Partners of the Office of Empowerment

Lucianna, a native of Lansing, has transformed her life from humble beginnings, including poverty, into a committed advocate for her community. In her role as the Mayor's Community Relations and Faith-Based Initiative Manager, she passionately seeks to uplift others through her work with local organizations. Her journey as a young adult was filled with challenges, but with the support of her community, she successfully navigated these obstacles. As a single parent of two, she embraced various roles, including volunteer, mentor, and community leader.

Lucianna's dedication to service is evident in her active involvement with numerous charitable organizations. She has served as Chair of the City of Lansing's Board of Fire Commissioners and was a member of the Board of Directors for Capital Area United Way and the Sparrow CEO Diversity Board. Additionally, she has worked as a Pink Advocate for Susan G. Komen, held the position of Vice-Chair for the Lansing Latino Health Alliance, and chaired Women United. She is also a member of Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust, serves as the City of Lansing’s representative for the Tri-County Office of Aging, and acts as a Victims Advocate for the Lansing Police Department.

With 20 years of experience in healthcare and community service, along with training in cultural competency, Lucianna has consulted and advocated for diverse and vulnerable populations, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and understanding. Her dedication to her community and positive spirit continues to inspire those around her.

Pastor Kenny Craig is a native of Ripley, Tennessee. He has preached the gospel since January 1999 and previously served as pastor of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Dyer, Tennessee for over 18 years. He was called to Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan in February of 2023 and began his tenure there in May. He and his wife Corrie are the proud parents of 7 children and 3 grandchildren. Pastor Craig is a graduate of Ripley High School in Ripley, Tennessee. He also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee at Martin and is a graduate of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. In 2013, he earned a Master’s Degree in Christian Studies from the Southern Baptist college Union University in Jackson, Tennessee.

Apart from his service to the church, Pastor Craig served faithfully and was active on the local district, state, and national levels. He served as Congress Dean, Congress President, and Vice-Moderator of the Obion River District Association in Tennessee. He also served as Vice President of the Tennessee Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention’s Department of Christian Education, where he previously served as President of the Western Region, and State Director. Pastor Craig served as a Certified Dean for the National Baptist Convention’s Sunday School Publishing Board Division of Christian Education Accreditation and Credentials.

Pastor Kenny Craig, a published author, released his first book, "Interlopers: The Difficult People and Life Experiences That Prepare Us for Greater," in October 2017, highlighting how God guides individuals toward greater influence and responsibility. With a 20-year career in law enforcement, he served as a Deputy Sheriff, School Resource Officer, Criminal Investigator with a Violent Crimes Unit, and Administrative Lieutenant, eventually retiring as Administrative Captain responsible for campus operations at the historic HBCU Meharry Medical College in Nashville. His favorite quote, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reflects his belief in interconnectedness: "Somehow, we’re caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be, until you are what you ought to be."

A Lansing born and bred attorney with a fierce pride for the diverse and resilient Capital City he calls home. A twice over graduate of Michigan State University, in social work and law respectively.

Sheehan is the Executive Director of the Lansing Promise, Vice-Chair of The Ourspace Foundation, Treasurer of the Lansing Empowerment Network, Chair of the Lansing Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF), Treasurer of The Izzo Legacy, former President of the Chamber’s Leadership Lansing Collective (currently in process of re-establishing), member of the Lansing SAVE & Bold Lansing Advisory Board, board member of the Capital Area College Access Network, board member of the Michigan Promise Zone Association, and a proud Lansing Rotarian.

Of much greater importance, Sheehan is the proud father of three and the husband of one exceptional woman.

Kevin is a seasoned human resources leader with more than 15 years of employee relations, employee development and talent acquisition/management experience.

Prior to joining the CASE Credit Union team, Kevin worked in the transportation, financial services, IT and automotive industries. His team-building skills combined with his strategic insight makes Kevin an essential member of our team.

Kevin prides himself in leading the credit union in hiring and developing talented and broadly diverse employees who reflect the diversity within our community.

He is proud to have been recognized for his team’s efforts in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, receiving their Diversity Star Award in 2023.

Angelica Bašić is a native of Lansing whose parents are both of Mexican decent. Her mother was born in Mexico. Her father was born in Texas as a child of a migrant worker. Growing up, Angelica’s parents demonstrated their humility, a strong work ethic, faith, and gratefulness. Embracing her heritage, it gave impetus to continue her education and advance issues in both Latino and migrant communities.

Angelica attended Catholic grade school and high school. During those years, she was involved in Girl Scouts and was a United States Marine Corps Cadet (USMCC). A student at Lansing Community College, she then transferred to Ferris State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. A few years later, Angelica returned to Ferris State and gained her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration with highest distinction. Go Bulldogs!

Shaping her career path, Angelica worked in property management, customer service, and the hospitality industry. Recalling her experiences during high school as a volunteer at the domestic violence shelter as support staff, she had a passion then to help people. With that passion, in 2012, she became a Domestic Violence Advocate for the Capitol Area Response Effort (CARE), which is an arm of the Lansing Police Department. Serving at CARE for 7 years, little did she know that she would someday be working there.

In her sixteen years of combined experience in the public service field and community service, she has had a wide variety of roles. Prior to joining the Lansing Police Department, Angelica held another position in public service with the Department of Homeland Security as a transportation security officer (TSO) and was a part of the Deputy Federal Security Director’s (FSD) Advisory Council at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). This council served the Senior Leadership Team in addressing DTW workplace issues between co-workers and management. Part of this work was in communicating views and concerns of the workforce to the management team. This experience helped prepare her for her role as a supervisor. Returning to Lansing, she was ready to bring her experience and knowledge back to the community. Angelica joined LPD in 2018 as a Police Technician. Within three years she was promoted to LPD’s FOIA Coordinator and Central Records Supervisor. Since then, the requests for FOIA increased and as a result, FOIA staff doubled to meet the demand. Applying her leadership talents, the FOIA unit has been effective.

Recently, Angelica also initiated the Proclamation for “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” on October 14, 2024, for the City of Lansing. Recognizing the importance of the history of Native Americans, she is proud to support indigenous peoples in promoting equity, social justice and respect for their cultural heritage.

Most importantly, Angelica is a proud mother and the wife of an amazing man who comes all the way from Derventa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, whom she met in college (fellow Bulldog).

Lastly, I always live by the proverb by George Herbert, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”.

Dr. Renée Branch Canady serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPHI, a public health institute comprised of process and subject matter experts with a shared mission of working together to center equity, promote health and advance well-being for all. Dr. Canady is a relationship driven leader and author of the recently published book, "Room at the Table: A Leader’s Guide to Advancing Health Equity and Justice." In this well-received book, Canady presents a leadership challenge to everyone seeking to understand the intricacies of equity and justice, pushing them to become change agents within health/public health and other fields.

Prior to joining MPHI, Dr. Canady served as Health Officer and Director of the Ingham County Health Department, located in Lansing, Michigan. In that role she oversaw the county's statutory responsibility to protect and promote the health of county residents and lead the development of the innovative and nationally known, Ingham County Health Equity Social Justice program. Dr. Canady has held faculty and administrative positions at Michigan State University in the College of Nursing where she developed a research trajectory in maternal health and health inequities. She was an assistant professor in the C.S. Mott Department of Public Health, where she developed and chaired the Master of Public Health (MPH) core course "Health Equity for Public Health Practitioners."

A through-line in Shirin’s life is her dedication to learning. She started her career as an educator at Jackson College and continues to serve as Associate Professor of Political Science today.

Along the way, she found herself in the corners and streets of Lansing, meeting newcomers as they began new lives in the city.

Shirin started volunteering at Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties (formerly St. Vincent Catholic Charities/Refugee Services) in 2001. She was a family mentor to newly arriving Afghan women fleeing the Taliban. Her volunteering at STVCC went on for the following 17 years.

Meanwhile, she also served as the Executive Director of the Refugee Development Center from 2007 to 2014. Having observed the power of a community to harness its resources in support of its residents, Shirin moved from the RDC to the Immigrant and Refugee Resource Collaborative (IRRC) in 2014. There she volunteered her time for 9 years to help community organizations build the current IRRC structure. The IRRC is guided by an Advisory Council of 15 people representing 13 different nations, 50+ community partners, workgroups, and coalitions committed to strengthening services in our city.

In 2023, the IRRC received funding from the Office of Global Michigan, elevating it from a community collaborative to a regional force within the state's infrastructure. This model of regional community collaboration has since been replicated across Michigan.

Today, the IRRC is led by first and second-generation Americans who are committed to a Lansing that welcomes all who live here. IRRC partners do the hard work of identifying needs and working to meet them everyday. And then, when the day is over, they create spaces where a shared book, a shared meal, a moment, affirms each of us who call Lansing home. The IRRC lives and works where welcoming happens.

Reflecting on her journey, Shirin humbly says, “All I ever did was keep learning from those around me.” Quoting one of her favorite authors, Gregory Boyle, she adds, “I owe everything to other people.”

Lorenzo Lopez, a native of Lansing, MI, and a graduate of Michigan State University, has dedicated over 30 years to advocating for equality and inclusion across the Latino, LGBTQ, and broader communities. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Lorenzo is a well-respected leader and influencer known for his unwavering commitment to social justice. His ability to organize and galvanize people for just causes, rallies, and demonstrations reflects his deep determination to improve the quality of life for all. As a sought-after Master of Ceremonies for various events, his contributions to Lansing, the State of Michigan, and the country showcase exemplary leadership and a vision for a more inclusive society.

Currently, Lorenzo serves as a board member and five-year chairperson of Suits and the City and holds an executive board position with the Lansing chapter of LCLAA (Labor Council for Latino American Advancement). His impactful work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Michigan Heritage Award in 2023, the Cafecito Caliente Talent Award for the Advancement of Mexican/Latino Culture and Art in 2023, and recognition as Co-Chair of the Arts & Culture committee for Mayor Schor's Racial, Justice, & Equity Alliance in 2021. As a professional dancer, teacher, and director of Mexican Folkloric Dance, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, and Flamenco, Lorenzo continues to promote cultural pride and artistic excellence through his work. His dedication to community advocacy, arts, and education is a testament to his vision of creating a better life for all.

Dr. Nino Rodríguez was elected to the Board of Education in November, 2009. Dr. Rodríguez served as Deputy Superintendent from 1999-2001, when he retired from the District after 30 years. He began his tenure with the Lansing School District in 1971 as a Counselor at C.W. Junior High School and moved through the ranks, working in numerous positions such as Assistant Principal at both Gardner Junior High and Eastern High School. Dr. Rodríguez is most known for his time as the Pattengill Middle School Principal from 1984 to 1994. He also served as Director of Student Services and Director of Curriculum and Staff Development. Specific accomplishments at Pattengill included development of the clustered teaching approach which is still used throughout the district to this day, and implementation of guidelines from the Youth Violence Prevention Coalition, which fostered a new era in community and student relations in the district.

In addition to his years with the Lansing School District, Dr. Rodríguez also served as Associate Director of the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University and was appointed to serve the remainder of a term on the Lansing City Council. He is currently Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish and Portuguese at Michigan State University and publisher ofAdelante Forward magazine. He serves the community through positions on the Otto Community Health Center Advisory Board, the Mayor's Drug Free Youth Task Force, Lansing's Chicano Advisory Committee and the Ingham County Board of Health.

Dr. Rodríguez believes in giving children a good foundation for life through education, and he has demonstrated a tremendous empathy and love for children. Parents and students spanning three generations continue to remember and thank him to this day.

Dr. Rodríguez has been married to his beautiful wife, Margarita, for 30 years and together they have two beautiful and successful daughters who are products of the Lansing School District, and two grandchildren.

Amy J. Scoby is the Senior Vice President and the first female member of the Board of Directors at The Christman Company. In her role, Amy leads the Copper Connect team, which spans five states and eight offices, focusing on building lasting relationships, strategic partnerships, and ensuring client satisfaction. She also provides corporate leadership in areas such as marketing, business development, strategic planning, government affairs, and internal communications. As a key player in the company’s growth, she spearheaded initiatives that resulted in a 330% increase in project awards over a decade, from $465 million in 2013 to over $2 billion today.

Prior to joining Christman in 2012, Amy held an executive position at the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, where she led public-private partnerships and service improvement initiatives. She also directed research and public affairs at Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, and began her career in public service as an aide, caseworker, and campaign manager for a U.S. Congressman.

Amy serves on multiple boards, including the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Sparrow Foundation, and the Michigan Architectural Foundation, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy and a Master of Public Administration from Michigan State University, where she graduated with honors.

Reverend Michael T. K. Skrocki, M.Div., JCD, was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in September 1964. He attended Catholic grade school and high school, and as a young man, he was actively involved in the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Father Michael holds a BA in Russian and Slavic Studies from Kutztown University and earned his M.Div. from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology with high distinction. He went on to complete his JCL and JCD at the Catholic University of America, with his doctoral dissertation focusing on the historical roots of marriage in Canon Law. Ordained to the priesthood in 2000, he has since served in various pastoral and academic roles, including as pastor of St. Ann Melkite Greek-Catholic Church in Connecticut and St. Joseph Melkite Greek-Catholic Church in Lansing, Michigan.

In addition to his pastoral work, Fr. Michael serves as the Judicial Vicar for the Eparchy and teaches Canon Law at the Eparchial Deacon Training Program. He has edited numerous liturgical publications for Sophia Press, including the first complete modern-English translations of the liturgical service books of Constantinople. A man of many talents, Fr. Michael is also an accomplished genealogist, holds a Red II Belt in Krav Maga, and is a certified wine expert. He is a life member of several prestigious organizations, including Mensa and the National Eagle Scout Association, and holds dual citizenship with Italy.

As the Chief Equity Development Officer for LEAP, Tony leads initiatives aimed at establishing and expanding programs that support equitable economic development throughout the Lansing region. His goal is to create a stronger, more competitive economy that works for everyone by dismantling barriers and expanding opportunities for low-income individuals, communities of color, and other underrepresented groups. Tony began his journey at LEAP as the Business Acceleration Manager and later became the VP of Entrepreneurship and Innovation before being promoted to his current role.

Throughout his time at LEAP, Tony has created, developed, and implemented several key programs. These include the PROTO Accelerator, the region’s first corporate innovation platform and Michigan's only accelerator with a focus on InsurTech; One and All, an IEDC Gold Award-winning entrepreneurial program that supports entrepreneurs within the ALICE threshold with mentorship, educational curriculum, and seed funding; and Elevate, the region’s first small business accelerator focused on Black entrepreneurs and enterprises, aiming to enhance revenue, profitability, and prominence.

A proud Spartan, Tony earned a BA in Communications with a specialization in Public Relations from Michigan State University, having also attended Lansing Community College before transferring. Outside of work, he is an active community member, serving on various boards and advisory groups, including All of the Above, the JUSTICE League of Greater Lansing, MSU’s Center of Community Economic Development, and LCC’s Alumni Committee.

Dr. Floralba Arbelo is the Associate Vice President of Student Life at Indian River State College in Florida. She has served as a dean, academic program director, grants administrator, faculty, curriculum specialist, and researcher in the United States, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala.

As a higher education leader, Dr. Arbelo uses transformational leadership strategies to improve student success and organizational effectiveness. She is recognized for cultivating a student-centered culture, championing student success equity-focused initiatives, and delivering quality academic and support services. She takes a holistic approach to capacity building using a framework of continuous improvement and data decision-making. Her research and publications center on college student success, student persistence and retention, and online social presence in teaching and learning, and has published articles in the NACADA Journal, the Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, the Journal of Ethnographic and Qualitative Research, and the Journal of Hispanic Education and Technology, among others. Dr. Arbelo has received the Women that Transcend Award for Global Leadership in Education and Community Service from the New Jersey Hand Foundation, a Senatorial Citation for her volunteerism, activism, and mentoring activities among young adults and youth, and was awarded the Rita Turner Award for excellence in research. She is an alum of the inaugural class of the HACU Instituto de Liderazgo Fellowship. She has earned degrees from Liberty University, The New School for Public Engagement, and Brooklyn College of the City University of New York.

Dr. Cecily Bernard, born in Georgetown, Guyana, is an acclaimed scholar in Afro-Latin American literature and international relations, with a commitment to advancing cross-cultural understanding and language education.

Dr. Bernard’s academic foundation includes French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian, leading to a Licentiate Teacher’s Degree in Brazilian Language and Literature from the Federal University of Pará, Brazil. She earned an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Brasilia, focusing on Guyana’s role in the global context. Recently, she completed her Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies and Portuguese at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she also taught Spanish and published research on interculturality and globalization.

Her dissertation, Transnational Discourses, Global Entanglements: Afro-Latin American and Caribbean Literary and Cultural Production, examines how Afro-descendant authors from Latin America and the Caribbean contribute to world literature. Dr. Bernard’s career includes service as a Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guyana and as Research and Protocol Officer at CARICOM. These roles, alongside her establishment of a private language institute in Guyana, have enabled her to offer translation, interpretation, and language instruction services to government bodies and international organizations. Dr. Bernard’s linguistic proficiency extends to Dutch, reflecting her dedication to bridging linguistic and cultural divides. Her scholarly interests encompass Latin American and Caribbean literature, African Diasporic Studies, and Global Studies. Through her research and teaching, Dr. Bernard continues to be a vital contributor to global conversations on culture and identity.

Dr. Gail C. Christopher, D.N., is an award-winning social change agent, author, and expert in the social determinants of health and well-being. As the Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, she has been a leading voice in advancing holistic health and diversity in public policies. Dr. Christopher has co-authored and contributed to 14 books and numerous articles, making a profound impact through her writings and presentations. She is widely recognized for her pioneering work, including her leadership roles at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she spearheaded the America Healing initiative and the Truth Racial Healing and Transformation effort. A fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration since 1996, Dr. Christopher chaired the Board of the Trust for America’s Health from 2012 to 2022. She also serves as a Senior Scholar with George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Her contributions to the field have been recognized by the American Journal of Health Promotion, which honored her as one of the 10 Most Influential Women Scholars in Health Promotion in 2023. In 2024, she became the Chair of the Board of the Institute of Functional Medicine and continues to influence public health as the APHA Honorary Vice President for the United States.

Dr. Desiree DeFlorimonte has a distinguished 40-year career in education, focusing on Early Childhood Development, English Language Arts, and Curriculum Development. Known for her reflective practice, she designed the Joy at Work (JAW) curriculum to empower teachers through transformational leadership, enhancing classroom effectiveness and educator satisfaction. As a Fulbright Scholar, she has facilitated professional development workshops in the U.S. and Guyana, and taught literacy-focused courses at the University of Guyana.

Dr. DeFlorimonte's community service spans decades, including co-founding Guyanese Assisting in Development (GUYAID), which supports vulnerable children and elderly individuals in Guyana. She also led Cambridge Academy Alumni Association International, promoting excellence and unity among alumni. Currently, she serves on advisory boards for the Maryland International Day School, Caribbean Students Scholarship Fund, and Autumnleaf Group, Inc., reflecting her dedication to community and educational development. She holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina, an M.A.T. in Curriculum Development from Trinity College, and a B.S. from the University of Maryland.

Rev. Luis M. Diaz is a seasoned minister and educator with over 40 years of experience across pastoral, educational, and community service roles. Born in Miami to Puerto Rican parents, he embraced Christianity in Brooklyn in 1977 and was ordained by Iglesia Evangélica de La Palabra Viva in Miami in 1988. Since then, Rev. Diaz has founded and led several ministries, including anTORCHa Ministries, Daylight Communications, and Fe de Jesús Centro Cristiano Church, reaching diverse communities through radio programs, teaching, and mentorship.

In education, Rev. Diaz has taught subjects such as history, geography, and Bible studies at private schools and Bible institutes, including Alpha & Omega Bible Institute in Miami. His commitment extends to radio broadcasting, where he has hosted and produced faith-based programs in English and Spanish, amplifying his ministry’s impact. Rev. Diaz is also known for his community service. He has volunteered in youth leadership, organized missionary trips to Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Nicaragua, and assisted FEMA during the Hurricane Andrew recovery efforts in 1992. Academically, he holds a B.A. in Interpersonal and Group Communications from Trinity International University and an A.S. in Business Administration from Ward Stone College. He also holds a Bible Diploma from the Latin American Bible Institute of New York. Rev. Diaz’s dedication to faith, education, and community service reflects his commitment to nurturing future leaders and offering support to diverse communities through his teaching, speaking, and outreach.

Dr. Frank Douglas, Ph.D., M.D., is an award-winning healthcare and pharmaceutical leader with over 30 years of experience across major biopharmaceutical firms and academic institutions. As Executive Vice President at Aventis (now Sanofi), he led global research, development, and regulatory teams, driving the development of groundbreaking drugs such as Allegra and Lantus. He has also served as Chief Scientific Advisor at Bayer and Chairman of Alantos Pharmaceutical.

In academia, Dr. Douglas held influential roles, including Assistant Professor and Director of the Hypertension Clinic at the University of Chicago and Professor of the Practice at MIT's Sloan School of Management. As founding executive director of MIT’s Center for Biomedical Innovation, he pioneered initiatives like Value Driven Engineering and the i6 Process, integrating clinical insights into product development. Dr. Douglas’s accolades include the Black History Makers Award, Global Pharmaceutical R&D Director of the Year, and an honorary professorship from Goethe University in Frankfurt. His leadership extends to board roles at institutions like Battelle Memorial Institute and NIH’s NCATS Advisory Council. He also contributes to the U.S. Global Competitiveness initiative and serves on the Lehigh University Board of Trustees. With degrees from Lehigh University, Cornell University, and training at Johns Hopkins and NIH, Dr. Douglas continues his commitment to healthcare advancement as CEO of Safe Haven Dialogues LLC, impacting global healthcare through innovation and advisory roles.

Warren Manso Fornah is a committed Information Technology student from Freetown, Sierra Leone, currently in his final semester at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology completing a Bachelor's degree (Hons.) in Information Technology, where he has achieved a CGPA of 3.8/4.0.

Throughout his academic journey, Warren has maintained a record of excellence. Warren’s foundational education includes attending the Freetown Teacher's College Practicing School for primary education, where he scored an impressive aggregate of 340 in the National Primary School Examination (NPSE), marking the second-best result at the school that year. For secondary education, he attended Dele-Peddle International High School, achieving an aggregate of 10 (Ten) in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) — the best result at the school that year. Moving on to the Science stream Warren completed his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) with 9 out of 9 credits, one of the top three results at Dele-Peddle that year. From an early age, Warren’s affinity for technology inspired him to pursue a career in IT. His skill set includes HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and proficiency with platforms like Canvas LMS and Moodle. With a passion for community upliftment, Warren envisions creating a Tech Hub in Sierra Leone, providing expert software development and ICT consultancy for individuals and organizations.

Dr. Jean Lee is a dedicated educator with a teaching ministry spanning diverse audiences and settings. Known for making complex ideas accessible, she addresses topics such as Singleness & Sexuality, Spirituality, and Biblical Application, impacting lives across denominational lines. A longtime member of St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads, Dr. Lee is also an accredited Haggai International Facilitator, expanding her global influence on leadership development. An accomplished author, Dr. Lee has published four memoirs, two devotionals, and co-authored Español para la vida, a Spanish textbook. Her career in education includes teaching roles at Bishop Gibson High School and Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls, service as an Education Officer for Spanish, and missionary work in the Dominican Republic with IFES. She held significant roles in higher education, including Dean of Students at both the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology and Jamaica Theological Seminary, where she later became a Senior Lecturer. Dr. Lee holds a Diploma in Education and an M.A. in Spanish from the University of the West Indies, an M.I.S. from CGST, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Her work reflects her dedication to education, faith, and cross-cultural understanding, leaving a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Dr. Nina Nicholas, LMHC is a Clinical Psychotherapist and an educator. She is a wife of almost 32 years and a mother of two adult children. She has earned her master’s degree in clinical counseling as well as her Ph.D. in Psychology. After working for several years in hospital, church, and private settings, Nina created Peacemaking of the Human Spirit in an effort to help individuals find peace and enhanced relationships through personal growth. Additionally, Nina has a combined experience of 17 years in teaching psychology and psychology related courses at various universities. She has also developed undergraduate and graduate courses in the field of human services and related fields. She enjoys working with students and clients of all ages. In her free time, you will find Nina taking care of stray animals that find her in her backyard. She also has a small music and worship ministry along with her two children and some friends.

Phylis Eagle-Oldson has a distinguished 35-year career in media and telecommunications, holding multiple executive roles and serving as a corporate director. As President and CEO of the Emma L. Bowen Foundation (1999 - 2015), she led a national diversity initiative, expanding corporate partnerships and increasing paid internship opportunities by 400%. During her tenure, she raised over $6 million in grants for mentoring and tech programs, achieving an 80% hiring rate for fellows across the media industry. Previously, Eagle-Oldson was Vice President of Administration and Finance at the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), managing finances, human resources, and special projects. She also served on the board of Wegener Communications, where she chaired the Audit Committee and contributed to strategic operations. Eagle-Oldson’s efforts have been widely recognized, earning her inductions into the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council Hall of Fame and the Emma L. Bowen Foundation Hall of Fame. In retirement, she continues her leadership through volunteer roles, including executive search committees for the Emma Bowen Foundation and St. Mary’s School in Annapolis, MD.

Dr. Teresa Maria Hunter-Pettersen, MD, MPA, MS, is an accomplished medical educator and diversity advocate with extensive experience in both clinical and academic settings. A graduate of La Universidad Del Noreste in Mexico, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD), she also holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from New York University's Robert Wagner School of Public Administration and a Master of Science in Medical Education from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Dr. Hunter-Pettersen has dedicated much of her career to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity, particularly in the medical field. Currently serving as the Institutional Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity at LECOM, she also holds the position of Associate Professor in Medical Education.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hunter-Pettersen has contributed significantly to curriculum development, particularly in areas related to public health, infectious diseases, and multicultural health disparities. Her leadership extends beyond academia, with involvement in community outreach initiatives and mentoring students. She has authored and contributed to numerous scholarly publications and has been a key advocate for underrepresented groups in healthcare education. Her passion for equality is reflected in her participation in various diversity and inclusion projects, as well as her roles on committees aimed at advancing equity within the academic and medical communities.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Dr. Andrea Scott is a higher education administrator with more than 30 years of education and business experience. A former Fulbright Scholar, she most recently served Oregon’s largest private university, George Fox University (GFU) as provost and then as Special Advisor to the President and Distinguished Professor of Marketing. Before that, she was dean and professor of marketing at the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business at California Baptist University (CBU) from 2016-2020.

Prior to CBU, she spent 12 years as a marketing faculty member at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. Her business background includes national advertising agency experience, working with NBC during the 1996 Olympics, and business analysis with Honeywell, Inc. She also started and still owns The Write Touch (a marketing and creative writing business). Dr. Scott has a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College, an MBA from Emory University, and a PhD in marketing from the University of South Florida. She has been a member of the Wheaton Board of Trustees since 2015 and served as Vice Chair of the board. Well-versed in cultural discipleship, she leverages her multifaceted leadership training and her passion for people to help others steward their God-given gifts and cultivated talents. Her website is www.drandreascott.com, more information can be found there.