Empowering Change Through Civics And Arts!

AL Association for the Arts
AL Association for the Arts
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Meet the Team

Jessica Fortune Barker - Founder & President

 

 

Jessica Fortune Barker is an innovative entrepreneur and creative professional. Jessica leads a multi-faceted business enterprise that is uniquely positioned to create cross industry collaborations that serve to empower positive societal impact worldwide. Barker serves a global mission to Educate, Engage, and Empower communities by producing community networks and initiatives that go beyond simply surviving and empower thriving.  Armed with a passion for accomplishment, a drive for solution, and the discipline to educate herself, she morphed from single mother living in subsidized housing to a happily married mother of 4 living her best life in financial security.  Jessica, enthusiastically, shares the wisdom from her experiences with audiences both young and old through lectures, training, and motivational speaking engagements. 

2023- 2024 Board of Directors

Dr. Omekia McNeal - Secretary

Dr. Omekia McNeal is a Child of God and a lover of people. My focus is being a better person daily, spreading the gospel of Jesus

Christ in everything I do and encouraging those that cross my path to be just what they are without apology. She proudly served her country as a Petroleum Supply Specialist for the United States Army. 

Lawrence Waters - Treasurer

Mr. Waters is the owner of Waters Tax Enterprises LLC serving the

community of Huntsville as well as surrounding areas and

states. He is a licensed Realtor and an active member of the

Omega Psi Phi fraternity incorporated. 

Dr. Brian Byers - Chaplain

Dr. Byers is a Licensed Funeral Director and Cremationist with a burning passion for getting the funeral industry out of the grave. He is currently Managing Funeral Director of Serenity Funeral Home in Huntsville, AL.

Executive Director

GLORIA HOLLINS

 Gloria Hollins has over two decades of experience serving others across multiple industries with a focus on administration.  She entered the arena of social justice in 2018 as a campaign strategist and has developed leadership, community-building, and project management skills as she served with Alabama Association for the Arts as Executive Administrator.

Gloria’s passion for her community led her to apply to the Black to the Future Public Policy Institute where she currently has a fellowship and is learning how to strengthen and wield community power through legislation. Armed with a belief that anything is possible with a little effort Hollins has served a silent champion for those whose voices and interests are marginalized. 

2023- 2024 Advisory Board

April Fortune

Dr. Wilma Ruffin

Aquanetta Poole

 April Fortune is CEO of Fortune Realty Group of Keller Williams of Madison. April specializes in building community through home ownership and serves her mission to help families use their keys to  build generational wealth. April also serves as Educational Specialist at the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence (NACEE) of Huntsville, AL.


In her role with NACEE, April works with adult learners facing unique life challenges, to achieve their educational goals.

When she’s not working at NACEE, April enjoys spending time with her family and singing at church.

Aquanetta Poole

Dr. Wilma Ruffin

Aquanetta Poole

A native resident of Montgomery, Alabama, Acquanetta Poole has served for decades as a devoted champion for justice and equity in communities of color across AL. 


Her lifelong experiences have expanded her proficiency to become a pillar in Black belt communities where she serves as an educator and community grassroots organizer. Her mission in life is to serve the under privileged citizens of Alabama, while sharing the love of Christ.

Dr. Wilma Ruffin

Dr. Wilma Ruffin

Dr. Wilma Ruffin

 

Wilma J. Ruffin holds a Ph. D. in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota; a M. S. Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama; and a B. S. Degree in Home Economics Education from Alabama A& M University. 


Her career of 39.5 years with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System afforded her the opportunity to develop and implement educational programs that enhanced the lives of Alabama children, youth and families.  


In her retirement years, she serves in active community service with several notable organizations, to include her church and sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Epsilon Gamma Omega chapter.

George Mondane

George Mondane

Dr. Wilma Ruffin

Mr. Mondane is a keen businessman and community investor. He leads a business enterprise that provides arts and entertainment options for mature adults. 

Tearie Leslie

George Mondane

Tearie Leslie

Ms. Tearie is a native of Triana, Alabama. She retired from Huntsville Utilities having worked as Customer Service Manager.  She has served in her retirement years as a mentor, caretaker, and advocate for the most underserved voices, especially the aging community and children. She serves in generosity and with kindness and humility.

Sylvia Fitts

George Mondane

Tearie Leslie

WE EAT PROBLEMS FOR BREAKFAST!


Gloria Hollins - Executive Director

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