Executive Leadership Team
Officers
Markia Bordeaux
President
Markia Bordeaux graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Social Work, and earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law Houston. Markia is currently practicing Family Law in Houston. Markia has been a member of HAULYP since 2019 and served as the Civic Engagement Committee Chair from 2021-2022. While on the executive leadership team, Markia was selected to be part of the inaugural class of the Young Professionals Institute Cohort, a NULYP leadership development program centered around advocacy for youth in education. Markia was honored to be invited by the National Urban League to participate in the One United America Program that convened at the 2022 LULAC Conference in Puerto Rico. The One United America Program is a coalition designed to address and eradicate hatred/racism in the United States, composed of the National Urban League, LULAC, Anti-Defamation League and The Asian American Foundation.
Markia also volunteers as a Legal Observer at the ACLU of Texas, she is a member of the Prairie View Alumni Association, Houston Young Lawyers Association and serves on the American Bar Associations Civil Rights and Social Justice Committee. She is also precinct chair for the 223rd precinct of the Harris County Democratic Party. (HAULYP is a non partisan organization).
As President, Markia’s vision is to continue the strong legacy of the movement through servant leadership. Markia's first order of business is to craft a dynamic leadership team by appointing positions that include Youth Empowerment, Social Media, Chief of Staff and a Special Advisor role. Markia's goal is to revamp and streamline the internal process of the organization, increase engagement on social media through digital marketing, implement a leadership development program that inspires members to matriculate to the executive leadership team, and improve the overall value provided to the community. Markia is most excited about welcoming the National Urban League Conference to the city of Houston and bringing home the National Chapter of the Year award.
Jasmine Jordan
Vice President
Jasmine Jordan works for a startup cloud computing and enterprise software company, called Unqork. Her role as an Engagement Manager is focused on managing a portfolio of complex accounts and she serves as the primary point of contact for these accounts. Jasmine assists clients with ongoing projects and helps them address issues and problems. Why HaulYP? For Jasmine HAULYP is about the development of its members, serving the community and addressing community resource needs. When you attend ANY HAULYP event the room exudes excellence! You can’t help, but to be inspired.
.jpg)
Dr. Jessica Sharp
Secretary
Dr. Jessica Sharp, who uses she/her pronouns, is on a mission to change the world through love & belonging. Jessica is a social entrepreneur, organizational psychologist, content creator, and leadership coach.
Dr. Sharp’s Doctorate is in Leadership Psychology from William James College and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri. Jessica is living out her life’s purpose through her two businesses - Sharp Brain Consulting and Sharp Brain Productions. Through these ventures, Jessica works with organizational leaders who want to create stronger cultures as well as individuals who want to learn more about self-love, belonging, and building community.
Working to create what the late great John Lewis called good, necessary trouble, Jessica is committed to creating spaces for voices of those who have been historically and systematically marginalized. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a Board Member with the Association of Junior Leagues International and the Secretary of the Houston Urban League Young Professionals. Jessica can be found on Instagram & Twitter at @jessica.e.sharp.
Alycea Hampton
Special Advisor
Born and raised in Southern California, Alycea Hampton serves as the Special Advisor of HAULYP. She has been a member of HAULYP since 2018. Prior to her role as Advisor, Alycea served as chair of Professional Development Committee and as Parliamentarian.
Professionally, she is Manager of Litigation for Small Business Lender. Prior to this position, Alycea worked as Organizational Development Consultant for a Human Resources Consulting firm. Alycea earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Sociology from University of California Los Angeles and a Master’s in Public Policy Alycea has a love and a deep passion to give back to her community and contribute her expertise and attributes to others. In her free time Alycea enjoys working out, event planning, and traveling.
Dominique King
Parlimentarian
As a Houston native Latrice Chatman attended the University of Houston where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. After college, Latrice started working as an Administrative Assistant and found that organization, planning and helping others has always been something that seemed to compliment her personality the best.
Joining HAULYP in May 2018 has given Latrice the opportunity to be around so many innovative, motivated and talented people who strive not only to better themselves but to better their communities as well. The future is bright, and Latrice is grateful to be part of it.
Denise Johnson
Treasurer
I am Denise Johnson, and I am the current treasurer for HAULYP. I am originally from Waco, Texas but have resided in the Houston area since 2005. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice: Leadership and Management. I am currently a Program Analyst for the State of Texas and have worked for the state for 17 years. I have held previous positions with the state in investigations, supervision, and training and development.
I was first introduced to HAULYP in 2013 and officially joined and became more active in 2020. I am a member of HAULYP as it allows me to be more connected with the black community to assist in providing needed resources on a consistent basis. Along with HAULYP keeping me connected to the black community, the organization continues to help me grow on a professional level. I have had the opportunity to participate in events that included feeding the homeless, volunteering at the local homeless shelters, providing school supplies to local children, and voter registration events. I made the decision to run for treasurer as I have a strong mindset when it comes to budgeting money and want to advance my knowledge and understanding of all aspects of HAULYP.
Precious Azuree
Conference Chair
Precious Azuree is Clarity Coach sought out by solopreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofits seeking clarity on their brand strategy, systems to boost productivity, and leadership development. In addition to her coaching business, she is breaking barriers as the Vice President and Co-Founder of the award-winning black female-led nonprofit MEASURE, a public education & data advocacy organization that empowers People of Color to use data to tell their own story.
As the Social & Cultural Committee Chair, Precious has a vision to create experiences that boost member engagement, inspire authentic connection and provide a well balanced diet of excitement and comfort. There’s so much to explore within the great City of Houston and she believes HAULYP should leave our footprint and influence in as many places as we can.
With a strong emphasis on developing people, Precious has made it her mission to develop the human, social and financial capital of her community to position their legacy for sustainability and growth. Your vote will add momentum towards pushing this mission forward.
Jocelynn Horton
Social Media Chair
Jocelynn Horton is a St. Louis native. She attended Tuskegee University where she was a collegiate tennis player while obtaining a degree in Agricultural Business with an emphasis is in marketing and management. She is currently obtaining her MBA at LSUS in Project Management.
​
She currently works as a small business Social Media Manager for a non-prfoit that partners with Verizon to help small business achieve success. She recently started her own agency, In Real Time Media where she assist small businesses with their monetization and optimization of various social media platforms.
Committee Chairs
Erika Smiley
Co-Chair
Erika Smiley is a highly driven advocate for civic engagement and the empowerment of the Black community. With a BA in Political Science from Prairie View and a Masters in Public Administration, she possesses a strong government academic background. Currently serving as an elected Emergency Services Commissioner, she has demonstrated her commitment to public service. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, she connects with like-minded individuals to address the unique challenges faced by the Black community. She pursued for the position of Civic Engagement Committee Co-Chair, to increase Black community engagement in politics and utilize her campaign and policy skills to drive positive change. With her expertise and dedication, she is determined to amplify Black voices and foster a more inclusive society.
Aarian Tipton
Co-Chair
My name is Aarian Tipton. Born and raised in Wichita Kansas. I graduated from and ran track at Georgia Southern University where I received my bachelors in psychology. I received my masters in Social Work from Wichita State University. I currently work as a social worker with a nonprofit organization that provides legal aid and resources for survivors of domestic violence. I joined Haulyp in September 2021 to meet other professionals and serve my community. I’ve volunteered with Boys and girls club. I ran for the civic engagement committee to challenge myself, learn more about local politics, and be more involved with the urban league.
Raythieyon Robertson
Co-Chair
Raythieyon Robertson is currently a full-time student studying Architecture and Industrlal Technology. He is also veteran that approaches life with a focus to always be efficient in carrying out all objectives. He also has an extensive past and passion with being active in Outreach, even serving as a part of the Community Outreach committee for another chapter. Why HAULYP? For Raythieyon, its always been a passion to give back wherever he may be. When he transferred to HAULYP in August it was an obvious decision to get into the Community Outreach committee. Its an honor to be an inspiration and aid to the community.
Open-Position
Co-Chair
We are currently interviewing candidates for the role; if you are a member of Haulyp and are interested in being a changemaker, please submit your resume to info@haulyp.
Shelton Dotson
Co Chair
My name is Shelton Dotson IV, and I will be serving as the Fund Development Co-Chair for the 2023 term. I grew up playing sports, mainly basketball, which helped me learn the power of hard work, I also was involved with various organizations growing up, which allowed me to make a lot of meaningful connections that I utilize to this day. I graduated in May of 2019 from Texas A&M University. My degree was in Business Management, with a minor in economics, this degree allowed me the opportunity to feel comfortable running my own business. During working hours, I work as a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual.
I was born and raised in Houston, so giving back to the community is something very important to me. I joined HAULYP in 2020, but 2023 will be my first year serving on the executive staff. I am a member of this organization because I like being able to network with other successful young professionals, while also being able to make a positive impact on the community. I have previously served on the fund development committee for the N.A.A.C.P. while at Texas A&M, I also did a lot of volunteer work with my fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. I ran for my position because I wanted to be able to assist this organization, so it has the necessary funds to continue to make a strong impact in the community, I also ran for this position because I wanted to make meaningful connections.
Jeremy Sanford
Co Chair
Jeremy J. Sanford is an unconventional, outspoken character, as many would describe him. Hailing from the great state made even more famous by P-Valley (Mississippi), he is a graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Political Science. Since graduating, Jeremy found his niche working in higher education and assisting black and brown college students in their journey to adulthood, providing the necessary guidance to help them avoid mishaps that students currently make. However, wanting to make a difference on a larger platform, he entered the corporate field, where he serves as a HBCU Recruiting Strategist for the Redwoods Leadership Development Program within DaVita Kidney Care.
Jeremy joined HAULYP in December 2019 after seeing the great work conducted at our annual Young Professionals University (YPU). The following year, he was nominated and elected to serve as fund development co-chair, in which he set the then-largest #GivingTuesday record. He has returned to the role to continue the great work HAULYP is known for and to help obtain the resources necessary for it to blossom even more.
Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys providing service to his community through his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., serving as off campus advisor to the Black Student Union at the University of Houston and enjoying all the culture, cuisine, and entertainment that Houston has to offer!
Tiffany Winter
Co Chair
Tiffany Winter joined HAULYP in March 2020 to not only use her expertise as a public health professional but to also connect and impact the community with other young professionals. She is passionate about increasing the level of priority of health and wellness among the Black community with a current focus in tobacco control. Currently, Tiffany works as a Program Manager at MD Anderson Cancer Center in which she develops and implements cancer prevention programs designed to encourage behavior change. Through her work in the field, Tiffany understands the importance of establishing meaningful relationship and trust with the community to make meaningful change.
Tiffany is originally from Stone Mountain, GA and loves to travel, hang with friends, and 1000+ puzzles. She has a bachelors in Human Development and Family Science from The University of Georgia and a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior from The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Tameka Bannarbie
Co Chair
Tameka Bannarbie is a graduate of Lamar University and currently working as an educator in the Alief District. She was born and raised in Houston, Tx to Jamaican parents. She is an elementary school teacher and ESL Instructor at a non-profit. She loves meeting new people, learning about other cultures, outdoor activities, hanging with friends and having me time. She is also a huge foodie and unofficial food critic. Her passion is connecting people to the help they need in any way she can. She has worked in the community as both a leader and volunteer. Community is very important for living a successful life.
Tameka joined HAULYP in 2013 but rejoined in 2019. She became a member to be social and hopefully network. She was able to accomplish those two things and more.
HAULYP has been a revolving door of encouragement, strength, inspiration, and community. She went on dates with the organization but never fully committed until one of the Membership Engagement chairs began regularly checking on her and greeting her with a warm smile. All her doubts about fitting in melted away. Since then, she's always felt welcomed and included with HAULYP. She ran for Membership Engagement chair to assure that HAULYP gains more visibility but also to be a great resource and welcoming space for all new and current members.
Grace Chandler
Co Chair
​
I am Senior Project Manager for The Donatto Group, which is a full-service marketing development organization that provides our clients with innovative, impactful solutions that aid them in building their business and/ or engaging their target audience. ; I have been in this role for about two years. Before that role, I was in education for about 11 years. I ended my education career as a mathematics skills specialist for a major ISD helping to produce the nation's best. I also volunteer for the NAACP. I currently hold two education certificates, 4-8 mathematics, 6-12 dance, an Accounting Degree from Texas Southern University, and a Curriculum and Instruction from Sam Houston State University. I have always given my time to completing community service. Still, I want to expand my professional reach and connect with like-minded individuals to be a better advocate for change.
Jaelyn Lyles
Co Chair
Jaelyn Lyles brings more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications to her position as PR and Marketing Co-chair for the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals (HAULYP). A prolific writer and storyteller, Jaelyn has supported non-profits in the areas of the arts, education, and healthcare. She currently works with the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four Houston Local Organizing Committee providing strategic communication for print and digital channels, as well as, media relations, event management, and production. In addition to HAULYP, she is an active member of the Xi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has previously served on the Board of Young Professional Toastmasters, and held memberships with the American Advertising Federation, the PR Council, and Ad2 Houston. In her free time, Jaelyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, exploring the outdoors, and playing video games.
Kori M. Thomas, MHA
Chair
Kori Thomas joined HAULYP at the beginning of 2023. To provide a brief background she is a military child (my Mom, Dad, and Stepdad all serve in the United States Air Force); this made home a very dynamic concept for her. It has allowed her to step outside of my comfort zone and be adaptable in any situation. With her comfortability in stepping outside of her comfort zone, she moved across the country to the state of Iowa, where she completed both her Undergraduate degree in Health and Human Physiology and Global Health studies and her Master’s in Health Administration at the University of Iowa; She also rowed for the University of Iowa Women’s Rowing Team. During her Undergraduate and Master’s education, she took on various leadership roles that would provide her with a multitude of perspectives that would allow her to succeed in the future.
A few of her leadership positions consisted of being project chair for a professional healthcare organization’s leadership development program, Vice President of Student Recruitment for the University of Iowa’s MHA program, and team leader for the first-year’s joining Iowa’s Rowing team. Through these various roles, She has helped develop a passion for professional development within herself and assisting others in reaching their personal and professional goals. The skills she brings to the Professional Development Committee include leadership, organization, innovation, teamwork, and collaboration. What she hopes to gain from being a Professional Development Committee Co-Chair is the ability to make long-lasting connections, be more involved in my community, and give back to HAULYP members. Please feel free to contact me if you have any creative ideas for the Professional Development Committee!
%20(2).jpg)
Xante Wallce
Co Chair
Xante Wallace is a former Mayoral Candidate for the City of Prairie View after being elected to serve 2 terms as a City Councilmember for the City of Prairie View beginning at the age of 21. He received his B.S. in Mathematics in 2018 and his Masters in Community Development in 2020 from Prairie View A&M University. He has been heavily involved in the city through community service, advocacy, and leadership. As a servant, he has served on multiple boards and committees as the President of the Community Engagement Board and Vice President of the Economic Development Board. Outside of community work, he is an 8th Grade Math Teacher and a football coach where he uses his skill sets of community organizing, relationship-building, and education to build a safe space for his students. His accomplishments stretch to the football field by coaching his team to undefeated season and becoming district champion with an 8-0 record in his first season.
Xante helped co-found Abundance of Hands Ministry, a community service organization, the Starting Five Foundation which assists collegiate entrepreneurs, and Adopt-a-Block which operated in the City of Prairie View. Xante Wallace is a true believer that the greatest leader must be the greatest servant as he continues to build the people.
Jasmine Lowery
Co Chair
Jasmine is born and raised here in Houston and is excited to be a part of the 2023 ELT and serve alongside you all. Jasmine has a degree in Sport & Event Management from The University of Texas at San Antonio, and spent some time in the Austin Chapter of YP from 2018-2020, before returning back to Houston and becoming a part of the core Social & Cultural Committee of HAULYP.
​
Professionally, Jasmine has been working in Talent Acquisition in the tech industry for the last 5 years and has also founded and run an online beauty supply store, Ebony and Mane, for the last 2 years. She joined HAULYP for the service! Jasmine wants to use her time, and talents to serve her community with a side of fun.
Open-Position
Co Chair
We are currently interviewing candidates for the role; if you are a member of Haulyp and are interested in being a changemaker, please submit your resume to info@haulyp.
Filled
Co Chair
Details Coming Soon
Eric Washington
Co Chair
Eric Washington (he/him) is a Black, Southern, and God-fearing DEI Training Lead and Database Specialist for KIPPTX Public Schools in Houston, TX. Eric attended Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, earning a Bachelor of Political Science and a Master of International Affairs, focusing heavily on Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Politics as well as Women, Peace, and Security. Always possessing a passion for Social Justice and tirelessly attempting to embody the values of equity, justice, and liberation every day.
Eric is constantly seeking growth within the Social Justice space by pursuing opportunities that contribute to meaningful and impactful change for the Black Diaspora, which is why Eric joined HAULYP in 2018. Eric looks forward to contributing his efforts to the Youth Empowerment initiative because Eric strongly believes that our youth dictate the societal zeitgeist. Therefore, with development and mentorship from HAULYP, our youth can generate swift, meaningful, and sustainable change in our communities. Outside of his professional roles, Eric is a dedicated family man, a MacPEGOT-pursing performance artist, and an active member of several organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and BYP100. Eric's current passion project is creating and delivering hand-made care packages for unhoused populations across Harris County.