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. 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.
Shy Coleman
Secretary
Shy Coleman, born in New Jersey, moved to Harlem, then relocated to Houston a year ago. I have been an active member of Urban League Young Professional (YP) for five years. I was the prior 2020-2022 Membership Co-Chair of the New York Urban League YP and currently serve on the National Urban League YP Membership Committee. My proudest accomplishment while serving was the introduction of “Pride in Action”, the LGBTQ+ sub-committee, to expand the diversity and inclusiveness of members in YP. I am a delighted mother of a 17-year-old young man. I am an avid foodie traveler while visiting over 40+
countries. In the last 10 years, I have volunteered while traveling to Ghana, Columbia, South Africa to educate communities on health issues, sexual education, and sanitation. My personal commitment is rooted in serving and working in my community to bring awareness, financial literacy, and economic growth. “There’s a reality that exists where many of our communities are struggling and in this moment are navigating with less access and resources”.I received a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior & Change from New York University and a proud attendee of North Carolina A&T State University “Aggie Pride” with two years of study. I was the founding President of NYU Military Alliance, Student Veteran of America. Also, served as an honorable decorated combat veteran in the US Army for five active years. Currently, I am the Director of Workforce Development & Training programs at a Refugee non-profit and lead seven programs effectively. I have a decade plus of years in federal and nonprofit work in workforce development, economic development, and operations & logistic. With that being stated, I consider myself the vessel of disseminating information, meticulously organized and detailed oriented. The ability to have well-defined structure in place to help the many systems that exist in YP is something that I find very honorable in this position as Secretary. I like the role of Houston Area Urban League Young Professional Secretary because I appreciate when information is delivered soundly, accurately, and timely, and would hope to lead that charge by example.
Alycea Hampton
Special Advisor
Born and raised in Southern California, Alycea Hampton serves as the Parliamentarian of HAULYP. She has been a member of HAULYP since 2018. Prior to her role as Parliamentarian, Alycea served as chair of Professional Development 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.
Aaron Brown
Chief of Staff
Aaron J. Brown was born in raised in the Atlanta, GA area. He is the son of Timothy and Carla Brown, and the brother of Jaylon Brown. At an early age, Aaron was involved in activities such as playing violin in the orchestra, creating oil paintings, speech and debate team and tennis. Aaron graduated from Hillgrove High School, after which he moved to New Orleans, LA to attend the illustrious Dillard University. At Dillard, Aaron ignited his passion for leadership and joined many organizations. Some of these included SGA Class Council, Honda Campus All Star Challenge, C100, being a Resident Assistant, and The Melton Foundation in addition to being a Thompson/Cook Honors program student. After successfully graduating from Dillard, he moved to Houston, TX where he began his career in the Human Resources. While in Houston he has worked within the healthcare and PEO industries in HR focused roles. Aaron enjoys travel and travels quite often to different cities around the nation and the world. He also enjoys live music, the outdoors, and reading Aaron is a proud member of St. James Episcopal Church. He is also currently a member of Krewe d’Sprit Rosaire, the first African-American founded Mardi Gras krewe in Texas, SHRM, and the National Black MBA Association. Presently, Aaron is employed as a Project Manager that assists new clients in onboarding their employees for HR, Payroll, and Benefits. He is currently continuing his education by pursuing a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Harvard University in International Relations. Aaron has been a member of HAULYP for a year and credits the past members of ELT for empowering and inspiring him to take on a leadership role as a new member. As Chief of Staff, Aaron hopes to foster a culture of openness, collaboration, inclusion, and balance. He is excited to use skills acquired as a Project Manager to assist committee chairs with successful implementation and execution of their projects to improve the member experience. Faith, a passion for service, and unity are what Aaron feels are his guiding principles for his leadership. The opportunity to serve The Movement within HAULYP is something that he knows will be apart of his greater journey and purpose to be a change agent in the lives of people worldwide.
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
I'm Erika Smiley a native Houstonian and Prairie View A&M alum. I have a BA in Political Science and a Masters in Public Administration. I'm currently an elected emergency services commissioner in north Harris County and Girl Scout Troop leader. I joined HAULYP to connect with other like minded black people in the city. I ran for civic engagement co-chair as a way to increase the Black community’s engagement in the political realm and to use the campaign and policy skills I have acquired to make that happen.
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.
Jasmin Williams
Co-Chair
Jasmin Williams is a Mid-Level Professional with eleven and a half years of Federal Service most notably in Immigration and Refugee Services. Jasmin's Educational Background includes a B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Family and Youth Advocacy and a M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration. Presently, she is pursuing a second Masters' Degree in Labor and Employment Law at Tulane University of New Orleans. Through professional development, study, and travel, Williams has obtained invaluable knowledge and experience that have greatly impacted her personal philosophy and aided in her success as a career professional and in leadership. Jasmin is driven by her passion for understanding multiculturalism and the benefits there of in improving society at large. She promotes this through community engagement, social awareness, innovation, and creativity. Ms. Williams' favorite pastimes include hiking, yoga and meditation, traveling, attending music and cultural events. She enjoys community engagement, hosting close family and friends, interior decorating and fashion.
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. She 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.
Nitasia "Spirit" Dupree
Chair
Nitasia "Spirit" Dupree is currently the Houston Area Urban League of Young Professionals Professional Development Chair. She has been a YP member since 2019 and previously served as the Los Angeles Urban League of Young Professionals Professional Development Chair for over 2 years. She has also served YP at the Regional and National level since joining the Young Professionals. She is now in her 2nd term with HAULYP as the Professional Development Chair. Spirit currently holds her BS in Accounting and has worked in the industry for over 10 years. She currently serves as a Senior Accountant in the Tech Space for a company that caters to providing Marketing Software/Services to Non-Profits fighting Long-Term Illnesses. Spirit is a successful, down to earth woman by way of New Jersey who loves to give back to her community. She is also a 2 time Amazon Best Selling author of the Boss Babes Who Pray series with books including "She Doesn't Pray Fair" and ""Exposing the Lie of the Enemy". She is a confident, outgoing Entrepreneur/Model Coach/Motivational Speaker who continues to shine across every industry she touches. She is the founder of BeiN Xposed LLC (www.beinxposed.com) and the Elite Nature brand (www.elitenatureapparel.com / www.e-litenature.com). She is all about building people up from the inside/out and tapping into their Elite Nature. She helps develop people's talents and connects them to people that will further develop or help their vision come to life. This woman has a heart of gold and has already begun to put her mark in the nation. Most recently she was selected as a recipient for the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023. She is all about operating in excellence and after working with her you will never forget the one and only Spirit.
Jeremy Craft
Co Chair
Jeremy Craft is a native of Houston, TX where he graduated from North Shore Sr. High School. Upon graduating, Craft enrolled at Prairie View A&M University to study Civil Engineering, and earned his Bachelor’s degree from The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering in the Spring of 2015. While attending PVAMU, Craft was a leader in various organizations such as, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Society of Black Engineers, Brothers Leading And Cultivating Knowledge, and The Collegiate 100. Craft also served as a Youth Advisory Council Representative Speaker for the Annie E. Casey Foundation for 3 years; which allowed him to mentor at-risk youth. Upon graduating, Jeremy began his professional career at Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation in Houston, TX as a Civil Engineer who managed, designed, and constructed over $1 Billion Dollars of roadway, drainage, bridge, and other infrastructure projects. After over 4 years in the profession, Craft decided to leave engineering to pursue his dreams as a community advocate. Craft is now the Co-Owner of Houston’s #1 resource for Black Owned Businesses; Black Book Houston, The Co-Director of Urban Community Network, and the Professional Development Co-Chair for the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals. In addition to his professional obligations, Craft supports various organizations and businesses to ensure that African Americans are empowered to have long term success in all of their endeavors.
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.
Charkenna Whitlow
Co Chair
Charkenna Whitlow is a New York native that has been residing in Houston for approximately five years now. She served 8 years in the Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged and deciding to further her education. Once finished with her enlistment term, she earned two college degrees in Business Administration and Merchandise Management while climbing up the corporate ladder in the insurance industry. After several promotions she made a pivot, discovering her passion for being an HR professional and is currently pursuing her Masters in Human Resources
Management to continually advance her career. In her free time, Charkenna can be found traveling, wine tasting, listening to live music or spoken word, attending live sporting events or hosting gatherings for friends and family. She also runs a popular Facebook group called Houston Eat and Meet that brings Houstonians together to explore exciting new events, happenings and restaurants around the city. Charkenna is a self-proclaimed ‘social butterfly’ that utilizes her outgoing personality and people person skills to network across a plethora of organizations throughout Houston. It was at one of these networking events where she was first introduced to HAULYP members and joined that very same evening! Although relatively new to HAULYP, Charkenna has been drawn to the organizations mission and wants to contribute her resources and expertise back to the members by becoming the next Social and Cultural Committee Co-Chair! Her goal if elected is to plan exciting events that builds relations among committee members while patronizing as many black owned businesses as possible to redistribute the wealth in in our communities.
Kayla Abram
Co Chair
I have been a member with HaulYP for one year as of 2/26/23. I am from New Orleans, LA and I moved to Houston to continue my work in the educational field. I have eight years of experience in education and I am currently working as a Early Literacy Curriculum Implementation Manager with KIPP Texas Schools. I am a first generation master degree and soon tobe Doctoral degree recipient for Curriculum and Instruction. I love literacy and am passionate about educating students and the community I serve. I joined HaulYP for the sense of community and to influence educational advancement for the youth of our community. I am thankful to serve as a liaison for the organization.
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.