Board of Directors
Amanda Barnett, Operations Director, ABA Therapy
Amanda Barnett is passionate about helping people and helping the communities she lives in thrive. She has volunteered in the past for youth mentoring programs, animal shelters, and programs that support people with developmental disabilities. Amanda has a masters degree in psychology, a certification in behavior analysis, and additional training in organizational behavior management. She has 10 years experience in performance management, training and talent selection. She also has 3 years experience as a HR consultant.
Kathryn Brant, HR Strategist and Executive Coach
Kate's experience spans over 25 years acting as a trusted advisor to attract, maintain and develop top talent. She has helped executives share their passion for their business by developing a performance driven culture with employees who share their mission and values; engaged employees by elevating their capabilities and creating systems that allow them to reach their full potential; and worked to ensure clarity throughout and beyond the employee life cycle. Whether running HR services for Sales and Marketing in the Americas at Gartner or acting as a Fractional Head of HR for businesses throughout the Southeast, Kate has partnered with executives to innovate, engage employees, and meet tactical and strategic objectives.
Alea Crump, CPA TAX MANAGER KÖRBER SUPPLY CHAIN
Alea Crump is a Tax Manager at Körber Supply Chain, where she manages tax reporting and compliance while also developing and improving processes and automation. Alea was born in Tampa, FL and raised in Asheville, NC. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from North Carolina Central University and her Master of Accountancy from Gardner-Webb University.
Alea is very passionate about supporting her community and is an active volunteer. She volunteered with StepUp in their phase 2 program as a Co-Partner for more than 2 years. Also, she’s acts as a mentor with Thrive Women’s Empowerment, Inc.
Alea resides in Durham, NC. She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family including her two pups, Nook and Niko. She is an avid fisherwoman and enjoys traveling the world with her spouse. In all her endeavors, she is keen on being a resource to others in her community and helping to make a difference.
Gregory Edwards, Senior Investment Advisor for PNC Wealth Management
Gregory Edwards is a Senior Investment Advisor for PNC Wealth Management, where he develops and implements investment strategies to help his clients meet their financial objectives. He has over fifteen years of experience in finance, working in fixed income, derivatives, and structured products. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Gregory is a recent transplant to Durham, after living in Indianapolis, Indiana for 9 years. He received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Cleveland State University and his Masters in Finance from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Gregory’s commitment to his local community has motivated him to volunteer his time to StepUp Durham where he hopes to make a meaningful impact. Gregory and his wife have a young son and two energetic dogs. He enjoys traveling, photography, and Cleveland sports teams.
Ariel V. Germain, Lincoln Health Foundation Board
Ariel V. Germain is a proud two-time North Carolina Central University graduate with a bachelor's degree in mass communications, a concentration in journalism, a minor in English literature, and a master's of science degree in athletic administration. She currently serves NCCU as the director of marketing and communication for the division of student affairs.
The Detroit, Mich., native arrived at NCCU in the fall of 2002 as a women's volleyball student-athlete with aspirations to follow in her head coach's (Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree) footsteps to become a collegiate-level coach. Germain set out on her collegiate athletic career after her undergraduate matriculation and as a heavily active member of the NC Central community and notching two Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association conference titles and making her first stop at North Carolina A&T State University, where she served as the assistant women's volleyball coach. After that brief stint, she returned to the Nest to re-engage her passion as a communication student by working with the illustrious deputy athletic director for strategic communications, Kyle Serba. Under Serba's tutelage, Germain began her pathway into collegiate marketing and communications.
Her ambition and drive have led her to two stints at Howard University. Where she served as an assistant athletic director for sports information and an associate athletic director for external operations, both opportunities allowed her to showcase her talent for marketing, branding, storytelling, website content creation, gameday operations, and social media development. Her resume includes stints at the Catholic University of America, where she was the first black athletic administrator, Winston-Salem State University (athletic marketing director), and UNC Greensboro (marketing and communications director for student affairs).
Germain returned to NCCU to support the athletic department's marketing and development initiatives at the height of the global pandemic. Once again, under the direction of Dr. McCree, Germain helped the office of resource acquisitions development and implement the Stronger Together fundraising campaign to offset the loss of gameday revenue from the pandemic while retaining engagement. The year-long campaign raised $87,000 within the first 90 days and safely incorporated alums, student-athletes, and Eagle athletic administrators.
After a lengthy stint in collegiate athletics between divisions one, two, and three, Germain made a significant shift in her career into student affairs at the Nest. As the director of marketing and communications for the NC Central University Division of Student Affairs, she found a new niche that ignited a new passion for student engagement through communications.
In this role, Germain supports the Division's 21 departments, handles signature division events, and serves as the marketing and communications chair for the Ultimate Homecoming Experience.
Outside of her work duties, Germain is an active member of the Durham community. She works as an administrative volunteer for StrongHER Together's VillageHERs program. A non-profit organization in Durham, N.C., whose mission is to teach girls to stick together, no matter how different, and to use their collective power in the fight for equity.
She volunteers as a resume editor with StepUp Durham, a non-profit that provides free employment training services to Durham job seekers, especially those with challenges to gainful employment.
Germain is a Lincoln Community Health Center Foundation board member and serves on the marketing and communications committee. She is also an NC Central University Department of Mass Communication Public Advisory Council member.
And lastly, she is an instructor at North Carolina Central University, where she teaches the first-year seminar course to first-year Eagles and public relations writing. Germain is pursuing her Ph.D. in communications from Liberty University and attributes her drive and success to be the best representation of herself for her mother and younger sister.
Catherine E. Goodman, North Carolina Licensed Attorney
Catherine E. Goodman, North Carolina Licensed Attorney, Judicial Branch Originally from the D.C. area, I spent five years teaching at a public charter school in Naples, Florida before deciding to attend law school at the University of North Carolina School of Law. At UNC, I participated in the StartUp North Carolina Law Clinic where I had the opportunity to work with local businesses in various states of formation. I currently work as a Judicial Fellow, assisting trial court judges across the state. My family and I have happily put down many roots in the Triangle, and I am honored that one of those roots is now StepUp, where I can support the wonderful work that many people in our community are doing.
Nancy Grigg, Retired HR Professional
Nancy Grigg is originally from Wilmington, Delaware. She got her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, and then worked at DuPont in engineering development for several years. After earning her MBA from Duke University, she moved into Human Resources work with Nortel, focusing on organizational development, team building, and executive coaching. Nancy is involved in volunteer capacities at her church, Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church in Durham, where she is currently serving as an elder. She enjoys working on Blacknall’s local ministries team, and has taken an active role in raising awareness and volunteer participation in StepUp Durham. She is a committed volunteer in resume writing in Step1, and in training and supporting other volunteers. In all her endeavors, her passion is connecting people to resources and to each other.
Rev. Esther Hethcox
Esther Hethcox is an ordained PCUSA minister serving First Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC. In 2018, after many years of estrangement from the church, Esther met a pastor in a park who showed her a faith community where love and acceptance were within reach. Esther answered God's call to ministry that summer, choosing to attend Duke Divinity School. She believes that God did not call her to Duke or even seminary, but God called her to Durham, a city which planted the seeds of healing she so desperately needed to find God again. Esther is committed to Durham, where she believes God is clearly at work through the avenue of the church and justice organizations.
Esther commits her ministry to interfaith relationships, spiritual healing and justice work. Esther's work in ministry is rooted in the values of compassion, transparency and liberation--all essential tenets she finds in the life-altering ministry of Jesus Christ. She is grateful to live out her ministry by serving on the board of StepUp Durham!
Jim Kinney, Board Member
Jim Kinney is a retired senior executive with Kraft Foods. He is a graduate of The U.S. Naval Academy, retiring as a Captain, USNR, after 23 years service in the Submarine Force. He has an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University, and served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) with three multi-billion firms. Since relocating to Durham some 20 years ago, he has been an active advisor with Executive Service Corps of the Triangle working with many non- profits in the region in the areas of board development, governance, leadership, strategic planning and finance, as well as executive coaching staff management of several agencies. Most recently, he served as a board member with Families Moving Forward addressing the crisis of family homelessness in Durham. He currently serves as an Elder at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church in Durham and is dedicated to actively pursuing local ministries focused on hunger, homelessness and affordable housing. He delights in serving as a StepUp volunteer, and is committed to making a difference in our community.
Dominique Grimes-Medlin
My name is Dominique Grimes-Medlin, but everyone calls me Dom. I'm originally from Indianapolis, IN, and I'm an HR Consultant/DEI Consultant for two local firms in the Triangle area. I'm passionate about companies having diverse, equitable, and inclusive business and HR practices that will offer everyone an equitable seat at the table. I've volunteered and have collaborated with StepUp Durham to match participants within the program job opportunities with many of my second chance employers that I represent. I have my Bachelors in Business Management with a concentration on Human Resource Management along with my Master's degree in HR. I've been in the Operations and HR field for almost 10 years. My goal is to give more visibility to StepUp along with creating a directory of Second-Chance Employers.
Shajuana D. McMillan, Board Member
With a heart for mentoring, Dr. Shajuana D. McMillan began volunteering with StepUp Durham as a co-partner for Step 2 and Step 3 participants. Then, she became involved with the Personnel Committee before accepting an invitation to serve on the Board. Given her previous experience on the Senior PharmAssist Board, she welcomed the opportunity!
Shajuana, a Durham native, received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She continued her educational pursuits at the Medical University of South Carolina where she received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency and an Internal Medicine Residency. After serving as a pharmacist for many years, Shajuana opted to pursue a career in Ethics Consultation and completed a 1-year fellowship in Health Care Ethics Consultation at the University of Chicago.
Shajuana is an active disciple at Abundant Hope Christian Church where she served as the Community Outreach ministry leader for several years. In this capacity, she served the Interfaith Hospitality Network (now Families Moving Forward) and the Ronald McDonald House.
In her spare time, Shajuana enjoys writing in her journal, photography, and tutoring math. Shajuana is a huge Men’s college basketball fan and thoroughly enjoys March Madness!
Denise Motley, JD
Denise Motley has worked for Duke University and Duke University Health System since 2002. She is the Assistant Vice President, HR Human Resources, Central Recruitment and Talent Acquisition, Duke Temporary Service (DTS), the Resource Center and the Background Check Center (BGCC).
Prior to coming to Duke, Denise was Commonwealth-wide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Director for the Governor's Office of Administration under Governor Tom Ridge, in Harrisburg, PA. As a proven leader, previously she held the position of Deputy Secretary for Administration, Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg under Governor Robert Casey’s administration. Denise provided executive leadership for administration for over 6,000 employees, with primary oversight for Human Resources, Administrative Services, Financial Management, Research and Statistics, the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review and Second Level Tax Appeals. During her career, Denise has held other positions in the areas of employment law, investigations and human resources in the private sector, as well as in the legislative, judicial, local, state and federal space.
Strongly committed to community service, Denise currently serves as the Chair of the Duke University Federal Credit Union (DUFCU), which supports the value and life-long benefits of higher education (member since 2014, Board Chair 2019- present). Denise previously served as the Chair of the Durham Workforce Development Board in Durham, NC. (member 2005- 2012, Chair of the Board 2008-2012).
She is excited to be a member of the StepUp Board, committed to the mission of transforming lives through employment and life skills training, and she has partnered with StepUp Durham since 2016, to provide current job opportunities at Duke University and Duke University Health System to StepUp Durham graduates/job seekers, and build a partnership and bridge for those who have work gaps or barriers to employment.
Denise is a member of The Links, Incorporated, Raleigh (NC) Chapter, an international, not-for-profit corporation established in 1946; The Moles, Inc. Raleigh, NC, a national community service organization; and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service sorority. She is a published author and her first book is entitled “I Give You My Song and God’s Rhapsody.” Denise is completing her second book, entitled “What’s JOY Got To Do With It? Everything!”
Denise received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland and her Juris Doctorate (JD) from Southern University School of Law, Baton Rouge, LA. She is the proud and honored mother of one daughter, Alanna, her heart, who is a Producer for CNN in Atlanta.
Beth Payne, Senior Director of Corporate Services for Durham Technical Community College
Beth Payne currently serves as Senior Director of Corporate Services with Durham Technical Community College. Through the college’s Center for Workforce Engagement, Corporate Services offers training for new and existing businesses in Durham and Orange Counties, including partnering with NCWorks and ApprenticeshipNC. She joined the college in 2005. Prior to joining the college, Beth spent four years in Economic and Workforce Development with the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, and six years with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission where she worked at both the state and local levels. She has experience in employment and training services for employers, youth, adults, and dislocated workers, including the planning and development of a local one-stop career center. Beth is a native of Caswell County, NC and currently resides in Durham. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and always enjoys cheering on the Tar Heels.
Simone Thomas, Global Career Coach, S&P Global
Simone Thomas is a Global Career Coach at S&P Global where she helps people discover their potential and see the possibilities in their life and career. Prior to this role, she led executive communications and engagement for S&P Global’s CEO, Chief Purpose Officer, and Chief Legal Officer. Before joining S&P Global, Simone held positions of increasing responsibility in marketing, sales, customer experience, and internal communications at Verizon.
A Bronx native, Simone has lived and worked in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Boston University, and an MBA, with a dual concentration in Marketing and Communications & Media Management, from Fordham University Graduate School of Business. She has earned a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) designation from Co-Active Training Institute, respected worldwide as the gold standard of coaching. She also holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation.
Passionate about giving back, Simone has held public relations and marketing lead positions for the Montclair, NJ Chapter of the NAACP, the Fordham University Black & Hispanic MBA Association, Metro NY Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, and the Black Public Relations Society of New York. She has also served as a Mentor Coach with America Needs You in New Jersey. Simone currently serves on the board of International Coaching Federation - Raleigh Area Chapter. She is proud to be a board member of StepUp Durham
Thomas Wicker, Analyst, Mckesson Specialty Health Technology
Rashad Wilson, Director of Technology at The Forest at Duke
Rashad Wilson is originally from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Rashad is currently Director of Technology at The Forest at Duke in Durham, NC. The Forest at Duke is a Continuing Care Retirement Community that provides excellent service and care to its residents and team members. Rashad with the support of The Forest is proud to collaborate with StepUP to create a positive social impact in our shared community. Rashad joined the Forest ten years ago and has served as Information Technology support, Network Administrator and Manager of Information Systems. He received his Bachelor of Science from ECPI University with a focus in Network Security and many security related certifications. Rashad and his wife have a young son and daughter. He enjoys tinkering with old computer components and traveling with his family.
John Wroton, Senior Vice President at Venture Banking at Pacific Western Bank
John Wroton is Senior Vice President, Venture Banking at Pacific Western Bank (formerly known as Square 1). He manages a portfolio of venture capital backed companies spread across the U.S., assisting them with all of their banking needs. Prior to joining Pacific Western Bank, John worked at locally-owned and operated Harrington Bank in Chapel Hill for 13 years before its acquisition by Bank of North Carolina (and subsequent acquisition by Pinnacle Bank). At Harrington Bank, John led the bank’s risk management efforts, developing policies and procedures to ensure the bank met all lending regulatory guidelines. He also served as a commercial loan officer, assisting many local small businesses and real estate investors with their banking needs and playing a large part in the revitalization efforts in downtown Durham. He also worked at a local non-profit in Durham, UDI Community Development Corporation, for four years providing economic development, job training, and affordable housing to low and underserved communities in the area.
John has served in various leadership capacities on the boards of EmPOWERment, Inc. in Chapel Hill and Presbyterian Campus Ministry in Chapel Hill. John received his undergraduate degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering from Duke University and his MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC-CH. He lives in Durham with his wife and three children.