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Board Member
Jessika (Jessa) Cox is the founder of Sunflower Cabana, which specializes in image development and personal style consulting, as well as, luxury activewear (www.sunflowercabana.com). She is also active with Lade University as the Blossom Campaign Coordinator. The yearly nationwide Blossom Campaign promotes all to flourish within their individual lives, to collectively inspire each other on their tangible goals, and provide guidance on how to nurture them to flourish. Jessika enjoys creating immersive experiences that create community engagement and lasting bonds. Jessika graduated from the University of New England with a Masters of Public Health and holds a double Bachelors Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Communications, as well as, African American Studies
Board Member
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Karen Shyne and my official degree is in Interior Architecture. I am also a business owner, however I have spent a great deal of my time within the healthcare environment. For the past six years, I have been consumed by food insecurity and am currently going down the food justice rabbit hole to educate myself. As the executive director of a non-profit, my attention has pivoted to address and find solutions to combat the destructive elements of food insecurity within communities and how the lack of healthy food impacts the physical and mental health of our youth.
Board Member/Project Mger
Director of Community & Vendor Relations
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Leia Bradford is a highly skilled people advocate and strategic communicator with nearly a decade of experience in human resources. she has dedicated her career to buillding meaningful and trusted professional relationships, drawing on her diverse background in areas of operation, talent acquisition, and strategic communication. From Cleveland, Ohio, Leia earned her Master of Science in Communication from Northwestern University.
Director of Community & Vendor Relations
Director of Community & Vendor Relations
Tiffany, affectionately known as ChefMama, has had her hand in leading a vast array of kitchens, corporate to fine dining, offsite and backstage catering, working as a Lead Chef for President Obama's 2nd term fundraiser dinner, and the 2012 NATO Summit. She has prepared exquisite dining
experiences as Executive Chef -Backstage Catering for Beyonce, Jay-Z, Chance The Rapper, Cold Play, Guns & Roses and Lollapolooza. 2017 Tiffany created
Exquisite Catering & Events, for Private Events, Corporate Events and Festivals with a vast array of menus. In addition to our services Exquisite Catering & Events has focused on partnering with organizations to continue feed communities that have been impacted by COVID-19, delivering fresh cooked meals that are healthy. Through these efforts more than 20,000 hot meals. Our mission is No One Goes To Sleep Hungry.” You can find out more about Exquisite Catering & Events at www.exquisitecateringevents.com
NO ONE GOES TO SLEEP HUNGRY
Director Of Operations
CW Allen, born and raised Cleveland, Ohio. I grew up listening to Hip Hop music and falling in love with heart pounding drums and bass lines. I began rapping my senior year of high school when I was challenged to free style at an open mic. The reaction I received was very positive and that’s when I began my journey as an artist penning lyrics. By that time I had already fell deeply in love with God
and His word so my music was just an expression of my heart and surroundings. In 2009 I left Cleveland and moved to Chicago to attend
Moody Bible Institute where I studied communications and Bible. Now in year 15 of my musical journey I’m
finishing my first book and latest album entitled CATALYST. I have had the privilege to share all over the
country in bars, schools, camps, and
conferences opening for such as Cannon, Da Truth, Sean C. Johnson, Shopé, This’l, and the Legendary Curtis Blow.
Board Member
Cindi M. Lindsey is the Founder and Artistic Director of Malone Studios Dance Academy, Inc in Nashville, TN. A native of Chicago, she has been dedicated to educating and teaching performing arts as well as exposing dance arts and theatre to urban
communities for over 25 years. She obtained her Master's Degree in Health Education at Middle Tennessee State University. She is on the Board of the International Cultural Dance Exchange where she assists in the development of dance arts programs locally and abroad. A former Chicago Public School teacher she is all too familiar with the
challenges that face the Woodlawn Community and is honored to serve on the board of a nonprofit that address the core of her life’s mission.
Member
Charles is the Owner of Creating Life Goals. He enjoys helping people in personal and professional growth and building a positive relationship with each engagement. Charles is a 20- year IT professional from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Montana. He is a retired National Guard man and Iraq War Veteran. Charles Gill is currently giving back by serving as a consultant in the Vice President of Business Development role for Financial Aid Network, educating and qualifying people for Student Loan repayment programs
and college preparation services.
Charles Graduated from Kenwood Academy High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry, Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Health Services
Management.He is a certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer, Professional Coach, and Teacher
(https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/charlesgill). Charles is a graduate of the American Health Insurance Plan (AHIP), Minority Fellowship Executive program, and the Perkins Leadership Award, recipient. The receiver of the Chicago
Defender’s ‘Men of Excellence’ award. Chicago news stations featured and interviewed Charles for leading the first Chicago National Guard unit to the IRAQ war. He holds many Army
Achievement and Commendation Medals and the Field Artillery Saint Barbara award. Charles has been a youth motivation and STEM Talk speaker for Make A Difference Youth Foundation, Lumity, and in the CPS system for more than 20 years.
Vendor Relations Coordinator
Dr. Shane M. Walters is a multifaceted professional, who wears many hats in the areas
of healthcare, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Born and raised in
Queens, New York, she has called Chicago home for many years, where she
contributes to the well-being of the community. Driven by a passion for community
empowerment, Dr. Walters plays an integral role in Woodlawn Diversity in Action, where
she coordinates, manages, and leads a dynamic team, overseeing all aspects of
Vendor Relations. She has a Doctor of Medicine and manages a Federally Qualified Health Care Clinic
in the Chicago-Land Area, demonstrating her commitment to providing accessible
healthcare to underserved communities. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wilberforce University. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, she obtained a Master’s in Health Science from St. Francis University and a Doctorate from St. Matthews School of Medicine. She wears another hat as the owner and operator of INTENSELY Yours Skin Care, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and
dedication to connecting with a diverse audience and promoting the importance of self-care. Her involvement in community causes extends to her support for the Black Wall Street movement, reflecting her commitment to fostering economic empowerment within her community. Dr. Shane M. Walters is also a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Chicago Alumni Chapter, where she actively contributes to the organization’s mission of
sisterhood, scholarship, and service. She joined Woodlawn Diversity in Action in 2022,
and since then, she continues her dedication to making a positive impact in the community.