Our Team

As Chief Financial Officer at The Ladies of Hope Ministries, I focus on using data-driven financial strategies to strengthen the organization’s impact and sustainability. I’ve spent my career identifying the data often overlooked in nonprofit finance and creating personalized systems that improve clarity, accuracy, and decision-making. I specialize in financial accounting, managerial analytics, payroll, and nonprofit platforms like QuickBooks, Fund EZ, Sage Intacct, and Microsoft Excel.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from LIU Post and an MBA in Managerial Analytics from Mercy College, I bring a strong academic foundation to my work in nonprofit financial leadership. I’m passionate about aligning fiscal responsibility with mission-driven outcomes. Outside of work, I enjoy playing online chess to relax and live by the motto, “Don’t worry, be happy”—a reminder to stay balanced in the face of any challenge.

A founder and CEO of a Louisiana-based consulting firm, she brings over 30 years of experience in human resources, nonprofit board operations, and organizational management. She serves as a strategic partner to executives and nonprofit leaders, helping build compliant, mission-aligned infrastructure that supports inclusive and effective workplaces. She is a SHRM Certified Professional, an Alumni Ambassador for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management.

In her advisory role as a fractional COO for a national nonprofit, she works closely with senior leadership to strengthen human resources, board development, and organizational effectiveness. Her focus centers on people, policies, systems, and processes that foster a healthy workplace culture. She is deeply committed to creating environments where employees feel seen, heard, and respected. Above all, she considers her most meaningful role to be that of a mother.

LaToya M.V.A. Desprez is a seasoned executive leader with over 12 years of experience in strategic operations, team management, and organizational growth. She began her journey with The Ladies of Hope Ministries as a volunteer supporting the Executive Director and quickly became integral to the organization’s evolution. Drawing from prior board experience with two nonprofits, she embraced LOHM’s mission to support justice-impacted women and children and saw opportunities to help elevate the organization to the next level.

Now serving as Director of Program Operations & Administrative Services, LaToya operates as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, aligning day-to-day functions with long-term strategy. She manages high-level initiatives, cross-functional coordination, and strategic partnerships while fostering collaboration and operational excellence across departments. Known for her communication and public speaking skills, she represents LOHM leadership on critical matters and consistently drives sustainable, mission-focused outcomes.

Rafael Garcia is a Bookkeeper in the Finance Department at LOHM, working under the CFO to maintain accurate financial records and support daily financial operations. His duties include recording transactions, reconciling bank and credit card statements, maintaining the general ledger, and assisting with payroll preparation and reporting. He is also currently continuing his education in school while building his professional experience.

Rafael’s work is driven by his belief in second chances and his understanding of how incarceration impacts families and communities. He is proud to support LOHM’s mission, as it aligns with his personal values and desire to contribute to meaningful change. He finds purpose in knowing his financial work helps support programs that create growth, stability, and hope for others.

As volunteer at The Ladies of Hope Ministries (LOHM), I support daily operations by coordinating with partners, vendors, and supporters, managing communications, tracking projects and deadlines, and welcoming guests at our New York office. I bring over 20 years of administrative experience with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Agriculture.

My lived experience, including earning an Associate’s Degree while incarcerated and now pursuing a Bachelor’s in Social Science from Bard Institute, fuels my passion for supporting justice-impacted individuals. I’m committed to helping others navigate reentry and reconnect with their families, using my personal journey as a source of strength and inspiration.

Crystal is a dedicated Web Accessibility Engineer contracted by The Ladies of Hope Ministries, where she updates and maintains both the organization’s main website and The LOHM Speakers site. With extensive expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and a strong understanding of WCAG accessibility guidelines, she is also a Pathways 4 Equity fellow from the first ever cohort in 2021.

She is the Founder and CEO of Graceful Web Studio, a Webflow agency specializing in accessible, high-converting websites. As a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility and a Webflow Expert, Crystal led the full rebuild of The LOHM website in 2025, leveraging Webflow’s robust design and CMS capabilities. A redeemed justice-impacted woman, Crystal brings both technical excellence and lived experience to her work, using her story to power digital equity and transformation.

Starling Thomas is the Communications Consultant. 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.

A leader in equity-driven programming, she designs and implements initiatives focused on digital skills training, professional and personal development, and reentry support for justice-impacted women. Her journey with the organization began as a participant and grew through roles including trainer and partnership lead, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing from within and investing in lived experience. With more than 30 years in mental health and community services, she has scaled small programs into multi-location operations and supported hundreds of women in correctional settings.

As a formerly incarcerated Hispanic mother, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. She is a passionate advocate for second chances, working to address systemic barriers faced by justice-impacted individuals and families. She holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, is fluent in English and Spanish, and has earned certifications in trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral training, human trafficking awareness, and more. She is also a co-author of Breaking Chains, Building Futures, highlighting successful reentry journeys.

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.

ShaWanda Manuel is a seasoned organizational management leader with over 20 years of experience in administration, human resources, and program management across major nonprofit organizations in New York City and South Florida. A graduate of Metropolitan College of New York with a Master’s in Public Administration, she also holds a Professional Human Resource Certification from Nova Southeastern University. ShaWanda is known for delivering impactful services across diverse programs and populations, with a strong focus on equity and sustainable change.

An alum of the Pathways 4 Equity Fellowship, ShaWanda brings both professional insight and lived experience to her work. Her personal journey through the criminal justice system drives her commitment to dismantling systemic disparities and supporting justice-impacted women and families. She is deeply dedicated to empowerment, restoration, and providing resources that help others rebuild with dignity. Her guiding mission is to “help others help themselves,” and she continues to lead with compassion and vision for lasting social change.

With over 20 years of experience in education, Gaye Corbin is a seasoned educator and instructional leader dedicated to academic excellence and learner empowerment. She holds degrees from Clark Atlanta University, Cambridge College, and Nova Southeastern University, and is also a Pathways 4 Equity Fellow. Her work extends beyond the classroom through her certification as a life coach from Morehouse College, equipping her to guide individuals through personal growth, healing, and life transitions. Gaye is the founder of Lotus Reset, LLC, a trauma-informed life coaching and consulting practice that supports individuals in rebuilding and realigning after adversity.

Gaye’s work is deeply shaped by her identity as a justice-impacted individual. Her firsthand experience fuels her commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where others can heal and move forward with clarity and purpose. She offers both empathy and practical strategies, connecting authentically with people who may feel unseen or discouraged. Her message centers on restoration, redemption, and resilience—empowering others to embrace their potential and transform their lives with courage and hope.

Trish serves as the Program Consultant, FOWI & Healing Hub at The Ladies of Hope Ministries, where she is dedicated to reducing recidivism and advancing community healing for justice-impacted women. Her own transition from military to civilian life mirrors the challenges many face after incarceration—an experience that fuels her deep empathy and commitment to systemic change. Trish brings a powerful blend of personal resilience and professional leadership to her role, ensuring that LOHM’s programs meet the complex needs of returning citizens on a multifaceted level.

Trish began her career in the U.S. Army, surviving active deployment and personal loss, which deeply shaped her life perspective. She later served in law enforcement before moving into politics to address the root causes of systemic injustice. She holds a B.A. in Business Management from Fordham University and a double MBA in Business Administration and International Business—with a Certificate in Global Leadership—from Georgia State University and the Sorbonne Business School in Paris, France.

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.

Sheinell “Lotti” Dews brings over 20 years of experience serving diverse populations, including unhoused individuals, children, at-risk youth, survivors, and justice-impacted communities. With a strong background in special education and working with vulnerable populations, Lotti uses her lived experiences—including overcoming domestic violence and various life obstacles—to empower and uplift others.

Currently, she serves as Programs Manager at The Ladies of Hope Ministries and independently facilitates programs aimed at transformation and growth. Her nickname, Lotti, stands for Labels Only Threaten the Identity—a philosophy she embodies in her work: once societal labels are removed, the true potential and identity of a person shine through. Lotti is passionate about creating spaces where people are seen for who they are, not the labels placed upon them.

Isaiah Stewart serves as a Housing Manager in the New Orleans office of The Ladies of Hope Ministries, where he helps clients secure safe housing, build relationships with landlords, complete documentation, and access community resources. He also ensures housing units meet quality standards and supports clients in maintaining long-term stability. With over 13 years of experience in case management and drug rehabilitation, Isaiah brings both professional expertise and personal dedication to his role.

His passion for this work is deeply rooted in his own life—Isaiah’s father served multiple prison sentences and struggled with addiction, leaving lasting impacts on their family. In 2021, while helping his father transition into stable housing, Isaiah lost him to a fentanyl overdose. That loss fuels his commitment to justice-impacted individuals. At LOHM, he channels his grief into purpose, giving others the second chance his father didn’t get. Isaiah finds joy in helping people fight for their future and reclaim their lives with dignity and hope.

Shawnae Baker is a community development strategist, youth empowerment advocate, and Hope House Coordinator for Ladies of Hope Ministries. She is committed to equipping girls and women with the clarity, confidence, and community needed to lead purposeful lives. For Shawnae, PRETTI is more than a concept—it’s a lifestyle. She teaches that being “pretty” goes beyond appearance; it’s reflected in how you walk, speak, carry yourself, and show up daily. Her work emphasizes that true beauty is rooted in purpose, leadership, and self-efficacy.

With over a decade of experience in youth development, program design, and community engagement, Shawnae has led impactful initiatives that help young people find their voice, build confidence, and pursue leadership pathways. She creates spaces where girls and women can rewrite their narratives, challenge limiting beliefs, and live with intention. At the core of her mission is a powerful belief: every life she touches should leave stronger, more confident, and better than before—empowered to lead boldly and live with purpose.

Alina holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) with a concentration in Neuropsychology and a postdoctoral degree in Psychopharmacology. Her academic journey began in medical school in Havana, Cuba, where she first discovered her passion for understanding the human mind and behavior. A proud Cuban who has called Miami home for more than forty years, she has dedicated her career to the ethical, compassionate, and holistic practice of clinical psychology and neuropsychology, supporting individuals through healing, self-discovery, and emotional growth.

Since joining The LOHM in 2022, she describes the experience as life-changing. Through the organization’s mission and support, she found renewed purpose and a deeper passion for empowering women to transform their lives. In her role as Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager, she views the work as both meaningful service and a calling, helping individuals and families rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope.

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Demetrius brings over 16 years of advocacy and direct-service experience supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma, incarceration, and reentry. As the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager at The Ladies of Hope Ministries, she helps individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration by securing stable housing, connecting to community resources, and fostering long-term independence. Her passion for this work is both professional and personal—she has witnessed firsthand how incarceration affects entire families and is committed to creating systems of care rooted in dignity and second chances.

Before joining LOHM, Demetrius served as the first Advocacy Initiated Response (AIR) Triage Advocate at the New Orleans Family Justice Center, later becoming a Trainer and Supervisor to expand the program city-wide with the New Orleans Health Department. She has also worked with Louisiana’s Family Support Organization and served as a Mental Health and Mitigation Specialist, using trauma-informed care to support justice-impacted clients. Demetrius holds an Associate and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (with Honors) from Southern University at New Orleans, is a Certified Recovery Coach Professional, and is the founder of Third Life Consulting, a trauma-informed coaching firm helping survivors and organizations transform pain into purpose.

Brison Shelton is a Case Manager at The Ladies of Hope Ministries (LOHM), bringing lived experience and professional expertise to support formerly incarcerated individuals. A justice-impacted leader himself, Brison understands the barriers his clients face and is passionate about helping them rebuild their lives. He assists with documentation, employment, and educational access, drawing from his background as a crisis counselor, peer support specialist, and employment specialist.

Brison holds a Bachelor's in Social Work, an Associate's in Addiction Counseling, and multiple certifications. His work is fueled by a deep commitment to social change, and he often shares his story at public events to inspire others. His long-term vision includes launching a reentry and prevention program for youth and young adults. At LOHM, Brison channels his personal journey into purpose-driven support, helping others find stability and hope.

A grief practitioner, author, and justice-informed leader with over 20 years of experience, she works at the intersection of human services, grief support, and reentry systems. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and is a Certified Grief and Loss Practitioner. Her work includes serving as a Case Manager within a Domestic Violence Rapid Rehousing program, supporting individuals navigating complex challenges related to safety, stability, and transition.

As the founder of Grieving Back to Life and creator of The Grief Behind the Gavel, she has developed a grief-informed intervention used in court-involved and reentry spaces. Her approach reframes grief beyond death to include losses of identity, safety, freedom, and belonging, particularly for justice-impacted women. Grounded in lived experience and compassion, she creates spaces where grief is acknowledged and processed, while advocating for systems that balance accountability with healing and recognize grief as a critical factor in long-term restoration and community safety.

LaKeisha Williams is a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager with The Ladies of Hope Ministries, where she provides ongoing support to individuals facing homelessness—helping them locate and maintain safe, stable housing while delivering compassionate, consistent case management. A Louisiana native and graduate of Southern University and A&M College, LaKeisha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Psychology. Prior to joining LOHM, she served women and children fleeing domestic violence through Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Housing programs and has worked extensively with individuals facing mental illness, addiction, and behavioral health challenges.

Being part of LOHM allows LaKeisha to continue her deep commitment to vulnerable communities. As a survivor of domestic violence and single parenthood, she understands the far-reaching effects of poverty, incarceration, and limited access to resources. Her lived experience, combined with years of social services work, drives her mission to offer meaningful support and create pathways to healing and stability for those navigating life’s most difficult moments.

Ajeannine White is a Peer Specialist & Case Manager Intern, NOLA, where she supports client intake, needs assessments, resource navigation, and ongoing peer support. Prior to her incarceration, she worked as a dispatcher and later as a manager for a third-party company supporting Amazon operations, earning recognition as Driver of the Month and Driver of the Year before her promotion. Her professional background reflects strong organizational skills, leadership, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Incarceration profoundly shaped Ajeannine’s perspective, teaching her patience, gratitude, and the importance of listening before responding. She is drawn to The Ladies of Hope Ministries for its compassion, empathy, and focus on restoring hope. What motivates her most is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals overcome barriers, access resources, and move toward stability. Supporting women and men as they work toward their goals reinforces her dedication to showing up consistently and serving with purpose.