2024 HUAA Elections

With over 17+ years in higher education, Kandace L. Harris, Ph.D. is extremely knowledgeable about an array of institutional priorities and best practices for teaching, learning, and preparing students for lifelong success. A media and communication studies scholar, she currently is the Associate Dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication at California State University, Northridge and has served as an administrator at three HBCUs. Her most recent honors include being selected as a 2022 HBCU Executive Leadership Institute Fellow and being recognized as a 2019 Pearls of Purpose Foundation, Inc.'s “Women Making a Difference; Sustaining the Legacy of HBCUs” Awardee. She recently co-authored “Best Friends Forever: Representations of Sisterhood Among Black Women on Screen” in the book Sacred Sisterhoods: A Celebration of Black Women’s Friendships on TV & Film 1993 – 2023; and coedited the book Being Mara Brock Akil: Representations of Black Womanhood on Television. An Oakland native, Dr. Harris holds triple degrees from Howard University, including being one of the first graduates to receive a Ph.D. in Mass Communications & Media Studies.

A long-time leadership servant of HUAA, Dr. Harris was awarded the 2018 Crystal Bison Award from the Department of Alumni Relations (DAR), the 2018 and 2020 Region Chair of the Year, and currently is the 8th woman to serve as HUAA President. With the administrative theme “Bison ENGAGE”, she has ushered new programming and partnerships with the Department of Alumni Relations, Office of Student Affairs, HUSA, Athletics, and the Colleges of Education and Fine of Arts, increasing the visibility of HUAA engagement, service and fundraising efforts. Through these partnerships she has curated several inaugural events and series including Bison Amplified Alumni Speaker Series, HUSA x HUAA Micro-scholarship Program, HU Parents Kickback, Charter Day Alumni Brunch & Sip, and the Alumni Homecoming Lounge. Under her leadership, HUAA has increased scholarship donations ($500k) and given over $500k in Emergency Scholarship funding.

For more information about Dr. Harris and her platform “Bison ENGAGE” please visit her website at kandaceharris.com or @kaleighgurlprof on select social media platforms.

Tamara Howard is graduate of Howard University’s School of Communications, earning a BA in Legal Communications in 1987. She started her HUAA journey as a member of HUAC of St. Louis. She served in several capacities leading up to her role as club president. During that time, she helped form the club’s first formal scholarship giving program which has since gone on to award over $75,000 in scholarships for local undergraduate students. In that role, she forged strategic partnerships with several community organizations including The Scholarship Foundation and Read and Feed. Tamara has served HUAA in multiple roles including Region IV Representative, Region IV Chair and currently VP of Administration for the Howard University Alumni Association (HUAA). In her current role she has focused her efforts on working in partnership with alumni leaders to standardize operational processes, reinstate annual club planning and reporting, enhance existing processes for funding club programming. She also sits on the Governance Committee which is focused on HUAA policies, procedures and constitutional alignment. In this next term, Tamara plans to implement processes that will set HUAA long term success through succession planning, innovation and leadership development.

A community service advocate, volunteer, and mentor, she has served and supported a school board, a technology fundraiser subcommittee, and local secondary and graduate alumni organizations. Tamara currently serves on her neighborhood association’s executive board as treasurer and actively supports community engagement activities designed to build a sense of community and belonging within the City of St. Louis. Tamara is currently a part of the 18th cohort of the St. Louis Business and Diversity Initiative Fellows program sponsored by St. Louis, Inc. This a year-long program addresses the perspectives and challenges professionals of color encounter as they advance their careers and leadership footprint within the region and beyond.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-howard-a1473414/

With 18 years in finance, Jamaal Edwards is a fundamental credit risk analyst specializing in commercial real estate finance where he focuses on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS). He has worked in various roles focusing on Latin American REITs, US REITs, and the modeling and valuation of new issue CMBS debt. Jamaal has also spent time in fixed income sales and trading, specifically in US Rates sales, in both New York and London.

Jamaal has been long-time supporter and donor of Howard University and the School of Business. As a native Washingtonian, he is a second-generation Howard graduate and a two-time graduate of the University. Jamaal earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems and Analysis and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

Jamaal currently has the pleasure of serving on the Howard University Alumni Association Executive Committee, as the VP for Finance, and is running for a second term. Beyond his professional accomplishments, commitments to Alma Mater, and serving as a mentor to friends and family, Jamaal enjoys traveling, both domestically and internationally, great food, and quality time spent with family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaal-edwards-92838943/

Kelli Jones is a Senior Clinical Trial Leader at AbbVie within their Oncology Early Development Division. With over 13 years of experience, she has led global clinical trials from Phase 1-4 within the Oncology and Neuroscience therapeutic area. She has served in multiple leadership positions within Howard University Alumni Association (HUAA), specifically within Howard University Alumni Club of Dallas-Ft. Worth. Additionally, she was the recipient of the 2023 HUAA President's award. 

As the current HUAC-DFW President, her primary goal is to build upon the foundation of her predecessors and re-ignite the SPIRIT of Howard by cultivating organic alumni engagement, solidifying the club's community footprint within the DFW area, and supporting future and current DFW Howard Bison. She achieved this by awarding $25,000 in scholarships in 2023, increasing DFW Alumni engagement and social media presence, as well as lead organizer for the largest HBCU college fairs in the Dallas-Metroplex, and lead organizer for the inaugural Region V Event Weekend "Bison in the South".

She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omega Alpha Omega Chapter and where she has served in multiple leadership roles and continues to serve the North Dallas community.

She is looking to keep that same momentum as VP of Membership and Engagement by bringing her innovative, can-do attitude to ensure alumni membership and engagement continues to increase globally. 

Dr. A’Donna Corbin Cooper is a class of 1991 School of Arts and Sciences graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Her student leadership experience during her years at Howard (1986-1991) includes Campus Pal Recording Secretary, Undergraduate Student Assembly Secretary (2 terms), Homecoming Policy Board Chairman, Student Ambassador and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. 

Dr. Cooper brings 10 years of commitment and service to HUAA on the local and regional levels, serving as Vice President of the Howard University Alumni Club of Dallas/Fort Worth 2014-2016, and continues to assist on club committees of recruitment, scholarship, nominating, and archives. Nationally she served on the Membership and Engagement committee and was also instrumental with the initial chartering of the Campus Pals Alumni Club. She currently serves in her second term as representative for Region V, which encompasses Arkansas, Louisiana, Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas.

Melissa is the proud owner of Estrado Medical Management Consultants, LLC and has worked with world-renowned physicians and healthcare organizations ranked in the top ten tier of U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals. Melissa is a seasoned healthcare consultant with over 26 years of leadership and healthcare experience. 

Melissa is a native New Yorker with a deep passion for giving back to her Alma Mater and her community. Melissa is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and Lions Clubs International.

As a first-generation, Trinidadian, and Venezuelan college graduate, Melissa earned her B.S. from Howard University's oldest, largest, and most diverse college-College of Arts & Science. She also holds an MBA and MHA from Northcentral University. Melissa is a proud mom of a second generation, Howard University School of Business sophomore. 

Melissa is currently serving as HUAA Region 1 Chair. Melissa oversees a vast network of 10 clubs within her region. Melissa offers invaluable guidance on a range of critical areas including scholarship initiatives, fundraising events, effective communication strategies, participation in college fairs, alumni engagement, and adherence to HUAA branding and club By-Laws. Prior to her current role, Melissa served as the President of HUAC-GNYC from 2019-2023 and as an HUAA CUPS leader from 2022-2023.

During her tenure at HUAC-GNYC, Melissa spearheaded the creation of a phenomenally successful annual golf scholarship fundraiser event, which has raised over $70,000 for scholarships supporting New York City and New Jersey students. Her strategic partnerships with organizations such as the National Cares Mentoring Movement program, United States Tennis Association (USTA Eastern), and God's Love We Deliver have significantly expanded the reach of her alumni engagement efforts. Furthermore, Melissa's creative initiatives, including the design and launch of official HUAC-GNYC alumni apparel, have played a pivotal role in generating additional funds for operational and scholarship purposes. Her involvement in the establishment of the Golden Bison intergenerational program, which recognizes alumni who graduated from Howard University over 50 years ago, underscores her commitment to advancing her alma mater’s financial, academic, enrollment, and alumni donation goals.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Melissa was honored with both the "Club of the Year" and "Fundraising Club of the Year" awards in 2023, a testament to her exceptional leadership and impact. Melissa is truly grateful and honored to be part of Howard University Alumni Association.

Trina Williams Cobb is a native of Virginia Beach, VA and a proud class of 1993 graduate of Howard University’s School of Business majoring in Computer Information Systems. She then went on to earn her MS in Computer Systems Management from University of Maryland in 1997. Professionally, Trina is a PMP-certified IT Program and Project Manager for a large global management consulting firm.

As a firm believer in Howard University’s motto of “excellence in truth and service", Trina has remained committed to serving in the alumni association in various capacities. She is a charter member of the HUAC-Howard County (MD) club and served as Membership Chair, Vice President and President. She also served as one of the HUAA Region II Representatives. Under her leadership as President of the HUC-Howard County club, the club raised over $15,000 which was awarded to 12 Howard County incoming freshman students. In her role as the Region II Representative, Trina upheld the HUAA mission of “Engagement, Service and Philanthropy” by supporting and fundraising for the nine Region II clubs. As Region II Chair, Trina has actively been engaged in all Region II activities and events including supporting student send-offs, fundraisers, engagement events as well as attending the HUAA Executive and Alumni Council meetings.

Trina currently resides in Laurel, MD and is an active and engaged member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Incorporated and serves as a board member of several community service organizations. When not spending time with her family, she enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, and cheering on her favorite football teams, the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and of course the Howard Bison!!

Karen is a distinguished graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Law School, embodying a steadfast commitment to public service throughout her career in Atlanta. Fresh out of Howard Law School her journey commenced with an impactful role at the Georgia Legal Services Program, where she dedicated herself to advocating for marginalized communities.

Breaking barriers, Karen made history as the first African-American Administrative Law Judge at the Georgia Office of Administrative Hearings. She stood at the forefront of justice, serving indigent defendants with unwavering dedication at the largest Public Defender's office in the southeast. Her expertise extends to mediation, where she facilitates resolutions within the court systems of Atlanta as a certified mediator.

Karen's profound connection to her alma mater resonates deeply in her extensive service, both locally and nationally. For over a decade, she championed the Alumni Club of Atlanta, igniting transformative change during her tenure as President. Under her stewardship, the club flourished into a beacon of excellence, raising over $100,000 in scholarships and earning the esteemed Phoenix award from the City of Atlanta for its outstanding community contributions.

On the national level, Karen's leadership prowess shone brightly as she assumed roles such as HUAA Vice President of Administration and currently serves as Region III Chairperson. Her impact reverberates as she spearheaded the establishment of nine new alumni clubs across the nation, while actively engaging with alumni in the Caribbean to foster new clubs.

Beyond her alma mater, Karen's civic engagement extends to various boards, including AFSCME, Fulton County Government Grievance Board, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, and Canterbury School. She finds pride in her role as a mother, having nurtured two HBCU graduates—Lauren, a Bison, and Bruce, a Morehouse alumnus.

Karen's unwavering dedication and visionary leadership makes her an ideal candidate to continue serving Howard University and the Alumni Association as Region III Chairperson, an honor she would graciously embrace.

Vikki Walton is a stablished healthcare professional with broad expertise in the biopharmaceutical industry spanning over two decades. Skilled in policy development and strategic insights, including in public and private managed markets, prescription drug affordability and access, patient advocacy, external relations, and federal and state government affairs. Disease-specific expertise includes oncology, hematology, cardiovascular and Sickle Cell. She also has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikkidwalton/

Jonna LaGrone-Haynes, originally from St. Louis, MO, currently lives in Austin,TX. She graduated from Howard University with a B.S. in Chemistry in 1991. While at Howard, Jonna was actively involved as a Howard University Hospital volunteer, a Student Ambassador, a member of the St. Louis Club and Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society. As a scholarship recipient of the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC), she also worked at the National Institutes of Health as a medical researcher. Upon graduation, Jonna returned to her hometown and soon began her studies at Washington University School of Medicine’s Health Administration Program. She graduated with her Masters degree in 1996 and over the next several years she would serve in various positions with community & teaching hospitals, large healthcare systems and a management consulting firm in Missouri, North Carolina & Texas. Dallas, TX is where Jonna would raise her family and is now a devoted wife of 23 yrs and the proud parents of 2 young adult sons.

In 2014, Jonna would use her passion around community and collaboration to transition to being a full-time Realtor® with Keller Williams. Now after 17 years total in the industry, she continues to help families in Austin & Dallas/FW metropolitan areas build generational wealth and their investment portfolios as owner of the Jonna L-H Real Estate Team. She serves a diverse clientele, from first time buyers to Luxury clients and is a member of KW Sports & Entertainment.

Jonna is currently the Howard University Alumni Association’s Region V Chair, where she provides support and oversight for Alumni clubs in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Mexico. In this role she successfully reinstated the HUAC Houston club and helped them to return to the once again thriving club, supported and participated in HUAC Louisiana’s successful Essence Fest weekend recruiting activities, HUAC Dallas/Ft. Worth’s historic collaborative HBCU Awareness & Recruiting Event and helped organize the inaugural regional event Bison In The South. Jonna was very active with St. Louis and Dallas/Ft. Worth Alumni Clubs in past years too. Her current focus includes identifying interest in chartering clubs in her remaining states and to join the newly chartered HUAC Central Texas (Austin) Club.

Her additional leadership and community involvement include serving as President of Austin Black Real Estate Professionals, Director with Austin Board of Realtors,Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers, and as the Arts & Letters Co-Chair for the Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. You may connect with Jonna at:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jonnajustsoldit

FB: https://www.facebook.com/jonna.lagrone.haynes

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnajustsoldit/

Website: JonnaJustSoldIt.com

Ms. Rhonda Nolen is a graduate of Howard University's School of Communications. While at Howard University, Ms. Nolen majored in Radio, TV & Film with a minor in African American Studies and went on to be a Music Industry Executive at Uptown/MCA Records, helping launch the careers of Mary J, Blige, Jodeci, Father MC, Christopher Williams, and Tyreese. After a ten-year career in the music industry, Ms. Nolen moved on to the consumer-packaged goods business. She helped launch brands such as Altace, Avapro, Alize, Bud Light Lime, Hypnotic, Gameworks, Budweiser, Martell, and Absolut rebrand.

Today, Ms. Nolen is the Chief Executive Officer at Smart Tyme Consultants, a full- service agency specializing in all disciplines: event planning, event management, marketing, promotions, and sales. Smart Tyme Consultants headquarters is in Las Vegas, Nevada, with offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Detroit, Michigan. Ms. Nolen also oversees the production division, which produces meetings, conferences, awards shows, comedy shows, and music concerts around the United States.

Ms. Nolen has worked with HUAA in Detroit, MI & Las Vegas, NV. She has been instrumental in producing events that help bring Howard University Bison together post-graduation on the local level “HUAC of Las Vegas Happy Hour” and on the national level, “Bison In Vegas.” Ms. Nolen is the Howard University Region VI Representative, former President, and Founder of the Howard University Alumni Association Club of Las Vegas. Ms. Nolen holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Howard University and a Master's in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. In her spare time, she likes working with her sorority, the Las Vegas Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the 100 Black Men of Las Vegas on community initiatives.

Cheryl Bennett Queen, equipped with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Howard University and an MBA from the University of Baltimore, stands as a distinguished leader and entrepreneur. As the founder of Queen Homes, LLC, she has demonstrated profound acumen in the real estate sector. Her steadfast commitment to community and professional growth is further exemplified by her active membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

**Key Milestones Under Ms. Queen's Leadership:**

1. **Expansive Growth of Alumni Clubs:**

Since her 2021 appointment as Region VII Chair, Ms. Queen has spearheaded the revitalization and creation of alumni clubs, growing the number from two to six. This includes the reactivation of the Rainbow Alumni Association, Campus Pals Alumni Club, and the HU College of Engineering and Architecture Alumni Club, as well as the establishment of the HU Alumni Club of Fine Arts.

2. **Enhanced Alumni Engagement and Fundraising:**

Ms. Queen's initiatives have dramatically boosted alumni participation and financial contributions, directly benefiting Howard University students through scholarships and support. Her forward-thinking approach to alumni events is set to continue with innovative gatherings such as Bison on the Slopes and Bison at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival scheduled for 2025.

3. **Strategic Leadership Roles:**

Appointed to the HUAA Executive Committee in 2018, Ms. Queen effectively represented all alumni clubs and Constituent Unit Presidents (CUPs). Her role was pivotal in fostering a more cohesive and responsive organizational structure, which led to enhanced policy formation and the enrichment of the CU President’s Handbook with contemporary best practices.

4. **Community Impact and Fundraising:**

As Founder and President of the HU Alumni Club of Howard County from 2016 to 2020, Ms. Queen led the club in raising over $10,000 for student scholarships and in hosting high-impact community events that not only engaged alumni but also had a significant civic impact, including influential political forums.

**Why Ms. Queen Should Continue as Region VII Chair:**

Ms. Queen's leadership has consistently resulted in measurable growth and enhanced engagement within the Howard University alumni community. Her ability to innovate, inspire, and implement effective strategies ensures that the alumni network not only expands but also thrives. Her proven track record of success, coupled with her deep commitment to the university's legacy and its students, underscores the value she brings as Region VII Chair. Ms. Queen's continued leadership promises to further elevate the impact of Howard University's alumni network, making her an invaluable asset for ongoing and future initiatives.