Executive Leadership Team
Driving Progress, Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders
Meet our Executive team
Nitasia Dupree
President
Nitasia Dupree
President
Nitasia "Spirit" Dupree is a multifaceted trailblazer, making her mark in Houston, Texas, but her journey began in the dynamic state of New Jersey. Her life is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a career spanning over 13 years and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, she excels in the world of finance as a Finance Manager. Her professional journey is an awe-inspiring testament to her dedication and expertise in the field.
Spirit's commitment to making a lasting impact doesn't end with her corporate responsibilities. By night, she transforms into a Peak Performance Coach, catalyzing positive community change through her passion for volunteerism and professional development. This dual role illustrates her boundless energy and desire to uplift those around her. Her journey as a change-agent began with her notable stints as the Professional Development Chair for the Los Angeles and Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals. She is currently the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals President. Under her leadership, these organizations orchestrated city-wide events that empowered and inspired her community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.
In addition to her impressive career and community work, Spirit is a two-time Amazon Best Selling author. Her contributions to the "Boss Babes Who Pray" series, including titles like "She Doesn't Pray Fair" and "Exposing the Lie of the Enemy," have resonated with readers across the globe. Her long standing dedication and contributions through the years earned her the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Spirit's journey is a shining example of success, resilience, and positive change. Her multifaceted career and unwavering dedication to her community continue to inspire and elevate those fortunate enough to cross paths with her. She is a symbol of what can be achieved through passion, hard work, and a deep-seated commitment to making the world a better place.
Spirit's commitment to making a lasting impact doesn't end with her corporate responsibilities. By night, she transforms into a Peak Performance Coach, catalyzing positive community change through her passion for volunteerism and professional development. This dual role illustrates her boundless energy and desire to uplift those around her. Her journey as a change-agent began with her notable stints as the Professional Development Chair for the Los Angeles and Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals. She is currently the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals President. Under her leadership, these organizations orchestrated city-wide events that empowered and inspired her community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.
In addition to her impressive career and community work, Spirit is a two-time Amazon Best Selling author. Her contributions to the "Boss Babes Who Pray" series, including titles like "She Doesn't Pray Fair" and "Exposing the Lie of the Enemy," have resonated with readers across the globe. Her long standing dedication and contributions through the years earned her the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Spirit's journey is a shining example of success, resilience, and positive change. Her multifaceted career and unwavering dedication to her community continue to inspire and elevate those fortunate enough to cross paths with her. She is a symbol of what can be achieved through passion, hard work, and a deep-seated commitment to making the world a better place.
- Email:president@haulyp.org
Dr. Jessica Sharp
Vice President
Dr. Jessica Sharp
Vice President
Dr. Jessica Sharp, who uses she/her pronouns, is on a mission to change the world through love & belonging. Jessica is a social entrepreneur, organizational psychologist, content creator, and leadership coach. Dr. Sharp is a consultant, and sought-after speaker, and works in Higher Education in Houston. Dr. Sharp received a Doctorate in Leadership Psychology from William James College and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri. Through her company, Sharp Brain Consulting, Jessica works with organizational leaders who want to create stronger cultures as well as individuals who want to learn more about self-love, belonging, and building community. Working to create what the late great John Lewis called good, necessary trouble, Jessica is committed to creating spaces for the voices of those who have been historically and systematically marginalized. She has served in a variety of leadership roles in volunteer organizations. Before moving to Houston, Jessica volunteered at a high level with several organizations in Greenville, SC, and has received numerous awards for her service and leadership. In addition to her role as Vice President of HAULYP, Jessica is a Board Member and the Governance Committee Chair of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Jessica can be found on Instagram at @jessica.e.sharp.
- Email:vicepresident@haulyp.org
Shaunice Starks
Secretary
Shaunice Starks
Secretary
Shaunice is an Alabama native who received a BS in Marketing from the University of Alabama. She also received an MBA from in-state rival Auburn University. She recently moved to Houston from Atlanta, GA and decided to join the movement. Shaunice is passionate about serving the community. She is a part of several different organizations that strive to educate, uplift and serve. She looks forward to utilizing her skills to excel in this new role.
- Email:Secretary@haulyp.com
Erika Smiley
Policy & Procedures
Erika Smiley
Policy & Procedures
Prior to her appointment as Policy and Procedures Officer, Erika has held various roles within the HAULYP. She served on two different bylaw committees and was appointed Chair of the most recent Nominations and Elections Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the NULYP Policy and Procedures Committee, where she contributes to crafting national-level policies and overseeing the election process.
Erika is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the HAULYP, where she collaborates with like-minded individuals to address the unique challenges faced by the Black community.
Earlier in her tenure with HAULYP, Erika ran for and was elected as Co-Chair of the Civic Engagement Committee. In this capacity, she focused on increasing Black community engagement in politics and leveraging her campaign and policy expertise to drive positive change.
With a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Prairie View A&M and a Master's in Public Administration, Erika boasts a solid academic foundation in government affairs. Currently, she serves as an elected Emergency Services Commissioner, showcasing her dedication to public service.
Erika is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the HAULYP, where she collaborates with like-minded individuals to address the unique challenges faced by the Black community.
Earlier in her tenure with HAULYP, Erika ran for and was elected as Co-Chair of the Civic Engagement Committee. In this capacity, she focused on increasing Black community engagement in politics and leveraging her campaign and policy expertise to drive positive change.
With a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Prairie View A&M and a Master's in Public Administration, Erika boasts a solid academic foundation in government affairs. Currently, she serves as an elected Emergency Services Commissioner, showcasing her dedication to public service.
Aarian Tipton
Chief of Staff
Aarian Tipton
Chief of Staff
Aarian Tipton was born and raised in Wichita Kansas and has been a Houston resident for over 3 years. She has been a member of HAULYP since 2021, and served as one of the 2023 Civic Engagement Co-Chairs. Tipton is a Licensed Masters Social Worker, graduating with her BS in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and her Masters in Social Work from Wichita State University. She is excited to bring her Social Work background to the Chief Of Staff Role. With a unique combination of relational, organizational, and ethical skills it will contribute to a well-rounded and effective approach to HAULYP's mission.
- Email:chiefofstaff@haulyp.org
Shelton Dotson
Treasurer
Shelton Dotson
Treasurer
Jeremy J. Sanford is an unconventional, outspoken character, as many would describe him. Hailing from the great state made even more famous by P-Valley (Mississippi), he is a graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Prior to his current role as Treasurer, Jeremy has held office within HAULYP twice as Fund Development Co-Chair. Additionally, he is a member of the NULYP Fund Development Committee, where he contributes to establishing best financial practices for chapters, identifying and securing various grants, sponsorships and other funds to partner with NULYP.
Since graduating, Jeremy found his niche working to assist black and brown high school/college students as they navigate their journey to adulthood. He does this professionally by leading recruitment efforts for historically black colleges & universities for the Redwoods Leadership Development Program at DaVita. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys providing service to his community through his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and enjoying all the culture, cuisine, and entertainment that Houston has to offer.
Since graduating, Jeremy found his niche working to assist black and brown high school/college students as they navigate their journey to adulthood. He does this professionally by leading recruitment efforts for historically black colleges & universities for the Redwoods Leadership Development Program at DaVita. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys providing service to his community through his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and enjoying all the culture, cuisine, and entertainment that Houston has to offer.
- Email:treasurer@haulyp.org
Victoria Hart
Special Advisor
Victoria Hart
Special Advisor
Erica Lewis
Virtual Event Coordinator
Erica Lewis
Virtual Event Coordinator
Precious Azuree
The HAULYP Data Collective
Precious Azuree
The HAULYP Data Collective
Committee Chairs
Advocacy and Civic Engagement
Nzhada Harris
Co-Chair
Jasmine Edwards
Co-Chair
Community Outreach
Jasmine Jordan
Co-Chair
Trent Andrews
Co-Chair
Fund Development
Charis Stinson
Chair
Membership Engagement
Patrice White
Co-Chair
Destiny Fordham
Co-Chair
Professional Development
Julia Rock
Co-Chair
Janay Roberson
Co-Chair
PR & Marketing
Jordyn Louise
Chair
#BeTheMovement
We are an auxiliary group of the Houston Area Urban League. Our mission is create a positive impact in the local Houston community through service and advocacy.
Email: info@haulyp.org
Get Monthly Updates
Enter your email here to receive our newsletter
© 2025 HAULYP. Designed and Developed by Chris K Howard
Social & Cultural
Tameka Bannarbie
Co-Chair
Tameka Bannarbie
Co-Chair
Seth Ellis II
Co-Chair
Seth Ellis II
Co-Chair