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Program Development
Jennifer Malone is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Ladies Empowered with Resources, Inc., a national organization dedicated to empowering women through business education, leadership development, and trauma-informed training. With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and strategic consulting, Jennifer leads the Empowering Survivor Entrepreneurs Project, providing innovative training and technical assistance to transitional housing providers. Her mission is to help women discover their purpose, build sustainable businesses, and lead with confidence. Jennifer is also a passionate speaker, coach, and advocate for economic justice and faith-driven empowerment.
Dr. Angelique Lewis is a licensed psychologist and the Founder and President of Grace Healing and Wellness Center. With over 20 years of experience serving marginalized communities, Dr. Lewis specializes in trauma-informed care, emotional wellness, and culturally responsive mental health services. As a national advisor for the Empowering Survivor Entrepreneurs Project, she brings deep expertise in resilience-building and healing-centered approaches that honor the lived experiences of survivors. Dr. Lewis plays a critical role in shaping the initiative’s curriculum and training, ensuring that providers are equipped with tools that center empathy, empowerment, and safety.
Business Strategists
Sylvia Banda serves as the Chief Technology Strategist and Director of Digital Program Delivery for the National Trauma-Informed Entrepreneurship Initiative. With over 30 years of experience in IT leadership, project management, and digital transformation, Sylvia brings a unique blend of technical expertise and community-centered strategy. She leads the development of the national relearning platform and digital resource hub, ensuring they are trauma-informed, accessible, and scalable. Her work bridges technology with healing by integrating equity-centered design, ethical data practices, and user-focused innovation across all digital initiatives. Sylvia is passionate about using technology to advance economic justice and empower survivors through sustainable systems and partnerships.
Myesha Thompson serves as the Strategic Operations & Program Integration Lead for the Empowering Survivor Entrepreneurs Project. With an MBA in Public Administration and over 7 years of cross-sector experience in contract management, program administration, and community leadership, Myesha is known for building efficient systems that drive impact. She brings deep expertise in trauma-informed care, DEI initiatives, and operational strategy. As the founder of More Than a Conqueror, she has led life skills-based programs rooted in healing and self-sufficiency. In her current role, Myesha ensures that all aspects of content, training, technology, and partnership delivery remain aligned, responsive, and replicable—positioning the initiative for long-term sustainability and national scale.
Financial and Customer Strategists
Lekisha Leonard is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and economic empowerment. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, she currently serves as a Business Relationship Manager for BMO Bank, where she brings strategic insight and a deep commitment to community-centered solutions. As part of the Empowering Survivor Entrepreneurs Project, Lekisha leads the financial pillar, helping transitional housing providers—and the survivors they support—understand money management, access capital, and build sustainable business practices. Through her consulting organization, she connects entrepreneurs with the tools, partnerships, and knowledge they need to grow and thrive.
Gerald Malone is a seasoned customer service and workforce development professional with over 25 years of experience across retail, nonprofit, and administrative sectors. Known for his compassionate approach and exceptional communication skills, Gerald has helped individuals and organizations build strong, service-oriented environments. He has worked in customer care for major retailers, managed personnel and hiring processes, and served as a job coach and skills instructor for individuals with disabilities. As the lead facilitator of The Consumer Cabinet, Gerald equips providers and survivor entrepreneurs with trauma-informed customer service strategies that prioritize dignity, empathy, and excellence.
Advisory Council
Advisory Council