James Anderson- President & Director of Community Engagements

"It is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men."

-Fredrick Douglas

Loyalty to my legacy is not the story of my life; it’s the life within my story. My great-great-grandfather was a 33^rd mason, and I carried on that tradition by becoming a Mason. I am the third generation to serve my country in the armed forces and a fourth-generation musician. As a former artist for Death Row Records, I grew my craft by performing worldwide and writing for other musical artists. I know how it feels to be young with a big dream with hopes of going out west to become a star. To quote one of my songs, "Been There. Done That.” I believe the work I do through The Dorothy Ann Foundation allows me to share my experiences with others and help cultivate the ambitions of young creatives. As a father of two daughters who are also artists, I know as a parent how critical it is for support to not only come from home but from the community as well. In 2021 I had the privilege of sharing the stage with the late Senator John Lewis, and former MLB player Darrell Miller to teach over 180 students about the history of baseball and its connection to the Civil Rights Movement. Legacy is not just about doing what those who have come before you do; it’s about holding their position of hope.

Deneen Glenn- Director of Communications and Public Relations

“Every destiny has a diet, and the wise eat well."

-Dr. Matthew Stevenson

My recipe for success is a cup of passion, several tablespoons of family, a handful of faith, and a gallon of love. Cooking with my grandmother was simply heaven on earth. After self-publishing two cookbooks, I realized as an artist how critical it is not only to express but capture your art. As the owner of NeeNee's Pretzels and a franchise owner of a dessert shop called the Peach Cobbler Factory Cincinnati, community support is the main ingredient to anyone's success. I believe that one of my missions is to lead by example. Showing others that when life gives you lemons, you make a lemon lulu is just one of the many ways that I believe you can sweeten the bitterness that life can sometimes serve. When I graduated from The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work, I was ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. Working as a social worker for a non-profit organization that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities has been one of my most rewarding dishes. Serving others has shown me the importance of showing up and being an active participant in someone else's life.

Alethea Littlejohn- Director of Fundraising

“The teenagers aren’t all bad. I love’em if nobody else does. There ain’t nothing wrong with young people. Jus’ quit lyin’ to ‘em.”

-Moms Mabley

Having my granddaughter climb all over me, twisting me this way and that way, while she giggles with a kind of laughter that makes even the hardest heart soften, is one of my greatest joys. I love to laugh. I have my grandmother's eyes and looking back at those same eyes in my granddaughter makes my soul smile. I tell my grandchildren, if you see it and believe it, you can be it and do it. I have a deep understanding that children struggle to express what they are going through, and even if they can’t talk to their parents, there should be someone they can talk to. While studying Psychology at Walden University, I found it fascinating to understand why people do things. How can some of us catapult ourselves from our circumstances while others remain stagnant? As a Sr. Analyst for a major computer company for many years, I have learned that to be a successful analyst, you need to be focused on translating complex data into actionable strategies. The same can be said about being a successful parent, mentor, and advocate. I believe that actively listening to what is being heard and what is being said is key to connecting with youth. Serving on this foundation, I follow one rule of thumb. If you can’t get them to listen, you can at least get them to laugh.

Lynetta Powell- Director of Education and Training

“There is no greater gift we can give another person, than allowing them to be who they are rather than what we might want them to be.

-Headspace

“Sing, cocoa, sing.” Those words echoed all around me growing up and even to this day. As a singer and songwriter for the last 40 years, I know what it means to pursue your passion as an artist. Those years growing up and singing at every wedding, church event, national game, funeral, and talent contest, shaped and molded me as an artist. I understand how essential it is to have support from your friends, family, and community. Before I became an Instructional System Specialist for the Army, I used my master’s degree in education to teach high school math in Baltimore. I believe the best learning practices engage the student and are centered around the learner. As an advocate and practitioner for servant leadership, I know how it feels to be poorly led. There is no such thing as a bad student. Poor leadership repels inspiration. My heart for education and music is contagious. Working with this foundation allows me to stretch my creativity to go beyond my voice and the classroom.

Steffani Salter- Treasury & Director of Community Development

“You can’t sit around and wait for somebody to say who you are. You need to write it and paint it and do it.”

- Faith Ringgold

As a Life and Performance coach for over 15 years, I believe that when you help those around you elevate to the better versions of themselves, you create a connection that raises the frequency of the entire planet. When I served as VP of Advocacy for the United Nations Association- Atlanta, it helped me realize that the community's strength is shaped by those who serve it. When I started my Business and Leadership Development Firm, S&A Salter and Associates, LLC, back in 2015, I knew how important it was to have community support. Those whom I have admired, rather they are artists, entrepreneurs, advocates, or leaders, have all shared a common thread of pouring into those that pour into the community. Through this foundation, I hope to do the same.

LaKenya Carter- Director of Programs and Community Outreach

“If your heart is broken, make art with the pieces.”

-La Kenya Carter

My sibling insists on introducing me as the baby sister instead of the youngest sister. I correct them knowing my interjection is a moot point. Family is everything to me. After receiving my bachelor's degree in social work from Wright State University, moving to Georgia was one of the most challenging things I have ever done. Leaving my family behind to embrace my dreams taught me resilience and courage. During my years working for the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, I had an up-close and personal look at the foster care system. Helping foster children taught me that childhood traumas and mental health do not define a person. This work also inspired me to pursue my master’s degree in Social Work. After graduating in 2021, my work as an individual counselor for mental health and substance abuse has stretched my abilities. I understand not only the complexities of mental health in individuals but also in communities. Through strength-based perspectives and empowerment, I can help individuals reach their full potential and conquer all odds despite their upbringings. I have learned that your past holds no weight over the power of the future. Through the Dorothy Ann Foundation, I hope to continue to help people and communities find support, purpose, and motivation.