meet our board of directors

LaShonda Bradberry is a high school special education teacher at Cheektowaga Central High School, with 21 years of experience. She’s certified in special education, social studies, and English, and she founded the school's African American History class and Black History Month program. LaShonda serves as department chair and is active in various union roles, including as a NYSUT delegate and facilitator for their Social Justice initiative. Her passion for social justice drives her involvement in multiple committees.

Deb Goodman’s career goal is to provide support, education, and resources to individuals who are doing amazing things in her community. She currently works in Human Resources at Child and Family Services, where she supports the agency and nonprofit clients with employee relations, training, compliance, and process building. Deb has a variety of nonprofit administration and development experience at local cultural institutions. Everything she does builds upon her experience in higher education teaching college English and researching the ways in which artists and performers find empowerment in finding their own voices.

Jay’Aina “Jay Jay” Patton is an 19 year old coder, app developer, youth leader and entrepreneur. She’s a big fan of anything tech-related and especially loves getting hands on. Jay’Aina is a prominent advocate on getting more diversity into the tech field and beyond and aspires to make real impact on the world. She also enjoys a multitude of activities and is currently in school studying to be a fashion designer. 

Nicole McCullough originates from Rochester, NY with roots in South Carolina. She holds a Masters of Arts in Disability studies as well as a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services concentrated in Community Mental Health. She currently works for the District of Columbia’s Department of Healthcare Finance as a Medicaid Auditor. When she is not working, she is mentoring and leading the teens in her church as a youth leader and raising her girls into young black queens. As a mom of 3 under 3, she understands the importance of providing children with a well- rounded childhood. 

Tiffany Richardson hails from Houston, Texas, with roots in Louisiana. Her writing career has spanned over 15 years. She is well-versed in poetry, song writing, and all genres of literature. When she is not working on her own novels, she is running Big Black Chapters in partnership with her lifelong best friend. A movement and website started to promote and mentor indie authors of color. She is the author of four poetry collections.

As part of the Beyond Adornment team, Tiffany hosts our weekly story time session and our Melanin Ink poetry class. 

Vanessa Sherron is a Disciple of Jesus with a passion for helping others. She is an advocate for knowledge and literacy. As an avid reader Vanessa believes access to books, technology and educational information should be available to all. She currently works for Palos Verdes Library District as the Assistant Facilities Manager, Vanessa has an extensive background in Real Estate and Property Management. She enjoys creating African inspired beaded jewelry and painting in her free time. Vanessa aspires to start a nonprofit organization that helps minorities secure real estate, become first time home buyers and also provide affordable legal assistance for renters.