May Week Keynote Speaker
Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons
The Rev. Dr. Arlecia (R-Lee-Sha) Simmons is an esteemed ordained minister, educator, and content creator committed to inspiring and facilitating meaningful moments through storytelling. She serves faith communities throughout North Carolina as the East Regional Associate of Partners in Health and Wholeness, an initiative under the North Carolina Council of Churches.
Dr. Simmons is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and the daughter of Lovie Simmons Howell and Ernest Hartwell. She serves as a Gullah Geechee ambassador, dedicated to educating others about her rich Lowcountry heritage.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Winthrop University and further pursued her education with a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of South Carolina, a Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communications from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School.
Dr. Simmons was ordained to ministry on May 27, 2012, Pentecost Sunday, by the First Calvary Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina. The American Baptist Churches USA endorses her ordination. In 2015, she became the second pastor of Faith United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C., where she served until February 2017.
In addition to her ministry, she has an active writing career. She is the author of *Diggin’ For Treasure: Jewels of Hope When Pressure & Time Collide*. In February 2021, she published *Diggin’ For Intimacy: Sex, Sensuality, and Loving God*, which has been described as a book that “church girls didn’t even know they needed.” Her most recent publication in this series is “Diggin’ For Refuge: Miles of Grace & Transition.”
Dr. Simmons was initiated into the Xi Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on April 2, 1994. She is a former North Charleston Alumnae Chapter member and is currently active in the Fayetteville Alumnae Chapter. Additionally, she serves as an Associate Minister at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and is an engaged member of the Fayetteville branch of the NAACP.
May Week Community Service Recipients
Kara P. Simmons Economic Development
One doesn’t have to look far to find where passion and poise intersect. At that very crossroads, you’ll find Kara P. Simmons—gracefully illustrating what hard work, intention, and a charitable spirit truly look like. A Charleston, South Carolina native, Kara has spent more than a decade with her feet firmly planted in the community, embodying the change she envisioned as a young girl.
Even as a child, Kara challenged societal norms and questioned the systems that disproportionately affected minority and marginalized communities. Inspired by the belief that she could “be the change,” she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Columbia College in South Carolina, followed by a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership. Equipped with education and conviction, she stepped into South Carolina’s nonprofit and government sectors, ready to lead with impact.
Since 2010, Kara has held roles that deepened her understanding of underserved populations and expanded her expertise in delivering resources to often-overlooked communities. Her career journey includes serving as a Professor at her alma mater, Financial Sustainability Director at The Cooperative Ministry, and Senior Project Manager of the Summer Leadership Institute for Columbia College. She began as a National Advancer on the Biden-Harris presidential campaign and later transitioned into an Advance Associate, traveling primarily with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and at times with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
In 2015, she founded KPC & Co., a project management and event production consulting firm. Her client roster includes esteemed organizations and leaders such as The Barack Obama Foundation, Dominion Energy, Columbia Bethlehem Community Center, Carlos Dunlap Foundation, Omarion Worldwide, SC Census Counts, the A’ja Wilson Foundation, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, among others.
As Founder and CEO of KPC & Co., Kara is known for premier brand management, strategic planning, community outreach, and exceptional event coordination. With a unique talent for transforming ideas into tangible results, she helps clients eliminate noise and bring clarity to their vision. While her work is wide-reaching, her heart remains rooted in community. She has served as Vice Chair of the Columbia Housing Board of Commissioners, a member of the Junior League of Columbia, and co-founder of the No Boys Allowed College Tour—a transformative experience that exposes high school girls of color to HBCUs.
Outside of client engagements, Kara is building immersive team experiences through Great Escape Enterprises. She is the proud owner of South Carolina’s only Black-owned escape room, located in Columbia, where she curates spaces that encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and fun.
Kara’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including Columbia Business Monthly’s “Best & Brightest 35 and Under” (2016), The State Newspaper’s “Top 20 Under 40” (2018), Black Pages SC “Top 20 Under 40” (2020), and a spot in the Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Columbia Class of 2015.
While she humbly wears her accolades, there is one title she embraces most proudly: servant of God. Kara credits her faith as the foundation for every opportunity, experience, and blessing in her life.
The late Maya Angelou once said,“If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can transform one million realities. ” Kara Simmons is both a dreamer and a doer—turning vision into reality and serving as a living example of the change she would like to see in the world.
Tameika Guest Tisdale Educational Development
Tameika Guest Tisdale is a Career Specialist for the Charleston County School District with over a decade of experience in developing employment opportunities for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. She is the CEO of Creating Opportunities and Real Employment Services (COARE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with Developmental Disabilities and students learn employment skills.
Tameika holds a Master of Human Services/Organizational Leadership from Springfield College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Computer Science from Limestone University. She is also a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) and a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP).
In her previous role as Director of Employment Services at The Charleston County Disabilities Board, Tameika was responsible for developing and implementing employment programs for individuals with disabilities. She also served as a keynote speaker at the “America’s Workforce, Empowering All” event held by the US Department of State – Charleston during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
Tameika is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals and being accepted in the community. She is a dedicated and knowledgeable professional who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Tameika’s life goal is to educate and bring awareness to the community about including individuals with intellectual disabilities into the workforce.
In her free time, Tameika enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and listening to music. She is married and the mother of three adult children and six grandchildren. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. six grandchildren. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Nathan L.
Nelson
International Awareness & Involvement
Nathan L. Nelson is the founder and director of Lowcountry Voices, dedicating 12 years of his life to making remarkable contributions through his outstanding educational leadership and community involvement on a local, state and international level.
Lowcountry Voices is a distinguished choral ensemble based in the City of North Charleston. The mission of the choir is to preserve and celebrate the rich musical heritage of the African American experience, with a particular focus on the spirituals and Gullah-Geechee traditions of the Lowcountry. Nathan has been passionate about sharing this heritage with communities around the globe. His efforts in promoting international awareness have extended the vibrant sounds of the Lowcountry Voices to audiences far beyond the borders of South Carolina with performances in Africa, Bermuda, Canada and this year the choir will travel to Barbados. These performances explore the rich, historical, and cultural ties between the Carolinas and Barbados through an expressive blend of music, movement, and narrative. He entitles this pilgrimage “Connections”. “We are excited to bring Connections to the Piccolo Spoleto stage and share this deeply meaningful story with our community before taking it to the global stage,” said Nathan L. Nelson, Music Director of Lowcountry Voices. “This concert honors our ancestors, uplifts our present, and celebrates the unbreakable bonds that span across the sea.”
Nelson has not only raised awareness of African American music on an international scale but has also nurtured a sense of unity and mutual understanding among communities worldwide, transcending barriers through the universal language of music.
Kendra Woody-Simmons Physical and Mental Health
Kendra Woody-Simmons is a Substance Abuse Professional, Master Addictions Counselor, Human ServicesBoard Certified Practitioner, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a National Certified Addiction Counselor in private practice in Goose Creek, SC. Kendra works with adolescents, adults, and couples providing a wide variety of general counseling services, addictions, substance abuse assessments, and clinical supervision.
Kendra received her undergraduate degree in Human Services specializing in Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling, Master of Science in Human Services/Multidisciplinary Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Addictions. Kendra has completed all coursework towards her PhD in Human Services and Counseling and currently working on her dissertation.
Kendra’s background is exceptionally extensive bringing a broad history of educational, community, and workplace experience, in addition to, clinical expertise to her clients.
Kendra’s personal history is culturally diverse, which has facilitated her effectiveness and respect as a helper with the multicultural populations she serves. Kendra’s practicum and internship work was completed at a substance abuse facility, local mental health agency, and included hospital emergency room intervention and placement. Kendra is versed in a wide variety of clinical issues: supervision, addiction, relationships, behaviors, and parenting.
Kendra Woody-Simmons was born and raised in New York and spent summers in Charleston with her family. She moved to SC in 2000. Kendra is married to Demond Simmons and has 1 son, Kameron. She enjoys crabs and loves dogs
Erica Sampson
Political Awareness and Involvement
Born and raised in North Carolina, Erica Sampson moved to South Carolina four years ago, where her advocacy grew roots for bringing political awareness and community engagement. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Erica currently works in HR, adopting a servant leadership approach to assisting colleagues and community members alike. As the former Chair of the Lowcountry Young Democrats for two terms, Erica focused on empowering youth through voter registration efforts, outreach initiatives, and education about civic involvement. Additionally, she serves on the board of Positive Vibes Ronjanae Smith, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting youth and underserved community members through various charitable activities. In her spare time, Erica Co-hosts the “Politically Speaking” podcast, where she shares insights on political developments, aiming to simplify complex issues and keep listeners informed about local and national matters. Building community connections is what keeps her going!