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.
JR Alexander
Chief of Staff
JR Alexander
Chief of Staff
J.R. Alexander is a highly versatile project management professional and dedicated servant leader. Driven by a passion to create more equitable outcomes for community, J.R has served in several roles over his decade long career in public transportation across the country.
A Los Angeles native, J.R. has been with the movement for over 6 years across many chapters and calls Houston and HAULYP home. J.R. looks forward to rolling up his sleeves and working for the people of Houston and the movement as a whole.
A Los Angeles native, J.R. has been with the movement for over 6 years across many chapters and calls Houston and HAULYP home. J.R. looks forward to rolling up his sleeves and working for the people of Houston and the movement as a whole.
- Email:chiefofstaff@haulyp.org
Jeremy Sanford
Treasurer
Jeremy Sanford
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
Tiffany Winters
Virtual Event Coordinator
Tiffany Winters
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
Jessica Kimble
Co-Chair
Jessica Kimble
Co-Chair
Jessica L. Kimble, a Waco, TX native, is an accomplished educator with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Baylor University and a Master of Science degree from Texas Woman's University. Her eleven years as a middle school Social Studies teacher produced impressive achievements, including two Campus Teacher of the Year awards and four Linden Heck Howell Outstanding Teaching of Texas History Award nominations. Her teams have twice earned the Academic Achievement in Social Studies Distinction on the state assessment test, highlighting her dedication to educational excellence.
Beyond her professional accolades, Jessica is deeply involved in civic and social engagements within HAULYP and Houston. As a member of HAULYP since 2022, she has contributed to various committees and led outreach initiatives such as the 2023 National Conference Hospitality Team, the Advocacy & Civic Engagement Committee, the ELT Nominations and Election Committee, and our Young Professionals University. Outside of HAULYP, Jessica has been pivotal in registering new voters at community events and high school seniors within several school districts as a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar. She also participates in Get Out the Vote canvassing within neighborhoods with low voter turnout and in other roles as an Election Worker and a Polling Site Support Tech. As an Advocacy and Civic Engagement Co-Chair, Jessica’s mission is to educate, empower, and encourage others to pursue social justice and active civic participation.
Beyond her professional accolades, Jessica is deeply involved in civic and social engagements within HAULYP and Houston. As a member of HAULYP since 2022, she has contributed to various committees and led outreach initiatives such as the 2023 National Conference Hospitality Team, the Advocacy & Civic Engagement Committee, the ELT Nominations and Election Committee, and our Young Professionals University. Outside of HAULYP, Jessica has been pivotal in registering new voters at community events and high school seniors within several school districts as a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar. She also participates in Get Out the Vote canvassing within neighborhoods with low voter turnout and in other roles as an Election Worker and a Polling Site Support Tech. As an Advocacy and Civic Engagement Co-Chair, Jessica’s mission is to educate, empower, and encourage others to pursue social justice and active civic participation.
Community Outreach
Shelly Schoberg
Co-Chair
Dr. Tiren Parker
Co-Chair
Dr. Tiren Parker
Co-Chair
Dr. Tiren Parker (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist and has expertise in treating trauma and anxiety related disorders and race-based stress/trauma. She is passionate about ethnic minority mental health and an advocate for mental health equity for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities. She is a proud HBCU alum and completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the illustrious South Carolina State University. Go Bulldogs! She went on to complete her master’s in counseling and doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina- Pembroke and the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology respectively. She comes from a proud military family, so the importance of service was instilled at an early age. This desire to serve and give back to the community flourished over time and has been reflected in her engagement and service with various professional and community organizations to include the American Psychological Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
She joined HAULYP in 2022 and became an active member regularly attending committee meetings, events, and volunteering. She served as Community Outreach Committee Co-Chair in 2023 and in this role, she demonstrated her ability to lead, collaborate, engage in effective teamwork, create meaningful connections, and dedication to the organization. During her tenure she was deeply honored to be selected as the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Member of the Year, and the Community Outreach Committee had the distinction of being chosen as the Committee of the Year by the members of HAULYP. She remains committed to the mission of the National Urban League and desires to create a welcoming environment for members, increase member engagement in community service events, and enhance the reach of the organization by strengthening existing partnerships and fostering new relationships within the community. Dr. Parker is dedicated to uplifting and positively impacting Houston’s BIPOC communities.
She joined HAULYP in 2022 and became an active member regularly attending committee meetings, events, and volunteering. She served as Community Outreach Committee Co-Chair in 2023 and in this role, she demonstrated her ability to lead, collaborate, engage in effective teamwork, create meaningful connections, and dedication to the organization. During her tenure she was deeply honored to be selected as the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Member of the Year, and the Community Outreach Committee had the distinction of being chosen as the Committee of the Year by the members of HAULYP. She remains committed to the mission of the National Urban League and desires to create a welcoming environment for members, increase member engagement in community service events, and enhance the reach of the organization by strengthening existing partnerships and fostering new relationships within the community. Dr. Parker is dedicated to uplifting and positively impacting Houston’s BIPOC communities.
Fund Development
Stalaney Onukogu
Co-Chair
Alycea Dixon
Co-Chair
Health & Wellness
Haley Love
Co-Chair
Haley Love
Co-Chair
Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, Haley is a proud alumna of Georgia State University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Special Education. Upon realizing her passion for addressing health disparities, Haley received her Master of Public Health degree with a Concentration in Community Health Education from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro and became a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Shortly after receiving her MPH, Haley began her career as a Public Health Education Specialist at the Waco-McLennan County Public Health Department. In this role, Haley co-led a coalition to improve maternal and child health outcomes for Women and Children of Color. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Haley discovered an opportunity to experience another sector of public health and began a new journey at Harris Health System as an Employee Wellness Coordinator with the award winning Healthy@Harris Employee Wellness team. During this role, Haley became increasingly interested in physical fitness and obtained a Group Fitness Instructor certification from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America. In her first year at Harris Health, Haley became the 2021-2022 Chair of Mosaic, a multicultural Employee Resource Group at Harris Health System. Her volunteer work in this role led Haley to pursue more opportunities to incorporate topics of diversity into health equity strategies at Harris Health System, where she now worked as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist.
When she’s not coordinating events and logistics for Harris Health System’s several ERGs, Haley coaches boxing throughout the week, which she enjoys thoroughly because she gets to meet and connect with new people as well as provide health coaching and fitness training to support them on their various wellness journeys.
When she’s not coordinating events and logistics for Harris Health System’s several ERGs, Haley coaches boxing throughout the week, which she enjoys thoroughly because she gets to meet and connect with new people as well as provide health coaching and fitness training to support them on their various wellness journeys.
Jarrod Foster
Co-Chair
Jarrod Foster
Co-Chair
Jarrod Foster, a proud native of Houston, Texas, is deeply committed to community empowerment and advancing health and wellness education. He operates within the mental health and sports sectors, offering expert coaching, mentorship, and guidance across various health domains. A staunch supporter of youth development, he continually seeks opportunities to foster growth and progress within his city.
Membership Engagement
Tameka Bannarbie
Co-Chair
Tameka Bannarbie
Co-Chair
Tameka is a graduate of Lamar University and an educator. She is a Houston native with Jamaican roots driven by a passion for helping people and a vision where every individual can thrive, Tameka continues to challenge and advocate for justice whether in the classroom or community. She is committed to positive change and inclusivity. Tameka is actively involved with the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals and various community initiatives promoting social equality. HAULYP has worked tirelessly to address systemic issues, foster inclusive environments, maintain a dedication to educational equity, and more where everyone's voices are heard and respected. HAULYP has been a revolving door of encouragement, strength, and inspiration for her. She strives to ensure each member has the same experience.
Megan Ellison
Co-Chair
Professional Development
Dr. Brandon Douglas
Chair
PR & Marketing
Christopher Howard
Chair
Social Media
Jocelynn Horton
Chair
Jocelynn Horton
Chair
Jocelynn Horton is a St. Louis native. She attended Tuskegee University where she was a collegiate tennis player while obtaining a degree in Agricultural Business with an emphasis is in marketing and management. She is currently obtaining her MBA at LSUS in Project Management.She currently works as a small business Social Media Manager for a non-prfoit that partners with Verizon to help small business achieve success. She recently started her own agency, In Real Time Media where she assist small businesses with their monetization and optimization of various social media platforms.
- Email:socalmedia@haulyp.org
Youth Empowerment
Danielle King
Co-Chair
Danielle King
Co-Chair
Danielle moved to Houston from Long Beach, CA in August 2023 after graduating from California State University Long Beach with a Masters in Public Administration.
Danielle joined the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals in September 2023 and was appointed as the Youth Development Co-Chair in April 2024. Danielle is a past member of the Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals and a past President of the Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals.
Danielle is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., and Junior League Houston. Professionally, Danielle is the Faith Based Program Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston. In her free time, Danielle enjoys networking opportunities, volunteering, game nights, karaoke and spending time with loved ones.
Danielle is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., and Junior League Houston. Professionally, Danielle is the Faith Based Program Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston. In her free time, Danielle enjoys networking opportunities, volunteering, game nights, karaoke and spending time with loved ones.
Jade Miller
Co-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
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Social & Cultural
Querencia Joshua
Co-Chair
Querencia Joshua
Co-Chair
Committed to leveraging her expertise, Querencia looks to transition into the field of Public Administration and Public Policy. She is deeply passionate about advocacy work, policy development, building meaningful relationships, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and driving change management initiatives. Her dedication to creating inclusive spaces and fostering community engagement is reflected in her commitment to enriching the HAULYP mission through diverse social and cultural experiences.
Additionally, Querencia is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She enjoys serving the community, gathering with friends, trying new restaurants, and online shopping!
Diamond Brown
Co-Chair
Diamond Brown
Co-Chair