Executive Director, Co-Founder

With over 15 years of marketing and communications expertise, Sheila brings a spirit of collaboration and passion to lead our organization of entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs.

Programs & Community Coordinator

Andrea brings writing, admin and marketing experience to her role with BEFH supporting programs, events and membership relations.

Co-Founder and Board Chair

With two decades of Information Technology and management experience, Jermain brings technology infrastructure and entrepreneurship expertise.

​Board Member

Dr. Mailey has skill working with diverse clients and presenting issues. Areas of professional interests include: addiction concerns, helping veterans and military personnel readjust to civilian life, exploring PTSD symptoms, helping individuals manage race-related stress, men's issues, depression, anxiety, and managing interpersonal conflict. Dr. Mailey believes in providing a safe, supportive, and genuine environment wherein individuals can navigate the concerns that they may have that are disrupting their lives. He also believes in the power and potential of the human mind as a means for altering perceptions and reducing unhealthy negative emotions/behaviors.

Dr. Jurdene Coleman is a leader grounded in integrity, courage, and compassion. As founder of Sage & Summit Therapy & Consulting, she advances culturally competent, accessible mental health care across the Flint Hills while centering community healing and equity.

She has served on multiple nonprofit boards and led critical conversations around poverty and well-being. As former Chair of the USD 383 School Board, Dr. Coleman guided the community through a complex period with steadiness and principle.

Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that mental health, education, and community voice remain connected.

​Board Member

Willie Thomas II has been a licensed Financial Advisor since 2024. Willie is a United States Army veteran who completed 10 years of service including multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2016, Willie completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Kansas State University and then held a very successful, seven-year career in finance and management in the automotive industry.

​Board Member

Teresa Parks is a South Carolina native who has been a Manhattan KS resident since she was 10. She graduated from Manhattan High School, has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kansas State University and a Master’s in Administration of Justice and Security. Teresa has spent a large portion of her professional career providing advocacy for everything from domestic violence and sexual assault survivors to wounded soldiers before transitioning into vocational and employment training for the military. Teresa started with the Career Center in 2021. Her biggest passion is helping people and she finds no greater pleasure than working with students and helping them prepare for a successful future.

Adviser

Founder, President ISBA, Inc.

Lazone has long been a proponent of workforce development and training opportunities for low-income individuals. He has a proven track record of changing the narrative, and public policy change, and a pioneer in the digital inclusion movement.

Adviser

JElmore Cross Cultural Consultants

Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, CASE

A visionary educational advancement leader dedicated to the development of authentic and cross-cultural opportunities, Jessica brings expertise in engaging and building relationships with students, alumni, donor, communities and cultures.