Meet the Board
Discover the faces and talented individuals behind our organization, driving our mission forward, and shaping our success story.
Iyona Blake
CEO & President
Iyona Blake is a visionary leader, author, and advocate 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, advocacy, and connection, leading initiatives such as the annual Shatter the Stigma 5K and healing-centered workshops.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, the arts, and nonprofit leadership, Iyona also serves as a Purpose Alignment Coach, guiding women through life transitions with a framework rooted in faith, identity, and mental wellness. Her work focuses on cultivating self-esteem, confidence, self-worth, and personal efficacy, helping women gain the clarity and courage to live aligned with their purpose.
Iyona is the author of The Aligned Woman Design: Becoming the Woman Who Refused to Shrink, a transformative guide for women seeking to reclaim their voice, embrace their identity, and create a life that reflects who they were created to be. Through her writing, coaching, and community leadership, she inspires women to heal, grow, and lead with authenticity.
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, using storytelling as a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and social change.
Michele Cober, ESQ
Executive Director, Legal
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.
Stacey Thomas
Executive Director, Development
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.
Karin Talley
Executive Director, Treasurer
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.
Tori Hawkins-Plummer
Executive Director
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.
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.