SPEAR was founded in 1993, as a component 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 autonomous body, with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. affiliation, with an office registered in Nevada.
As a registered 501(c)3 organization, in addition to focusing our international programs, SPEAR provides fiscal sponsorship, increasing the availability of resources to local Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Chapters and community-based organizations (CBOs). This is so they can design and implement effective community service, public education, advocacy, and social science research programs – to reduce poverty and improve quality of life for minorities, women and children. At SPEAR, we strive to increase access to granting agencies, foster community innovation, and improvement, and encourage nonprofit sector experimentation. We extend full corporate and financial sponsorship to the projects we support.
As a registered 501(c)3 organization, in addition to focusing our international programs, SPEAR provides fiscal sponsorship, increasing the availability of resources to local Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Chapters and community-based organizations (CBOs). This is so they can design and implement effective community service, public education, advocacy, and social science research programs – to reduce poverty and improve quality of life for minorities, women and children. At SPEAR, we strive to increase access to granting agencies, foster community innovation, and improvement, and encourage nonprofit sector experimentation. We extend full corporate and financial sponsorship to the projects we support.
The Visionary
Corine Jordan Green was one of the most dynamic, intuitive, inspirational leaders of our time. Her energy, intelligence and warmth drew people to her. During her illustrious 30-year career with Rockwell International in Los Angeles, she became the first African-American female procurement quality assurance manager, supervising a budget of more than $8 million.
Ms. Green was a charismatic leader, who was known to be involved with efforts to improve the status of Black people, especially women of color. In 1972, Ms. Green was inducted as a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. When she joined the Sorority, her transformational leadership style had an immediate impact. She then led the organization through a new computerized system and established leadership training workshops. Ms. Green held the title of International Grand Basileus (international president) from 1992-1996, leading the way for new international programs such as building homes with Habitat for Humanity, the complete automation of the International Corporate Headquarters and its innovative five-year strategic plan.
In 1993, Ms. Green established The SPEAR Foundation, as an affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. – to help the Sorority’s local chapters qualify for funding sources to carry out the Sorority’s motto of “Greater Service, Greater Progress.” The SPEAR Foundation’s goal was to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families, served by chapters of the Sorority. In 1995, SPEAR received its 501(c)(3) status and became an autonomous body, with a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. affiliation.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Corine J. Green, the mission and goals expanded to include providing fiscal sponsorship not only Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. chapters but other community-based organizations (CBO) as well. The SPEAR Foundation developed programs that focused on strengthening communities, preserving families’, financial education, self-advocacy and health awareness.
Her legacy continues to live on, as the SPEAR Foundation uplifts and changes the lives of those it impacts.
SPEAR Foundation President
Uolanda Davis-Campbell
Uolanda Davis-Campbell is a native Detroiter with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Eastern Michigan University with a Theatre Arts Minor. She also earned Certified Nonprofit Professional (CMP) Designation/Credential from Allied Management Institute.
Ms. Davis-Campbell’s skill sets reflect her background in customer service, sales, and event coordination. She is also a strategic planner and marketing specialist. She has previously worked for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cobo Convention/Exhibition Center, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless.
Her past leadership experiences include serving as Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Leader Mentor as well as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. – Central Region Time and Place Committee Chairperson and Event Planner.
Davis-Campbell's current board/community service involvement includes SPEAR Foundation President, Rho Sigma Foundation First Vice President, and Charles R. Drew Transition Center Advisory Board.
Ms. Davis-Campbell serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors. President Davis-Campbell can be contacted at [email protected]
Uolanda Davis-Campbell
Uolanda Davis-Campbell is a native Detroiter with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Eastern Michigan University with a Theatre Arts Minor. She also earned Certified Nonprofit Professional (CMP) Designation/Credential from Allied Management Institute.
Ms. Davis-Campbell’s skill sets reflect her background in customer service, sales, and event coordination. She is also a strategic planner and marketing specialist. She has previously worked for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cobo Convention/Exhibition Center, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless.
Her past leadership experiences include serving as Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Leader Mentor as well as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. – Central Region Time and Place Committee Chairperson and Event Planner.
Davis-Campbell's current board/community service involvement includes SPEAR Foundation President, Rho Sigma Foundation First Vice President, and Charles R. Drew Transition Center Advisory Board.
Ms. Davis-Campbell serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors. President Davis-Campbell can be contacted at [email protected]
SPEAR President Elect 2024
Charmaine Davis-Bey, M.Ed.
Ms. Charmaine Davis-Bey proudly hails from Toledo, Ohio, previously living in the cities of Cincinnati and Cleveland – currently residing in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. She received her B.A. in Communications: Public Relations from Xavier University (OH) in 2005. She earned M.B.A. from The University of Phoenix in 2009. She also earned her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology: Student Learning and was accepted into the Ed.D. Out-of-School Learning (OSL) doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh – Summer 2021 cohort.
Ms. Davis-Bey is a proud educator and public servant – currently as a 21st CCLC Education Program Specialist for the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Within her role, she monitors/supports subgrantees funded by the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant program, via school districts and community-based organizations that serve targeted populations in need through after and out-of-school time (OST). Before starting at ODE, Ms. Davis-Bey spent three years in the field of OST education beginning in early 2013, when she has worked Open Doors Academy (of Cleveland, Ohio), Godman Guild and YMCA of Central Ohio. As a result of her past and present field work and service, Ms. Davis-Bey was selected as a 2019-2020 White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow – where graduates are equipped with a real world understanding of the art and science of policy-making for afterschool and summer learning, while working towards maintaining and growing 21st CCLC funds and other related state priorities. Her policy project encompasses supporting the growth and development of quality high school afterschool programs in Ohio – and will allow for competitive priority for future 21st CCLC grant competitions.
Ms. Davis-Bey is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority inducted on March 3, 2006, Epsilon Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter (Cincinnati, Ohio). She is also a past Central Region Historian (Epistoleus). Currently, she is a member of Delta Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter (Columbus, Ohio) – serving as Chapter Representative to its 501c3 arm, the Greater Service Initiative, Inc. She also serves on the National Education Committee (under the Youth Leadership Academy programmatic arm) and on the Centennial Committee: History and Archives. Other memberships include: National Afterschool Association, Ohio Afterschool Network and OCSEA/AFSCME Union, Chapter 2565.
Ms. Davis-Bey serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, served as the Central Region SPEAR Representative, served as the Board Secretary and Webmaster. Director Davis-Bey can be contacted at [email protected]
Charmaine Davis-Bey, M.Ed.
Ms. Charmaine Davis-Bey proudly hails from Toledo, Ohio, previously living in the cities of Cincinnati and Cleveland – currently residing in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. She received her B.A. in Communications: Public Relations from Xavier University (OH) in 2005. She earned M.B.A. from The University of Phoenix in 2009. She also earned her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology: Student Learning and was accepted into the Ed.D. Out-of-School Learning (OSL) doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh – Summer 2021 cohort.
Ms. Davis-Bey is a proud educator and public servant – currently as a 21st CCLC Education Program Specialist for the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Within her role, she monitors/supports subgrantees funded by the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant program, via school districts and community-based organizations that serve targeted populations in need through after and out-of-school time (OST). Before starting at ODE, Ms. Davis-Bey spent three years in the field of OST education beginning in early 2013, when she has worked Open Doors Academy (of Cleveland, Ohio), Godman Guild and YMCA of Central Ohio. As a result of her past and present field work and service, Ms. Davis-Bey was selected as a 2019-2020 White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow – where graduates are equipped with a real world understanding of the art and science of policy-making for afterschool and summer learning, while working towards maintaining and growing 21st CCLC funds and other related state priorities. Her policy project encompasses supporting the growth and development of quality high school afterschool programs in Ohio – and will allow for competitive priority for future 21st CCLC grant competitions.
Ms. Davis-Bey is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority inducted on March 3, 2006, Epsilon Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter (Cincinnati, Ohio). She is also a past Central Region Historian (Epistoleus). Currently, she is a member of Delta Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter (Columbus, Ohio) – serving as Chapter Representative to its 501c3 arm, the Greater Service Initiative, Inc. She also serves on the National Education Committee (under the Youth Leadership Academy programmatic arm) and on the Centennial Committee: History and Archives. Other memberships include: National Afterschool Association, Ohio Afterschool Network and OCSEA/AFSCME Union, Chapter 2565.
Ms. Davis-Bey serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, served as the Central Region SPEAR Representative, served as the Board Secretary and Webmaster. Director Davis-Bey can be contacted at [email protected]
SPEAR Executive Director
La Tonya Theus Nelson
La Tonya Theus Nelson was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is the oldest of four children. In her family, she is a first-generation college graduate. She is a graduate of California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. In 2001, she earned a master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of La Verne. Currently she works as an Assistant Probation Director with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. In the past she has served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Phoenix.
La Tonya is a part of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Sigma became a part La Tonya's life when she was an undergraduate at California State University Long Beach. She now serves as the Basileus of the Antelope Valley Alumnae Chapter, Epsilon Chi Sigma. As a member of Sigma, she has served on various committees and has held national, regional, and local offices in the sorority. La Tonya has also volunteered and assisted with various programs on all levels as well as projects of Sigma. She currently serves on the Centennial Planning Committee, as the November Celebrations Chair. She is 15th Western Regional Syntaktes. Additionally, La Tonya is a Veteran and served in the United States Army obtaining the rank of Sergeant.
With a passion for community service, La Tonya has worked with a variety of agencies and organizations, which include, Black Probation Officers Association, California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association, Association of Fraternal Advisors, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles and many more just to name a few. She is an inductee of the Order of Omega a National Greek Honor Society and a member of the Presidential Who’s Who Among Business and Professional Achievers.
La Tonya lives in Lancaster, California, with her husband Gerard, a strong supporter of Sigma Gamma Rho. Together they have 3 children. She enjoys running, spending time with her family and providing service to others.
Mrs. Nelson serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors and Director Nelson can be contacted at [email protected]
La Tonya Theus Nelson
La Tonya Theus Nelson was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is the oldest of four children. In her family, she is a first-generation college graduate. She is a graduate of California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. In 2001, she earned a master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of La Verne. Currently she works as an Assistant Probation Director with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. In the past she has served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Phoenix.
La Tonya is a part of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Sigma became a part La Tonya's life when she was an undergraduate at California State University Long Beach. She now serves as the Basileus of the Antelope Valley Alumnae Chapter, Epsilon Chi Sigma. As a member of Sigma, she has served on various committees and has held national, regional, and local offices in the sorority. La Tonya has also volunteered and assisted with various programs on all levels as well as projects of Sigma. She currently serves on the Centennial Planning Committee, as the November Celebrations Chair. She is 15th Western Regional Syntaktes. Additionally, La Tonya is a Veteran and served in the United States Army obtaining the rank of Sergeant.
With a passion for community service, La Tonya has worked with a variety of agencies and organizations, which include, Black Probation Officers Association, California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association, Association of Fraternal Advisors, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles and many more just to name a few. She is an inductee of the Order of Omega a National Greek Honor Society and a member of the Presidential Who’s Who Among Business and Professional Achievers.
La Tonya lives in Lancaster, California, with her husband Gerard, a strong supporter of Sigma Gamma Rho. Together they have 3 children. She enjoys running, spending time with her family and providing service to others.
Mrs. Nelson serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors and Director Nelson can be contacted at [email protected]
SPEAR Director of Women's Programs
Denine Goolsby
Denine A. Goolsby is a native Clevelander and a graduate of Shaw High School located in East Cleveland, Ohio. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kent State University with a concentration in Elementary Education in 1977. She began her career as a teacher in the East Cleveland City School District and remained there for twelve years. She taught students in grades one, three, four, and six during her tenure there. She took a sabbatical from the district in 1989 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Principal’s Certification from Kent State University. After graduation in 1990, she returned to the East Cleveland Schools. She currently holds a Superintendent’s License from Ashland University.
In 1992, Ms. Goolsby accepted an administrative position with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools. While in the district, she served as Elementary Assistant Principal, Assistant Middle School Principal, Elementary Principal, and Middle School Principal. As an elementary principal, she received an award from the Governor for closing the achievement gap. Through collaboration with the staff, she led the middle school to receive recognition as a National School to Watch. She retired from the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District in 2008.
From 2008 to 2018, Ms. Goolsby served in several roles in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She has held the positions of Regional Superintendent, Academic Coach, and Executive Director of Humanware – where she worked extensively with experts in the field of SEL, who are internationally known for being pioneers in social and emotional learning.
Currently, Ms. Goolsby is a professor at Cleveland State University and an active member of the CREATE for Education Board of Directors – whose goal is to nurture healthy, caring school communities that support social and emotional learning and teacher and principal wellness.
Ms. Goolsby was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority on April 17, 1976, at Kent State University. She has served as Epistoleus, Grammateus, and Basileus of Alpha Lambda Sigma Chapter, 2016 Boule Hostess, and served as the National Boule Hostess (2017 – 2020). She is a member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Ms. Goolsby serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors. She serves as the LADES Program Coordinator. Director Goolsby can be contacted at [email protected]
Denine Goolsby
Denine A. Goolsby is a native Clevelander and a graduate of Shaw High School located in East Cleveland, Ohio. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kent State University with a concentration in Elementary Education in 1977. She began her career as a teacher in the East Cleveland City School District and remained there for twelve years. She taught students in grades one, three, four, and six during her tenure there. She took a sabbatical from the district in 1989 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Principal’s Certification from Kent State University. After graduation in 1990, she returned to the East Cleveland Schools. She currently holds a Superintendent’s License from Ashland University.
In 1992, Ms. Goolsby accepted an administrative position with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools. While in the district, she served as Elementary Assistant Principal, Assistant Middle School Principal, Elementary Principal, and Middle School Principal. As an elementary principal, she received an award from the Governor for closing the achievement gap. Through collaboration with the staff, she led the middle school to receive recognition as a National School to Watch. She retired from the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District in 2008.
From 2008 to 2018, Ms. Goolsby served in several roles in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She has held the positions of Regional Superintendent, Academic Coach, and Executive Director of Humanware – where she worked extensively with experts in the field of SEL, who are internationally known for being pioneers in social and emotional learning.
Currently, Ms. Goolsby is a professor at Cleveland State University and an active member of the CREATE for Education Board of Directors – whose goal is to nurture healthy, caring school communities that support social and emotional learning and teacher and principal wellness.
Ms. Goolsby was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority on April 17, 1976, at Kent State University. She has served as Epistoleus, Grammateus, and Basileus of Alpha Lambda Sigma Chapter, 2016 Boule Hostess, and served as the National Boule Hostess (2017 – 2020). She is a member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Ms. Goolsby serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors. She serves as the LADES Program Coordinator. Director Goolsby can be contacted at [email protected]
SPEAR Director of Project Management
Alafia "Terrie" Thompson
Alafia “Terrie” Thompson, PMP® is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. for over 28 years; affectionately and professionally known as Terrie Thompson. She is a certified Project Management Profession (PMP®) through the Project Management Institute (PMI). As a Philo Affiliate Advisor through the Theta Alpha Sigma Alumnae chapter, she established the first Philo Affiliate in the state of Connecticut on March 19, 2022. She has her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Psychology. Mrs. Thompson has over 17 years of advocacy, nonprofit development, and grant experience. She has worked in various capacities of service within corporate settings, non-profits, and human services in the Western Massachusetts area. She brings her extensive grant writing, advocacy, donor development, sponsor cultivation, CRM systems management, project management, and community engagement experience to contribute in a meaningful way to the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors. Throughout her career she has been committed to advocating and working closely with marginalized communities to create social equity, inclusion, exercise personal choice, and help provide equal access to resources in the larger community.
In all areas of her career, she has practiced honoring the unique experiences and needs of the communities she serves by helping those individuals and groups to be empower by their own experiences so they may thrive where they live, work, eat, and play in a meaningful way. Her work continues through her appointments/memberships to active community boards and agencies in Massachusetts. Mrs. Thompson’s current board/community involvement includes SPEAR Foundation (Director), Women of Color Health Equity Collective (Board Member), Massachusetts Department of Disabilities Citizen’s Advisory Board (Chair of the Board for an Area Office), and Massachusetts Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) (Hampden County Committee Member).
Mrs. Thompson serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, currently serving as the Director of Project Management. She can be contacted at [email protected]
Alafia "Terrie" Thompson
Alafia “Terrie” Thompson, PMP® is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. for over 28 years; affectionately and professionally known as Terrie Thompson. She is a certified Project Management Profession (PMP®) through the Project Management Institute (PMI). As a Philo Affiliate Advisor through the Theta Alpha Sigma Alumnae chapter, she established the first Philo Affiliate in the state of Connecticut on March 19, 2022. She has her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Psychology. Mrs. Thompson has over 17 years of advocacy, nonprofit development, and grant experience. She has worked in various capacities of service within corporate settings, non-profits, and human services in the Western Massachusetts area. She brings her extensive grant writing, advocacy, donor development, sponsor cultivation, CRM systems management, project management, and community engagement experience to contribute in a meaningful way to the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors. Throughout her career she has been committed to advocating and working closely with marginalized communities to create social equity, inclusion, exercise personal choice, and help provide equal access to resources in the larger community.
In all areas of her career, she has practiced honoring the unique experiences and needs of the communities she serves by helping those individuals and groups to be empower by their own experiences so they may thrive where they live, work, eat, and play in a meaningful way. Her work continues through her appointments/memberships to active community boards and agencies in Massachusetts. Mrs. Thompson’s current board/community involvement includes SPEAR Foundation (Director), Women of Color Health Equity Collective (Board Member), Massachusetts Department of Disabilities Citizen’s Advisory Board (Chair of the Board for an Area Office), and Massachusetts Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) (Hampden County Committee Member).
Mrs. Thompson serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, currently serving as the Director of Project Management. She can be contacted at [email protected]
Central Region Representative
Dr. Santita Nunn-Odom
Dr. Nunn-Odom is am a mom, a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a 35-year member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is a native of East St. Louis, IL. and a product of the public school system. Santita currently lives in Springfield, IL. She received her B.A. in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois Urbana in 1990. She earned an M.A. from Capella University in 2016, and her Ed.D. from Missouri Baptist University in 2020.
Dr. Nunn-Odom is a forward-thinking servant leader with 20+ years experience and proven success in leading multi-million dollar federal, state and grant funded programs, including Title I, Teen Reach, AmeriCorps, GEAR-Up, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and Freedom School. She is currently employed at Illinois Department of Transportation as a Grant Administrator.
Dr. Nunn-Odom is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., inducted on November 7, 1987 into Delta Rho Chapter, University of Illinois-Urbana. She gladly serves as the Epistoleus of her current chapter (Epsilon Sigma Sigma) in Springfield, IL and chairs several Signature Programs, including Women's Wellness and Human Trafficking. She has also served as part of the Central Region Training & Development Committee and Central Region Membership Committee.
Dr. Nunn-Odom's life’s journey has always been connected to serving others. She understands the importance of living life with purpose. She is passionate about education, community engagement, and empowering students from low-income communities. Her long-term goal is to work in a university setting teaching and eventually working with first generation college students. Until then she will pursue purpose. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Dr. Nunn-Odom serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, currently serving as the Central Region Representative. Director Nunn-Odom can be contacted at [email protected] or [email protected]
Dr. Santita Nunn-Odom
Dr. Nunn-Odom is am a mom, a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a 35-year member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is a native of East St. Louis, IL. and a product of the public school system. Santita currently lives in Springfield, IL. She received her B.A. in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois Urbana in 1990. She earned an M.A. from Capella University in 2016, and her Ed.D. from Missouri Baptist University in 2020.
Dr. Nunn-Odom is a forward-thinking servant leader with 20+ years experience and proven success in leading multi-million dollar federal, state and grant funded programs, including Title I, Teen Reach, AmeriCorps, GEAR-Up, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and Freedom School. She is currently employed at Illinois Department of Transportation as a Grant Administrator.
Dr. Nunn-Odom is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., inducted on November 7, 1987 into Delta Rho Chapter, University of Illinois-Urbana. She gladly serves as the Epistoleus of her current chapter (Epsilon Sigma Sigma) in Springfield, IL and chairs several Signature Programs, including Women's Wellness and Human Trafficking. She has also served as part of the Central Region Training & Development Committee and Central Region Membership Committee.
Dr. Nunn-Odom's life’s journey has always been connected to serving others. She understands the importance of living life with purpose. She is passionate about education, community engagement, and empowering students from low-income communities. Her long-term goal is to work in a university setting teaching and eventually working with first generation college students. Until then she will pursue purpose. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Dr. Nunn-Odom serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, currently serving as the Central Region Representative. Director Nunn-Odom can be contacted at [email protected] or [email protected]
Northeastern Region Representative
Dawne Stanton
Ms. Dawne Stanton grew up in an Army family and moved around often both domestically and internationally. She is the youngest of four and only girl in her family. She is an avid traveler, dog lover, football fanatic and foodie. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government & International Politics from George Mason University and a Master of Public Administration from Troy (State) University. Although she has lived in the DC Metropolitan area for over 27 years, she is southern Virginia girl at heart and calls Hampton, VA home.
Ms. Stanton currently works for headquarters Department of the Army as a Management & Program Analyst in the Operations Directorate of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 (Installations). In this role, she performs independent scope validation and programmatic objectives; reviews command requests for military construction resources; assists commands in articulating resource requests to senior leaders; annually
publishes facility investment guidance; and defends programmatic decisions and budgetary requests to Congress.
Most recently, Ms. Stanton completed an 18-month special detail assignment as the legislative affairs advisor to The Naming Commission. This Congressional Commission was charged with providing naming, renaming, and removal recommendations to Congress for all Department of Defense items that commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America.
Ms. Stanton is a legacy, life member and ruby of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., inducted on October 13, 1997, Mu Omega Chapter (George Mason University). She is the immediate past Area I Coordinator for the Northeastern Region and the reactivation charter Basileus of the Eta Theta Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Silver Spring, MD (2016). Other memberships include the Marian J Martin Blue and Gold Gavel Electronic Unit and
the National Association of Parliamentarians.
Ms. Stanton serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, currently serving as the Northeastern Region Representative. Director Stanton can be contacted at [email protected]
Dawne Stanton
Ms. Dawne Stanton grew up in an Army family and moved around often both domestically and internationally. She is the youngest of four and only girl in her family. She is an avid traveler, dog lover, football fanatic and foodie. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government & International Politics from George Mason University and a Master of Public Administration from Troy (State) University. Although she has lived in the DC Metropolitan area for over 27 years, she is southern Virginia girl at heart and calls Hampton, VA home.
Ms. Stanton currently works for headquarters Department of the Army as a Management & Program Analyst in the Operations Directorate of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 (Installations). In this role, she performs independent scope validation and programmatic objectives; reviews command requests for military construction resources; assists commands in articulating resource requests to senior leaders; annually
publishes facility investment guidance; and defends programmatic decisions and budgetary requests to Congress.
Most recently, Ms. Stanton completed an 18-month special detail assignment as the legislative affairs advisor to The Naming Commission. This Congressional Commission was charged with providing naming, renaming, and removal recommendations to Congress for all Department of Defense items that commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America.
Ms. Stanton is a legacy, life member and ruby of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., inducted on October 13, 1997, Mu Omega Chapter (George Mason University). She is the immediate past Area I Coordinator for the Northeastern Region and the reactivation charter Basileus of the Eta Theta Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Silver Spring, MD (2016). Other memberships include the Marian J Martin Blue and Gold Gavel Electronic Unit and
the National Association of Parliamentarians.
Ms. Stanton serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, currently serving as the Northeastern Region Representative. Director Stanton can be contacted at [email protected]
Southeastern Region Representative
Zandra J. Scott, Esq.
Zandra Johnson-Scott, a first-generation college student, is the founder and managing principal of The Z Firm, LLC, where she focuses her law practice on litigation matters, including those involving personal injury, insurance coverage disputes, business and commercial matters and domestic cases.
Mrs. Scott graduated South Carolina State University, summa cum laude, in 1997 with a degree in Political Science and received her Juris Doctorate from St. John's University in New York in 2003.
Mrs. Scott regularly mentors students of all ages as well as newly admitted members of the South Carolina Bar. In addition, she is a frequent speaker at elementary, middle and high schools across the state, where she speaks to students about her life experiences and the obstacles she's
overcome in an effort to encourage students to live their best lives by dedicating themselves to being the best version of themselves that they can be. She always impresses upon students that their immediate circumstances do not dictate who or what they can or will come.
Mrs. Scott is a Life Member of both her alma mater, South Carolina State University’s Alumni Association, and her beloved sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and is also a sustaining member of Junior League of Greenville. In addition to serving her community through these
organizations, Mrs. Scott serves as the Chair of Community Works Carolina and as a member of the Upstate AHEC Board of Directors. No stranger to service, Mrs. Scott previously served on the Boards of the Urban League of the Upstate Young Professionals Auxiliary, Greenville Tech
Foundation, Pendleton Place Children’s Shelter and Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands.
Professionally, she currently serves as President of the Donald James Sampson Bar Association and is a member of the South Carolina Bar, the National Bar Association, the Greenville County Bar Association (former Board member) and has been appointed by the South Carolina Supreme
Court as both an Attorney to Assist Disciplinary Council and a Commissioner of Continuing Legal Education.
For her many community and professional contributions, Mrs. Scott has been honored by YWCA as a Dream Achiever, featured by Destiny Magazine as a Woman of Achievement, selected by Greenville Business Magazine as one of its Best and Brightest 35 and Under, selected by the Southern Region of the Lawyers of Color’s Hot List, selected by the National Black Lawyers as a Top 100 Lawyer, recognized on several occasions to be among the Legal Elite of the Upstate in Personal Injury and Family Law and as an Upstate Black History Maker by 107.3 JAMZ radio station. She has also been named a Phenomenal Woman by Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands for her community service efforts.
Mrs. Scott is a full voting member of the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors, serving as the Southeastern Region Representative. Director Scott can be reached at [email protected]
Zandra J. Scott, Esq.
Zandra Johnson-Scott, a first-generation college student, is the founder and managing principal of The Z Firm, LLC, where she focuses her law practice on litigation matters, including those involving personal injury, insurance coverage disputes, business and commercial matters and domestic cases.
Mrs. Scott graduated South Carolina State University, summa cum laude, in 1997 with a degree in Political Science and received her Juris Doctorate from St. John's University in New York in 2003.
Mrs. Scott regularly mentors students of all ages as well as newly admitted members of the South Carolina Bar. In addition, she is a frequent speaker at elementary, middle and high schools across the state, where she speaks to students about her life experiences and the obstacles she's
overcome in an effort to encourage students to live their best lives by dedicating themselves to being the best version of themselves that they can be. She always impresses upon students that their immediate circumstances do not dictate who or what they can or will come.
Mrs. Scott is a Life Member of both her alma mater, South Carolina State University’s Alumni Association, and her beloved sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and is also a sustaining member of Junior League of Greenville. In addition to serving her community through these
organizations, Mrs. Scott serves as the Chair of Community Works Carolina and as a member of the Upstate AHEC Board of Directors. No stranger to service, Mrs. Scott previously served on the Boards of the Urban League of the Upstate Young Professionals Auxiliary, Greenville Tech
Foundation, Pendleton Place Children’s Shelter and Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands.
Professionally, she currently serves as President of the Donald James Sampson Bar Association and is a member of the South Carolina Bar, the National Bar Association, the Greenville County Bar Association (former Board member) and has been appointed by the South Carolina Supreme
Court as both an Attorney to Assist Disciplinary Council and a Commissioner of Continuing Legal Education.
For her many community and professional contributions, Mrs. Scott has been honored by YWCA as a Dream Achiever, featured by Destiny Magazine as a Woman of Achievement, selected by Greenville Business Magazine as one of its Best and Brightest 35 and Under, selected by the Southern Region of the Lawyers of Color’s Hot List, selected by the National Black Lawyers as a Top 100 Lawyer, recognized on several occasions to be among the Legal Elite of the Upstate in Personal Injury and Family Law and as an Upstate Black History Maker by 107.3 JAMZ radio station. She has also been named a Phenomenal Woman by Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands for her community service efforts.
Mrs. Scott is a full voting member of the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors, serving as the Southeastern Region Representative. Director Scott can be reached at [email protected]
Southwestern Regional Representative
Dr. Vanessa Power Anderson
For over 25+ years, Soror Vanessa Power Anderson (Ph.D.) has worked in higher education as a consultant, senior level administrator and visiting faculty member. Currently, she serves as Interim Vice President of College Services at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, TX. She has earned academic degrees from Valdosta State University, the University of South Carolina, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Virginia Tech. She is a passionate educator who is working in her community and nationally. Her board appointments have included serving on the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) Mile High Chapter Executive Board, the Women’s Bean Project, Transformational Leadership Foundation and the Colorado Sisterhood Crusade.
She is the Past President of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) Mile High Chapter and past AAWCC Region VII Coordinator. Her recognitions include, but not limited to, Oxford International Round Table Scholar/Leader, 2017 Denver Urban Spectrum’s “African Americans Who Make A Difference” and the Sisters-In-Service, Soror of the Year. Her most recent honor is being selected as one of the 2021 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award Recipient honoring her extraordinary work on her campus supporting faculty, staff, and students. For 29+ years, Soror Anderson has been an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in the Southeast, Northeast, Western and most recently, in the Southwestern Region. Soror Power Anderson served as the 17th Western Region Syntaktes from 2012-2016.
She is a Life Member, Ruby, past WR Anti-Grammateus, past Anti-Basileus of the Aurora, Colorado Chapter, as well as, a past Western Region and National Board Member. She and her husband Dr. Myron Anderson, have been married for over 16 years and they have been blessed to have a son named Ayden.
Mrs. Power Anderson is a full voting member of the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors, serving as the Southwestern Region Representative. Director Power-Anderson can be reached at [email protected]
Dr. Vanessa Power Anderson
For over 25+ years, Soror Vanessa Power Anderson (Ph.D.) has worked in higher education as a consultant, senior level administrator and visiting faculty member. Currently, she serves as Interim Vice President of College Services at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, TX. She has earned academic degrees from Valdosta State University, the University of South Carolina, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Virginia Tech. She is a passionate educator who is working in her community and nationally. Her board appointments have included serving on the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) Mile High Chapter Executive Board, the Women’s Bean Project, Transformational Leadership Foundation and the Colorado Sisterhood Crusade.
She is the Past President of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) Mile High Chapter and past AAWCC Region VII Coordinator. Her recognitions include, but not limited to, Oxford International Round Table Scholar/Leader, 2017 Denver Urban Spectrum’s “African Americans Who Make A Difference” and the Sisters-In-Service, Soror of the Year. Her most recent honor is being selected as one of the 2021 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award Recipient honoring her extraordinary work on her campus supporting faculty, staff, and students. For 29+ years, Soror Anderson has been an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in the Southeast, Northeast, Western and most recently, in the Southwestern Region. Soror Power Anderson served as the 17th Western Region Syntaktes from 2012-2016.
She is a Life Member, Ruby, past WR Anti-Grammateus, past Anti-Basileus of the Aurora, Colorado Chapter, as well as, a past Western Region and National Board Member. She and her husband Dr. Myron Anderson, have been married for over 16 years and they have been blessed to have a son named Ayden.
Mrs. Power Anderson is a full voting member of the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors, serving as the Southwestern Region Representative. Director Power-Anderson can be reached at [email protected]
Western Region Representative
C. Lynn Willis, MSFE
C. Lynn Willis calls Chicago, Illinois, home. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in Communication Arts (1990) while working on an Associate of Science in Air Transportation from the Community College of the Air Force. In 1999, she earned her Master’s Degree from Troy University in Foundations of Education with a Concentration in Leadership. Shortly after college graduation, she dedicated 25 years of service with the United States Air Force Reserves and gained leadership and organization skills.
During her military travels, she worked in logistics, transportation, education, Veteran Affairs, and data quality. Since moving to Puyallup, Washington, she worked for a non-profit organization called Sound Outreach Center for Strong Families (CSF) in Tacoma, Washington. With the CSF Model of integrated services, Mrs. Willis meets with participants to determine skill level, industry experience, and education/training needs. Mrs. Willis has recently taken on a position with United Ways as the Director of Family Stability Initiatives.
Mrs. Willis has been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. since November 18, 1989 and is a life member and Ruby. She has served in four Sigma Gamma Rho regions and served as the 1st Vice President of Zeta Phi Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Tacoma, Washington. She served three years as the Western Region Mwanamugimu Essay Chair and Morningview Ridge Homeowner Association Board of Directors Secretary. Currently, Mrs. Willis is a Board Member of the Golden 22 Foundation, Inc. in Tacoma, Washington, which is a 501c3 organization.
Mrs. Willis is a full voting member of the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors, serving as the Western Region SPEAR Representative and can be contacted at [email protected]
C. Lynn Willis, MSFE
C. Lynn Willis calls Chicago, Illinois, home. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in Communication Arts (1990) while working on an Associate of Science in Air Transportation from the Community College of the Air Force. In 1999, she earned her Master’s Degree from Troy University in Foundations of Education with a Concentration in Leadership. Shortly after college graduation, she dedicated 25 years of service with the United States Air Force Reserves and gained leadership and organization skills.
During her military travels, she worked in logistics, transportation, education, Veteran Affairs, and data quality. Since moving to Puyallup, Washington, she worked for a non-profit organization called Sound Outreach Center for Strong Families (CSF) in Tacoma, Washington. With the CSF Model of integrated services, Mrs. Willis meets with participants to determine skill level, industry experience, and education/training needs. Mrs. Willis has recently taken on a position with United Ways as the Director of Family Stability Initiatives.
Mrs. Willis has been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. since November 18, 1989 and is a life member and Ruby. She has served in four Sigma Gamma Rho regions and served as the 1st Vice President of Zeta Phi Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Tacoma, Washington. She served three years as the Western Region Mwanamugimu Essay Chair and Morningview Ridge Homeowner Association Board of Directors Secretary. Currently, Mrs. Willis is a Board Member of the Golden 22 Foundation, Inc. in Tacoma, Washington, which is a 501c3 organization.
Mrs. Willis is a full voting member of the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors, serving as the Western Region SPEAR Representative and can be contacted at [email protected]