Meet the Board
Discover the faces and talented individuals behind our organization and driving our mission forward.
Meet the Board of Directors shaping our success story.
Iyona Blake
Iyona Blake is a visionary leader dedicated to dismantling mental health stigma and empowering women—especially Black women and women of color—through creative, community-rooted programming. As Founder & CEO of HER Cause, Inc., she curates transformative spaces for healing and advocacy, leading initiatives like the annual Shatter the Stigma 5K and healing-centered workshops.
With over 20 years in education, the arts, and nonprofit leadership, Iyona also serves as a Purpose Alignment Coach, guiding women through life shifts with a framework rooted in faith, identity, and mental wellness. Her work centers on building self-esteem, confidence, worth, and efficacy to foster clarity and courage.
A Helen Hayes Award-winning actress, playwright, and vocalist, Iyona’s original works illuminate the lived experiences of Black women with emotional depth and cultural authenticity.
CEO & President
Michele Cober, ESQ
Michele Cober is a public policy and legal executive, professional opera singer, and avid health enthusiast. A graduate of Howard University School of Law, she has over 15 years of experience handling complex litigation and regulatory issues, government affairs, and public policy. Ms. Cober also enjoys volunteering to help serve the needs of children, advance the arts, and diversify the legal profession. She is on the Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Governance Committee for Washington Performing Arts; Executive Board of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc., DC Metro Chapter; and a volunteer Legal Counsel for the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts. Ms. Cober also has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music in Opera Performance from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Executive Director, Legal
Stacey Thomas
Stacey Thomas is a serial entrepreneur, visionary, and a servant leader. Stacey is a Nationwide Real Estate Investor Residential & Commercial Investments Co-founder of Eminent Estates, and she is also CEO of ST Investments VIP, SUBTO DMV Regional Leader and former senior executive at a Fortune 500 company. She has always been enthusiastic about helping others, equality, and providing outstanding customer service.
Executive Director, Development
Karin Talley
Karin Talley is married and shares four beautiful children with her loving husband. With a heart for service, Karin has worked for close to 30 years as a public servant for the government. She has spent the last twenty years of her career focusing on project management and capital budgeting for a local municipality.
Executive Director, Treasurer
Tori Hawkins-Plummer
Tori Hawkins-Plummer is a native Washingtonian with degrees in Mass Media Arts (Clark Atlanta University), an MBA (Trinity University), and an MA in Organizational Communications (Bowie State University). She currently manages partnerships and family engagement for DC Public Schools and has held leadership roles in career services and human resources.
Passionate about mentoring and advocacy, Tori volunteers with organizations such as Everybody Wins DC, College Bound, and Covenant House DC. She also serves on boards including the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation and the My School DC Parent Advisory Council.
Executive Director
Ann Mark
Ann Mark is a visionary entrepreneur whose journey began as a contemporary Christian artist, recording and performing under the name Alaché. Her passion for storytelling evolved into building brands that honor women, culture, and wellness. She founded Mrs 82, a heritage-rooted skincare brand, and launched the H.O.P.E Initiative in Nigeria to support Shea-producing communities and fund clean-water projects.
In 2025, her documentary Chasing Shea earned international recognition for sustainable tourism, and she expanded her vision as CEO and formulator of blüsh—a botanical wellness company reimagining feminine care through science and culture. Ann is a wife, mother of four, and creator committed to faith, purpose, and the belief that wellness is a birthright.
Executive Director
Rebeca Sandoval
Executive Director
Rebeca Sandoval is an educator and program leader passionate about creating culturally responsive, community-centered learning environments for children and families. With years of experience directing after-school programs, supporting school staff, and building strong family partnerships, she brings a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to every role.
Her leadership is rooted in equity and relationship-building, and she actively promotes inclusive practices that honor cultural heritage and social-emotional growth. Rebeca is committed to elevating Latino voices and stories while fostering systems that help staff and students thrive.
As a board member, she offers expertise in child development, program management, and community engagement—ensuring every decision centers the well-being and success of children and families.