Gabrielle Barnes

Founder & President

Gabrielle Barnes, Founder & President - Through her own needs, an amazing organization developed… T Gabrielle Barnes who is affectionately known by her friends as the “event planning diva” has always had a knack for coordinating creative and exciting events for her family and friends. It wasn’t until she was planning one of the most memorable days of her life, that she realized event planning was more than just a hobby, it was her calling. Determined to arm herself with as much event planning experience as she could Gabrielle decided to start hosting events for professional women in NYC. Hosting these events not only gave Gabrielle the chance to gain event experience and do what she loved but she was also able to meet and network with a great group of women in a fun and relaxed setting. Women were making genuine connections, both social and professional and creating friendships that lasted well after the events were over. From there Divas in the City morphed into more than just a reason to throw fabulous events and make new contacts. “It really took on a life of its own” Gabrielle often jokes. It’s now about creating a powerful network and information exchange and providing entertainment, education and the empowerment of women through various channels. Divas in the City was reinvented to be the ultimate resource for today’s do-it-all woman.

As founder of Divas in the City, Gabrielle Barnes is an event planner, a sociable hostess and the go-to diva when looking for practically anything. “If you need it, I’m sure I can find it” is one of her many mottos. Her bubbly personality, willingness to give back to the community and eagerness to help her fellow Divas are a few of the things you will notice as soon as you meet her.

Always the motivator Gabrielle encourages every woman to “Embrace your inner Diva and always, Be Blessed. Be Fabulous. Be YOU!”

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Carolyn Kumah

Vice President

Carolyn "Cece" Kumah, the consummate advocate for women’s empowerment, seemed the perfect fit for the DITC team! A native New Yorker, known for her love of all things motivational, Carolyn has always had a fervent interest in women's issues and women centered organizations. From broad scale activist movements to tailored professional networking events, Carolyn’s core belief is that we all benefit when women support, mentor and invest in other women. Not surprisingly, when T. Gabrielle Barnes described her vision for the fledgling company named Divas in the City, Carolyn was proud and excited to lend her talents. Since then, she has been dedicated to bringing her skills and ideas to bear on the ongoing effort to realize DITC’s mission! While her personal journey has taken her down a diverse series of paths- earning a B.A. in Women's Lit, going on to conduct clinical research, and ultimately attending law school- the one constant has been Carolyn's desire to illuminate and address issues that are pertinent to women, no matter the field. Carolyn is now obtaining a law degree at the Temple University Beasley School of Law- intending to, in part, redress the discriminatory practices and policies affecting divas in and out of the workplace.

A proud member of the DITC family, Carolyn shares the founder’s vision of not only inspiring women to unleash their inner divas, but in addition, fostering communities of powerful, fabulous and supportive women that enable each of us to be better as a result!

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.Lytoya Parker

Marketing & Communications Director

Lytoya Parker, the bubbly Diva with big ideas and an even bigger personality to match is thrilled to become a part of the Divas in the City family and use her expertise to help DITC grow in leaps and bounds.

Lytoya is  the founder and president of Gorja RCC Management where the mission is to restore the image of women in media and business.  She is known for her unique ways to activate and encourage women to reach their full potential.  Lytoya, a lover of all things glamorous lives by the motto "Remain Glamorous, With no Excuses".

Bilysse Buitrago

"Event & Admin Assistant"

Bilysse Buitrago, Writer and Independent Filmmaker, is one of the newest members of the Divas in the City family. Currently residing in New York City, Bilysse spends much of her time freelancing in the film industry, Assistant Directing Indie Films in and around NYC.