JEWELL JACKSON MCCABE EMERGING LEADERS INSTITUTE, INC. Graduation Celebration for the Class of 2011 Saturday April 16, 2011 10am Spelman College Science Center 350 Spelman Lane Atlanta, Georgia B Br r i i l l l l i i a a n n t t E Ev v o o l l u u t t i i o o n n
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FFFooorrr UUUsss GGGiiirrrlllsss::: EEEvvvooollluuutttiiiooonnn By Dorna Carrington Scott
Just finished reading "For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf" for the fourth time in my life - but the first as a woman. When I first read this choreopoem, I was but a teen, and could never understand the depth in its words, the joy and pain of the ladies...but sadly, I not only understand, I've shared so many of the experiences.
As a child, I knew little of Willie Colon (Che che colé), of Celia and Cuba, of Hector Lavoe, of Harlem, of loving a musician, of sleeping with the enemy while waiting for the stranger who never came, of loving one who came back from war - and fighting for his sanity. I've always known the struggles of being high yellah, of being thrust into boxes made by those who never felt my soul...I've always known the same colored-girl struggles as I danced ballet in Georgia and was told "tuck in, tuck in" (uhm, it ain't going NOWHERE)...and as I sat in the 5th grade in Michigan, writing prose and poetry about how they could hate me so much because I was young, gifted, but black...I've always felt the colored girl struggle of being cast away as only a sexual object (at the age of 11 being described by the fullness of my lips)...I know the struggles of womanhood and perceived competition and misunderstanding and fighting for what was never mine - or yours - or hers, for that matter.
I know...how it hurts to become the object of another's bitterness, though not on purpose, but still, nonetheless.
I know...how it feels...to struggle to understand the plight of the black family...the only of my closest friends to grow up in a single-parent household. I understand the struggle of a mother
bearing a child at age 16, fighting to feed, clothe, and rely on others for assistance...sitting outside her classes at UVI while her professor said, "Let her come in".
I know how it feels to believe your worth is in your hips, in your hair...in the things you can do to manipulate the "love" of others.
I know...
...how I could have succumbed to the pressures of being a colored girl...
...to be worried if they would hire me if my hair was wild and wooly...
...should I abbreviate my first name on my resumé so they wouldn't know I was a girl (Spelman would have given that away)...
...should I down-play my intelligence, my kindness, my vulnerability, my new-found self-love, so my light wouldn't blind...
...should I not embrace my sisters, for the mistrust that I have for those I've allowed in my circle...
...should I...I know...I feel...I understand...I'm glad I read this again, and I thank those who have been here with me...even those that had no business!
I had to learn so I could evolve.
Thanks again, Ntozake, for letting me slide down my rainbow!
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EDUCATE • DEVELOP • MENTOR • EMPOWER
The Jewell Jackson McCabe Emerging Leaders Institute, Inc. (ELI) is an international
501(c)(3) tax-exempt women’s leadership training and development organization. Through
an intense program that specifically focuses on progression and succession techniques, ELI
trains women to harness their individual power to achieve success in their chosen professions.
ELI is committed to developing a diverse organization that fosters creativity, innovation and
entrepreneurial spirit by enriching the lives of women through leadership opportunities,
personal and professional learning, and cultural experiences. We empower women to contribute to society as global leaders.
Formed June 23, 2008, ELI was named in honor of Jewell Jackson McCabe, a successful
businesswoman; national women’s rights leader; presidential, gubernatorial, and mayoral
appointee; and founder of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.
ELI is comprised of four core divisions: Leadership, Young 100, Apprentice, and Joining
Emerging Leaders Everywhere to Learn, Lead, and Succeed (JEWELLS)®. Members who
participate in and experience all division curricula achieve the full benefit of the ELI experience.
Message from the Chair On behalf of the Board of Directors, Faculty, and Staff, it gives
me great pleasure to congratulate and welcome the newest
members of the Jewell Jackson McCabe Emerging Leaders
Institute, Inc. (ELI)! The 155 women and girls who completed
the Leadership, Young 100, Apprentice, JEWELLS®, and
Continuing Education programs are extremely dedicated and
motivated women who have demonstrated their exceptional
knowledge, skill, expertise, experience, and education to lead
and inspire others.
Ladies, as you go through life, opportunities to lead others will
present themselves. Embrace the challenge, as you will be
successful. Preparation, hard work, dedication, and genuine
concern will overcome the most jaded team members.
Continue to Brilliantly Evolve by educating, developing,
Saturday, April 16, 2011 10am to12pm The Science Center at Spelman College 350 Spelman Lane Atlanta, Georgia
Monique Boyce Haynes, MPA, PMP Leadership Class of 2010 Mistress of Ceremonies
Greetings ………………………………………………… Dr. Taunya A. Lowe, Alumni Affairs Director
Introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies …………….……Ms. Jordan Murphy, Founding Board Member
History .……………………………………………..Ms. V. Ivana Foster, Continuing Education Director
Occasion ………………………………………...Ms. Travena Wilson-Evegan, Founding Board Member
Invocation ……………………………………………..…Ms. Nan Walker, Apprentice Program Manager
Recognition of Sponsors & Special Guests ………………..Ms. Wendy Miller, Founding Board Member
Introduction of Our Speaker………………………………………………….Ms. Monique Boyce Haynes
The Charge: Brilliant Evolution Alisha Thomas Morgan
Presentations
Introduction of Division Directors …………...........................................Mr. Leo T. Brown, Director
Leadership ……….. ………………………………...Ms. Dorna Carrington Scott. Division Director
Young 100 ……….. ……………………………………………Dr. Reggie Smith, Division Director
Apprentice…………………………………………………...…Dr. Natasha Lyles, Division Director
JEWELLS® ……………………………………………………Ms. Felicia Davis, Division Director
Special Presentations .………………………………………..Ms. Lynita Mitchell-Blackwell, Chairperson
Partners
Facilitators
Division Leaders
Board Members
President’s Volunteer Service Awards
Closing Remarks ………………………………………….Ms. Dashawn Mayweather, Founding Member
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AAAbbbooouuuttt OOOuuurrr SSSpppeeeaaakkkeeerrr
Alisha Thomas Morgan
A courageous champion for justice, equality and empowering communities, Alisha Thomas Morgan made history at age 23 by becoming the first African-American to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives for Cobb County. Elected to her fifth term in July 2010, winning over 73% of the vote, at age 32 Morgan remains one of the youngest members of the entire Georgia General Assembly. A powerful political voice, inspirational speaker and empowering trainer, Morgan is one of today’s trailblazing architects for change.
Morgan has become a statewide leader in the movement for education reform, forging a bipartisan coalition to pass HB 251 in 2009, a bill which empowers parents to access more options within the public school system.
In February of 2010, Morgan was selected to participate in a national bi-partisan group of legislators to work under Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and with senior staff at the US Department of Education (DOE) on the reauthorization of “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB). Recently appointed to the National Board of Directors of the Black Alliance of Educational Options (BAEO), Morgan also serves as the national co-chair of the Parent's Advisory Council of the National Coalition of Public School Options (NCPSO).
A rising star on the national scene, Morgan is a sought-after speaker and trainer, with clients including the Harvard University Black Policy Conference, the Yale University Women’s Campaign School, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and numerous other national agencies and organizations. Morgan has been named one of the Nation’s 30 Leaders who are under 30 by Ebony Magazine, one of “America’s Young Civil Rights Heroes” by AOL Black Voices, one of fifteen women of the “New Power Generation” by Essence Magazine, and one of Georgia’s “Brightest 40 under 40” by both Georgia Trend Magazine and the Georgia Informer. Morgan has also been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, and on both CSPAN and BET.
An innovative entrepreneur with a passion for inspiring others to be their most authentic selves, in 2009 Morgan launched Morganics, a people services company that focuses on public speaking, leadership development, training and advocacy. Morgan also recently published her debut book “No Apologies: Powerful Lessons in Life, Love & Politics”, a riveting, no holds barred tell-all offering life lessons through the transparent lens of one of the country’s most promising political stars.
Morgan is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Sociology and Drama. She resides in Austell, GA with husband David, a member of the Cobb County School Board, and daughter Lailah.
The Young 100 Division prepares collegiate women to appropriately manage interpersonal and professional experiences by developing social and critical skills. The following Young 100 Division graduates are junior and senior members o f the Spelman College Bonner Scholars Foundation as a result of a strategic partnership between ELI and Spelman. The program is coordinated due to the joint efforts of ELI and the Bonner Office of Community Service.
Juniors
Makia Brown is a Political Science major who aspires to attend George Washington Law School so
she may become a criminal attorney, district attorney, and ultimately a judge. Ms. Brown was
elected the Senior Class Council Parliamentarian for 2011-12, is a part of the Honors Program, and
a member of the Sustainable Sisters. She is also a volunteer at A.F. Herndon Elementary School.
Alexis Carter is an International Studies major who intends to complete a two year Chinese
language program and obtain her Masters in International Relations to prepare herself for a career
in the Foreign Service or with a Non-governmental Organization (NGO). Ms. Carter is a member of
Vanguard Leadership, the Public Relations Chairperson of the Chinese Culture Club, and the
Golden Key Club. Ms. Carter is also a Women of Excellence in Leadership (WEL) Scholar, and
enjoys volunteering her time with KIPP STRIVE Academy as its Special Events Coordinator, the
National Society for High Scholars Collegiate Board, and is also the Sophomore Intern for the
Bonner Scholars Program.
Michaele Evans is an Economics major who intends to become an investment banker after
obtaining a Master of Business Administration from Columbia or Harvard Business Schools. She is
a Women of Excellence in Leadership (WEL) Scholar, a member of the Morehouse Business
Association, Golden Key Honor Society, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Ms. Evans has
served as Treasurer of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars 2009-10, and she is a member of
the Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics Honor Society.
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LaKeisha Jefferson is a Psychology major who intends to obtain her doctorate in Organizational
Science. She aspires to be a consultant for African American non-profit organizations. Ms.
Jefferson is the Special Events Co-Chairperson of the Student United Way and a Women of
Excellence in Leadership (WEL) Scholar. She enjoys volunteering as a PRESENCE mentor and
recently completed a community service project in Belize.
Danielle Lacy is a Psychology major and minor in Public Health. Upon graduation, she intends to obtain her
Doctorate in Psychology or Masters degree in Public Health. Ms. Lacy is a member of the Psychology Club, the
Public Health Institute, and Event Envoys.
Rashida Mustafa is a Biology major who aspires to be a pediatric neurologist. She is a member of
the Student Health Associates and Peer of Educators, and serves as a mentor at Atlanta
Preparatory Academy.
Alexandria Phillips is an International Studies major who seeks to enter the Peace Corp upon
graduation, and utilize her knowledge and skills to lead efforts to eradicate global poverty through
non-profit involvement. She is a member of the Student United Way, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc., Actively Changing Tomorrow through Service (ACTS), and the Association of Fundraising
Professionals.
Lauren Ashlee Taylor is a Sociology major and minor in Spanish who intends to obtain her
Master in Public Health and pursue a career in maternal and child health or global health. She is
the Chairwoman of Leadership & Special Events of the Student United Way, a Community Impact
Intern with the Bonner Scholars Program, and a Women of Excellence in Leadership (WEL)
Scholar. Ms. Taylor also serves as the Spelman College representative of the AUC Texas Club
and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Deloris Wilson is a Political Science major who intends to obtain both Juris Doctor and Masters in Public Policy with
a concentration in International and Global Affairs degrees before entering a career in international
development/human rights law. Ms. Wilson is the Co-Founder and Co-President of the Student United Way, the
Legislative Action Committee Chair of Not in Our Backyard: AUC Students Against Sex Trafficking, a Student
Ambassador, a Student Orientation Leader, and a Bonner Scholars Program Community Impact Intern.
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Seniors
Lauren Aqeel is a Women’s Studies major who aspires to complete graduate school and ultimately become a
physician. She is a member of the Miss Spelman Adivsory Board and the Morehouse Health Careers organization.
Ms. Aqeel is an avid volunteer, serving as a Wal-mart mentor, a tutor and mentor at A.F. Herndon Elementary
School, and a volunteer with Grady, Emory and Kennesaw Hospitals. She is also a Toni K. Scholar and a
MedShare, Inc. volunteer.
Briana Baxter is a Biology major who intends to obtain her master’s degree and attend medical school. She is a
member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves as President of the Eta Kappa Chapter, and is a mentor at
A.F. Herndon Elementary School.
Millicent Bright is a Biology major who will obtain her Masters in Public Health degree with a concentration in
maternal and child health. She has dedicated her efforts to completing her senior thesis at Emory University and as
a volunteer at University Community Development Corporation (UCDC), implementing a mentoring program at
Booker T. Washington High School.
April Caddell is a Women’s Studies major who aspires to earn her Doctoral degree from Yale,
University of Michigan, or New York University beginning Fall 2012. She is a member of the Phi
Beta Kappa Honor Society, Triota Women’s Studies Honor Society, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Ms. Caddell is a tutor at the Spelman College Writing Center and the Public Relations/Social Media
intern with the Bonner Scholars Program.
Chane’ Fontaine is an Art major who intends to attend the School of Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
so she may work in her chosen field. She is a tutor at A.F. Herndon Elementary, specifically focused
on third grade students, and a member of the Diverge Art Club.
Tinallah Green is a Child Development major who intends to obtain her graduate degree upon completion of field
work experience. She is a member of the Child Development Club, the National Education Association, and the
Georgia Association of Educators. Ms Green is the lead senior for the Bonner Scholars class of 2014 and also
serves as an intern with the Bonner Office.
Kristen Haley is a Sociology major who plans to participate in the Teach for America program,
and obtain her Doctoral degree in Education Policy. She is a Women of Excellence in Leadership
(WEL) Scholar and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Ms. Haley is the
Community Service Chairperson of the Diverge Art Club, member of the Alpha Lambda Delta
National Sociological Honor Society, and SASSAFRAS Sociology and Anthropology Club. She is
also an intern with the Bonner Foundation and mentor with Raising Expectations since 2008.
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Marquita Humphrey is a Psychology major who plans to attend the MEDPREP post-
baccalaureate program at Southern Illinois University, followed by medical school. She is a
Community Impact intern, Bonner Scholar intern, and Congress Representative. Ms. Humphrey is
also a volunteer and intern with ANIZ, Inc., an HIV/AIDS education and prevention non-profit in
Atlanta, GA.
Sasha Mills is a Sociology major who intends to work with the Teach for America program in Atlanta, and obtain her
law degree. She is the Co-Chairperson of the Social Committee of the Senior Class Council and member of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ms. Mills is also a volunteer at A.F. Herndon Elementary School and a tutor at Friendship
Baptist Church.
Jordan Murphy is a Biology major who aspires to obtain her Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences.
She is past Co-President and Awareness Chair of Operation Smile, and member of the Health
Careers Program. Ms. Murphy is also a current member and past Chairwoman of the Board of
Directors of the Jewell Jackson McCabe Emerging Leaders Institute, Inc.
M’ballu Tejan-Sie is a Political Science major who will attend the University of Southern California
to obtain her Masters of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism. She is producing and directing a
documentary for Spelman College’s DMIS class, and serves as a fifth grade tutor at A.F. Herndon
Elementary School. Ms. Tejan-Sie is also a member of Youth for Sierra Leonean Improvement.
Christina Whatley is an Economics and International Studies major who aspires to be an
investment banking analyst and obtain her Masters in Business Administration or Juris Doctor
degree. She is a Student Trustee (and the only student member of the Spelman College Board of
Trustees) and President of the Student Philanthropy Council. Ms. Whatley is also a fifth grade
classroom assistant at A.F. Herndon Elementary School.
The following students also completed the TIFFANY® program, and facilitated the JEWELLS® courses to
The Apprentice Division equips teen girls with essential life skills that facilitate a positive transition to adulthood. The program was launched in two parts: the pilot in February, and a second class in March through a collaborative effort with the Dorothy Height Leadership Academy (DHLS) at Benjamin Mays High School. The program was coordinated due to the joint efforts of ELI and Dr. Sharon Gay and Mr. Curtis Armour, DHLS Academy Leader and Social Studies Educator, respectively.
Jamika L. Arnold Breana S. Austin Annie M. Baker Michelle Baker Adrinne N. Barbary Shequoyah A. Barker Laramie B. Ford Adela Genchi
Niquita N. Goar Shakeisha L. Gober Monica R. Golden Chenel L. Hamilton Raven A. Heyward Jasmine D. Hillman Jaycia G. Laster Treshae D. Matthews
Keyauna N. Merritt Asanti A. Mizell Jasmin A. Paschal Paris L. Patterson Elbony A. Perkins Lacey M. Seals Eshia C. Smith Diamond S. Vincent
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Andrea O. Vines Toniesha N. Woods Shanyaida M. Barber Sternaja B. Battle Shameka L. Brady D’mi L. Cash Cierra M. Gaston Danisha S. Harris Shahara L. Herron Jacquanise L. Jones
Jordan G. Lamar Chrishauna P. Long Jasmine Mason Deijah M. Paschal Wykeria B. Phillips Danielle L. Rainwater Shakiera L. Redd Brandi F. Rose Alexis M. Sessions Xzandrea R. Shirley
Katia Villalva *Atarah Walker Erika A. Wells Kemeera C. Wells *Kaleigh Williams Mikia D. Williams Daishanea L. Wilson
*Sincere appreciation to Misses Atarah Walker and Kaleigh Williams for serving as the pilot class of the Apprentice program.
Continuing education and community outreach are cornerstones of the ELI methodology. The following
participants are members of the Center for Working Families Sisterhood Program, and completed life skills
training through summer sessions and a capstone leadership retreat, funded by the Bonner Office of
Community Service.
Sharlonda Allen Tera Bell
Nikelia Briley Sharon Byrd
Peaches Colzie Gwendolyn Hamilton
Cathy Kwarteng Carmon Lewis Patricia Lockett Amber Maple
Belinda Neal Lashae Reed Mary Rogers Phyllis Tarver
Latasha Taylor Lakeisha Vincent
Gayle Walls Gwendolyn Ward Rahkaia Williams
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The President’s Volunteer Service Award
ELI is excited to announce its partnership and position as a certifying organization with the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program. The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council comprises leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofits and volunteer service organizations, and community volunteering. To be eligible to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award from ELI, individuals must complete a minimum of 100 service hours. The 2011 ELI award recipients each completed between 130 and 540 hours, for a total of 3,000+ hours! These recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award are role models for all. Each hour contributed has led to 206 women and girls completing the ELI program in less than three years. We proudly announce the first volunteers to receive the Bronze, Silver, and Gold service awards for exemplary efforts put forth to drive ELI’s mission. We are pleased to celebrate the culmination of National Volunteer Week (April 10th -16th) in such an honorable fashion.