ABOUT US
Rhonda Walker Foundation sets the standard for empowering teenaged girls towards their own success.
Our Story
Teenagers need trusted support, foundational experiences, and meaningful relationships as they strive to graduate from high school and succeed in college and beyond. Teen girls, in particular, often need to further develop the confidence to believe that they can and should belong in spaces that have been traditionally closed to them. And not only that they belong—that they can shine.
At Rhonda Walker Foundation we understand what it takes to thrive and find one’s own success out in the world. We’ve experienced the roadblocks and the victories, and we’ve established professional and personal connections to some of the best people out there in every industry. We’ve turned fear of the unknown into luminous visions of new possibilities. We know that everyone embodies assets that only shine brighter with care and practice.
We have an unwavering belief that young women belong in and thrive in any profession and every community—and so our commitment goes above and beyond so that every opportunity is possible. We’re willing to lead the way to establish lasting change so that today’s high school teens grow into women who will change the world.
Rhonda Walker Foundation.
Empowering Her Success.
”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.”
Rhonda Walker
Founder
Our Team
Ruselda Villanueva Johnson
CEO
Ruselda Villanueva Johnson joined the Rhonda Walker Foundation in September, 2019. Ruselda brings 30 years of combined leadership experience and success in the non profit sector working with Big Brothers Big Sisters; Habitat for Humanity and most recently, the Urban League. She is a transformative leader who believes in engaging and collaborating with our team in innovative and creative ways that make RWF the premier mentoring organization for inner-city teen girls in Detroit.
Holly A. Murphy
Senior Marketing and
Communications Director
Nicole Amacker
Program Manager
Jacalyn Shelton Wallace
RWF Coordinator
Robin Thurber
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Carolyn Barden
Bookkeeper
Amy Keely
Executive Administrator
Board of Directors
Board Vice-Chair
Vice President, Talent Acquisition and Development and Chief Diversity Officer
MacLaren Health Care
Rhonda Walker
RWF President/Founder
Anchor
WDIV-TV 4
Board Treasurer
Vice President of Sales and Business
Development
LTC Roll and Engineering
Senior Vice President of Operations
Raymond James & Associates
Vice President Corporate
Communications and Public
Relations
Magna International
Founder-CEO
Robin Gamble Photography
Founder-CEO
12 NV Events
Vice President Community Manager
JP Morgan Chase
Executive Vice President/Wealth Management, Branch Manager
Laskaris Jamett Advisors
Chief Judge
46th District
President
Atlantic Coastal Acquisition Corporation
Communications Associate Community Foundation for SE Michigan
Senior Territory Manager
Pediatric Specialty
Abbott Nutrition
Vice President
Global Business Services
Lear Corporation
EVP, Chief Information Officer
TD SYNNEX
Deputy State Treasurer
State of Michigan
“It’s ok to be myself when I walk into any room and that I should try new things and get out of my comfort zone. I am much stronger today because of this organization. I am confident and open to the possibility of the future. I am an even better version of myself.”
Taylor R.
Class of 2023
“Confidence is the key. You have to face challenges and never give up. I know there is nothing I can’t do. I have created impactful relationships with phenomenal black women who empower me. I’ve built life-long friendships with other young ladies from my community, and I’ve learned to navigate my future.“
Temyla K.
Class of 2023
“Being a part of the Rhonda Walker Foundation has taught me to be a wise, confident, aspiring, and ambitious young lady and to give back to those in need. I have gained knowledge and opportunities, built life-long relationships with her sisters and I’ve become a better student and individual.”
Asiah J.
Class of 2023
“I have grown as a person and learned more about myself and the importance of my voice through the Rhonda Walker Foundation. I am taking with me an understanding of true sisterhood. Through the Rhonda Walker Foundation, I’ve learned that our encouragement to each other helped to push us to success, and our laughter aided in bringing us closer.”
Sydni B.
Class of 2023
“The greatest lesson I have learned is to take advantage of every opportunity that contributes to future success. With this chapter coming to a close, we will be prepared to spread our wings and soar. I am highly motivated, I’m black, I’m beautiful, and College Ready. I feel EMPOWERED and I am an RWF WOMAN representing the class of 2023!”
Temyla K.
Class of 2023
“I have learned to persevere through trials and tribulations and to see the good in every challenge and that the past does not control my future. I am no longer shy and timid. I have found my confidence and will help others along the way. RWF has helped me to achieve in a tremendous way.”
Kiara D.
Class of 2023
“I have learned many things while being in RWF: to love myself and others, to be a leader, and to take any opportunity given to me. I learned how to code-switch and dress to impress. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to work with a team and be heard. I am now a confident young lady. I know how to adjust to different environments and how to put my best foot forward to reach my true potential.”
Brianca M.
Class of 2023
Financials
The Rhonda Walker Foundation is committed to using funds responsibly in order to provide impactful and meaningful programming that engages and empowers inner-city teen girls.