Our fellowship program fellows are truly making a difference. Armed with their specialized training and newfound connections, they are actively engaging with communities to create positive change. Read about some of their achievements below!
Markus Turner was a 2024 Fellow in the Boards & Commissions Fellowship Program, read about some of his noteworthy efforts and achievements since graduating from the program!:
“In this experience serving on the Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission I have been a part of some great events and planning around the city. I am working on the data collection questions for our survey for the next two events. We have our Fayetteville 40 under 40 event on August 2. As well as our adult field day on August 23rd. Throughout my time on the Commission I’ve been able to make a lane for myself from the B&C Fellowship. Learning how to properly conduct a board or commission meeting through Robert’s Rules of Order. I was able to start my MBA this year with a concentration in Data Analytics and make myself a pivotal member within my Commission and soon for my local government.” -Markus Turner
“We are so impressed with your commitment to civic engagement, Markus!” – B&C Team
Nikida McDaniel (2024 Fellow)
Nakida McDaniel is a nationally respected movement builder, healing justice practitioner, and spiritual strategist who has spent over a decade at the forefront of gun violence prevention work. Now in her ninth year with Everytown for Gun Safety, Nakida serves as Associate Director of Community Engagement, where she leads efforts to activate Moms Demand Action volunteers, Students Demand Action leaders, survivors, and grassroots partners to build people-powered change in communities across the country.
Nikida’s work centers in the South, where systemic disinvestment and historical trauma collides with the gun violence epidemic. Nakida meets these crises with vision and love—anchoring her approach in survivor-led healing, cultural organizing, and grassroots leadership development.
She is a co-founder of Our Opportunity 2 Love + Heal Coalition, a sacred container for survivors of violence to organize, restore, and rise. Under her leadership, the coalition cultivates trauma-informed initiatives such as community violence intervention training, survivor healing circles, and youth mental health first aid training.
As the President of Madame Phoebia Cheek Sullivan Memorial Park, Nakida is also leading a powerful environmental justice effort to preserve Black ancestral land and legacy in Saluda, North Carolina. This memorial park honors her great grandmother —renowned spiritual healer Madame Phoebia—and serves as a living altar for land stewardship, cultural preservation, and intergenerational healing.
“The grassroots is where the fire lives. That’s where you’ll find the wisdom, the power, and the heart of this movement. My role is to listen deeply, build trust, and move in love with our people—while training the next generation to do the same with integrity, boldness, and care.”
– Nakida McDaniel, Organizer. Healer. Trainer. Legacy Keeper.
“You continue to be an excellent example of a leader to many Nikida!” – B&C Team
Capricia George (2024 Fellow)
Capricia was selected for membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority INC, for Johnston County Alumnae Chapter Spring 2025. She was also chosen to serve on the Technology Team and International Awareness Committee.
In March, she was promoted to Senior Cybersecurity Incident Manager with Special Forces at Fort Bragg. This new position allows her to travel to military bases and train on how to mitigate and reduce the number of cyber incidents. It also allows her to track all cyber incidents from start to finish during the remediation process.
Capricia also serves as Secretary of the Johnston County, NC NAACP and is currently serving on the Benson, NC park and Recreation Advisory Board.
“Keep up the inspiring work, Capricia!” – B&C Team
Cathy Leake (2024 Fellow)-
On Saturday, July 12th, the NC Women of Color Leadership Forum was held in Raleigh, NC. This spectacular event was chaired by Dr. Kimberly Hardy and Cathy Leake. The two wanted to make sure that guests were left energized and inspired. The event has made a lasting impression on the guests.
The Women of Color Leadership Forum had a successful turnout from women (and men) across North Carolina. The purpose of this event was to highlight women of color who are elected officials or politically active. Representative Vernetta Alston of Durham and Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Stormie Forte gave welcome remarks and talked about the importance of being a woman of color in politics. Two great panel discussions had the audience engaged. Montica Talmaldge moderated a panel discussion on the topic “Is there a seat at the table?” with Senate Leader Sydney Batch, Representative Maria Cervania, and Mayor Tina Brown of Robersonville. Cathy Leake moderated a panel discussion with Gen-Z voters on the topic, “What does the future of elections look like?”. These were much-needed discussions.
The guest speaker was White House Correspondent and MSNBC Contributor April Ryan. A great fireside chat with Dr. Kimberly Hardy to talk about her book Black Women Will Save The World: An Anthem. April Ryan also talked about the challenges that journalists of color face in today’s political cycle. The audience was active and asked open-ended questions to get more insight from April. The energy was electrifying.
“We’re so excited to see what you’ll accomplish next, Cathy!” – B&C Team
Tremona Purvis (2023 Fellow)
The Illuminating “Rae’s” of Light: Makieya Rae’ Smith Scholarship Brunch is an annual gathering held on July 27th, hosted by Tremona Purvis. It celebrates academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and the values Makieya Rae’ Smith embodied. The goal for this year’s event is to raise funds to support students who demonstrate academic achievements, a strong commitment to community service, and a determination to succeed. Businesses and individuals in the community who share their dedication to education and empowerment are encouraged to join as sponsors. Your sponsorship will directly contribute to scholarship awards and help alleviate these deserving students’ financial burden of higher education.
“Amazing work, Tremona!” – B&C Team
Ivis Romero (2024 Fellow)
Ivis was recently appointed to the Commission on Ending Homelessness for the city of Winston-Salem. The purpose of the Commission is to act as a governing body for collaborative planning and implementation of strategic initiatives and investments to end homelessness in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The Commission focuses on regional policy and implementation strategies, affordable housing development, data and gaps analysis, best practice research, social policy and systemic change. He also plans on volunteering regularly at the Rescue Mission in Winston Salem.
“Go Ivis!” – B&C Team
