Board of Directors
Simone Thomas
Board Chair
A Leadership & Career Coach at S&P Global, Simone brings expertise in leadership coaching, communications, marketing, and customer experience to our board. She is passionate about giving back and joined the board to play a strategic role in driving economic empowerment in our community through the mission of StepUp Durham. Simone has held leadership roles in many non-profits and professional organizations including the NAACP, National Black MBA Association, Black Public Relations Society of New York, and the International Coaching Federation - Raleigh chapter.
Dominique “Dom” Grimes-Medlin
Board Vice-Chair, IMPACT Committee Co-chair
Dom is an HR/DEIB Consultant at local firms Performentor and The Equity Paradigm. With over a decade of experience in operations management and HR, he brings expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion to the board. Dom has volunteered throughout our programming, and he leverages his expertise and network to support the organization’s mission. He is involved with ERUUF, TSHRM, and NCSHRM, where he created a statewide initiative to build a directory of 2nd Chance Employers for justice-involved individuals re-entering the workforce.
Alea Crump
Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair
Alea is a Tax Manager at Körber Supply Chain and a CPA. Motivated by a desire to support her community, she joined the board after volunteering in Step2 as a co-partner. Alea brings expertise in financial reporting and budgeting and is committed to leveraging her skills to help achieve StepUp's goals and drive long-term positive impact. She also serves as a mentor with Thrive Women’s Empowerment, Inc.
Shajuana McMillan
Board Co-Secretary
Shajuana is a Research Ethicist and former Internal Medicine Clinical Pharmacist. She joined our board after serving as a co-partner for Step2 and a mentor in Step3. She brings expertise in analysis, methodology, and process improvement to her work throughout StepUp Durham. Shajuana is deeply concerned about injustices in the legal system, and she is passionate about driving policy changes to positively impact these areas. She has served on the board of Senior PharmAssist and is an active member of Abundant Hope Christian Church.
Kate Brant
Strategic Planning Committee Chair, IMPACT Committee Co-chair
Kate is a Strategic HR Consultant and Executive Coach with over 25 years of experience in human resources. She brings expertise in talent attraction, employee engagement, and strategic HR planning to her work with StepUp Durham. Kate is passionate about helping people find fulfilling employment at a living wage, in safe spaces that encourage personal and professional growth. She is a member of SHRM and the Center for Executive Coaching, and mentors at UNCW Cameron School of Business.
Greg Edwards
Greg is a VP and Senior Investment Advisor at PNC Private Bank, with over 18 years of experience in investment. Greg is committed to community service and came to the board through his employer’s long-time relationship with StepUp Durham. He brings expertise in financial statements and budgeting to his work on the board. A member of the CFA Society of North Carolina, Greg is passionate about financial empowerment and education.
Ariel Germain
Ariel is the Marketing and Communications Director for the Division of Student Affairs at North Carolina Central University. She has held roles at several universities including Howard University, Catholic University of America, and UNC Greensboro. Ariel brings expertise in media relations, strategic writing, and event execution to the board. She has volunteered with StepUp Durham in Step1 and is involved in various non-profits, including the Lincoln Health Foundation Board and StrongHER TogetHER. Ariel is passionate about extracurricular opportunities for young girls, volleyball, and mental health.
Catherine Goodman
Catherine is a lawyer at the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. A former art and art history teacher in Naples, FL, she brings to the board a strong commitment to community service. Catherine is passionate about advocating for employment rights and safe housing. She is inspired by StepUp's mission and is dedicated to supporting people through their journey. She is an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham.
Nancy Grigg
Development Committee Chair
Nancy has a Human Resources background and brings expertise in organization development, executive coaching, team building, and communications to the board. Nancy has volunteered with StepUp Durham for several years. She is passionate about empowering people to achieve stability and enjoys assisting participants in Step1 and working to strengthen the volunteer program. Nancy is also an elder at Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church and serves on its Finance Committee.
Jim Kinney
Governance Committee Chair
Jim retired as Senior Vice President at Kraft Foods and served 23 years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, retiring as a Captain. He brings years of experience serving on both non-profit and company boards, and now consults with the Executive Corps of the Triangle aiding non-profits in strategic planning and board development. Jim is passionate about employment as a means to stability and dignity and is a long-time supporter of StepUp Durham. He is committed to supporting the homeless and disadvantaged through work with his church, Trinity Avenue Presbyterian.
Denise Motley
Denise is the Assistant Vice President of HR at Duke University and Duke University Health System. With over 30 years of experience, she has held key positions in higher education, healthcare, government, and private industry. She brings significant expertise in employment law, HR management, strategic leadership, and diversity initiatives to the board. Denise is passionate about community service and has volunteered extensively with rehabilitation reentry centers. She strongly believes in the importance of providing individuals with second chances. She is a member of service organizations Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and The Links, Incorporated.
Beth Payne
Program Committee Co-Chair
Beth is the Senior Director of Corporate Services at Durham Technical Community College, providing training for businesses in Durham and Orange Counties. She specializes in employment and training services and has been involved with StepUp Durham through her work at Durham Tech. Beth values that both Durham Tech and StepUp Durham strive to ‘meet people where they are’ and is dedicated to strengthening their partnership through her role on the board.
Kristine Sullivan
Kris, a retired leadership consultant and adjunct professor at Duke University, developed courses for Fuqua's Weekend and Global Executive MBA programs. With a deep interest in empowerment in diverse work settings, she taught leadership for scientists and engineers and served as founding leadership faculty for medical societies in the South. Kris has facilitated workshops for non-profits and brings to the board her expertise in individual and team development, mentoring and work life integration. She is committed to the mission of StepUp Durham, supporting program development and mentoring for participants.
Pearl Teiko
Pearl, a Master of Public Policy student at Duke University, is serving a one-year term on our board through our Sanford School of Public Policy partnership. She aims to pursue a career in health policy to promote increased access to healthcare. Committed to supporting people in their search for gainful employment, she plans to help the board connect with community members and second-chance employers. Pearl has organized community service initiatives with UNC organizations and local non-profits to uplift members of the African diaspora. She is passionate about racial and gender equity.
Thomas Wicker
Personnel Committee Chair
Thomas Wicker is the Principal at Yazno Entiendo, specializing in oncology clinical decision support. With a background in organizational behavior, he enjoys helping organizations become more agile, flexible, and efficient. He brings expertise in process development and logical analysis to his work with staff and the board. Inspired by StepUp Durham's impact, Thomas values its role in empowering participants with employment skills and providing a base of support and belonging. He serves as an advisor for national coed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega (UNC), and tutors youth in English through LEAP.
Rashad Wilson
Rashad is the Director of Technology at The Forest at Duke in Durham. He joined our board after becoming familiar with StepUp Durham through the grant support and established partnership with The Forest at Duke. Rashad brings innovative perspectives and technical expertise, playing a key role in the ReCity renovation and StepUp's system upgrades. He believes in the right to employment and safe housing, aligning with StepUp's mission. Rashad is passionate about voting rights and eliminating systemic issues with the legal system.