BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SHANTE 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TRANITA CARROLL
DR. RACHEL DAVIS
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.
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.
DR. ASHLEY DEVERS
Dr. Ashley Devers is a dedicated community leader whose work in chiropractic care extends well beyond her professional practice. As a former board member of the Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA), she played a crucial role in supporting, protecting, and advancing chiropractors across Texas. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring that chiropractors received appropriate representation in government decision-making, helping to safeguard the right of citizens to choose their preferred healthcare options.
Dr. Devers is also an active member of the American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA), where she strives to advance the chiropractic profession and promote excellence within the community. Her involvement with ABCA underscores her commitment to enhancing the profession and fostering inclusivity and diversity within the field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Devers is passionately committed to social causes. She has been an advocate for victims of domestic violence, organizing clothing drives and fundraising events to support women’s shelters. Her community service activities reflect her dedication to making a positive impact and improving the lives of those around her, demonstrating her deep commitment to both her profession and her community.