Donyale Stephen-Atara, Board Chair
Donyale Stephen-Atara is a Human Resource Manager of the Order of Fishermen Ministry Educational Services Head Start program in Detroit. Ms. Stephen-Atara has over 25 years experience in local government including service as Assistant Ombudsman for the City of Detroit and Deputy City Ombudsperson. She is a retired Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources for the County of Wayne, and former Chair of the Wayne County Head Start Governing Board. Donyale Stephen-Atara is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a past Chair and Secretary and National Board member of the National Congress of Black Women-Greater Detroit Chapter. Donyale previously served on Just Speak’s advisory board and as vice chair before assuming the role as chairperson.
Sharon Wilson, Board Vice Chair
Sharon Wilson is a business professional and manager at General Motors. Sharon brings over 35 years of leadership and volunteer experience to Just Speak, Inc. Sharon is an active member of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., where she serves as chair of the Social Action Committee. Wilson has been a part of the Just Speak Advocacy for two years. Sharon was awarded the Volunteer and Supplier Diversity Lead of the Year by the GM Supplier Diversity Team. She was recognized as the Advocate of the Year by the Michigan Women Business Council. Sharon belongs to the General Motors Affinity Groups for Women and African Americans. Wilson holds a MBA in Business Administration and Management.
Clover McFadden, Board Treasurer
Clover McFadden is an entrepreneur and IT professional. Currently, Ms. McFadden is the managing director of MASH Detroit. She is also the program development and grant writer for the Midnight Golf Program, as well as a business consultant for the Cordaus Group, Inc. McFadden has over six years of leadership experience as a business coach for New Detroit Camp Enterprise. She is dedicated to serving youth in the Detroit community, and enjoys mentoring and coaching local high school students.
Michele Watkins, Board Secretary
Michele Watkins has over twenty years experience in property and business management. She has been an active advocate as a Just Speak board member. Watkins is a track coach and trainer for girls and boys of all ages. Michele loves mentoring and community service. She has been a board member for two years.
Dr. Richarne Parkes Fuqua, Board Member & Program Evaluation Chair
Dr. Fuqua is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Ambassador Counseling and Resource Group. She is a college administrator and former Dean of Students. Fuqua specializes in working with families, and has over 20 years experience in counseling. Dr “Shawn” is a trained expert and facilitator in Survival Skills for Youth and a Parenting Education Trainer. She volunteers as program evaluation chair at Just Speak, Inc.
Kerry Buffington, Special Events Chair
Kerry has over 12 years experience in management and human resource. Currently, she is the Business Development Manager at Career Communications Group Inc., where she is responsible for building sustainable relationships with the STEM industry, the corporation and their Women of Color STEM Conference. Buffington was a past human resource administrator at Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation, Airboss Flexible Products, and Epoxi-Tech, Inc. Ms Buffington holds a BS in Organizational Administration and Master of Science from Central Michigan University. Kerry is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
