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SHEOYK JONES
Impact Strategist/Economic Developer
Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of Mis Sheoyki a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., ATL Leaders Council, the International Economic Development Council, World Affairs Council of Atlanta, Atlanta International Night Market, a member of the PR and Marketing Committee of the Atlanta Business League, and a Board Member advisor and mentor to non-profit organization The Young Elite. Serves community through volunteering efforts, such as Hands on Atlanta and Clinton Foundation Day of Action. Her accolades include Metro Atlanta Chamber: ChooseATL Influencer, honored as The20ATL Influencer of the Year.
MICHAEL HUGHES
Board Member
Owner and operator of Lawns Etc., a lawn care and landscape service established business of 23 years that employs 8 to 10 people. A lab technician at Westlake Chemicals for 20 years in Aberdeen, MS. Studied at Texas A&M Municipal Fire School, Project 50, and Mississippi State Fire Academy
JAMELLA JOHNSON
Advisory Board Member
US Army Veteran with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Human Development & Family Services. Jamella brings a wealth of knowledge to our team and participants with her Master’s Degree in School Counseling. She is an American Military University & Mercy College graduate and an asset to our advisory board.
PASTOR JESSIE HUTTON
Alternative Board Member
Retired military and Pastor of Reform Temple Church - Reform, Alabama.
Meet Our Staff
JULIE PATEL
Hospitality Job Placement Coordinator
40 years of experience in various sectors of the hospitality industry, at leading companies such as Heritage Inn and Best Western. General management experience, along with problem-solving, communication, and multitasking. Supports our participants by connecting them with employment opportunities in the hospitality industry.
MS. KAYLA PATEL
Volunteer
Graduate of The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. Public Health Major with concentrations in Health Education & Promotion and Health Professions.
KMARION HARRIS
Youth Volunteer
Love football, basketball, and soccer a member of YMCA, love helping others
LAWRENCE PINKNEY
Budgeting Counselor
Lawrence is a Financial Consultant for Granger Financial in the Washington D.C. area. He has served in the financial services industry for 12 years. Throughout his professional career he has held several positions focusing on personal finance. Originally Washington D.C. he attended St Augustine University in Raleigh NC. There, he obtained his Bachelor's in Business Administration with a focus in Finance. He is passionate about the world of finances particularly
educating the community and helping them succeed with their financial needs. In his free time he teaches martial arts lessons to students of all ages and plays video games.
SANDY YOUNG
Volunteer
Sports Mom fundraiser organizer, volunteer for children with autism, enjoy serving her community
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BRITTNEY BROWN
Volunteer
Nurse with Mississippi State Department of Health. Enjoys serving the underserved communities by supporting, helping, and caring for others through acts of kindness and making a positive impact
LOGAN GRAY
Youth Volunteer
Loves sports, being with family, and helping others.
MR. JAY PATEL
Board Chairman
A business owner in the hospitality industry partner of a management company and board member of the Columbus Visitor Bureau
SHEOYK JONES
Impact Strategist/Economic Developer
Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of Mis Sheoyki a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., ATL Leaders Council, the International Economic Development Council, World Affairs Council of Atlanta, Atlanta International Night Market, a member of the PR and Marketing Committee of the Atlanta Business League, and a Board Member advisor and mentor to non-profit organization The Young Elite. Serves community through volunteering efforts, such as Hands on Atlanta and Clinton Foundation Day of Action. Her accolades include Metro Atlanta Chamber: ChooseATL Influencer, honored as The20ATL Influencer of the Year.
MICHAEL HUGHES
Board Member
Owner and operator of Lawns Etc., a lawn care and landscape service established business of 23 years that employs 8 to 10 people. A lab technician at Westlake Chemicals for 20 years in Aberdeen, MS. Studied at Texas A&M Municipal Fire School, Project 50, and Mississippi State Fire Academy
JAMELLA JOHNSON
Advisory Board Member
US Army Veteran with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Human Development & Family Services. Jamella brings a wealth of knowledge to our team and participants with her Master’s Degree in School Counseling. She is an American Military University & Mercy College graduate and an asset to our advisory board.
PASTOR JESSIE HUTTON
Alternative Board Chairman
Retired military and Pastor of Reform Temple Church - Reform, Alabama.
Our customer-friendly staff is passionate about what we are doing. They understand that it's not just about feeding a man but mentoring, helping someone who has fallen, and watching him stand back up and productively live life. We promote a You Can Do It attitude!
If you're interested in booking our Founder or one of our staff members for a speaking engagement, click the button below to contact us about your event.
SHARON JONES
Executive Director/Job Placement Coordinator
27 years of management experience in the hospitality industry. Proven track record in assisting returning citizens to reintegrate into society through job opportunities and essential resources. Passionate about community service and empowerment, with active involvement in local initiatives and organizations
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Professional Experience
**Founder & Executive Director**
**Paroled2Pride** | 2007 - Present
- Established a nonprofit organization that provided resources and job opportunities for returning citizens.
- Developed partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to facilitate employment and training programs.
- Organized workshops and support groups to assist individuals in their reintegration journey.
- Community Feedings and clothing giveaways
Management Professional
**Best Western** 1997 - Present
- Managed daily operations, ensuring high standards of service and guest satisfaction.
- Led a team of 15 staff, focusing on training and development to promote a positive work environment.
- Implemented cost-saving measures that improved profitability while maintaining quality service.
Community Involvement
**Board Member**
**Friendly City Garden** 2024 - Present
- Collaborate with community members to promote sustainable gardening practices and improve local food security by introducing healthy eating
**Member**
**Lowndes County Task Force** 2019 - Present
- Participate in strategic planning and community initiatives to address local issues and improve quality of life.
**Member**
**Columbus Community Read** 2024 - Present
- Engage with community members through literacy programs and promote reading as a fundamental skill for personal development.
**Member**
**North Mississippi Emmaus Walk** 2014 - Present
- Involved in spiritual retreats
**Google Scholarship Distributor** 2021 - Present
- Distribute scholarships to deserving individuals, promoting education and skill development in the community.
**Columbia University Justice through Code
Skills
- Program Development
- Community Outreach
- Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking
-Bible Band Teacher
ROBERT GREATHREE JR.
Fiscal Manager
Bachelor of Science in Accounting at University of Southern Mississippi - May 2009. Executive Director of Columbus Housing Authority. 7 years of experience in concentration in governmental accounting; not-for-profit accounting, bookkeeping, and tax planning.
TAMARA JONES
Case Manager
Master of Social Work Concentration: Healthcare. University of Alabama - May 2004; Bachelor of Social Work - Mississippi State University - May 2001. Qualified Mental Health Professional. Memphis, TN - Provision of individual psychotherapy/counseling to inmates with the goals of reducing maladaptive behavior and fostering effective psychological functioning. Provision of crisis intervention services to inmates as referred by institutional and medical staff or to self-referred inmates since July 2014.
MS. DAISY YOUNG
Volunteer
22 years experience as a supervisor, 3 years experience as a case worker, and 2 years volunteer service at Prairie Opportunity.