MEET THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tawanna Rucker is a licensed wellness specialist and certified professional life coach who specializes in youth development. She is trained in an intensive corporate leadership program and hold certifications in wellness therapy.
Ms. Rucker worked in the spa and wellness industry for nearly 10 yrs before becoming a life coach. Her professional experience include working for International luxury, five star management companies to include The Ritz-Carlton and The Four Seasons Resort and Club.
She has combined corporate leadership methods, life coaching strategies along with her specialized knowledge in wellness to develop a curriculum with 6-key elements to help teens realize their potential, build true confidence and thrive.
Ms. Rucker has successfully developed strategic partnerships with organizations to engage youth through higher education, arts and community involvement.
She began her career in 1992 as a professional model and later appeared in advertisement for Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, JCPenney, Self Magazine and more. She also appeared in ads for L'Oreal, Mary Kay Cosmetics and opened shows for designers such as the legendary Carolina Herrera.
Tawanna assist teens in finding their own power from within and teaches them to use it effectively. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children (CASA). As an advocate, she speaks out for the best interest of abused and neglected children in court.
She is currently studying Executive Nonprofit Leadership at Southern Methodist University and the Center for Nonprofit Management.
Dr. Andre L. Washington, PhD, CRC is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Experience Coordinator within the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Studies at Langston University. He also serves as a Research Investigator at Langston University’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities. Before joining Langston University, he worked as a Job Developer for the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City and as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Carl Albert Executive Fellow) with Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Dr. Washington has served on numerous community and professional boards including the Metro-OKC Black Chamber of Commerce, First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Association for Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (OAMRC), and National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns Training Conference. Dr. Washington has a passion for assisting the underrepresented youth population.
Barbara Rucker is the Executive Director at Prevention Network Agency (PNA). She has over 25 years of Senior Project Management experience and led as Corporate Diversity Coordinator for AT&T.
Barbara has served on numerous Boards to include the International Woman AGLOW of Overland Park, Kansas and was Corporate United Way Coordinator. She is a Community Leader Volunteer who has worked with organizations to provide resources to individuals and families, helping to facilitate permanent housing as quickly as possible. Barbara serves as Denton County Democratic Diversity Co-Chair.
Minnie Vickers is a Community Development Specialist who engages citizens at the grassroots level to leverage the power of cooperation, creativity and community. Minnie matches resources with those in need. She represented Seagate at the Small Business Administration and Junior Achievement and worked as County Clerk for the City of Forest Park. She donates her time and resources to working with organizations in the community.
Minnie is a person of unbending optimism and has a strong commitment to her community. Minnie has a long history of service and she is passionate about uplifting others.