About SPEAR

The Sigma Public Education and Research Foundation (SPEAR) was founded in 1993, as an affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated during the administration of Past International Grand Basileus Corine J. Green.

In 1995, SPEAR received its 501(c)3 status and became an independent organization, with an office registered in Nevada.

About Us
SPEAR logo featuring the words 'Sigma Public Education and Research Foundation' surrounding a shield with two human figures, a computer, and a Greek letter psi.

Our Mission

The SPEAR Foundation champions social, civic, cultural, economic, and educational advancement for marginalized and underserved youth, families, and communities.

Guided by our Five Organizational Priorities — Community Service, Public Education, Advocacy, Social Science, and Applied Research — the Foundation advances this mission through programs, strategic partnerships, community-based initiatives, and research-informed investments that expand access to resources, strengthen community capacity, and create sustainable opportunities.

Meet the Board

  • A professional woman with short curly hair, wearing a dark blazer with the word 'SPEAR' on it, a blue top, and a pearl necklace, smiling against a purple background.

    Charmaine Davis-Grant, Ed.D

    President

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  • A woman with dark, wavy hair, wearing a black blazer with the SPEAR logo and a gray blouse with a tie collar, smiling against a light gray background.

    Vanessa Power Anderson, Ph.D.

    Vice President

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  • A woman smiling with her hair styled in braids into a high bun, wearing pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, a blue top, and a mustard yellow blazer with an 'SPEAR' badge and lapel pin. The background shows a person in a yellow jacket and chairs.

    La Tonya Theus Nelson

    Executive Director

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  • A woman with dark, wavy hair, wearing a black blazer with the SPEAR logo and a gray blouse with a tie collar, smiling against a light gray background.

    Oriaku Kas-Osoka, M.D., M.Ed.

    Treasurer

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  • Shakema Sanders, Ph.D.

    Financial Secretary

Board Members

  • A woman with curly black hair, wearing a light blue blouse with a bow at the collar, and jewelry, posing against a plain background.

    Dorothy Simmons-Blake

    Legacy Emeritus Director

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  • Close-up of a cheerful older woman with gray hair, wearing a colorful blue top with floral patterns, smiling at the camera.

    Arcola F. Stafford

    *Director Emeritus

    (Transitioned on June 8, 2026)

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Strategic Directors

  • Close-up of a woman wearing glasses, pearl necklaces, a navy blazer with a logo, and makeup with pink lipstick.

    Denine Goolsby, M.Ed

    WOMEN’S PROGRAMMING

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  • A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a black blazer with a 'SPEAR' logo and a light gray blouse with a bow tie, standing against a gray background.

    Alafia "Terrie" Thompson, PMP

    PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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Regional Representatives

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Arcola F. Stafford (@arcolastafford) — founding board member, Emeritus Director, educator, trailblazer, and faithful steward of the SPEAR Foundation, who made her Earthly transition this morning. Since 19
On May 22 and 23, The SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors convened virtually for our FY26 Annual Meeting. Together, we celebrated progress made this year while engaging in meaningful conversations around fiscal and programmatic stewardship, expande
📣 SPEAR International Shoe Drive submission reminder. REMINDER THAT THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 30th, 2026! Please contact NSDI@spearfoundation.org for any questions. #spearfoundation #internationalshoedrive #community #impact #sigma
📣 SPEAR International Shoe Drive submission reminder. DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 30th! Please contact NSDI@spearfoundation.org for any questions. #spearfoundation #internationalshoedrive #community #impact #sigmagammarho