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Dionne Lester
Chief Operating Officer
Dionne has been the Chief Operating Officer for the Community Investment Network since its conception in 2007.
Prior to launching the Community Investment Network, Dionne worked with her husband, Darryl Lester as the V.P. of Infrastructure of HindSight Consulting for five years. A majority of Dionne’s career was spent at Nortel Networks, a Canadian based telecommunications company, where she worked for twelve years as a Senior Manager in Marketing Operations.
Dionne’s civic and community involvement include PTA board member at Conn Elementary School, community advocate for the Horse and Buddy Therapeutic Riding Program, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Next Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP).
Her formal education includes a B.S degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and travel abroad to South Africa.
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Charles E. Lewis, Jr.
Chairman, Board of Directors
Charles obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree in Civil Engineering at Auburn University. Charles obtained a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Charles is also registered professional engineer in the states of Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
As an intern through INROADS Inc., an international organization poised "To place Talented Minority Youth in Business and Industry and prepare them for Corporate and Community Leadership", Charles worked with Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors throughout college. Upon graduation, Mr. Lewis accepted a position with the Southern Company, the parent company for Alabama Power, Georgia Power, etc.. Charles' professional experience includes leading civil engineering design for over $1 billion in environmental projects for Southern Company. Mr. Lewis is currently a construction lead responsible for daily management of contracts that exceed $30 million.
In addition to numerous professional activities, Charles is active in various community organizations. Mr. Lewis has been actively involved in organizations such as the Future Engineers of America, NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hands-on-Birmingham, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, and United Way of Central Alabama, CATALYST of Birmingham. Charles is also a founding member and former chairman of the Birmingham Change Fund, an organization of young African Americans that collectively pools their time, talent and treasure to create positive change in Birmingham. Currently, Charles is the board chairman for the Community Investment Network, a non profit that supports community investment by way of giving circles like the Birmingham Change Fund nationwide.
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Michelle Arrington
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Michelle has been a senior pharmaceutical sales representative with GlaxoSmithKline in Atlanta, Georgia since 2004. She has received numerous accolades for outstanding sales performance, highlighting her excellence on a regional and national level. Michelle’s past work experience utilize her strong management, marketing and customer service skills with companies such as BellSouth and the Georgia Power Company.
She has been committed to the community through her leadership of The Summit at Cascade Home Owners Association, member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, member of the Chautauqua Circle and Treasurer for the Board of Directors for the Community Investment Network.
She earned a B.S. in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia State University.
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Valaida Fullwood
Member, Board of Directors
Valaida is a native North Carolinian and graduate of UNC Chapel Hill. For over a decade, Valaida has worked as a creative consultant, writer and project manager, mainly in education, the arts, civic engagement and philanthropy. Prior to becoming an independent consultant, she managed international economic development projects for major corporations, living and working overseas.
Valaida is a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina and enjoys being involved in the community on multiple fronts, including serving on the boards of the African American Community Foundation, Charlotte ViewPoint, Community Investment Network, Northwest Corridor Community Development Corporation and Wesley Heights Neighborhood Association. She is also a founding member of New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP-Charlotte) - a giving circle, giving back.
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LaDawn Sullivan
Member, Board of Directors
LaDawn is the Program Officer for The Denver Foundation’s Strengthening Neighborhoods Program. LaDawn joined The Denver Foundation in 1997. She previously served in key staff positions within the Hunt Alternatives Fund, a private foundation, and Governor Roy Romer’s Administration in the office of Policy and Initiatives. She currently serves as Chair of the Pipeline (supporting emerging leaders of color) Sub-committee of The Denver Foundation’s Inclusiveness Program, Board Chair of Shadow Theatre Company Advisory Board, and is Immediate Past Chair of Colorado Blacks in Philanthropy, a local chapter of the Association of Black Foundation Executives.
She recently joined the Denver Chapter of Links, Inc. - a national women’s organization promoting friendship and service to community. She serves in various capacities in her community and has worked on campaigns that promote literacy and efforts that encourage the preservation of African American history and culture in Denver. She has also served as Youth Director of her church for over 10 years. She is the mother of two sons - Dallas, 14 and Darius, 10. In her off hours, LaDawn is an accomplished singer and has appeared in theatre productions, and other music venues. She enjoys reading and bargain hunting. |
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