The Women of SPIN

Nneka McPhee has over seventeen years of experience in resource development and non-profit management. She currently serves as the Chief of Staff & Strategic Initiatives for Americans for Ben-Gurion University, or A4BGU. A4BGU raises awareness and philanthropic support for an innovative and inclusive university in the South of Israel. Nneka's prior roles have included Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff for JEWISHcolorado.

Born and raised in Denver, Nneka is passionate about giving back to her community. She is the co-founder of the Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs, which she considers one of her proudest accomplishments. Nneka is also the current Board Chair for the Colorado High School Charter, her alma mater, and the Treasurer and Secretary for Lincoln Hills Cares, an organization focused on outdoor and recreational programming for inner-city youth.

Nneka is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Denver and a 2013 graduate of Chamber Connect, a program of the Urban Leadership Foundation. She holds a BS in Marketing from Metropolitan State University and has four children.

Tanaka Shipp is originally from Byhalia, MS. She relocated to Denver, CO ten-years ago to pursue a career in the non-profit sector. Determined to make Denver her new home, Tanaka immediately became immersed in the community, working with local organizations such as the Leadership Foundation of Colorado, Annual Juneteenth Music Festival, The Denver Metro Chamber's Impact Denver Leader Foundation Program, and most recently as a Graduate of The Denver Foundation's executive Directors of Color Institute (EDCI). She was awarded The Urban Leadership Alumni of the Year Award 2017. Tanaka was also recognized/awarded by her peers as the Distinguished Graduate for ULFC’s 2013 co-hort. (The Class Who Re-Ignited The Flame)

Tanaka received her BA in Sociology from Jackson State University (JSU). While at JSU she was selected as the first student to study abroad in Taiwan after spending the previous summer in Beijing, China as a part of the first faculty-led study abroad program.

Tanaka is also the proud co-founder of Denver's first African American women's philanthropic giving circle, Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs, SPIN. In this short time SPIN has donated/given back over $30,000 into Denver’s non-profit sector, with an intentional focus on small nonprofits who serve primarily African American women and girls specifically. In 2022, Tanaka founded a new organization called QueenShipp, a school aged curriculum created specifically to promote positive identity development and culturally diverse programming for all young women including queer, trans and non-binary identities. Having "come out" recently herself she understands firsthand the strength, vulnerability, and inevitable judgment that comes with this journey. She admits "I've personally witnessed my students' struggle with their identities at this age, many of whom who have no supportive adult they feel they can trust at school or at home." She decided she would no longer sit idly by, but rather lean into her own authentic self in an effort to support her students holistically.

In Tanaka’s spare time she loves grilling and cooking for friends, she also enjoys golfing, thrift store shopping, and mining for old Blues/R&B vinyl records on the weekends!

Dr. Aisha Rousseau (i-e-sha, ru-so) earned a B.A. from Spelman College and a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also earned a Ph.D. in Health-Related Sciences from the School of Allied Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she is to date, the program’s first and only African American doctoral graduate with a concentration in Rehabilitation Leadership. In October 2021, Dr. Rousseau was appointed by Mayor Michael B. Hancock as the Chief Equity Officer for the City and County of Denver. In this capacity, she leads the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation, which was established to develop and implement the policies, programs, regulations, and initiatives of the City and County of Denver related to race, social equity, and social justice. Prior to her appointment by Mayor Hancock, Dr. Rousseau served as the Director of Denver’s Division of Disability Rights administering over $600 million in projects and programs ensuring access for individuals living with disabilities. Prior to relocating to Denver, she served as a tenure-track Assistant Professor at a Research I university where she authored a book chapter and a number of peer-reviewed publications pertaining to health disparities, disabilities, and gender issues.

April Denmon is a Denver native and proud graduate of George Washington High School. For the last 12 years, she has also been the Owner/Employing Broker of Denmon Realty. In 2001, April graduated Suma Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and minor in Pre-Law. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs (S.P.I.N), Denver Independent Brokers, Denver Realtor Association, and National Association of Realtors.

In February 2017, April was awarded the Top Producer Award for First Alliance Title and received the 2017 Wellington & Wilma Webb Leadership and Legacy Award. In 2018 April was awarded the Dream Big Award at Juneteenth Music Awards. April was recognized in the Denver Real Producer Magazine in November 2019 as being a Top Producer.

She was acknowledged at the Denver Metro Realtor’s Excellence Awards in the Silver Category, selling $14 Million with 37 sides in 2019. In 2020 April had almost $20 Million in sales with 47 closings.

In 2019 April was awarded the Community Investment Network National Honor Award in Houston, Texas. In 2021 April was recognized by Denver Real Producers as being in the TOP 5% of all metro Denver Realtors and Denmon Realty was recognized as being in the top 5 Brokerages with 1-5 Agents.

April is on the Board of Directors for Girls INC. Metro Denver, MACM (Make A Chess Move), ELK Organization. April’s heart of giving flows into the values of Denmon Realty. The company has adopted The Vickers Boys and Girls Club in the Greater Park Hill neighborhood where the company participates in monthly community service projects and workshops.

Denmon Realty helps families every year for the holidays, in 2020 Denmon Realty blessed 60 families at Thanksgiving with home cooked meals. Denmon Realty also teaches first time buyer classes. Prior to her career in Real Estate, April worked at Arapahoe District Courts and was the Co-Owner of Uncle Bucks BBQ. In addition to being the Owner of Denmon Realty, she is the Owner/Operator of Home Tonight Bail Bonds. At the beginning of her Real Estate career, April served as the Director of Property Management where she managed over 250 lofts and condos in Downtown Denver, LODO, Riverfront Park, Highlands, Uptown, and Golden Triangle.

Catrina L. Mays, a native of Houston, Texas, spent 22 years living and attending school in the Houston and surrounding areas. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at Prairie View A & M University in Computer Engineering Technology. Catrina initially accepted a position with Raytheon as a Systems Engineer in Omaha, Nebraska on a weather satellite program. After a skillful performance in Omaha, she relocated to Aurora, Colorado with Raytheon. While in Colorado, she became an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated the Aurora Chapter. Catrina obtained her master’s in engineering management at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Currently she and her family reside in Dallas, Texas. Catrina is the wife of Chef Joel Mays III and the mother of four children. Catrina believes in creating value and that we all possess the capacity to inspire others.

Dafina Tucker is the youngest of three and a first generation Coloradoan and was born and raised in Aurora, CO. She earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Wyoming where she earned her Bachelors in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design. She earned her MBA at the University of Ashford University. Dafina began her professional career at TIAA where she is now a Digital Events Manager.

She is a founding member of Sister of Philanthropists Impacting Needs (SPIN) and is currently serving as a co-lead for the giving circle. She is currently a member of the steering committee for the Downtown Denver Partnership Leadership whom she also is a 2019 alumni. She is an alumni of Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado class of 2013. In 2019 began her art business under the name Dafina Tucker Art where she leads traveling paint parties as well as art classes in partnership with different organizations.

Dafina became a mother August of 2021 to a baby girl. She is very family oriented and enjoys spending her free time with her family when she is not traveling.

Fathima Dickerson was born and raised near the Five Points neighborhood in Denver, CO. She is a 2005 graduate of Denver East High School, and she received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 2010. In 2021 Fathima received her Master of Social Sciences with a concentration on Women and Gender Studies from the University of Colorado at Denver. Fathima is currently part owner of her family restaurant, Welton Street Café, where she oversees the front of the house along with many other behind the scenes duties and public relations. Fathima, along with her other siblings, worked at Welton Street Café from a young age, where she was able to learn her trade from her mother and father. With her contagiously positive personality, Fathima has become the face of the business. Fathima’s entrepreneurship is driven by her long-held philosophy, “Every day is Monday.” What this means to her is that there are no days off in entrepreneurship. Looking forward to the weekend is a luxury given that work must still be done on the weekends. Thinking of everyday as Monday also allows for her to see everyday as a fresh start, a new week, and a new beginning. It is Fathima’s drive that keeps her positive about what the future holds. If everyday is Monday, then everyday is an opportunity to plan, prosper, achieve, and exceed her goals.

Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya is a healthcare executive, entrepreneur, & author. Kelli serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Delta Dental of Colorado. Prior to her current role, Kelli served as the Chief Operating Officer of STRIDE Community Health Center, a network of 16+ primary care, dental, and behavioral health centers across the greater Denver community. Kelli earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a Master of Health Administration degree from The Ohio State University College of Public Health. In addition to working in corporate America, Kelli is the Owner and Founder of Kelli Ogunsanya Coaching where she shares her business expertise with high performing women who are looking for life clarity, purpose, and renewed confidence. Kelli is a published author of Madame Millennial: 100 Tips to Help the Modern Woman Master Work, Life & Everything In Between and an Adjunct Professor at Metropolitan State University’s College of Health and Applied Sciences, and is a lifetime member of Leadership Georgia and Georgia 4-H. In addition to being a mother and wife, Kelli’s proudest achievement is Melababe, a plant-based skincare line for children of color—available online at www.melabebe.com.

Manushkka Sainvil is the founder and Moisturizer-In-Chief of Chubby Curls Hair Products as well as the Executive Assistant/Board Coordinator at The Women's Foundation of Colorado. A proud native of Queens, she loves trips to the city, Broadway, and all things New York! Like most young Black girls, during her childhood and young adulthood, she enjoyed the straight, flowing hair that came from chemical relaxers. But over time, she became frustrated with the thinning, limp hair that resulted from years of over-processing and took the leap to go natural. Excited for all the healthy new growth, she didn't regret her decision, but she had NO IDEA how to style her thick coils. Manushkka made her way from NY to Florida where she graduated from the University of Florida (GO GATORS!) with a BA in History. After working as a flight attendant for several years, and the events of 9/11, Manushkka decided to go back to school, attending Penn State University, graduating with a BS in Meteorology. After Penn State, she packed her bags and headed west to Denver, Colorado. It wasn't until her move to Denver's dry climate that she truly understood the natural hair struggle. Manushkka spent months researching natural hair products, tools and techniques and discovered that all natural styles had one common denominator - a GREAT moisturizer! Natural hair products were scarce at that time and the few available were full of cheap fillers that didn't deliver the moisture her hair needed. Thanks to her curiosity, creativity, and determination, she is now the Moisturizer-In-Chief of Chubby Curls Hair Products. Manushkka also brings her talents to her work at The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, the only state-wide community foundation focused on the economic advancement of Colorado women and their families, and the home of S.P.I.N. Her position as Executive Assistant to the President and Trustee Affairs Coordinator dovetails perfectly with her crusade to educate and empower women of color.

Micah Smith is currently the 4:00pm Anchor and Social Equity Reporter for Denver7, the ABC affiliate in Denver, CO. She was born in Memphis, TN but grew up in St. Louis, MO. She is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism (Mizzou) where she earned her Bachelor of Journalism degree with an emphasis in Broadcast.

Before coming to Colorado, Micah worked as a reporter and weekend anchor at WBTV News in Charlotte, N.C. where she reported on stories that gained nation-wide attention including the death of Reverend Billy Graham and Hurricane Florence.

Prior to WBTV, Micah worked as a weekday morning reporter at WJHL News Channel 11 in Johnson City, TN.

Micah loves to travel in her spare time, but most days she's watching a documentary or reading a good book. Micah is a big college football fan and enjoys cheering on her Missouri Tigers in her spare time.

She is a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Colorado Association of Black Journalists, and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Micah is excited to be a member of SPIN and share in the spirit of philanthropy.

Micheline Merriwether is an Institutional Trader at Charles Schwab & Co responsible for placing trades, managing pension funds and mutual fund families for insurance companies, ETF's, universities, and large organizations. Micheline has an Associate Degree in Economics and Mortuary Science. She is currently attending Metro State University of Denver to obtain her Master of Finance Degree in Investment Banking. Micheline is a self-described tenacious individual that enjoys taking on opportunities to learn. She thrives in various industries and civic organizations while answering the call to serve. Public company directorships include Forbes (For the Culture), and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. Words of wisdom that guide Micheline are, “We are the books we read, the movies we watch, the music we listen to, the people we spend time with, the conversation we engage in. It is essential what we feed our minds. You are your greatest ROI.”

Micheline is reminded daily that she bears a great responsibility to pour into others as she’s been poured into. Being in SPIN is a gift that she greatly cherishes. The benefit of being in a sisterhood surrounded by amazing women, encouraging each other to grow, face our fears with a gentle reminder that a sister is always near, is the absolute best feeling.

Monica S. Badgett, a Denver native and graduate of Manual High School, joined SPIN in 2019. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology/Social Psychology Research from Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. An HBCU advocate, Monica considers her time at Wilberforce life affirming. Monica also holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with and emphasis in Strategic Innovation and Change Management from Colorado State University-Global Campus. Her love for community extends beyond her long-standing career with the City and County of Denver in the DEDO (Denver Economic Development Opportunity) Department. Monica specializes in developing operational processes for non-profit organizations. She’s traveled nationally speaking to municipal audiences regarding corporate stewardship and leading with authenticity. An author and poet, Monica participates in local and national performing arts communities. She’s served as emcee and performer and is known for her realism, gorgeous vocal tone and encouraging demeanor. Her presence is always felt before it is known. Monica serves on several boards, is currently one of two Co-Chairs for the Denver African American Commission, Co-Chair for JEDI (Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee with DEDO (Denver Economic Development and Opportunity. Most recently Monica was also active with the board for Community Works. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and served as Chaplain for Denver Alumnae Chapter and the Central Region of the sorority. Monica is also the proud and praying mother of 2 children: Amari and Asha.

Ona Luistro was born and raised in Denver, CO and a product of Denver Public Schools. She graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice and a Business minor. During her junior year in college, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. After graduating, Ona began her career working with youth in the justice system as a coach counselor at Rite of Passage Youth Detention Facility in Watkins, CO. While working with youth in the justice system, she began substituting for classes at the on-campus school on her off days. That is when she discovered her love for teaching. She went back to school to obtain her teaching licensure through CU Denver and became a full-time Special Education Teacher working with at-risk high school aged youth at Thirdway Treatment Facility.

After obtaining her professional teaching license, and working in education for five years, she decided to go back to school to further her education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Criminology, while also volunteering as an intern probation officer. That experience allowed her to gain exposure to injustices our youth, especially minority youth, face every day. Incorporating her background in teaching and her passion to help youth against injustices, she knew a position as an educator was where she needed to stay in order to have a direct impact on all students of color and to be an advocate for them in education.

Ona Luistro is married with three children, ages eight, twelve, and nineteen. She is currently in her 13th year of education, teaching 7th grade and Advanced 7th grade Math classes in the Cherry Creek School District. In 2020 Ona started her own private tutoring company, Impact Tutoring Inc, and since its founding has served over 100+ youth and has employed over fifteen diverse tutors. She strives to continue to grow this business and partner with local school districts to continue to expand and serve the larger community in the area of education. She is also one of the CCEA union representatives at her school and a member of the staff equity team. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She also enjoys fishing and sitting down to read a good book.

Robyn Latson a native of Denver, CO and proud East Ange has worked at Denver Water as a Business Support Technician for the last fifteen years. Robyn is a graduate of Colorado State University at Pueblo, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems. Robyn enjoys giving back to her community and is passionate about getting more African American women interested in Science and Technology fields. Robyn also has a passion for swimming and teaching others how to swim

One of her major goals within SPIN is to partner with a local Aquatics program to that promotes African American’s exposure to swimming and learn about water safety. Robyn also enjoys cooking, home décor, DIY projects, spending time with her loved ones and friends and attending concerts.

Robyn is also the mother of two beautiful daughters Leia and Legaci.

Sarah Craft is a Denver native (yes they exist! ) and a graduate of the University of Denver. Prior to taking her role as the Marketing Communications Coordinator at RMMFI (Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute), Sarah was the Impact Director for Denver Metro Community Impact supporting advocacy around childhood literacy. Sarah was also a Market Administrator for Wells Fargo Advisors, worked the Community and Government Relations as well as worked as a legislative aide to a city council person. Sarah has an extensive background in international event services and philanthropy, highlighted by her time spent in Abu Dhabi, UAE working for the American Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys teaching yoga and spending time with those close to her. SPIN is an amazing organization that she is thrilled and honored to be a part of. Most recently, Sarah has taken on the role of mom to seven-month-old daughter Romi, whom she refers to as her “Sunshine”!

Shani Hilliard a native of Denver, is a founding member of Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs; S.P.I.N giving circle. Her journey started back in 2005 where she worked as programming assistant under NBA pro-athlete summer league whose nonprofits held Youth camps in Denver, Dallas & South Carolina. She later as an advisor within corporate business groups that served community-based programs focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion for African American professionals. Shani is a 2011 graduate of Chamber Connect a leadership development program under the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado. Shani currently serves as Chair of the board of directors for the Community Investment Network (CIN) a forum for philanthropists committed to transforming their communities. She is also the founder and owner of Prime Connection Consulting LLC, a management and development group that caters to startups and small businesses.

Shani is a creative force, visionary and compassionate leader. Her determination to make a difference was divinely inspired by all the experiences and opportunities she has been afforded. Her drive and philanthropic compass is " Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them" a quote by the great Madame CJ Walker.

Shayla R. Richard (Ree-Shard) works professionally as a Technical Project Manager for Breakthrough Energy, a company that aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable energy and other technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A third generation Denverite with Louisiana roots. Shayla is a co-founding member of the Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs (SPIN), a philanthropic giving circle of Black women.

A graduate of Montbello High School, Shayla is also a graduate of the 2019 cohort of Emerge, a 6-month intensive program that teaches Democratic women to run for office.

She is also a graduate of the 2010 cohort of the Urban Leadership Foundation Connect formerly known as Chamber Connect. Shayla holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Denver and has pursued a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Colorado at Denver. Shayla also received a certificate in Web Development from Galvanize in 2018.

Shayla holds memberships of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Denver NAACP, Urban League Young Professionals, National Council of Negro Women, and Colorado Black Women for Political Action. She also serves as a precinct captain for HD7(B) and is the treasurer for the African Diaspora Initiative of Colorado Democrats. Shayla also sits on the board for Emerge Colorado and is a member of the Racial Equity Council via the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation.

Shayla has a deep love of music, all forms of entertainment, the human experience, live comedic performances, helping others and cooking. Her greatest accomplishment and favorite person is her fourteen-year-old son, Kaleo pronounced (Ka-lay-Oh).

A quote that influences Shayla to remain steadfast on life’s journey is, “only the finest steel gets sent through the refiners fire.”

Helen Keller

Dr. Takiyah R. Wilson is the Vice President of Health Strategies for the American Heart Association in Denver, Colorado. Takiyah is dedicated to advancing health equity and is a driven healthcare professional with the skills and mindset to deliver and manage healthcare services through leadership, and the development of innovative public health solutions. Dr. Wilson has worked in a variety of roles as a clinical researcher, director of quality, and hospital epidemiology. Currently, Dr. Wilson is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of community impact strategies across Colorado aiming to exceed market health and revenue strategic goals. Takiyah holds both a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Studies, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Texas Women’s University. In addition, Dr. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health and Preventative Medicine from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Tanara Landor serves as a thought leader and resource for advocacy of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by strategically and intentionally engaging diverse and historically marginalized communities. Currently, Tanara serves as the Senior Program Manager of ERGs, Culture and Global DEI Partnerships for Twilio, Inc. A native of Louisiana, Tanara graduated from Louisiana Tech University and is currently working on a second degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Tanara is passionate about philanthropy, giving through time and treasure to support Big Brother Big Sister of Colorado, The Center on Colfax - LGBTQ Colorado, Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs (SPIN), and The Trevor Project.

Trinity Bailey, Music Artist Manager & Director of Music Is Unity Foundation. A leading non-profit focused on helping young people thrive in their transition out of the foster system. MIU financially supports agencies that provide programming to enhance the ability of the foster youth to transition successfully into adulthood. We make grants to nonprofit, community-based organizations that provide supportive services for youth who are emancipating from the foster care system. Trinity is a Black creative soul creating expressions of love through my contributions, considerations, and commitments. Her personal mission is to contribute her incredible ideas & talents by using her impeccable organizational and management skills to support herself and her community (mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially), while achieving my goals and helping others achieve theirs. Trusting and aligning myself with the eb and flow of life. MAAT

Trinity Donet House of Bailey,

First of Her Name,

Slayer of Personal Style,

Counselor of Calendars 📆 & Schedules,

Prompt in ALL preparations,

The Majesty of Personal, Family, and business management,

The Queen of indulging in international cuisines,

Monarchy of energetic moods, moves, and grooves