The initiative designed to ensure Orlando’s nonprofit leadership reflects our vibrant community has graduated nearly 150 leaders since its inception in 2021.
The Black Boardroom Leadership Institute (BBLI) proudly celebrates 19 new graduates committed to strengthening and advancing Orlando’s nonprofit community.
The award-winning program, recognized by the Association of Leadership Programs and the Florida Economic Development Council, has equipped both nonprofit organizations and individual leaders to build effective boards, develop pipelines of leadership, and foster authentic, impactful service.
Since its inception in 2021, BBLI has graduated nearly 150 leaders and continues to strengthen Orlando’s nonprofit ecosystem through two dynamic learning tracks. The nonprofit track trains organizations in prioritizing board member recruitment strategies that foster environments where all voices are heard. The leadership track offers curriculum and board training that positions leaders for success on a local nonprofit board of directors, creating a pipeline of leaders for organizations to identify and align skillsets with open board seats.
BBLI is made possible through the generous support of the Central Florida Foundation and the graduation of the latest cohort was sponsored by Helios Education Foundation.
“You are living proof that talent is everywhere, and that when given access, support, and opportunity, leadership flourishes,” Walter Jennings, Director of Student Success Initiatives at Helios Education Foundation, said. “As you take your seats in boardrooms across Central Florida and beyond, remember: your presence is progress.”
Join us in congratulating the graduates:
| Alycia C. Banks | Seminole County Public Schools | Educator |
| Charlean Lorraine Gatlin | Orange County Clerk of Courts | Public Affairs & Outreach Specialist |
| Crystal Jenkins | REMAX Downtown | Real Estate Consultant |
| DaLila Goodridge | Volteo LLC | Principal |
| Eric Bruns | VHA SimLEARN, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Executive Director |
| Kara Fitchett | Early Learning Coalition of Orange County | Family Services Manager |
| Khayree Pender | Orange County Sheriff’s Office | Deputy/Community Relations |
| Knakeesha Samuels | 26Health | Social Impact Manager |
| Louis M. Gobern | RLS2 | President |
| Melanie Markes | CareerSource Central Florida | Director Business Intelligence |
| Moe Greenidge | Goodwill Industries of Central Florida | Board Relations/EA |
| Natecia Smith | Helix | Sr. Manager II, L&D and IDEA |
| Pamela Joan McGee | Genuine Executive Management Solutions, LLC | CEO |
| Rhetta Peoples | Creative Street Marketing & Public Relations Group | CEO |
| Shannon Currie | Florida Rising | Director of Employee Experience |
| Terrell R DeJarnett | Self-Help Credit Union | VP Regional Manager |
| Tianna Sims-Miller | Beyond 12 | Director of Data Insights |
| Tyrone Robinson | Seaworld Orlando | Vice President Of In Park Revenue |
| Zariah Holmes | Hope Partnership | Community Support Specialist |
