VIRLINDA STANTON

Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer

Some people build careers.

Others build legacies.

VirLinda Stanton has done both.

Affectionately known as “Tyler’s Golden Rose,” VirLinda Stanton is an acclaimed SAG-AFTRA actress, entertainer, bestselling author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and nationally respected advocate whose extraordinary life story has become a testament to faith, resilience, service, and transformation.

For more than four decades, she has inspired audiences through the power of performance, the strength of her testimony, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Whether captivating audiences on stage, appearing on screen, delivering keynote addresses, advocating for underserved communities, mentoring future leaders, or singing the National Anthem before thousands at major sporting events, VirLinda brings a rare authenticity that transcends entertainment and leaves a lasting impact.

From her hometown of Tyler, Texas, to stages, stadiums, conferences, and communities across the nation and beyond, she has become one of Texas’ most respected and influential creative voices—a woman whose life reflects perseverance, purpose, and the power of faith.

Today, she is celebrated not only for her artistic accomplishments, but for her enduring commitment to advocacy, leadership, empowerment, and community transformation.

“I’m living proof that no diagnosis, no trauma, and no challenge can stop the purpose God has placed inside of you.”

— VirLinda Stanton

A Voice Heard Across the Nation

VirLinda’s love for music began at the age of nine while singing in her grandmother’s church. What began as a childhood passion blossomed into a distinguished career spanning music, theater, television, film, authorship, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

A celebrated National Anthem vocalist, VirLinda has performed for NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB organizations, prestigious horse racing events, major corporate functions, civic celebrations, and community gatherings throughout the country. Her stirring performances have earned her recognition as one of the nation’s most respected patriotic and ceremonial vocalists.

In 2026, she adds another milestone to her growing legacy as a featured National Anthem performer for the State Fair Classic, one of America’s most celebrated collegiate football traditions.

Her career expanded further through acclaimed theatrical performances, including her breakthrough role in the National Broadway Tour of The Color Purple in 2009—a defining career moment that opened doors to expanded opportunities in theater, television, film, and live entertainment.

Widely regarded as a “Triple Threat” performer—singer, actress, and dancer—VirLinda is known for bringing emotional authenticity, grace, and inspiration to every stage she graces.

Her artistry has reached audiences internationally, including appearances in Johannesburg, South Africa, while her performances throughout the United States have established her as a respected entertainer whose voice continues to inspire audiences across generations.

A Historic Legacy Rooted in Freedom

Among her many accomplishments, VirLinda Stanton occupies a unique and enduring place in the cultural history of East Texas.

In 1987, she was crowned one of the first Official KZEY Miss Juneteenth titleholders in Tyler, Texas, joining a distinguished cultural legacy established by legendary broadcaster, media pioneer, and community leader Matthew “Matt” Walker Jr., founder of the Tyler Juneteenth Celebration.

Walker, recognized as the first African American television and radio sales executive in Tyler and the first African American host of Soul Town TV on KLTV, Tyler's first Black-oriented television program, founded the Tyler Juneteenth Celebration in 1975 to honor African American heritage, achievement, leadership, culture, and the enduring legacy of freedom.

Through his visionary leadership at KZEY/KROZ Radio, Walker created the Miss Juneteenth Pageant as a platform to celebrate excellence, leadership, opportunity, and cultural pride among young African American women while preserving the significance and history of Juneteenth for future generations.

As one of the first Official KZEY Miss Juneteenth titleholders, VirLinda became part of a living legacy dedicated to uplifting communities, celebrating African American excellence, and preserving an important chapter of American history.

Her participation in this historic tradition connected her to one of East Texas’ most enduring cultural celebrations and helped establish a foundation for a lifetime of leadership, advocacy, service, and community engagement. It also reflected a lifelong commitment to community empowerment, cultural preservation, education, and service—principles that would become defining themes throughout her distinguished career.

That distinction became one of several historic milestones that helped shape her enduring legacy as an entertainer, advocate, humanitarian, and community leader.

A Legacy Recognized

More than two decades later, VirLinda’s hometown would once again honor her extraordinary contributions to the arts, advocacy, humanitarian service, and community leadership.

2011 — A Historic Year

In 2011, during Black History Month, VirLinda Stanton made history as the first recipient of the Key to the City of Tyler, Texas, one of the highest honors bestowed by the city. The recognition was presented on February 4, 2011, honoring her extraordinary contributions to the arts, advocacy, humanitarian service, and community leadership.

Just one day earlier, on February 3, 2011, the Tyler-Smith County Commissioners Court issued an Official Resolution declaring “VirLinda Stanton Day” in recognition of her leadership, service, and lasting impact on the community. Less than two weeks later, on February 16, 2011, Mayor Barbara Bass and the City of Tyler further honored her with an Official Proclamation establishing a second “VirLinda Stanton Day,” creating a rare and historic distinction that recognized her influence at both the county and municipal levels.

Together, these honors—bestowed during Black History Month—celebrated VirLinda's enduring commitment to service, empowerment, cultural enrichment, and community advancement, while cementing her place among the most distinguished and influential citizens in Tyler's history.

Also in 2011, County Road 310 was officially renamed VirLinda Ln East and VirLinda Ln West, creating a permanent tribute to her influence and contributions to the city she proudly calls home.

Further solidifying 2011 as a landmark year in her career, VirLinda received one of the nation’s most distinguished honors when she was invited to perform at The White House before President Barack Obama during the Christmas Open House celebration.

Together, these recognitions reflect a remarkable journey—from being crowned one of the first Official KZEY Miss Juneteenth titleholders in 1987 to receiving some of the highest civic honors bestowed by her hometown and performing on one of America’s most prestigious stages. Nearly four decades later, she continues to carry forward the principles that have guided her life and career: faith, freedom, service, excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.

Continuing a legacy of service and advocacy, VirLinda's impact remains recognized well beyond her historic civic honors. In March 2026, she was presented with The Freelux Project “Star Award” in recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The honor celebrated her longstanding leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness, education, stigma reduction, and community empowerment—further affirming her role as a respected national advocate and voice of hope for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Her connection to Juneteenth is not simply commemorative, it is historical, personal, and deeply rooted in the continuing pursuit of opportunity, cultural preservation, community advancement, and hope for future generations.

The Survivor Who Refused to Surrender

Beyond the spotlight and accomplishments lies one of the most powerful chapters of VirLinda’s story.

More than 31 years ago, she received an HIV diagnosis during a time when stigma, fear, and misunderstanding often overshadowed hope.

Rather than allowing her diagnosis to define her future, VirLinda chose to confront adversity with courage, grace, determination, and unwavering faith.

She transformed her personal journey into a mission dedicated to raising awareness, dismantling stigma, and empowering others to overcome life’s greatest challenges.

Today, she stands as a nationally respected voice for HIV/AIDS awareness, mental health advocacy, domestic violence prevention, and personal empowerment.

Her testimony continues to inspire individuals across generations and backgrounds to embrace resilience, reclaim their identity, and pursue purpose without limitation.

“You are not your diagnosis, your trauma, or your past. You are your comeback story.”

— VirLinda Stanton

Author, Speaker, and Thought Leader

As a bestselling author and sought-after motivational speaker, VirLinda has dedicated her voice to helping others discover hope, healing, and purpose.

Her writings, presentations, and keynote addresses explore transformative themes including:

The Will to Live
The Power of the Tongue
Healing from Trauma
Believing in Yourself
Living with Purpose
Overcoming Stigma
Turning Pain into Power
Being Kept by Faith While Beating the Odds

Whether speaking before faith-based organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, conferences, women’s empowerment events, or community audiences, VirLinda’s message resonates with authenticity, wisdom, compassion, and inspiration.

Building a Legacy Through Service

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Overcomer’s For Life Corporation, VirLinda continues to transform lives through advocacy, education, mentorship, and outreach.

Under her leadership, the organization focuses on three critical pillars:

Mental Health Awareness
HIV/AIDS Education and Advocacy
Domestic Violence Prevention

Through workshops, survivor mentorship, strategic partnerships, conferences, and community engagement initiatives, Overcomer’s For Life empowers individuals and families to heal, grow, and thrive.

As a five-time featured speaker for the Legacy Cares Grace Conference for Women, VirLinda continues encouraging women to reclaim their power, embrace their purpose, and overcome adversity through faith and perseverance.

Her work reflects a powerful legacy of impact, influence, and inspiration.

“Overcoming isn’t about what you’ve been through—it’s about what you choose to rise into.”

— VirLinda Stanton

Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Builder of Futures

Through VirLinda Stanton Enterprises, LLC, she extends her influence into business development, branding, consulting, artist development, artist representation, mentorship, and leadership training.

Her professional services include:

Marketing & Management Consulting
Branding & Image Development
Artist Development
Artist Representation
Professional Mentorship
Leadership Development

Her work helps entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofit leaders, and organizations strengthen their vision, maximize their potential, and create meaningful impact.

Her philosophy is simple:

“When you build people, you build futures.”

Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Impact

VirLinda’s leadership extends beyond the entertainment industry.

Her service includes:

Former Advisory Board Member, Texas African American Museum
Ryan White Planning Council Committee Member
Member, Dallas Health Access Coalition
National HIV/AIDS Advocate
Mental Health Awareness Advocate
Domestic Violence Prevention Advocate
Community Mentor and Empowerment Leader
Recipient, The Freelux Project “Star Award,” presented in recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day for outstanding leadership and advocacy in HIV/AIDS awareness and community empowerment.

Through every platform she serves, VirLinda remains committed to creating pathways of hope, healing, education, and opportunity.

Legacy of Light

From the churches of East Texas to the White House.

From the historic legacy of Juneteenth to the National Anthem stages of America’s premier sporting events.

From survivor to advocate.

From entertainer to humanitarian.

From local inspiration to national voice.

VirLinda Stanton has dedicated her life to inspiring others through faith, courage, service, leadership, and love.

Her legacy is measured not only by the stages she has graced, but the honors also she has received, or the barriers she has broken, but by the lives she has touched, the hope she has restored, and the generations she continues to inspire.

She is an artist.

She is an advocate.

She is a survivor.

She is a trailblazer.

She is a humanitarian.

She is a living testament to the power of faith, freedom, and purpose.

VirLinda Stanton is more than a name.

She is a movement.

She is a testimony.

She is a living legacy.

And her story is still being written.

VIRLINDA STANTON

“Tyler’s Golden Rose”

Actress • Entertainer • National Anthem Vocalist • Bestselling Author • Speaker • Humanitarian • Advocate • Visionary Leader

Personal Motto

“The Best Is Yet To Come.”

Contact & Media Inquiries

BookingVirlindaStanton@gmail.com
469-880-2633

Website: www.virlindastanton.com
Organization: www.overcomersforlife.org

“A Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and Unbreakable Purpose.”

BOARD MEMBERS

Jay'Den Stanton

Professionally Known as "Cowboy Jay'Den"

Chief Operating Officer (COO) • Treasurer • Board Member • Entrepreneur • Actor • Youth Speaker

Jay'Den Stanton, professionally known as "Cowboy Jay'Den," is an emerging executive, entrepreneur, actor, and inspirational youth leader whose accomplishments in corporate leadership, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community service have distinguished him as one of the nation's most promising young professionals.

At just 20 years old, Jay'Den serves as a Senior Banker with Rocket Mortgage, where he specializes in finance, client relations, strategic operations, and leadership. Prior to joining Rocket Mortgage, he held leadership positions as Finance Manager and Operations Manager at Rockwall Kia, demonstrating exceptional business acumen and executive leadership while still in his teenage years. His professional journey began after graduating early at the age of 17, reflecting a commitment to excellence, discipline, and continuous growth.

As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Treasurer, Youth Speaker, and Board Member of Overcomers For Life Corporation, Jay'Den helps provide strategic leadership for the organization's operations, financial stewardship, youth initiatives, and community outreach efforts. His passion for servant leadership and community engagement aligns with the organization's mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities through advocacy, education, mentorship, and hope.

Known affectionately as "Cowboy Jay'Den," "The Little Director," and "The Bishop," Jay'Den has been speaking publicly since the age of five. His leadership journey began with delivering his first sermon at Woodville CME Church in Rusk, where his remarkable confidence and ability to inspire audiences quickly became evident. Today, he continues speaking to youth and community organizations on leadership, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, faith, and personal development.

Born in Tyler and raised in the Dallas metropolitan area, Jay'Den's talents extend beyond the corporate world. His artistic career developed through major theatrical productions presented by The Potter's House and T.D. Jakes Ministries, where he portrayed the lead child "James Clay" in the acclaimed Easter production The Story of Jesus, which featured celebrated gospel artists Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Fred Hammond, and Heavenly Joy. He also portrayed a young T. D. Jakes in ministry productions and commercial campaigns, further establishing himself as a gifted young performer.

In 2016, Jay'Den gained national recognition after a video of his thoughtful commentary on the American criminal justice system became a viral social media phenomenon. His insightful perspective earned praise from major national media outlets, including Yahoo News, The Root, TheGrio, and Mic, introducing millions to his exceptional communication skills and mature perspective at only ten years old.

Jay'Den has continued to build an impressive entertainment portfolio, appearing in featured acting roles in the independent films Heavy (2021) as Young Rome and Step Dad (2023) as Derrick. His entrepreneurial spirit was also recognized nationally during Bishop T. D. Jakes' Mega Futures Entrepreneurship Competition, where he earned a $5,000 business award for his business concept, Cowboy J's BBQ Sauce.

Athletics have also played an important role in shaping Jay'Den's leadership. Beginning football at the age of four, he later competed with TRUTH, the nationally recognized youth football organization founded and coached by Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, widely known as "Coach Prime." The experience instilled the discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that continue to define both his personal and professional life.

Among his earliest national honors, Jay'Den performed alongside his grandmother, VirLinda Stanton, during the 2011 White House Annual Christmas Open House hosted during the administration of Barack Obama, further showcasing his talents on one of the nation's most distinguished stages.

Today, Jay'Den Stanton represents a new generation of visionary leadership—successfully bridging corporate excellence, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, entertainment, ministry, and community service. Through his work with Overcomers For Life Corporation, he remains committed to empowering youth, strengthening families, and creating opportunities that inspire lasting change. His unwavering dedication to leadership, integrity, and service continues to impact communities while laying the foundation for an extraordinary legacy.

"Leadership is not measured by age—it is measured by vision, integrity, and the lives you inspire."

— Jay'Den Stanton

For Bookings Email: info@OvercomersForLife.org

HONORABLE SHIRLEY JONETTA ERWIN MCKELLAR, MAYOR PRO TEMPORE

Board Member, Advisor

Shirley J. McKellar. Serves as City Councilwoman of District Three (3), and Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore for City of Tyler, Retired American Soldier, United States Army, and former candidate for United States Congress, District One-Texas 2012; and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of McKellar-McKellar-Ntaka and Associates, Inc. (MMN), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In 1983, McKellar joined in partnership with two other nurse clinicians and started a company that later developed into a corporation with several subsidiaries. It was named MacSands and Associates, Inc., dba Relief Home Health Care Services, Kids Creative Learning Academy, Rose City Mediation Services, Grant Navigators, Nursing Research Services, and many other initiatives to aid in the growth and development of her community. MacSands, Inc. later became McKellar-McKellar-Ntaka and Associates, Inc.

Under McKellar's leadership the grass-roots non-profit 501(c)(3) organization has launched many successful projects in East Texas. The corporation has held many state contracts from working with sexually and physically abused women/children in twelve (12) counties in Texas, a Legal Mediation Consultant, to serving as Site Manager for the African American Breast Cancer Outreach Project (AABCO). The ABCO Project was designed by the University of Texas, School of Nursing at Austin and Dr. McKellar was based at the Tyler, Texas location. Working closely in that program with Dr. Carolyn Harvey and Ms. Ebbie Starling, also nurse clinicians, they became adjunct professors at the university. Dr. McKellar is a professional who has many passions however you will hear her speaking almost daily on health, Christian wellness and the education of African American women and children. One of her favorite mottos is, "Reach One-Teach One" for children. And another one of her favorites is, "Until we all have succeeded-none of us have succeeded." This is regarding women being treated for breast cancer.

In 1991, Dr. McKellar and her friend, Dr. Sally Sanders, RN, MSN started an early childhood education school, ages 6 Weeks-Kindergarten. This included an after-school mentor-mentee program. The two (2) clinicians realized that education had to start earlier than the first grade, also that everyone could not pick their children up from their learning centers by 6:00 P.M. Therefore, their school started evening care and remained open until 12:00 midnight. "Our society is governed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Our children must be cared for at all times," states McKellar. She served as president for the National Association for Education of Young Children and was the liaison from early childhood to Tyler Independent School District.

A veteran of both corporate and federal institutions, Registered Nurse Clinician McKellar, is also Major McKellar (Retired) from the United States Army Nurses Corp. Her ranking (MOS) was a 66 H-8A, for the 94th Combat Support Hospital, Seagoville, Texas, later retiring from Ft Sam Houston, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. Dr. McKellar also served as the Officer-in-Charge of Combat Life Saving School for the 5th Army, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Officer, Consideration of Others, and the Sexual Harassment Team Officer for her unit. Great military accomplishments were made within a short period of time she begins serving her country in 1991. Dr. McKellar was called to active-duty in December 2001 to prepare for deployment. Her awards and honors are many and reflect her leadership expertise and entrepreneurial business advancement. However, some of her most noted ones include being a national and international motivational speaker on breast cancer and women's issues. Dr. McKellar was deployed for 18 months in support of, "Operation Iraqi Freedom," and "Operation Enduring Freedom," she received two war ribbons and two war medals for her work.

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The medals were a Meritorious Service Medal (MSN), the highest non-battlefield award and Army Commendation Medals. She received 100% on each Officer Evaluations. She is a retired disabled American veteran.

In addition to these awards during her 18 active years and 2 on injured reserve, while in the military she received five (5) other Army Commendation Medals. Due to her expertise in the field of breast cancer, while she was deployed overseas, McKellar was selected as one of 16 clinicians from around the world to travel to Berlin and establish, "The Best Clinical Practices for Treating Breast Cancer " around the globe. To her credit and skill in detecting lumps she was selected by the Baylor University Health Care System to be the "International Breast Cancer Advocate" for Europe, representing America. Of the (16) clinicians selected, five were picked to speak before the 4th European Congress and Dr. McKellar spoke on "Healthcare Disparities Among African American Women." The conference was aired to over 250 Comprehensive Breast Cancer Centers in the world and this included The University of Texas @ M.D. Anderson, Houston, where she trained. Dr. McKellar has many commendations, other awards, and honors, but states that she was humbled by this opportunity.

Major McKellar along with assistance from the late COL Rose Hazlett, LTC Joice Carter and others, established the First Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center in the European Theater. She served as Chief Nurse of the Center. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2004, McKellar developed and implemented a fundraiser among the troops on Post. She held a Fun Run, a High Tea & Fashion Gala using the troops as models, where she raised $5000 for the International Komen Foundation. As if that was not a major task, Dr. McKellar recognized the need for more Critical Care Clinicians, so she developed and implemented a Certified Critical Care Course while deployed and save the military over $40,000 by teaching the course in-house. More awards for Dr. McKellar are "Outstanding Professional Female of America" (given by the National Black Mayor's Association), The Black Chamber of Commerce Award, The Black Business Women's Association Award, and Texas 2000 Most Notable Women Award, Texas Transitional Award of Excellence, the Minnie Hudnall Foundation Scholarship Award, serving as President of the Emmett J. Scott High All-School Reunion Alumni 2000-2003, Tyler, Texas, was most prestigious honor to be selected by her peers; and the Texas Outstanding Distinguished Business Woman of The Year Award, just to name a few. She serves on many boards however, Dr. McKellar was recently appointed by Dr. Kirk Calhoun, MD, President of the University of Texas @Tyler and the UT Healthcare System to serve on the Hospital Foundation Board and the Board’s search committee for the new University Medical School coming to Tyler. They actively searched for the candidate who will serve as Dean of the Medical School.

She is an advocate for Historical Black Colleges (HBCU) and has devoted years of services to Southwestern Christian College (SWCC) in Terrell, Texas. One of her passions is to pilot a college of nursing and other medical certificate programs at SWCC which would include an 18-month Medical Coding program. Dr. McKellar has always been front-row center when SWCC needed volunteers and worked hard with Cedric The Entertainer and others to raise funds during the unfortunate fire on campus. Other volunteer programs included the past Board of Trustees Academic Image Award Initiative, Upward Bound, The Bowser's Women Fundraising Project and the annual Madam Stewart Fashion Fundraising Gala with her sister Martha Ross of Omaha, NE. Dr. McKellar credits her mother for the passion she has for Christian education.

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Elected to City Government in June 2019, Dr. McKellar hit the ground running. With a seat at the Council table, it has given her a stronger opportunity to bring to life what she has pushed for as a citizen for many years. Serving on the city council gave her the voice that people in her community deserve; an urgent, robust economy, public health, affordable and upper-level homes. During our economic crisis caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, she served on the city taskforce. Daily meetings with city, county, various state, public and private agencies worked to keep its citizens as safe as humanly possible. She held Town Hall meetings to educate her community as swiftly and aggressively to help protect and support families, small businesses, frontline workers, especially nurses and essential staffers who were facing challenges without proper supply of PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment. Dr McKellar formed a group of fifteen (15) ladies in the community and made 1000 facemasks for the nurses in our local hospitals. They also purchased inserts to go inside the mask to keep out the bacteria. She and her group worked with those who are most vulnerable who needed help more than others. They recognized the impact the pandemic had on the health and economy of our communities. She provided information to churches and communities regarding viruses and proper usage of masks and sanitation practices. Dr. McKellar recognized that some parents may not be able to afford masks for their children. She reached out to Dr. Harold Wright at Texas Education Association and the Ford Foundation and secured 250,000 masks for Tyler Independent School District.

In the mist of the pandemic, Texas experienced another crisis with a winter snowstorm that caused ice, and power outages to include a water deficit that killed 57 people. Our community was already strained, and this added pressure from February 2021’s power crisis that left more than 4.8 million people in the state without power. Even though Dr. McKellar was without power for 65 hours, she spent hours on the phone raising money, getting the homeless and senior citizens into Warming Centers and hotels. She also raised $25, 000 for a family whose home burned during the storm. She spent time educating citizens on where to find financial help for damaged property and excessive water and power bills. The community assisted her in distributing a truck load of water and food.

And now comes the rollout for the COVID vaccines. Our Smith County North East Texas Health Department ask Dr. McKellar to be a part of the rollout of vaccines to the communities of color. One of our retired pharmacists, Dr. Richard Hackney formed NET (North East Texas Taskforce). It is composed of black medical professionals, churches, pastors, preachers, elected officials, and community leaders. The mission was to bring the vaccines to the black community by setting up sites in the black communities, churches, community centers, etc., and Dr. McKellar’s task was to establish the prototype for the clinics and find the locations in the rural counties. One of her duties in the military was to vaccinate soldiers and set up vaccine sites in distressed countries during peace time. The task continues for Dr. McKellar as the myths versus facts plague our communities regarding vaccines. The need for education and awareness of today’s research in comparison to the Tuskegee experiment has left a deficit among the black community.

Dr. McKellar received her undergraduate degree from Texas Women's University in nursing and Chemistry; her master’s degrees from the University of Texas with honors in Community Health Nursing under the leadership of Late Dr. Barbara Sears and Ms. Brenda Elrod, Organizational Speech, and a Doctorate Degree in Healthcare Management with emphasis in nursing from Columbus College of Public Health & Administration with a 3.7 GPA.

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Her dissertation was written at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler, Texas, under the direction of University of Texas, College of Nursing, Austin, Texas, under the late Dr. Mary Lou Adams, and Dr. Carolyn Harvey, studying and defending spirituality among breast cancer patients. She returned to the University of Texas for a bachelor’s degree in political science; and has completed half the master’s program.

She is a member of many civic, social, and professional organizations. Some of her favorite is the President of Gamma Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Tyler, Texas, the American Biographical Research Institute Association, and American Business Women's Association, National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer, National Black Nurses Association, National Society of Leadership & Success, The Intercultural Cancer Association, The National Clinical Trials Advisory Group, and the National Sisters Network, Inc., (which is the only national breast cancer awareness organization for black woman), the founder and survivor is Ms. Karen Jackson. Since retirement from the military, Dr. McKellar host three weekly Radio Talk Shows entitled, "A View From The Top," “Wellness Wednesday” and “Marvelous Monday” covering the latest topics locally and nationally. She was nominated into the National Black Radio Hall of Fame in 2021 and will be inducted in 2022. And serves on the Hospital Foundation Board for the University of Texas System of East Texas.

Dr. McKellar is a member of the North Tenneha Church of Christ, Tyler, Texas, where she nourishes her soul weekly, under the leadership of Minister, Dr. Edward Robinson. She is married to Brother Danny C. McKellar, retired educator/ administrator of the Dallas Independent School District and former minister. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Dr. Danñah McKellar, a one-time Post Doctorate Research Fellow at Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; one Son, D. Carl McKellar II., employee of a General Motors Division & Owner of McKellar Trucking & Freight Company, and a Criminal Justice Major, Dallas, Texas; daughter-in-Law, Nadya, and five grandchildren, Tulani, the Late Tovio Koyti, Themba, Mizani, and Makali.

GORDON JACKSON

Gordon Jackson is Owner/CEO of GMJ Media, an Independent Multimedia Professional firm and Urban Press Syndicate, an emerging nonprofit newsroom. He has excelled in the journalism community for over 37 years, primarily serving as an award-winning Managing Editor, Senior Correspondent Reporter, Sports Journalist and Broadcaster for several community newspapers and magazines, both digital and physical.

Jackson’s community endeavors delve into the Urban Planning and Civil Rights field, serving as President of the Board of Directors for Steps Coalition (based in Gulfport/Biloxi, MS), a community redevelopment nonprofit organization and with the Mississippi State NAACP as the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee Chair. Jackson is also a self-made specialist in Africana studies. Jackson currently resides in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Board Member/Advisor

JOVON BOSLEY

Secretary

JoVon Bosley is a successful business owner and entrepreneur with other 20 years experience. As a co-owner and operations manager of Pacific Northwest Bail Bonding; the only black-owned Bail Bonding Agency in the state of Washington, JoVon brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. She developed and built the business from a start-up and generated a steady revenue increase annually.

JoVon is a driven individual who is deeply committed to making a positive difference in her community. She is passionate about helping others and is skilled in managing people, building positive relationships, and providing exceptional service.

In addition to her work with Pacific Northwest Bail Bonding, JoVon is the founder of HIBB LLC, “helping individuals become better” where she provides life coaching, mentorship and counseling services to individuals seeking personal and professional growth. JoVon is
committed to helping her clients achieve their full potential and is passionate about empowering others to become their best selves.