Meet the SPEAR Foundation Board
Charmaine Davis-Grant, Ed.D
President
Dr. Charmaine Davis-Grant serves as President of the Sigma Public Education and Research (SPEAR) Foundation Board of Directors, bringing over a decade of experience in education, public service, and nonprofit leadership. She leads the Foundation’s vision to advance equity and inclusion for marginalized youth and women of color through culturally affirming programs.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Davis-Grant holds a B.A. in Communications from Xavier University of Ohio, an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an Ed.D. in Out-of-School Learning from the University of Pittsburgh, where her research focused on empowering Black high school students through culturally sustaining education in out-of-school time (OST).
As Case Management Coordinator for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, she supports high-priority districts statewide. Previously, she managed over $25 million in 21st CCLC OST funding, led state and national policy initiatives as a White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and oversaw $92.9 million in post-COVID ARP ESSER grants.
Dr. Davis-Grant is a life member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., currently in the Alpha Lambda Sigma – Cleveland, Ohio Alumnae Chapter. She is also a past local and Central Region Historian (Epistoleus), 2020 Ollie V. Greene Humanitarian Award winner, and served on the International Centennial Committee: History and Archives. Civically, she is also a member of the National Afterschool Association (NAA), National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) – Cuyahoga County Section, the Black Doctoral Network (BDN), and the American Educational Research Association (AERA) as the 2025-26 OST Special Interest Group (SIG) Co-Chair.
Dr. Davis-Grant serves as an officer and full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors. In her pivotal role as President, after seven insightful years serving in positions including Board Secretary, Central Region Representative and President-Elect, Dr. Davis-Grant stands poised to lead the SPEAR Foundation towards new horizons, leveraging her educational, professional, and organizational experiences. To reach her, please contact president@spearfoundation.org.
Vanessa Power Anderson, Ph.D.
Vice President
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. 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 has served on the 2024 National Conference Planning Team as the co-chair of the Logistic, Volunteer and Hospitality Committees
She is the Past President of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) Mile High Chapter. 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 Syntaktes, 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 Director of Marketing and Vice President. Director Power-Anderson can be reached at vicepresident@spearfoundation.org
La Tonya Theus Nelson
Executive Director
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 served 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 executivedirector@spearfoundation.org
Dorothy Simmons Blake
Legacy Emeritus Director/Founding Board Member
Ms. Dorothy Simmons-Blake has been an integral part of the foundation since its nascent stages, joining the initial board of directors in 1993 and playing a pivotal role in steering its financial strategies and governance.
Ms. Simmons-Blake graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton in 1988, where she majored in Business Administration. This solid academic background in business has been paramount in her professional journey of over 17 years in the finance and banking sectors, wherein she honed her proficiency in financial management, strategic planning, and fiscal governance.
Ms. Simmons-Blake became a cherished member of Sigma Gamma Rho, initiated through the Gamma Kappa chapter in 1983. She has sustained active involvement and commitment to the sorority (as a Life Member and Ruby Member), currently contributing to the Eta Chi Sigma Chapter, the Las Vegas Alumnae chapter, where she continues to embody the values and mission of the organization in her endeavors.
As a vital member of the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors, she is readily available for contact regarding any related aspects at Dsimmonsblake@spearfoundation.org
Tamanu Lowkie
Legacy Emeritus Director/Past Board President/
Founding Board Member
BIO COMING SOON
Oriaku Kas-Osoka, M.D., M.Ed.
Board Treasurer
Dr. Oriaku Kas-Osoka was born into a loving and supportive family that nurtured her passion for learning and helping others. Growing up in a vibrant, close-knit community, she excelled academically and developed a deep interest in medicine at an early age. She pursued her undergraduate studies with distinction and went on to attend medical school, where her commitment to excellence and her empathetic nature set her apart. Throughout her educational journey, Dr. Kas-Osoka remained grounded by the values instilled in her by her family, who served as her inspiration and anchor. She now strives to pour into her marriage to her husband, Earl Lousteau, and into her child, Kalu Lousteau.
Dr. Kas-Osoka is a highly accomplished physician specializing in adolescent medicine, where she has dedicated her career to improving the health and well-being of young people. Known for her expertise in addressing complex medical, emotional, and social challenges faced by adolescents, she works tirelessly to advocate for this underserved population. Her work extends beyond the clinic, as she engages in teaching, mentoring, and leading initiatives aimed at shaping the future of adolescent health care. With a reputation for compassion, cultural competence, and unwavering dedication, Dr. Kas-Osoka has become a respected leader in her field, inspiring colleagues and patients alike.
Dr. Kas-Osoka is a proud Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., having been initiated into this historic sisterhood in 2002. Over the years, she has served in multiple leadership roles within the organization at the local, regional, and national levels, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to the sorority's mission of enhancing the quality of life for women and their families. Her involvement in Sigma Gamma Rho reflects her broader commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond her professional career.
Her leadership and dedication have now led her to serve on the SPEAR Board of Directors as the Board Treasurer, where she continues to uplift communities through service, mentorship, and advocacy.
Dr. Kas-Osoka is a full voting member of the SPEAR Foundation Board of Directors, serving as the Treasurer, and she can be contacted at treasurer@spearfoundation.org.
Shakema Sanders, DBA
Financial Secretary
A highly accomplished executive leader with extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, budget development, procurement, policy administration, and organizational leadership, Dr. Sanders brings more than two decades of experience overseeing complex financial operations across state government agencies and the private sector. Throughout her career, she has successfully managed multi-million and multi-billion-dollar budgets, directed financial planning and compliance functions, developed operational policies and procedures, and led teams in achieving organizational excellence. Her expertise in fiscal stewardship, accountability, internal controls, and strategic decision-making will be an invaluable asset to the Foundation.
Currently serving as Deputy Director of Administration for the Virginia Department for Housing and Community Development, Dr. Sanders provides executive leadership across finance, procurement, human resources, and information technology functions while overseeing budgets exceeding $3 billion. She previously served in senior financial leadership roles with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia Department of Health, and Virginia Department of Transportation, where she built a distinguished record of strengthening financial systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advancing organizational effectiveness.
As Financial Secretary, Dr. Sanders will serve as a key steward of the Foundation’s financial records and incoming funds, helping to ensure transparency, accountability, and strong internal controls. She will work collaboratively with Foundation leadership to support sound financial practices that advance SPEAR’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Dr. Sanders holds a Doctor of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, and maintains several professional credentials, including SHRM-SCP, Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO) certification, and completion of the Virginia Executive Institute leadership program.
Her commitment to excellence, integrity, and service aligns seamlessly with SPEAR’s mission to advance social, educational, and economic empowerment through education, advocacy, and research-driven solutions.
Shakema Sanders serves as a full voting member of the SPEAR Board of Directors, and Director Sanders can be contacted at financialsecretary1@spearfoundation.org
Santita Nunn-Odom, Ed.D
Board Secretary
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 spear@sgrhocentral.com or central@spearfoundation.org
Denine Goolsby, M.Ed
Women’s Programming
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 dgoolsby@spearfoundation.org
Alafia "Terrie" Thompson, PMP
Project Mangement
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 directorofpm@spearfoundation.org