Shalewa S. Nyanza
Shalewa is a native of Las Vegas, New Mexico who is a supportive and heavily involved mother of 2 children; a son and a daughter who both are in college. She graduated from North Carolina Central University with a BS in Mathematics and minor in Physics. She is currently attending Harvard University studying Nonprofit Management to receive a Graduate level Certificate to gain expertise in running a nonprofit organization. In her professional career she has over 28 years working in technology where she has worn many hats as a Computer Programmer, Business Analyst, Project Lead, Data Analyst and Automated Engineer. She is a member on many diverse committees that promote and encourage young women of color to not only get into to professional fields of STEM but how to have tenure in that industry.
Shalewa is the founder and CEO of the non-profit organization "Five Star Women of Color", Inc. She is also the owner of another business called STEMly Bold that encourages women of color to get and stay in STEM. Shalewa is a member of the NAACP, Women in Cybersecurity Mid-Atlantic and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Meet the board
Dr. Kaysan Owens
Dr. Owens is a native of Guyana in south America who is a mother of 2 daughters and a loving wife with 10 years of marriage. She received her BS in Health Science from Towson University, MS in Health Science from Coppin State University, and her Doctorate in Health Science from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Owens is formerly a primary care provider and a seasoned health care professional with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, who has a passion for health and wellness, with a focus on prevention which is better than a cure! Dr. Owens work history spans various healthcare systems and also served on active duty for the United States Army. Dr. Owens worked at The VA Home Based Primary Care, various hospital ERs throughout Baltimore City and County, and owned an urgent care in Prince George’s County that she developed from ground up! Currently she owns Body Basics Wellness Center where she uses traditional and alternative medicine to help people look better and feel great. Dr. Owens is actively involved in research and academic pursuits, serves on the board of a nonprofit organization and volunteers in the community through various programs and initiatives.
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​Dr. Owens enjoys staying active by bike riding and hiking, exploring new cuisines, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.
Genneya Briscoe
Genneya Briscoe is a native of Washington, DC who is the proud girl mom of two beautiful daughters. Presently Genneya is employed by the Department of Commerce. She is a self-driven and motivated woman who advanced her career over 25 years in the fields of Human Resources and Administration elevating herself from an Administration Assistant to Director of HR and Employee Relations. Through her hard work and determination with the assistance of the completion of numerous educational programs and training courses she has managed to take her professional career to unimaginable places proving that nothing surpasses pure determination but God.
She is the founder of her own Non-Profit, Designers Row an internship program for young designers and creatives. Genneya she is able to pursue her many creative talents as a serial creative and innovator through being a podcast host, interior and furniture designer, stylist and heading networking events.
In the midst of her day-to-day life Genneya makes it a priority to highlight and connect creatives as well as black women entrepreneurs in the DMV and surrounding areas.​
Genneya Briscoe
Genneya Briscoe is a native of Washington, DC who is the proud girl mom of two beautiful daughters. Presently Genneya is employed by the Department of Commerce. She is a self-driven and motivated woman who advanced her career over 25 years in the fields of Human Resources and Administration elevating herself from an Administration Assistant to Director of HR and Employee Relations. Through her hard work and determination with the assistance of the completion of numerous educational programs and training courses she has managed to take her professional career to unimaginable places proving that nothing surpasses pure determination but God.
She is the founder of her own Non-Profit, Designers Row an internship program for young designers and creatives. Genneya she is able to pursue her many creative talents as a serial creative and innovator through being a podcast host, interior and furniture designer, stylist and heading networking events.
In the midst of her day-to-day life Genneya makes it a priority to highlight and connect creatives as well as black women entrepreneurs in the DMV and surrounding areas.​
Dr. Ronita Walker
Dr. Ronita Walker is an Adjunct Sociology Professor and Senior Higher Education Administrator. As a Sociologist, Dr. Walker integrates equity approaches into her courses, research, programs and policy development. She is deeply passionate about creating pathways that enhance college accessibility for minority students, driven by her belief that education is a powerful tool for socio-economic mobility.
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Dr.Walker’s community involvement includes active participation in organizations such as the NAACP, the Women League of Voters, the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), and the Harford County Public Schools Blueprint Steering Committee, where she helps shape equitable policies and initiatives for the county. She has also led impactful initiatives in the local community, such as fundraisers and drives to support Baltimore City students.
In addition to professional and community involvement, she is a loving wife who enjoys traveling and experiencing all the fun and joy that life has to offer.