Beyond Boundaries Summit - Speaker Bios
This groundbreaking event will gather leaders from across the nonprofit sector to explore and examine how inclusive HR practices can be a powerful catalyst for necessary innovation. Throughout the half-day event, participants will explore the essential connections between equity, inclusion, and organizational health. Sessions will be rooted in accessible action, equipping attendees with realistic approaches for implementing equitable HR policies and organizational strategies. Featuring 5 dynamic breakout sessions, topics will range from fair compensation strategies to developing equity-based board strategies. Attendees will gain the practical tools that can be implemented immediately to enhance each organization’s ability to support it’s human capital while meeting it’s mission. Join us for this important conversation about the future of the nonprofit sector’s workforce and our ability to support it. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your HR strategies!
We are excited to introduce our Breakout Session Speakers.
Breakout Session Speaker Bios
Understanding the Landscape of Representation in Development and Fundraising 
Ashanta Williamson
Ashanta Williamson is dedicated to public service and personal and professional growth. She assists non-profits, corporations, academic institutions, and individuals in optimizing their potential. At Bethune-Cookman University, she successfully advocated for Senate Bill 472, replacing the statue of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith with one honoring Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in the National Statuary Hall. She also secured over $9 million in state and federal funding and raised over $8.7 million for the university's Annual Legacy Awards Gala.
Ashanta is the CEO and founder of Ashanta Williamson & Company, a management and professional services firm. With over two decades of experience, she addresses challenges faced by organizations and individuals, focusing on excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction. The firm works globally, using a collaborative methodology to deliver exceptional solutions.
A Bethune Cookman University graduate with a Bachelor's in Political Science, Ashanta holds several leadership roles, including Vice-Chairwoman of I Am The Prize, Inc., Co-Founder of The Black Elite Millennials of Palm Beach County, and National Director of Legislation for SISTUHS, Inc. She is an alumna of Leadership Jacksonville's Next Generation and a 2020 Stein Fellow with United Way of Northeast Florida. Her past roles include Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sister of Northeast Florida, Vice President of The Jacksonville Professional Chapter of SISTUHS, Inc., and more. She has also worked with entities such as the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, and KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools. She is a devoted mother to Gabriel and Elizabeth, committed to empowering others and positively impacting communities.
Charmion Thrasher
Charmion Thrasher was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. Before the age of 18 she had traveled the world as a student ambassador as apart of People-to-People Student Ambassador Programs. On these journeys is where she learned the importance of considering herself a global citizen. After graduating high school, she attended an HBCU, Bethune Cookman University. Throughout her college matriculation she went on to become the Chartering Vice President of the Bethune Cookman University Chapter of SISTUHS, Inc. Charmion’s commitment to diversity, equity, and women empowerment is what drives her to bring like-minded women together. After college graduation, she began a career in the financial industry, working every day to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to the banking world.
Charmion is an entrepreneur and is the owner and CEO of Herbal Radiance Skincare. As someone who has struggled with eczema and sensitive skin her entire life, she understands the importance of using quality products on your skin. With her products, her goal is to reveal and enhance the beautiful skin you already have. Charmion also serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ashanta Williamson & Company, a logistical management, marketing, communications, and design firm located in Jacksonville, FL. Working with a variety of clients from a myriad of industries to develop community-based branding and increase the fostering of inclusive practices that drive sustainable impact and financial sustainability.
Her time in Jacksonville has also allowed her to connect with many likeminded women who share her passion in creating a community that serves and empowers them. Collectively, they were able to charter the Jacksonville, FL Professional Chapter of SISTUHS, Inc. in November of 2020, despite a global pandemic. Charmion currently serves on the National Board of Directors of SISTUHS, Inc. as the Assistant Directress of Policy. Where she continues her work of advocacy and implementing innovative approaches for integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into fundraising strategies.
Driving Business Growth and Innovation: Best Practices for Equitable Pay, Promotion, and Opportunity in the Workplace
Elizabeth Charron, SPHR/SCP
Liz Charron has over 30-years of experience in Strategic Human Resources and Leadership Development in the hospitality industry. As a consultant, Liz has experience with a wide variety of industries including restaurants, service, local government, and not-for-profit. Her areas of expertise include Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Employee Relations & Assessments, and Organizational Transformation, Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition, Employment Law and Performance Success Management.
Liz has a record of managing and resolving challenging employee relation situations for the most effective outcome. She has successfully partnered with senior executives to align business objectives with employees, cut costs, streamline the organization and maximize profitability in a variety of businesses. She is skilled in developing HR solutions to achieve the unique key core objectives which are essential to the success of an organization.
Liz teaches the SHRM SCP/CP certification class for Human Resource professionals at the University of North Florida. In this capacity she develops HR professionals to develop strategies, lead the HR function, foster influence in the community, analyze performance metrics and align HR strategies to organizational goals.
Liz is a certified Integrative Enneagram coach which offers unparalleled depth of insight into the Enneagram types, personality, motivation and self limiting beliefs, creating the potential for accelerated, integrative and sustainable development in individuals, teams or organizations.
Michelle Charron Hollie
Michelle Charron Hollie is an accomplished advocate and community leader with over 15 years experience working with national and regional non-profit organizations. Michelle is widely recognized as a strategic leader, known for her exceptional ability to bring critical thinking, strategic planning, and execution to the table.
Michelle possesses a well-developed ability to streamline operations, optimize spending, manage budgets, spearhead fundraising efforts, and ensure efficient fulfillment within the non profit landscape. Her commitment to maximizing impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility has been instrumental in driving the success of numerous initiatives under her guidance.
Michelle Hollie’s dedication to creating sustainable, meaningful change has earned her a stellar reputation as a highly effective leader and advocate. Her strategic acumen and deep understanding of the nonprofit sector have allowed her to positively impact the lives of countless individuals and communities. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a proven track record of success, Michelle continues to be a driving force in the advancement of social causes and community development and brings her wealth of experience to the benefit of our clients.
Seize the Data!
ReGina Newkirk Rucci
ReGina Newkirk Rucci joined 904WARD in April 2021. In her role, she works with corporations and nonprofit organizations to develop tailor-made solutions to help them create a more equitable and inclusive workplace that is more productive and profitable. She also works with partner organizations to address the roots of disparities in our communities, such as health equity, environmental justice, and removing systemic barriers. She has over twenty-five years of experience working in and addressing the barriers faced by marginalized populations and communities of color. She began her career in banking, where she helped establish the Diversity Department, roles, and corporate values for First American National Bank in Nashville, TN.
ReGina was born in Fort Collins, CO, and raised in Nashville. She graduated with highest honors from New York University with a B.F.A. in dramatic writing. She received her master’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee. She has also received her Diversity and Inclusion certification from Cornell University.
Equity Through Alliances: Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
Kierra McCray
Kierra (Kay) McCray is a seasoned expert in strategic partnerships, facilitation, social impact, and nonprofit management, with over ten years of experience driving meaningful and sustainable change. As the passionate and driven Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kultivate Strategies, Kierra is dedicated to empowering businesses and nonprofit organizations to achieve their goals through innovative, measurable, and impactful strategies. Through tireless dedication, she equips her clients with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to create lasting impact.
Kierra holds a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Student Affairs from the University of North Florida. Her academic journey has been complemented by her outstanding achievements, including the prestigious Cares Humanitarian Award, recognizing her transformative work with young girls through her past nonprofit, Purpose and PowHER.
Having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Bethune Cookman University, Kierra honed her skills and developed a deep commitment to uplifting communities. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., she has a special passion for post-secondary and urban education, social impact and leadership striving to increase wholeness, wellness, and social change within these environments.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kierra is an avid reader and wellness enthusiast who believes in living a balanced and purposeful life. Her commitment to being a lifelong learner is a testament to her continuous growth and development. Her unwavering life purpose is to ensure that impact resonates throughout the world of education and nonprofits leaving a lasting legacy of positive change and empowerment.
The Trust-Centered Strategic Engagement Modelⓒ: What Boards Can Do to
Embed Equity in Strategic Planning and Evaluation
Dr. Joy Hervey
Dr. Joy Gorham Hervey is an education researcher, author, and evaluator with more than 20 years of educational and nonprofit leadership and consulting experience. She has deep knowledge and a track record of success in project management, strategic planning, evaluation, and change management. She has been recognized in the industry for her development of multi-sector collaborations. In addition to her role at Genesis Ed Solutions, Dr. Hervey has served as a nonprofit executive, K12 administrator, professor of education, and university instructional mentor. Ordained and endorsed as a chaplain, Dr. Hervey earned her Doctor of Education degree in organization and leadership from Columbia University Teachers College and her Ed.M. and bachelor’s degrees from Harvard University.