LEADERSHIP

Board Members

Alicia Adell, M.Ed
Alicia was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and relocated to attend Grand Valley State University. She graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, and continued on to obtain her Master of Education degree in 2007. Currently, Alicia is working at Grand Valley as an academic adviser for student-athletes. Adell is also an active member of the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and New Hope Baptist Church. She is dedicated to giving back to her community, and empowering students to see the full potential of what they can accomplish. Alicia joined the BL²END board in January 2009.

Favorite Quote: "Believing requires action."  ~ Author unknown

Contact Alicia:
Alicia Adell, M.Ed, Membership Committee Chair
alicia.adell@gmail.com

Jamon Alexander
Jamon currently serves as Development Coordinator at Spectrum Health Foundation and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University, along with his American Humanics nonprofit management certification. He is active in the community, serving on the board of Blandford Nature Center, volunteering at Alexander Elementary through Schools of Hope, Junior Achievement, GVSU African American Alumni Association, and other local organizations. Jamon is a founding member, and joined the BL²END board in August 2006.

Favorite Quote: "Service is the rent we pay for living." ~ Marian Wright Edelman

Contact Jamon:
Jamon A. Alexander, Board Co-Chair
j.anthonee@gmail.com

Janean Brown, M.Ed
Janean, a native of Flint, Michigan, attended Grand Valley State University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration degree in 2005, and continued on to receive her Master of Education in Higher Education with an emphasis in Adult and Higher Education (CSAL) in 2008. While attending GVSU she also became certified as a nonprofit leader through the American Humanics program. She currently works as a program assistant at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at GVSU. In the community Janean has been a member of Project Blueprint, works with the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Grand Rapids (YNPN), and is an active volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Janean is a founding member, and joined the BL²END board in August 2006.

Favorite quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Contact Janean:
Janean Brown, M.Ed.,Board Co-Chair
janean.brown@gmail.com

Ronnie Frelix, Jr.
Ronnie was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in Advertising. In the community, he is a member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Iota Pi Chapter. He spends much of his time working with at risk youth as part of the "Teaching Kids Success" program. Ronnie joined the BL²END Board in October 2007.

Favorite Quote: “Those things that people call impossible are only what they can’t imagine.” ~ Ronnie Frelix, Jr.

Contact Ronnie:
Ronnie Frelix, Jr.
Marketing Communications Committee Co-Chair
frelixron@hotmail.com

Maxine Gray, M.S.
Maxine was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Hope College in 2004, and her Master of Science degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University in 2009. She currently works as a Project Coordinator at Williams Group, a strategic communications firm in downtown Grand Rapids. Her passion includes a combination of professional, educational, and community activities, ranging from marketing, communications, diversity and inclusion; to professional development opportunities for young professionals, and nonprofit organization resource development and capacity building. Gray is a 2007 graduate of the Heart of West Michigan United Way Project Blueprint program, and a member of the InForum West Michigan Regional Council. Maxine joined the BL²END board in November 2006.

Favorite quote: "Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible." ~ Mary McLeod Bethune

Contact Maxine:
Maxine Gray, M.S., Marketing Communications Committee Co-Chair
Professional Development Committee Chair
myfgray@gmail.com

Marnique Harris, M.A.
Marnique was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She relocated to Michigan to study Aviation Science and Administration at Western Michigan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in 2003. Marnique briefly worked in the airline industry, and then found a love for higher education. Her experience includes working in Financial Aid for American Intercontinental University Online, Student Outreach and Recruitment for Western Michigan University, and she currently works for Ferris State University in the Financial Aid department. In December 2008, Marnique earned a Master of Arts Degree in Career Technical Education from Western Michigan University.  She is an active member of Revolution Christian Ministries in Grand Rapids, MI and joined the BL²END board in January 2009.

Favorite quote: “You win peoples heart by helping them grow personally.” ~ John Maxwell, “Developing the Leader Within”

Contact Marnique:
Marnique Harris, M.A., Social Networking Committee Chair
m04har@yahoo.com

Cynthia Offutt
Cynthia is originally from Inkster, Michigan, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Aquinas College in 2003, and is currently the Human Resource Manager for Michigan Corporate Services, LLC. She has previous involvement with the Young Non Profit Network of Greater Grand Rapids, and memberships with the Association of Human Resource Managers, Society of Human Resource Managers, and the Young Professionals Network. Actively involved with her Alma mater, she has served on the Reunion Planning Committee, Homecoming Court Selection Committees, and as an alumni advisory board panelist.  She is a former graduate of 2007 Heart of West Michigan United Way Project Blue Print, and Restorers’ Financial Freedom. Cynthia continues to pursue her Masters degree in Human Resource Management, and joined the BL²END board in January 2009.

Favorite quote: “Don’t go where the path leads, go where there is no path and leave a trail.”  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Contact Cynthia:
Cynthia L. Offutt, Secretary
cynthia.offutt@gmail.com

Brian Parks
Brian was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Grand Valley State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Economics in 2008. Brian began his career as a Commercial Credit Analyst for Mercantile Bank of Michigan, and is currently a graduate student at Grand Valley State University in the Accounting program. In the community, he volunteers at Harrison Park Elementary through Schools of Hope and regularly with Habitat for Humanity. Brian joined the BL²END board in January 2009.

Favorite quote: “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” ~ Author unknown

Contact Brian:
Brian Parks, Treasurer
brian.parks23@gmail.com

Celeste Sanchez
Celeste was born in New York City, and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and often finds herself traveling between the Midwest and East Coast. Celeste graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Purdue University in 2007. Sanchez is currently enrolled at Western Michigan University, where she is pursuing her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, with the goal of becoming a licensed Psychologist for inner-city organizations. Celeste recently relocated back to Grand Rapids from Richmond, Virginia, and is currently a Spectrum Health Community Health Worker in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood.  Sanchez is also involved with Bethany Christian Services in a Community Living Support role, serving children within Kent County to foster independent living.  Celeste enjoys being active within the community. She attends Grand Rapids First, and enjoys the relationship her church is building the community. Celeste joined the BL²END board in January 2009.

Favorite quote: "Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world" ~ Miguel de Cervantes

Contact Celeste:
Celeste Sanchez, Community Outreach Committee Chair
sanchez.celeste@ymail.com

BL²END Founder

Erayna Gamble
Erayna relocated from Detroit, Michigan to attend Grand Valley State University, where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing and general management. She transitioned into the professional workforce at Haworth, Inc. where she performed a variety of roles within the marketing discipline under the title of Marketing Associate. As someone that loves to be involved, Erayna has been a member of the Haworth diversity council, GVSU African American alumni association, Heart of West Michigan United Way Project Blueprint program, and a member of the board of directors at Camp Blodgett. In July 2008, Erayna's desire to learn and refine her business skills, led her to pursue her Master of Business Administration degree at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Favorite Quote: “Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” ~ Japanese Proverb

Contact Erayna:
Erayna Gamble
BL²END Founder, and Board Co-Chair Emeritus
erayna.gamble@gmail.com

Special thanks, and recognition, to past Board Members:
Janae Currington, Anissa Eddie, Jermale Eddie, Erayna Gamble, Sara Hill, and Marquisa Nash.

Advisory Council Members

Floriza Genautis
Floriza has over seven years of experience in the accounting and financial arena with over eighteen years of specialization in the professional staffing industry.  Her previous professional responsibilities include a comprehensive background in accounting, human resources management, benefits administration, and computer/network administration.  Floriza possess a BS in Mathematics with an emphasis in Computer Application.  She particularly enjoys interfacing and developing good rapport with clients and candidates and the marketing aspects of the staffing profession.  Active Memberships at AWE (Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs) and Programs Chair of the Board, APO (Asian Professional Organization), APACC (Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce), GR Chamber of Commerce, CEED, AVRF (Asian Victims Relief Fund) and Inforum.  Active participation in helping with the education for WBE (Women Business Enterprise) and serving in the Council for WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council) in the certification committee.  Presently, Founder/CEO of Management Business Solutions a professional staffing firm with national capabilities offering clients personalized and relationship driven organization specializing in placing candidate in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Human Resource, Information Technology, Sales and Marketing, Engineering and Nursing. 

Joseph D. Jones
Joseph D. Jones, President/CEO of E.E. Milestone + Associates, Inc. offers a very unique base of strategic communications and cultural competency expertise working with major organizations within industries such as healthcare, public education, construction, telecommunications, sports and entertainment, philanthropy, community development, faith-based and human services. Joseph is committed to the community, and currently serves on a number of boards including the Chemical Bank – GR Community Bank Advisory Board, Kent County Department of Aeronautics, Grand Rapids Symphony, LifeQuest Group, Christian Counseling Center, Brown Hutcherson Ministries, and Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology. His professional experience includes over 10 years of service in the metropolitan Detroit area in the non-profit sector as a community organizer, program coordinator and project manager. Prior to Milestone, Joseph was the director of marketing and public relations for a national construction-trades employment service and a Managing Partner of Strategic Communications Group, LLC. Joe holds a bachelor's degree in communication arts from Oakland University.

David Luna
David Luna, currently the Vice President of Multicultural Affairs for Saint Mary’s Health Care, has more than twenty years in leadership positions in the areas of organizational change, cultural competency and diversity. Prior to Saint Mary’s, David was the head of diversity for Unicom Corporation (now Exelon) in Chicago, Illinois and for the Thomson Corporation (now Thomson-Reuters) headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.  He was also the former head of Leadership and Organizational Development for the Latino Institute (Chicago).  David earned his BA and MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago; and his JD at the University of Chicago. He is a member of the Multiracial Association of Professionals (MAP), the National Forum of Latino Healthcare Executives, the Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives and the National Society of Hispanic MBA's.

Susan Morales-Barias
Susan Morales-Barias is the Director of the Nonprofit Leadership Institute of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University. Susan joined the Johnson Center in September 2006 as coordinator of the AIM Alliance’s collaborative work in research, education, training, and technical assistance. Before joining the Johnson Center, Susan was Director for Organizational Effectiveness and Alignment for the Heart of West Michigan United Way, where she led the organization’s planning and evaluation efforts. Susan is a board member of Arbor Circle, the Asian Victim’s Relief Fund, and serves on the campaign cabinet for the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts.  She served on the board of the Asian Center of West Michigan from 2004-2007 and volunteers for the Asian Health Outreach Foundation.  Susan hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines. Susan has been involved in various nonprofits in the Philippines and the US. Her interests are in the areas of research, evaluation, organizational effectiveness and strategic planning.

Tanja Oquendo
Ms. Oquendo is vice president of human resources for Spectrum Health Hospitals. She has full responsibility of leadership for employment, staff relations, diversity, compensation, organizational development, benefits and payroll for Spectrum Health Hospitals. Ms. Oquendo is accountable for driving strategies to support the success of the organization.  A key strategy driven by Ms. Oquendo is investing in people, which enhances retention, cultural competence and employee engagement.  Included in the invest in people strategy is management & leadership accountability, targeted recruitment efforts, and retention and engagement initiatives. Prior to Spectrum Health, she has held senior human resource positions in New York with KPMG and Avon Products.  She also has experience at Christina Health System in Newark, Delaware as a specialist in employee relations and employment law.  Ms. Oquendo holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Michigan.  She also holds a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School.