.png)
Meet Our Board Members
Raymond A. Parks has a B.S. in Program Administration from Morris College which is an HBCU. Raymond
was born and raised in the city of Detroit, MI. Since graduating Raymond has become a motivational
speaker, coach, consultant, and youth advocate. Some of the adversities and challenges he faced include
being born when his mother was only 14 years of age, losing his grandmother while in college, getting
kicked out of college twice, and even losing an unborn child. But through these adversities, he preserved
by being an all-state champion in 1998 for his high school Central High School, Being Featured on BET
United Negro College Fund Evening of the Stars, joining a fraternity Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Incorporated, and becoming a coach for an AAU championship team Michigan Blazers team. One person
he is inspired by is Eric Thomas. If it was one thing Raymond would want, you to know “if you are
humble you get help if you are hostile you get humiliated”.
Treasurer- Tibitha Hunt - has over 25 years of experience in the finance industry, I bring a strong background in accounting, tax analysis, and treasury management to the board. My career has been grounded in precision, integrity, and a deep commitment to financial stewardship. I am passionate about giving back to the community and take great pride in using my skills to support causes that make a meaningful impact. Known for being detail-oriented and highly organized, I thrive in collaborative environments where I can help others and contribute to positive, lasting change.
Volunteer Liaison - LaToyia Shannon - has a Masters degree in Public Health and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Health from Walden University. LaToyia has over 20 years’ healthcare experience in health informatics, clinical research, health education, and public health program management. LaToyia was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She has been the owner of JNS Health Solutions LLC since 2017 providing health education and safety training to corporations, small businesses, and community organizations. LaToyia’s passion for public health stems from her desire to empower people with the tools to improve their health and reduce health disparities within the community.
Emily K. Parks has an M.A. in Social Work with an LLMSW. Emily graduated with her master’s degree in
social work from Wayne State University. Emily has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan
State University. Emily was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Since graduating Emily has experience
working with the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) doing Child
Protective Services, being a Foster Care Worker, and youth aging out of foster care. After doing this for
13 years Emily decided enough is enough. Emily has faced adversities dealing with being a domestic
violence survivor now thriver, having a miscarriage, dealing with postpartum depression and almost
losing her life due to having pre-eclampsia while pregnant with her firstborn. Once Emily had her baby,
she wanted to make an impact in her community and start educating and advocating for pregnant
moms and empowering families using a holistic approach. Emily has since then become a mentor,
therapist, a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated member, started support groups and parenting
classes, worked with teen moms, and worked inside the school system mentoring youth. If it was one
thing Emily would want, you to know is “Never judge a book by its cover you never know what someone
else may be going through”
Secretary-Erica Marshall - has over 14 years of experience working with children and families in the child welfare system. She has worked with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and private agencies in areas like adoption, foster care, and child protection. Erica has led teams, monitored service providers, and developed systems to enhance safety, stability, and well-being for children in care. Now, as a board member of The UPLIFT program that supports youth, Erica uses her experience to help guide the organization’s work in making a positive difference in young people’s lives. Erica’s expertise, coupled with her passion for advocacy and youth empowerment, makes her a valuable asset to the organization’s mission of helping young people thrive.
Community Outreach Coordinator - ANarris Monger - expertise in Public Speaking, Qualitative Research, Community Outreach, Program Management, and Social Services. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist and holds certifications in Adult Mental Health First Aid, alongside a Master of Education in Community Health. Her diverse skill set, combined with her problem-solving abilities and proficiency in technology (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, data entry), positions her as an invaluable asset in academic and community-based settings.
Educational Coordinator - Shay Moton M.Ed,QBHP – born and raised in Detroit, has dedicated her life to uplifting children and families through education and mentorship. A graduate of Wilberforce University with a degree in Mental Health and a Master’s in Special Education, Shay has spent over two decades working with youth, from leading programs at Vista Maria to directing childcare centers. Her passion for children and belief in the power of faith, family, and positive role models guide her work every day. In 2023, Shay and her partner were awarded the Motor City Match grant to open Little Minds Enrichment Center, a childcare program designed to provide safe, nurturing, and enriching learning experiences for Detroit’s youth. Shay sees her calling to serve young people as a gift from God and remains committed to empowering the next generation with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.