Board of Directors
Crystal Lander Chairman of the Board Ms. Crystal Lander is the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and works professionally as the Associate Vice President of Global Advocacy at CARE USA, where she leads global policy and advocacy efforts advancing women’s and girls’ equality, health access, food and nutrition security, and economic livelihoods. With more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, she has held senior leadership roles at Pathfinder International, Living Goods, and Management Sciences for Health, building high-impact coalitions and partnerships. |
Andrea Smith Vice-Chairman Ms. Andrea C. Smith is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of the 2026 Cooley-Moore Scholarship Luncheon Fashion Show. She is a senior marketing leader with more than 25 years of experience driving high-impact, data-driven marketing strategies for globally recognized brands. As Senior Director of Marketing at AARP Services, Inc., Andrea brings deep expertise in partner marketing, member engagement, and performance-driven campaigns. She is known for building high-performing teams and turning strategies into impactful results. |
Veronica Jackson President of the Board Ms. Veronica Jackson is the President of the Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. She is a seasoned music educator and teacher at Alexandria City High School. She has consistently prioritized being of service by listening, learning, and actively serving her community. Her work has strengthened partnerships with community organizations including the NAACP-Arlington Branch, Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School, the City of Alexandria Police Department, and ALIVE! |
Nadia Rahaman Secretary Ms. Nadia Rahaman is a member of the Board of Directors and serves as the Director of Development & Underwriting at WHUT-TV Howard University Television, where she leads fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships, and community-centered revenue strategies. With senior-level experience across public media, higher education, and national nonprofits, she brings expertise in individual giving, institutional fundraising, donor stewardship, and board engagement. Nadia is known for aligning mission, storytelling, and data-driven strategy to advance sustainable impact and inclusive philanthropy. |
Allyson Hillard Financial Secretary Dr. Allyson M. Hilliard, MD, FACOG, is the Financial Secretary of the Board of Directors, and a board-certified OB/GYN and OB Hospitalist with OB Hospitalist Group, where she builds hospitalist programs across the Southeast to strengthen safety and compassionate care for women and families. Passionate about mentorship and leadership development, she is dedicated to uplifting the next generation of physicians and community leaders. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, and serves as a Deacon at Alfred Street Baptist Church, joyfully supporting outreach, emergency medical ministry, and benevolence efforts that empower underserved communities. |
Chevalle Hardison Treasurer Ms. Chevalle Hardison serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors and holds the position of Vice President of Asset Management at Easterly Government Properties, Inc. In this capacity, she oversees asset management for a diverse portfolio, encompassing financial performance oversight, property operations, leasing, capital planning, investments, and ensuring tenant satisfaction. With more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, her expertise extends to accounting, property management, acquisitions, and dispositions. |
Karen Briggman Member Ms. Karen Briggman is a member of the Board of Directors and serves as a Senior Program Manager at BluePath Labs, where she leads mission-focused initiatives, builds cross-sector partnerships, and manages complex, multi-stakeholder programs. She is also an adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University. A retired U.S. Army Intelligence officer, Karen brings 30 years of leadership and management experience across defense, intelligence, and academia. |
Member Ms. Christine Powell Cade is a member of the Board of Directors, and serves as the Public Relations and Technology Chairman for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. She has over 25 years of experience across the private and public sectors, specializing in visualization and conveyance, data management, and technology. Christine is a federal civilian and government manager, where she leads teams and supports organizational objectives through strategic leadership and effective communication. She is the owner of Chris P. Design, a creative branding studio in Northern Virginia, where her work focuses on supporting small businesses in their growth and development. Christine is committed to using her leadership experience and technical expertise to advance mission-driven organizations and strengthen nonprofits. |
Member Ms. Hazel M. Cameron is a member of the Board of Directors and had a 38-year tenure at HHS ending with a senior-level appointment, highlighting her exceptional leadership. She is involved in her community, serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at St. John’s Baptist Church. She formerly served as the President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter and the Chairman and President of Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia. She has a bachelor of science degree in finance/economics, and a master of arts degree in counseling psychology. She brings a wealth of experience and commitment to community service which will advance our mission. |
Christine Powell Cade
Hazel Cameron
Member Jennifer Creighton is a member of the Board of Directors and a seasoned healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience in strategic operations, government programs, and revenue optimization. She has held senior roles at major payors like Molina Healthcare, Elevance, United Health Group, and Cigna, consistently driving ROI through exceptional analytics and operations. Currently, she is the Vice President of Risk Adjustment at Grace At Home, a Cinqcare company. Jennifer holds an MBA and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. |  Carolyn Hantz Member Carolyn Hantz is the Treasurer of Zeta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and CEO of Hantz Executive Coaching helping women reach the senior executive service in government. With a career spanning over 40 years, Carolyn has held senior executive service positions for 16 years at the United States Departments of Defense and Labor. She is a CPA and has earned the Department of Defense Distinguished and Superior Civilian Service Awards. |
Member Ms. Sheila Kirkwood is a member of the Board of Directors, and an accomplished leader in organizational and event management with experience directing people, projects, and operations across corporate, educational, and nonprofit sectors. Throughout her career and service commitments, she has led complex initiatives for diverse organizations, consistently delivering results through disciplined planning and stakeholder alignment. She began her career as a chemist before transitioning into small business consulting, where she made recommendations to organizations on methods to improve their communication and resource optimization. Sheila holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from The George Washington University and an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University. |
Jennifer Creighton
Sheila Kirkwood
Lynsey Lanier Member Ms. Lynsey Lanier is a member of the Board of Directors and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In this capacity, she acts as a key advisor to the Assistant Administrator, overseeing logistical operations that drive national water policy priorities. With a career spanning over 15 years of federal service, she has held numerous leadership roles at the Environmental Protection Agency. |
Tammie Smiley Member Ms. Tammie Smiley is a member of the Board of Directors and for the past 30 years, has worked professionally as an Engineer for the Department of War. Understanding her purpose to serve, she is the Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors for the Trideum Foundation, and for the Alfred Street Baptist Church Foundation, the Board of Advisors for Luke’s Wings, the Leadership Council for Black Professional International Affairs, a Board member for the Certified Modeling and Simulation Professional, and the 2026 Simulation Committee Chairman for Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference. |
Carol Turner Member Ms. Carol Turner is a member of the Board of Directors and an accomplished leader in solutions‑focused IT Business Services Management, delivering cost‑effective, high‑impact technology solutions for global clients. Her expertise includes cyber security, acquisition support, large‑scale systems design, infrastructure deployment, financial and operations management, enterprise management, application development oversight, and full‑lifecycle IT systems management. She is known for aligning technology strategies with evolving business needs and driving measurable value. Her Board roles include NCA‑MBOC, WIT, WiCyS‑NFCU, AFFIRM, Toastmasters D29, and PMI Washington DC/NFCU. |
