PRESIDENT, JUANITA PIPKIN

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Juanita Pipkin is a higher education professional with 25 years’ experience developing and initiating academic strategies to achieve results with academically underprepared populations. Juanita was an Academic Advisor for Academic Pathways to Success at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI for 14 years. She has presented at numerous regional and national conferences. During her tenure at WSU she received the Professional Achievement Award from the Academic Staff Professional Development Committee (2018).

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In the community, Juanita created Discover Reading- a tutoring and reading enrichment program. As part of this initiative she created a youth library with over 800 books housed at Living Faith Church in Warren, MI. She spearheaded the Expect Excellence Conference, Creating Conditions for Academic Success, 2014 and Expect Excellence Conference II, Creating a Culture of Success 2015.

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Juanita’s publishing credits include a book review for the National Association of Academic Advisors (NACADA) - ART Therapy with Students at Risk: Fostering Resilience and Growth through Self Expression by Stella Stephany. She was also a Coordinator and Contributor for two Chapbooks published through the Chapbook Literacy Initiative; Words with Essence (ISBN:978-0-978160) and Writers with Swag (ISBN:978-0-9789160-1-5). 

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Juanita Pipkin earned a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services (Rowan University) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Cedar Crest College). She was part of the Dance Company at Cedar Crest College and has been a volunteer for dance and theater youth programs in Michigan. She currently resides in Denver, North Carolina.

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SECRETARY, CIARA DIRESTA

SHRM-CP, RYT

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Ciara DiResta is a human resources professional with nearly 10 years’ experience leading compassionate people-focused strategic business initiatives. Ciara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from the University of Michigan Dearborn, and is a SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).  Additionally, Ciara is a Yoga Alliance™ registered Yoga Teacher (200-hour RYT) and is a passionate advocate for wellness on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

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TREASURER, HUBERT W. PIPKIN

CPA, MBA

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Financial Executive and Adjunct Instructor with a prolific history comprised of more than 30 years of developing and spearheading financial strategies to achieve noteworthy bottom-line and operational results. Accomplished in identifying areas in need of improvement, building high-performance teams to implement complex enterprise strategies to drive organizational and profit growth. Demonstrated ability to motivate, train and guide non for profit organizations in achieving deliverables and success.
Dynamic, creative and resourceful educator, with an unwavering commitment to the social and academic growth and development of every student. 

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Hubert earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Temple University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Drexel University, Philadelphia PA. 

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH CO-CHAIR, KEN JOHNSON

CFA

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Ken Johnson currently serves an investment strategy analyst for Wells Fargo Investment Institute, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company that is focused on delivering the highest quality investment expertise and advice to help investors manage risk and succeed financially.

Ken is responsible for global equities strategy analysis as well as broader analysis of
the global economy and asset allocation strategies. With his knowledge of the financial markets, he is often quoted in national media outlets. He has appeared in interviews on National Public Radio (NPR). Prior to his current role, he served as a wealth planner for the Mid-Atlantic region of Wells Fargo Private Bank where he worked with clients to develop custom wealth plans based on a thorough understanding of their personal values, assets, wealth transfer goals, and vision for their legacy. 

Ken is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute. In addition, Ken has a deep passion for community service, particularly in underserved communities. He serves on the board of various community focused non-profits, including the Premier Foundation of North Carolina and Barre Belle’s.

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Ken earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Finance from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH CO-CHAIR, ASHLEY JONES

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Ashley Jones is the owner and lead speech language pathologist for Speech Tx PLLC. She is currently serving as a contract speech-language pathologist with the Kannapolis City School District serving students with speech articulation and language deficits. She works closely with Autistic, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, among other disorders students to meet their communication needs. She also practices with skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and hospitals across the Charlotte and surrounding counties serving the geriatric population in the areas of stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injuries and dysphagia. She currently holds membership with American Speech- Language-Hearing Association, the governing organization of speech language and audiologists whose purpose is to make effective communication, a human right and accessible and achievable for all. She received her Bachelor's of Arts with a concentration of mass communications from the University of South Carolina and a Master's of Arts with a concentration of speech-language and audiology from South Carolina State University.

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Ashley is currently a member of community services organizations such as Junior League of Charlotte and Delta Sigma Theta sorority Inc. She is also an active member of St. Paul Baptist Church serving as a choir member, young adult bible study teacher and board member. Ashley is also a fellow dancer and got her start at the Christiana Culture Arts Center in Wilmington, DE. She continued her training in ballet at the University of South Carolina and currently takes classes at Charlotte Ballet.

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FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR, HEATHER PIERCE

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Heather has always had a passion for serving people. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan majoring in Liberal Arts. She currently works for EDSI, a company that provides workforce development program services assisting individuals with the transition from unemployment to employment and from under-employment to self-sufficiency.

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Heather has a passion for equity and service. Heather volunteers at the precincts for local, state and national elections. She is an advocate for the arts and enjoys assisting in the growth and development of young artists. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Michael and sons Jonah & Luca.

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FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIR, MELISSA WENTZ

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Melissa earned her bachelor's degree in Art History and French from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She began her career with BASF in 2008 as a Customer Care Representative supporting French-speaking Canadian customers. Melissa went on to become a Customer Care Manager, developing the Corporate Key Account Team supporting BASF's most strategic customers. In her current role, Melissa is responsible for Horizontal Integration Implementation throughout BASF North America. 

 

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys time with her husband, two sons and two dogs. She enjoys traveling, good food and wine and ACC basketball (Go HEELS!)

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AMBASSADOR, MICO QUIJANO

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Mico Quijano is a dedicated and passionate individual, currently serving as a Barre Belle Ambassador. With a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration in Marketing and a minor in Dance from UNC Charlotte, Mico's educational foundation is complemented by a lifelong commitment to the arts.

 

Professionally, Mico thrives as a Leadership Development Program analyst at Truist, harnessing their skills to contribute to the growth and success of the organization. Beyond their professional endeavors, Mico's love for dance has been a constant presence since their early years, having graced the stage since 3rd grade. This journey culminated in Mico's representation of Barre Belle through a university-affiliated pageant, where their sponsorship became a platform to share their passion for dance while promoting Barre Belle's mission.

 

Mico's dedication to the community shines through their active involvement in various nonprofit initiatives. Advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion across multiple platforms, Mico has played a pivotal role in promoting positive change. His infectious energy and unwavering commitment to uplifting others serve as a beacon of inspiration.

 

When not engaged in their professional or nonprofit pursuits, Mico is often found exploring new horizons and forging connections with fellow enthusiasts. Their genuine compassion and support extend beyond the realm of work, as they also devote time to nurturing and advocating for the fine arts.

 

Mico Quijano's multifaceted journey is a testament to their unwavering dedication to making a difference, promoting inclusivity, and sharing the transformative power of dance and community.

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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, RAVEN JONES

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Raven Jones is a dedicated K-12 Instructional Staff Developer with over 10 years of experience as a teacher and coach. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. With a strong foundation in education, Raven brings valuable experience to her role, where she focuses on supporting educators in developing and implementing effective, equitable practices to enhance whole-child success for all students.

 

Raven is certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace and holds a certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Her expertise extends to curriculum design, education program development, and quality adult education. She is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for both educators and students. Raven is committed to helping educators succeed in their goals and inspires them to maximize student growth and potential. She designs and delivers training programs that engage educators in effective strategies and support systems, addressing the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of every student.

 

Outside of her professional commitments, Raven is blessed to be able to soak up quality family time with her husband and baby boy!