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
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.
LaToya M.V.A. Desprez
Chief of Staff
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 Chief of Staff, 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.
Starling Thomas
Communications Consultant
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.
Crystal Scott, CPWA
Website Engineer
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 also the Founder and CEO of Graceful Web Studio, a Webflow-focused agency specializing in accessible, high-impact websites. As a certified Webflow Expert, Crystal is preparing to lead the full rebuild of The LOHM website in 2025, leveraging Webflow’s robust design and CMS capabilities. A proud graduate of the Pathways 4 Equity Fellowship and a justice-impacted woman, Crystal brings both technical excellence and lived experience to her work—using her story to power digital equity and transformation.
Belinda Fly
Human resources Consultant
Belinda Fly is the Founder & CEO of HR, Board & More, a Louisiana-based consulting firm specializing in human resources management and nonprofit board operations. With 30 years of experience, she serves as a strategic thought partner to executives and nonprofit leaders, helping them build compliant, mission-aligned infrastructures that foster healthy, inclusive workplaces. A SHRM Certified Professional, Belinda is also an active member of NOLA SHRM and a Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Alumni Ambassador.
As a senior HR consultant, Belinda manages recruitment, hiring, employee benefits, and policy development while ensuring legal compliance. She also leads nonprofit board consulting initiatives, including governance training, strategic planning sessions, and board recruitment strategy. A graduate of the University of New Orleans with a B.S. in Business Management (HR concentration), Belinda remains deeply committed to continuous learning—and proudly considers her most important role to be mom to her talented son, Albert Fly, Jr.
Sonja Griffin
Programs and Office Assistant
As the Programs and Office Assistant 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.
Patricia “Trish” Lewis
Faces of Women Imprisoned Program Director
Trish serves as the Faces of Women Imprisoned Program Director 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.
Judith Negron
Program Director - Pathways for Equity
Judith Negron is the Program Director for the Pathways for Equity Program at The Ladies of Hope Ministries, where she leads business outreach, employer partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and advocacy for fair chance hiring. As Partnership Lead, Judith works to bridge the gap between justice-impacted women and equitable employment opportunities, building strategic pathways that empower women to reenter the workforce with dignity and support.
With over 30 years of experience in mental health and community services, Judith previously served as Vice President of Medlink Professional, where she expanded the organization into a thriving multi-location enterprise. A dedicated educator, counselor, and mentor, she has supported hundreds of justice-impacted women across correctional institutions. As a formerly incarcerated Hispanic mother, Judith brings lived experience to her advocacy. She holds an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from St. Thomas University, a B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University, and certifications in CBT, Seeking Safety, and more. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
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.
ShaWanda Manuel
Fellowship Coordinator - Pathways for Equity
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 for 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.
Demetrice Morris
Housing Director
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.
Ayana Thomas
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager NYC
Ayana Thomas serves as the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager in New York City for The Ladies of Hope Ministries, where she is deeply committed to supporting women impacted by the criminal legal system. Drawing from her own experiences with homelessness, domestic violence, and incarceration, Ayana brings empathy, purpose, and lived insight to every aspect of her work. With a degree in Human Services, she combines professional training with personal resilience to help women navigate reentry and reclaim stability in their lives.
The LOHM has played a transformative role in Ayana’s own reentry journey, making the organization’s mission especially meaningful to her. As someone who knows the burdens women carry both before and after system involvement, Ayana shows up with compassion and advocacy each day. Her story is a powerful example of hope and growth, and she continues to be a light for others facing adversity—reminding them that healing, empowerment, and purpose are always within reach.
Evril Caesar-Mason
Housing Specialist NYC
Evril Caesar-Mason serves as a Housing Specialist at The Ladies of Hope Ministries’ New York office, where she assists clients in securing safe and stable housing. She brings prior experience from The Fair Chance Housing Organization, where she advocated for formerly incarcerated individuals and survivors of domestic violence. Her dedication to housing justice led to her recruitment by the Department of Homeless Services, further expanding her impact within the field.
An active member of The Lions Club International, Evril is recognized for her humanitarian work, public speaking, and leadership through service. Her passion for helping others began in childhood while volunteering at an elder care home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As a survivor of domestic violence, Evril’s personal journey fuels her deep empathy and compassion. She credits her strength and survival to her faith and now uses her voice and experience to walk alongside others as they rebuild their lives without judgment.
Sheinell Dews "Lottie"
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager PGC
Sheinell Dews, also known as Lotti, serves as the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager for The Ladies of Hope Ministries in Prince George’s County. In this role, she supports individuals in the Transitional Housing Program by conducting intakes, meeting people where they are, and guiding them toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing. Her background includes roles in case management, special education, and service in the Prince George’s County Fire Department. She holds a certificate in Ownership and Management of a Community Residential Facility from the University of the District of Columbia and has spoken at local empowerment conferences. Since joining LOHM in January 2024, she’s found purpose and belonging in her work.
After surviving brain surgery in 2020 and a long road of rehabilitation, Sheinell reentered the workforce through Permanent Supportive Housing case management. Her lived experiences with abuse, homelessness, and incarceration fuel her passion for advocacy. Having witnessed the effects of incarceration on both children and adults—including her own family—Sheinell now channels her strength into uplifting others, using her story to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
Sharon Walker
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager PGC
Growing up under the care of my grandmother and extended family, I developed deep empathy and resilience that now guide my work with The Ladies of Hope Ministries. My personal experiences shaped a commitment to supporting others who face systemic barriers and trauma. At LOHM, I bring over two decades of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, students with special needs, and people with disabilities. I find purpose in conducting assessments, developing individualized service plans, and collaborating with community resources to ensure meaningful outcomes for those we serve.
With an A.A. in Sociology from Virginia Tech and a B.A. in Human Relations, my academic and lived experiences intersect to inform a trauma-informed, compassionate approach. I’ve supported families, advocated for underserved communities, and helped build paths forward for those in crisis. I look forward to continuing to grow abundantly with LOHM and contributing to the life-changing work we’re doing every day.
LaKeisha Williams
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager NOLA
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.
Isaiah Stewart
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager NOLA
Isaiah Stewart serves as a Rapid Rehousing Case 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.
Ro'Tanya Fair
Case Manager-Peer Support Specialist NOLA
At The Ladies of Hope Ministries, I support, assist, and advocate for women navigating hardship through our Hope House Transitional Housing Program in New Orleans. As someone who has experienced the challenges of incarceration—including its effects on education, employment, family reunification, and mental health—I’ve remained determined to rebuild my life. I’ve worked in logistics operations and hospice care, proving that purpose and contribution are still possible, even with a criminal background.
As a former resident of Hope House NOLA, I know the safety and encouragement a supportive environment can provide. That personal journey continues to fuel my passion for helping other women in reentry. I serve not only as a case manager but also as living proof that change is possible. My goal is to walk alongside each woman and remind her that she’s not alone—that healing, growth, and a better future are within reach.
Brison Shelton
Case Manager NOLA
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.
Jessica A. O'Brien, J.D., LL.M.
Grant Assistant/Intern
A justice-impacted woman, Jessica brings both lived experience and a distinguished legal background to her work advancing justice and equity. Prior to her incarceration, she made history as the first Filipino elected judge in Illinois, served more than two decades as an attorney, and became the first Asian-American President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including President Obama’s Volunteer Call to Service Award and the Justice Laura Liu Trailblazer Award.
Since reentry, she has earned certifications in justice-focused leadership and trauma-informed care, contributed to national restitution reform initiatives, and founded two mission-driven companies elevating redemption stories. Her advocacy targets the systemic barriers that block reentry, including employment discrimination, occupational licensing restrictions, and policy gaps. Committed to transformation over punishment, she works to ensure no woman is left behind in the pursuit of justice and second chances.
Millicent Traylor M.D.
Communications Intern
Millicent Traylor M.D. is a Communications Intern with The Ladies of Hope Ministries, where she contributes to impactful storytelling, digital strategy, and community engagement initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering justice-impacted women. A proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Millicent combines her extensive background in medicine with a passion for advocacy, public health, and equity.
With a unique perspective shaped by both her professional and lived experiences, she is dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and helping build inclusive narratives that foster systemic change. Her work is grounded in compassion, creativity, and a lifelong commitment to service.
WE’RE CREATIVE
WE’RE PASSIONATE
WE’RE THE SOLUTION
