betting on the underdogs, the rising leaders, and the quiet disruptors whose brilliance would later command global attention.

It’s an American story one of vision, grit, opportunity, and the belief that when you invest in people, you invest in the future.

From heartfelt acceptance speeches to powerful networking, this year’s luncheon reflected what makes The Spectrum Circle unique: an intentionally curated space where power meets authenticity, and every woman in the room knows she belongs there.

Learn more about our mission and events: www.thespectrumcircle.com and what is coming in 2026 with www.vettaprive.com

To every honoree, partner, and supporter over the past 10 years thank you for helping us build a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Thank you Cheryl Montalvo for this amazing video!

Thank you Shawn Yancy and Tara Gates Williams for believing in the vision from Day 1!

From our founder: Karen Maria Alston Something is shifting in 2025. The world is noisier, faster, and more demanding. A...
06/09/2025

From our founder: Karen Maria Alston

Something is shifting in 2025. The world is noisier, faster, and more demanding. And yet, the women I know are yearning for something deeper. Not another event. Not another room where you shrink to fit in. But a space designed to elevate you.

Vetta Privé: The Conference and Retreat by The Spectrum Circle is that space.

I created for women who lead, build, influence, and rise with grace, grit, and intention.

This isn’t about titles, followers, or resume highlights. This is about your becoming.

At Vetta Privé, you can expect:
Bold keynotes and curated panels
Fuel for your mind, clarity for your next step
And an unspoken sisterhood that sharpens you in the best way

I created this experience because I knew what I needed and I wasn’t alone. We deserve a space that’s not performative, but powerful. Private, intentional, and transformative.

If you’re craving real connection, a moment to recalibrate, and the right kind of room to evolve in this is your moment.

Be in the room. Register now at www.vettaprive.com

A decade ago, The Spectrum Circle was created with a simple goal to hosts a few small events and share stories of women...
06/02/2025

A decade ago, The Spectrum Circle was created with a simple goal to hosts a few small events and share stories of women change makers who were leading by example.

Today we are planning our inaugural conference, membership platform and more in person events.

Our stories, learned life’s lessons, successes, challenges, setbacks and pivots have impact. The goal of The Spectrum Circle from our first day till today is to fuel, champion, and uplift women.

The Spectrum Circle Awards is truly an honor and a privilege to hosts. It is a labor of love to celebrate the gifts, talents and innovation of amazing women.

This years awards ceremony was spectacular and our award winners filled the room with their individual testimonials of joy, courage, inspiration and strength.

To the tribe that supports and believes in the mission and values of The Spectrum Circle. Thank you!

To the vendors and suppliers who are experts in thier fields, thank you!

Thank you!

The world is changing fast. And the women building what’s next? We need more than another conference. We need real acces...
05/29/2025

The world is changing fast. And the women building what’s next? We need more than another conference. We need real access. Deep conversations. A trusted circle.

That’s why I created Vetta Privé: Conference and Retreat an intentionally curated experience happening October 1–4, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

✨ 100 dynamic women.
✨ World class speakers.
✨ leadership and legacy all in one space.

If you’re ready for what’s next or know a woman who needs to be in this room now is the time.

Applications are now open
www.vettaprive.com

Once we reach 100, the doors close. No waitlist. No exceptions.

Claim your seat at the table.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, we celebrated the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of nine extraordinary women at The Spe...
05/27/2025

On Friday, May 16, 2025, we celebrated the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of nine extraordinary women at The Spectrum Circle Awards Luncheon in Washington, DC.

These women are not just leaders in their fields they are examples of what’s possible when purpose meets brilliance, perseverance, innovation and grit. Each honoree has forged her own path, uplifted others, and shown us all what excellence looks like in action.

Congratulations to our 2025 Honorees

Tambra Raye Stevenson – Community
Shequeta L. Smith – Arts
Bree West – Entertainment
Chineyere Hubbard – Advocacy
Nyree Wright – Media
C. Diane Wallace Booker – Non-Profit
Romina Brown – Small Business
Julie Haddon – Sports
Teresa Carlson – Founders Award

Since 2015, The Spectrum Circle has been committed to amplifying powerful stories, celebrating innovation and building a community rooted in excellence, resilience and legacy.

To our awardees, thank you for your leadership. And to everyone who joined us thank you for believing in this vision.

This is what excellence looks like. This is The Spectrum Circle.

Address

2401 M Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20037

Telephone

2029301760

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