MEET OUR TEAM
Board of Directors
The Whitney E. Johnson Foundation Board Members are a dynamic and visionary team, poised to drive positive impact and create a brighter future through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Chevonna Johnson
President/CEO
Chevonna Johnson is a leader in the community, serving as the CEO and President of The Whitney E. Johnson Foundation, Inc. She has a passion for developing programs and initiatives that make a positive impact, both locally and internationally. Through the foundation, she created YWRAP – Young Women Rising Above Perceptions – a mentoring and tutoring program aimed at helping young women understand their identity, find their purpose, and stay on track to fulfill their destiny.
The Whitney E. Johnson Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to supporting struggling academic students and providing them with positive reinforcement and creative learning experiences. Chevonna has also developed programs that address pressing issues affecting youth today, such as bullying, suicide prevention, teen pregnancy, violence, and mental health.
In addition to spearheading the strategic leadership with the foundation, Chevonna is also the CEO of All About Us Global Media Production Group, LLC.
Jay Barnett
Therapist/Retired NFL
Jay Barnett is a visionary in the fields of mental health, life coaching, and personal development. As an author, speaker, and therapist, he has dedicated his life to empowering individuals to become their best selves. With over a decade of experience as a successful mentor, motivational speaker, and corporate wellness trainer.
At Texas Southern University, Jay has been praised for its impact on personal and social development. As a life coach, Jay offers online mental health and life coaching sessions to individuals and groups, allowing them to tap into their innate gifts and cultivate supportive techniques to improve their lives.
Jay is the author of several best-selling books, including Finding Our Lost Kings and Queens, Letters to a Young Queen: Redefining Their Throne, Hello King, and Identity Crisis: A Discussion around Social Media Impact on Personal Identity, are high quality readings.
A native of Mississippi, Jay holds a bachelor’s degree in Science from Tarleton State University and a Master’s in family therapy from North Central University. He was recognized as Black Enterprise’s 2019 “BE Modern Man of the Year.” Jay’s mission is to inspire, empower, and ignite fire into the hearts of people everywhere, helping them to become the best versions of themselves.
Edwana Cottman
Dir. of Mental Health
Edwana Cottman is the Clinical Supervisor for Tidal Health. Ms. Cottman earned her Master’s of Social Work degree (MSW) from Salisbury University.
In July of 2013, Ms. Cottman began working at Peninsula Regional Medical Center (Now Tidal Health) as a Needs Assessment Clinician in the Emergency Department and as a Behavioral Health Social Worker on the Inpatient Mental Health Unit as well as in the Partial Hospitalization Program. Edwana achieved Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical (LCSW-C) in 2017. She obtained a LCSW license in the state of Virginia, in 2018, where she opened up Innovative ReNewal Therapy Center, LLC, a private practice in Onancock utilizing a multitude of alternative evidenced-based practices. Ms. Cottman loves to work with youth and had an opportunity to partner with The Whitney E. Foundation, Inc. to create the mental health program.
Dr. Dorina Barksdale
Spiritual Advisor
Dr. Dorina Barksdale is a Woman of God who was born in Smithtown, NY, and raised in Brentwood NY, by Clinton and Linda Williams. Ms. Barksdale indicates her greatest accomplishment is her three children, Anastasia, Jonathan, and Joshua Barksdale. Ms. Barksdale has a rich lineage of African American Heritage, Hispanic and Indian heritage and is currently employed as a Human Resource Specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, located in Northport, NY.
Dr. Barksdale holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Business from Berkeley College. She graduated from New York Christian College as an NYCBC Ambassador Chaplain in 2020 and earned her Doctor of Divinity in 2021.
Donald Jackson
Corporate & Community Liaison
Donald Jackson has over 25 years of experience in Distribution and Transportation in the public sector. Mr. Jackson graduated from Delaware State University with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration. The last few years Donald was a Payroll coordinator and Human resource administrator.
Donald was a foster parent for 23 years. where he mentored about 75 children. Donald is currently a member of the Voice of a different kind. This is a church ministry where they focus on the youth needs. including providing academic scholarships, youth development and fun activities. Donald also served on the Juvenile justice committee.
Dr. Monique De Four Jones, OBGYN
Director Women & Girls Health
Dr. Monique De Four Jones, OBGYN is currently working for Northwell-LIJ as the Associate Chief of Labor and Delivery in the Department of OB/Gyn.
Dr Jones has published numerous articles and continues to do research in the field. Dr. De Four Jones does a great deal of voluntary work both with the Hofstra Medical School, as well as missionary assignments in Guatemala, Haiti, and Africa. Dr. Monique De Four Jones has partnered with The Whitney E. Johnson Foundation, Inc. over the last 14 years.
Executive Directors
Toni Seawright
CFO
Toni Seawright is a trailblazer in the world of entertainment and accounting. With a B.A. in Vocal Music from the prestigious Mississippi University for Women. Toni earned her Master’s Degree in Entertainment Business with a Concentration in Accounting and Project Management from Full Sail University.
Not only is she a talented performer, gracing the stages of Broadway in productions such as “The Wiz,” “Street Corner Symphony,” and “What Would Jesus Do?”. With her unparalleled combination of vocal and accounting skills, Toni Seawright is a force to be reckoned with, making her a valuable asset to any team.
Dr. Deborah Fuqua
COO
With over 23 years of workforce development experience, Dr. Deborah Fuqua is an advocate for human resource development for private and public sector organizations. Considered an expert in the field of organizational leadership, she is a frequent speaker at organizations and conferences nationwide, covering topics related to educational leadership, women as leaders, leadership development, employee development, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and other leadership-related topics.
Dr. Fuqua teaches, encourages, and motivates others to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Kirbie Harris
Chief Executive Assistant
With over 23 years of experience in court administration, Kirbie Jone Harris is a seasoned professional in the field. She has spent the past 13 years working as a Court Intake Agent with Richland County Probation, Parole, and Pardon Service, where she is responsible for processing probationers and recently released parolees. Prior to this role, Kirbie spent over 10 years as an Administrative Coordinator with the City of Columbia Municipal Court.
Kirbie was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina and attended Claflin University in Orangeburg, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences with a minor in Sociology. Her educational background and passion for the field have been instrumental in her success as a court administrator.
Advisory Members
The Whitney E. Johnson Foundation Advisory Members are a powerhouse of brilliance, creativity, and passion. With their expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, they are driving positive change and shaping the future with bold ideas, strategic insight, and unparalleled impact.
Jackie Rhinehart
Marketing Director
Director of Artist Development at Hush Productions. Hush, a full-service entertainment company, which produced acts such as Freddie Jackson, Melba Moore, Najee, Mel’isa Morgan, Ray Goodman & Brown, as well as award-winning Songwriters McFadden & Whitehead Barry Eastmond and Kashif, plus 23 others recording acts, was the largest urban music management and production company in the country.
Rhinehart directed the details of each artist’s projects, developed marketing plans and creative album packaging. Though Hush was her first major industry position, Rhinehart was hardly an ingénue.
Mark Hill
Multimedia Specialist
Meet Mark Hill, a visionary in multimedia and creativity. As the owner of Mark Hill Creative, he offers cutting-edge solutions to top names in the entertainment industry, including Warner Bros, City Of Hope, Universal Music, Jamie Foxx, Claudette Robinson, to Sheiks in the UAE. He honed his skills at UCLA, where he studied music and entertainment law, and is now a sought-after advisor for organizations such as City Of Hope and The Living Legends Foundation.
Mark is a man of integrity, serving as a little league football coach and an active member of the NAACP. He is a leader in his field and a role model, constantly pushing boundaries with his passion and dedication to his work. Whether it’s through his cutting-edge multimedia solutions or his commitment to the community, Mark Hill is a team player who delivers outstanding results.
Latanya WIlson
Accountant/Paymaster
LaTanya Wilson holds a law degree in taxation and is highly experienced in accounting and business consulting. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Diversified Services Management Group (DSMG), a full-service accounting and business consulting firm, LaTanya brings over 20 years of experience and an unmatched level of expertise to her clients. DSMG also includes the following non-profit organizations: Gifted Consulting, LLC, and Helping Others “Imbrace” Gods Manifestations Inc.
LaTanya’s journey in the field of accounting began in 2002 when she founded Gifted Consulting by FAITH. Over the years, she worked tirelessly to build business relationships and gain expertise in her field. Her hard work paid off when she was able to buy out another accounting firm and launch Diversified Services Management Group.
Courtney Cockrell, Esq
Legal Advisor
Courtney E. Cockrell is currently the deputy general counsel for a state agency in Mississippi. During the 2020 presidential election, she was on the legal staff of March On Voter Protection Corps, a national organization concentrating on voter protection and voter education.
Ms. Cockrell currently serves on the board of Registration Nation, a voter protection and advocacy nonprofit organization. She holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where she served as a member of the Moot Court Board. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mississippi and a Bachelor of Science from Tennessee State University.
Michael Dozier
Advisory Consultant
Mr. Dozier currently served as the Founder, Principal Owner and CEO of Carrington, Holland & Leigh Consulting Firm which provides nonprofit development and fund development services for nonprofits, faith and community based organizations. Michael previously worked in state government as a Project Grant Administrator and currently serve as a workshop facilitator and presenter in grant writing, fundraising, board development, strategic planning and nonprofit start-up. He is a Certified Grant Reviewer Writer and was selected in 2005 by the Mississippi Business Journal as Outstanding Nonprofit CEO.
Mr. Dozier currently serves as a Federal Grant Reviewer for the federal government.
Dr. Karen Maxfield-Lunkin
Director of Education
Dr. Karen Maxfield – Lunkin is a best-selling, award winning, literary coach and visionary author, an educational entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience as an educational leader, parent, teacher, pastor, mentor, public school principal, professor, parent-coach and special education advocate.
Described as a thought leader and innovator, Dr. Karen’s mission is to “guide people through writing to uncover – to discover and finally recover their God-given gifts and talents buried deep within them”.
Angelo Ellerbee
Public Relations
Angelo Ellerbee is an institution! The public relations maverick has worked with and guided the careers of icons and ingenues, legends and leading actors and he has built a legacy that continues to flourish decades after he began. In 1985, Ellerbee founded Double XXposure Public Relations, working with artists and record labels to champion the careers of such luminaries as Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack and reggae giants like Shabba Ranks and Patra, while also shaping the careers of supermodels and burgeoning business titans and industry leaders. Mr. Ellerbee is currently working with several non-profits.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t see your question, feel free to send us an email. We’ll be happy to answer it for you.
WEJF is committed to providing services to all individuals no matter their age.
Yes. WEJF is here to serve all who come with a need no matter how big or small. The community is ourresponsibility to connect with other organizations to help fulfill those needs within each of our communities.
Interested individuals can volunteer by emailing WEJF your resume and indicate in what capacity you would like to serve. You must be willing to fill out necessary papers with a background check.
Yes. One of WEJF’s strengths is providing assistance and support to Juvenile Probation Services through mentoring with a goal of empowering troubled youths to reach their full potential.
Yes, WEJF has several counselors and resources to help with drug abuse and addiction.
Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM/EST We will also have someone available live 24/7 to respond to all calls within our scope of business
Volunteer
Join the WEJ Foundation in creating a positive impact! Be a volunteer and help make a difference in your community. Your time and skills can help change lives.
Send us a message. One of our team members will respond regarding the process. We look forward to working with you.
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