Rhonda is the Founder and President, she leads this initiative that empowers the community. In recognition of our efforts. Most notable she was honored with the Black Achiever award in 2021, a testament to her commitment to excellence and advocacy for Black nurses.

Latina Abram, Registered Nurse obtained her degree from Trocaire University. Latina has experience in Primary and Specialty Care, Latina has also served patients in Dialysis Acute Care as well as Geriatric Acute and Longterm Care settings. 

Tameka Felts is a Registered Nurse she obtained  both degrees from Niagara University.  Tameka is currently employed with Schoelkopf Health Center where is holding a position as there Infection Control and Inservice Coordinator. Tameka has 20 years experience in nursing field. She has held various positions in mental health, hospice care, and dialysis. Tameka is a BLS CPR Instructor and is a Certified Nurse Educator for CNA students.

Dr. Willa Arnet, has over 22 years of experience in providing medical care in a variety of settings. Although her specialty is in geriatrics, she also enjoys teaching health promotion and disease prevention with her patients. Dr. Arnet has recently embarked on her new private practice that provides health management in the home. Willa has actively lead community service events and formally served as Assistant Treasurer  of Black Nurses Rock Buffalo.

Mykiel brings over 20 years of executive level leadership experience across the automotive industry, with a strong foundation in operations, finance, governance, and organizational growth. His career includes senior leadership roles such as Sales Manager, Regional Manager, Finance Manager, Used Car Manager, and General Manager, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to lead complex organizations with accountability and purpose.

Currently Mykiel serves as an independent consultant, partnering with organizations and individuals to strengthen operational performance, identify gaps, and implement sustainable strategies. His areas of expertise include financial oversight, strategic planning, customer experience, and performance optimization.

In addition to Mykiel's corporate background, he brings a decade of entrepreneurial experience as a former restaurant owner, further enhancing an understanding of fiscal responsibility, workforce development, and community based leadership.

Syntyia is a double-certified nurse practitioner in adult and acute/ critical care. She attended Trocaire college for her A.A.S. in Nursing. She later attended Daemen University where she obtained her B.S.N, master’s in nursing, and Post-Master Certificate in Nursing.  She has vast knowledge in geriatrics, telemetry, oncology, vascular, med-surg,
and critical care as a registered nurse. As a nurse practitioner, she currently holds positions in multiple hospitals in acute care including neuroscience, internal medicine, medical-surgical critical care, and CVICU. She continues to mentor nursing students and precept nurse practitioner students interested in critical care, all while volunteering
at organizations including Buffalo Black Nurse Inc., Sigma Gamma Sorority Inc., Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, and Nurse Practitioner Association. She is also an active member of the American Nurse Association and American Association of Critical
Care Nurses.

Ida Gibson. PhD, serves as Director of Culture & Community Engagement at Catholic Health in Buffalo, New York, where she leads systemwide initiatives that strengthen workplace culture, advance health equity, and deepen community partnerships across Western New York. She is also the founder of Iola Consulting Group, where she partners with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to support strategic planning, leadership development, and community impact initiatives. Ida is deeply committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening community institutions, and cultivating the next generation of leaders. Above all, she is the wife of Rev. Corey B. Gibson and a proud mother to Caleb and Nia Gibson.

Dr. Char’lese Perry, PMHNP is a doctorate prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.  Graduating from SUNY Buffalo in 2015, she is currently working as a provider on a local adult inpatient psychiatric unit.  In addition, she services clients through an assertive community treatment (ACT) team.  Dr. Perry is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Shani Smith is a Human Resources executive and community advocate with over 20 years of experience driving organizational excellence and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. As the Director of Human Resources and Title IX/Title VI Coordinator at Trocaire College, she leads strategic initiatives that center equity, compliance, and employee engagement.

Shani's commitment to service extends beyond the workplace. She proudly serves on the Board of Governance for the Charter School of Inquiry on Buffalo’s East Side and as a board member of the Erie County Youth Board, where she contributes to shaping opportunities and resources for youth across our community.