javondlynn dunagan - board president and founder

Javondlynn M. Dunagan founded the JMD Angels Foundation after being inspired during the 2020 pandemic shutdown to organize "angels" to sow seeds in the community.  While watching the news, Javondlynn had a light bulb moment after seeing four Atlanta entrepreneurs pool their monies together to pay grocery bills for holiday shoppers during Thanksgiving 2020.  After realizing that she could make a larger impact in the community, Javondlynn founded JMD Angels Foundation on December 23, 2020.   The foundation’s mission covers four initiatives: food, clothing, shelter, and college scholarships.  In less than three years, JMD Angels has distributed college care packages, luggage to shelter residents, toiletries to the homeless and cupcakes to first responders. Additionally, the foundation is most proud of awarding $25,000 in scholarships to deserving graduating seniors and continuing college students.  Javondlynn has a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Hampton University. Javondlynn is a proud and active member of Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  

Ebony Harris currently serves as the Vice President of the JMD Angels Foundation Board. She is a proud Chicagoan and servant leader for her city and its residents. She is a 2022 recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award from the Black Women Professionals League based on her leadership and community involvement. Ebony is the incoming 2024 President of the Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League.  Professionally, Ebony is a social worker/psychotherapist who has strived for mental health access and equity within the Black Community. Her personal mission is to engage communities, filling in the gaps to eradicate injustice and make an impact for her people.  Ebony is a graduate of Howard University c/o 2016 (B.A) and Loyola University (MSW) 2018.

Ms. Stevens is a global, high-integrity business executive in the pharmaceuticals and medical device technology industries, with over 30+ years experience in QA, operations, and engineering.  She is the President, JL Stevens Consulting. Her previous roles have included was VP Quality,  Hillrom, VP, Sterile Injectable Quality Operations at Pfizer and Hospira. With earlier roles in global pharmaceutical companies, including Abraxis Bioscience and Eli Lilly. 

Ms. Stevens serves as a mentor to aspiring engineers and furthering diversity in STEM career fields. She chaired the inaugural DEI employee resource group Chicago chapters for both Hillrom and Pfizer. She is a member of Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation (WBL), including the DEI committee. She was the 2019 Commencement speaker at The Young Women’s Leadership Charter School, and is a member of iMentor Chicago, Women Corporate Directors (WCD) BoardNext initiative. She has an MBA with concentrations in Operations and Finance from DePaul and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue.

 De'Andrea S. Robinson is a true Chicagoan, born and raised on the Southside. She attended Northern Illinois University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is employed with the Chicago Public Library as a Children's Library Associate where she creates programs for her little friends and provides quality services to the community she serves. Always having a love and passion for helping others, she serves on the Northern Illinois University Black Alumni Council board and is a proud and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves as the Chair of Educational Development. With service in her heart, De’Andrea enjoys giving back to her community and working with the youth. She has worked with various organizations and participated in several public service activities, such as feeding the homeless, Share Your Soles, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Catholic Charities, and playing bingo with the seniors in the 009 District and JMD Angels Foundation. De'Andrea is a daughter, proud mother of Kenneth who is in his 2nd year at Howard University, wife, and friend. She has been married for 20 years and enjoys spending time with her family and Sorors. She received her Master’s in Library and Information Sciences from Dominican University. 

LeDonna Rollins-Barnes is a proud graduate of Grambling State University with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. For the past 25 years, she has been a dedicated Juvenile Probation Officer with Cook County Juvenile Probation.  She has devoted her life to helping numerous children despite not having children of her own. Since 2003, she has been a proud and active member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. She has served in several leadership roles as a chair and committee leader with the Delta Gems  (mentor for high school age girls), and as the HBCU College Tour Chair. She presently serves as the Chair of the Sergeant-At- Arms team. She also proudly serves her union as an Executive board member for AFSME local 3477. She is the Vice President for Local 3477 and Chief Steward. She also serves on the labor management team, Project Life Line scholarship committee and MARX fund committee. LeDonna is an active member of the Windy City Grambling State Alumni Association. LeDonna is a dedicated servant to the community and enjoys giving back.  She has been married for six years to her wonderful and supportive husband Malik Barnes. 

 Chantelle Bittings, LCPC is a graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a

bachelor’s degree in psychology. She obtained her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the

Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 2001 and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in

Illinois.  She is also a National Certified Counselor. In her practice, she provides individual and family

therapy and empowers others to make effective life changes. She is the author of  I AM ENOUGH- 14 DAYS of self-worth, strength, and encouragement. Chantelle is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Serving her community is her ultimate joy and responsibility. Chantelle enjoys hosting events to empower and enrich the lives of women. She serves in her local church with her husband, the Youth Pastor. Her most cherished roles are being a wife to Thomas Bittings Sr. and

mother to her two sons, Gaston and Thomas Jr.

Mary Tillery is the Owner and Executive Director of Mary’s Little Lambs Early Learning Center. Mary Tillery is an entrepreneur, community coordinator and a woman of vision. She has worked in private industry, worked in the medical profession for nearly a decade, and has served with the Chicago Police Department for over 20 years before receiving her law enforcement purple heart. Mary has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement Management, and

has earned her Master’s degree in Psychology with a certification in Psychological Assessment. All while juggling the demanding schedule of a husband and six children. Mary became an entrepreneur by designing, creating, patenting, and manufacturing her line of disposable mattress and pillow liners that she is currently in contract negotiations to sell orldwide. She is also a community coordinator for ‘Adults and Children Together Against violence’ (ACT), where she partners with community organizations in facilitating parenting classes with a focus on non-violence. She has a passion in educating our youth. As the past assistant director of Exodus Outreach Ministry, she continues to serve and volunteer with tutoring grade school aged children in reading and math. She was a mentor for teen moms at Second Chance where she conducts motivational workshops that encourages teens to further their education. Mary was a member of New Miracle Temple for 40 years where she Co-Chaired the Marriage Ministry and coordinated annual marriage retreats, monthly meetings, and workshops. Mary Currently sits on the board of Birth to Five of Illinois Region 32 action council. In her little spare time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and ensuring her children are educationally stimulated and psychologically sound.

Schantel Deal-Ross a resident of the city of Chicago, is a wife and mother and has worked for the law offices of Winston and Strawn as a Senior Paralegal for 24 years. Schantel’s passion for service and her life goal is to be a positive force and a blessing to others. She strives to achieve that goal by being active in the community and supportive of nonprofit programs that focus on the betterment and provide access to others. Aligning her profession with her service she also worked with North Lawndale Legal Clinic Intake Center aiding community residents with legal aid and contact resources. Schantel also lends her time and support to a host of other nonprofits such as NCNW; Marillac St. Vincent; Bright Horizons for Youth, Literacy Works’; Purpose Over Pain; True Believers Community Connections; and Reading Between the Lines, a program dedicated to transitioning individuals into life after incarceration. When you hear her say “It takes a village” it is from her experience and love of community she is speaking. Schantel holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix as well as a Bachelor of Arts in in English and a Certificate of Paralegal studies from Roosevelt University.

 Lisa Heiskell-Tompkins is a graduate of Hampton University. She has a long history of public service as a volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House in Hyde Park as a guest services volunteer.  Additionally, she volunteers with the Chicago Hampton Alumni Association supporting their community outreach efforts and scholarship fundraising.  Lisa began volunteering in 2021 with JMD Angels Foundation and faithfully served in several areas including assisting with  logistics. She has remained a committed and active member of the  board since joining two years ago.

Jessica Sivels, the Commercial Services and Association Engagement Manager at the National Association of REALTORS®, stands out as a leader in fair housing advocacy and community service. She is a trusted resource for industry professionals aiming to make a significant impact.

A true Southsider of Chicago, Jessica is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the South and Westside communities. Before joining NAR, she served as the Senior Director of Public Engagement at the Chicago Housing Authority, where she championed affordable housing and economic growth. She also worked with the Community Investment Corporation and the Chicagoland Apartment Association, building a strong network within the real estate sector.

Jessica's commitment to community service sets her apart. She serves as a Board Member of the JMD Foundation, helping Chicagoland residents with essential needs. Additionally, she volunteers at the Abundant Life Food Pantry, addressing food insecurity in underserved neighborhoods. 

Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Champion of Diversity, 2023 Innovator of the Year, and the 2023 Marion Mainer Award. Recently, she was named a 2024 Woman of Excellence by the Chicago Defender.

With a Master's in Nonprofit Administration and a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Jessica blends business acumen with a passion for social impact. Her commitment to community improvement drives positive change and inspires action.

Ms. Errika Williams was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. She attended Lincoln College in Lincoln Illinois and earned both a Bachelor’s of Science and Master of Science degrees with honors in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University.  She is a Life Member of the Chicago State University Alumni Association. A life-long public servant with over 35 years of combined government and military service, she is currently a District Commander of Law Enforcement operations with the Department of Homeland Security. Among many professional accomplishments Ms. Williams coordinated and led strategic security operations for President ELECT Obama’s transition in 2008. She has also received several military awards and accommodations for exemplary service and leadership as a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) and deployments to Panama. Ms. Williams enjoys volunteering with several community service organizations and projects in the Chicagoland area. She has been a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) for the past six years and has served on the Executive Board of the Chicago Central Section of NCNW for the past two years.  Ms. Williams currently serves as the Scholarship Committee chairperson. Her committee has awarded over 30 scholarships to High School seniors from the Chicagoland area; the majority who are attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Additionally, Ms Williams coordinated closely with the family of NCNW supporter Mrs. Gertrude Jones to implement and award the inaugural Gertrude Jones Memorial Scholarship. She also serves her NCNW sisters as a member of the Benevolent Committee formally known as the CARES Committee. She gives comfort to those in crisis, formally represents the section at funeral services, coordinates the delivery of section resolutions , and sends flowers to the families of the bereaved.  Ms. Williams was instrumental in implementing the section’s inaugural “ Project Prom” initiative where she collected formal attire which was subsequently distributed to youth in the Chicagoland area. She has also volunteered in local service projects that provide Christmas gifts to local youth who have lost a parent and donated Christmas gifts to other national service organizations. Heavily influenced by her mother’s civic and political engagement, Ms. Williams has volunteered for several local campaigns in the City of Markham as well as national elections. In an effort to pass along a commitment to community service, Ms. Williams and her daughter have volunteered to serve Thanksgiving dinner to residents of Gary, Indiana. She and her daughter attend the Harvey Church of Christ where she has been an active member for over 28 years, and has served with the Nursery program. Her life’s motto is actually taken from Luke 12:48 “ To Whom much is given, much will be required”. 

Judge Marianne Jackson retired from the Circuit Court of Cook County County Illinois on December 31, 2018 after spending 21 years on the bench, almost 19 of them spent assigned to the Juvenile Justice Division. She was assigned the courtroom that is  responsible for cases from the Austin neighborhood, which is also where she  resides. Almost every youth who came through her courtroom was required to participate in the 15th District mentoring program which advisors she was constantly in contact with. Prior to becoming a judge she was an Assistant Cook County States Attorney  and Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. She spent 19 years in private practice where she  represented individuals charged in criminal cases in both state and federal court. She has tried every conceivable type of case ranging from parking tickets to the death penalty. She has been honored many times by groups such as the National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, The Cook County Juvenile Probation Department,  Bar Associations, Law Student Associations and received the prestigious CF Strafford Award for Dedication To The Practice of Law and Commitment To Improve The Quality of Life In The African American Community. She has been invited to speak to countless professional, religious and community organizations. She was one of the founding member of Minority Legal Education Resources Inc (MLER) which is dedicated to the mission of increasing the number of practicing minority attorneys. She is also a founding member of The Central Austin Neighborhood Association (CANA) which seeks to actively promote the safety,  security and  improvement of the lives of  Austin residents. They have a yearly summer festival and Judge Jackson frequently provides the majority of the food and refreshments for this event.

When she attended Bryn Mawr Community Church she was very active with the youth and particularly Project Angel Tree which provides Christmas presents to the children of incarcerated parents. Although she no longer attends Bryn Mawr she retuned this year to participate in Angel Tree which had been on hiatus since the pandemic. She is an active member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  She volunteers with her sorority service projects.  The Delta Angels Program which grants the Christmas wishes of hundreds of children of Chicago families is one of the many projects that she loves.  She believes that giving is a spiritual gift from God and she attempts to help out when she sees or is made aware of a need. She strives to remember to whom much is given, much is expected and required. 

Dawn Evans is Chicago born and Englewood raised.  She is the Vice President of Finance for Monroe Residential Partners LLC and 3F Construction LLC.  Dawn holds a BS degree in Accounting from Hampon University and an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate Finance from Roosevelt University.  Before starting her career at Monroe Residential Partners Dawn was a Vice President, Senior Fund Account Manager at BNY Mellon. Dawn started her career on Wall Street working for JP Morgan where she became an Accounting Officer.  After relocating back to her hometown Chicago, she worked for Ernst & Young Kenneth Leventhal Real Estate Group as a Senior Auditor. Dawn later held various positions at RREEF (Rosenberg Real Estate Equity Funds), which was acquired by Deutsch Bank. She was responsible for the financial affairs of 1 REIT with assets in excess of $565 million and 5 separate account funds with assets in excess of $1 billion.  After working at Deutsche Bank for over 15 years the fund finance team at Deutsche Bank was acquired by BNY Mellon. Dawn is a Member of the Board of Directors and holds the position of Treasurer for Midsommer Flight, NFP and she was previously a Member of the Board of Directors for Angel by Myside, NFP where she also served as Treasurer.  Dawn has served as a Community and Parent Representative on the Chicago Public Schools Local School Counsel, where she held the positions of Vice Chair, Sergeant at Arms and Recording Secretary. Dawn was previously a volunteer of iMentor Chicago, a volunteer mentorship program for students heading off to college where she served on a panel discussion for HBCU’s.  Dawn has also been very active in the Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher for over 15 years and participating in various Youth Ministries.  Dawn is a proud member of the Chicago Hampton Alumni Association and an active member of the Chicago Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  

Maxine Mathis is a 2018 graduate of Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. She is an entrepreneur and owns the custom printing business, M.Pressed Customs LLC.  Maxine is a member of the Chicago Metro Board and a life member with the Chicago Central Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).  She is also an elected member of the National NCNW Nominating Committee. Maxine is the newly elected 1st Vice President of the NCNW Chicago Central Section. Maxine currently serves as the social chair and is the former technology co- chair. Maxine is the President of the Chicago Chapter of the Clark Atlanta Alumni Association.  She is a proud and active member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she serves on several committees.  Additionally, she volunteers her personal vacation time to chaperone on the annual HBCU college tour. She is committed to helping students gain admittance to HBCUs.  

Lovetta Shaw is a proud graduate of Howard University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration Major Finance. She is a Senior Vice President at US Bank. She has over 25 years specializing within the Healthcare, Higher Education and Not for Profit Banking Sector. She was in the inaugural class for the Chicago Urban League Impact Leadership Development Program sponsored by

the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a 2018 Leadership Greater Chicago Class.

She currently serves on the boards of Louis L.Valentine Boys Camp; Girls Club of Chicago, Metro Achievement Center Advisory Board, and Urban League Impact Development Advisory Board. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is a wife and mother of two adult children and one angel child. She spends every moment of life living in her purpose.