Leadership - Lola Mercedes Parker Foundation

Board Of Directors

Stephanie Dilworth

Chair

Full Bio

Stephanie Dilworth has worked at the University of Minnesota for 20+ years, initially as Internal Auditor and currently as Chief Financial Manager for the College of Design. During her tenure, Stephanie served as Chair of the Civil Service Committee. In that capacity she was instrumental in the creation of the Staff Appreciation Day and the President’s Emerging Leaders program. She also represented the College of Design Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee group as a P&A Senator on the University Senate. Stephanie received the Civil Service/ Bargaining Unit Service Award, the President’s Award for Outstanding Service and the Outstanding Professional & Administrative Award from the College of Design. Stephanie is the 22nd National President of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated. She is currently serving on the Give MN Board as Treasurer and the Pilgrim Baptist Church Board of Trustees as Chair. Stephanie Dilworth has a BS in Zoology from the University of Michigan and a BS in Accounting from the University of Minnesota. She also obtained her Certified Internal Auditor designation.

Nicole Ford

Vice Chair

Full Bio

Nicole Darden Ford is an IT Strategic leader with 20+ years of success spanning the Federal Government and Corporate Venues. Nicole has held a variety of leadership roles within the private sector and federal government, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She has extensive knowledge and application experience in cyber security, cyber forensics and homeland security practices. In her most recent role, as the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for Carrier she is responsible for Information Security and Product (IOT) Cyber security, globally. Prior to joining Carrier, Nicole was the Vice President of Information Security and the Chief Information Security Officer for Baxter International Inc. where shehad global responsibility for Information Security, as well as Information Governance and IT Quality Compliance. Nicole joined Baxter in December 2016 as the Vice President of Information Security and Chief Information Security Officer from Venable LLP, an AMLAW 100 law firm, where she was Director of Information Security. Nicole has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in the Management of Information Technology from the University of Virginia. She holds the C|CISO, CISM, CEH and CISSP certifications. She served in leadership roles for various Baxter employee groups, including the Global Inclusion Council, African American Leadership Council and Baxter Women Leaders.She has held board roles on the H-ISAC, NTSC and Evanta Governing Board

Shantanoo Govilkar

Programs

Full Bio

Shantanoo is a natural leader with a passion for Customer Service and ‘getting things done’! For the last 30 years, he has successfully demonstrated his revenue generation, leadership, relationship, delivery management, and community contribution skills throughout his career. He brings high-energy, excellent work ethics, and a ‘can do’ attitude backed by a solid track record. He is often invited to speak at industry events on the topics of IT Strategy, Analytics, and Cybersecurity. His beliefs center on ‘Creating Value through Trust and Integrity’ principle whether it is for the customer or for personal relationships. In addition to LMPF, he contributes to the causes of ImprovingMinds, Gary Community Partnership project in USA, as well as Orphan Girl Care Homes in India. His family includes his wife, Tanuja, and daughter, Shweta. Shantanoo likes reading books, playing chess, and traveling as his leisure activities.

Cory Milam

Executive Director

Full Bio

Cory Darden Milam is a California native with a passion for technology and leadership development. As the Director of the Office of Innovation within the Office of Information Technology & Management at The Food and Drug Administration her focus is on enabling leading edge technologies, providing strategic direction to the agency’s scientific computing program and delivering collaborative knowledge management designed to enhance the agency’s ability to execute its mission to protect the public health. Ms. Milam has served in a wide array of Federal Government and private sector positions providing her extensive knowledge, experience, and application of project and program management practices. Ms. Milam has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Information Systems Management (University of the Potomac) and a Master of Science (Project Management) from The George Washington University. Currently, Cory celebrates more than 10 years of continuous service as she serves in the role of Chapter President for the award-winning Glamorous Gamma Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., the first African American Sorority created for business and professional Women. She is honored to serve on the National Headquarters Committee and continues in her role as a contributor to the Lola Mercedes Parker Foundation, the Sorority’s non-profit arm. Cory shares the legacy of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. with her sister, Soror Nicole.

Pamela Paige

Director

Full Bio

Pamela Paige bring over 20+ years of extensive workforce development experience and job development expertise with adult, dislocated workers, disconnected youth, younger youth reentry and women. Overseeing a staff of 30, Pamela is the Workforce Development & Section 3 for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and its 14 public housing developments. Her Workforce Development Unit operates on an annual budget of $6.5 million and serves 3,500 active clients. She manages the Watts/ Los Angeles WorkSource Center, HACLA Summer Youth Employment Programs and HACLA Employment Technology Centers. She has financial and professional alliances with the City and County of Los Angeles and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Pamela and her team were recently awarded the $3.7 million HUD Jobs Plus Grant for Nickerson Gardens Housing Development. Pamela is an active member of the Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) Taskforce, California Workforce Association (CWA), Interdepartmental Health Equity Collaborative (IHEC), and IHEC/Community Health Workers PATH Operations Work Group.

Pamela holds the office the Far Western Regional Director for Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. and member Gamma Mu Chapter, Los Angles, California. Her reputation as an FWR “Worker Bee”—translated as “working and not shirking”— preceded her into IOTA. In return for its commitment to her, Pamela gives IOTA dedication, passion, an innate sense of adventure, the ability to multitask, undaunted enthusiasm and uncompromising loyalty.

Sociology was Pamela’s major at California State University, Long Beach and she since gone on to study at Arizona State University.

Priscilla Cunningham

Director

Full Bio

As a proud member of Zeta Theta Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Priscilla possesses a Master of Business Administration as well as a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems. She is passionate about accounting and is intrigued with the fact that accounting is asymmetrical and always comes out right. She has acquired a wealth of technical and analytical financial acumen throughout her professional career. She has acquired a diversified portfolio in various industries within the business, accounting, and financial sectors. Priscilla is currently the Founding Principal and CEO of Strategic Business Solutions. Her primary goal is to be available to provide technical expertise, financial knowledge, and service to the community in which she serves, work, and play.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

Bethanie Mickles

Director

Full Bio

Bethanie Mickles is a 2005 summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law where she received both her Juris Doctor and Master of Library Science degrees respectively. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University. She presently serves as Magistrate of the 24th Judicial District of Virginia. Additionally, she is the owner and Artistic Director of World of Dance Performing Arts Company, a dance company that specializes in traditional dances from around the world. She is a proud member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, the Lynchburg (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Continental Societies, Inc., the Junior League of Lynchburg and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.She is the 2020 America’s Fit Ms national physical fitness pageant winner.

Veronica Armstrong

Director

Full Bio

Veronica is a Corporate Executive, Life, and Leadership Coach. She is passionate about leadership development and helping women take control of their lives, careers, and personal growth so they can create a life they love. As the Vice President of Strategy and Operations for Aspen Dental Management Association, Veronica is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and overseeing all operations activities for a team of 500+ team members in the Scheduling contact center. Additionally, she is responsible for driving strategic initiatives that lead to efficient operations and the implementation of cost-effective systems that meet the current and future needs of the organization and Aspen Dental patients.

In addition to working in corporate America, Veronica coaches aspiring leaders to help them get a seat at the table. She also coaches executives to help them overcome imposter syndrome and develop the confidence needed to function at higher levels of leadership. Veronica has dedicated time to supporting the Phoenix community through various community service projects.

For four years, Veronica served on the Board of Directors for the largest Goodwill in the United States. She was also appointed by former Arizona Governor, Janet Napolitano, to serve on the Arizona Economic Security Council and the Joint Legislative Committee on Homelessness. Today, she is a proud Charter member of Iota Phi Lambda’s Zeta Kappa Chapter in Phoenix, AZ. Veronica has a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s of Business Administration, emphasizing international business. She is a certified life coach, a Gallup Strengths Coach, an Accredited Small Business Consultant, and a certified Spinning instructor. Veronica loves to read and spend time with her husband, Hassan, and bonus son Rashad. In addition, she enjoys traveling, reading, woodworking, and exercising on her Peloton.

Clifton Clark III

Director

Full Bio

Clifton E. Clark III, started his journey and humble beginnings from the inner-city of Houston, Texas. During the early years of growth and development he became a graduate of Jack Yates High School, and proud alumni of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a major in music and a minor in computer science.

After spending a few years pursuing his dream as a musician, in 1994 he decided to set his sights on technology. Mr. Clark completed a brief stint in corporate America where he was able to accel to a c-suite position driving technology on an international stage. In 1997 he launched Computer Decisions, LLC which specializes in scalable integrated solutions that allow organizations to take advantage of the many business-centric services that are delivered through enterprise technology methodologies. The company has evolved from providing basic help desk support into designing enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, and delivering global IT strategies.

Under Mr. Clark’s direction, Computer Decisions, LLC has reached several milestones. The company has successfully executed global projects across 4 continents and 9 countries. They have also been technology contributors to over 2 billion dollars in global IT projects for international and domestic corporations in energy and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) sectors.

Mr. Clark has published several articles in different media outlets in the area of technology, participated on several guest panels to include Gartner and Microsoft. As a certified minority supplier, the firm has received numerous recognitions from its NMSDC home Council in Houston, namely the Emerging 10 (E-10) Award, Supplier of the Year and the Strategic Teaming Alliance Award.

Mr. Clark maintains focus and a passion for closing the digital divide within minority communities. He currently serves on the Houston Community College Technology Advisory Board, as well as independent mentor for youth who may be considering a future in technology innovation.

KaShauna Spratley

Programs

Full Bio

KaShauna G. Spratley, M.Ed., has over 15 years of experience as an Educator and working with youth with expertise in the areas of curriculum development, legal aspects & policies of special education, instructional strategies, program evaluation, transition and career guidance. KaShauna has served as a Special Education Teacher, School Case Manager, Graduation Facilitator and Career & Technical Education Resource Teacher.KaShauna is a member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., and is the Immediate Past Chapter Presidentof the Gamma Zeta Chapter in Newport News, Virginia. During her administration, the chapter won numerous awards, recognition for programming and implementation of the sorority’s programs and projects. The most memorable achievements during her administration was earning the National Outstanding Chapter Award, National Outstanding Chapter President, and the National Youth Literary Award all for the 2017-18 sorority year, and the implementation of the chapter’s Toys “U” Can’t Return Workshops.KaShauna is the Founder & CEO of Kouture Events & Graphics, LLC where she also serves as a Freelance Graphic Designer.KaShaunaholds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and received her Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Averett University in 2001.KaShauna is also a license Nail Technician and enjoys all things beauty and fashion during her spare time. In addition to the beauty industry, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and experience new things.

Patricia Walker

Treasurer

Full Bio

Patricia Walker has over 35+ years of Accounting experience. For the last 24 years, she has been working at Mitsubishi Motors North America in her current position as Manager of Payroll and Accounts Payable. Of course, with her accounting experience, her friends will always hand her the dinner bill to break down who owes what for dinner. She evaluated and recommended enhancements to the current financial systems. Acted as project leader on special projects concerning Payroll, Accounts Payable and/or disbursements.

Pat is a member and has held officer positions of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Crimson and Cream Community Foundation, Pages Readers Group and FEM Investment Group.

Pat received her MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Cheryl Scott

Secretary

Full Bio

My name is Dr. Cheryl L. Scott. I became a member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Gamma Tau Chapter 33 years ago in 1987. I am the immediate past President and the current Recording Secretaryfor Gamma Tau Chapter in the Central Region. I am also the Assistant Regional Director, Regional Scholarship Chairperson and Regional representative for Toys U Can’t Return and the Iota Mother’s Assistance Program.My education includes two undergraduate degrees 1) Zoology (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and 2) Medical Technology (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities). I have also earned a Master’s degree and Ph. D in Plant Biology both from the U of MN-TC. I am a Professor at the U of MN-TCin the Biology Teaching and Learning Department and teach general biology. My hobbies include: reading, tennis, music and IOTA. As a member of the Lola Mercedes Parker Foundation Board I seek to promote initiatives that support African-American women, youth and familiesin education, financial stability and generational wealth.

Dorothy White

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. 23rd National President

Full Bio

Mrs. White received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Jackson StateUniversity and her Master of Education in Early Childhood Advocacy Educationfrom National Louis University. During her thirty-three years as an educator,she taught First Grade, Kindergarten and Tuition-Based PrekindergartenAt Bouchet, she served on many committees, including the CurriculumCommittee, Professional Problems Committee, Quality Review Team, QuestProposal and Planning Team and the Primary Thematic Program DevelopmentCommittee. As a member of the Quest Team, she helped to write Curriculum Prototypes for the QuestCenter. She also worked as a teacher in the Y.I.P.P.I.E Drug Prevention Program and helped to establishthe Male Mentoring Group as a part of that program.As a member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., she served in many capacities on the local, regional andnational levels. Mrs. White believes that building a foundation for generational wealth will help toempower the African American community.

Board Of Advisors

Charlotte Berry

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. National President Elect

Full Bio

Mrs. Berry, is the National President Elect for Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. She is active as a volunteer and serves on several boards in the Dallas and DeSoto areas. Some of her volunteer commitments extend to the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, Texas Women’s Foundation and Texas State Senator Royce West’s Conrad Intern Program.

Professionally, she has worked in the private and non-profit sectors as both a manager and director. Most recently she worked for the city of Desoto as the Victim Advocate for Family and Victim Violence.

She has a M. Ed from the University of Texas @ Arlington; B.A.A.S from the University of North Texas @ Denton, TX; certificates in Mid-level Management from El Centro Jr. College Dallas, TX, and Non-Profit Leadership Management from Southern Methodist University – SMU in conjunction with the Center for Non-Profit Management Dallas, TX. Mrs. Berry is also a 2005 graduate and former board chair for Leadership Southwest.

Rosetta Davis

Southwestern Regional Director

Full Bio

Rosetta Davis is a proud 22+ member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Southwestern Region, Alpha Kappa Chapter in Houston, Texas that is fueled with the desire, energy, and commitment in strengthening the sorority through unified effort. I am the third of seven children, a wife of thirty-eight years, a mother of two sons, and a happy and proud grandmother of two granddaughters. I retired in education as an Assistant Principal and taught middle schoolmathematics for twenty-five years. I joined the TED Masterclass in 2018 partnered with a cohort individual in Dallas, Texas. I am currently engaged in contract work through Trice Education Resources Inc. in computer-based test preparation for TELPAS students. During my tenure as a member in Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. since 1999, I attended every Southwestern Regional Conference and every National Convention.

Locally, as a member of Alpha Kappa Chapter, I have served as Corresponding Secretary, Dean of Intake, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, and Chapter President 2009-2011 and 2016 Chapter Soror of the Year. Chapter Committees included Membership, Business Month, American Education Week, Crazy Hat, Scrapbook, FILs, Community Outreach, Publicity, and Technology Chair.

Regionally, I served on the following Southwestern Region Committees: Sergeant-Arms, Program Cluster Leader, SWR Webmaster, Bylaws, and Bylaws Chair. Alpha Kappa Chapter was awarded Southwestern Region Outstanding Chapter in 2010 and 2011 during my tenure as Chapter President and awarded the same as Southwestern Region Outstanding Chapter President. In 2017, I was elected as the Assistant Southwestern Regional Director and served for four years. I was endorsed in 2021 by the Southwestern Region and currently serving as the 20th Southwestern Regional Director.

Nationally, I served on Credentials, Sergeant-at-Arms, Bylaws, and Bylaws Chairperson Committees. I was also awarded National Outstanding Chapter President in 2011 under the leadership of the 20th National President, Dr. Doris Browning Austin. In 2021, I was elected and currently serving on the National Board of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. as the 20th Southwestern Regional Director.

Phyllis A. Moore

Southern Regional Director

Full Bio

As a legacy of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Soror Moore became a member of Alpha Xi Chapter, Knoxville, TN in the spring of 2000. She was intrigued by the organization’s success in helping women succeed in business and professional pursuits, providing scholarships to youth and serving as role models.

She is committed to our great sorority and finds the shared purpose and common vision of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. powerful and gratifying.

Her favorite sorority moments are times spent with sorors, working on programs, and enjoying the sisterly fellowship of each other.

A native Knoxvillan, first generation high school and college graduate, she is employed at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as Director of Alumni Programs.

Married to MOI Michael Moore, they have one daughter and two grandchildren. Soror Moore, enjoys quilting, reading and traveling in her spare time.

Carolyn Smith-Bell

Far West Regional Director

Full Bio

Carolyn M. Smith Bell retired from the Human Resources as a ResidentDevelopment Employment Specialist from the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles(HACLA). She graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills in 1995, earning a Bachelor ofArts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Public Administration. While attendingthe University, she often lead group discussions and projects that prepared her forleadership roles. For the last four years, Carolyn has served as the Far Western Region’s Assistant Regional Director,which allows her to work with the Sorors throughout the Far Western Region. Being the Assistant tothe Regional Director gave her great insight into the work of Iota. In July 2021 she was elected asthe Far Western Regional Director of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.

Valerie Mills Pullen

Eastern Regional Director

Full Bio

Valerie L. Mills Pullen was born and reared in Richmond, Virginia, currently she resides in Henrico County. Valerie’s career with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) spanned over 34 years, where she advanced to the senior level as a supply chain management expert. She retired from DLA during 2013. She is employed as an Adjunct Professor and a substitute teacher.

Serving the Counties of Richmond teaching Basic, Intermediate and College Algebra. Valerie majored in Mathematics at Virginia Union University, where she graduated in 1986 with a B.S. Later she obtained a M.S. in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Mrs. Pullen has been an active member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., for over 25 years and has served in many leadership roles.

On the Regional level she has served as the Eastern Region Journalist and the Assistant Regional Director. Valerie became an entrepreneur of Greek4life, LLC and Pullen’s Notary where she serves as the CEO.

As a servant in her community Valerie genuinely believes her gifts and talents are for sharing.

Pamela Kearse

Advisor

Full Bio

Pam Kearse is a seasoned corporate lawyer with a passion for mentoring and inspiring youth from various backgrounds. She joins the LMPF board with over 15 years of experience as a business transactions attorney. She received her LL.M. in Securities and Financial Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center and her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. She also obtained a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree from Georgia Tech. Her professional experience includes careers at two major law firms in Boston, MA and Washington, D.C., a Big4 public accounting firm and a Fortune 7 healthcare company.

Ann McClain Terrell

Advisor

Full Bio

Ann McClain Terrell has 45 years of professional experience in Education, primarily in early childhood education and the non-profit community. In 2019 she was elected President of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Ms. Terrell is the former Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, Inc., serving in thatcapacity from 2015 to 2018. Before that role, she was an administrator in the Milwaukee Public Schools district, serving as the Director of Innovation from 2013 to 2015 and Director of Early Childhood Education from 2006 to 2013. Ms. Terrell is the author of the 2018 publication “Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education.

Ann recently received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Lakeland University and holds a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science degree in Cultural Foundations of Education, a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and an Associates Degree and Apprenticeship Certificate in Early Childhood Education.