Board of Directors
Amanda Hughes
Chair
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Amanda is a native of North Carolina and holds a B.S. in Environmental Technology and Management from NC State University and an M.S. in Environmental Policy and Management from University College at the University of Denver. Amanda is the EHS Manager for KIND – High Point, whose mission is to create a KINDer and healthier world, one snack at a time. She is thrilled to be able to build on that mission with her work with LEAD Girls. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband traveling, playing golf, and watching football.
Katina Little
Vice Chair
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Katina Little is the wife of Lieutenant Dwayne R. Little of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and a mother of 3 active boys.
She is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care who currently works at Novant Health at Today’s Pediatric, where she is the Lead Provider. Katina is a proud graduate of the illustrious Hampton University, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then went on to receive her Masters in Nursing, specializing in Pediatrics from Duke University.
Katina is a strong believer that making equal and equitable access to first-class, quality health care should be a top priority and is one of the first steps to uplifting and enriching families of the underserved, impoverished populations. This belief has made her a consistent advocate and representative for this population since starting her career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in 2008, providing care at a Federal Qualified Health Center in Greensboro, NC. It was here that Katina was truly able to see and understand the necessity of her profession while defining her purpose and lifesaving impact on the children and families served in this population.
Transitioning to Novant Health Today’s Pediatrics, was a pivotal point in Katina’s career as it opened doors to bring her learned knowledge back to Forsyth County, which has a poverty rate that consistently ranks higher than the National Average. This pediatric office is one of its kind in the Novant Health system here in Winston-Salem. They provide culturally competent health care for children and families in underserved and impoverished areas of the city, and decrease some of the simple barriers to accessing quality, equitable health care.
Katina is active in her community. She is a leader in her church, she serves as an active board member on the Winston-Salem Tarheel Youth Football Organization and H.O.P.E of Winston-Salem. She is also the Chair of the Community Service for the Jack and Jill Chapter of Winston-Salem, where she cultivates and enhances the organization’s community involvement and impact through active engagement. Her dedicated involvement and leadership in these organizations allows her to be able to further fulfill her purpose through educating and empowering families to decrease the disparities present throughout the community.
Chelsea Barnes
Secretary
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Chelsea is a healthcare attorney in the Winston-Salem office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. A native of Hope Mills, North Carolina, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned baccalaureate degrees in Communication Studies and Political Science, as well as her Juris Doctor. Chelsea is passionate about issues related to diversity, with an emphasis on Native American communities. She believes strongly in the value of mentorship and its ability to promote positive outcomes. In her free time she enjoys bargain shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Caitlin Browne
Treasurer
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Caitlin is originally from New Jersey. She grew up as a part of the 4-H program, learning the importance of supporting the local community. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Guilford College and an MBA from Wake Forest University.
Caitlin is passionate about building an equitable society. She has spearheaded networking events and groups that allow women to build their strengths and confidence, showcase their ideas, and provide a forum to learn from one another. Caitlin has recently joined Ontex Operations USA, LLC as a Cost Controller at the local plant where they produce affordable feminine hygiene solutions. Caitlin’s definition of success is having a positive impact on those around her. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys hiking with her husband and husky Aspen, galivanting around town with her friends, and playing cards with her family.
Fanetta Bryant Jones
Director
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Fanetta is a Master’s Prepared Nurse currently employed with Veteran Affairs. She obtained her BSN from Winston-Salem State University in 1996 and her Master’s in Public Health from Walden University in 2011. She is a wife and a mother of two loving children, one who joined LEAD as a 7th grader and stayed actively involved until she graduated. Fanetta believes in nurturing children and giving back to help others: “I believe what we put into our children is what we get out of them. I enjoy helping others and giving back what has been given to me.”
Tahja Gaymon
Director
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Tahja is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina and spent her high school years in Lawton, Oklahoma. She received her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications from Bennett College and her MPA in Nonprofit Management from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is also DEI certified. Tahja is the Director of Alumnae Engagement for Salem Academy where she enjoys connecting with alums and students to hear about their experiences at the Academy. She is passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Tahja believes change must start within each individual person. “We have to move beyond our comfort zone and make meaningful connections with people that do not necessarily reflect how and where we grew up. This will not only begin to change each person, but it can change our communities.”
Tahja is active in the Winston-Salem community. She serves on the Winston-Salem Foundation Women’s Fund Events Committee, YWCA Women of Vision Committee, and is a board member for Horizons Residential Care Center. She enjoys reading, movie night with her husband, and being a dance mom for her 11-year-old daughter.
Shana Folk
Director
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Shana Folk serves as the Assistant Vice President, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DE+I) Officer, with Allegacy Federal Credit Union. As part of a dynamic Human Resources team, Shana leads Allegacy’s journey to create a culture of belonging, oversees the organization’s employee engagement, and spearheads the DE+I efforts across the community. Shana relocated to the Triad and joined Allegacy in 2018, bringing a diverse background in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition. Previously Shana was part of Human Resources teams in government contracting, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Justice, all in the greater Washington DC area. Shana is passionate about life-long learning, adoption, travel, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and her kids – a smart and creative 10-year old daughter and a funny and sweet 9-year old son. Shana is active with Winston-Salem Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), earned her BA in Political Science and English from Bucknell University, and recently completed her MBA at Wake Forest University. Shana is excited to partner with LEAD Girls and inspire young women to believe in themselves and strive for excellence!
Dr. Angela Monell
Director
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Angela is a native of Prince George’s County Maryland and has resided in the Winston-Salem area for about four years. As an educator, her passion for students is evident in her daily work as an Assistant Principal. Dr. Monell received her undergraduate degree at Towson University in Mass Communication. As she began to explore her career interests, she obtained her Master’s in Special Education at Bowie State University. In 2014, she received her doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction and her Administrative Certification at North Carolina A&T in 2016. She has a passion for working in the community as well as with students working to find their way. She has a particular interest in working with Middle School students as she recognizes that being in the “middle” is challenging in more ways than one. She believes that middle school is a critical time to engage students and provide structure and resources that will not only take them through their formative years, but will also be valuable throughout their lives.