Board of Directors – NCBW-RMAC

OFFICERS 2023-2025

Bernette Hardy-Keyes

President

A chartering member since 2015, Bernette holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Regent University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems from Virginia State University. She is a retired IT professional from Dominion Energy, Inc. with an extensive knowledge of networking and email/messaging. She is now a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Richmond West. Bernette has served as Recording Secretary and Vice President Programs. She serves as Neighborhood Watch Coordinator in her HOA; works in her church and in her community; likes to read, play tennis, and travel. Bernette is married and lives in Henrico, Virginia.

Carol Watkins

First Vice President - Programs

With an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Carol also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University. Carol is qualified as a Master Trainer, administrator, and instructor for the MBTI Step II. She serves her church in several leadership capacities, most notably as an ordained Deacon. Carol serves as the CARF Compliance Officer for Clearview Counseling Services, Inc., a mental health services provider in Richmond, Virginia. She spends much of her time volunteering as Executive Director of ChambluCaps, a nonprofit organization based in Baltimore, Maryland. ChampluCaps is a community-driven organization that promotes the elimination of health disparities among the African American population. Carol has been a member of NCBW RMAC since 2016, and has served in a number of roles including VP of Membership (2021-2023), Ethics and Protocol Committee Chair, and served on the Bylaws, Fund Development, and Education committees locally. At the national level, Carol sits on the National Ethics Committee.

Quanda Baker

Second Vice President - Fund Development Immediate Past President

Quanda Baker is a Chartering member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter, and has been an active member for six years. She was elected Chapter President and served in this capacity for the 2019-2021 term, and currently serves as the Immediate Past President on the Executive Board. She has served as the Corresponding Secretary, as well as being a member of the Membership, Education, Finance, Bylaws, and Fundraising committees. She also served as the Phenomenal Women Gala Chairperson for two years. On the national level, Quanda served on the National Board of Directors as the National Secretary for four years. She served as a member of the National Education, Communication, Public Relations/Technology, Public Policy, and Communication committees. She also served as Co-Chair of the Fund Development Committee. At the 2021 Biennial Conference, she was elected Second Vice President of Finance and Fund Development.

Erika Brooks, MS, LPC, CSAC

Third Vice President - Membership

Erika Brooks is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor who has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. She is the Owner of Enlightenment Counseling Services, LLC where she enjoys providing individual counseling to help you live your best life. She is the co-author of two books and a contributing author for Hope for Women magazine. Erika has been a member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter since September 2017. Currently, Erika currently serves as our 3rd Vice President of Membership and Health Chair. In her spare time, she enjoys working in her church and spending time with her family and friends.

Tredessa T. Travers

Recording Secretary

Tredessa T. Travers, has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Olivet College. She continues to thrive as an insurance professional, and is involved in many active insurance industry organizations. She is also a devoted wife and mother, and has a strong passion for advocating on behalf of all black girls and women, and is a proud supporter of service throughout her community.

Alexandra Hayes Stewart

Corresponding Secretary

Alexandra Hayes Stewart is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. She currently serves as a Manager of Behavioral Health Services with Elevance Health, f.k.a. Anthem, Inc. Her team supports individuals seeking access to quality mental and physical health services. They assist with members getting their preventative care needs met along with closing any gaps in their health care. Prior to working at Elevance Health, Alexandra held several positions with Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services. She worked on the ACT Team, Same Day Access and Crisis Teams. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Science and Fitness Management and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University and VCU, respectively.

Sonji Rollins Tucker

Financial Secretary

Sonji Rollins Tucker is a Licensed & Registered Investment Advisor & Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate. Her expertise in financial planning, business development, and investment management led her to establish SRT Wealth Design Group, LLC, where she serves as Founder & Managing Director. The firm specializes in creating financial roadmaps and paths to prosperity for high-achieving women. It offers comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, investment and life insurance management, along with other core asset-building solutions. Sonji holds a B.S. in Finance, attending both Hampton University and Strayer University. She is licensed with her General Securities Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66 Investment Advisor licenses, as well as Life & Health Insurance licenses. A committed supporter of community-based organizations and nonprofits, Sonji is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond and has served on the Virginia Workforce Board, City of Richmond Financial Empowerment Board and currently serves as a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter. Sonji is an avid church member, wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated community servant.

Krystal Green

Treasurer

Krystal joined the Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter in 2017 and began her service to the chapter as the chair of the mentoring program. Over the last four years she has been a member of the Economic Empowerment, Membership, Bylaws, Finance, and Chapter Leadership committees. Krystal is now serving her second term as the chapter Treasurer. She is committed to doing her part to help advance the mission and vision of the Coalition.

_________

Parliamentarian

This Position is vacant

Hope Elliott

Bylaws Chair

Hope’s career has been spent in fast-paced environments, serving in a variety of roles. She is currently a Senior Development Specialist for the VCU Health Pauley Heart Center. In that role she manages events, stewards donors and conducts board relations. Hope began her career in New York where she served as Finance Director for New York State Assembly and State Comptroller races. While there, she played an active role in the Manhattan Chapter of NCBW as Vice President of Membership. Now a Virginian, Hope has worked as Chief of Staff to members of Richmond City Council and the Virginia House of Delegates, and oversaw downstate operations and administration in the office of United States Senator James Webb. Hope earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is the proud mother of three adult children.

Claudia Picot

Nominating Chair

Claudia Picot received her Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from University of Virginia, with concentrations in Accounting and Management Information Systems. Her career in the information technology field spans over 25 years, with a focus on quality assurance. Her experience includes working across numerous industries, including mortgage finance, healthcare IT, and state and federal government. As the daughter of a former educator, Claudia is passionate about educational opportunities—especially STEAM initiatives—for women and girls of color. In addition to serving as the chapter’s Nominating Chair, she also currently serves as the Richmond chapter’s Technology Chair, as well as serving at the National level on the Education Committee. Aside from her professional and organizational work, Claudia is the proud mother of two adult daughters, and the doting grandmother to her granddaughter. One of Claudia’s favorite quotes, which exemplifies her work with NCBW is: “Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.” (Norman B. Rice)

Lenora White-Carter

Historian

Lenora is employed as an insurance professional, and her career spans over 30 years, specializing in Medical and Auto claims, as well as being a member of the Employee Wellness team. A strong advocate for social change and equality for women and young girls of color, she volunteers her time and resources with NCBW, which mirrors her interests in community involvement, economic empowerment, and political advocacy. She holds the position of Historian and serves on the Executive Board of Directors. In her spare time, she enjoys being an Officer of Elections. She is a devoted mother of two sons and a wife of 33 years. She has a love for the written word and serves as a poet at many different events.

Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green

Chaplain

Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green blends ministry and the work of the community. She currently serves as Executive Minister at the First Baptist Church of South Richmond and is a founding member of the National Coalition of 100 Black women where she currently serves as Chaplain. Dr. Green is committed to serving the community. She has served as Senior Assistant to the Mayor of the City of Richmond, Chief of Staff for the Virginia House of Delegates and Executive Director for the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. She has served and held leadership roles for various boards and nonprofit organizations. She served on the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Board, Chair for the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, past President of the Baptist Minister’s Conference of Richmond & Vicinity, and was appointed to serve on the Governor’s African American Advisory Board of Virginia, where she continues to serve. She also serves on the Board of The Balm in Gilead, a nonprofit which addresses health disparities in the African American community and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Baptist General Convention. Dr. Green holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union’s Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio. Dr. Green believes her work in the church and the community is guided by the words of Jesus found in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”