MeShawn L. Foster, MJ
"The Visionary"
Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The Narrative was birthed through a vision entrusted to MeShawn by divine inspiration and the support of her family and incredible network. Through this vision, MeShawn reached out to individuals who supported her vision to be initial collaborators. Collaboration is the foundation of The Narrative and its growing network. MeShawn has a background in health information management, finance and health law/compliance; however, her passion is empowering the American African community and youth through resources, speaking engagements, community outreach/service, and youth based programs. She is an alumna of both Loyola University Chicago School of Law and Siena Heights University. Prior to following her calling as a community philanthropist, MeShawn was highly sought after as a speaker and author in the health care field and was actively involved in a number of professional organizations including American Health Information Management Association and Florida Health Information Management Association. MeShawn fashions herself an anthropologist of the social diaspora of the American African community. She brings life to her visions as she continuously seeks solutions for the multiple traumas suffered by the American African as a collective while serving as a voice for healing and change.
As a 2020 Nonprofit Center Board Fellow sponsored by JP Morgan Chase and the Board Chair and previous Director of Regional Partnerships for Strategic Alliance Community Development Corporation, she endeavors to continually grow in the nonprofit sector. MeShawn is also an active and proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In her free time she volunteers for multiple nonprofits and coaches high school dance.
Board of Directors
Charese Howard
"The Guru"
President of the Board
A University of Detroit Mercy graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication, Charese has pioneered her way to a top notch entrepreneur, motivational speaker, mentor, and humanitarian. Charese's love of speaking and writing started at an early age simultaneous to her ongoing love and appreciation of the visual and performance arts. She understands that communication, verbal and written, is a basic building block to breaking down economical and traumatic barriers within our multi-cultural society. Her speaking and community engagements serve as a tool to heal grievances within the community one event at a time. Her philosophy is that "the right communication can bring peace in the midst of war."
Driven by the goal to eradicate poverty and crime, Charese focuses on mentoring and educating individuals, particularly of African-American descent, on business ownership and self-sufficiency. She believes that entrepreneurship is a key to minimizing poverty and crime. She is a pillar in the community who leads by example. Charese succesful owns and operates multiple thriving businesses and is the current owner of Amazing Kinkz, LLC, a natural hair enterprise. Also a philanthropist, Charese hosts two annual fundraising events in the city of Detroit. A proud mom of five, she believes in instilling values that span a lifetime in our future generations.
Kimbretta Clay
"The Architect"
Vice-President
Noted author, speaker, radio and podcast host, Kimbretta embodies all the characteristics of a self-mastery architect. Her thought provoking leadership book, "Bosses who Kill," gives much needed insight into toxic behaviors that impact effective leadership. Kimbretta has been described as charismatic, alluring, compelling, while having a unique ability to connect to her audience on multiple levels. A community leader, Kimbretta divides her time between multiple community based organizations while remaining accessible to those in need. Her leadership coaching, workshops and programs promote elimination of toxic behaviors, inherent biases, and incomplete diversity training. Her unique experience as a veteran of the US Navy, allows her to reach yet another under-served community, veterens, who also have traumas and don't often find the right kind of support.
A veteran, leader, author, speaker and coach, Kimbretta builds infrastructures of empowerment while helping individuals find the leaders in themselves.
LaRone L. Foster, RRT
"The Negotiator"
Treasurer
LaRone is a community advocate focused on youth programs and advocacy. A former business student of Wayne State University, LaRone had an active role in corporate insurance for a number of years before embarking on a career change in respiratory therapy. LaRone noticed a high number of young American African males suffering from asthma, including his two youngest sons. This observation sparked his interest in pulmonary medicine. After obtaining a degree in respiratory therapy, LaRone became a Registered Respiratory Therapist with a focus on providing COPD and asthma education.
LaRone stays engaged with youth, particularly young males through coaching a variety of sports and mentoring with our AND ME program. LaRone provides his knowledge, service, and philanthropy to The Narrative while providing financial oversight.
Kimyana ZanYe
"The Artist"
Recording Secretary
Kimyana is a multifaceted and accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist. A celebrated recording artist, chef and caterer, Kimyana has leveraged her experiences to evoke change in her community through non-profit and community development endeavors. Her most recent book, "The Multi Million Dollar Struggle," highlights turning passion into purpose while being accountable for your own destiny. Through her I Believe Inc. organization, Kimyana hosts many community empowerment events. A key focus for Kimyana is encouraging community development through real estate and business development in under-served communities plagued by blight. Kimyana also owns several business, most notably, Just a Bit of Soul Restaurant and ConverZations Banquet and Event Center in Detroit, MI. She is a noted speaker for a wide range of audiences advocating for self-awareness and development.
As a leader in the community, Kimyana actively volunteers with her sorority Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. and is a minister with Born to Win Ministries.
Tajhae Barr
"The Wombman Unspoken"
Speaker, Spiritualist, and Female Empowerment Coach, Tajhae is an advocate for women of African-American descent and their experiences as a collective. She is a self-care holistic health practitioner, womb wellness advocate, and a practitioner of the African-based traditional religions. Most notably, she is a highly sought speaker, author, and poet. She provides a creative soundboard through hosting a number of events throughout the country while promoting self-love and self-discovery.
A passionate community thought leader and advocate, Tajhae was invited by the former president, Barack Obama, to the White House for Women's History Month in March 2016 and for the Women's Summit in June 2016. Tajhae's mission is to empower women, specifically women of color.
Courey Anderson
"The Trending Topic"
Courey Anderson is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success across multiple industries, including dentistry, security, packaging, and port security. With expertise in marketing, business development, client management, customer service, and resource management, he has played a pivotal role in driving growth and operational excellence in various organizations.
Throughout his career, Courey has excelled in forging strategic partnerships, enhancing brand visibility, and optimizing customer experiences. His ability to navigate complex business landscapes and implement innovative solutions has positioned him as a trusted leader in his fields.
Beyond his professional achievements, Courey is deeply committed to youth development, particularly for underserved communities. He is passionate about creating leadership and recreational programs that provide young people with opportunities for personal growth, mentorship, and skill-building. Through his dedication, he continues to inspire and empower the next generation, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive.
Advisory Board Members
Crystal Nicole, NLP, certified Ericksonian Hypnotherapist
"The Linguist"
President of the Board
Life changer, power giver, trauma whisperer, empath, healer...these are all words used to describe Crystal by multiple clients she has served. Crystal specializes in unlocking emotional/mental trauma in individuals combining self-actualization modalities, neurolingual, and Ericksonian hypnotherapy methodologies. As a creator and facilitator of both the Mind Language™ and De-Coding the Pattern of Human Behavior™ programs, Crystal’s unique perspective comes from a 14-year experience with severe depression and suicidal tendencies. Crystal is certified as a neurolinguist, an Ericksonian hypnotherapist, Gestalt psychotherapy specialist, and a Dialetical Behavior Therapy Practitioner. Crystal owns and operates "The Middle Ground," a unique therapeutic space focused on mental awareness and healing. She is also the noted author of "And Then the Light Bowed."
Crystal is also the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. She also remains actively involved in the community as a member of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI Detroit), a precinct delegate and executive board member of Michigan Democratic Black Caucus, the co-chair of the membership committee of the Black Caucus, and a member of education committee of the Black Caucus.
Bernicia Womack
"The Phoenix"
Choreographer, dancer, actress, model, entrepreneur, author, Phoenix... Bernicia has risen from the ashes of trauma and has soared into a change agent for multiple entertainment and community based entities. As a CEO of Business Minded Women Entertainment LLC and ArMaya Motiv LLC, Bernicia has allowed her unique experiences to foster a dynamic blend of leadership and change through her community and business endeavors. An active philanthropist, Bernicia champions for breast cancer awareness through hosting several large fundraising events yearly. Bernicia's experiences have taken her all over the world and she has lived in both Singapore and Japan. Having a worldview fuels her desire to close the gap of disparity primarily experienced in the African American communities in the United States.
A true renaissance woman with multiple talents, Bernicia mentors and challenges youth to follow their dreams no matter their current circumstances. Bernicia endeavors to create solutions where others have thrown in the towel.