Board Member Profiles

Janell has spent the last 20 years in leadership development and management. Through her work in Higher Education Administration and Human Resources, Janell has worked to assist in the growth of a diverse population of individuals. As a senior human resources professional, her experience in talent management, succession planning, and organizational planning provides a great foundation for assisting our population in obtaining their growth plans and implementing them for career success.

Janell founded The HUE Leadership Alliance, Inc. in an effort to empower women to achieve success on their own terms. Her vision for The HUE Leadership Alliance, Inc. is that it becomes a community of women leaders dedicated to continuous personal and professional growth and support of other women of color striving for excellence.

Statement of Alignment:

In Janell's personal career journey, she has overcome many odds to attain the levels of chief human resources officer of an international organization and the Chief Executive Officer of The Illumine Group, LLC. Her journey was assisted by many mentors that sewed invaluable lessons into her life. Knowing that many women do not have the same access to mentorship, sponsorship, and investment that she received, Janell's goal is to provide an option for women of color to gain the support needed to excel inside corporate organization structures.

Jerika has been navigating Corporate America for many years. She has worked in various industries including Banking, Finance, Healthcare, and Insurance. Jerika currently works as an Admissions and Marketing Administrator for a large skilled nursing chain. She also owns a loan signing business that services real estate transactions across North Carolina.

As a natural helper and leader, Jerika consistently volunteers within the community. She has worked to support the causes of women in various capacities from domestic violence and recovery, to self-discovery and professional advancement.

Statement of Alignment:

Jerika understands the need for continuous learning for personal and professional success. She has achieved many professional certifications to aid in her professional advancement. When approached to help lead the endeavors of The HUE Leadership Alliance, she was eager to support the future cohorts on their journey to self-actualization.

With over sixteen years of education experience, Raquel applies expert knowledge and a passion for education and advocacy to help institutions solve educational challenges and learners reach their goals. Raquel began her career as a K-12 instructor, helping academically and behaviorally challenged students to turnaround performance through progressive learning methods. She later transitioned into Higher Education where she held several instructors and administrative roles with various colleges and universities around the world.

Raquel serves as Secretary of the Board.

Statement of Alignment:

Raquel recognizes the need for accessible support mechanisms to help women from all walks of life drive success. Forward-thinking and evidence-based solutions are needed to provide leaders with the tools needed to excel. With a commitment to leadership and the advancement of women, Raquel believes wholeheartedly in the mission of The HUE Leadership Alliance.

Walter loves to assist others in their life's journey. With his education (including Master of Divinity and Clinical Pastoral Education) and his experience at colleges and universities (working in Student Affairs), Walter seeks to help people process their choices and understand their decisions. Walter believes that each person has a story that desires to be shared and listened to. Open, focused, patient, and attentive, Walter strives to meet people where they are and walk with them on their journey.

Walter has worked in leadership development since 2001. He has worked with college students and Higher Education professionals on many campuses. Walter has also led interactive discussions with diverse groups on topics such as race, religion and sexuality, and having difficult conversations.

Walter currently serves as an Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life for a private higher education institution. His mission is to assist in the successful transition of students navigating their collegiate journey.

Walter serves as Treasurer of the Board.

Statement of Alignment:

Walter believes in developing leaders. The HUE Leadership Alliance strives to develop women to lead in their respective fields of influence. With a focus on soft skills, THE HUE will provide leaders with the necessary tools to enter and thrive in areas of management.

Christine Reed Davis currently serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at UNC Charlotte. Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and a Masters of Education degree in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Georgia. She is also a graduate of the Crisis Leadership in Higher Education certificate program at Harvard University. Christine is currently finishing her doctoral program in Educational Leadership at UNC Charlotte.

As a lifelong higher education professional, Christine has spent the last 25 years working at colleges and universities including Central Connecticut State University, George Mason University, University of Georgia, Boston College, and UNC Charlotte. In her current role, Christine oversees program areas including Identity, Equity, and Engagement, New Student and Family Services, Student Assistance and Support Services, Student Conduct & Academic Integrity, and Veterans Services. She also serves as the chair of the Campus Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment teams and as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the university.

Statement of Alignment:

Empowering female leadership is a value Christine holds dear. In her own career, she has been fortunate to benefit from the guidance and investment of others who have seen her potential and helped to cultivate her talents. Christine also believes that in order to seek equity one must also participate in the creation of equity. Therefore, it is important for her to use her spheres of influence to pay it forward for the next generation of women who aspire to leadership roles. The purpose of the HUE Leadership Alliance aligns with her personal values and beliefs in preparing women of color to be leaders of the future.