Shalewa S. Nyanza
Shalewa is a native of Las Vegas, New Mexico who is a supportive and heavily involved mother of 2 children; a son and a daughter. She graduated from North Carolina Central University with a BS in Mathematics and minor in Physics. She is currently pursing Executive Business Certifications to gain expertise in running a nonprofit organization. In her professional career she has over 25 years working in technology where she has worn many hats as a Computer Programmer, Business Analyst, Project Lead, Data Analyst and Automated Engineer. Currently she is a Senior Software Engineer at an investment Firm. She is a member on many diversity committees at her firm that promote and encourage young women of color to not only get into to professional fields of STEM but how to have tenure in that industry. Shalewa is the founder and CEO of the non-profit organization "Five Star Women of Color", Inc. She is also the owner of another business called STEMly Bold that encourages women of color to get and stay in STEM. Shalewa is a member of the NAACP, Women in Cybersecurity Mid-Atlantic and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Meet the board
Etosha M. Bakari
Etosha is a native of Waldorf, Maryland, who transplanted to the Windsor Mill area over twenty years ago. Her greatest accomplishment in life is becoming a mother. Her son is definitely her sun shine. She graduated from Saint Augustine’s (College) University with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She is currently the owner and founding director of Community of Academic Scholars, a private school servicing Pre Kindergarten to 8th grade scholars. In her professional career she has worked for public and private school systems as a teacher, a paralegal and legal analyst for the Department of Justice and a track and field track coach. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated, a few community organizations and boards that promote and encourage the uplifting of the community, the environment, and the high academic achievement of our youth and people of color.
Suzette Riviere
Suzette is a native of Greenville, North Carolina, who moved to Baltimore, Maryland, over 30 years ago to pursue her master’s degree. Suzette has one daughter and one son by marriage. Suzette received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Saint Augustine’s (College) University and her master’s degree in social work from Howard University. Throughout her professional career, she has worked in an arena of services from the Department of Social Services, the Department of Juvenile Services, and the Developmental Disability Administration, including education, mental health, and substance abuse counseling with at-risk youth, adults, and families. Suzette has a passion for helping and supporting her community. Suzette has over 30 years of experience in
the field of social work. Currently, she works as the Vice President of Programs at Jumoke Systems of Care, where she oversees all the programs. With her ongoing commitment, she continues to create and build innovative and comprehensive programs for at-risk youths and youth with developmental disabilities while at Jumoke Systems of Care.
Suzette is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She continues to
participate in leadership groups and community boards that bridge the gap between agencies, youth in care, and diverse communities.
Suzette's favorite saying and belief is, “She believed she could, so she did!”
Talaya McKinney
Talaya is a native of Washington, DC who is a mother of 2 daughters and a loving wife with 24 years of marriage. She received her BA in Communication from Howard University where she received experience in Television, Radio and Film. Talaya has over 25 years of work experience in many areas such as Executive Administration, Event Planning and Project Management. She is an entrepreneur, a business owner and also a fashion designer. Talaya is an owner and head event executive for "Paint the Town Red LLC", owner and designer for "Red Couture Fashion Accessories" and founder of the Unstoppable Awards aka "The MS. Unstoppable Awards".
Fametta Jackson
Fametta is a native of Baltimore, Maryland who is a loving wife, mother of 2 college-age daughters and owner of a dog. She attended Coppin State University and received her BS in General Science and a MA in Teaching. She has been an educator in the Baltimore and DMV communities for over a quarter of a century. She has served as a teacher, mentor, instructional coach, curriculum writer and a school principal. Her passion to improve the lives of the youth she encounters still drives every decision she ponders and makes.
While she has transitioned through her many roles within the K - 12 school communities, Fametta has also evolved as an educator in other educational arenas as an entrepreneur.
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Serves communities with wealth building knowledge and strategies as a realtor.
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An author of children’s books.
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Mentor to teachers in Ghana, West Africa where she provides professional development opportunities, teaching of various cultures while facilitating fundraisers for children charitable organizations across the world.
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Owner of "H.E.R. Alabaster Care" which is a home health agency that provides nursing services for Maryland’s elderly and disabled populations.
As a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend, Fametta finds balance between her professional and personal lives through the strengthening of her spiritual life.
Dr. Kaysan Owens
Dr. Owens is a native of Guyana in south America who is a mother of 2 daughters and a loving wife with 10 years of marriage. She received her BS in Health Science from Towson University, MS in Health Science from Coppin State University, and her Doctorate in Health Science from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Owens is formerly a primary care provider and a seasoned health care professional with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, who has a passion for health and wellness, with a focus on prevention which is better than a cure! Dr. Owens work history spans various healthcare systems and also served on active duty for the United States Army. Dr. Owens worked at The VA Home Based Primary Care, various hospital ERs throughout Baltimore City and County, and owned an urgent care in Prince George’s County that she developed from ground up! Currently she owns Body Basics Wellness Center where she uses traditional and alternative medicine to help people look better and feel great. Dr. Owens is actively involved in research and academic pursuits, serves on the board of a nonprofit organization and volunteers in the community through various programs and initiatives.
Dr. Owens enjoys staying active by bike riding and hiking, exploring new cuisines, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.