President/Founder
Felicia Harris-President & Founder
Felicia Harris serves as Founder of Black Girls in Blazers, where she provides strategic oversight in alignment with board-approved policies, program standards, and the organization’s long-term vision. In this role, she supports organizational sustainability, governance integrity, and the consistent delivery of leadership development programming.
Felicia brings over a decade of experience in public-sector operations, compliance, and workforce development. She began her career with AC Transit in 2013 and has held progressive roles across Maintenance, Operations, Workers’ Compensation, and Human Resources. She currently serves as Assistant to the Executive Director of Human Resources, contributing to executive-level initiatives related to governance, employee well-being, operational efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
Her professional background includes experience in project management, regulatory compliance, organizational development, and systems-based leadership. In addition to her public-sector career, Felicia has extensive experience in youth and family-centered services, including more than 13 years as a licensed family daycare operator and several years as a foster parent.
Felicia holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and a master’s degree in management, along with a professional certification in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. She continues her professional development through advanced coursework at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, with a focus on AI strategy and business applications.
She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and remains committed to governance-driven leadership, institutional accountability, and the development of systems that support equitable outcomes for youth and communities.
Our Board of Directors
Uvonka Wallace - Legacy Member & Vice President
Mrs. Uvonka Shanta Wallace brings extensive professional experience and a deep commitment to youth development to her role with Black Girls in Blazers. Her connection to the organization’s mission is informed by lived experience and a strong belief in the importance of positive influence, confidence-building, and structured support for young people.
Mrs. Wallace has more than 30 years of professional experience, including 20 years in the insurance industry and 10 years in the healthcare field. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated reliability, discipline, and a strong work ethic—qualities that align with BGiB’s emphasis on leadership readiness and long-term stability.
She is particularly committed to supporting initiatives that foster self-confidence, resilience, and personal growth in Black girls, and she values the role of structured mentorship and guidance in helping young people navigate life’s transitions.
Mrs. Wallace has been married for 34 years and is the mother of three children and grandmother to seven. Her personal and professional experiences inform her dedication to service, governance, and the advancement of programs that support the well-being and success of future generations.
Halley Joiner - Registered Agent/Board of Directors (Legacy)
Ms. Halley Joiner brings a strong sense of leadership, sound judgment, and entrepreneurial perspective to her role with Black Girls in Blazers. She is recognized for her reliability, thoughtful decision-making, and ability to contribute meaningfully to organizational growth and mission alignment.
Ms. Joiner is an entrepreneur currently launching her own cosmetic brand, bringing firsthand experience in business development, branding, and strategic planning. Her entrepreneurial mindset supports BGiB’s emphasis on economic readiness, leadership development, and real-world skill building.
She has been a committed advocate for Black Girls in Blazers since the organization’s founding and continues to demonstrate dedication through focused engagement, positive leadership, and consistent support of the organization’s goals. Ms. Joiner understands the importance of structured, values-driven organizations in supporting young women and is committed to advancing initiatives that promote confidence, responsibility, and long-term success.
Ms. Joiner’s background includes experience in environments that emphasize care, accountability, and service, which informs her commitment to governance, collaboration, and community impact. She brings professionalism, enthusiasm, and a solutions-oriented approach to her work with the organization.
Kennedy Parson -Board of Directors Secretary (Legacy)
Ms. Kennedy Parson brings academic excellence, emerging leadership, and a strong commitment to youth and community development to her role with Black Girls in Blazers.
Ms. Parson is a graduate of San Francisco State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Physiology. She is continuing her educational journey at Clark Atlanta University, where she is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Her academic background reflects a strong foundation in analytical thinking, discipline, and leadership development.
She has demonstrated a consistent commitment to service and empowerment, informed by early exposure to environments centered on care, responsibility, and advocacy. Ms. Parson is particularly interested in initiatives that support confidence-building, resilience, and structured guidance for young women as they navigate key developmental and professional transitions.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Ms. Parson has taken an active role in program development, relationship-building, and initiative support aligned with organizational mission and values. She has also contributed to youth- and women-centered initiatives focused on personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement.
Ms. Parson brings professionalism, purpose-driven leadership, and a forward-looking perspective to Black Girls in Blazers. Her continued academic advancement and commitment to service strengthen the organization’s capacity to support long-term impact and sustainability.
Jackqueline Felix-Atkins (Legacy Member)
Ms. Jacqueline L. Felix-Atkins brings extensive experience in public administration, organizational leadership, and community service to her role with Black Girls in Blazers. She is recognized for her commitment to civic engagement, youth development, and governance-driven service.
Ms. Felix-Atkins holds a master’s degree in public administration and has completed academic training in organizational leadership and liberal arts. Her educational background reflects a strong foundation in public service, program oversight, and community-centered leadership.
She has demonstrated sustained leadership across nonprofit, faith-based, and civic organizations, with a focus on education, youth empowerment, and community well-being. Ms. Felix-Atkins has held leadership roles within community and service organizations that provide support to underserved families, unhoused populations, and youth through education, outreach, and resource distribution.
Ms. Felix-Atkins has contributed to the development and implementation of youth-focused educational initiatives, including experiential learning programs designed to broaden students’ understanding of history, culture, and civic engagement. Her work in this area has received formal recognition from local and national leaders for advancing educational access and exposure opportunities for young people.
She is actively engaged in professional and civic organizations, supporting initiatives related to membership development, scholarship programs, and community partnerships. Ms. Felix-Atkins brings a disciplined, service-oriented, and governance-focused approach to her work, strengthening organizational accountability, strategic alignment, and long-term impact.
Denicia Alves-(Legacy Member)
Ms. Denicia brings a multidisciplinary professional background and a strong commitment to mentorship, leadership, and economic empowerment to her role with Black Girls in Blazers.
Ms. Denicia is a Registered Nurse, real estate investor, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Predestined Investments LLC, an investment-focused enterprise, and The Girls Who Fly LLC, a travel-based company centered on empowerment and global exposure. Her professional experience reflects a strong foundation in healthcare, business development, and strategic decision-making.
She is recognized for her academic excellence and perseverance, having graduated at the top of her class from Dillard University. Her achievements demonstrate discipline, focus, and a commitment to long-term personal and professional growth.
Ms. Denicia is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting young women, particularly in the areas of confidence-building, self-sufficiency, and leadership development. Her work and advocacy align closely with Black Girls in Blazers’ emphasis on leadership identity, economic readiness, and future-focused skill building.
She brings a results-oriented, service-driven, and governance-minded approach to the organization, strengthening its capacity to deliver structured, impactful programming that prepares young women for independence and success.
Our Board of Directors & Members
Jennifer (Evette) Washington (Legacy Member)
Ms. Jennifer Taylor brings an entrepreneurial mindset, strong commitment to youth advocacy, and experience in fundraising and community engagement to her role with Black Girls in Blazers.
Ms. Taylor is the founder of Taylor Events, a newly launched event services company. Through her entrepreneurial work, she brings experience in planning
Ms. Jennifer Taylor brings an entrepreneurial mindset, strong commitment to youth advocacy, and experience in fundraising and community engagement to her role with Black Girls in Blazers.
Ms. Taylor is the founder of Taylor Events, a newly launched event services company. Through her entrepreneurial work, she brings experience in planning, organization, relationship management, and execution—skills that support organizational growth, visibility, and sustainability.
She has demonstrated a consistent commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit Black girls and young women, contributing time and effort to fundraising, awareness-building, and mission-driven activities. Ms. Taylor values the importance of structured support, positive development environments, and opportunities that foster confidence and growth in young people.
Ms. Taylor is recognized for her professionalism, reliability, and collaborative approach. She brings a service-oriented and governance-minded perspective to Black Girls in Blazers, strengthening the organization’s capacity to advance its mission through thoughtful leadership, community engagement, and entrepreneurial insight.
Jaclyn Hughes - Board of Directors
Ms. Jaclyn brings a commitment to professional development, personal growth, and service to her role with Black Girls in Blazers.
Ms. Jaclyn is a graduate of Skyline High School and holds a diploma in Medical Assisting. She is currently pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, reflecting her continued commitment to education, s
Ms. Jaclyn brings a commitment to professional development, personal growth, and service to her role with Black Girls in Blazers.
Ms. Jaclyn is a graduate of Skyline High School and holds a diploma in Medical Assisting. She is currently pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, reflecting her continued commitment to education, skill development, and advancement within the healthcare field.
She is recognized for her dedication to growth, accountability, and long-term goal setting. Ms. Jaclyn values the importance of perseverance, self-improvement, and creating pathways for success—principles that align with Black Girls in Blazers’ focus on leadership development and future readiness.
Ms. Jaclyn brings a thoughtful, disciplined, and service-oriented perspective to the organization. Her ongoing educational pursuits and commitment to personal and professional advancement strengthen the organization’s ability to model resilience, responsibility, and opportunity for the young women it serves.Born and raised in Oakland Ca, I graduated from Skyline high school and obtained my diploma in Medical Assisting and am currently pursuing my degree in sonography. I am the baby of two older siblings, so I know what it means to be spoiled but like a lot of young girls I see in today’s times I too have made mistakes and let a lot of great opportunities pass me by. But the person who I am today I always was not, the woman who I am becoming is who I strive to be each and every day. Change is possible, growth is achievable, and success is obtainable. My favorite scripture: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. A part of Jesus I can only do the bare minimum, but with Christ I can do all thing’s nothing is impossible!
Our Partners
