President | eBoard Member | eTask Force Member | US-Maryland
College Professor
Certified Mental Mobility Coach
Certified QPR (the CPR of Mental Health)
Certified Mental Health First Aider

Dr. Thomisha M. Duru, a.k.a. “The Mental mobility Guru,” is an educator, philanthropist, author and entrepreneur who is passionate about eliminating the silent suffering of women in crisis (the mentally immobile) through her organization, The Women’s Inspirational and Self-Empowerment Organization (TheWISEorg), which provides educational resources and skill development to help them regain, rediscover, and repurpose their lives.  Mental mobility is her goal; promoting good mental health is her mission.

After a series of tragic incidents, Dr. Duru experienced over three years of depression and suicidal ideations; but after working with a group of professionals, she eventually learned how to reclaim her life—and now she relishes every opportunity to help others do the same.

In 2019, Dr. Duru became a Maryland state and certified life-coach, a designation uniquely earned by few. She specializes in mental mobility coaching, where she works with women one-on-one to teach mindfulness practices and techniques to overcome depression, anxiety, and complacency. In her personal coaching work, her motto is, “What was will rise again BETTER.”

eBoard & eTask Force Member | US-Maryland
Professor

Nicole R. Williams, Ph.D. is from Baltimore. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bowie State University and a Master’s and Doctorate degree in Social Psychology from Howard University.  Before becoming a Professor, Dr. Williams worked in the field of Human Services for nine years.  After receiving her doctoral degree, she entered the world of academia and is currently a Full Professor and Academic Chair of Human Services at AACC.  She also teaches in the Psychology department as an adjunct professor.

Dr. Williams is active both in the community and on campus. Shehas served on several boards including board Member for Jewel House Inc., Destined to Speak Inc., Community Advisory Board for Housing Commission for Anne Arundel County and Dr. Angela Y Davis Academy.  She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and former mentor through Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She has been trained as a Life Coaching through AACC’s  Engagement Coaching Program.  She also works with the Student Achievement and Success Program, is the club advisor for the Human Services club, and has served on several committees within the college

Dr. Williams is a recipient of the Martin Luther King Zeitgeist Award at Anne Arundel Community.  The award is given to a person who helps the college achieve its equal opportunity and affirmative action’s goals. She is also the recipient for the NISSOD Teaching Excellent Award and most recently the National Role Model Award.

eBoard Member | US-New York
Former House of Ruth Residential Supervisor

Dominique C. Dawson is a graduate of Grand Canyon University with a Masters in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. She also graduated from Briarcliffe College in New York City and majored in criminal justice with a minor in juvenile delinquency. Dominique found her calling when she left the government sector and began working for House of Ruth MD located in Baltimore, MD as a residential shelter supervisor. At the House of Ruth, Dominique empowered, uplifted, and directed victims with various intimate-partner violence backgrounds. Ms. Dawson assisted with the safety and housing of victims dealing with abuse from their partners.

Dominique returned to the federal government sector and is now a Data Management Administrator for the US Navy. She remains active in the community working alongside Baltimore City Health Department’s Youth and Trauma Services to help at risk teens and children. Her extended time is committed to serving the Baltimore City/County and PG County communities through her membership with the Order of the Eastern Stars, PHA Maryland and its Jurisdiction.  Dominique lives by the quote, “Life begins when you learn to LIVE”.

eBoard Member | Coming Soon.
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eBoard Member | US-Maryland
Health Specialist

Tracia Debnam is a Health Specialist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and has over 20 years’ experience in the public health industry.  As a Health Specialist, she’s charged with focusing on transplantation research and improving the long-term success of organ, tissue, and cell transplantation.

Being a woman of Caribbean descent, mental health and wellness was not a common topic discussed growing up; however, receiving unconditional love, care, mentoring, coaching, and prayer from elders was.  Because it was not discussed, it was lost upon her and her family that she had 1) been receiving non-clinical mental enrichment all her life, and 2) her family consistently instilled and acknowledged that mental wellness is of utmost importance. Tracia attributes this to drawing her to public health and being so passionate about empowering young girls and women on both a domestic and international level.

Tracia is a member of the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

eTask Force Member | Vacant
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eBoard Member | US-Maryland
Human Resource Specialist

Lisa Dent is a Human Resource Specialist for the Department of the Army. Her 30+ year career has provided her opportunities to help others move forward in their careers and in their lives. She is currently working within the Army Casualty Program assisting soldiers and survivors as they navigate life after the death of the soldier, their spouse or child. Through these experiences and through the process of surviving her own childhood traumas, she understands the importance of mental health and the need for mindfulness.

Lisa believes that no one should feel alone and wants those who are suffering to find solace.  She believes that we, as a community of women, must come together to show that we care, to let those who are suffering know there is hope, and to connect with one another in healing.