Gale Wilkins, M.A.
Founding Director
Gale Wilkins is the former Executive Director of two statewide advocacy agencies (North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement) within N.C. Department of Administration. Certified in several developmental training such as, but not limited too, Family Life Coach, Motivational Interviewing, Community Engagement in regards to Human Trafficking, Substance use, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Mrs, Wilkins has a Graduate Certificate in Family Life Coaching, Youth, Family and Community and a Masters of Arts, in Liberal Studies, Women in Leadership from North Carolina State University.
Tori Willis
Grant Administrator
Tori Willis is an innovative thinker with broad-based expertise in business and organizational operations, responsible for managing multi-million-dollar grant projects. Proficient in data collection and analysis to provide information vital to the identification and allocation of resources. She has worked in higher education grant-writing and managing funded grant projects since 2008; while also working as an entrepreneur since 2001, helping small businesses and non-profit organizations operate successfully and build fiscal stability. Tori has a bachelor degree in Business Administration and is currently pursuing a MBA at UNC-Wilmington.
Carl Wilkins, M.A.
Communications Director
Carl Wilkins received his B.A in Political Science & M.A in Museum Studies & Cultural Resources from North Carolina State University. Carl has over five years of experience working in the highest levels of state government and nonprofits. He continues to utilize his passion for education, community, and strategic planning by serving on the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences advisory commission.
Board Members
Lisa Gabriel
Lisa M. Gabriel’s experience includes 20+ years as an institutional investor for such notable names as Duke Management Company and Oak Value Capital Management. Serving as an advisor to a Duke University Trustee led Lisa to choose working with individuals over institutional investing. Lisa is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and also holds the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, ChFC®. She is a frequent speaker on financial topics such as Tax Smart Investment Strategies, Legacy Planning, and Wealth Building for Women. Lisa received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from West Virginia State University. Lisa served on the NC Council for Women, Durham County Women’s Commission, NC State University Women’s Center Community Advisory Board, the Board of Women Starting Over After 50, and teaches at the Duke University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).
Allison Cain
Allison Cain has a Masters of Education from North Carolina State University and a B.A in psychology with K-6 teaching certification. She is an Author of 7 Christian Bible studies and devotionals, lead and speak at women’s events across NC and globally, facilitate and strategize with leaders of Hope Community Church for the ongoing women’s ministry.
Luther Thomas
Luther Thomas has a Masters of Education Administration from North Carolina Central University and has worked in education for over 20 years in North Carolina. He served as the Principal at River Oaks Middle Alternative School from 2010-2013, and the Director of Acceleration Academies from 2015-2016. Recently retired Luther serves in various interim administrative positions within Wake County Public School System.
Robin Robinson
Advisor
Robin Wicks Robinson is a district court judge for the 5th District Court, having served New Hanover and Pender counties in North Carolina since 2011. She primarily serves as a family court judge but also works with DWI, drug treatment, juveniles, and other district court cases: including civil, criminal, domestic violence, child support, and mental commitments.
Sabrina Sizemore
Sabrina Clark Sizemore attended William Peace University, in Raleigh, NC earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology major and currently serves as a researcher.
Dr. Gaddis J. Faulcon
Dr. Gaddis J. Faulcon has over 20 years of higher education experience, formerly serving as the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at Saint Augustine’s University, and interim President at Shaw Univerisity from 2014-2015. Dr. Faulcon currently serves as the acting President at St. Augustine’s University.