Introducing the 2026 Transforming Teams Goodmon Fellows

Offered exclusively to senior leadership teams at nonprofit organizations, Leadership Triangle’s Transforming Teams program blends leadership development with organizational design. Throughout the program, participating nonprofits strengthen team cohesion, develop shared frameworks and build cross-functional leadership capacity.

Graduates of the program have completed 3.5 months of learning and growth in a cohort-based setting, participating alongside several other local nonprofits.

We encourage you to connect with each of our 2026 graduates, and support the mission of their organizations:

Empowered Parents in Community

EMPOWERment Inc.

The Green Chair Project

Haven House

LGBT Center of Raleigh

Orange Arts

Student U

2026 Transforming Teams Cohort

**Alecia Marsh **is currently a Program Manager at Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC-NC), where she brings a lifetime of experience across education and advocacy; from classroom educator and Exceptional Children’s Coordinator to Youth Programs Director, Child Care Health Consultant, and private educational consultant. Everything she does is rooted in legacy, love, and a commitment to amplifying voices that are too often overlooked, because she firmly believes every child deserves an equal chance at success regardless of background, ability, or circumstance. A connector and community builder at heart, Alecia is passionate about closing the gap between school and home, championing early childhood and special education, and centering conversations around black maternal health and educational equity. That same passion lives at home too; together with her family, she founded ALM Group LLC, a reflection of their shared belief that legacy is built through service, community engagement, and investing in the next generation. Through ALM Group, they currently provide scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors at Chatham Central High School, giving back to the community that shaped her. A country girl from Chatham County, NC who has never been afraid to take on the city, Alecia approaches every room, every family, and every child she advocates for with one conviction: legacy isn’t about accolades: it’s about how your name is remembered for generations to come.

Allie Hody

**Ashley Peters **is a mission-driven leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equitable education systems through integrated student support, family engagement, and community-based partnerships. She currently serves as Chief Impact Officer at Student U, where she leads large-scale strategy and implementation impacting students’ academic and health outcomes across 17 school districts and 26 schools in North Carolina. An experienced organizational leader, she builds and leads high-performing teams, develops cross-sector partnerships, and designs systems that center student wellness and opportunity. She is a Social Worker at heart, with deep expertise in trauma-informed care, and experience in the healthcare, education, and community mental health settings in North Carolina, Virginia, and the Dominican Republic. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Communications, and a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ashley lives with her husband and 3 beautiful children in Winston-Salem, NC.

**Brandy Luce** is the Chief Advancement Officer at Student U and an experienced Marketing and Creative Director with experience leading brand strategy, marketing, fundraising, and storytelling initiatives that drive growth and engagement. Focused on building high-performing teams and delivering measurable results, she combines strategic vision with practical execution to strengthen organizational impact. A first-generation college graduate, Brandy is deeply committed to educational equity and believes that every child can thrive when supported by strong communities.

Charity Gunn

**Chris Davis **is an accomplished logistics and operations leader with over 22 years of experience, including distinguished service as an Air Force Veteran. Currently serving as Director of Logistics at The Green Chair Project, he oversees all operational functions, IT and AI integration, safety programs, facility management, donations coordination, and comprehensive logistics operations. Chris has transformed organizational efficiency by establishing the company’s first digital file structure, implementing the company’s first digital purchase tracking system, developing comprehensive safety policies, and building advanced IT infrastructure. His leadership has fostered a growth-oriented culture, while he successfully managed multiple critical disaster relief projects rehousing 70+ families displaced by Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Helene. His extensive background includes managing $2.9B in munitions and 14,000 NATO contracts worth $3.2B across 104 countries, with senior leadership roles at European and African Command in Germany and quality assurance management in Japan. Chris excels at leveraging Lean principles, driving innovation in operations and technology integration, and building inclusive high-performance teams that deliver measurable results.

**Courtney Powers **ATR, LCMHC, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (11098) and Registered Art Therapist (16–109) with 25+ years of experience in nonprofit settings. Her work spans teaching, clinical care, leadership, supervision, and program development, with a focus on art-based, culturally responsive mental health services and care. As a former Program Director at a community-based mental health agency, she led operations, supervised staff and interns, secured grant funding, and developed community partnerships. She also provided assessments and individualized treatment, integrating creative approaches into mental health and well being. Courtney is committed to expanding access to community based inclusive, arts-centered mental health services. She currently serves as Program Coordinator for the Orange County Arts Commission, drawing on her background in the arts, education, digital media, and systems thinking.

Danita Morgan

Delores Bailey

**Elena Maina **began her career working with first-generation college-bound students in 2010. A former Teach for America math teacher with a double major in English and Mathematics (University of Florida) and a Master’s in Education (Arizona State University), Elena went on to serve as the Assistant Director for the TRIO Talent Search Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock before joining Student U in 2019. She served as the Associate Director of College Advising and Success, Program Director, and Chief Program Officer at Student U prior to her role as Executive Director. Today, as a mother of two children in Durham Public Schools — one of whom is a Student U student — Elena is leading the work to create the same foundation of opportunity and support that brought her to this point in her career for children and families across North Carolina. With more than 15 years of experience in education access and student success, she brings not only expertise, but empathy and lived experience to her role.

**Gabrielle Scott** is a public administration professional and equity-driven leader with deep experience in community engagement, small business development, and policy advocacy. She has a strong track record of advancing initiatives that center historically marginalized communities through strategic partnerships, program development, and systems-level change. She previously served as the Durham County Organizer for the North Carolina Black Alliance and Advance Carolina, where she led civic engagement and public education efforts to strengthen voting rights, economic justice, and community empowerment. Prior to that, she served as Program Manager and Interim Program Director at the North Carolina MBDA Business Center within the NC Department of Administration’s Historically Underutilized Businesses Division, overseeing statewide efforts to expand access to contracting, capital, and technical assistance for minority- and women-owned businesses. Mrs. Scott currently serves as the Durham Section and North Carolina Statewide Social Justice Chair for the National Council of Negro Women, where she leads advocacy efforts focused on Black maternal health, education equity, and voter access. In partnership with North Carolina State Senator Natalie Murdock, she has been a dedicated advocate within the Black maternal health space. Drawing from her own lived experience, Mrs. Scott shared her personal traumatic birthing story at the North Carolina General Assembly to elevate awareness and inform policy solutions. She also served on a legislative work group alongside Senator Murdock to support the development of the Momnibus bill, aimed at improving patient outcomes and healthcare experiences for birthing people of color across the state. In addition, Mrs. Scott has had the honor of serving on Project PIVOT with PFPS (Patients For Patient Safety), where she contributed to initiatives designed to improve care delivery, patient safety, and overall experiences for birthing people of color. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Certificate in Social Justice Advocacy from the Medgar Evers School of Law and Social Justice Advocacy Academy. Mrs. Scott is widely recognized for her ability to build coalitions, influence policy, and drive equitable systems change that creates lasting community impact.

Greg Bell

Gwendolyn Love

Jennifer Baker

**Jovonia Lewis **is the Founder and Executive Director of Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC-NC). Her experience and passion for education, empowerment and social justice led her to create EPiC, a Durham-based, community-rooted, collaborative, strength-based organization unapologetically committed to transforming outcomes for children, who are systematically underserved in education, and ensuring their success at school and in life. She is a nationally certified and licensed clinical mental health counselor, community advocate and civil servant. Jovonia served on the Durham Public School’s Board of Education from July 2020 — June 2024. Her vision for EPiC is to build a replicable model of community-driven advocacy that can expand beyond Durham, empowering families across North Carolina and beyond to demand equitable education for every child. A wife, a mother of 3 sons and native of Williamston, NC, Jovonia calls Durham, NC home where she has committed to “standing in the gap” of opportunity.

Katie Murray

**Kori Hennessey *As the first nonbinary Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh and one of the very few transgender leaders within Triangle area nonprofits, Kori has been dedicated to creating equitable and affirming opportunities for all. In their role, Kori works alongside a diverse and passionate team to implement programs that include youth and young adult leadership skill building, education and understanding on LGBTQ+ identities, transgender community and resource connections, health equity and access, and so much more. Kori has worked for the Center in different capacities for 9 years, and has served as the Executive Director for the last three.*

**Kristin Morris **joined Haven House Services in 2013 and was named Chief Strategy and People Officer in 2026. In her role, she drives organizational strategy, ensures quality and accountability across agency operations, and provides strategic oversight of people functions. Prior to this role, Kristin served as Director of Quality and Strategic Initiatives, where she oversaw the agency’s Quality Management Program and accreditation process and guided organizational strategy based on research and analysis. Kristin has more than a decade of experience in nonprofit quality improvement and organizational development. She holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Public Administration. Outside of Haven House, you can frequently find Kristin reading, coloring, or enjoying the outdoors and camping with her family.

LaTanya Davis serves as the Operations Manager for EMPOWERment, Inc., where she has dedicated the past 20 years to advancing affordable housing and community development initiatives. Her journey with the organization began as a Bookkeeper and progressed through roles including Property Manager before stepping into operational leadership, giving her a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit management, financial stewardship, and housing development. In her current role, La Tanya oversees organizational operations with a focus on strategic growth, financial sustainability, and asset management. She serves as the lead grant writer for acquisitions and renovation projects, successfully helping secure and manage a portfolio exceeding $3 million in funding. Through her leadership, EMPOWERment has expanded its housing inventory from 12 properties to 78 affordable rental units serving families across the community. La Tanya’s expertise includes project oversight, budgeting, permitting, vendor selection, unit turnovers, and ensuring projects remain aligned with timelines, compliance standards, and financial goals. Her work is grounded in a commitment to protecting organizational assets, leveraging resources effectively, and creating safe, stable, and sustainable housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income families.

**Leah Adeniji**

**Macklyn Mosley** is a resident of Durham and a visionary who has been serving the community in various capacities for years. Macklyn is currently the Director of Communications and Outreach with Empowered Parents in Community, and has the pleasure of providing design services for a variety of businesses and organizations around the country under his business, Mind of Mosma, LLC. Macklyn is passionate about community engagement, helping people feel seen, culture, celebrating our differences, and the arts. He is a community connector and loves supporting people and helping them believe in their dreams. Macklyn has won various awards for his work, including a letter of recognition from Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, Partner of the Year from Durham Housing Authority, and the Neighborhood Arts Award from the City of Roanoke. Outside of his design and community work, Macklyn is a plant dad, musician, and lover of anime and good food.

**Maris Whitley** believes that life imitates art, and if that is true, then an investment in the arts is an investment in life itself. Maris enjoys witnessing in real-time how access to the arts can foster a healthier, happier community, both soulfully and economically. In the words of Picasso, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Maris currently serves as the Grants and Operations Coordinator at the Orange County Arts Commission, which aims to promote the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina. Maris is also currently Board Secretary for Golfing for the Gals, an annual golf tournament with the mission of raising funds to support uterine cancer research. Maris graduated in 2021 with Highest Distinction from UNC-Chapel Hill and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Journalism, concentrating in advertising and public relations, and a Minor in Art History from UNC-Chapel Hill. Outside of the office, Maris enjoys spending time with her animals, attending sporting events, and watching a good TV show.

Michelle Norwood is the Chief Program Officer at Student U. She supervises the Middle School, High School, and College programs, and Student and Family Support Services. She leads a dedicated team of people invested in deeply serving over 500 students and their families in Durham each year. She is also certified in Restorative Practices and serves as a Restorative Practices Lead. Her passion is in working with young people and empowering them to own their own education in whatever way that best supports their dreams and vision. In addition to supporting young people, with a Masters in Training and Development, Michelle loves training and supporting adults interested in growing their skills in restorative work and their skills in using collaboration as tools to be change agents in their communities. Michelle believes in the power of healthy communication, restorative justice, and building together.

**Michelle Zechmann** has been Chief Executive Officer of Haven House Services since September 2009. In this role she directs, coordinates, and manages all operational and fiscal aspects of Haven House Services. Before this she was the Director of Quality Management and Program Development at The Durham Center (now Alliance Health). In this role she worked with agencies to implement best and evidence-based practices. She has experience working in both the mental health and the criminal justice fields for over 30 years. Michelle is currently a board member and former past president of the North Carolina’s Association for Community Alternatives for Youth. She also served as a board member and treasurer for the Covenant with North Carolina’s Children (now NC Child). She was appointed by the governor for 4 terms on the North Carolina Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group. Michelle has a BA in psychology from the University of Buffalo and a master’s in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Aneasha (Neash) Cameron is a marketing and communications professional, creative strategist, and photographer with over a decade of experience in storytelling, fundraising, brand development and community engagement. She currently serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator with the LGBT Center of Raleigh, where she leads marketing and communications efforts focused on advocacy and community outreach. With a background that spans nonprofit leadership, media production, SaaS sales, and visual storytelling, Aneasha brings a people-centered approach to every project she touches. She has helped grow community engagement through strategic campaigns, event marketing, digital media, and authentic storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices. In addition to her nonprofit work, Aneasha is a photographer with more than 12 years of experience capturing culture and community through her lens. Her expertise across photography, branding, social media, and content creation allows her to bridge creativity and strategy in ways that feel both impactful and approachable.

Patricia Cardoso joined Haven House in 2007 and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2017. In her role she leads the day-to-day operations of all agency programs and services and oversees compliance with legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements. Prior to becoming COO Patricia served as Director of Diversion Programs at Haven House Services. Patricia has more than 20 years of experience working with youth and families across the mental health and juvenile justice systems in North Carolina and South Florida. Her work includes implementing proven, evidence-based practices that support positive outcomes for youth. Patricia holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Miami and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina.

Sarita Nwachuku brings more than 30 years of experience in administration, management, and community service to her work at EMPOWERment, Inc., where she has been a dedicated member of the team since 2011. As Director of Community Programs, she organizes community outreach meetings, secures speakers, and facilitates meaningful conversations among neighborhood residents. She is an accomplished grant writer and manager, overseeing local and county contracts, budgets, and reporting. She also manages the Midway Business Center small business incubator, coordinates the Career Explorers Summer youth employment program, and serves as Administrator for the Bright Path Solutions Minority Business and Entrepreneurial Sustainability Program, where she works alongside consultants to support and train local business owners. Sarita holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an MBA in Organizational Management.

**Shannon Walters** has been the Director of Development at Haven House Services since August 2016 and the Chief Development Officer since August 2023. Prior to coming to Haven House, Shannon spent more than 15 years as a development director of nonprofits locally and in the St. Louis area. In addition to her experience with nonprofits, Shannon has more than 10 years of experience working in marketing and public relations for corporations and associations. Shannon has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master in Public Administration from NC State University. She earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) accreditation in 2026.

Valencia Thompson is currently the Property Manager and HUD-certified Housing Counselor for EMPOWERment Inc. In this role, she oversees administrative operations for the rental program, including tenant relations, rental compliance, data collection, and database management. Valencia works closely with residents to address housing needs while supporting property operations, inspections, reporting, and community engagement initiatives. In addition to her property management responsibilities, Valencia provides housing counseling services to rental and pre-purchase clients, facilitates financial literacy and homebuyer education workshops, and assists with grant reporting and compliance. Valencia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance, and an MBA in Real Estate. She is a licensed Real Estate Broker with more than 17 years of experience in real estate and housing services. Her background in accounting, administration, and affordable housing, combined with her commitment to community-centered service, makes her an integral part of the organization’s mission to expand access to stable and equitable housing opportunities.