Monica Fuller is a 7-year Veteran of the US Army who served honorably. Monica was born in Charlotte, NC but
because of her United States Marine Corps upbringing she traveled all her life. In 2008, she graduated
from Saint Augustine’s College (now Saint Augustine’s University) in Raleigh, NC with a BS in
Organizational Management and holds an MBA an international business and a Master’s in Public
Administration. As a current PhD student, Monica is employed as a legislative liaison for a state agency.
She applied for the program because she saw a lack of true policy practitioners and experienced
legislative affairs personnel on boards and commissions. The end-all was the minimal representation of
African American women and men, and veterans who do not have the elite connections to inherit a
nomination. She looks forward to learning more about how to conduct a board and how policy training
can be used to enhance her legislative and policy skills. Monica loves spending time with her daughter
and puppy. They love to travel and attend comic, tattoo, and anime conventions.
Capricia George was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She grew up in Atlanta, Georgia Where she
attended Georgia State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. She has honorably
served 8-years in the U.S Army Signal Corps and Earned a Master Degree in Cybersecurity from American
Military University. She is currently doing her research and looking for a PhD Program in Cybersecurity that
she will be most excited to complete. She currently works as a Senior Information Technology Consultant at
Fort Liberty, NC
She is an active member of the NAACP and enjoys giving back to the community. Capricia has been married
for 12 years and has two boys. Her hobbies are Travel, exploring museums and taking her two sons to their
sporting activities.
Cathy Leake is a proud Afro-Latina with a mission servant’s heart. A native of Eastern North Carolina, Cathy enjoys being
an advocate for those who are often left out. She became civically engaged at the age of 10 as a volunteer for Al Gore’s
2000 Presidential Campaign. Years later, she became involved as an AmeriCorps member for Habitat for Humanity in
North Carolina and Florida. That door opened several opportunities, including building homes with Former President and
First Lady Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Cathy joined the program to gain inspiration to become a catalyst for women of
color on a respective board. She is determined to make change happen.
Cathy is a food and wine aficionado. She also has a keen interest in traveling and golf. When she is relaxing, her
downtime is spent binge-watching cooking shows and playing fetch with her dog, Marco.
Earlean McKiver Rivers is the Executive Director of Diversity Nurtures Achievement (DNA)
Community Youth Center. Born and raised in Warsaw, Duplin County. Military family, mom of three adult children and grandmom of five. As a mother Iworked hard to provide learning
and social opportunities for my children that did not limit them, and this passion continues for my grands and other youth in the community. Very passionate about making a positive difference in my community. The main reason why Ihave chosen to participate in the NCLCVF Program is to gain knowledge so that Ican make a positive well-informed difference in my community.
Emerald P. Bowman is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience spanning higher education, municipal government, and professional sports. Her expertise lies in strategic planning, leadership, and community engagement, driving positive change and promoting diversity and inclusion. From her tenure at the City of Winston-Salem to her role at Harvard Medical School’s as the Director of Community Engagement & Education, Emerald has spearheaded initiatives that set new standards for inclusive academic environments, emphasizing student engagement and growth.
Drawing from her experiences at Virginia State University, Emerald prioritizes mentorship in community development. Through her consultancy, E.H. Bowman & Associates Consulting Firm, LLC, she offers strategic guidance in organizational development, team management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a survivor of COVID-19, Emerald’s dedication to aiding businesses led her to found E.H. Bowman & Associates Consulting Firm, LLC in 2023, focusing on mental and physical recovery and fostering positive social change.
Active in professional and community organizations such as Forbes’ Forbes Black, Heads Up for Our Youth, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Emerald remains committed to her vision of a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous society. With strong interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills, she engages stakeholders effectively, positioning herself as a motivated change agent within organizations.
Evan Dixon, an independent Insurance Broker, is the founder of DXN Financial. He embodies the philosophy: “You can’t talk a man into trying, you can’t walk a man into a career, and you can’t just pray for change and expect it. Success is earned through hard work, dedication, and taking responsibility for your actions.”
Raised in a small town between Lenoir and Morganton, North Carolina, Evan was instilled with high family values and a robust work ethic. While studying Mathematics & Math education at NC State, he worked at Radio Shack before transitioning to roles at Wachovia and Wells Fargo, where he excelled as a personal banker.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, Evan transitioned into teaching at his daughter’s school, eventually rising to the position of Dean of Students. His commitment to youth, led to the establishment of the non-profit G.R.O.W.T.H (Gradually Rebuilding Ownership Within Teen Hearts), alongside his venture into the insurance industry with DXN Financial.
Evan’s dedication to his community finds a new avenue through the Boards and Commissions Fellowship Program, offering him the chance to further serve Winston Salem. With its networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, Evan eagerly anticipates contributing to the betterment of his county and beyond.
The Boards & Commissions Fellowship Program will be a great guide into expanding my knowledge when I eventually
join the Commission on Ending Homelessness of NC.
I want to grasp more knowledge on how to navigate going through being a part of a board and learn how to ask the right
questions, and be a better communicator and advocate for my community as well.
My passions include volunteering in feeding the homeless, tutoring younger students, and being an advocate for
minorities in the community. I have a big interest in learning about different ways that I can use my voice to advocate for
people who are not in tune, yet, with using their own. I am currently working on a Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
Jevon Thomas is a United States Marine Corps Veteran currently enrolled at Fayetteville State University. Originally from the state of
Louisiana Jevon is proud to call NC home. Jevon is interested in learning more about political science so that he can serve the
interests and needs of his beloved community. Jevon also works part-time for a Tulsa Initiative a local nonprofit organization that
helps to provide BIPOC communities with information and funding for their entrepreneurial ideals. He applied for the program to
utilize his voice on a board and commission to bring awareness and educate others about her community. One thing he wants to get
from the Fellowship program is how to become an effectively understand boards and commissions, so that he can represent the black
communities interests on these boards, while learning how to apply for a board. In his spare time, Jevon loves to read, spend time with
his beautiful wife and two daughters.
Graham is the manager of Workforce Development at Men & Women United for Youth and Families.
The organization partners with a number of entities in multiple counties, helping young people reach their potential
with programs that assist, enrich and enlighten each family member with valuable resources and educational
opportunities to enhance the quality of their lives.
Rev. Graham also touched on the organization’s remarkable efforts in outreach and community
engagement. “We have people that work to know where people are and where they need to be,”
he said, emphasizing the proactive approach Men & Women United takes to identify and address
the specific needs of individuals and communities.
The organization’s impact extends beyond immediate relief efforts. Rev. Graham shared that in
the past year, they provided opportunities for 24 interns to gain valuable experience and
contribute to the community through 13 different worksites. Notably, one of these interns was
subsequently hired after the internship period, illustrating the tangible and sustainable impact of
their programs.
Rev. Graham concluded his address by expressing gratitude to the community for their love and
support. He emphasized that Men and Women United’s vital work is made possible through the
combined efforts and commitment of the organization and its dedicated supporters.
Dr. Kelly O. Dixon, is a seasoned Marriage and Family therapist hailing from Irvington, NJ. She currently resides in
Pfafftown, NC where she brings a wealth of experience and passion to the transformative world of mental health and
wellness. As the founder of The Qpid Group, her journey is deeply rooted in fostering holistic well-being and empowering
individuals and couples to reclaim and lead purposeful lives and reconnect with love. Her mission is to transform lives by
providing comprehensive support, personalized coaching, and a holistic approach to personal growth and development,
making her a leading voice in redefining relationships and fostering lasting connections. Dr. Dixon applied to the Boards
and Commissions Fellows Program as a way to become part of the solution our community needs concerning various areas,
specifically youth advocacy and social justice. She hopes to gain a wealth of knowledge concerning the inner workings of the community. When she is not helping others, she can be found dancing, writing or hanging out with her husband and daughters.
My name is Lynette Addison. I am a 53 year old residing in Winston Salem. Recent work in several volunteer positions
such as cook or in food distribution at my local church have led to my interest in working on the policy side. I graduated
from Salem College in 2020 with dual degrees in Applied Sociology and Religious Studies. My interest in helping those in
food deserts and the unhoused led me to enroll and graduate from Providence Culinary School in spring 2023. Joining
Our Opportunity 2 Love+Heal Coalition has peaked my interest in working on the business side in the last year and a half.
I appreciate your consideration for this role and training.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Markus Turner is a full time student at American Public University where he is working to
obtain his Masters in Political Science. Markus is a Fayetteville Native who lives in Fayetteville,
NC and who currently works for Kaiser Permanente. He applied to this program to be an
innovator of change using his life experiences to advocate for individuals. One thing he seeks to
get from this fellowship is learning how to effectively implement change into his community and
become a servant leader. He hopes to use this fellowship opportunity to propel his political career
to help have more diversity in a Boards or Commissions position. In his spare time, Markus
loves to cook, read and spend time with his family.
Nakida McDaniel is a native of Winston-Salem, NC where she currently resides. For the past 16 years, she has worked as a community organizer, trainer, and consultant on issues such as gun violence, poverty, and equitable opportunities for black women and girls. Nakida currently works for Everytown for Gun Safety as Associate Director of Community Engagement. She applied for the program because of her commitment to ensuring that the community is actively involved in decisions that impact their lives. She believes that the fellowship will sharpen her skills as a leader which will allow for the elevation of black voices to decrease disparities within the black community. He is eager to immediately apply all that she learns by joining boards that impact the health and wellbeing of black people who are experiencing inequities across systems.
Nakida enjoys spending time with her family and making skincare and wellness products in her spare time.
Ty has a bachelor of science in biodiversity and conservation and a masters of environmental management from Duke University. Ty works as the Director of Communications at the NC League of Conservation Voters, and volunteers for
Ocean Everblue, a nonprofit dedicated to marine science communication. Ty enjoys sports as well as most
outdoor activities.
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