Salute To Our 2018 Breakfast Honorees
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Kelley Chunn JoAnn Fagan Mary Fernandes Rev. Barbara Groover Gail Jackson-Blount Liz Miranda Kalya Hamlett Murray Jacqui Parker Arleigh Prelow Dr. Barbara Addison Reid Jeanne Richardson Sandi Robinson * * * |
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Kelley Chunn is the principal of Kelley Chunn & Associates (KCA), an award winning 25 year old state certified, collaborative consultancy based in Boston. KCA is provides culturally smart strategies to promote social change with a focus on equity and inclusion. KAC specializes in multicultural and cause-related public relations and marketing: strategic communications, research, branding, community/corporate outreach, civic engagement, media relations, event planning and management and training. A thought leader, Chunn is also a speaker. A former broadcast journalist, Chunn graduated from New York University and the Simmons College School of Communications Management. Her journey has taken her from Boston to New York, to Nigeria and the White House. There she joined other community and business leaders to advise former President Barack Obama on small business and economic development. Kelley is the first President of the new Roxbury Cultural District.
JoAnn Fagan is a native of Cleveland, Ohio where she graduated from the Cleveland Catholic Schools, attended Case-Western University and later Northeastern University [Boston, MA]. One of her life-long passions was classical ballet and modern dance which led her to join the Ballet de Montreal in Canada. Later, she worked as a computer analysis for the Department of Defense for thirty-seven years and retired in 1994. Joni, as she is affectionately called by her many friends, is a celebrated poet, skilled crafter, and culinary figure. She has devoted her special talents to creating academic after-school programs, preparing meals and support services for children, young mothers and the elderly, and serving in leadership positions in the Sarah Gorham Women’s Missionary Society at Charles Street A.M.E. Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts. She has provided a variety of services for individuals in need in her church and community, developed and convened a network of missionaries from other denominations, and works quietly to ensure anyone in need receives a warm meal, a loving embrace, and other support. Jo Ann has been recognized by the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club “Community Service Award,” Sarah Gorham Women’s Missionary Society’s “Woman Who Cares Award,” and the Historic Charles Street A.M.E. Church’s “Woman of the Year 2017.” She is the mother of Derek and Lethia, grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 16. Her motto is “if I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain."
Mary A. Fernandes is the owner of Vermarje International. Vermarje brings the exciting and intriguing world of tea to their customers. The essence and spirit of the teatime experience, beauty, comfort, conversation, and joy can be found in Vermarje Afternoon Tea and Tea Salons at Three. Vermarje is a member of the Artisans at Stetson Hall – Co-op/Shop, in Randolph, Massachusetts.
Mary served as Assistant General Manager for Supplier Diversity and Development Office at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) /Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT). She developed and implemented a business plan to increase the vendor and contracting pool of small, minority and women-owned business for the MBTA.
Mary is a graduate of Northeastern University with a BA in Human Resource Management. She has received many awards: Northeastern’s Sojourner Truth Award, the Massachusetts Manuel Carballo Award for Excellence in Public Service, the American Public Transit Association Excellence in Civil Rights Leadership Award, the Women Transportation Seminar-Boston, Diversity Leadership Award, The Boston & Vicinity Club Business Community Service Award and the COMTO Leadership and Diversity Award. Mary was also honored for her career and business success at the Multicultural Symposium Series' 2018 Black History Breakfast.
Although Mary believes strongly in community engagement, she encourages each of us to slow down, pause, and sip tea and enjoy the moment.
Mary served as Assistant General Manager for Supplier Diversity and Development Office at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) /Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT). She developed and implemented a business plan to increase the vendor and contracting pool of small, minority and women-owned business for the MBTA.
Mary is a graduate of Northeastern University with a BA in Human Resource Management. She has received many awards: Northeastern’s Sojourner Truth Award, the Massachusetts Manuel Carballo Award for Excellence in Public Service, the American Public Transit Association Excellence in Civil Rights Leadership Award, the Women Transportation Seminar-Boston, Diversity Leadership Award, The Boston & Vicinity Club Business Community Service Award and the COMTO Leadership and Diversity Award. Mary was also honored for her career and business success at the Multicultural Symposium Series' 2018 Black History Breakfast.
Although Mary believes strongly in community engagement, she encourages each of us to slow down, pause, and sip tea and enjoy the moment.
Reverend Barbara A. Groover, a native of Sparta, Georgia, grew up being raised by her devoutly religious grandmother. At age twelve, she moved to Brooklyn with her parents and two sisters. As a teenager, she joined and became an active member of People’s Institutional A.M.E. Church in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Her professional career involves working in a few women apparel companies in New York Fashion Industry. During her time as a showroom account executive, she participated in styling merchandising and direct sales. This career afforded her the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the country and abroad, particularly in the Far East. Barbara is currently the Hingham Plaza Head of Store, for GAP, Inc. a multinational clothing store. Reverend Barbara received her undergraduate degree (majoring in Business) at Baruch College in New York. She is currently completing her Master of Divinity at Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, MA.
In her early professional years, Reverend Barbara worked in fashion designing on Seventh Avenue in New York. After she answered her call to ministry, she co-labored with her husband Reverend Dr. Gregory G. Groover, Sr., serving as Minister to Women both at Bright Temple A.M.E. Church (Bronx, NY) and the Historic Charles Street A.M.E. Church (Roxbury MA). Her passion in ministry is in the empowering of marginalized women across racial, cultural and faith divides. She is currently developing a successful women-mentoring-women project. Her ministry has inspired many women of color. She and her husband have two young adult children, Gerami (husband Anyelo) and Greg, Jr., who are both graduate-degree educated and professional musicians.
In her early professional years, Reverend Barbara worked in fashion designing on Seventh Avenue in New York. After she answered her call to ministry, she co-labored with her husband Reverend Dr. Gregory G. Groover, Sr., serving as Minister to Women both at Bright Temple A.M.E. Church (Bronx, NY) and the Historic Charles Street A.M.E. Church (Roxbury MA). Her passion in ministry is in the empowering of marginalized women across racial, cultural and faith divides. She is currently developing a successful women-mentoring-women project. Her ministry has inspired many women of color. She and her husband have two young adult children, Gerami (husband Anyelo) and Greg, Jr., who are both graduate-degree educated and professional musicians.
Gail Jackson-Blount is Founder of Jackson Communications (GJC), a consultancy providing marketing services and strategies to a broad range of industries ranging from not-for-profits, health care, education and the corporate sector.
Her career in executive communications includes serving as: Chief Outreach Strategist for a U.S. Senate Campaign, Senior Director at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Executive Director for Outreach and Political Affairs - the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Her leadership and exceptional ability to foster collaborative partnerships ensured that 51% of half the $14M Convention budget invested in jobs and MBE business opportunities in Massachusetts. As Director of the Ad Club Foundation, she managed an endowed Fund to support scholarships, education programs and employment for diverse candidates, and she led Communications Departments at Roxbury Community College, Action for Boston Community Development, and worked as global communications manager at Wang Laboratories, Inc.
She began her career in radio broadcasting as a public affairs talk show host, in government and for major retailers in Massachusetts. Today, she is a frequent speaker about women in political leadership, and moderates business panels.
Currently serving as President of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, Jackson resides in Quincy, MA with her husband Ray.
Her career in executive communications includes serving as: Chief Outreach Strategist for a U.S. Senate Campaign, Senior Director at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Executive Director for Outreach and Political Affairs - the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Her leadership and exceptional ability to foster collaborative partnerships ensured that 51% of half the $14M Convention budget invested in jobs and MBE business opportunities in Massachusetts. As Director of the Ad Club Foundation, she managed an endowed Fund to support scholarships, education programs and employment for diverse candidates, and she led Communications Departments at Roxbury Community College, Action for Boston Community Development, and worked as global communications manager at Wang Laboratories, Inc.
She began her career in radio broadcasting as a public affairs talk show host, in government and for major retailers in Massachusetts. Today, she is a frequent speaker about women in political leadership, and moderates business panels.
Currently serving as President of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, Jackson resides in Quincy, MA with her husband Ray.
Elizabeth "Liz" Miranda is a Cape Verdean - American, lifelong Roxbury resident, Wellesley College alumna and a proud graduate of the John D.O'bryant School of Math and Science. Liz is a true Social Entrepreneur and Philanthropist; using innovative business and community organizing techniques to activate young people and produce large scale community events. She has had a long career in both Community Building and Youth Development which began as a teen living in the Dudley Street Neighborhood through the Nubian Roots Youth Committee, the DSNI Board, Mytown,Inc. and the Orchard Gardens Teen Center. She has remained focused on creating a better Boston for young people and communities of color by using her voice and skills since the age of 13. She is an example of what can become of Boston's young people when they are given the opportunity to rise above their circumstances.
She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Boston Alumnae Chapter. She has been named Youth Worker of the Year in Boston and Bank of America's Citizen of the Year, two Citizen of the Year Awards from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mother of the Year Award by Yawkey Club of Roxbury, ABCD's Community Hero Award, Boston Fab's Game Changer of the Year Award , Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Sapphire Awaree and a Community Service Champion Awardee by Greater Tabernacle Church. She began Amplify Boston in 2017 to actively promote opportunities community programs, initiatives and events to build a stronger Boston. Finally claiming her title as one of Boston’s top activists.
She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Boston Alumnae Chapter. She has been named Youth Worker of the Year in Boston and Bank of America's Citizen of the Year, two Citizen of the Year Awards from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mother of the Year Award by Yawkey Club of Roxbury, ABCD's Community Hero Award, Boston Fab's Game Changer of the Year Award , Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Sapphire Awaree and a Community Service Champion Awardee by Greater Tabernacle Church. She began Amplify Boston in 2017 to actively promote opportunities community programs, initiatives and events to build a stronger Boston. Finally claiming her title as one of Boston’s top activists.
"Vision without action and accountability is not impressive." – Brenda Butler Hamlett
With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, Kalya Hamlett Murray continues the heritage of her parents, Fred and Brenda Hamlett: educating, empowering and advocating, sustaining the African-American legacy as a strategic nurturer.
Currently, Kalya is the Executive Director of the Bethel Institute for Social Justice – leading measurable transformation in the lives of high risk youth and their families. Prior, Kalya was Director of Programming and Community Development at the YMCA of Greater Boston; the Director of the Girls’ Initiative at Black Ministerial Alliance; and a dual-diagnosis Mental Health Clinician. She serves on a number of boards while also volunteering at several organizations.
Kalya believes embracing one’s culture and its societal contributions is critical to fully understanding oneself, and consequently, fundamental for authentic living. Most recently, she founded a parent cultural collaborative for children of the Diaspora which strives to educate, build community, and connect them to their roots.
Kalya is a graduate of Spelman and Boston Colleges, with a graduate certification from Hood College. A member of Bethel AME Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kalya is most excited about her husband and two energetic boys.
With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, Kalya Hamlett Murray continues the heritage of her parents, Fred and Brenda Hamlett: educating, empowering and advocating, sustaining the African-American legacy as a strategic nurturer.
Currently, Kalya is the Executive Director of the Bethel Institute for Social Justice – leading measurable transformation in the lives of high risk youth and their families. Prior, Kalya was Director of Programming and Community Development at the YMCA of Greater Boston; the Director of the Girls’ Initiative at Black Ministerial Alliance; and a dual-diagnosis Mental Health Clinician. She serves on a number of boards while also volunteering at several organizations.
Kalya believes embracing one’s culture and its societal contributions is critical to fully understanding oneself, and consequently, fundamental for authentic living. Most recently, she founded a parent cultural collaborative for children of the Diaspora which strives to educate, build community, and connect them to their roots.
Kalya is a graduate of Spelman and Boston Colleges, with a graduate certification from Hood College. A member of Bethel AME Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kalya is most excited about her husband and two energetic boys.
JACQUI PARKER, is a Boston based, playwright, actor and director. She has won numerous awards for her work as an artist including; the Elliot Norton Award, Boston Theatre Hero Award , eight Independent Reviewers of New England Awards (IRNE) and the DRYLONGSO Award, for her struggle against racism. She is named one of Boston's most influential people, in Don West's book Portraits of Purpose. Parker was the visiting playwright at Hibernian Hall, where she wrote and directed five productions; One of those plays, A Crack in the Blue Wall, was nominated as Best New Play, by the Independent Reviewers of New England. Directing credits include; Polaroid Stories, by Naomi Iizuka at Harvard University, Intimate Apparel at Brandeis University, Body & Sold by Deborah Lake Fortson, produced by Amy Merril at Hibernian Hall. Ms. Parker is presently a part of the I Dream Team at Emerson College. She will be directing at Gloucester Stage this summer.
Arleigh Prelow is an independent producer, director, writer and researcher of documentary film and video and founder of InSpirit Communications and Film. As a young girl, growing up in Compton, CA, she was enthralled with films that focused on the triumph of the human spirit. She later felt compelled to create films herself that brought such stories forth. Throughout her career she has endeavored to produce exquisite, thoughtful and well- crafted work that enlightens, engages and inspires.
Arleigh earned a degree in Communications and Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2013 she received a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School, affirming her ministry to provide hope and inspiration through the arts.
Arleigh’s career has included the telling of compelling and inspiring stories through multiple platforms: local radio and television, National PBS series, museums and independent documentary production companies. She won an Emmy Award for her documentary Sweet Auburn. Arleigh is currently completing The Psalm of Howard Thurman, a feature length documentary on the spiritual giant, Howard Thurman. Arleigh appears in Who’s Who Among Black Americans and Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals. She is the mother of two adult daughters and a recent grandmother.
Arleigh earned a degree in Communications and Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2013 she received a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School, affirming her ministry to provide hope and inspiration through the arts.
Arleigh’s career has included the telling of compelling and inspiring stories through multiple platforms: local radio and television, National PBS series, museums and independent documentary production companies. She won an Emmy Award for her documentary Sweet Auburn. Arleigh is currently completing The Psalm of Howard Thurman, a feature length documentary on the spiritual giant, Howard Thurman. Arleigh appears in Who’s Who Among Black Americans and Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals. She is the mother of two adult daughters and a recent grandmother.
With more than twenty-five years experience as a Human Resources Executive, Dr. Barbara Addison Reid spent most of her professional career working at Harvard, Tufts, Bentley, and Lesley Universities. She also spent nine years working in corporate America at Automatic Data Processing (ADP) as the Human Resources Executive for the New England Region. As a Business Partner and Consultant with Senior Management, she delineated policies and best practices that helped the organization to achieve its overall mission, vision, and goals. Dr. Addison Reid also managed twenty organizational development projects to redefine roles and responsibilities of individuals, departments, and division. As a faculty member, Dr. Addison Reid taught undergraduate and graduate level courses at Northeastern and Bentley Universities for 14 and 15 years respectively. She is a double Husky with a Bachelor and Master degrees from Northeastern University in Boston Massachusetts and earned a doctorate at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1992.
Jeanne Richardson is CEO and Travel Consultant at Blue Dynasty Entertainment and Travel. Her company provides personalized travel planning for businesses and social groups as well as destination weddings, family events and other celebrations.
Jeanne’s experience includes leadership positions in communications, public relations, education and social work. She earned a master’s degree in Counseling from Antioch University and a Certification in Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She is a Certified International Tour Director (CITD) and an Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) with the Cruise Lines International Association. She loves to travel and enjoys inspiring others to explore international destinations.
With over 30 years of experience, Jeanne is using her skills to heighten traveler awareness of the needs and social conditions in countries visited. Through her program “Blue Humanity” travelers can take a day to visit and offer support to schools or orphanages. It is a great way to not only enjoy a destination but also give back.
Jeanne serves on several community boards including the Shirley Eustis House Preservation Association, and the Newmarket Business Association. She is also on the board and event coordinator for the Annual Women-Owned Business Networking Breakfast, hosted by Dudley Square Main Streets.
Jeanne’s experience includes leadership positions in communications, public relations, education and social work. She earned a master’s degree in Counseling from Antioch University and a Certification in Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She is a Certified International Tour Director (CITD) and an Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) with the Cruise Lines International Association. She loves to travel and enjoys inspiring others to explore international destinations.
With over 30 years of experience, Jeanne is using her skills to heighten traveler awareness of the needs and social conditions in countries visited. Through her program “Blue Humanity” travelers can take a day to visit and offer support to schools or orphanages. It is a great way to not only enjoy a destination but also give back.
Jeanne serves on several community boards including the Shirley Eustis House Preservation Association, and the Newmarket Business Association. She is also on the board and event coordinator for the Annual Women-Owned Business Networking Breakfast, hosted by Dudley Square Main Streets.
Sandra Robinson is a Leader and Marketing Guru in the field of Radio Communications, more specifically BLACK RADIO. Ms. Robinson has worked in Radio Management for more than 30 years.
At W-I-L-D Radio, which was Boston's only Black-owned and operated radio station for more than 40 years, "Sandi" as she is affectionately known, was the Local Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, Regional Marketing Manager and the First Director of The W-I-L-D Scholarship Foundation which provided Scholarships to local high school seniors who were W-I-L-D Radio listeners and going on to college. Sandi is a Radio Professional who has also worked as Marketing Consultant for La MEGA Radio, a Latino Radio Station in the Boston Market. Sandi continues to Market small and community businesses including 87.7 FM.com and other Radio Enterprises.
Sandi has excellent interpersonal communication, client relations, presentation and sales skills. She is highly motivated and enthusiastic as she generates spirited team involvement to corporate performance objectives. Sandi has worked with a long list of clients including The Boston Globe, Boston Medical Center, A Nubian Notion, Ad Agency Hill Holliday, McDonald's, Huntington Theatre, Bob The Chef's, The MBTA, Attorney Eddie Jenkins, General Air Conditioning & Heating, and many more throughout New England. She has always committed to community affairs and frequently represented Radio on panels and forums.
Sandi is an alumnus of Howard University in Washington D.C. and former member of Women in Media, The Boston Club and The Coalition of 100 Black Women to name a few. She enjoys decorating, playing Bid Whist, and listening to Jazz! She is the mother of two adult children and grandmother to two grandsons. Sandi lives in Lower Mills Dorchester.
At W-I-L-D Radio, which was Boston's only Black-owned and operated radio station for more than 40 years, "Sandi" as she is affectionately known, was the Local Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, Regional Marketing Manager and the First Director of The W-I-L-D Scholarship Foundation which provided Scholarships to local high school seniors who were W-I-L-D Radio listeners and going on to college. Sandi is a Radio Professional who has also worked as Marketing Consultant for La MEGA Radio, a Latino Radio Station in the Boston Market. Sandi continues to Market small and community businesses including 87.7 FM.com and other Radio Enterprises.
Sandi has excellent interpersonal communication, client relations, presentation and sales skills. She is highly motivated and enthusiastic as she generates spirited team involvement to corporate performance objectives. Sandi has worked with a long list of clients including The Boston Globe, Boston Medical Center, A Nubian Notion, Ad Agency Hill Holliday, McDonald's, Huntington Theatre, Bob The Chef's, The MBTA, Attorney Eddie Jenkins, General Air Conditioning & Heating, and many more throughout New England. She has always committed to community affairs and frequently represented Radio on panels and forums.
Sandi is an alumnus of Howard University in Washington D.C. and former member of Women in Media, The Boston Club and The Coalition of 100 Black Women to name a few. She enjoys decorating, playing Bid Whist, and listening to Jazz! She is the mother of two adult children and grandmother to two grandsons. Sandi lives in Lower Mills Dorchester.