About Us

Yasmin Anderson-Smith, Colesville, MD – Founder/President

Yasmin Anderson-Smith, MCRP is an award-winning speaker, trainer, coach and author who earned her graduate degree from Howard University. Yasmin ignites and inspires  young and mid-career professionals to soar and shine with distinction and gain competitive advantage in today’s crowded global business marketplace. A former management professional, Yasmin re-branded her career in 2007 as an entrepreneur. Her leading-edge experience in workplace excellence training, personal branding, professional development and civility skills helps college students, business women and young professionals sharpen their skills in career-readiness and advancement. Known as a leader in her field, Yasmin brings high enthusiasm, insight and inspiration to all her programs in order to touch the hearts and minds of participants. In 2007, Yasmin created Every Girl Can™ to help teen girls project confidence, practice civility and embrace a healthy body image. Yasmin has published several articles, a white paper and blogs on business image, personal branding and civility http://bit.ly/1lbhjYh and is co-author of the books The Power of Civility and Executive Image Power. This Jamaican-born Maryland resident is the mother of three college graduates  who are MCPS graduates.

Dona Marshall, B.A., Upper Marlboro, MD

Doña M. Marshall is a graduate of Bennett College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Her distinguished public service career of over thirty years in the Federal government includes positions such as U.S. Marshall with the Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and later, EEO Manager for Rural Development’s Civil Rights Division. Ms. Marshall also served as, Chief for the Employment Investigation Division, which has responsibility for processing EEO complaints and achieving the overarching goal of fair and equitable treatment for all customers in the conduct of investigations. These experiences helped Ms. Marshall master skills in management, leadership, counseling, mediation, EEO training and compliance reviews. Ms. Marshall is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Alumnae Association of Bennett College and a Life member of the National Council of Negro Women. She is the mother of one adult son and is committed to helping youth to succeed in and out of school

Renee Neely, Psy.h. Glen Burnie, MD

Dr. Renee Neely is a two-time Bowie State University alumna, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. For the past 13-years, she has served as a Psychologist within the District of Columbia Public Charter School system, where she is responsible for serving over 700 students and families. Prior to her current position, Dr. Neely served as a Congressional Fellow for Congressman “Bobby” Scott, VA (D). In this role she advocated for children and families by drafting legislation for initiatives within the areas of juvenile justice, education, health disparities, and workforce development. Dr. Neely’s diverse work history also includes her dedication and commitment to serving as the Co-Founder for S.A.S.S.I.E. Mentoring Inc. and Metropolitan Psychological Group, LLC. Dr. Neely’s member affiliations include the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

Udean Mars Williams, M.A. Hyattsville, MD

Udean Mars Williams, M.A. is a highly experienced high school teacher and college adjunct professor with strong leadership skills in education program development. Udean holds a BS degree in Biology and Chemistry from Howard University and a master’s in educational administration from Trinity University. Udean has been involved in the teaching profession for over 11 years and currently teaches International Baccalaureate 7th grade science while pursuing a doctorate in International Psychology. Previously, Udean taught high school Biology, Physics and Environmental Science. Udean has worked with diverse groups of children and young adults, teaching science and health-related programs across school grades and college levels in a variety of physical and instructional program settings. Originally from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Udean’s work experience also includes curriculum development, staff training and instructor assessment.

Tracie Bailey, MBA, Colesville, MD

Tracie Bailey, Treasurer, Pro Temp. has more than twenty years experience in accounting, across disciplines including not-for profit associations, hotel/hospitality and healthcare. Tracie brings strong, proven account skills in accounting and financial analysis and is committed to helping others.

Deborah A. Finley, Ph.D., Miami, FL

Deborah A. Finley, Ph.D. is a native of Philadelphia, PA and the proud mother of one daughter. Her early professional career, as a speech-language pathologist, has given her the opportunity to provide therapeutic services to pediatric, school-age children and adults with communication disorders. Throughout her career she has practiced in seven states as a staff therapist,  a school administrator and an adjunct professor at three universities. She is the founder of several corporations focused on healthcare, artificial intelligence and multimedia. Recently, she expanded her interests to writing and self-publishing  children’s picture books. Her community service activities have included being involved with several non-profit organizations in the role of board member. She is an alumna of Leadership Montgomery, Montgomery County, Maryland.

Charlene D. Rowe, PhD., Accokeek, MD

Dr. Charlene D. Rowe is a veteran, of the United States Air Force, with 20 years of experience in leadership, program/project management, education, and training. While on active duty, in the military, she obtained her Bachelors and MBA. After serving honorably in the military, she began working in the federal government; it was during this time, Charlene decided to pursue her Doctorate in Business Administration. After receiving her Doctorate, from the University of Phoenix, she continued to pursue certifications to enhance her knowledge and skill set in project and program management. Charlene takes great pride in her ability to effectively navigate her career, education, and family, while still pursuing ways to give back to her community. She has volunteered with several charity events throughout her career in the military and as a civil servant in the federal government. Charlene is a firm believer in being a positive role model for her children. She is married with 3 children; daughter (20); and two sons (12) and (8). She believes that children will have a better chance in life, if they are inundated with positive role models to help them succeed in their educational journey. In her spare time, Charlene enjoys reading, singing, and spending time with her family

Crystal Jackson, B.A.

Crystal Marie Jackson is a 2010 graduate of Elizabeth Seton High School and a Spelman College Alumna, Class of 2014. At Spelman she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Japanese Studies. Crystal is currently employed by KIPP DC as an Office Manager at Grow Academy in Northwest Washington DC. She has a passion for providing developmental support to growing organizations. Crystal has been a volunteer with the Every Girl Can Conference since 2014 and a youth adviser to the Board of Directors since 2015.

Onyinye Nworokie, B.A.

Onyinye Nwokorie is a graduate of Springbrook High School and Towson University. At Towson, she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication Studies and Mass Communications with a concentration in Strategic Public Relations. While at Towson, she served as vice president of the Collegiate Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women. Nworokie has been a volunteer with the Every Girl Can Conference since 2009 and a youth adviser to the Board of Directors since 2015. Nwokorie is passionate about empowering young girls and women in mind, body and spirit.

L. Isabelle Blackwood-Ellis, PhD – Clinical Psychologist, Co-Owner, Psychological and Educational Associates

Gillian Cadogen, CPA – Accountant

Dawnielle Farrar-Gaines, PhD – Senior Materials and Mechanical Engineer, Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Lab

Elaine Knight, PhD -Research Scientist, NIH

Claire Nelson, PhD – Engineer and Futurist, Sagient Futures

Chu Chu Onwuachi-Saunders, MD, MPH – Pediatrician, Public Health Consultant and Author

Paulette Watson, PhD – Former Educational Consultant, Massachusetts, Board of Education

Coming soon.
Girls in 8th to 12th grade and college students may send a message of inquiry/interest to EGCLI secretaty, Katherine Wurzburg at [email protected]