The Team
BOARD OF ADVISORS
It takes a solid team to execute a life-changing program. In addition to ELETE’s staff, our program is blessed with a team of passionate community leaders who share our vision of creating change for students on HBCU campuses.
Our Informal Advisory Team provides high level guidance for the direction of the ELETE Program and keeps us in check to assure we stay true to our mission. The ELETE Program guides the best and brightest students and that requires the best and brightest team. Meet the team that gives their time, experience and guidance to make the ELETE Program one of the finest programs in the country for students and universities.
Anthony Lincoln
Anthony Lincoln serves as CEO and Managing Partner at Gate To Gate Development, brings a wealth of experience derived from notable roles at Gameway (Airport), Jackmont Hospitality Inc, and Heartland Retirement Group. His diverse professional background spans various sectors, showcasing a robust skill set that encompasses Policy, Strategy, Government, Program Management, Strategic Planning, and more.
Rashad Johnson
Rashad Johnson isa former 2x captain for the Alabama Tide football team and had a long, successful career in the NFL. Rashad now coaches with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rashad is a passionate advocate for the community, forming his own nonprofit called "Walk on Life" to help disadvantaged youth.
Dr. Goldie Bird Smith
Dr. Goldie Bird-Smith stands as the visionary founder of the Center for Outreach in Alzheimer’s, Aging, and Community Health (COAACH) at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NCAT). Dr. Bird-Smith is the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity (MACHE) is an institutionally sponsored Center which promote health equity. Leveraging her extensive research background in Alzheimer’s Disease, Dr. Smith's commitment to advancing knowledge in the field propelled her to establish COAACH.
Dr. Derek Hicks
Dr. Derek Hicks holds the position of Associate Professor of Religion and Culture at Wake Forest University (WFU). Serving as the co-chair of the Religion and Food Group at the American Academy of Religion, Dr. Hicks is a distinguished scholar with a focus on the intersection of religion and culture. Derek is the Director of The Center for Research, Engagement and Collaboration in African American Life RECAAL) an incubator of ideas promoting awareness about the complex experiences of Black people in the United States.
Dr. Manju Bhat
Dr. Manju Bhat serves as the Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education at Winston-Salem State University, holding the additional positions of Professor of the Humanities and Associate Professor of Physiology within the Department of Biological Sciences.
Chelsea Bradford
Chelsea Bradford, dedicated Branch Manager at Piedmont Federal Savings Bank, is a proud alumna of Virginia Tech, holding a Bachelor of Science degree. With a commendable track record, Chelsea's professional journey includes a significant tenure as a Branch Leader at Truist from 2014 to 2021, demonstrating her leadership in the banking sector. Beyond her impactful career, Chelsea is deeply committed to community service, actively engaging in initiatives that contribute to the betterment of the community.
Omari Legget
Omari Legget, the visionary founder of Penciled Consulting, brings to the table an impressive 20-year track record as a dynamic force in brand and product marketing. After graduating from Howard, Omari held leadership roles at Nike, Inc. and served as Vice President for Global Marketing at Dr. Dre's Beats Electronics. Omari has consistently propelled international marketing organizations forward, earning a well-deserved reputation for cultivating and developing future leaders within the industry.
Armani Scott
Armani Scott, in his capacity as Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary to UNCF, not only brings a wealth of legal expertise but also holds a special connection to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His role involves navigating the intersection of intellectual property, business, and brand development, showcasing a dynamic skill set that extends from legal drafting to creative research and writing, encompassing everything from screenplays to business plans for corporate and commercial ventures.
Morris Morrison
Morris Morrison, the driving force behind Windmill Park Media, is on a mission to cultivate Stronger, Kinder, Focused individuals. A seasoned Entertainer, Futurist, and Author, Morrison was educated at Fairmont State University and the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University, Morrison's career has transitioned through critical roles in Human Resources and Sales & Marketing. His entrepreneurship journey aligns with his passion for culture building, evident in his latest book, "Disrupt Yourself."
James Quander
Jimmy is a seasoned criminal defense attorney, specializing in state and federal criminal litigation, tackling complex cases such as criminal conspiracies, murder, sexual misconduct, and white-collar offenses. As a North Carolina State Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law, he has successfully presented over 50 cases to juries in the last five years, appearing regularly in southeastern courts.
Jacqueline Ray-Morris
Jacqueline Ray-Morris serves as the EEO Manager for Minority College Outreach and Engagement Programs for the National Guard Bureau. She is highly sought after in the corporate, government, faith-based and non-profit arenas throughout the country delivering timely messages with IMPACT! With her powerful organizational and time management skills, she serves on several boards throughout the US. She feels that taking an active role in your community is an absolute must in order to be an advocate for change. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she believes “It is important to empower our next generation to make positive changes!”
Dr. Wilma Hunt-Watts
Dr. Wilma Hunt-Watts embarked on her medical journey at Howard University in Washington, D.C., earning a B.S. in Chemistry. Following her undergraduate studies, she obtained her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, completing her residency at the Bergen Regional Medical Center in 1992. Boasting over 30 years in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Hunt-Watts holds a diverse professional background.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hunt-Watts has held staff privileges at esteemed institutions and beyond her private practice, her roles have included Surgical Instructor and clinic administrator. Notably, she served as Chief Tele-Health Provider for servicemen at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic.
Chad Cheek
Chad Cheek is owner and Chief Creative Officer of Elephant in The Room, a distinguished design and brand consultancy in Winston-Salem, NC. He is also the founder and Chief Curator of Artarie, a cutting-edge streaming platform dedicated to showcasing diverse and innovative arts and culture content from around the globe. Furthermore, as an Adjunct Professor at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Chad imparts his wealth of knowledge and insights on design and marketing to the next generation of creative professionals. Chad's commitment to community service is evident through his roles as a director or trustee for esteemed organizations such as The North Carolina Arts Council, The North Carolina Arts Foundation, ABC of NC, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, and Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership.
Dr. Cynthia Williams Brown
Dr. Willams Brown is an accomplished Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education, & Sport Studies at Winston Salem State University. Dr. Williams Brown earned her Master of Science from North Carolina Central University after graduating from Shaw University. Currently serving as the Interim Associate Dean of Education, Quality Assurance, and Community Engagement in the College of Arts Science, Business, and Education Business at WSSU, she continues her impactful work, earning recognition such as the Women of Vision award from the YWCA. Dr. Brown's initiatives include the Rams Fitness Academy, Simon Green Atkins Community Garden, and the Hosea Project, demonstrating her dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles within the community.
Dr. Ariel Smith
Ariel joined Wake Forest University as a professor in the Wake Forest Center for Entrepreneurship after 4 years of serving as the Scholar-in-Residence of the Purdue University Black Cultural Center.
Ariel holds a PhD in American Studies from Purdue University and a Master of Education in Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a Human Resource concentration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Collat School of Business with distinction in Global and Community Leadership.