Dr. Jaclyn T. Walker is an educator, nonprofit leader, and community advocate with more than 20 years of experience in education and family engagement. She serves as a Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and is the Founder and Executive Director of the M.A.N. (Men Alleviating Negativity) Foundation.

Driven by a passion for strengthening families and creating second chances, Dr. Walker established the Foundation to support incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and their children through family engagement, education, and reentry support services.

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In addition to her nonprofit leadership, she serves as an elected member of the Portsmouth School Board. Dr. Walker holds degrees from Norfolk State University, Cambridge College, and Capella University. Her work is centered on empowering families, advancing educational excellence, and creating opportunities for positive community transformation.

Dr. Velvet L. Godwin-Smith serves as Chair of the Board for the M.A.N. Foundation. Her commitment to supporting incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and their families is deeply personal and informed by her own family's experience with incarceration.

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With more than 22 years of experience as a public and community educator, Dr. Godwin-Smith believes in the transformative power of rehabilitation, opportunity, and strong community support systems. Through her leadership, she works to strengthen programs that promote personal growth, family connections, and successful reintegration into society.

Leatha Ballard serves as Vice Chair of the M.A.N. Foundation, where she works directly with participants and families by teaching classes, mentoring individuals, and providing support before and after reentry.

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She is also the founder of two nonprofit organizations: For Justice, which supports single mothers raising young men, and Heart to Hand, which provides meals and essential supplies to individuals experiencing hardship.

Leatha is a devoted mother whose son Justice excels academically and athletically at I.C. Norcom High School. A woman of deep faith, she credits her relationship with Christ for helping her navigate her journey with end-stage kidney disease.

Her personal motto is: "Make lasting memories and live each day to the fullest."

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Favorite Scripture:
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." — Philippians 4:6

DeboRon Elliott is a dedicated professional, scholar, mother, and community leader with a passion for service, education, and lifelong learning.

She earned a bachelor's degree in History and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Political Science at Norfolk State University. Through her work in public service, DeboRon has developed a strong understanding of the challenges facing individuals and families and remains committed to creating positive community impact.

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As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she embraces the principles of scholarship, sisterhood, service, and social action. Known for her resilience, compassion, and determination, DeboRon inspires others through her commitment to education, leadership, and community engagement.

Lakeesha "Klu" Atkinson is a respected community leader, advocate, and public servant whose impact has been felt throughout Hampton Roads.

A Portsmouth native and graduate of Norfolk State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology, Atkinson has dedicated her career to empowering youth, strengthening communities, and advocating for social change.

In 2013, she founded Believe Pray Overcome, a nonprofit organization focused on advocacy, mentorship, education, and awareness. Through that organization, she launched W.A.A.B. (We Are Against Bullying), a youth-focused initiative dedicated to bullying prevention and empowerment.

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She currently serves on multiple boards, including the Portsmouth NAACP, StopTheViolence757, and the M.A.N. Foundation. In 2016, she made history as the youngest person elected to the Portsmouth School Board and served as Vice Chair for six years.

Her leadership continues to inspire others to believe, pray, overcome, and create meaningful change.

Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Sergio Neal has dedicated his life to serving the community that helped shape him.

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As an advocate for criminal justice reform, Sergio understands the profound impact incarceration can have on individuals and families. He works tirelessly to increase awareness of the M.A.N. Foundation's mission to reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and support successful reentry efforts.

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A proud father of two sons, Sergio believes deeply in the importance of engaged fatherhood, mentorship, and community involvement. Through outreach and advocacy, he continues to create opportunities for positive change throughout Hampton Roads.

Sakiah Joy West is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, and a rising senior at Virginia State University majoring in Criminal Justice with aspirations of becoming a Forensic Psychologist.

As a recipient of the Provost Scholarship, she is actively involved in the Honors College and the prestigious Charlie Hill Leadership Institute, Virginia State University's premier student leadership program.

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Sakiah is passionate about service and advocacy and volunteers with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Portsmouth Public Schools Back-to-School Drives, the Salvation Army Toy Drive, and the M.A.N. Foundation's Santa's Workshop.

She also serves as Assistant Site Director for Horizons Hampton Roads and works as an Associate Deputy in the Portsmouth City Treasurer's Office. Through leadership, service, and community engagement, Sakiah continues to make a positive impact while preparing for a future dedicated to helping others.

Edinburgh Williams IV, MSW, is a social work and counseling professional with more than a decade of experience in case management, healthcare, behavioral health, and program support.

His expertise includes client assessments, service planning, advocacy, and coordinating resources for individuals and families facing complex challenges, including mental health concerns, intellectual disabilities, trauma, and systemic barriers.

Drawing from experience in state social services, higher education, and healthcare systems, Edinburgh combines clinical knowledge with compassionate advocacy to help individuals achieve stability, independence, and success.

Amira Bethea is a respected community advocate, entrepreneur, and leader dedicated to service, empowerment, and creating opportunities for others. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she now proudly serves the Hampton Roads community, where she continues to make a meaningful impact through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.

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Amira is the Founder and CEO of Amira Michele Management & Consulting, a consulting firm focused on leadership development, strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational growth. Through her work, she partners with individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to transform vision into action while building sustainable pathways for success.

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A proud graduate of Norfolk State University, Amira earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Norfolk State University, further strengthening her commitment to justice, advocacy, and community development.

As a devoted wife and proud mother of three accomplished young adult children, Amira believes in the power of perseverance, faith, and leading by example. Her personal and professional experiences continue to inspire her passion for helping others overcome obstacles, discover their purpose, and achieve their full potential.

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In addition to serving as Fundraising Chair for the M.A.N. Foundation, Amira is a member of the Board of Directors for Hampton Roads Pride, where she contributes her leadership and expertise to advancing inclusion, equity, and meaningful community engagement throughout the region.

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Amira is also a published co-author of Gotta Story To Tell and Why My Mom, using her voice and experiences to encourage others to rise above adversity and embrace their purpose. Whether through business, nonprofit leadership, mentorship, or advocacy, she remains committed to creating positive change and leaving a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and empowerment.

"Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth, and with determination, support, and faith, anything is possible."