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Dr. Theresa Dixon
Her strategic vision in higher education, combined with deep community involvement, enhances our team’s efforts. Dr. Dixon is a vital asset in guiding initiatives that empower women and girls to achieve academic and professional success.
She holds two relevant degrees that will serve us very well in designing and evaluating program curricula: a doctorate in instructional leadership and a master’s in technical and professional communication. With a passion for teacher advocacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Blades brings a wealth of expertise to this committee, supporting programs that drive meaningful impact in education.
The inaugural Director of Initiatives for Seven Pearls Foundation, Dr. Vickie Cox Edmondson, a retired college educator and an inaugural Associate Provost for Student Success at a leading HBCU, is perfectly poised to lead these transformative efforts. A life member with more than 40 years in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, a lifetime member of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, and 27+ years in academia, Dr. Cox Edmondson's strategic expertise spans multiple sectors. She served 10 years as the executive director of a non-profit and has extensive experience in corporate management. As the first Black woman to earn a PhD in business from the University of Georgia and the author of The Thinking Strategist®, Dr. Cox Edmondson brings a unique, thoughtful approach to leadership and strategy. Her commitment to honoring the legacy of The Seven of '1922' will empower future leaders to take charge, inspire change, and shape the future of education and society in 2025 and beyond. Dr. VCE has three amazing adult daughters, all of whom are members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, as well as a niece and a cousin.
Dr. Felicia D. Blakeney is an accomplished educator, career coach, and facilitator with extensive experience in designing and implementing dynamic training programs. A graduate of Syracuse University and Capella University, Dr. Blakeney has over two decades of experience in higher education, serving in various roles at the community college level. She has also taught college success skills and basic conversational Spanish and provided career coaching to individuals seeking professional guidance and career advancement.
As a former Syntaktes (Regional Director) for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Dr. Blakeney has played a key role in supporting the growth and development of the sorority's initiatives. Additionally, she is a proud member of The Links, Inc., and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. As the Coordinator of Media Relations for the Seven Pearls Foundation, Dr. Blakeney leverages her extensive experience in education, media relations, and career coaching to promote the Foundation’s mission of empowering women and girls. She is committed to fostering positive change through education and mentorship, bringing an array of skills to further the Foundation's impact.
Dr. Winnetta Ellis, an Evangelist, is a passionate educator and leader dedicated to uplifting others through faith, service, and mentorship. She currently serves as the President of the Alpha Nu Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa in Cleveland, OH, a nonprofit educational sorority also founded by educators with a vision to create a sisterhood among teachers and promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession.
Dr. Ellis is deeply involved in the mentorship of youth, particularly through her work within Phi Delta Kappa with young ladies in grades 9 through 12. As Chaplain for the Seven Pearls Foundation, Dr. Ellis brings her deep commitment to service, empowerment, and community to support the Foundation’s mission and inspire others to live with purpose and integrity.
Sheila M. Parson, PhD, is the Founder and CEO of the QSA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting homeless children and military families across several states. She currently serves as Lead Talent Acquisition Manager for a Fortune 100 company, where she leads talent management initiatives within the Human Resources Department.
A retired U.S. Army Captain, Dr. Parson is also a member of the prestigious "Poodles in Boots" group within Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. She serves as the President of the Southeast Region of Veterans at her company and is deeply involved in veteran organizations. Additionally, Dr. Parson serves on her city’s Economic Development Committee and as the Community Outreach Officer for her company's professional development group. With extensive experience in training and motivational speaking, she is passionate about empowering others through service, faith, and leadership. She dedicates her time to helping women, homeless children, and veterans in need. As a general representative, Dr. Parson brings her expertise in leadership, nonprofit management, and community development to advance the mission of the Seven Pearls Foundation.
Terri Lyons is an experienced professional with over 35 years of expertise in Human Resources and community engagement. She has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and fostering positive change. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, she has extensive experience in conflict resolution and specializes in training people to be good managers. With certifications as a mediator, life coach, and cultural diversity, Ms. Lyons is skilled at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and fostering connections. Her heart is deeply rooted in causes that promote civil rights, economic empowerment, education, and social justice, and she is committed to advocating for human rights and addressing poverty alleviation. She loves history.
As the Western Region representative of Sigma Gamma Rho for the Seven Pearls Foundation, Terri Lyons applies her diverse skillset to advance the Foundation’s mission, fostering community development and supporting initiatives that drive systemic change and opportunity for all.
Lillie C. Reed brings a wealth of experience in mental health and healthcare to the Seven Pearls Foundation Board. A former psychotherapist at a home health services provider, she has a deep understanding of the importance of mental health and its impact on communities. Ms. Reed studied Mental Health and Hospital Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi and has additional studies in Nursing at Dillard University, giving her a well-rounded background in both mental health and healthcare services.
As a representative of the Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Lillie Reed is committed to empowering others and bringing her expertise in mental health, care management, and community service to advance the Foundation's mission. She is dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve lives and create lasting impact.
Virginia Price Booker serves as the Treasurer on the Seven Pearls Foundation Board, where she is responsible for managing the Foundation’s financial operations and ensuring fiscal transparency. With a strong foundation in Accounting and Finance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, she brings critical financial expertise to her role. She is also an experienced manager in the logistics and services sector, where she has honed her leadership skills and financial acumen in overseeing large-scale operations.
A retired U.S. Navy veteran, Ms. Booker is part of the distinguished group within Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority known as "Poodles in Boots," reflecting her deep commitment to both service and leadership. As a representative of the Central Region, Virginia Price Booker leverages her strategic vision and financial expertise to strengthen the Foundation’s financial health and sustainability, ensuring its ability to create lasting, impactful change. Her commitment to sound financial stewardship and operational excellence supports the Foundation’s long-term goals and growth.
Mary (Anderson) Randle joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority at Benedict College in Columbia, SC. She has demonstrated leadership in several chapters as her professional responsibilities required relocation. Starting with the graduate chapter in Philadelphia, she took on the role of undergraduate chapter advisor at Cheney State University. Upon relocating to the DC Metro area, she played a pivotal role in chartering the Eta Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Montgomery County, MD, where she also had the honor of welcoming her sister into the sorority. The Legacy continued as her nieces and goddaughters also joined. In celebration of 50 years of service, she was pinned as a Cultured Pearl by her niece.
Ms. Randle’s corporate career at a Fortune 100 company provided her with the opportunity to serve as a loaned executive for United Way of America, where she developed the "Spirit of America Program" to honor corporations for their support. She also held key roles at her firm, including Director of Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprises, where she facilitated partnerships between minority- and women-owned businesses and her employer, as well as Marketing and Quality Manager. Additionally, she contributed to several community boards. She received numerous awards for her corporate and civic involvement and was featured not only in her employer’s magazine but also in Professional Woman's Magazine, published by the National Association of Women Business Owners, as well as the Washington Business Journal. Mary Randle's diverse leadership and background, coupled with her business and corporate skills, dedication to service and community empowerment, makes her an invaluable member of the Seven Pearls Foundation Board, where she serves as Vice-President and is a member of the Northeastern Region. |
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