Rhonda Walker, President and Founder
rhonda@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“In 2003 I spent 6 months visiting Detroit middle schools and talking to hundreds of teen girls about making positive life choices, believing in themselves, striving to be their best, becoming leaders and not followers in hopes of influencing teen girls to become the best they can be. Along the way I met a teen that asked me how she can do that when everyone around her tells her she won’t accomplish anything and won’t amount to anything better then the people around her in her family and inner city neighborhood. These were family members putting her down, discouraging her and lowering her self confidence and self esteem. I realized at that moment one speech can not change lives and that I needed to connect these kids with positive role models and reinforce my message over a longer period of time. I founded the Rhonda Walker Foundation “Girls into Women” program shortly after the day I spoke to that girl. I am proud to say 8 years later along with my committed board, volunteers, mentors and countless friends and professionals in this community that we have been a positive influence on many lives. We have groomed these teens over 5 years from 8th-12th grade and they have gone from shy to outgoing, from average performing to excelling, from fearful to fearless. They are role models themselves with dreams they know they have the tools to accomplishment. They each now walk with confidence. I am honored and committed for life to supporting and serving these inner city teen girls and thankful to be able to make a positive difference in their lives.” Click here for Rhonda’s bio.
Kimberly Walker, Vice President
Programming Development Committee Co-Chair
kwalker@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“I wanted to be a part of an organization that changed lives. The Rhonda Walker Foundation helps these young ladies mature in to strong confident women! Their lives are forever changed.” (Bio coming.)
Monyka Murphy, Secretary
Volunteer Committee Chair
mmurphy@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“I truly feel blessed and honored to work with such an amazing group of young women each year to help them achieve their full potential. I believe it is important for our young women today to recognize and learn that there is a whole world of opportunity for them to explore, and I enjoy being someone who can assist them in attaining their goals.” Click here for Monyka’s full bio.
Lloyd Banks III
Fund Development Committee Co-Chair
lbanks@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“I am honored to work with so many busy professionals that truly care about the plight of teenage girls in Detroit and that commitment is demonstrated on a regular basis as evidenced by the success of our efforts. The energy and dedication from our president and founder is unwavering and that’s why remain committed and continue to serve.” Click here for Lloyd’s full bio.
Terri Bond
Mentoring Committee Co-Chair
Web Development Committee Co-Chair
tbond@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“I truly enjoy sharing my life experiences with our teens. The other Board members and I put in great effort to give our girls exposure to life without barriers. It is really nice to play a positive role in the lives of such talented, spiritual and intelligent young women who will be community leaders in years to come.” Click here for Terri’s full bio.
Sheree Calhoun
Program Development Committee
College Tour Chair
scalhoun@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“My passion for working with teenagers comes from God. I’ve helped them develop both leadership skills, and strong bodies and minds. I enjoy watching them grow and get excited about what’s next in their lives.” Click here for Sheree’s full bio.
Nikki Howard Combs, MBA, CWP
Fund Development Committee Co-Chair
nhcombs@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“Because of my commitment to our youth, and my heart for our young girls in particular, when invited to serve as a Board Member for the “Girls into Women” Program of the Rhonda Walker Foundation, I accepted without hesitation.
“I am motivated to continue to serve this Foundation, by the “girls” themselves. Their potential and positive transformations make me want to see and to give more. They have all been absolutely incredible to watch. “Holding others accountable, leads oneself to being accountable.” Serving on the Board of Directors for the Rhonda Walker Foundation has made me a better person, woman, mother, business woman and friend.” Click here for Nikki’s full bio.
Dr. Ronald Gillum, Sr., Ph.D.
Education/Leadership Chair
rgillum@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“After some 45 years of educational service at the local, state and national levels I know a little about the type of support services that can make a difference in the lives of our school age youngesters. The RWF with its highly qualified and committed board of directors along with a cadre of community volunteers has demonstrated through its emphasis on student mentoring, well thought out student centered activities and school and parental involvement that indeed our sometimes labeled “at risk” students can achieve more than many thought possible. It is an honor and privilege to serve on the board of directors.” Click here for Dr. Gillum’s full bio.
Ron Mims
Web Development Committee
Finance Committee Chair
rmims@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“Being on the board of such a great organization allows me to be a part of molding the next generation of leaders. The girls that successfully matriculate through the program gain life skills and self-esteem that will last them a life-time. The RWF teens also have an excellent high school graduation and college admission rate and I’m so proud to play a role in their success.” Click here to read Ron’s bio.
Stacie G. Robinson
Mentoring Committee Co-Chair
srobinson@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“I believe that mentors play a very important part in a young ladies life. Being able to assist a young lady in achieving her dreams, overcoming fears, and building up her self-esteem are just a few reasons why I enjoy volunteering for the foundation.” Click here for Stacie’s full bio.
T.L. Summerville
Summer Internship Committee
Web Development Committee Co-Chair
Finance Committee
tlsummerville@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“Being a father to two daughters helped me see the importance of creating an environment where girls can grow confident and thrive. And because I thought I could have a positive impact beyond my own family, I reached out to the Rhonda Walker Foundation. The RWF has given me the opportunity to provide support and work on programs that I know will benefit teenage girls in and around Detroit for years to come.” Click here for T.L.’s full bio.
Kimberly Keaton Williams
Program Development Committee Co-Chair
kkwilliams@rhondawalkerfoundation.org
“The Rhonda Walker Foundation family is 100% committed to our focus on empowering young women and positively impacting their lives. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share in the lives of our outstanding teen girls. Giving the gift of your time and service is one of life’s greatest rewards.” Click here for Kimberly’s full bio.
2010 RWF Board of Directors
Back row (left to right): T.L. Summerville, Rhonda Walker, Dr. Ronald Gillum, Lloyd Banks.
Front row: Stacie Robinson, Kim Walker, Terri Bond, Kim Keaton Williams, Sheree Calhoun, Nikki Howard Combs, Monyka Murphy. (Not pictured: Ron Mims.)
2009 RWF Board of Directors
Left to right: Ron Mims, Sheree Calhoun, Kim Keaton Williams, Terri Bond, Kim Walker, Rhonda Walker, Nikki Howard Combs, Lloyd Banks, Monyka Murphy. (Not pictured: Dr. Ronald Gillum and Stacie Robinson.)
