Our Board of Directors generously donate their time and support to YWCA South Hampton Roads and our community.
Interested in becoming part of the YWSisterhood? Contact our Development team today!
The YWCA South Hampton Roads Board of Directors is made up of 15 dedicated members who provide mission-driven leadership and financial guidance for our organization. Their commitment to strategic governance helps advance essential programs that positively impact thousands of women and families in our region. These leaders are also strong advocates for the YWCA South Hampton Roads mission, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our community.
Officers
Krista Harrell, PhD
<div>Board Chair |</div>
<div>Associate Vice President,</div>
<div>Alumni Relations,</div>
<div>Old Dominion University</div>
Krista Harrell is committed to advancing equity for women and has centered thesevalues throughout her personal and professional volunteer work. She believes in active community leadership and the importance of empowering women while advocating for equity for all. Krista is passionate about supporting efforts to eliminate racism and create lasting, systemic change.
Chernelle Hill
<div>First Vice-Chair |</div>
<div>Vice President</div>
<div>of Hospital Operations,</div>
<div>Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital</div>
Chernelle Hill is inspired by the YWCA’s long-standing history of
empowering women and its reinvigorated commitment to advancing social justice, which closely aligns with her personal passions. She has a deep heart for women and children and is committed to partnering with organizations that provide critical resources and support during times of crisis while also promoting sustainable practices and long-term development opportunities for the communities they serve.
Amasa Andes
<div>Second Vice-Chair |</div>
<div>Chief Strategy Officer,</div>
<div>An Achievable Dream</div>
Amasa Andes serves as Chief Strategy Officer at An Achievable Dream, where she leads initiatives that strengthen partnerships, community engagement, and strategic growth. A Norfolk native, she is deeply committed to advancing educational equity and
fostering inclusive leadership across Hampton Roads. Amasa’s service with YWCA South Hampton Roads reflects her dedication to eliminating racism, empowering women, and building a stronger, more equitable community.
Sybil Spurgeon
<div>Secretary |</div>
<div>Of Counsel,</div>
<div>Yeng Collins Law, PLLC</div>
Sybil Spurgeon is an accomplished employment attorney and human resources consultant with extensive experience advising organizations on workplace compliance, equity, and effective leadership. Throughout her career, she has partnered with
nonprofits, municipalities, and corporate clients to strengthen policies, foster fair employment practices, and build inclusive workplace cultures. Sybil’s service with YWCA South Hampton Roads reflects her commitment to advancing equity, eliminating discrimination, and empowering women within the broader community.
Guisela Torres
<div>Treasurer |</div>
<div>Personal Financial Manager,</div>
<div>Naval Air Station - FFSC Oceana / Dam Neck</div>
Guisela Torres has served on several boards and is passionate about supporting organizations where she can make a direct impact in the community. She was drawn to YWCA South Hampton Roads because of its mission and commitment to reinvesting resources to expand its reach and impact. Guisela considers it an honor to contribute t0 the organization’s work to eliminate racism, empower women, and strengthen the community.
Members
Angelia Allen
<div>Admissions Director</div>
<div>Autumn Care of Norfolk – Portsmouth</div>
Angelia Allen considers it an honor to work alongside women who demonstrate strength and leadership in both professional and community roles. She believes her talents and experience would be a meaningful asset to the organization. Service is a core part of her lifestyle, and she is deeply aligned with the mission of YWCA South Hampton Roads. Angelia is motivated by the opportunity to help lead the organization into its next chapter of impact.
Chonise Tate
<div>AVP,</div>
<div>Treasury Advisor,</div>
<div>TowneBank</div>
Chonise Tate was introduced to YWCA South Hampton Roads through a volunteer opportunity, which inspired her to deepen her involvement and service. Her values strongly align with the organization’s mission and vision. As the Noir Networking Chair at her company, she works to eliminate racism, empower women, and advocate for dignity in the workplace. Chonise views board service as an opportunity to extend this
commitment to empowerment and equity within the broader community.
Angela Parson, MD, FACOG
<div>Physician,</div>
<div>Woman Care Centers,</div>
<div>PLLC</div>
Angela Parson is deeply passionate about women’s health and women’s rights and strongly identifies with the mission and programs of the YWCA. A native of Norfolk and an OB/GYN physician, she provides care to women across all spectrums of the community. After years in practice, she recognized the need to serve and lead in broader capacities to help drive meaningful change. As an advocate and health educator, she is committed to advancing justice and supporting the critical work of the YWCA.
Tara Jones
<div>Director of Programs,</div>
<div>Retail Alliance Foundation</div>
Tara Jones is drawn to the YWCA’s mission to empower women through meaningful, community-based collaboration. She believes true empowerment extends beyond words and requires sustained support, education, and collective action. Tara is inspired by the YWCA’s role in driving lasting change and helping to reshape the narrative for women across the community.
LaVonne Hairston, MD, FACOG
<div>OB/GYN Staff Physician,</div>
<div>Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc.</div>
<div>of Rocky Mount, NC</div>
Lavonne Hairston chose her career out of a passion for helping women optimize their healthcare. Serving on the YWCA South Hampton Roads Board allows her to extend this commitment by supporting women in a variety of additional capacities.
Cheniqua Goode, LPC
<div>Director of Accessibility Services,</div>
<div>Norfolk State University</div>
Cheniqua Goode is a woman in leadership who actively fosters relationships with other women through networking and mentorship in her professional work. She specializes in empowering women’s mental health and is deeply committed to advocacy and social justice. She is currently completing an institute in advocacy and social justice through the Division of Student Affairs at Norfolk State University.
Keshia A. Brown
<div>Practice Manager and Physician Assistant PA-C,</div>
<div>Velocity Urgent Care/Sentara</div>
Dr. Keshia Brown is a healthcare leader, author, and community advocate dedicated to empowering women and strengthening families across the Hampton Roads region. Through her work in healthcare leadership and community engagement, she is passionate about advancing opportunities that promote equity and create lasting impact. Dr. Brown brings a strong commitment to service and leadership to the YWCA South
Hampton Roads Board, supporting its mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
Vanessa Jenkins, Ed.D
<div>Executive Director,</div>
<div>Health and Wellness,</div>
<div>Norfolk State University</div>
Dr. Vanessa Jenkins, also known as Dr. V, serves as the Executive Director of Health and Wellness at Norfolk State University and is an award-winning speaker and leadership coach. She is passionate about empowering individuals to live purposefully and lead with impact. Dr. Jenkins is drawn to the YWCA South Hampton Roads mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and she is committed to advancing that work through collaborative leadership and community engagement.
Immediate Past Chair
Dr. Angela D. Reddix
<div>Immediate Past Board Chair</div>
<div>Founder, President and CEO</div>
<div>ARDX</div>