Members
Patricia Adams Williams
Founder, She Empowerment Global and Executive Member, ACF Texas, USA
Patricia Adams Williams is a well-known figure in the fields of education, child development, and community service. In 2001, she founded the American Care Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides educational support, assistance, and training to families and children. Patricia recognized the need for comprehensive care and guidance for children in the community and took steps to positively impact their lives. In 2002, she established the American Care Academy, where she currently serves as the CEO, overseeing its growth and evolution into a vital resource for numerous families in Dallas, Texas. The Academy primarily focuses on early childhood development programs and has earned a reputation as an essential part of the Tenth Street Historic District community, fostering young children’s learning, growth, and development.
Ernestina Alandu
Co-Founder and Country Director of She Empowerment Global, Accra, Ghana
Ernestina Alandu is a dynamic professional with a robust background in education, banking, and entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Education, Winneba, and a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of the West of Scotland. With nearly 15 years of banking experience, Ernestina has specialized in micro and SME lending, helping numerous business owners grow their enterprises from small-scale operations to thriving SMEs. Her passion for entrepreneurship and deep understanding of business dynamics have been instrumental in transforming the lives of many entrepreneurs. Beyond her professional achievements, Ernestina is committed to giving back to her community through volunteer work.
Dr. Lew Blackburn
President, Educational Leadership Associates, LLC ( Board Member )
Dr. Lew Blackburn is a career educator of more than 37 years, beginning with the Dallas ISD as an instrumental music teacher. During his career, he has served as Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Executive Director of Human Resources, Chief Business Officer, Chief Special Projects Officer, Lecturer, Adjunct Professor, and 18 years as a trustee on the Dallas ISD School Board. Dr. Blackburn earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Blackburn is currently the President of Educational Leadership Associates, LLC. Since 2018, he has provided consulting services for board governance, school leadership and classroom teaching and learning.
Dr. Shirley K. Clark
Certified Master Life & Business Coach, Chancellor ( Board Member )
With more than 40 years of experience as a Global Community Leader and Women’s Empowerment Coach, Dr. Clark has established herself as a transformative leader on the global stage. Her unwavering dedication to philanthropy and humanitarian work has empowered over 30,000 women in marketplace Christian leadership. Dr. Clark is a distinguished International Speaker, Ordained Prayer Pastor, Chief Soaking Officer (CSO), TV/Radio Host, Certified Master Life & Business Coach, Chancellor, and 12x #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author. Her impact extends across various non-profit boards, and she has been recognized with Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards from both President Obama and President Biden.
Rasheed Draman, PhD
Executive Director, ACEPA ( Board Member )
Dr. Rasheed Draman holds a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of parliamentary development. He was recently appointed as a Visiting Scholar in Parliamentary Affairs at the School of Continuing Studies at McGill. He is the Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA). Prior to setting up ACEPA, he was Director of Africa Programs at the Parliamentary Centre of Canada during which time he oversaw the implementation of parliamentary support programs across more than 30 African countries. He Consults for many Parliaments around the world as well as several major development agencies – the UNDP, the World Bank, and reputable NGOs and parliamentary institutions like the CPA HQ and Africa Region, the Westminster Foundation, International IDEA, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and its sister organization – International Republican Institute (IRI).
Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson
Ambassador - She Empowerment Global
Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson is a dynamic and influential figure, renowned as a visionary businesswoman, transformational speaker, multi-best-selling author, and sought-after mindset coach. As an award-winning filmmaker and executive producer, she has significantly contributed to impactful documentaries, including “Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,” and “The Invitation,” a compelling exploration of The Links, Incorporated’s history. A prolific author, Dr. Cheryl has penned 19 best-selling books, including “The Art of Influence” and “Affirmed: 365 Positive Thoughts & Actions to Start Your Day, Volumes 1 & 2.” Serving as the Editor-In-Chief of Cheryl Magazine, she curates insightful content that inspires the everyday woman; specifically, Cheryl Magazine is a 120 page love letter to Black women.
