Marrisa Thornton serves as the board chair for the Ambassador Michelle Boone-Thornton Standard of Excellence Award. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Higher Education from George Mason University.

She has a master’s certificate in Survey Methodology from the University of Maryland and a research background in public health and international education studies. She currently works as a Program Analyst for the U.S. Census Bureau where she manages a team within the Dissemination Requirements and User Acceptance team. Previously she worked on the Decennial Census project. Prior to her work at the U.S. Census Bureau, she worked in the Higher Education sector within Student Services. Marrisa also works as a freelance content editor and has edited fiction novels and nonfiction publications. She uses the name ARTICULATE as her editing brand, as she hopes to help people articulate their stories and thoughts in a way that audiences can easily understand and enjoy. She currently resides in the DC Metro area and can be found reading, baking, or hula hooping during her free time. She also co-hosts the podcast Twin Theory Podcast with her twin sister Courtney and serves as a newsletter editor within her women’s ministry.

Carletta Burch, a seasoned Production Executive with over 15 years of experience in leading broadcast, entertainment, and publishing organizations. Her multifaceted roles encompass strategic leadership in human resources, budgeting, research, mentoring, training, and organizational development. Carletta’s solid international expertise includes executing special assignments for esteemed entities as the Ministry of Local Government-House Maseru, Lesotho (Africa) and the President of Telecom Africa International Corporation and Publisher and Chief Executive of Third Press Publishers. These and other undertakings have afforded her the opportunity for overseas travel and interactions with diplomats and government officials--- distinctive projects well-suited to her signature courtesy, graciousness, respect and appreciation for culture and protocol. Carletta is a Founding Board Member of Global Black Women Foundation, Inc. and Global Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce, WomeNomic$ Executive Advisory Board Member and clients that have included Smithsonian Institution - Jazz at Lincoln Center – Announcer-VOG, Robert Sadin, Sony Entertainment, BMG Records, Epic Records, Disney, Hallmark, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, Kern Brantley & One Band Global amongst others.

Dr. Katrina Maxwell is a Program Director of the M.A. in Human Services and Pastoral Counseling programs and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling Ministries at Regent University. She earned a Ph.D. and a M.S. in Family Relations from Florida State University (FSU) and a B.S. in Child Development from South Carolina State University (SCSU). In 2007, Dr. Maxwell began as an Assistant Professor and graduate Program Coordinator of the Individual and Family Development program at SCSU in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. In 2017, Dr. Maxwell joined Saint Leo University as an Associate Professor of Human Services teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Dr. Maxwell is the co-author of a chapter, Cultural Competencyin the e-book, Community Partnering for the Advocacy of Mental Health. She co-authored two articles, Job burnout: Causes and prevention from Human Services perspective and A Christ-Centered Acceptance and Commitment Program for Racial Harmony in Christian Populations. In addition, she has given over 10 presentations at various professional conferences. Dr. Katrina Maxwell is a Program Director of the M.A. in Human Services and Pastoral Counseling programs and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling Ministries at Regent University. She earned a Ph.D. and a M.S. in Family Relations from Florida State University (FSU) and a B.S. in Child Development from South Carolina State University (SCSU). In 2007, Dr. Maxwell began as an Assistant Professor and graduate Program Coordinator of the Individual and Family Development program at SCSU in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. In 2017, Dr. Maxwell joined Saint Leo University as an Associate Professor of Human Services teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Dr. Maxwell is the co-author of a chapter, Cultural Competency in the e-book, Community Partnering for the Advocacy of Mental Health. She co-authored two articles, Job burnout: Causes and prevention from Human Services perspective and A Christ-Centered Acceptance and Commitment Program for Racial Harmony in Christian Populations. In addition, she has given over 10 presentations at various professional conferences.

Dr. Dana Austin, a nationally recognized nurse leader, holds the position of Chief Nursing Officer at Serene Senior Support Home Health. With over 25 years of experience as a registered nurse in both acute and home health care settings, Dr. Austin is renowned for her expertise. She serves on various boards as a clinical thought leader.

During her tenure in nursing, Dr. Austin has held roles such as Nurse Educator, where she instructed Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, and Nurses. She also contributed internationally, serving as a guest lecturer at the School of Public Health in Uganda. Additionally, she has served as a Director of Nursing.

As a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), Dr. Austin has made significant contributions to the clinical research field, working in roles such as Clinical Research Associate, Project Manager, and Clinical Operations Manager. Her work has been published in numerous scientific journals, and she is sought after as an international speaker, presenting at clinical research platforms, and serving as a keynote speaker at research and writers’ conferences.

In her role as Executive Director of Global Chamber Atlanta, Dr. Austin spearheads efforts to foster global business collaborations and partnerships. Her diverse practice experience uniquely positions her as an advocate for underserved communities. She has demonstrated leadership acumen through her involvement with the Center for Global Health Innovation, where she provides education, awareness, and access to underserved communities.

As a best-selling, award-winning author, and two-time nominee for 'Nurse of The Year,' Dr. Austin demonstrates a commitment to continuous growth and excellence in all her endeavors.