E. Isis Adewale | Board Member
After seven years with Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the non-profit founded by respected hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and his brother Danny Simmons, E. Isis Adewale chose to continue to exercise her passion to serve, by joining the PNB team.
Living proof of how dreams can become real, Adewale believes we each have a personal journey. These journeys are meant to guide us to finding our purpose and provide us with the opportunity to discover our destiny. No journey is traveled alone and it is through individuals that are brought into our lives that inspire us to keep going and make it through. It is because of the many individuals, especially female figures, in Adewale’s life that she stands to be the woman she is today. With a strong passion and personal commitment to inspire, Adewale believes in “The One”: It only takes one person, one experience, perhaps one word and one act to further spark the flame which already exists in all of us. Once that flame is sparked, there is no limit to how bright our lights can shine.
Les Brown | Board Member
As a world renowned motivational speaker, entrepreneur and bestselling author, Les Brown relentlessly inspires change, while impacting the lives of others. A recipient of many prestigious awards, such as “Council of Peers Award of Excellence” from the National Speakers Association and “Toastmasters International” as one of the World’s Top Five Speakers. Mr. Brown continues to redefine greatness while inspiring those in his path.
Mr. Brown is a firm believer that everyone has something remarkable to offer the world.
Jehmu Greene | Board Member
Jehmu Greene is an evangelist for disenfranchised, vulnerable, and marginalized communities. As owner of JSG Strategies, Jehmu advises non-profit organizations, socially-responsible corporations and celebrity activists on advocacy campaigns and media strategy. She also serves as a Fox News Contributor, providing political and social commentary across the network. A widely sought-after speaker at colleges and universities, Jehmu’s commentary has been featured on The Daily Show and all major news networks and in print in The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today and Essence Magazine. Jehmu is also a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post.
Jehmu served as president of the Women’s Media Center where she worked with co-founders Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem to make women more visible and powerful in the media. She previously served as president of Rock The Vote, where under her leadership, the organization grew from 1,500 to over 1 million supporters. Jehmu began her career working in the fertile ground of Texas politics, including an early stint with Governor Ann Richards’ campaign in 1994. Since then, she has worked on more than twenty political campaigns at the local, state and national level, and served as an advisor and national surrogate for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Jehmu was recently appointed to serve on the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO.
Essence Magazine recognized Jehmu as one of 40 Women Under 40 Shaping the World, and she has been honored with awards from the National Conference for Community and Justice, American Association of University Women, and the National Council for Research on Women.
Tiffany Hawkins | Board Member
With over seven years of public relations and media management experience, Tiffany Hawkins has developed a sharp eye for how to shape brand image and deliver key messaging using both traditional and new age practices. With an analytical background and zeal for creative high-end concepts, her ability to execute vigorously is fueled by a unique skill set and love for market insight. As a student of derivatives and statistics, she quickly set her sights on the analysis of ingesting and distributing influential communication through media, partnerships and experiential marketing. Something that she does very well, in her current role as Director of Public Relations for Footsteps Group, a full-scale marketing & advertising agency within the Omnicom family.
To date, her inventory of satisfied clients extends throughout the consumer, fashion, nonprofit, publishing, spirits, financial and sporting industries; providing communication strategy, media & public relations, event production and experiential marketing services.
Tiffany is a leader and influencer who operates in ongoing education and mastering one’s skill set. She works to grow talented and passionate people to a place of sustainable success and industry confidence. Although shy at heart, she blossoms with extreme confidence and success when it comes to nurturing and celebrating others in her beloved field of communication, media and branding. An assignment that she takes quite seriously in her ongoing role as Steering Committee Member for AdColor® and it’s widely known AdColor® Awards & Industry Conference.
In addition to dedication and achievement in the communications and media field, Tiffany devotes a considerable amount of time engaging teenage girls, giving them an opportunity to discuss issues—both large and small—with a trusted source that will not only offer advice and encouragement but a safe haven, when necessary.
Sheree Y. Palmer | Board Member
As the Founder-Director of Cambria Center for the Gifted Child (CCGC), a private education institution serving approximately 300 students; Ms. Palmer has dedicated her life to the fulfillment of academic excellence. She is a graduate of Hunter College where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Education, and a Maters of Science Degree in Gifted Education.
Teaching is Ms. Palmer’s first love; her commitment to academic excellence, self-motivation, perfect self-expression, and high expectations is the essence of her life. Ms. Palmer is also an educational consultant, who handles such areas as establishing early childhood centers, program evaluation, curriculum development and staff training. She makes time to speak at high schools, churches, and other civic organizations. She has received many awards for her faithfulness and dedication to her chosen discipline.
Charbra-Adia Parkman | Board Member
Charbra-Adia Parkman received her BA in Sociology, with a concentration in Criminology, from Hampton University. She spent her childhood and teen years as an active member of the Boys & Girls Club and Youth Opportunity Organization in Boston, MA, where she developed a capacity for leadership and a passion for youth empowerment and violence prevention. The passion she is fueled by is the outgrowth of her participation in such programs as Girls Group, Vice President of Keystone Leadership Club, and President of the Youth Leadership Council.
Ms. Parkman is determined to “be the change she wishes to see in the world.” She intends to achieve this goal by empowering youth to: a.) resist the negative temptations that run rampant in most low-income areas and b.) strive for success through hard work and dedication.
Larry Ossei-Mensah | Board Member
Larry Ossei-Mensah a.k.a Young Global is an advertising and entertainment veteran whose stints at Sony Music, ClearChannel, Fox TV and Carat Media have been the backdrop for a dynamic career. Since establishing himself as an industry connector, he has emerged as a prolific cultural documentarian, penning articles for Essence, Centric/BET, AOL BVX and Arise Magazine.
Ossei-Mensah has a knack for spotting trends and taking storytelling to the next level. As a film producer, he aims to create uniquely captivating narratives that will disrupt the cinematic status quo.