Education Program

Yarkenda Payne-Diallo, MBA

Director of Justice for Black Coloradans (JBC)

Jessica Wilson

jessica@chicdenver.org

A trauma therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Capella University, specializing in Clinical Counseling. I am committed to serving Black and Brown youth, women, and men by providing evidence-based, compassionate care to support healing from trauma and life’s challenges.

“For me, mental health is more than a profession—it’s my life’s purpose.” -Jessica Wilson

Angel Shabazz

djafoundation27@gmail.com

My work is rooted in personal experience, community-led change, and a commitment to mentorship that empowers young women to see themselves as powerful and capable. At CHIC to build resources that advance healing, education, and economic mobility for women and girls of color.

“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased” Maya Angelou

Na’Dea Duncan | Executive Coordinator

nadea@chicdenver.org

At CHIC, I create intentional spaces that empower women and young ladies in education, workforce, re-entry, and community work. I combine compassion with strategy to drive lasting change. From managing operations and coordinating events to building relationships and ensuring every detail aligns with CHIC’s mission, my role is about turning vision into impact and making sure women and young ladies feel supported every step of the way.

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” – Diane Mariechild

Dr. Nick Dawkins | Chief of Programs

nick@chicdenver.org

I have been at the forefront of promoting exceptional outcomes in student achievement since my time as a teacher, coinciding with a period that researchers have identified as one characterized by "dramatically expanded educational options" and high stakes for academic success among marginalized communities. With over 20 years of experience in schools and non-profits, I have a profound understanding, motivation, and dedication to urban youth and families, like those present at CHIC. My doctoral dissertation delves into the challenges faced by Black school leaders in public schools and how we can improve retention, recruitment, and overall student performance outcomes.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” - Mary Oliver

Lateisha Thomas | Education Facilitator

lateisha@chicdenver.org

I am dedicated to empowering Black and Brown youth, drawing from my own experiences as a young girl who once felt unseen and unworthy. As a mother and dance instructor my world revolves around nurturing and uplifting youth, making this work a full-circle moment for me. My role at CHIC is more than just a job, it's a calling fueled by passion and purpose.

"When you learn, teach. When you get, give”. - Maya Angelou

Jas Sherman | ReEntry Case Empowerment Specialist

jas@chicdenver.org

I have always had a passion for mentorship and community work. That passion was born from having amazing black women in my life that provided me mentorship through the difficult times of my life. My hope is to give back to young people what others poured into me. I never wanted to be a leader but I answered the call anyway.

"In everything that you do, strive to do it so well that no man living, no man dead, and no man yet to be born can do it better." B. Mays

Marquitta Foster | Workforce Specialist

marquitta@chicdenver.org

I am passionate about women’s wellness, confidence, and community empowerment, and have spent the last seven years showing up to create the support I once needed. Through CHIC, I help women heal, grow, and thrive in mind, body, and career. Together, we can Empower Women. Strengthen Families. Transform Communities.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

Shaniyah Sullivan | Workforce Specialist

shaniyah@chicdenver.org

As a coach, entrepreneur, and community advocate, my work with CHIC is about opening doors for women of color and the next generation of leaders. I’m passionate about creating spaces where voices are heard, confidence is built, and opportunities are accessible. Empowering others isn’t just my work — it’s who I am, and I believe when people thrive, communities thrive too.

“You are the greatest project you’ll ever work on. Restart. Rest. Refocus as many times as you need to-just don’t give up on yourself.”

Jaime Webb | ReEntry Judicial Specialist

jamie@chicdenver.org

Through my own challenges, I’ve learned that life is always working for us, not against us. This truth allows me to walk alongside the young women of CHIC with compassion and relatability while also holding them accountable to their goals and dreams. My role is to encourage victory by helping youth move beyond false identities and embrace their true power, even in the face of setbacks. Service to my community is not just my calling; it is the posture of my heart, and I strive to live it daily by creating safe, loving spaces where growth and transformation can flourish.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou

Maggie Villa | Education Facilitator

maggie@chicdenver.org

I am a proud Latina, passionate about youth empowerment and mental wellness. Representation matters to me. I strive to be a relatable role model who shows young Latina girls they are seen, heard, and capable of achieving anything.

"They tried to bury us, but we bloom louder, prouder, and brighter for ourselves and for every girl watching.”

Jordan Blair | Education Facilitator

jordan@chicdenver.org

Education is my passion, being impactful is what I strive for. The opportunity to work with CHIC was meant for me, and I want to do my very best to fulfill that duty. I am a recent transplant from North Carolina and have been working in education for eleven years! I have always wanted to do more community-based work and help children inside and outside the classroom and I believe CHIC to be the best home for me to facilitate that! I am so blessed to be working with an organization like CHIC and I know working here we really are shaking it up!

“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.” – Thurgood Marshall

Josh Edwards | Finance Manager

accounting@chicdenver.org

As a career accounting professional, I come to CHIC as a former board Member, friend, ally, and now the Finance Manager! “The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.” – Bryan Stevenson

Nola Mckenson | Director of Finance

nola@chicdenver.org

No nation rises above its women’, is a sentiment that I wholeheartedly agree with. It is no wonder why nations that prioritize the interest and well-being of their women thrive; whist others that deviate, suffer. Afterall, when she is born, she is God! Fate has brought me to serve at CHIC, to contribute to the re-positioning of the women, so that she may multiply only goodness, from a place of control and power. I am honored to share my expertise in contribution to this endeavor! My accounting and finance background has prepared me to contribute financial wellness with CHIC, after all the stronger our financial position, the more we are able to execute our mission! “One-sided loyalty is for suckers.”

Aaliyah Ali | Brand Consultant & Social Media Manager

aaliyah@chicdenver.org

As a filmmaker and multi-hyphenate creative, working with CHIC has given me the opportunity to not only showcase the powerful work we do, but to tell our story. As a young Gen Z Black woman, my perspective in this space is essential, and I am honored to be surrounded by other brilliant Black women and changemakers—capturing our collective struggle, love, and resilience through my lens.

“If you can hold it in your head, you can hold it in your hand.” – Bob Proctor

Tia DeVille | ReEntry Judicial Specialist

tia@chicdenver.org

I am deeply passionate about youth, sisterhood, and community empowerment, and have spent over 18 years intentionally showing up as the person I once needed. Through CHIC, I create safe spaces for girls and women to heal, grow, and embrace their magic. My mission is simple: Be Present. Be Mindful. Spread Love.

“I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand.” - Maya Angelou

Noel Emerson | Re-Entry Elementary Coordinator

noel@chicdenver.org

You’ve got a friend in me! After years of working in education and ministry, I hold a strong belief that every child needs someone who will be their biggest cheerleader, supporter, and a caring person they can depend on. That’s my lifelong commitment to the families, students, and communities I serve.

As a Black educator, I stand on the words of Bell hooks: “The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility.” I believe every space with young people has the power to nurture hope, inspire change, and open doors to their future.

Jamarian Evans | Education Program Manager

jamarian@chicdenver.org

As a leader, mother, and woman of color, I am passionate about transforming generational trauma into triumph through self-love, community, and authentic connection. Known for building strong relationships and uplifting others, I strive to lead with compassion, courage, and purpose. At CHIC, my role extends far beyond my title. I am part of a mission to empower and uplift our youth, helping them see that they are beautiful, bold, and brilliant, and reminding them that it is not only okay, but essential, to dream big.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Michaelá Lewis | Workforce Coordinator

michaela@chicdenver.org

When I think of the love, support, and positive energy poured into my life, especially from women, I know I must pour that same investment into others. At CHIC, my purpose is to help women tap into their full potential, fueling both personal growth and collective impact. I’m committed to building dope spaces of transformation, empowerment, and legacy.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…” ~Marianne Williamson

Hilari Smith | Co-Founder & Chief of Operations

hilari@chicdenver.org

I honor the legacy of the Black women who lifted and supported me by creating opportunities through CHIC where every woman and girl can rise with love, faith and determination. My commitment is rooted in believing Black women and girls can carry every dream, break every barrier and shine in every space. Our superpower is not what we do, it is WHO WE ARE.

​“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” — Audre Lorde

Sade Cooper | Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

sade@chicdenver.org

Our duties naturally emerge from such fundamental relations as our families, neighborhood, workplaces, our state or nation. Make it your regular habit to consider your roles-parent, child, neighbor, citizen, leader -and the natural duties that arise from them. Once you know who you are and to whom you are linked, you will know what to do.” (Epictetus)

I credit this core philosophy when leading and serving others. My roles, past experiences, relationships with others and connection to my community, are the leading factors to my innate responsibility to do the work I do.

“To start something is to change everything”
– Sadé Cooper