Meet the Team

Salisha Allard-Blaisdell, Ph.D., is the Founder and Executive Director of the Shara Foundation, a US-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering disadvantaged children and youth, particularly those in Grenada. Raised in Grenada and shaped by experiences of multi-generational poverty, orphanhood, and illiteracy until the age of 12, Dr. Allard-Blaisdell’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience and hope.

Despite early challenges, she earned a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University-Hawaii, a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University, and a Master of Applied Leadership Theory and Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Northwest University—where she became the first Black woman to defend a Ph.D. at the institution, achieving this at age 32. Her work spans positive youth development, nonprofit leadership, and women’s advancement in leadership, combining scholarship with on-the-ground community impact. With a leadership philosophy rooted in integrity, compassion, and service, Dr. SAB has built programs that deliver tangible impact, from launching literacy centers to leading menstrual health initiatives for vulnerable girls. Dr. SAB continues to inspire change by living her belief: one act of service can transform a life, and one transformed life can change a community and, ultimately, the world.

In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Dr. Blaisdell is a mentor, champion, and architect for personal and community empowerment. She is a managing member of KB Business Services, LLC, supporting nonprofits, businesses, and students to achieve operational and academic excellence. Her work consistently bridges the gap between vision and action, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

Is a seasoned leader, scholar, and facilitator with a distinguished career in the public sector and nonprofit space. With over 40 years of experience in the nonprofit and public service sectors, Patricia has served on more than 45 boards and commissions, bringing expertise in governance, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Holding a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Patricia is a dedicated advocate for collaborative leadership, community engagement, and evidence-based decision-making. She navigates complex societal challenges as a consultant, columnist, and presenter, fostering inclusive dialogues that drive meaningful change. Her work spans nonprofit service organizations, economic development initiatives, and public sector governance. Patricia’s passion lies in convening diverse voices, cultivating innovative solutions, and empowering individuals to strengthen their impact. To learn more about Patricia

Dwina E. Higgs, doctoral candidate, is a visionary nonprofit leader and international development consultant, driving global efforts in mental health, agricultural resilience, gender equity, and community empowerment. Anchored in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), her work integrates strategic leadership, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Bahamas Lotus and the U.S.-based Sacred Lotus Foundation (a 501(c)(3) organization). As CEO of Gapseed, she supports individuals and mission-driven organizations through transformative speaking, coaching, strategic planning, and leadership development. She also co-leads Ying N’ Yang Solution, a business consultancy focused on harmonizing strategies, optimizing operations, and fostering organizational growth. 

With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and advocacy, Dwina has represented The Bahamas and Bahamas Lotus at key global platforms, including COP Conferences, the Bahamas CEDAW Report to the United Nations, ECLAC regional women’s conferences, CARICOM–UN Women Workshops, and ILA Global Conferences. Her work focuses on resource mobilization, policy influence, and strategic partnerships aligned with the SDGs. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in Nonprofit Leadership & Management, her dissertation explores the role of civil society in advancing the 2030 Global Goals. She is also completing graduate studies in strategic communication and business strategy.

Whether designing healing-centered initiatives, mentoring emerging leaders, or championing advocacy on the world stage, Dwina leads with compassion, clarity, and purpose, bridging global vision with local action for sustainable, transformative change.

Latoya Johnson, a doctoral candidate, is a dynamic entrepreneur and educator at Liberty University. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Business Institute (BI) and Business Institute Empowerment (BIE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to professional development and empowerment.

Ms. Johnson’s academic background is extensive. She holds an Executive Diploma in Management from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Management from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration and Management from Sojourner-Douglass College. Additionally, she earned dual Associate degrees in Banking and Finance and Computer Information Systems from Success Training College.

In addition to her leadership roles at BI and BIE, Ms. Johnson is the long-time owner of Tazel’s Fashions, a business she has operated for over twenty years. She also teaches short-term courses in business management and computer-related fields. She serves as the official Licensee for Leadership Management International (LMI), facilitating courses in Leadership and Effective Personal Productivity.

Moreover, amid her many responsibilities, Ms. Johnson holds a full-time position with the University of the Bahamas, demonstrating her commitment to education and community service. At the Business Institute, she has developed a variety of courses that have helped shape successful entrepreneurs and office professionals, further solidifying her impact as a leader in education and enterprise.

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Shane Mohammend, Ph.D., is an enthusiastic patriot, proudly referring to his beloved country as “Sweet T&T,” a phrase inspired by the rendition from Natasha Wilson. He is currently the youngest Geo-Political Scientist in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Mohammed has accurately predicted the outcomes of several major elections, including the 2019 Local Government Elections, the 2020 General Elections, the 2020 THA Election tie, and the 2021 landslide victory of the PDP.

His expertise in scientific political analysis is highly sought after by members of the diaspora in New York and New Jersey, as well as within the wider Caribbean region. A global citizen through academic pursuit and international engagement, Dr. Mohammed has participated in numerous international conferences and contributed to various global organizations. He previously served as the Regional Chair for Latin America and the Caribbean (2021–2022) for the International Association of Political Science Students (IAPSS).

Dr. Mohammed is also an active member of the International Leadership Association (ILA), where he has presented at annual conferences and serves as an academic peer reviewer. In 2023 alone, he authored two academic papers and is scheduled to present at three international conferences on topics ranging from international relations and constitutional reform to leadership.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Political Science with a minor in International Relations, an MSc in Government, an MSc in Global Management, and a PhD (Cum Laude) in Governance and Leadership. He continues to pursue further academic advancement with unwavering dedication.

Sarah Smith Orr, Ph.D., is teaching faculty in the College of Business at the University of Nevada, in the MBA Program focusing on entrepreneurship with a social mission. She is an independent small business owner, entrepreneur, faculty member, author, and life and organizational coach. Through her business, she provides consulting services specializing in interim executive leadership, executive leadership, strategic partnerships, social entrepreneurship, women & leadership, and education. She also serves as adjunct teaching faculty with UCLA Extension, teaching online courses in leadership behaviors and crisis leadership.  

Orr has served as Executive Director of Kravis Leadership Institute and visiting professor at Claremont McKenna College and adjunct professor at the Drucker/Ito School of Business, Claremont Graduate University–both based in Claremont, California– teaching leadership, entrepreneurship, and the building of sustainable community organizations. In publishing, she is a book co-editor, chapter and journal author/co-author, and is a speaker for national and international organizations.

Orr holds a PhD and MBA from Claremont Graduate University, with doctoral research framing leadership behaviors of successful global social entrepreneurs achieving system-changing social innovation.

Lori Peters, Ph.D., is a seasoned professor, speaker, executive, and lifelong learner. She has taught at George Washington University in Washington, D. C., and continues to teach in the Philadelphia area. She has spoken domestically and internationally at various women’s and leadership conferences. Dr. Peters has over 30 years of experience leading and developing organizations in private and nonprofit spaces and passionately advocates in political spaces. She owns an individual and business development firm, SOARING International, LLC, working as a consultant, coach, mentor, and facilitator. Lori has also done extensive international development work, primarily in Ghana, West Africa, for over 18 years. 

She is passionate about strategic and organizational leadership, empowering individuals, and advocating for equality, inclusion, and justice for those who are disadvantaged. Dr. Peters holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management. She has a doctorate in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in Strategic Foresight. She is a published inspirational and business writer. Her home is near Philadelphia, PA. She loves the beach, mountains, (anything outside and in nature), sports (GO BIRDS!), and spending time reading or being with her two adult children and two golden retrievers.

Victor Charo Simon, MPM, is the Head of Programmes at Hitaji Development Initiative and the Founder of Waweza Social Enterprise Ltd. He possesses over 12 years of extensive experience working with NGOs and the Ministry of Health in Kenya.  As an experienced and highly motivated project manager, he leverages his skills, knowledge, and experience in project management, environmental health, and community development to benefit underprivileged communities in rural and remote locations.

Victor has held key positions, including Regional Training Coordinator and Healthcare Program Manager, at Nuru Kenya. In these roles, he provided strategic leadership and management, playing a crucial role in driving forward Nuru Kenya’s development objectives.

Victor’s educational background is anchored in a Master’s Degree in Project Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health Science from Makerere University, Uganda. His professional journey extends beyond Kenya’s borders, as evidenced by his project design and implementation in countries like Ghana, highlighting his adaptability and global perspective in addressing health and community development challenges.

Continuing his trajectory of leadership and learning, he became a member of the International Leadership Association (ILA) in 2023 and 2025, where he engages with global thought leaders to advance leadership practices and foster sustainable development. In 2024, he was selected as a fellow of the Global Rehabilitation Leadership Institute (GRLI), administered by the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JH-IIRU), further solidifying his commitment to ethical leadership and driving transformative global impact. A 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, he participated in a flagship project of the Young African Leaders Initiative at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA, focusing on civic leadership and cross-cultural exchange.

Mary Tabata completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership at Eastern University in St.
Davids, PA. Her dissertation research focused on the relationship between authentic leadership,
team performance, and trust in management in senior care organizations in the United States.
Mary is a leadership educator specializing in transformational and authentic leadership, women’s
leadership, and the ethics and challenges of AI in teaching and leadership practice. She has
taught full-time with a non-geographic business school across four countries and eight
timezones, specializing in leadership, strategy, diversity and culture, HR, and consulting. She
current serves as an Associate Faculty of Management for the American Public University
System, and an Adjunct Faculty and concentration lead for AI at Eastern University in the
College of Business and Leadership.
Her independent consulting practice focuses on using inquiry and understanding to change
organizational culture and communication and optimize leadership and leader development. She
is on the senior leadership team for Rotary International District 5280 and is a credentialed coach
focusing on those in transition, academic coaching, and those experiencing loss. She lives in Los
Angeles with her family.

Giftie Umo, doctoral candidate, is a globally recognized nonprofit leader and youth development strategist whose work bridges West Africa and North America. With over a decade of experience, she has led initiatives that empower young people through leadership development, vocational training, and equitable workforce programming. In Nigeria, she worked closely with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, contributing to national youth programs and the development of Nigeria’s National Youth Policy.

As the founder of Girls Leading Africa, Giftie has transformed the lives of girls and young mothers in rural Nigerian communities by equipping them with vocational and leadership skills while challenging restrictive gender norms. In the U.S., she serves as a Learning and Development professional, designing professional development programs that connect diverse adult learners to careers in healthcare and life sciences through partnerships with several institutions in the greater Philadelphia Area.

Giftie is a Ph.D. candidate in Organizational Leadership at Eastern University. A member of the International Leadership Association, she has chaired global panels on women’s leadership and continues to champion cross-cultural collaboration, equity, and intergenerational mentorship.