Featuring a 40-Year Legacy of 161 Scholarship Recipients
Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast Saturday, January 4, 2025
Welcome to the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast as we celebrate investing in the dream! It is an honor to serve as the President of the Hartford Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and on behalf of our more than 125 sorors, I extend our sincerest gratitude for your continued support of this annual celebration.
For 40 years, we have made a significant impact in the lives of college bound young women of African descent in the Greater Hartford area. Today, while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we raise much needed funds to ensure those young women can realize their dreams.
As is our tradition, we spotlight and celebrate those young women who for over 40 years have gone on to college with the support of our scholarship, graduated, pursued their desired professional vocation, and made their mark here in the Hartford area and beyond. Today, you will have the opportunity to hear from one of them as well as view the profiles of many others.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on the campus of Howard University, a Historically Black College, on January 13, 1913, by 22 trailblazing college women who saw an opportunity to work together to create change in our community and in the world. We celebrate their courage and acknowledge their dedication to service for the public good.
Dr. King once said, “Intelligence plus character that is the goal of true education". He was confident that education serves as the key to unlocking the potential of all citizens. He believed that equitable access to education is essential for all people and in particular, without high quality educational opportunities, many would not be able to compete and provide for their families. Your presence here today signifies that this village stands with our young people as they pursue higher education and seek to change the world!
As you may know, this event is the sole fundraiser which generates proceeds for the Cheryl A. Hickmon Scholarship Fund, which to date has supported the educational endeavors of more than 160 young African-American students with scholarship dollars totaling more than $400,000.
Our programming efforts as an organization are centered on a five-point programmatic thrust of which, educational development is a component. As a chapter, we can think of no greater way to honor our Founders, the charter members of our chapter, the many educators who have been and are a part of our chapter, and Dr. King, than by investing in young women who will undoubtedly go on to make a difference.
Again, I thank you for being here. It is your investment that allows the Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to support the hopes, dreams, and potential of young women of African descent in our community.
Enjoy the breakfast!
Joelle A. Murchison President, Hartford Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, is a third-generation warrior for civil and human rights. He has built his ministry on community advancement and racial and social justice activism. As Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Dr. Moss routinely preaches and practices a Black theology that unapologetically calls attention to the problems of mass incarceration, environmental justice, and economic inequality.
Dr. Moss’ latest book project, Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times, has been lauded as a “life-affirming guide to the practical, political, and spiritual challenges of our day.” Utilizing the scholarship of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Howard Thurman, alongside biblical texts, a bevy of religious traditions, Black culture, and his own personal experiences, Dr. Moss offer up a methodology on performing spiritual resistance by uniting two pillars of his ministry: love and justice. Dr. Moss is part of a generation of ministers committed to preaching a prophetic message of love and justice, which he believes are inseparable companions that form the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Moss is an honors graduate of Morehouse College, holds a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary.
Dr. Moss is the founder and CEO of the Unashamed Media Group. The production company is a faith-based social justice collective, dedicated to curating stories to inspire the heart and challenge structures that hinder human flourishing. The group’s award-winning production, Otis’ Dream, is a narrative documentary short film, highlighting Otis Moss, Sr.’s 1946 attempt to vote in Troup County, GA Currently, Unashamed Media is in pre-production for a feature length version of Otis’ Dream.
Over the years a number of awards and honors have been bestowed upon Dr. Moss including, Baylor University’s Truett School of Thelogy’s “12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-speaking World” award and Presbyterian College Theological Seminary and Peachtree Presbyterian Churh’s “Harring Prize” for young preachers.
Dr. Moss is an ordained minister in the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the United Church of Christ. In addition to his other ministerial duties, he also serves as chaplain of the Children’s Defense Fund’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor Child Advocacy Conference.
He is married to his college sweetheart, the former Monica Brown of Orlando, FL., a Spelman College and Columbia University graduate. They are the proud parents of two creative and humorous young adults, Elijah Wynton and Makayla Elon.
The Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. extends a heartfelt Thank You to all of our sponsors who made this event possible. Your generous contributions help to support renewable scholarships to African-American, female high school students pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities.
The
City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services
FaithActs for Education
Goodwin University
Hartford Yard Goats
Legacy Foundation of Hartford, Inc.
University of Hartford, Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion
Webster Bank
Wheeler Health
Mylyn Alexander-Smith
Chellis Allen & AQuanna Hansley
Patsy Darity
Veronica T. DeLandro
Deloris J. Drakes
Pamela Floyd-Cranford
Christopher & Stacey Franklin
Artisena Hill
LaKisha Grant-Washington, EdD
Demitra E. Jones
Joelle A. Murchison
Danielle Watt, PhD
Shirley P. Williams
Sharon Dawson Anderson
Portia Bachman
Ayesha Clarke
Catherine L. Grant-Alston
Vera Smith-Winfree
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast (1985-2024)
Wanda Adger
Kayla Anderson
Ezinna Arostie
Daniella Arthurs
Sydney Atkinson
Nyasia Bagot
Thea Bahadoosidgh
ReAnna Barclay
Oia Bartley
Jacqueline Baxter
Tiffany Bell
Marla Bell-Lovett
Keisha Benjamin
Carol Bennett
Kaia Black
Rohanna Blackwood
Karla Bonnick
Phoebe Brathwaite
Nikia Bray
Charlene Brown
Kesha Brown
Traci Bryant
Jeane Burke
Sonya Burroughs
Lora Byfield
Charity Carter
Janice Castle
Jahniel Clarke
Tawana Compton
Tineaka Compton
Vivienne Cooper
Desarae Cotton
Orlena Cowan
Tajanae Crawford
Carese Davis
Doraine Davis
Greer Davis
Michelle Davis
Kelly Dennis
Tracie DeLawrence
Natasha Douglas
Angela Dunnham
Aidyn Edwards
Joann Edwards
Oprah Elis
Jade Fleming
Lauryn Flowers
K’ylah Flynn
Tawana Forte
Rena France
Keisha Franklin
Shantel Frasier
Zakiya Gilles
Lolita Gilliam
Daisy Golden
Zorsha Gordon
Chinue Govan
Gian Grant
Amanda Greaves
Rashani Hall
Chevannah Hardie
Asha Hargrove
Alicia Harrell
Renee Haughton
Tiffany Heath
Shamia Henderson
Colleen Henry
Janel Henry
Charity Hilliman
Lauryn Holloway
Tonya Huff
Ashante Monique Hyman
Kajh’mere Hughey
Hebo Ismail
Frances-Julia Jaynes
Mya John
Carla Jones
Frances Jimenez
Evelyn Kelly
Tamika Knight
Donna Lambert
Amina Lampkin
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast (1985-2024)
Shawna Lee
Sydney Legagner
Shani Lepore
Alexia Lilly
Aymanie Litchfield
Jessica Lloyd
Samantha Locke
Rhali-Em Lowe
Sherri-Ann Martell
Bonita Martin
Monique Martin
Nicola Maxwell
Michelle McFarland
Camilla McFarlane
Lynette McGee
Zaiyah McKenzie Henderson
Chardonae McKogg
Janice McNair
Alexis Melville
Jasmine Mickey
Yana Miles
Kamryn Monroe
Tamika Moore
Kamisha Morris
Robyn Morris
McKayla Morrison
Marissa Mounds
Kareemah Muhammad
Desiree Napoleon
Ruth Nelson
Jenine Nembhard
Dotlyn Nicols
Claire Odoms
Victoria Olakojo
Elyece Patterson
Chassidy Pedraza
Vernell Peggins
Angelique Phillips
Radiah Pinckney
Tabetha Ralph
Lakita Ransome
Sirena Skye Raymond
Syreeta Rawlings
Raeann Reid
Samara Reynolds
Nayoka Rose
Lakesha Ruth
Nicole Sanders
Taslima Shaikh
Monique Sharp
Victoria Shears
Kayla Smith
Kendra Solomon
Trisana Spence
Tre’sor Stephenson
Kerry Ann Stewart
Peyton Suggs
Simone Sweeney
Jennifer Taylor
Laneka Thomas
Malissa Thompson
Opal Thompson
Tiyah Thompson
Karriane Thorpe
Yolande Tomlinson
Tercolia Troxlen
Asata Virgo
Quismat Virgo
Tiffany Walton
Danielle Wellington
Brittani Westberry
Taylore Westbrook
Ruthcecelia Whitworth
Tyshawnda Wiley
Beau Williams
Latasha Williams
Bethany Winters
Symphone’e Willoughby
Delisa Williamson
Janae Wilson
Johnnean Wilson
Michelle Wilson
Olivia Worrell
Lisamarie Wright
Katherine Wright-Goodison
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sheryl Battles
National Co-Chair, Communications and Public Relations Committee
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Lift Every Voice & Sing
Written by James Weldon Johnson
Rev. Dr. Michael Christie
Senior Pastor, Zion First Baptist Church
Middletown, CT
Joelle A. Murchison
President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Hartford Alumnae Chapter
Select Political Leaders
Dr. Marie-Carmel Durandisse Pressley
Eastern Regional Director
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Elsie Cooke-Holmes
International President and Chair of the National Board of Directors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Derrick M. Roberts II
SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION
Demitra Jones
Chair, MLK Breakfast Committee
SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Olia Bartley
1993 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Recipient
SPEAKER INTRODUCTION
Deloris J. Drakes
Co-Chair, MLK Breakfast Committee
MUSICAL SELECTION
Derrick M. Roberts II
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ Chicago, IL
BENEDICTION
Dr. Michael Christie
Senior Pastor, Zion First Baptist Church Middletown, CT
“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sheryl Battles is an award-winning C-suite and enterprise communications advisor, orator, and workforce strategist. She has a “big picture” perspective on trends and their impact on people. In her long tenure with Pitney Bowes, she won the company’s highest individual award, the “Walter Wheeler Award”.
Sheryl is on the Board of Trustees for Greenwich Hospital, and the National Board of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is also on the National Advisory Boards for Elon University’s School of Communications, the Council of Public Relations Education, the A.W. Page Society, as well as the Zeno Group Reputation Advisory Board.
Sheryl is a member of the Fairfield County Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Links, Incorporated. She is also a lifetime associate of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
She and her family are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, where both she and her husband Curt have served as Elders.
Sheryl is a graduate of Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA with a degree in Human Biology.
Olia Bartley is a highly accomplished Associate Director in Supply Chain at Collins Aerospace. Her educational background includes a Master of Business Administration, while her professional credentials encompass Project Management Professional, Agile Certified Practitioner, and Change Management certifications.
Beyond her professional achievements, Olia is deeply committed to advancing women in the workplace. As co-chair of WISE (Women Inspiring Success & Empowerment), she actively creates opportunities for women to network, develop, and thrive in their careers. She was most recently awarded the Women of Color Tech All Star award.
In January (2025) Olia will receive the Keeper of the Dream Award (KOTD) from her company’s employee resource group which recognizes members who make a significant impact on the community, demonstrate character through the maintenance of integrity and the balance of respect and responsibility. They demonstrate compassion and courageous efforts to create a diverse community and to bring about systemic change aimed at promoting justice and equity in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rev. Dr. Michael Christie is a pastor, chaplain, counselor, and educator whose work spans continents and communities. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut School of Business, a Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Hartford Seminary.
Dr. Christie is an international preacher and teacher, and he is the senior pastor at the Zion First Baptist Church in Middletown, CT. His work is known for its transformative impact, blending faith with practical tools for healing and growth.
Dr. Christie is a devoted family man who is married to Arnita Christie, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Together, they have two remarkable children: Nia Christie, also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and Michael A. Christie, who is pursuing his first year of law school at Boston University.
Derrick M. Roberts II is a Jacksonville, FL-based, smooth jazz saxophonist who has an impeccable gift that was nurtured as a young child growing up in church. Derrick has shared the stage with many mainstream artists to include Maxine Linehan, Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, The Jacksonville Symphony, and many more. In addition to being a gifted saxophonist, Derrick is a licensed mental health therapist who transitioned to Connecticut to pursue his doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Hartford. Derrick’s most recent internship was at the Yale Child Study Center School of Medicine where he administered psychological assessments to families and children along with psychotherapy. Derrick’s passions lie within mental health, social justice and music. He believes music can heal the most vulnerable parts of our being. When words fail, music speaks
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 2023, Hartford Alumnae Chapter renamed their signature annual scholarship the Cheryl A. Hickmon Scholarship after the beloved 27th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ms. Hickmon was elected the National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in November 2021. This achievement was the culmination of her life’s dream as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her journey in Delta Sigma Theta began at South Carolina State University where she was initiated through the Alpha Xi Chapter in 1982. Her commitment to Delta was apparent early on and led her to become Alpha Xi Chapter President (1983-1984) and South Atlantic Regional Representative (1984-1986). After graduating from South Carolina State, Ms. Hickmon returned to her home of Hartford, CT where she joined the Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and eventually became Chapter President (2009 – 2013).
Ms. Hickmon was an ideal Delta. She is remembered not just for being a leader but for being a true sister who embodied integrity, grace, and the noble spirit of fortitude. Our sisterhood is truly better by having had her amongst our ranks.
President, Joelle A. Murchison
First Vice President, Robin M. Foust
Second Vice President, Stacey Franklin
Recording Secretary, Wanda Ladson-Smith
Corresponding Secretary, Amber Jones
Chaplain, Candace Chester Mafe
Mylyn Alexander-Smith
Velda Alfred
Chellis Allen*
Sharon Anderson*
Margaret Andrews
Meryth Andrews
Portia Bachman
Karen Bailey Addison
Marie Baskerville*
Susan Baxter
Agnes Black
Nuchette Black-Burke*
Alexa Bradley
Tonya Bradley
Walton Brown-Foster
Andrea Brown-Seldon
Amy Burke
Cheryl Carter
Lisa Cato-Scott
Kristen Clark
Ayesha Clarke
Norma Clarke-Brown
Lisa Clayton
Ayeisha Cole
Victoria Copes*
C. Jeanne Costley
Carlita Cotton
Tamara Dabney
Patsy Darity
Veronica T. DeLandro
Francoise Deristel-Leger
Deloris J. Drakesµ
Stacey Epps
Daphne Falconer-Davis
Pamela Floyd-Cranford
Zillah Fluker
Andrea Forbes-Swaby*
Robin Foust*
Stacey Franklin*
Jacqueline French-Johnson
Thembi Fulse
Treasurer, Danielle S. Thomas
Financial Secretary, AQuanna Hansley
Asst. Fin. Secretary, Selah Nobles-Woodard
Sergeant-At-Arms, Kimberlee Henry
Custodian, Candace Chester Mafe
Sharon Gaddy
Sheilda Garrison
Joyce Gibson
Catherine Grant-Alston
LaKisha Grant-Washington*
AQuanna Hansley
Garcia Harris
Shirley Harrison
Kimberlee Henry
Artisena Hill
Camilla Hillian
Lesley Hubbard
Nicole Hughey
LaKisha Hyatt
Chiwanda Irving
Carol Jackson-Lawhorn
Kimberly James
Amber Jones
Demitra Jonesµ
Laraine Jones
Latesha Jones
Lorraine Kearse
Carla Ladson
Wanda Ladson-Smith
Eleanor Lane
Regina Lester-Harriat
JoAnn Lewis
Valerie Lilley
Alice Lumpkin
Candace Chester Mafe
Barbara Maybin
Gloria McCree
Guilaine Menefee
Aigner Mitchell
Pamela Mitchell
Tamara Mitchell-Davis
Tanya Moorehead-Cooley
Patsy Mundy
Joelle A. Murchison
Jill Naraine
Eboni Nelson
Selah Nobles-Woodard
Patrice Olson
Ashanti Osbourne
Kionna Owens
Lalani Perry
Wenzola Perry*
Dolores Pertillar
Tracie Peterson*
Cherie Phoenix-Sharpe
Natasha Pierre
Meckla Pinnix
Kelly Pittman
Simone Powell
Alyce Rawlins
Renee Reliford
Esther Richmond
Alexis Russell
Lakesha Ruth
Racquel Santana
Annette Shack
Marclion Shilleh-McMikle
Stacey-Ann Simpson*
Debbie Smith
Vera Smith-Winfree
Natasha Stacey-Reid
Melissa Strother
Maria Swift
Brandy Tate
Nicole Terry
Danielle Thomas
Lorna Thomas-Farquharson*
Kellyanna Thompson
Maya Thompson
Velma Walters
Danielle Watt
Donna Wilkerson
Niasia Williams
Shirley Williams*
Toni-Ann Williams
Jacqueline Wilson
Denise Wright-Chappell
WE’RE DARK
WE’RE LIGHT
WE’RE REVERENT
WE’RE IRREVERENT
WE’RE THINKERS
WE’RE DOERS
WE’RE TRAVELERS
At Travelers, we know your uniqueness is our greatness. Only by attracting and retaining world-class talent from every type of background can we have the very best team in the industry. Diversity and inclusion aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re key to our strategy to perform today and transform for tomorrow. So share your ideas and embrace your beliefs. All of you is welcome here. Learn more at travelers.com/diversity
Iamsogratefulforthis4-yearrenewable scholarshipasithelpsincoveringtheincidental costsofhigherlearningSincegraduatingWindsor HighSchool,Windsor,CT,IearnedaBachelorof ScienceDegreeinBiologyfromDelawareState University,Dover,DE;MasterofSciencein BiomedicalSciencesfromCampbellUniversity SchoolofOsteopathicMedicine,Lillington,NC; StudiedDoctorofMedicineatRossUniversity SchoolofMedicineatSt.Michaels,Barbados.
Iamcurrentlyfinishingmythirdyearofmedical schoolattheUniversityofMarylandCapital RegionHospitalinLargo,MDwhereIam completingmyCoreclinicalrotationsandIwillbe applyingtothe2026MATCHcycle,inEmergency Medicine
ProfessionalExperience/ Certifications
EmergencyMedicalTechnician-American MedicalResponse,WestHartford,CT
MedicalScribe(scribeambassador)-Scribe America,HartfordCT
TeachingAssistantCampbellUniversity& SedgwickMiddleSchool,WestHartford,CT Advancedcardiaclifesupport(ACLS) providercertification(AHA)
Pediatricadvancelifesupport(PALS)provider certification(AHA BasicLifeSupportInstructor(AHA BasicLifeSupport(BLS)provider(AHA)
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
EmergencyMedicalTechnicianLicense (Connecticut)
RossUniversityEmergencyMedicalServices InterestGroup
Pre-StudentOsteopathicMedicalAssociation (NationalLiaisonOfficer)
MinorityAssociationofPre-MedicalStudents (MAPS)
•StudentNationalMedicalAssociation AmericanMedicalStudentAssociation PhiDeltaEpsilonMedicalFraternity DeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Inc. MedicalStudent
Iamamediaandeventsprofessionalwhohasworked withproductioncompaniesandnon-profit organizationstosupportproductiondevelopmentand outreachinitiatives
Ibelieveinthepowerofcommunicationasatoolto engageaudiencesinsupportofdiverseprogramsand causes.ThroughwritingandresearchingIunderstand howtoeffectivelyengageindividualsandcommunities foracommongoal
MyworkexperienceincludesproductionsfortheOWN Network,BET,NYCMediainadditiontodeveloping campaignsandcreatingeventsfornon-profitsand mediaprograms
IearnedmyBachelorofArtsdegreefromtheUniversity ofConnecticutandMasterofArtsfromSacredHeart University.
Producer,Clara’sFruitDocumentary;Atlanta, GA
AssociateProducer/Researcher;MassAppeal Documentary,Atlanta,GA
AssociateProducer;BlackPop(Docuseries), NewYork,NY
AssociateProducer/Researcher;ActualFilms, NewYork,NY
AssociateProducer;VIACOM,NewYork,NY
AssociateProducer;NYCMedia(Webseries), NewYork,NY
Post-ProductionAssistant;RadicalMedia (Oprah’sMasterclass,season6-Docuseries), NewYork,NY
MediaandEventsProfessional
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
Member,NewYorkWomeninFilm& Television
Member,NationalAssociationofBlack Journalists
Iamcommittedandexcitedtohelptransformthe dietarylandscapeofthosedisproportionately impactedbyfoodinsecurityIamastrongadvocate forcriticallyengagingwithourfoodchoices,both internalandexternal,tofosterrelationshipsaround whatitmeanstolivewell.Throughmyeducational, professional,andpersonalexperiences,thispassion hasguidedmetodoworkthathighlightsthepower andpotentialfoodhastoupliftandstrengthenthe fabricofacommunity.
Hopingtomakeconnectionswithindividuals/ organizationsthatarepassionateaboutenhancing ourindividualandcollectivewellbeingthroughfood inallcapacitiesIearnedmyBachelorofArtdegreein nutritionalanthropologyfromMountHolyokeCollege inSouthHadley,MA.
CustomerRelationsCoordinator;CapitalArea FoodBank,WDC
CampusDiningAdministrator;George WashingtonUniversity,WDC
CommunityEngagement&Education Coordinator;FreshFarm,WDC
WellnessAssociate;NourishedRx,Stamford,CT CampaignOrganizer;GrowHartford,Hartford CT
CustomerRelationsCoordinator
StudyAbroadExperience
SchoolofInternationalTraining,International HonorsProgramRethinkingFoodSecurity: People,Agriculture,andPolitics
UpongraduationfromtheHartfordCulinaryArts Academy(WeaverHS),IattendedQuinnipiac UniversitywhereIearnedmyBachelorsinEnglish (2017)followedbyattendingandgraduatingfrom UConnLawinMay2020.
IpreviouslyworkedasaJudicialLawClerkforthe ConnecticutSuperiorCourtbeforebeingoffereda positionasanAssociateAttorneyatJacksonLewis,a NationalLaborandEmploymentLawFirm(1000+ Attorneys)IhavebeenwithJacksonLewisfor3years MypracticeareasareManagement-sideEmployment LitigationandCorporateGovernanceandInternal Investigations
IamthePresidentElectforConnecticut’sBlackBar Association(GeorgeW.CrawfordBlackBar Association)IalsoserveontheFederalJudiciary CommitteeoftheConnecticutBarAssociation
ProfessionalExperience/ Certifications
AssociateAttorney;JacksonLewis JudicialLawClerk;ConnecticutSupremeCourt
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
Fellow,NationalEmploymentLaw Council
RecognizedbyTheBestLawyersinAmerica© as “OnestoWatch”in“LaborEmploymentLaw–Management” “OnestoWatch”in“Litigation–Laborand Employment”
NationalBlackLawyers©'s"Top40Under40" list
2014-2018ScholarshipRecipient
IamanexperiencedPharmacyTechnicianand currentfulltimeStaffPharmacistwitha demonstratedhistoryofworkinginthe pharmaceuticalsindustryStronghealthcare servicesprofessional,skilledincustomerservice, andcriticalthinking
IearnedmyBachelorandDoctorateofPharmacy fromtheUniversityofConnecticut.
PharmacyTechnician
ProfessionalExperience/ Certifications
StaffPharmacist;CVSWestHartford,CT
PharmacyIntern;CVS/StFrancisHospital/Rite Aid
PharmacyTechnicianLicense
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
UniversityofConnecticutLeadership Scholarship CVSScholarship
Dean’List-ACESUniversityofConnecticut
2011-2015ScholarshipRecipient
AboutMe
IamanInternalAuditorwithademonstrated historyofworkinginthefinancialservicesindustry andpublicaccounting.
Strongfinanceprofessionalwithanactive CertifiedPublicAccountant(CPA)license,anda MasterinAccountingdegreefromTheUniversity ofConnecticut'sSchoolofBusiness
InternalAuditor
ProfessionalExperience/ Certifications
Manager,InternalAudit;RTX SrInternalAuditor;VoyaFinancial SOXAssociate;VoyaFinancial FinanceAssociate;Aetna AssuranceAssociate;PricewaterhouseCoopers
VoyaFinancial–DiversityAmbassador Program
VoyaFinancial–Treasurer,African American/BlackEmployeeCouncil
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
Member,CTSocietyofCertifiedPublic Accountants
MemberofPipelineTaskforceCommittee ProfessionalLeadershipAcademy,Classof 2024
Member,TheInstituteofInternal Auditors AlumniMentor,UCONNSchoolofBusiness MentorProgram
Iamaservice-orientedleaderwithextensive experienceinboththeprivateandpublicsectors, includingmunicipalgovernmentandproject developmentandimplementationGoal-oriented, data-drivendecision-maker.Ihaveworkedto establisharobusttrackrecordindeveloping, marketing,andexecutingcommunityoutreach programs,employeevolunteerengagement initiatives,andvariouscivicactivitiesMydiverse experiencesandeducationalbackgroundcontribute toaninnovativeleaderandcreativeproblemsolver, complementedbystronganalyticaland organizationalskills
IearnedmyBachelorofSciencedegreefromTrinity CollegeandaCertificateinNonprofitManagement followedbyaMasterofPublicAdministration;both fromtheUniversityofConnecticutIcurrentlyworkfor theCityofHartfordastheDirector,Officeof CommunityEngagement
ProfessionalExperience/ Certifications
OfficeofCommunityEngagement;Cityof Hartford,CT
SeniorConsultantHRUniversityRelations; Travelers
StaffingConsultant,UniversityRelations;The HartfordInsuranceGroup ProgressiveHumanResourcepositions;The HartfordInsuranceGroup CertificateinNonprofitManagement;University ofConnecticut
Director,OfficeofCommunity Engagement
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
President,BoardofDirectors,Rebuilding TogetherHartford,Hartford,CT Boardmember,FirstNightHartford,Hartford CT
President,YoungProfessionalsauxiliary, UrbanLeagueofGreaterHartford InfluentialWomen2024,ScoutingAmerica, ConnecticutRiversCouncil
IamadynamicsalesleaderforOracleNorthAmerica CloudandTechnologybusiness,whochallengesand inspiresteamstodelivervaluethatpropelsclientsto success.Iamastrategically,disciplinedpartnerfor theServicesandHospitalityindustrieswhodelivers thoughtfulcollaboration,responsiveness,reliableand repeatableexecutionexcellence.Acontinuous championfordiversity,equityandinclusionfocusedon creatingacultureofauthenticityandbelonging
IamcurrentlyaGroupVicePresidentinNorthAmerica CloudInfrastructureatOracle.IleadOracle’s EnterpriseSoftwarebusinessfortheComm/IT,Media, RetailandServicesandHospitalityverticals
TheDeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Incscholarship contributedtotheachievementofmyBachelorof ScienceinChemicalEngineeringfromBrown UniversityIalsoearnedaMBAfromtheUniversityof ChicagoBoothSchoolofBusinessandaMasterof MaterialSciencefromRensselaerPolytechnicInstitute (RPI)
GroupVP,NACloudInfrastructureSales, Services&Hospitality;Oracle VP,CloudSolution;Oracle RegionalExecutive,NewBusinessDevelopment; Vicom BusinessUnitExecutive-NY&CT;IBM CertifiedSalesProfessional,Sales,Distribution andMarketingOperations;TheHarvard BusinessSchool
DeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Inc.-Lifetime member OraclePresident’sClubAward AlumnusofOracle’sAcceleratedExecutive Institute(AEI) ThreeUSandfiveIBMPatents PublishedintheAdvancesSemiconductor ManufacturingCounselJournal GroupVicePresident
Iamadynamicleaderwithovertwodecadesof experienceinimprovingstudentoutcomesand closingachievementgapsthroughthe implementationofacontinuousimprovement framework,instructionalleadership,andstrategic planningProventrackrecordoffosteringacultureof excellencethroughanenrichingandengagingschool climateSkilledinstaffdevelopment,program management,andcommunitypartnershipsand engagement
IreceivedmyBachelorofArtsdegreeinrhetoricand communicationfromtheUniversityofVirginiaDriven bymypassionforeducation,IpursuedaMasterof ScienceinEducationspecializinginK-8education fromtheUniversityofPennsylvania
AssistantSuperintendent
ProfessionalExperience/ Certifications
AssisSuperintendentforCurriculumand Instruction,SouthWindsorPublicSchools Principal,PoquonockSchool,WindsorPublic School
ExecLeadershipProgramSuperintendent Certification,UniversityofConnecticut
AspiringPrincipalsProgramAdministrator Certification,UniversityofPennsylvania
ConnecticutSuperintendent093
ConnecticutAdministration092
ConnecticutProvisionalEducator013K-6
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
DeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Inc.(Hartford AlumnaeChapter)
MinorityStudentAchievementNetwork(MSAN 2010-2012)
InternationalReadingAssociation
NationalCouncilofTeachersofEnglish AssociationforSupervisionandCurriculum Development
NewEnglandReadingAssociation
Developedandimplementedthedistrict’s teachingandlearningframework
Ledthedevelopmentofthedistrict’sPortraitof aGraduateattributes
Createdthedistrict’sfirstTeachingand LearningImprovementplan
DevelopedthefirstplantoimplementMultiTiered-SystemsofSupportK-12
IamdeeplygratefultotheHartfordAlumnaeChapter ofDeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Inc,fortheirsupportin myeducationaljourney.Withtheirencouragement,I graduatedfromDartmouthCollegein2013witha degreeinEnglishLanguageandLiteratureandaminor inPublicPolicy
In2015,IventuredtoSouthKorea,agloballeaderin educationalreform,toexplorehowothernationsfoster humancapitaldevelopmentacrosssocio-economic linesWhilethere,IbeganmycareerasanEnglish instructorandlatermovedtoShanghai,China,whereI workedasanadmissionsconsultant,gainingvaluable insightsintoChina'seducationallandscape
Eagertobroadenmyunderstandingofeducationin diversecontexts,ImovedtoBangkok,Thailand,whereI workedasanAssociateDirectorofHigherEducationat aninternationalschool,helpingstudentsachievetheir post-secondaryaspirationsIn2022,Ireturnedtothe UnitedStatestospecializeasaneducationalplanner, guidingstudentstowardadmissiontotopuniversities Alongtheway,I’vehadtheprivilegeofgivingbackto mycommunitybyservingasacollegecoachand mentorwithorganizationslikeCollegeboundDC, ScholarMatch,andtheMarylandCentralScholarship Fund
IremainexceptionallythankfulforthesupportI receivedfromtheHartfordAlumnaeChapterof DeltaSigmaThetaSorority,IncIthasempoweredme tohelpotherssucceedthrougheducationLooking ahead,IamexcitedtopursuelicensureinMental HealthandSchoolCounselingandcontinuingmy commitmenttoequityandopportunityineducation.
AssistantDirectorofAdmissions
ProfessionalExperience/ Certifications/Awards
AdmissionsPractices,CollegeCounseling; Intrntn’lOrgforAdmissions&College Counseling;WDC SeniorConsultant;SolomonAdmissions Consulting-WDC SeniorCounselor;InGeniusPrepCT/Shanghai,China
HeadInstructor,ESLInstruction;Chungdahm Learning-Pohang,SouthKorea AssistantDirectorofAdmissions;Dartmouth College-Hanover,NH
Oliahasadiverseskillsetandanimpressivearrayof certificationsHereducationalbackgroundincludesa MasterofBusinessAdministration(MBA),whileher professionalcredentialsencompassProject ManagementProfessional(PMP),AgileCertified Practitioner(ACP),andChangeManagement(CCMP) certificationsThiscomprehensiveexpertise,coupled withherextensiveexperienceinSupplyChain, positionsOliaasaformidableleaderinherfield.
Beyondherprofessionalachievements,Oliaisdeeply committedtoadvancingwomenintheworkplace.As co-chairofWISE(WomenInspiringSuccess& Empowerment),sheactivelycreatesopportunitiesfor womentonetwork,develop,andthriveintheircareers ShemostrecentlywasawardedtheWomenofColor (WOC)TechAllStaraward.
Withheruniqueblendofprofessionalexpertise, leadershipskills,andcommitmenttosocial responsibility,Oliastandsoutasadynamicand impactfulleaderinboththebusinessworldandher community.
AssociateDirector,SupplyChain,Collins Aerospace
SrManagerBusinessProcesses,Collins Aerospace
ProgramManager,CollinsAerospace
SupplierProgramManager,CollinsAerospace
AdjunctProfessor,UniversityPhoenix
Proposal/ProjectManager,Sikorsky
ProjectManagementProfessional(PMP)
AgileCertifiedPractitioner(ACP) ChangeManagement(CCMP)certifications
AssociateDirectorinSupplyChain
October2024-WomenofColor(WOC)Tech AllStaraward
InJanuary(2025)OliawillreceivetheKeeper oftheDreamAward(KOTD)fromher company’semployeeresourcegroupwhich recognizesmemberswhomakeasignificant impactonthecommunity
2001-2004ScholarshipRecipient
Orlenaisalong-termmemberoftheSocietyofHuman ResourceManagement(SHRM)andmostrecently servedastheExecutiveDirectoroftheirlocalawardwinningaffiliatecouncil,CTSHRM,advancingthousands ofHRprofessionalsandbusinessestocreatebetter workplacesacrossCTandbeyondwwwctshrmorg
OrlenahasexperienceinvariousindustriesandFortune 100companiesinthepublic,privateandnon-profit sectoracrossmultipleUSregionsSomeofhercareer highlightsincludeopeningmultiplestoresacrossNew EnglandforTargetasanHRExecutiveTeamLeaderand servingasHumanResource&EEOOfficerforCTtransit duringtheriseandlaunchofCTFastrak,Connecticut’s multi-millionandfirstbusrapidtransitsystem
SheisthefounderandChiefElevationOfficer(CEO)ofHR ZoomLLCwww.GoHRZoom.comand wwwHRSwagShopcomwhereshe’sabletomaximize herpassionandinnovationtopositivelyimpact workplaceculturesbackedbyinclusion,development, engagementandstrategicexcellenceinaconsulting capacity
HeadofDiversityEquity&Inclusion,Community HealthResources
ChiefElevationOfficer(CEO),HRZoomFreelance
EmployeeRelationsConsultant,TheHartford HRBusinessPartner-CorporateFunctions, MassMutual
HeadofHumanResources&AA/EEOOffice, CTtransit
SeniorStrategicBusinessandHuman ResourcesLeader,Influencer,and CultureConsultant
2019HartfordBusinessJournal“40under40” awardwinnerwhichrecognizesoutstanding youngprofessionalsintheGreaterHartford areathatexcelintheirindustryand leadershiproles
“100WomenofColorHonoree”Classof2023
IamsogratefulforthefinancialsupportoftheHartford AlumnaeChapterofDeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Inc. andthewomenofthisorganizationwhobelievedin meIthankyouforrecognizingmyachievementsasa scholarshiprecipientduring40thAnniversaryoftheDr MartinLutherKing,JrScholarshipBreakfast celebration.
IamaglobalSeniorHumanResourcesProfessionalI amaself-motivatedseniorleaderwithcomprehensive humanresourcesgeneralistexperienceincluding conflictresolution,changemanagement,benefit administration,wellnesssolutions,compensation, recruiting,employeerelations,talentmanagement, employeedevelopment,immigrationstrategiesand employeelifecyclemanagement
ProfessionalExperience/ Certifications
SeniorHRBusinessPartner, AstraZeneca/Medimmune-MD/Sweden/UK
SeniorManagerHRBusinessPartner,Navient
GlobalHRDirector,IBA-VA/Belgium
GlobalHRManager,GlaxoSmithKline
MyersBriggs–NewManagerAssimilation
CivilTreatmentforManagersandEmployeesCoachingteamBuilding
DiSC-CertificateofPersonalTrainingand Nutrition
CPA(CertifiedPublicAccountant)
SHRM-CP(CertifiedProfessional)
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
PHR(ProfessionalinHumanResources) RoadRunnersClubofAmerica(RRCA) RunningCoach
KarrainegraduatedfromThomasS.WeaversHigh Schoolatthetopofherclassandwentontopursuea self-designeddegreefromTrinityCollegein2001 KarrainehasheldpositionswithHartfordPublic Schools,UnitedTechnologiesandmanagedherown consultingfirmforanumberofyears
Karraineispassionateaboutpeople,makinga differenceinhercommunityandeliminating substandardhousingbecauseitplaysamajorfactor inlife'soutcomeKarrainebelievesthatwithadequate housing,otheraccomplishmentsarepossibleincluding educationattainment,careergrowth,civic engagementandfinallyfamilystability
In2014,sheacceptedthechallengeandbecamethe executivedirectorofHartfordhabitatforHumanityShe continuedtoexcelandexpandinhercareerwith HabitatforHumanityandisnowtheChiefExecutive OfficerofHabitatforHumanityNorthCentral Connecticut.
ChiefExecutiveOfficer,HabitatforHumanity NorthCentralCT
Principal,MoodyConsultingFirm
FamilyServiceDirector,HartfordAreaHabitat forHumanity
CommunityTechnologyCenterMgr,Hartford PublicSchools
TrinityCollege-LongWalkSociety
NationalAssociationofProfessionalWomen HallofFame,SpiritofHopeAward-Junior AchievementofSouthwestNewEngland-2023 TrailblazerAward-VoicesofWomenofColor2023
HousingInnovationAward-DeptofEnergy2020&2022
ConnecticutGreenBuildingCouncil: ResidentialAwardofHonor-2019
IamsogratefulforthefinancialsupportoftheHartford AlumnaeChapterofDeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Incand thewomenofthisorganizationwhobelievedinme.I havesincegraduatedfromDartmouthCollegewithaBA inEconomicsandcompletedmyMDattheUniversityof SouthernCaliforniaKeckSchoolofMedicineAfter medicalschool,IcompletedoneyearofObstetricsand Gynecologyresidencyinmyhometownservingwomen atHartfordHospital,TheUniversityofConnecticut,and TheHospitalofCentralConnecticut
Realizingmytruepassioninmedicinewasin Dermatology,ImadeacareerpivotIunderwenta rigorousDermatologyresearchfellowshipwhereIwasa sub-investigatorforvariousclinicaltrials,published severalpeerreviewedjournalarticlesoninflammatory skindisease,andpresentedatnationalandinternational conferencesIhavealsoreceivedawardsfromThe NationalPsoriasisFoundation,TheSkinofColorSociety, andTheAmericanHairResearchSociety
IsuccessfullymatchedintoDermatologythispastMarch andwillbestartingmyresidencyattheUniversityof CaliforniaDavisinSacramento,CAinJuly2025OnceI am(finally!)donewithtrainingIamlookingforwardto owningadermatologypracticespecializinginskinof colorandethnichairwhilealsocontinuingtomovethe fieldforwardthroughtheteachingoftrainees,clinical trials,andresearch
DermatologyResident
PostdoctoralResearchFellow,Deptof Dermatology,UnivofCalifornia,Davis
ProfessionalMemberships/ Activities/Awards
TheNationalPsoriasisFoundation
TheSkinofColorSociety
TheAmericanHairResearchSociety
IamAymanieNelson,founderandCEOofEnerlocks, LLCIamanexperiencedentrepreneur,hair professional,educator,andmentorWithover20years asahairprofessional,Ihaveaccumulatedaplethora ofexperience,knowledge,andexpertisethatIinfuse intomybusinessmodel.Ihaveacollaborativeand community-focusedapproachtobusinessandIam passionateaboutcreatingupliftingandempowering experiences
Inmyover20yearsasanentrepreneur,Iamreminded ofmyjourneytogethere thepeople,theresources, andtheexperiencesthathavehelpedforgeastrong foundationinmyentrepreneurshipTheCherylA HickmanScholarship,ofwhichIwasarecipient,wasan integralpartofmyjourneyAsIworkedmyway throughcollege,thescholarship’sfinancialreward alleviatedfinancialpressuresandallowedmetofocus intentlyonlearningandobtainingmydegree.
WhenIcombinedmyinnateentrepreneurialinstincts withmyformaleducation,Icreatedmyfirstbusiness, specializinginthehairandbeautyindustry.Overthe years,Ihavelearnedhowtostreamlinemybusiness operations,provideexcellentproductsandservices, withoutcompromisingmyclient’sexperiencesThis hasculminatedintomygreatestbusiness achievementto-date,Enerlocks
In2022,IfoundedEnerlockstofillagapinthehair industry theneedforeffective,time-savingluxury tools.Aftercompletingmarketresearchand combiningeffortswithlocalpractitionersandartisans, IcreatedtheEnerlockslockingtool,arevolutionary locticiantoolthathelpsstreamlineandoptimizethe locticianhairpractice.Enerlocksistheoriginatorofthe stainless-steellockingtool,gemstonebracelet,and extender.
FounderandChiefExecutiveOfficer
Enerlocksisatrademarkedbrandwithafullypatented lockingtoolthatisthenewgoldstandardinfunctional, luxurylockingtools.Asaglobalbrand,ourtoolisused domesticallyinover25statesandinternationallyin Canada,theUnitedKingdom,Ireland,andFrance.It canalsobefoundinAfricaandintheCaribbean EnerlockshasanA+ratingwiththeBetterBusiness Bureau
WhileIcontinuetoexpandthecommunity,Igiveback tothelocalcommunityIamthesoleethnichair educatorfortheConnecticutDepartmentofChildren andFamiliesInthisrole,Itrainlicensedadoptiveand fosterparentsonthebestwaystocarefortheir children’shairIalsoprovidementorshipand consultationtoaspiring,new,andexistinghair professionals