Our Officers
Dana Wadsworth
President & Board Chair
Dana Wadsworth has been a member of TCPF since 2022. Since then, she has consistently dedicated herself to leveraging her ten years of nonprofit experience and devotion to serving communities locally and abroad. Professionally, she has spent over four years in the alternative investments industry - first in Investment and Operational Due Diligence analysis, later moving to Investor Relations. In addition, she is Founder & Managing Partner of Destined by Dana LLC, an all-encompassing event management and coordination company. Dana currently serves as the Treasurer for our community partner, OUO, working to ensure smooth financial operation and bringing TCPF a detail-oriented perspective on all aspects of the organization. Prior to becoming President, Dana served as Secretary, and later Vice President. She served as Giving Day Chair in 2023 and 2024, breaking Foundation records, and has served as Co-Chair for our Annual Polo in Pink event since its inception.
“I have always loved seeing how the small details come together for the big picture. TCPF brings together from women of all walks of life with diverse expertise for one mission. TCPF pushes our passion into the community by fundraising, hosting events, free community programs, and providing scholarships. We may be one small detail in someone’s life, but I like to think that detail makes a different on the trajectory of all our lives.”
Christine Howell
Vice President & Board Director
Christine Howell has been a member of TCPF since 2021. Since then, she has brought over fourteen years of nonprofit leadership and a deep commitment to community service. Outside her professional roles, Christine is actively engaged in volunteerism and community organizing. A passionate mental health advocate, she transitioned from Corporate America to dedicate her career to creating accessible, compassionate programs that uplift underserved communities. She has collaborated with organizations such as JCCA, Sheltering Arms, Rising Ground, and Counseling In Schools, excelling in bridging gaps in care and promoting equity in mental health services.
“Guided by my belief that ‘small acts, when multiplied by millions, can transform the world,’ I channel my passion into sustainable initiatives that foster resilience and healing through pillars of the community like, The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc.”
Karen McLean
Secretary & Board Director
Dr. Karen McLean, PhD, LMSW has been a member of TCPF since 2021. Dr. McLean serves on several community and national organization boards, including the Community Matters Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children in East Hartford, CT, and as Region II Director for the National Association of Social Workers, Inc. in Washington, DC. Dr. McLean worked as a social worker for over 30 years in public service and is currently the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Social Work at Western CT State University in Danbury, CT.
“My interests include equitable social policy practice and empowering others for personal and professional growth. I desire to serve those in need, which fuels my passion for community projects sponsored by the Foundation.”
Marissa Banks
Treasurer & Board Director
Marissa Banks recently joined TCPF in 2024. She previously served as Project Coordinator for Almunir Farms, an urban farming initiative that highlights agriculture, arts, advocacy, and business for the food insecure in Newark, NJ. She is in the early years of her Media Career in both Technical Operations for CBS Sports and Video Editor & Studio Technician for News12 CT.
“For me, being a part of The Cultured Pearl Foundation as a first generation college student in my household, gives me a sense of fulfillment to assist others who are headed down the path of bettering themselves through education. Playing a part in the professional and educational growth of someone who may be just like me, makes having my position more than worthwhile. The even more exciting part for me personally was knowing that the enriching support of TCPF does not simply stop at just scholarships. As the organization grows, I can only pray to grow with it as we extend our hands into the community to fulfill the needs of others.”
Debra Logan-Rabb
Controller & Board Director
Debra Logan-Rabb joined TCPF in 2021. She currently serves on the board of The Children’s School in Stamford and holds the positions of Board Chair of The Stamford Excellence School, a National Blue Ribbon School, and Controller for The Cultured Pearl Foundation. Debra has previously served as a member of the University of New Haven’s Women’s Leadership Council and as a board member of The Greenwich Country Day School. She is a Technology Strategist and Digital Transformation Leader with over 30 years of experience providing extensive expertise in defining technology roadmaps and enabling new business models to enhance efficiency and accelerate growth.
“As a member of The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc., I am deeply committed to the Fairfield County community. I am inspired by our diverse group of women, who unite their talents and perspectives to make a positive impact. Through our scholarships, educational and cultural programs, and support for underserved individuals, we strive to foster growth and development. Seeing the meaningful changes we create fuels my dedication and passion for our mission.”
Jasmine Shockness
Director of Fundraising
Jasmine Shockness joined TCPF in 2018. She has over a decade of leadership experience within Media Technology, driving revenue paths through deal strategy and execution across Content/Intellectual Property and Generative AI. She currently serves as the Ivy Leaf Reporter and Social Media Chair for our community partner, OUO. Additionally, she is an active member of her church, Bethel AME Church in Stamford, where she serves as a member of the Technology Committee as well as Women’s Ministry. She currently lives in Stamford, CT with her loving husband and two sons.
“I’m most passionate about the advancement of underserved communities, and seeks opportunities to serve others.”
Kia Brown-Dudley
Board Director
Kia Brown-Dudley has five years of service with The Cultured Pearl Foundation and over 20 years in education, where she is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower individuals and communities. She has held leadership roles, including Board Member-at-Large, Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President, Board of Directors of the International Literacy Association, as well as Corresponding Secretary and IVY Leaf Reporter® for our community partner, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Omicron Upsilon Omega Chapter, enhancing her expertise in community initiatives.
“I am passionate about TCPF’s mission to enrich communities through scholarships and support for underserved populations. I am inspired by the Foundation’s commitment to helping students achieve their academic dreams, empowering women and girls, and assisting senior citizens and small businesses, aligning with her belief in education and community as drivers of lasting change.”
Zina Scott
Board Director
Zina Scott has been a member of TCPF since 2020. She currently serves as the Technology Chair of our community partner, OUO. She has previously served as Chaplain for OUO and is a Licensed Ordained Deacon for Strait Gate the Church at Westchester. She is a Software Engineer with 20+ years of experience.
“My passion for TCPF comes from my love for serving others and making an impact on communities.”
Kierstyn Harris
Board Director & Programs Partner
Kierstyn Harris has been a member of TCPF since 2019. She currently serves as the Vice President of Programs for our community partner, OUO. A Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Delaware, she has spent over 6 years with Unilever as a formulation scientist, namely developing skin cleansing products for melanin-rich skin with Shea Moisture.
“The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to making a positive influence in the community. As the former scholarship chair, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand the incredible impact we have. The students we work with often stay connected with us, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the scholarships they receive. It's heartwarming to know that our community's support enables us to continue this meaningful work.”
Shelika Tate
Board Director & Nominations Chair
Shelika Tate has been a member of TCPF since 2020. She currently serves as President of our community partner, OUO. She is a licensed attorney in the state of New York and has worked in International Tax for approx. 5 years, currently employed at Deloitte.
“I’m passionate about the work that TCPF does for the people of Fairfield County. We love on senior citizens, provide scholarships to high school students and provide enjoyable activities like Galentine’s Day and Polo in Pink for OUR community!”
Our Advisors & Committee Chairs
Gen Distance
Grant Co-Chair, Presidential Advisor & Immediate Past President
Gen Distance served as TCPF President from 2020-2024.
Chanel Adams
Public Relations Chair
Imani Tisdale
Legal Advisor
Téylor Uba-Oyibo
Grant Co-Chair
LaTeisha Elliott
Scholarship Co-Chair
Jenny Coerbell
Galentine’s Day Co-Chair
Shirley Noél Toby
Armchair Chat Chair
Martina McCrory
Galentine’s Day Co-Chair
Ingrid Aarons
Scholarship Co-Chair
Ylorie Taylor
Giving Day Co-Chair
Latisha Williams
Giving Day Co-Chair
Kianna Thompson
Giving Day Co-Chair
Kianna Thompson has been a member of TCPF since 2021. She has over 5 years of experience providing therapeutic services as founder of Helping Achieve New Developmental Stages.
“Giving Day is a meaningful fundraiser that I am passionate about because the efforts and funds raised directly impact the communities that I am from. Being from Stamford and seeing how the funds can support the development of the students, small businesses, and others in Fairfield community is an indescribable feeling.”