Our Board of Directors

When it comes to civic leadership and personal well-being, Nikhol holds the prize. She has built a career that spans more than two decades leading efforts that uplift and support Black Women.

Nikhol’s background and expertise in politics, community organizing, and union advocacy have positioned her as a highly sought-after political advisor, strategist, and consultant. She has held leading roles for the Democratic National Committee, congressional campaigns, the American Federation of Teachers, and in county government. She has led coalition and organizing efforts for causes such as immigration reform and paid sick leave. Nikhol is a force for good and has made countless contributions toward advancing the missions, organizing, and electoral efforts of a broad range of progressive entities and social causes.

Ms. Atkins holds a B.S. in Healthcare Systems Administration and a dual M.A. with a focus in General Administration (Strategic Leadership) and Spirituality, Culture & Health. In addition, she holds a certificate in Spirituality & Healing. 

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Nikhol serves as the Midwest Regional Social Action Coordinator.  She is a 500-hour certified yoga guide, an author, and an Improvisation performing artist. Nikhole believes in the power of self-care, hydration, being well-traveled, and minding her own business.

Dennett is deeply committed to serving communities, empowering individuals, and advocating for the well-being of families and children.

Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development, Dennett Davis possesses a profound understanding of the intricate processes of human growth and development. 

For over two decades, Dennett Davis has been a dedicated advocate for Michigan families and children. She began her professional career as an early childhood educator and later transitioned to more formal roles as a child and family advocate. These experiences have provided invaluable insights into the complexities of family dynamics, the child support system, and the unique challenges faced by individuals navigating these systems. 

Dennett is a passionate motivational speaker who has had the privilege of inspiring audiences to overcome adversity and trauma. She uses her platform to empower women who have suffered trauma, fostering resilience and self-discovery among their listeners.

With a heart for community engagement, Dennett has dedicated 15 years of their life to volunteering with the Children's Trust Fund. This commitment reflects a deeply ingrained sense of social responsibility and a genuine desire to create a safe and nurturing environment for abused children.

Not content with simply being an advocate and speaker, Dennett is also an accomplished event planner. She has organized and executed events for a diverse set of groups and individuals and has proven herself to be highly efficient with a keen eye for small details. 

In addition to her diverse array of roles, Dennett is a business owner whose entrepreneurial spirit drives her to create innovative solutions and opportunities in her community.

Dennett embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and empowerment. Her life's work is a testament to the power of education, advocacy, and community engagement in making a positive impact on the lives of families and children in Michigan and beyond.

George has worked as a thought leader and strategic partner to improve the quality of life within the State of Michigan. 

As a knowledgeable strategist and effective communicator, his 30-plus year career in the public and private sectors has included roles in public safety, public education, electoral politics, public health, mining, economic development, and community revitalization.  

Currently serving as Director of Public Affairs and Public Safety at the Detroit Salt Company (DSC), George directs the public affairs group comprised of federal, state, and local government relations, community outreach and sustainable development initiatives, and media relations for the company.  As part of his responsibilities, George holds the title of Facility Security Officer to the US Coast Guard for its maritime operations.   

A certified professional miner, George is one very few African American mining executives in the United States. 

He is a member of the Geological Society of America, the Michigan Geological Basin Society, a member of the Energy and Environment Committee of the Detroit Regional Chamber, board member of the Michigan Mining Association, and a board member of the Oakwood Heights Business Association. 

Before joining the private sector, George served as Deputy Group Executive to Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer.   In this role he provided leadership to the Public Safety and Cultural Affairs group, which comprised the departments of Police, Fire, Homeland Security, Airport, Zoo, Civic Center, Library, Cultural Affairs, Communications, and the Cable Commission. 

He has also held numerous appointments as strategist and political consultant for contemporary and progressive elected officials in Detroit and Wayne County.

George is a two-time graduate of the University of Michigan, where he studied political science and public policy.  He is accredited as a Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) for natural disasters through FEMA and the Michigan State Police. 

He is an Assistant Coach of the Cranbrook-Kingswood High School football team where he was a defensive coordinator and a member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.  

He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Rho Lambda Chapter (Pontiac/Northern Oakland County) and the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge #24. 

He is the current Board President of Crescendo Detroit, an organization dedicated to teaching classical music to inner-city children. 

He is a Board Trustee at Detroit Cristo Rey High School, a charter school in Southwest Detroit serving underprivileged children.

He is a life-long member of the Historic Ebenezer AME Church Detroit, where he chairs the Commission on Social Action, directs communication activities for the Communications Ministry, and is a member of the Steward Board. 

John has worked as an organizer and advocate for families for over 20 years. He began his career as a Victim’s Advocate at the Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Illinois where he provided direct services and advocated for women’s and children’s protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. He has worked with Planned Parenthood at the state and national level for over 20 years where he helped to build one of the most recognized, strategic and impactful political programs in the country. He has worked closely with leaders across the progressive infrastructure in Michigan and nationally to ensure our collective policy priorities and campaigns have centered the most marginalized in our communities, and those most impacted by progressive policy changes. He currently serves in various volunteer capacities at the Board level with Michigan Voices, Progress and Engage Michigan, and the Michigan Civic Education Fund and Donor Alliance. He now works as a campaign consultant for non-profit advocacy organizations. John is honored to serve on the founding Board of Directors of the Black Advocates Action Fund. 

Nicole Wells Stallworth is a political strategist and social impact executive having spent more than two decades on the front lines of advocacy for some of the most significant issues that impact equity and quality of life outcomes for all people.

Wells Stallworth’s expertise spans a range of disciplines that include political strategies & electoral campaigns, advocacy, civic engagement, legislative & government affairs, public policy, communications, fundraising and non-profit management.  She has held executive roles leading 501c3 and 501c4 social welfare organizations within the sexual & reproductive healthcare, behavioral health, child welfare, and public education sectors.

Nicole served as Executive Director for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and Vice President for Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Michigan during the pivotal SCOTUS ruling on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Her leadership was instrumental in the development and implementation of Planned Parenthood’s strategy for protecting access to abortion and reproductive freedom in Michigan. She served as a founding co-chair and executive board member for Michigan’s Reproductive Freedom for All, the historic ballot initiative that enshrined the right to reproductive freedom into the Michigan constitution.

As a leading voice in advocacy for social justice, abortion access, and reproductive freedom, Wells Stallworth had made appearances on MSNBC, NBC News with Yamiche Alcindor, ABC News with Kyra Phillips, Vice News, NPR Radio, USA Today, has been quoted in TIME Magazine, Politico, and Cosmopolitan.com.