Board of Directors
FOUNDER & BOARD PRESIDENT
Shanté Michelle Thompson
Shante Michelle Thompson, a dynamic force hailing originally from Tyler, Texas, and currently calling Missouri City home. Shante pursued her education journey at Texas A&M University and proudly graduated from Texas Woman’s University. With a career spanning over 30 years, Shante has passionately navigated the realm of healthcare sales, making a lasting impact in her field.
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Currently holding the esteemed position of East Regional Director of Business Development at Regency Integrated Health Services, Inc., Shante and her dedicated team focus on meeting the skilled nursing and rehabilitation needs of seniors. Her commitment to empowering women led her to establish DossCouture LLC, an online apparel venture celebrated for its high-quality t-shirts and apparel, dedicated to embracing diversity. Recognized by TikTok and Amazon, DossCouture stands as a noteworthy Black-owned business, capturing attention for its unique perspective.
Shante Michelle Thompson’s influence extends beyond the business realm. In 2024, she was nominated as a Woman of Impact for the American Heart Association Houston, joining other community leaders in raising funds to directly impact women’s health in the region. Her dedication to serving seniors and empowering women is evident in her dual roles.
A philanthropist at heart, Shante serves as the Founding Chair of the Aggie Impact Gala, a fundraising initiative supporting student scholarships and emergency needs. Actively engaged in organizations like The Women’s Fund Houston, Shante has notably chaired the AHA African American Leadership Council for Go Red Girlfriend, showcasing her commitment to health advocacy.
Shante Michelle Thompson, with her wealth of experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to social causes, stands as a beacon of inspiration and positive change in both her professional and philanthropic endeavors.
CO-FOUNDER & BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Kelly Hodges
Kelly P. Hodges is a dynamic and results-oriented leader boasting over two decades of experience in operations management across various sectors including communications, public health, advocacy, government affairs, and nonprofit management. With a proven track record in sponsorship activation, community engagement, partnership development, professional development, and team building, Ms. Hodges is dedicated to turning faith into action.
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Throughout her career, Ms. Hodges has actively contributed to various community initiatives, serving on prestigious committees such as the Centers for Disease Control Federal Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women. Locally, she has lent her expertise to numerous boards, including Planned Parenthood of Southeast Texas, The African American Health Coalition, and The Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation, among others. In 2019, she was elected to the Spring Independent School District Board of Trustees.
Currently, Ms. Hodges serves as the Regional Director of Philanthropy for the Coast Guard Foundation, leading philanthropic efforts across Texas, Louisiana, and America’s heartland. Bringing over two decades of nonprofit experience to her role, she is committed to making a meaningful impact. Ms. Hodges’s outstanding contributions have garnered recognition from various organizations, including the City-Wide Beauticians and Barbers Association and the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Texas, among others. She has been honored with awards such as the Alpha Phi Alpha Night on the Nile Award for Community Service and the American Heart Association Lillian A. Lamon Women and Minorities Volunteer of The Year Award.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Hodges has made significant contributions to the media landscape, hosting programs on KCOH Radio and showcasing nonprofit organizations through her public affairs program, “What’s the 411?” She has been featured in publications such as The Houston Forward Times and Houston Style Magazine, as well as peer-reviewed journals including The Breast Journal and Cancer-The American Cancer Society.
Ms. Hodges is a proud member of Holman Street Baptist Church and an alumna of Grambling State University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees.
BOARD TREASURER
Sheshieda Davis
Sheshieda Cavanaugh Davis, a native Houstonian, is not only a devoted wife and mother but also an accomplished technology professional. Holding a BS in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University and an MS in Management of Technology from UTSA, she has garnered a wealth of experience over her 28-year career.
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Throughout her professional journey in the energy and technology sectors. Sheshieda has excelled in diverse roles, including software development, sales, and process improvement within the trading and risk management domain. Currently serving as an IT Advisor at Engie Energy Marketing in Houston, TX, she continues to make significant contributions to the industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sheshieda is a resilient 18-year Breast Cancer Survivor and a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness and healthy living. Her commitment to community involvement is evident through her active roles in various organizations. A proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., NCBW, and HPM Studio Society, she has also dedicated her time to fundraising efforts for community and school organizations.
Sheshieda currently holds the position of Membership Director for the Black Former Student Network, an alumni organization of Texas A&M University, and is a valued member of the Aggie Impact Gala Committee. Known for her enthusiasm in supporting startups and contributing to the creation of new products, she finds joy in blending her professional expertise with entrepreneurial endeavors.
With a passion for travel, Sheshieda has explored over 20 countries, combining her love for work-related travel and leisure. Her diverse experiences, both professionally and personally, reflect a dynamic individual who continues to make a positive impact in various spheres of life.
BOARD Secretary
Dr. Karmen Bates
Dr. Karmen Bates, Senior VP of Utilization Management at Apex Health Solutions, is a highly accomplished medical professional with a robust background in optimizing patient care and resource management. A graduate of Xavier University and UTMB Galveston Medical School, she spearheads innovative strategies to maximize resource utilization and enhance patient care quality.
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During her impactful tenure at NaviHealth, Dr. Bates directed utilization management operations, consistently managing 186% of organizational patient caseload averages. Notably, she played a key role in planning projects resulting in substantial cost savings and improved patient care quality.
In public health at Harris County, Dr. Bates served as the Sworn-In Member of the County as a Local Health Authority, managing community health programs dedicated to controlling chronic disease risks. At Memorial Hermann Health System, she oversaw medical operations across the transitional care unit, earning recognition for positive patient outcomes and financial health.
With a versatile skill set, Dr. Bates worked as a Family Physician at Next Level Urgent Care, LLC, and provided executive-level leadership at Intercede Health, driving growth in a surgical facility and emergency department. As a Hospitalist at Sound Physicians Group, she orchestrated direct patient care activities, emphasizing proactive strategies for optimizing outcomes.
Beyond her achievements in healthcare, Dr. Karmen Bates brings a wealth of knowledge and proven leadership acumen to her role as a Board Director.
Dr. Bates is married to Rashi Bates and is a proud mother of four sons, Grayson, Gage, Greer, and Garrison, along with their longtime canine brother, Paxton.
BOARD Member
Darcie Murray
Darcie L. Murray is a trusted advisor, people-first leader, and global citizen who brings more than two decades of experience in executive search, leadership advisory, and human capital strategy to every role she undertakes. Known for her thoughtful, value-driven approach, Darcie is deeply committed to helping individuals and organizations thrive through purposeful leadership and meaningful connection.
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As a Senior Partner at Page Executive, Darcie has led C-suite and Senior Executive searches across the Americas, partnering with organizations in various industries including industrial, manufacturing, energy, financial services, life sciences, healthcare, and professional services. Her work is guided by a deep understanding that leadership decisions shape cultures, communities, and long-term impact. She is widely respected for blending data-driven insight with emotional intelligence to ensure alignment, inclusion, and sustainable success.
A decade spent living and working in Europe enriched Darcie’s global perspective and strengthened her ability to navigate complex, cross-cultural environments. This experience continues to influence her collaborative leadership style and her passion for developing resilient, future-ready organizations. She is particularly passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, advancing diversity and inclusion, and supporting mission-driven organizations that create lasting social impact.
Beyond her professional contributions, Darcie is deeply committed to service and mentorship. For many years, she has served as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Houston, dedicating her time to supporting and mentoring young people during formative stages of their lives. This long-standing commitment reflects her belief that access to guidance, encouragement, and opportunity can change life trajectories—and communities—for the better.
BOARD MEMBER
Kendralyn Bourgeois, mS, LPC
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BOARD MEMBER
Amelia McCracken
Amelia was raised in Austin, but born an Aggie. After visiting nearly every football season throughout childhood, she finally called College Station home upon being accepted at Texas A&M University where she graduated from the College of Architecture in 2010. Surrounded by a family of entrepreneurs, Amelia McCracken grew up knowing she would one day own a business as well. Since starting her career, she has lived by the mantra that “if you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
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A creative at heart, Amelia has been a museum curator, graphic designer, photographer, web designer, and even a nationally award-winning cake artist. After working in the marketing departments of Texas A&M’s Forsyth Gallery and Messina Hof Winery, Amelia created a unique marketing agency with a focus on MENTorship. The agency’s goal is to provide students an opportunity to build their portfolios and gain real world experience before graduating college. Ment provides marketing services to clients all over the United States while providing students hands-on experience in web design, graphic design, and social media management. At Ment, students receive paying jobs and mentorship including portfolio review and assistance with their assigned projects.Since opening in 2018, Ment has donated over $90,000 in marketing services to new businesses and non-profits across the US.
Amelia currently serves on the BCS Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Vice Chair of Communications and she serves as the current Marketing Director of All Heart Inc, a non-profit dedicated to unifying and serving the community. Amelia is also the Communications Director for the Black Former Student Network and has served as Marketing Chair for the Aggie Impact Gala since its inception. Amelia also co-founded Women Entrepreneurs, an organization that provides encouragement, resources and networking opportunities to now over 2000 women business owners in the Brazos Valley. Amelia is honored to have been chosen as a Fish Camp namesake in 2020, a recipient of the Association of Former Students’ 12 Under 12 Young Alumni Spotlight award in 2021, the KBTX Be Remarkable Award in 2021, and the Chamber Community Impact Award in 2024.
When she is not working, volunteering, or mentoring, Amelia enjoys traveling the world (especially to Comic Cons) and spending time with her husband, Josh, 7 year old son, Kalvin, and Schnoodle, Dixie.
BOARD MEMBER
Kennedy Washington
Kennedy Washington is a dedicated advocate for post-secondary readiness and social justice. With a passion for empowering underserved communities, Kennedy has made significant contributions to Houston youth. As a former AdviseTX advisor, she successfully guided over 2,000 students through the college application process.
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Her commitment to community engagement is evident in her leadership roles within various nonprofit and community-based organizations. It is within those organizations that she has spearheaded initiatives focused on volunteerism, career readiness and exploration, and alumni and donor engagement.
A proud Aggie, Kennedy’s time at Texas A&M University was marked by academic excellence and active involvement in student organizations. She has been recognized for her leadership and community service with awards such as the Buck Weirus Spirit Award and National Pan-Hellenic Rising Star Award.
Kennedy’s expertise lies in instructional design, community engagement, and leadership development. She is dedicated to creating impactful learning experiences and fostering inclusive environments. This is demonstrated by her creation of innovative development programs and learning products for forward-thinking organizations across a variety of industries.
In her spare time, Kennedy enjoys traveling the world, patronizing local eateries, listening to live bands, and making memories with her family and friends.
BOARD MEMBER
Chasity Christian
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BOARD MEMBER
Ro Stith
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