Tia N. Locke-Simmons began her career in education in the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD as a special educator. Tia served as an assistant principal at Klein High School in Klein ISD. She later became the first African American associate principal for curriculum and instruction for Klein High School and served there for nine years.

Ms. Rasheda James-Ogunkelu was raised in the Houston area and is a graduate of Texas A&M University – College Station where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. With over 20 years of Internal Audit experience, she currently is the Director of SOX and Internal Controls at DXP Enterprises, Inc. where she oversees SOX Compliance and Process Improvement. Ms. James-Ogunkelu is also a graduate of the University of Houston – College of Social Work where she is a certified Non-Profit Professional with the Non-Profit Leadership Alliance.

Dr. Trina Burkes-Jones is the Chief of Staff - Harris County Constable, Precinct 7. The first African American Executive Assistant Chief Investigator for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. She worked in law enforcement for over 31 years. Her degrees are in broadcast journalism. She has a Masters in counseling and held an LPC and went on to get the Doctorate in management.

Karen Hauser is a seasoned business leader with over three decades of experience in the corporate sector, distinguished by her unwavering commitment to service and community impact. Her journey with One Delta Plaza Educational Center is deeply rooted in a guiding principle she embraced early in life, inspired by the trailblazing Shirley Chisholm: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” Throughout her career at Chevron Corporation, Karen held diverse roles spanning diversity talent management, logistics management, project management, people leadership, and professional development. Her leadership style—anchored in servant leadership—has consistently driven strategic results while fostering environments of psychological safety, empathy and collaboration across global teams and locations. Karen’s dedication to One Delta Plaza Educational Center is personal. Raised in an underserved community in Detroit, Michigan, she understands the transformative power of nonprofit organizations. Her first experience in service began as a Red Cross volunteer “Candystriper” at a retirement facility, followed by active involvement in the Girl Scouts. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to uplifting communities and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities. Beyond her work with One Delta Plaza, Karen is a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she has held numerous leadership positions at the local, regional, and national levels over her 38 years of service. In her personal time, she enjoys the company of family and friends and indulging in mystery novels by Valerie Wilson Wesley.

Monique Armstrong is a servant leader, community activist, administrator and mentor, with a firm belief and inspiration from the words of George Washington Carver: “no individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind”. Serving above self, Armstrong has been actively involved on a local, state, national, and international level. A global non-profit mentor, through the United States Department of State Young Leaders of the America’s Initiative, Armstrong has coached social entrepreneurs and served as the keynote speaker in Trinidad & Tobago. Additionally, she’s presented in Turin, Italy and taught students in the United States Pan-African Leadership Program. An Athena International Young Professional Leadership Award winner, Ball Brothers Foundation Fellow, and inaugural graduate of Shafer Leadership Academy, Armstrong has been featured in “Indiana Minority Business Magazine” as one of Indiana’s top executives, honored as one of Muncie’s Indiana’s Twenty Under Forty, received the Ball State University Alumni Award of Achievement, and was featured within Muncie Magazine twice. While civically serving above self, professionally, Monique was appointed by Mayor (and former Indiana State Legislator) Dennis Tyler in 2018 as the Assistant Director of Community Development for the City of Muncie (population 70,000) administering a 1.7 million budget. She brought to the position impressive and relevant granting experience, while leading and participating in community driven organizations. Prior to her appointment, Armstrong led Motivate Our Minds, Inc., the same organization that motivated her as a child. Before accepting the Executive Director position, she served on the organization’s board of directors. Armstrong exhibited her commitment to the community by volunteering as communication’s co-chair for the Muncie Action Plan Steering committee, United Way of Delaware County non-profit campaign chair, Muncie Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Business Education Partnership Committee Member, Muncie YMCA Board of Directors, Orchestra Indiana (formerly Muncie Symphony Orchestra) Board Treasurer, Delaware County Historical Society Board Member, chair of the Delaware County Very Important Volunteer Awards (V!VA), David Owsley Museum of Art Education Advisory Committee, Ball State University Black Alumni Constituent Society Board of Directors, and Quality Housing Development Board of Directors. In addition, she is a Rotarian, and past president of the Anderson Muncie Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Armstrong earned a Bachelors degree from Butler University, in Public and Corporate Communication and a Masters degree in Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University, where she worked for Building Better Communities through Grantsmanship in the Office of Academic Research and Sponsored Programs. She went on to complete post graduate work at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, gaining a certificate in fundraising development. Since transitioning to Texas, Armstrong has worked with the Houston Texas Poor People’s Campaign and is a founding member of Project Voter Turnout 2020. While sharing her experience, passion, and professionalism with those that seek her consultation, Armstrong currently serves on the First Merchants Bank Eastern Region Advisory Board.

Mr. Ron Lockett earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and a Master Certification in Project Management from the University of California - Irvine. I am the Managing Director of an Engineering, IT Project Management Consulting Firm, specializing in oil, gas and energy projects. Performance-driven leader with Project Management, Cyber Security, Engineering, Information/Data Management, and IT expertise focusing in the Energy, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Compliance and Aerospace Industries

Joya Bradley is Head of HR, Americas at Argus Media. Diverse experience partnering with, and influencing, business leaders to align the organization's human resources function and performance with strategic and tactical business requirements. Past Group Human Resource Manager, North America for Schlumberger.

Alita Booker Reed is an accomplished organizer and leader in the airline industry, as well as the arts community. As a Flight Attendant with a career spanning over 25 years with Continental and United Airlines, she has, also, held such essential roles as Flight Lead and Training Instructor. Her resolute dedication and commitment to her career has led to being recognized by management, peers, as well as loyal customers. Growing up with parents who were pivotal leaders throughout the city and beyond, as well as being an alumni of Texas Southern University, earning her Master of Business Administration, her roots run deep within the Houston community. Joining in its inaugural year as a Violin Instructor, she has served as Executive Director of the Theola Booker Music Camp, Inc. for the past 7 years. As Executive Director, she has implemented various master classes and workshops. She has organized impactful fundraising events that have raised funds and brought awareness to improve the summer music camp experience, as well as formed partnerships with established entities and schools within the Arts community. Through the mission of strengthening communities by engaging and exposing children and youth from at-risk, underserved communities to unique, artistic experiences, the Theola Booker Music Camp, Inc. continues to shape and develop future artists of all ethnicities and backgrounds for generations to come. Her vision has led the organization in becoming one of the most respected Fine Arts community institutions within the city of Houston. Alita received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Grambling State University, where she served as the Honors College President, and, also, as Miss Senior. A certified Violin Instructor through the Suzuki Association of Americas, Alita takes pride in being the Organizer and Leader of the Strings Ministry at Greater St. Matthew Church. She is, also, the Organizer and Chair of the Historical Society. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she serves as a violinist with the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra, and a private violin instructor. She is actively involved in the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving as a member of various committees, as well as co-chair of special committee programs. As One Delta Plaza Educational Center, Inc. Board Co-Chair of Community Programs, Alita Booker Reed continuously strives to make a positive impact through her talent, knowledge, and unwavering desire to be of service to the community that pours so much into her.

We are always looking for volunteers