Darla Davenport-Powell 2006
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New "Here Comes Niya" doll, 2006 |
About Darla Davenport-Powell
A passionate advocate for children, women and families, Darla Davenport-Powell is a woman with many gifts and talents: teacher, life coach, orator, producer, author, poet, drummer, publicist, toy inventor and music business consultant.
A recognized speaker and workshop facilitator, Davenport-Powell has conducted empowerment seminars that have been called “life changing.” Some of her topics include: Tapping the Power, The Child Within, Pack Light, Deal to Heal and Honoring Your Passion.
Darla’s work has been showcased in The Washington Post, USA-Today, The Detroit News, The Detroit Free Press, The Washington Times, The Palmetto News, The Afro-American Newspaper, The Spotlight, The Observer, Minority Business News USA, Upscale, Emerge, Ebony, Essence and African American Parent Magazine.
As CEO of HCN Enterprises, Inc.—a children’s multimedia edutainment company that creates non-violent multicultural products and television for youth—Darla has dedicated her life’s work to the creation of the popular trilingual speaking and singing Niya Doll with accompanying books, multimedia products and licensed merchandise.
Darla is also the founder of “D” Marketing and Management, Ltd., a full-service entertainment company specializing in personal management, press, publicity, promotions, special event planning, creative consulting, media relations, and marketing.
Born in Columbia, S.C to Dorothy and William Davenport, Darla received her bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts and graduated magna cum laude from Hampton University. She earned a master’s degree in Journalism and Public affairs from the American University.
Darla began her career in television at NBC as an operations assistant and editorial producer, and later became a talent coordinator/producer for WUSA-TV-9’s live morning show in Washington, D.C. She then moved to Black Entertainment Television (BET) as a senior writer and producer for STORYPORCH, an award winning national children’s series. Writing and producing the opening narration featuring Maya Angelou in STORYPORCH Home Videos was one of her highlights while at BET.
Darla has authored three books and written ten short stories for air on BET. Her first, a book of poetry entitled IPOTHIA, was published at age 19. She has performed her poetry in schools, prisons, churches, on television, radio and was featured in concert with Gil Scott-Heron.
Darla is married to Rev. Wayne Powell and they are the parents of three children: Niya, Na’im and Nigel.
Please contact us to find out more about Niya and friends, or to become part of the Niya Kids Global Team!