Netrisa Dockery

Netrisa Takesha P. Dockery, a pioneering social entrepreneur and passionate community organizer, transitioned to the ancestral realm on December 11, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on April 13, 1958, Netrisa's life was a rich tapestry woven with dedication to the empowerment of Black women, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to her community. Netrisa was preceded in death by her parents Mary M. Ingram & Johnnie M. Bland, her sister Ruby Ingram, and brothers Rashan (Danny) Ingram Jr., Kalvin Ingram. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter S-Netchem H. Castro-Dockery, her niece/daughter Mazzi Ingram, her brothers, Eric and Sterling Ingram, her aunt Sandra Johnson, cousins Julia Dockery, Asia Johnson, Tyiesha Johnson, Makia Johnson and countless more family and friends whose lives she touched.

Netrisa beautifully merged her passion for community with her entrepreneurial spirit through her early career in real estate managing multiple tenant properties while simultaneously working as a union organizer for the offices of Sam Evans, Henry Nicholas, the American Foundation for Negro Affairs, the Philadelphia Livable Neighborhood Program, and later the East Parkside Residents Association. In founding The Empowerment Academy, she hoped to provide personal and professional development, not exclusively but especially for Black women, helping them to find success in building diverse communities and uplifting each other. Her work was recognized by Philadelphia City Council and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2011, when she received meritorious conduct citations for outstanding community service and providing a positive role model for youth and the community. 

Throughout her life, Netrisa achieved a host of remarkable accomplishments. At 29 years old she proudly won the title of Miss Black America, and inspired many through her public speaking engagements across the country. She found great joy in the arts, hosting a local cable variety show in Philadelphia called "I'll Take The High Road Showcase", aimed at spotlighting emergent Black and Latino talent. Netrisa was also instrumental in founding the Ausar Auset Society's Philadelphia Chapter, enriching her community through cultural preservation and spiritual growth. She loved travel, and learned from cultures around the world whenever and wherever possible. Netrisa embodied peace and blessing through the empowerment of Black people, and the preservation of culture rooted love and reciprocity.