meet the advisory board
LaRhonda
As a young girl, I always fancied myself as a TV news reporter. Partly because I grew up as the little sister in a family of boys, meaning I was nosy and a natural “tattletale”. Thankfully, I later discovered my passion for writing and unearthed my desire to be a great communicator. This led me to Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism. My first broadcast job took me to the Augusta, Ga. market, where I worked as a general assignment reporter — covering anything from overturned farm tractors to the Masters. Realizing that I wasn’t really about that newsroom life, I pivoted and focused more on roles in public relations and integrated marketing communications. I’ve had a number of awesome opportunities to lead strategic communications for sports entities, nonprofit organizations and global corporations, relying in large part on my keen abilities as a natural storyteller. Beyond that, I’m passionate about all things Atlanta, a born-and-bred Atlanta Falcons fan, enjoy expanding my shoe collection, hanging with the family and pretending to host my own cooking show (Pinterest recipes are life). I’m passionate about creating space for girls and young women, and I am an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where I’ve served as co-chair of my chapter’s mentoring and scholarship cotillion program.
What’s your Girl Power: Snark/Humor/Sarcasm; being a connector and the “hub of the wheel”; and consistently winning in Fantasy Football in a league full of men. *curtsies*.
Inspirational Quote: “You’re a multi-million dollar woman. The earning potential of your intellectual capital is limitless — never settle for less than you’re worth.” — (Rev. Dr. Larron D. Jackson, my Daddy)
Countries Visited: Belize, Great Britain, Spain, Morocco/Northern Africa, various Caribbean island nations
Travel Bucket List: Seychelles, Ghana, Maldives, Kenya, Nigeria, Croatia, Portugal, Bali, Italy, South Africa, Panama
Jennifer
Jennifer (Lacy) Bradford spent 10 years as a professional basketball player in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury, Atlanta Dream, Tulsa Shock, Los Angeles Sparks, and Connecticut Sun. She is now an Associate Broker Manager with Redfin Corporations. Jennifer graduated from Pepperdine University in 2005 where she studied broadcast production, public relations, and psychology.
What’s your Girl Power: My ability to see the beauty in everything. I am a “look at the bright side” kind of person who chooses to live life as an eternal optimist. I am a natural leader and motivator.
Inspirational Quote: “Nothing is too big or impossible; there’s nothing that can’t be conquered or overcome.”
Countries Visited: Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Hungry, Poland, Croatia, Turkey, Cyprus, South Africa, Angola, Dubai, Israel, Greece, Honduras, Finland, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Latvia, Belize
Travel Bucket List: Bali, Australia, Fiji, India, Maldives
Crystal
Crystal is a leader and strategist in the youth development sector, providing strategic and operational direction for the program development team at the largest youth serving organization in the United States. Through personal and professional experiences, Crystal became an advocate for building strong programs that advance marginalized populations. She not only worked with large youth development brands, but also has experience innovating with startup companies. Most recently, she co-founded a small firm of consultants focused on developing community-based solutions in partnership with community stakeholders. Crystal has over 15 years of experience in youth development programs designing, testing and scaling new program strategies.
What’s your Girl Power: My Girl Power is coaching. I can often see connections that others may not see. I enjoy playing the background and have found that coaching provides a great balance of setting a vision, helping individuals see how they fit into that vision and connecting the dots to make that vision come to life.
Inspirational Quote: ““Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde
Countries Visited: Senegal, Trinidad, Jamaica, Canada, Mexico
Travel Bucket List: Greece, Ethiopia, Ireland, South Africa, Spain
Ambree
Ambree is a Senior Accountant for Blavity, Inc. and previously worked in similar roles for the Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta Braves, Turner and the Atlanta Dream. Ambree graduated from South Carolina State University and earned her M.B.A. from Mercer University. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and has a passion for girl empowerment and programming.
What’s your Girl Power: Compassion and Charisma
Inspirational Quote: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” — Ephesians 3:20
Countries Visited: Bahamas; Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico
Travel Bucket List: Belize, Egypt, Fiji, Greece, Maldives, Portugal, Sierra Leone