Gerri Blackmon
Founder | Executive Director
Ms. Blackmon is a retired technology, systems delivery, project and compliance manager with many years of experience in community relations, corporate social responsibility, foundation management within a corporate environment.
Her strong understanding of community dynamics, social issues, and the local culture, along with a passion for community development and corporate philanthropy practices continues to assist her with building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Heather Jones-Brown
Foundation Board Advisor
Heather Jones-Brown is a Diversity & Inclusion Specialist that is proficient in various social media platforms, content management systems and other various communications tools.
Her knowledge of public relations, crisis communications and media relations in addition to nonprofit governance, and compliance requirements brings years of experience to the organization.
T'yeria McGregor
Foundation Board Advisor
Tyeria McGregor is a NLE foundation board advisor. She is also a board member for Sisters for Success, a program which supports students from diverse cultural backgrounds who are willing to strive for positive self-development and leadership in their communities.
She serves as a catalyst for the development of young leaders and places emphasis on their academic and social development. She nurtures and reinforces femaleness as a positive identity with inherent strengths to support healthy self-expression.
She also provides decision-making models and life skills to aid in various programs and workshops and engages in student activities that align their music interests and leads to academic success.
Terrance Thames
Foundation Board Advisor
Terrence Thames is the Owner of Cocoa Creative Agency, an Advanced Media Production Firm. He has worked as a former Managing Producer for a ESPN special for Drake University Creative Services and the Athletics Department.
He has over 17 years of professional advertising and production experience and 15 years of management experience in the public and private sector.
He was also an educator at the University of Iowa Summer Journalism Workshops 12 years. His creative digital media and public relations skills are a key asset for working with various sponsors of the foundation.