JESSICA KELLY SILVERIO-TOMLINSON
National Directress
jsilverio@sistuhs.org
Greetings! My name is Jessica Kelly Silverio-Tomlinson and I am extremely honored to serve as the National Directress for the 2023-2025 term. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist the leaders and the members of SISTUHS, Incorporated, as well as the community, in elevating the standards in our personal and professional growth.
As the National Directress and the Chief Executive Officer, Directress Silverio-Tomlinson is responsible for policy-setting and program implementation, as she leads the National Board of Directors, Regional Directors and entire organization.
A committed Lifetime Member and with years of leadership and service, Directress Silverio-Tomlinson was installed as the National Directress on June 13, 2021 and was re-elected to continue her service on June 25, 2023. She began her first National position as the National Director of Public Relations, in her final semester in college, in which she led different initiatives to strengthen the social media platforms. Then, she served as the National Director of Correspondence, in which she oversaw how the organization communicated with Chapters and advanced our external communication. Shortly after, she served as the Assistant Directress of Policy, cultivating impactful programs with Four Points of Perfection, Inc. to ensure a plethora of communities were served. In that capacity, she also oversaw the National Director of Membership and Expansion and National Director of Legislation positions, propelling the organization with the Chartering of over 5 Chapters, both Collegiate and Professional, and aiding in improving some of our legislation. Directress Silverio-Tomlinson also served as the Assistant Directress of Administration, working to magnify our impact in our various channels, through our tenacious spirit. As National Directress, she has implemented it’s first ever Regional Board of Directors, expanded outreach programs to serve more underserved communities, and established strategic corporate partnerships.
Her philanthropic leadership extends beyond SISTUHS, Incorporated, as she also serves on the Board of Advisors for Envision Lead Grow, an organization to provide economic empowerment services for women and girls from historically excluded communities through programs that increase equity, ownership, entrepreneurship, scholarship and investment. Directress Jessica Kelly Silverio-Tomlinson, was born in Boston, Massachusetts and has lived in South Florida since a young age. As the daughter of immigrants of Brasil, she is a first-generation Brasilian-American who attended Florida Atlantic University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She joined SISTUHS, Incorporated in 2012 as a Chartering Member of the Florida Atlantic University Chapter. She currently is a committed member of the Central Florida Professional Chapter.
“But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you — see that you excel in this act of grace also.”
2 Corinthians 8:7
BREANNA EVANS-TAYLOR
Assistant Directress of Administration
bevanstaylor@sistuhs.org
Greetings! I am Breanna Evans-Taylor and I'm honored to serve as your 2023-2025 Assistant Directress of Administration, aiming to unite us through collaboration, pursuing excellence, and embracing our passion for SISTUHhood.
Hailing originally from Brooklyn, New York, Assistant Directress Evans-Taylor embarked on a transformative journey at the age of 10, relocating with her family to the vibrant community of Kissimmee, FL. Her commitment to SISTUHS Inc. began during her time at Florida A&M University in 2016, when she joined this incredible sisterhood. Since then, Assistant Directress Evans-Taylor's dedication has been unwavering, as evidenced by her diverse leadership roles. She has served in positions including, Fundraising Chair, Activities Chair, Elder, and Chapter President, each experience shaping her into the leader she is today.
Upon completing her studies at Florida A&M University, Assistant Directress Evans-Taylor ventured to Orlando to embark on a career in IT Project Management. Later, she would join the Central Florida Professional chapter, where she served as Activities Chair and most recently assumed the position of Membership Chair. In these capacities, Assistant Directress Evans-Taylor spearheaded life-changing initiatives aimed at the well-being of our members. Noteworthy amongst these was "Unwind Wednesdays," a monthly event dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, and the collaborative celebration of Founder's Day Retreat.
As Assistant Directress of Administration, she is thrilled to introduce two groundbreaking programs that will help to shape the future of our organization. "SISTUH to SISTUH" is a mentorship initiative that seeks to create a nurturing environment for growth and development. Additionally, "Professional SISTUHS," an internship program, will be overseen by a dedicated special committee, paving the way for our members' personal and professional advancement. These programs are emblematic of our commitment to holistic well-being and will further strengthen each of our chapters' health.
“Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn’t have to become perfect because I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness.”
- Janelle Monae
CHARMION THRASHER
Assistant Directress of Policy
cthrasher@sistuhs.org
Greetings and salutations! I am Charmion Thrasher, and it is an honor to serve as the Assistant Directress of Policy for 2023-2025 term. I believe my experience as a two-time Charter Member and Regional Director, can assist in spreading the mission and impact of SISTUHS, Incorporated.
Assistant Directress Thrasher Thrasher was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. Before the age of 18 she had traveled the world as a student ambassador for the United States. On these journeys is where she learned the importance of considering herself a global citizen. After graduating from High School in 2011 she attended Bethune Cookman University, where she went on to become the Chartering Vice President of the Bethune Cookman University Chapter of SISTUHS, Inc. Assistant Directress Thrasher’s commitment to diversity, women empowerment, and equity are what have driven her to bring like-minded women together.
After graduating from BCU, she began a career in the financial industry, working every day to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to the banking world. While living and working in Jacksonville, FL she was able to connect with many like-minded women who shared her passion in creating a community that serves and empowers them. These women were able to come together despite a global pandemic to charter the Jacksonville Professional Chapter of SISTUHS, Inc. As the Chartering President, Assistant Directress Thrasher continues her work of advocating for people’s dignity, freedom, and peace. Understanding the only way to break cycles of fear and misunderstanding is for people to understand one another.
Assistant Directress Thrasher currently lives in Jacksonville, FL, working as an Organizing Manager working to improve the social disposition of underserved communities every day, and is the owner and CEO of Herbal Radiance Corporation.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond
measure... And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the
same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”- Marianne Williamson
MELKEYA HORNE
Director of Finance & Budget
mhorne@sistuhs.org
Greetings! I am Melkeya Horne and I am honored to serve as your 2023-2025 Director of Finance & Budget. As a member of SISTUHS, Incorporated, I am elated in assisting in taking our organization to new heights.
Director Horne was born in the lovely city of Miami, Florida where she is currently raising her beautiful teenaged daughter, Mykala. As a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, she obtained a degree in Finance and Accounting and a Master’s degree in Finance from NOVA Southeastern University. Director Horne has always had a passion for Finance. Her passion developed when she noticed that close friends and family did not practice healthy financial literacy. Which in turn influenced her to write a book entitled “No Money, No Thank You! How Your Financial Season Affects Your Relationships”.
She joined SISTUHS, Incorporated in April of 2019 and has been a driving force in the organization since her induction. Prior to serving on the National Board of Directors, Director Horne was the Treasurer for the Miami Dade Professional Chapter. While serving in this position she was awarded “Treasurer of the Year” within her first term. Her commitment to the organization is unwavering and as the Director of Finance and Budget, she plans to continue guiding the organization and its members to financial freedom.
Director Horne’s goals for her term are to provide timely financial reporting, support each chapter in functioning at their best financially, and promote financial awareness in her SISTUHS’ personal lives.
“If there was no money and everything depended on your moral standard, the way that you behaved and the way that you treated people, how would you be doing in life?”
- Tupac Shakur
TASIA STONE JORDAN
Director of Membership & Expansion
tjordan@sistuhs.org
Greetings! I am Tasia Stone Jordan and I am honored to serve you in the capacity of Director of Membership and Expansion for the 2023-2025 fiscal year. It is my hope that you will regard me as one of your fiercest allies when it comes to supporting members in every phase of life, extending SISTUHly love to all members and bestowing the values of the organization upon the next generation of Nubian Queens.
Director Jordan was born and raised in South Florida, specifically Miami Gardens. She was inducted in the Fall of 2005 into the Florida State University Chapter. She reactivated her membership in the Spring of 2019, becoming a member of the Broward County Professional Chapter. There, she served as Secretary and was recognized as the 2020-2021 National Professional Secretary Of The Year.
Director Jordan’s goals for her term include:
Revamping communication methods between the National Board and members.
Reactivating inactive membership through targeted drives and events.
Seeking out and providing incentives for active members.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
- African Proverb
ASHANTA WILLIAMSON
Director of Legislation
awilliamson@sistuhs.org
Greetings! I am both humbled and honored to serve as your 2023-2025 Director of Legislation. I look forward to working with you and the communities in which we serve.
Exhibiting a warmth of personality and enthusiastic spirit, Ashanta Williamson is committed to public service initiatives. As a thought leader and advocate for helping and developing others, Ashanta’s niche is helping non-profit organizations, corporations, higher education leaders, and individuals to maximize their ability to make an impact in their communities and those they are surrounded by.
Ashanta’s passion for service resonates through her daily work. She served as the Public Affairs Specialist and before that as the Operations Manager for The Division of Institutional Advancement for her Alma Mater Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL.
Her biggest accomplishment at Bethune-Cookman University was securing the signing of Senate Bill 472 that will see the statue of civil-rights leader and educator Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, to replace the statue of Confederate Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith to represent Florida in National Statuary Hall in Washington D.C. Florida is now the first state in the union to honor an African-American woman in the national hall. She also secured over $9 Million in state funding and raised over $8.7 Million for Bethune-Cookman University's Annual Legacy Awards Gala. Throughout Ashanta’s career she has raised over $30 Million for philanthropic initiatives within the State of Florida. Currently, Ashanta serves as CEO of Ashanta Williamson & Company, a leading management and professional services company.
Ashanta received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Bethune-Cookman University. Ashanta is a member of NextUp Jacksonville Board of Commission, I AM THE PRIZE, Inc. Board of Directors, An Alumna of Next Generation with Leadership Jacksonville and the Legacy League, a 2020 Stein Fellow with United-Way of Northeast Florida, David and Linda Stein Fellowship, A Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sister of Northeast Florida Achievers For Life Mentoring Program, Charter Member of The Jacksonville Professional Chapter of SISTUHS, Incorporated, the former Ms. Black Sunshine State International Ambassador representing the State of Florida, and host of the World Class Woman Conference, but most of all Mother to her Son Gabriel Williamson.
Ashanta is self-confident and has devoted herself to building up others. She has the ability to inspire great confidence in people and exudes ambition, exceptional character, and a sheer determination to innovate new and exciting ways to assist and inspire our youth and impact communities.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
- Philippians 4:13
DR. LATAISIA JONES, Ph.D.
Director of Programs
ljones@sistuhs.org
Greetings! I am Dr. Lataisia C. Jones and I am honored to serve as your 2023-2025 Director of Programs. As a member of SISTUHS, Incorporated, I take pride in my work and I dedicate my time and efforts to the advancement of this organization and the communities that we serve.
Dr. Lataisia C. Jones was born in Virginia and has lived in various places due to her military family upbringing and educational background. She joined the North Florida Professional Chapter of SISTUHS, Incorporated in Fall of 2015 and took off running by playing a role in leadership as the 2016-2017 Political Action Chair. She then served as Chapter President for the year of 2017-2018.
After graduating as the first African American to earn her Ph.D. from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Florida State University, Dr. Jones moved to the Washington, D.C. area to start her career journey. Immediately after her move, she was appointed as the Director of Programs in 2018 and elected to remain in office from 2019-2021. Dr. Jones then served as the 2021-2023 Assistant Directress of Administration where she created initiatives like the Tag A SISTUH interview series and advanced the president and vice president surveys to expand the personal and professional development workshop opportunities provided by SISTUHS, Incorporated.
As Director of Programs, Dr. Jones’ goals for her term are to continue to strengthen and empower our leaders while improving our programs and our chances to gain funding and sponsorships.
“Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourselves with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope, never feat.”
- First Lady Michelle Obama