About Us
The Ladies of Hope Ministries (The LOHM) is working to end the crisis of poverty and the incarceration of women and girls. We offer safe housing, reentry support, and advocacy programs that are grounded in the lived experiences, insights, and ideas of people with direct, lived experience with the criminal justice system. The LOHM was founded, and is led, operated by, and serves primarily women of color who understand the value and importance of new approaches to addressing behaviors that may arise as responses to trauma and violence.
The women we meet every day have a variety of service needs that range from basic survival such as safe shelter and food, employment and long-term sustainability in the community, and spiritual and existential needs.
Our Vision is EPIC – Ending Poverty and Incarceration of Women and Girls – and we address this crisis through our interrelated core mission program areas:
THE LOHM STAFF
Luis Ramos
Chief Financial Officer
Throughout his professional career, he's paid close attention to data and created personalized plans to optimize the workflow of financial departments. He realized how often data is overlooked when it comes to financial management and is focused on using his expertise to find the data you need to make your company an industry leader.
How do you unwind?
I play chess, usually online, to offset any stress
What is your life motto?
"Don't worry, be happy"
Starling Thomas
Communications Director
Starling Thomas is the Communications Director. She has been impacted by the criminal legal system by witnessing her mother brutally beaten at the hands of police as a child and then being wrongfully incarcerated as an adult. She appealed her case while incarcerated and is part of the 2% of the American prison population that wins their federal case on appeal. She is a graduate of the inaugural Faces of Women Imprisoned Cohort and understands firsthand the detrimental effects the criminal legal system can have on women and their families.
Starling has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Florida A&M University and a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from Regent University. She brings to The LOHM a broad range of experience as a Public Relations Specialist, Creative Director, and Video Production Manager and has been featured as a freelance writer in a plethora of publications including, Sheen Magazine, Rolling Out, Divine Voice, and Page Magazine.
Belinda Fly
Human resources Consultant
Belinda Fly is the Human Resources Consultant for The LOHM. Belinda has worked in the nonprofit management, human resources management, board development, and operations management spaces for more than 20 years with the majority of that experience in the nonprofit industry. Her work spans the social justice, criminal justice reform, faith-based, and education spaces. She believes in working collaboratively while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and is driven by the ability to create safe spaces for nonprofit leaders to be vulnerable enough to say what they do not know and trust Belinda’s commitment to confidentiality and desire to share proven best practices.
Belinda is a graduate of the University of New Orleans with a degree in Business Management, with a concentration in Human Resources Management. She is a Certified Professional (CP) member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Patricia “Trish” Lewis
Faces of Women Imprisoned Program Director
Trish is the Faces of Women Imprisoned Program Director. Trish spent most of her young adult life in the army and in that time she lost her cousin to a vehicle explosion in Baghdad, fought to survive while being deployed to the same base camp that claimed her cousins life and spent her 21st birthday dodging bombs and bullets. During this time, her perspective on life changed tremendously. Upon returning home, Trish found it difficult to adjust to the unstructured civilian life, much like those who are integrating after incarceration. She joined the police force but later turned to politics as she saw the systemic injustices ran deeper than her job ensuring community safety on the streets. Trish strives to enhance the lives of those who, like her, have been impacted by the justice system and she believes that the LOHM is the first of its kind to address the needs of returning citizens on a multifaceted level. Her work at the organization revolves around reducing recidivism and bolstering community healing.
Trish attended Fordham University and earned her B.A. in Business Mgt. She went on to obtain a double MBA in Business Administration and International Business with a Certification in Global Leadership from Georgia State University and Sorbonne Business School - IAE de Paris, France.
Arlene Benavidez
Program Director - Pathways for Equity
Arlene is the Pathway for Equity Program Director. Arlene is a high school dropout who learned the value of education the hard way. She comes from a highly impoverished community and is the first in her family to go to college. Arlene has 25 years of experience in higher education, and over 35 years of professional experience. During this time she has gained the reputation of being a consummate professional and a mission-driven, service-oriented leader. She sees herself as a catalyst for systemic change and she looks for opportunities that will lead to greater impact and improve the lives of ALL people from ALL backgrounds. Arlene is passionate about helping people change their life and enjoys watching each individual she encounters “unfold” through the development process.
Arlene has a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education from the University of Arizona, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Spanish from Arizona State University.
Nia Cosby
Training Coordinator - Pathways for Equity Program
Nia has been active in her community since childhood where she first began volunteering at voter registration drives with her grandmother. Nia’s passion and motivation to help formerly incarcerated individuals stems from her being the child of a formerly incarcerated mother, who served 15 years in federal prison. This difficult time in her life gave her the drive to become the successful woman she is today.
Nia has been giving the opportunity to be featured and share her story on several media outlets including, National Public Radio (NPR), PBS News, and ACLU publications. Nia has worked with several organizations that serve justice impacted individuals, she has been tasked with building client databases and writing parole packets for individuals who received life sentences. Nia received her post secondary education from Florida A&M University were she studied business administration.
Judith Negron
Partnership Lead - Pathways for Equity Program
Judith Negron serves as the Partnership Lead for the Pathways 4 Equity Program. She is responsible for business outreach, employer partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and providing information on fair chance hiring. As Partnership Lead, she aims to bridge the gap between justice-impacted women and employers to provide equitable employment opportunities.
Judith is an accomplished leader and innovator with an impressive career spanning over three decades in the mental health and community services fields. While Vice President of Medlink Professional, she led the company's growth from a small operation to a large, multi-location corporation. She is also an experienced educator, mentor, and counselor who has helped hundreds of justice-impacted women in various correctional institutions.
As a formerly incarcerated Hispanic mother, she has experienced first-hand the countless barriers and collateral consequences attached to having a conviction. She has since dedicated her freedom to advocate for those who have been directly and indirectly impacted by the criminal legal system.
Judith has a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from St. Thomas University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and holds several certifications, including Seeking Safety, Cognitive Behavioral Training, Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law, and QuickBooks.
Sheinell Dews
Prince Georges County Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
Sheinell Dews, also known as Lotti, is the Prince George's County Rapid Rehousing Case Manager. She takes pleasure in assisting with the Transitional Housing Program in Prince George's County, where her duties involve conducting intakes, meeting individuals where they are, and aiding them in becoming self-sufficient and motivated to secure housing. Her work history spans roles such as Case Manager, Special Education, and a stint in the Prince George's County Fire Department. In 2009, she received a certificate in Ownership or Management of a Community Residential Facility from the University of the District of Columbia. In 2022, she spoke at a Women's Empowerment Conference on the topic "Adjust Your Crown" in Prince George's County, and in January 2024, she joined the LOHM, where she truly felt she belonged.
In August 2020, Sheinell underwent brain surgery, which drastically changed her life. She transitioned from what everyone calls normal to completing physical therapy for basic motor skills, occupational therapy for activities of daily living, and speech therapy for word retrieval and memory. After recovering, she was ready for employment again and landed in PSH case management because someone believed in her. Growing up in an abusive household with two drug-abusing parents and enduring an abusive relationship for 11 years while being homeless on and off, Sheinell found her place at the LOHM. She understands the impact of the justice system on both adults and children, having watched her parents go to prison and later experiencing it herself due to defending herself from domestic abuse. Sheinell felt compelled to share her experience, passion, and reason for living through her work.
Ayana Thomas
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager NYC
Ayana Thomas serves as the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager NYC for The LOHM, she's dedicated to personal development and women empowerment. Ayana is a woman who has been impacted by the criminal legal system and understands the personal journey of homelessness,domestic violence and adversity. Ayana recognizes the heavy burden that women carry, both before and after their encounters with the many systems and is committed to helping them. The LOHM has been an intricate part of both her professional and personal life during her reentry. The LOHM's mission is dear to her heart. She has a degree in Human Services and uses her lived experience with her education to show up for her community. Ayana's journey serves as an inspiring example for those who have faced similar challenges and are seeking a beacon of hope. She stands as a light of hope and purpose for others.
Rabia Muhammed
Communications Specialist
Rabia Muhammed serves as The LOHM’s Communications Specialist. Prior to joining The LOHM, Rabia worked in immigration and healthcare law where she advocated for marginalized communities. Driven by a passion for social justice and a commitment to making a difference, Rabia uses her unique blend of skills to uplift, support and bring recognition to formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted women and girls.
She has a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations and a Juris Doctor degree from Florida A&M University.
Demetrice Morris
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager Lead
Demetrice is our Rapid Rehousing Case Manager Lead, managing LOHM's referral emails and coordinating with Housing Consultants and the Senior Leadership Team. She develops Individual Goal Plans for program participants using an Intensive Case Management approach and supports all Housing Case Management Staff. Growing up with incarcerated parents, Demetrice faced challenges in connecting with others, shaping her dedication to helping those in need. With over 10 years of experience as a Mental Health Therapist and Child Abuse Prevention advocate, she trains adults on effective child stewardship and is a National Facilitator for Darkness to Light.
Drawn to The LOHM by the CEO's vision and dedication, Demetrice believes that hardships are opportunities to discover inner strength. Her passion for helping others, regardless of their past, is driven by love and her faith in God, who has blessed her with a life she never imagined she was worthy of. Demetrice is committed to making a positive impact, believing that every individual deserves a chance to overcome adversity and succeed in life.
Contessa Riggs
HUD Housing Consultant
Crystal Minor
PGC Housing Coordinator
Crystal Minor is the PGC Housing Coordinator, responsible for overall LOHM house management. She ensures that participants adhere to house rules, remain productive, positive, and motivated to find stable housing, jobs, and other necessary resources.
An experienced project manager and advocate for youth and women, Crystal has a passion for helping others. She has gained valuable experience in community outreach, fundraising, and advocating against drugs and violence in schools and against women. Crystal is constantly seeking new opportunities to grow and learn, and she is excited to be a part of LOHM and work with like-minded individuals.
LaKeisha Williams
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
LaKeisha Williams is a Louisiana native and a graduate of Southern University and A & M College, holding a Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Psychology. As a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager, she assists individuals facing homelessness by providing ongoing support in locating and maintaining safe and stable housing, along with ongoing case management. Prior to joining Ladies of Hope Ministries, LaKeisha worked with vulnerable populations as a Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Housing Case Manager for women and children fleeing from domestic violence. With several years of experience in social services, she has assisted individuals suffering from mental illness, drug addictions, behavioral and mood disorders, and those with special needs.
Being a part of LOHM allows LaKeisha to continue her passion for giving back to vulnerable communities. As a survivor of domestic violence and someone who has experienced single parenthood and growing up in an impoverished community, she has witnessed firsthand the effects of lack of education, incarceration, and lack of resources. Understanding the impact of support during difficult times, LaKeisha is dedicated to helping as many individuals as possible.
Gail Ratleff
Case Management Consultant
Gail Martin Ratleff is a wife and mother who attended Loyola University in New Orleans, earning a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Science in Counseling. Her case management career began in 2005 with a non-profit in New Orleans and continued with Ozanam Inn from November 2010, where she has been promoted through various roles, currently serving as Deputy Director. Gail’s extensive experience spans working with homeless, formerly incarcerated, and veteran communities. At Ozanam Inn, she is responsible for hiring, managing, and training the case management team, developing programs for client reentry and self-sufficiency, and writing grants.
Gail has provided over 10 years of case management training to staff at Ozanam Inn and Hotel Hope, a homeless shelter for families, and continues to support these agencies with data entry and case management services. She received an award from Unity of Greater New Orleans and the City of New Orleans in 2013 for Outstanding Service Toward Ending Chronic Homelessness. Gail's 15+ years of experience include intake processing, needs assessment, service planning, and client service evaluation. Passionate about helping those who have experienced trauma, Gail is dedicated to providing housing for the homeless and formerly incarcerated, believing everyone deserves a warm bed and the chance to become self-sufficient.
WE’RE CREATIVE
WE’RE PASSIONATE
WE’RE THE SOLUTION
