Reverend Tamara Kersey: Reverend Tamara O. Kersey (BA, MA, MDiv, MaCL) is a faith leader, Social Action Coordinator and a contributing writer for the Christian Recorder. She is employed as a Manager for a Software Configuration team in the Triangle. Tamara’s community work has included moderating Town Hall events for political candidates, she was one of the founding members of Alamance Agents for Change; a coalition of local civil rights organizations partnering to advocate for police reform during the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd. She was a co-host for the first Juneteenth celebration in the City of Mebane. Tamara has served non-profit and university boards in various capacities. Tamara’s ongoing civic involvement reflects her values of social activism, mentoring and educational initiatives. She is a co-founding member of Alamance Pride; formerly served as a 2nd Vice Chair of the Democratic Women of Alamance Co., former board member of Mebane Woman’s Club and ABSS Diversity and Equity Commission. Tamara is committed to community outreach and the work of justice reform; a lifetime learner, liberation theologian and bridge builder, connecting her faith through civic connections to create solidarity across intersections of identity and humanity. Her thesis “The Impact of Toxic Patriarchy and Misogyny upon Black Clergywomen within the Rural South” allowed her to delve into the systems and patterns of abuse that inflict trauma on women of color. Through her research for her thesis, Tamara was able to design meaningful tools for self-care and healing.
Mtende Roll: Born and raised in South Africa, Mtende Roll is a multipassionate being. Her professional ventures are in the realms of Construction and Real Estate with her husband. Alongside her technical expertise, Mtende carries a fervent commitment to racial and social justice. A continuous theme in her life is that she expresses the intricacies of her thoughts and experiences through the powerful medium of spoken word poetry. Her poetry weaves a beautiful, vibrant web of the complexities in her faith, spirituality, Blackness, and womanhood that cannot be separated.
Teresa Wiley: Teresa Wiley is a seasoned Health Administrator with over 20 years of expertise in nursing leadership, program development for special populations, and advocacy for health equity. She earned her BSN from UNC Chapel Hill and an MHA from Winston Salem State University. Teresa’s commitment to advancing health equity and community well-being is evident through her active roles with the NC DHHS Equity Brain Health Trust, the Historically Marginalized Population Team Leads Committee, the NC AHEC CHW Workgroup Integration, and the Alamance County Equity Council. Beyond her administrative role, Teresa excels in forging and strengthening community partnerships. A passionate humanitarian, Teresa has traveled to Guatemala, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic since 2019 to provide medical and dental care. She is also a devoted advocate for youth in the Alamance County Justice System, serving as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem for more than 16 years.
Kimberly Knight: Kimberly M. Knight is originally from Eastern North Carolina and identifies as Afro Indigenous. She graduated with a Master of Social Work Degree from North Carolina Central University in May 2020. She is a 2020 North Carolina Central University 40 Under 40 Honoree. She obtained her Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Associate licensure and became a Certified Complicated Grief Treatment Facilitator from Columbia University School of Social Work. Currently, she works as a tele-therapist for Mathews Counseling, PLLC and Carolina Sexual Wellness Center. She is the Founder and Editor of The Lux Blog NC. She is the Co-Founder of HIV Cure Research Day for the State of NC and Co-Founder of National Black HIV & AIDS Awareness Day for Wilson, NC. Currently, she is a member of the Western Wake Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Triangle Native American Society, National Association of Social Workers – NC Membership Committee, and Junior League of Raleigh. She is the Founder of the nonprofit organization, Black Indians NC. She has served as a mental health support facilitator for the NC Commission of Indian Affairs and Haliwa-Saponi Tribe monthly “Healing Circles”. Currently, she is the Co-Director and Co-Producer of the documentary, “Duality: A Collection of AfroIndigenous Perspectives”.
Reketta Brown: Reketta Brown is a leading expert in mental health with a rich background in clinical therapy and advocacy. With 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical mental health therapist, Reketta has dedicated her career to empowering individuals globally through her knowledge and compassionate approach. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and her contributions include authoring insightful publications and creating the “Confident Kids Curriculum.” Reketta holds a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion and was honored with the 2020 Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Award. Her work focuses on mental health awareness, destigmatization, self-care, resilience, workplace wellness, and women’s empowerment.
Dr. Arlinda Ellison: Dr. Arlinda Ellison is a public health practitioner and licensed minister. She is the co-author of manuscripts, conference presentations and a book chapter which focus on HIV prevention and community-academic partnerships. Currently, Dr. Arlinda is the director of the Community Health, Outreach and Policy section at Alamance County Health Department, and serves her church as an Associate Minister. Dr. Arlinda resides in Mebane, NC and in her "spare" time enjoys volunteering, traveling, and being "that aunt" for her nieces and nephews. Recently, Dr. Arlinda published an anthology along with five other authors about the experience of caregiving - Embracing Grace: Lessons Learned in the Caregiving Journey. The book can be purchased on Amazon or from Dr. Arlinda directly.
Tyronna Hooker: Tyronna Hooker, a distinguished educator and leader, was honored as North Carolina Teacher of the Year for the 2011-2012 school year. Tyronna has an extensive background in education, having taught middle school in the Alamance Burlington School System and serving as Senior Managing Director for Teach for America in Eastern North Carolina. Currently, she is the Vice President of Programs at Impact Alamance, where she leads initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and community well-being. Her leadership experience includes her role as Executive Director at Alamance Achieves, a collective impact organization focused on educational success from cradle to career. In addition to her educational accomplishments, Tyronna earned a Non-Profit Management Certification from Duke University in 2019, further showcasing her commitment to driving positive change in the community. Her career is marked by a deep passion for education, equity, and community engagement.
Vivette Jeffries-Logan: Vivette Jeffries-Logan is an enrolled member of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and the Founder & Principal of Biwa Consulting, specializing in Leadership, Organizational Development, and Equity. She has served her community as an elected member of the Tribal Council and the Founding Director of the OBSN Tribal Health Circle. She is also a graduate of the North Carolina Native Leadership Institute, an initiative aimed at empowering Native leaders. With over a decade of experience in racial equity training through Dismantling Racism Works, Vivette has served as the Director of Training and Technical Assistance at the NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She has been recognized with multiple awards for her contributions, including the Distinguished Service to Indian People Award from the United Tribes of North Carolina. Vivette holds a B.A. in Psychology and Community Studies from Guilford College and an A.A.S. in Hospitality Management. She is passionate about Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Social Justice, striving to dismantle oppressive systems and promote equity for all voices and cultures.
Dominique Daye Hunter: Dominique Daye Hunter (Black, Yesá, Scotts-Irish, and Polish) is an Afro-Indigenous storyteller, inspirational speaker, advocate, and artist specializing in poetry and sustainable fashion. Author of *Seeds: Stories of Afro-Indigenous Resilience* and CEO of D. Daye Hunter Designs LLC, her work explores the connections between historical trauma, safe spaces, and healing in Black and Indigenous communities. As Program Manager for Indigenous East and Project Manager for the Yesá Language Immersion and Lifeways Conference, Dominique also leads workshops on healing through storytelling, stress management, empowerment, and DEIB training. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership Management with an emphasis in American Indian Studies and lives between Durham, NC, and Phoenix, AZ.
D'andre Hardy: D'andre Hardy is a 20-year chronic illness thriver, speaker and coach who focuses on examining marginalized experiences of people with invisible illnesses to develop authentic and inclusive leaders. With over a decade of experience navigating careers in higher education and consulting, she shares her experiences navigating life, career, and leadership to examine the tangible and intangible costs of non-inclusive environments that influence inclusive cultures to maximize results. As a coach, she specializes in guiding entry to mid-level career women with hidden illnesses to build a career trajectory strategy that maximizes the intersection of their needs and experience from an asset-based lens and step into their full leadership potential. You can learn more about her at www.theseensociety.com and by following The Seen Society on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
Dr. Shinika McKiever: Dr. Shinika McKiever is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of The McKiever Group Creative Company, a consulting firm she started in 2018. Dr. McKiever has over fifteen years of professional experience gained from working in the philanthropic, nonprofit, and business sectors. Her unique expertise in philanthropy, leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management provides culturally competent programming, training, and services specifically designed to respond to the lived experiences of women and people of color. Through the TMG Creative Company, Dr. Shinika is intentional in everything she does, and her purpose is to develop people’s natural talents and leadership capabilities. Dr. McKiever received her doctorate in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University. She focuses her research interests on understanding how women entrepreneurs develop as adaptive leaders, culturally inclusive leadership, and the leadership development needs of Black women. Dr. McKiever is also the founder of the Brown Girl Collective of the Triad, an initiative for women of color professionals, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs who live in the Triad and want to network with other women to build community.
Sheneice Freeman: Sheneice Freeman, MSW, LCSWA is a dedicated Medical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience in healthcare, currently specializing as a Nephrology Dialysis Social Worker. In her role, Sheneice provides crucial support to patients undergoing dialysis treatment, focusing on their psychosocial, emotional and social well-being to enhance their quality of life. Sheneice’s passion for service extends beyond her professional sphere into her community engagements. She is a Co-Lead for the Greensboro Triad (LOAT) Ladies of A&T, where she actively contributes to fostering community connections and supporting local initiatives. Additionally, Sheneice is a committed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she engages in various activities aimed at promoting social action and community development. Outside of her professional and community roles, Sheneice enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her family. Her culinary passion allows her to experiment with new recipes, while her family time provides a cherished balance to her busy life. With a career and life dedicated to service, Sheneice Freeman continues to make a meaningful impact both in the healthcare field and her community, embodying a commitment to improving lives and fostering positive change.
Jade Camile: Jade Camile is a 31 year old wife and mother of two born and raised in Alamance County. A small town girl with big dreams of seeing the faith of God's daughters ignited. A newly published author of Journey Through the Book of Esther- The Warrior Way, Jade desires to teach women how to learn and love to study the word of God. She leads a weekly virtual bible study on Facebook called Bonnets and Bible Study. With just under 10 years in healthcare, taking care of others is one of her deepest passions and ministries. As the Lord has shifted her ministry, she continues to take care of those the Lord entrusts to her. In every role she holds her desire is to make the Lord smile.
Melissa Enoch of Bee Balm Wellness, Trinity Counseling Services, and Women of Strength: Melissa Enoch, LCMHC, QS, LCAS, CCS, MAC is Owner/CEO/Director of Trinity Counseling Services LLC, a private substance abuse and mental health facility located in Burlington and Charlotte, NC where she uses her thirty years of experience to treat individuals with co-occurring disorders. Melissa is the founder of Women of Strength, a non-profit educational organization focused on women's networking and community awareness. Melissa is an Essential Oil Specialist and Life Coach. She utilizes her professional and personal knowledge of holistic ways to treat mental health disorders through her newly formed company. Bee Balm Wellness. Melissa Enoch has authored several books. Her most recent work, Gratitude Prayer Journal, focuses on the expression of gratitude to overcome challenges.
Dr. Shinika McKiever of The McKiever Group Creative Company: Dr. Shinika McKiever is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of The McKiever Group Creative Company a consulting firm she started in 2018. Dr. McKiever has over fifteen years of professional experience gained from working in the philanthropic, nonprofit, and business sectors. Her unique expertise in philanthropy, leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management provides culturally competent programming, training, and services specifically designed to respond to the lived experiences of women and people of color. Through the TMG Creative Company, Dr. Shinika is intentional in everything she does, and her purpose is to develop people’s natural talents and leadership capabilities. Dr. McKiever received her doctorate in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University. She focuses her research interests on understanding how women entrepreneurs develop as adaptive leaders, culturally inclusive leadership, and the leadership development needs of Black women. Dr. McKiever is also the founder of the Brown Girl Collective of the Triad, a initiative for women of color professionals, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs who live in the Triad and want to network with other women to build community
Shereá Burnett of ThisWomanWords: Shereá D. Burnett, J.D., VSP is the founder and primary coordinator of the initiatives of the ThisWomansWords brand. The mission of ThisWomansWords is to elevate the voices, words, and experiences of those identifying as part of marginalized communities with a specific emphasis on communities that include Afro-Indigenous women, Children of Color, and LGBTQ+ People of Color. Shereá is a citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, whose work is deeply informed by her Afro-Indigenous heritage. Shereá leverages the ThisWomansWords platform to amplify underrepresented voices, challenge systemic injustices, and spark meaningful dialogue on pressing social issues.
Erica Johnson is a native of Alamance County and current resident of Haw River, North Carolina. She is a dedicated employee of the Alamance-Burlington School System and a passionate advocate for racial equity, education, and the support of educational staff. With over sixteen years of experience guiding students to academic success, Erica has cultivated a strong connection to her community. She holds an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and recently graduated from the Education Support Professional Leadership Institute in 2023. Erica's advocacy was inspired by the experiences of her three beautiful children, which drove her to address inequities and promote diversity within the local education system. Her commitment extends beyond her family, as she advocates for all children who share similar backgrounds. Erica actively participates in community panels and roundtable discussions focused on academic success, racial equity, and mental health. She also leads professional development sessions focused on racial equity in education. Her dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable educational environment remains unwavering. Beyond education, Erica has also dedicated herself to personal growth and healing over the past four years. She is now a strong advocate for mental health treatment and grief counseling for people of color, striving to create safe spaces for healing. Erica is passionate about building a supportive community where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to thrive.
Shereá D. Burnett, J.D., VSP is a zealous advocate, table shaker, and transformational leader. She is originally from Alamance County, North Carolina and identifies as Afro-Indigenous. Shereá is a proud citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in Political Science and Afro-American Studies. She also minored in Social and Economic Justice. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Elon University School of Law. Shereá is a nonprofit leader who has dedicated her career to making a meaningful impact by addressing some of society's most pressing issues, including homelessness, domestic violence, and child and family welfare. Notable for her dynamic approach to civic engagement and community-driven initiatives, she also serves as an Adjunct Professor and a prominent thought leader who writes for various community-focused publications. Shereá is the founder and primary coordinator of the initiatives of the ThisWomansWords brand.