23 Leaders Selected for 2024 Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Boards Fellowship

Meet the 2024 Fellows

Alice C. Santana, VP of Education and Community Engagement, Straz Center for the Performing Arts

“As a child, I was told people ‘like me’ didn’t work in the arts and make a career out of it — that I needed to get that idea out of my head and find a real job. I am committed to changing this narrative and providing access to all who are interested in the arts regardless of age, race or gender identity.”

Andre Dawkins, Financial Center Manager, Fifth Third Bank             

“Growing up without certain resources that are now available today motivates me to give back to communities that I am part of. My goal is to become a board member where my input can help cultivate a group or community in building and sustaining itself.”

CJ Spencer, CEO, Elevated Xperience, LLC            

“Being a professional of color has deeply enriched my perspective as a community leader. As an African American woman in Tampa, I understand the unique challenges and systemic barriers marginalized communities face. I strive to create opportunities and uplift voices that are often unheard, ensuring that our community benefits from diverse perspectives. My journey has taught me the power of resilience, empathy and advocacy, and I aim to foster a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.”

Denisse Rodriguez, LTC Service Coordinator, Elevance Health  

“As a Hispanic woman, I stand firm for what I believe, my capabilities and my purpose. I hope to gain knowledge, resources and mentorship to be a successful leader and make a positive impact in our communities.”

Elizabeth J. Roman, Senior Director of Mobile Programs, Tampa YMCA

“I have dedicated most of my professional career to working at nonprofits, where I find immense fulfillment in helping those in need. Through the years, I have realized that true change requires us to work from the system outward. Having always worked on the front lines, I now seek to understand and influence the decision-making processes that shape our communities. It is time to step into the rooms where decisions are made, to bring the voices and experiences of those I have served, and bridge the gap between on-the-ground work and high-level decision-making, ensuring program implementation truly addresses the needs of the communities they are meant to serve.”

Elle Gbesemete, Wellness Engagement Consultant, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants

“Being a professional of color can significantly impact a community leader’s perspective. I am motivated to support nonprofits in addressing social issues, improving lives, and playing a role in driving positive change. I am inspired by the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals who are committed to meaningful causes.”

Gaëlle Louisgene, DEI Specialist, Bloomin’ Brands

“As a newcomer to the Tampa area, I am dedicated to serving the community. I am eager to extend my commitment to DEI beyond my professional responsibilities to local nonprofits. While I feel privileged to have held leadership roles in student organizations and other nonprofits, I never received formal onboarding or leadership training for these positions. I am eager to be recognized as a leader and have the qualifications and exposure needed to strengthen my confidence and that of other diverse professionals.”                                

Harold Bryant Jr., Community Experience Coordinator, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg

“Being a third-generation Black male professional in St. Petersburg deeply shapes my perspective on community leadership. My family’s civic and community involvement taught me the importance of advocacy and resilience. Growing up, I saw firsthand the power of unity and collective action in overcoming systemic barriers. This history fuels my commitment to fostering inclusivity, empowering others and continuing the legacy of service and leadership within my community. Having BIPOC representation on nonprofit boards is crucial for breaking down barriers and creating a fairer, more inclusive society.”

Keshia Butler, SBA Loan Documentation Specialist, BayFirst National Bank

“Holding a board seat is not about accolades; it is about service. I will be a devoted advocate for community members who haven’t yet had a seat at the decision-making table. I will strive to amplify their voices and make a meaningful impact on the lives of everyday people.”

LaTatika Patterson, Employee Relations Specialist, Suncoast Credit Union

“As a professional of color, my perspective on being a community leader has been significantly shaped by my lived experiences of navigating systemic barriers. This has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and drive to advocate for equitable opportunities for all members of my community, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. My identity as a person of color has heightened my awareness of the importance of inclusivity, diversity and representation in leadership roles. I strive to amplify voices of underrepresented groups, challenge discriminatory practices and promote initiatives that foster unity and understanding among diverse communities.”

Lennise Germany, CEO, Livy O’s

“I’m motivated to be part of this fellowship not only to be of service to my community but also to be a representative for other small minority-owned businesses to have a voice at the table where decisions are made. My goal is to be one of the greatest leaders in my company, my industry, and in my community. My desire is to make my people (family, friends, community, and colleagues) proud to know me and call me their own.”

Maurice D. Taylor, Vice President, Gamma Zeta Lambda Educational Foundation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

“Knowing the past struggles and triumphs of my ancestors, I feel a sense of gratitude and also personal responsibility to engage myself in causes that are greater than me. As a community leader, my race affords me a connection not everyone can identify with. Being a Black man and leader pushes me to champion the many cries of the community. I wear this badge of responsibility proudly.” 

Melissa Morin, Director, University of South Florida Foundation

“When I became a manager of a bank at age 22 in a predominantly Hispanic/Spanish-speaking community, the employees I hired had little to no banking experience and even less experience navigating the professional world. This was my first time realizing that no one else would give them a chance to learn and succeed, and so I must. What they lacked in experience was made up for in natural talent and ambition. I realized I had to teach, guide and engage them while ensuring they remained authentic to themselves and their cultures. These folks later became excellent leaders in their field. People, if given the chance within good conditions, can achieve amazing things. It is up to us to provide others with the opportunities to do so.”

Michelle Rhodes, CEO, The Color of Wellness Media

“As a nurse and leader in the healthcare field, I have seen how disparities in access and resources can adversely affect health outcomes in communities of color. These experiences have fueled my passion for addressing these gaps through community-based initiatives and education. This perspective has also made me acutely aware of the importance of representation in leadership. I strive to be a role model and a mentor, encouraging others from similar backgrounds to step into leadership roles. By doing so, we can collectively work toward creating a more just and equitable society.”

Rhonda Flowers, Senior Director of The Collaborative, The Skills Center

“Being a professional of color and a woman has given me a greater sense of empathy and clearer understanding of the leadership challenges minorities often face. My experiences have taught me to be resilient and unwavering in my pursuit to shatter stereotypes and myths. Making people more culturally aware while addressing community needs and value continues to help shape my perspective every day.”

Rhonda Stephens, CEO/Founder, Inner 7 Consulting Group

“This fellowship program is working to build and create inclusivity for organizations that serve marginalized communities but may not represent those communities on their boards, creating a disconnect in the ‘how’ they serve. I am hoping to be a connecting piece that brings thoughtful leadership and insight to the boardroom.”

Rolanda McDuffie, Managing Partner, Rolanda S. McDuffie CPA

“As a Black CPA and business owner, I often navigate spaces where there are few who share my background or experiences. This underrepresentation can sometimes translate into having to work harder to establish credibility and authority, despite proven expertise and qualifications. However, these challenges also provide a powerful platform for leadership and advocacy. Leading in this capacity has reinforced the importance of representation in professional spaces — showing other aspiring professionals of color that they, too, can achieve similar roles.”

Sandra Misciasci, Supervisor, Family & Community Engagement (FACE), Hillsborough County Public Schools

“As a person of color and first-generation Jamaican American, I have had many opportunities to develop and grow. I’ve often found myself as the only person of color in various work environments, and I’ve learned to navigate these spaces with courage, wisdom and emotional intelligence. Excelling at work requires not only a strong work ethic but also the importance of having a seat at the table to create positive change and opportunities for everyone.”

Stacey Divers-Turner, CEO & Career Ownership Coach, The Entrepreneur’s Source

“It is imperative to have leaders of color participating on nonprofit boards to make a difference in the communities in which we live. There’s so much to do, and I would like to make a difference.”    

Stacy Johnson, Director, Talent and Organizational Development, Risk Strategies

“Being a professional of color makes you want to see change happen. The experiences that many professionals of color face in the workplace are similar to those of other community leaders — red tape, bureaucracy, budgetary restraints, and human capital that can slow progress and momentum. This is why having a diverse board is critically important to the success of programming in communities of color. These communities are best served by individuals with whom they can relate to, feel more open with, and trust more consciously.”

Stephanie Wynn, President, Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation

“I believe in the transformative power of diversity and equity in nonprofit leadership. I recognize the importance of representation and the power of using my platform to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized or overlooked. By participating in this fellowship, I aim to deepen my understanding of systemic inequities and learn how to effectively address them through innovative approaches and inclusive leadership.”

Willena Long, People Solutions Executive, livingHR

“The Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Boards Fellowship represents an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals and learn from accomplished leaders who share a passion for innovation and social change. Being a professional of color has heightened my awareness of the unique challenges underrepresented groups face and underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion in every sphere. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to advocate for equity and to create opportunities for others who may face similar obstacles.”

Zeffery Z. Mims, Director, Veterans Life Coaching and Mentoring Foundation

“While I believe our commonalities as humans far outweigh our differences, I recognize the significant impact of racial challenges. During my 30-year career in the US Coast Guard, the least racially diverse branch of the U.S. Military, I advanced from follower to leader, navigating and overcoming racial dynamics. Serving in various organizations where I was often in the racial minority further reinforced my commitment to inclusivity and equitable leadership. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective, enabling me to address and bridge differences while promoting unity and understanding in the communities I serve.”