Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
- Henry Ford
Executive Leadership Team
President
Dominique
Wright
Dominique Wright is the CAE, Thermal and Test Engineering Manager at Lexmark International, Inc. Previously, she served as the Worldwide Service Parts Engineering Manager, Supplier Relationship Manager as well as a Mechanical Engineer. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kentucky and Master’s Degree from Georgia Tech, both in Mechanical Engineering. Some of Dominique’s other activities include the National Society of Black Engineers, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serving on on various community boards. She believes that service and mentoring are the ways to connect, grow and unify communities. Dominique grew up in both Hershey, Pennsylvania and Lexington, Kentucky.
Serita Baskin is a passionate professional certified social worker with the Veteran’s Administration in Lexington, KY. She received her BSW and MSW from the University of Kentucky. She is the immediate past President for the Lexington Urban League Young Professionals, a sustainer member in the Junior League of Lexington and a Charter member of the National Council of Negro Women. A few of her hobbies are traveling, shopping and reading.
Vice President
Dr. April
Prather
Nicole Gwishiri works as a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Bath County through Cooperative Extension with the University of Kentucky. She has an undergraduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Nicole was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and grew up in Hamlet, North Carolina. She moved to Kentucky in August of 2015. She loves to volunteer, go to church, and spend time with family and friends. Her hobbies include sewing, writing, and playing with her baby, Shona and poodle, Bates.
But out of limitations comes creativity.
-Debbie Allen
President Emeritus
Serita
Baskin
April Prather, PharmD is a clinical pharmacist from Mobile, Alabama who moved to Kentucky in 2015. In addition to her service with Lexington Urban League Young Professionals, April is an active member of her church and volunteer pharmacist with Mission Lexington’s, Faith Pharmacy. She recently embraced her passion for dance through launching a dance fitness class that embraces Christian music. She is a firm believer that a life in service to others is a life worth living.
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
-Mahatma Gandhi
Secretary
Nicole
Gwishiri
Treasurer
Kevin
Thomas
Membership
Co-Chair
Desiree
Montgomery
Desiree Montgomery works as a quality assurance manager for University of Kentucky Healthcare. She obtained a Master's of Public Health from the University of New England. Originally from Hamlet, North Carolina, Desiree moved to Kentucky in January 2017. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a volunteer with the YMCA Black Achievers program. Her hobbies include writing, reading, traveling and watching superhero movies.
Melvin Lewis, known to many as DJ Forerunner, is an open format disk jockey, providing services for corporations, weddings, private events and clubs. He specializes in partnering with brands to provide premier, upscale experiences. Melvin can also be heard on Lexington’s Hot 102.5 on weekdays during the “Hot Drive at 5.” He is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Parliamentarian& YPFit Chair
Interim Marketing Chair
Melvin
Lewis
Professional Development Chair
Dr. Donavan Ramon
Krista Williams is a Senior Corporate Recruiter in Human Resources in Lexington, KY. She received her Master's degree from Colorado Technical University in Human Resources Management and her Bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky in Integrated Strategic Communications. In addition to Urban League Young Professionals, Krista is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Lexington KY Alumnae Chapter where she has served as the Community Service Chair, LEAD Chair and Recording Secretary.
Membership
Co-Chair
Sharonda
Steele
Donavan L. Ramon, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies at Kentucky State University. A specialist in African American Literature, he teaches literature and writing to students in the Whitney Young Honors Collegium. He is a recipient of the 2018-2019 Career Enhancement Fellowship from the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, and is currently completing a book manuscript on the psychoanalysis of racial passing. A native of Harlem, New York, he earned his B.A. in English from Hunter College (CUNY) and his doctorate in English from Rutgers University.
Outreach Chair
Krista
Williams
Advocacy Chair
Dr. Candice Hargons
Candice Hargons, PhD is an assistant professor of counseling psychology at the University of Kentucky. She is also a licensed psychologist and founding director of the Center for Healing Racial Trauma. Candice's leadership includes serving on the executive boards of the Society of Counseling Psychology and the Kentucky Psychological Association. She also serves on the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives. Candice researches, teaches, and advocates for Black sexual health, mental health, racial justice, and the educational excellence of Black girls.
Ramon Hargons is the owner of the Jerk Lex.
Finance Chair
Ramon
Hargons
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