NONE OF US IS AS SMART AS ALL OF US
Ken Blanchard
Shawn Thomas, MBA
Vice President
Shawn has worked in community development assisting entrepreneurs and start-ups with access to capital and funding opportunities not offered at traditional financial institutions. She now manages the business operations of a regional Credit Union where she is responsible for directing team support to commercial lending officers. Her experience and love for small business development is an asset to program participants wishing to start or grow a business.
Jean Cole, RN
President
A Registered Nurse with 15+ years working in a community-based clinic, Jean brings a natural compassion and a wealth of knowledge as a mentor to young women entering the medical field. She has been instrumental in developing competent healthcare workers while encouraging personal and professional growth as a means to gaining financial independence. Often referred to as "Mama Jean", it goes without saying that her presence is both comforting and reassuring.
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Farrah Carr, HR
Secretary
As a Human Resources professional, Farrah assists program participants with resume writing, preparing for job interviews, and improving soft skills that employers often look for in a potential employee. In her 10+ years in retail management, she was instrumental in developing and enhancing associate trainings and materials to improve customer service. Her experience and background ensures that women looking to make a new start will be equipped and ready to present themselves as the best candidate for the job.
IT IS TEAMWORK THAT MAKES THE DREAM WORK
Jay Rock
Gladys Drinkwater
Treasurer
Gladys is an endearing figure to all who know her. The eldest of eight and mother of three, she is best known for her protective nature, wise counsel, and sound advise that is typically proceeded by prayer. Her conservative approach to money management has allowed Maintain Your Position to host its annual women's conference on a very small budget. Gladys loves a bargain and finds no enjoyment in retail therapy. She is a small business owner with her own line of gourmet pretzels, pistachios, and homestyle vegetable dip.
Kinutta Taylor
Events Coordinator
An entrepreneur at heart; Kinutta is a licensed home daycare provider, travel agent, and owner of a cosmetics supply business. Her role as the Events Coordinator is to plan events that will enhance the lives of our program participants and their families. We believe that by serving the total woman, the benefits to her household are immeasurable. Kinutta's hope is that every woman will come to realize the true beauty that comes from within.
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Melissa Brown
Program Manager
Melissa is a certified personal trainer with a passion for health and fitness. She has completed a marathon, half marathon, and enjoys challenging herself daily with new workouts and exercises. As the Program Manager for Maintain Your Fabulous; Melissa will host workouts, share healthy recipes, and recommend products aimed at helping program participants realize their personal weight loss and body toning goals. Melissa is a licensed public insurance adjuster and operates a successful firm with her husband.
I CAN'T BUT WE CAN
Anonymous
Rosalyn Charles
Program Manager
Rosalyn Charles is a wife, mother of three and grandmother of six. She has a passion for cooking and putting her own unique twist on traditional recipes. Rosalyn began her professional cooking career in 1987 and strongly maintains that all people deserve to be served food made with love and compassion without respect of person. She is currently the Kitchen Manager at a local men's shelter and will also teach cooking and meal preparation classes to our program participants.
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Tanika Brown
Program Manager
Tanika has worked in the Saint Paul public school system for more than 10 years and continues to provide classroom support to students with behavioral challenges. Her sensitivity to the needs of others is why she is perfect for the role of The Storehouse Manager. Tanika will ensure that working moms have the household essentials that many struggling families go without due to a lack of income to meet basic needs. Tanika is also a licensed cosmetologist, and enjoys baking specialty pound cakes in her spare time.
Monique Clemons
Asst. Program Manager
Monique is a hardworking mother of four who enjoys spending time with her family. Her kind and giving nature is why we are certain that she is a great fit as the Assistant Storehouse Manager. Monique works closely with Tanika to ensure that items provided to qualifying participants are available when needed and that families will not go without basic household goods, essentials, and personal care items due to lack of finances.
NOTHING WILL WORK UNLESS YOU DO
Maya Angelou
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Letitia Thomas,
Store Manager
Letitia is a healthcare professional in the dermatology field with a flare for fashion. Her knack for coordinating beautiful outfits on a budget is why she is a great help to our program participants who are in need of work and weather appropriate attire. As the Esther's Closet store manager, we can rest assured that Letitia will put her all into helping women in transition prepare for their next opportunity in style. Letitia will also host pop-up shops and offer the best in affordable fashions which can also be purchased from Esther's Closet online.
Paula Brown, RN
Board Member
Paula is a practicing nurse with more than 20 years in healthcare. She is a graduate of the College of Saint Catherine with an Associate of Science degree. Her healthcare experience includes work in a long-term care facility, community health clinic, and as a case manager with an independent nonprofit health plan. She has a God-given passion for educating others, especially the underserved, regarding their health and to equip them with tools necessary to live a healthier life. She is also a proud mother and grandmother. We appreciate Paula’s service as a Board Member as her lifelong passions for helping others is a shared vision.
Martha Overstreet-Carter CMA, Board Member
Martha Overstreet-Carter is a native of Mississippi who relocated to Minnesota in 1988. She is a healthcare professional and currently works as a Clinical Certified Medical Assistant at a community-based clinic in St. Paul. Her education includes an Associate Degree from Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, MS followed by continued education in Minnesota to earn certification as a medical assistant. Martha enjoys cooking, shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She is the wife to Ronald Carter and mother of two beautiful children. Her favorite quote is, “No person has the right to rain on your dreams.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.