Karma Ester is a Senior Research Librarian with the Congressional Research Service (CRS) at the Library of Congress, with more than 30 years of service.  She uses her expertise in the nation’s criminal justice system, immigration law and drug enforcement policy to provide members of congress and their staff with information to assist in developing legislation and public policy.

For over 15 years, she has been an active member of the Congressional Research Service Employees Association (CREA) in various Board of Governors and steward positions.   She has received numerous service awards from CRS as well as CREA for her hard work and dedication and participation on various committees; to include those addressing DEI in the workplace.

In her spare time, Karma has given back to the community in several roles to include being vice president of her sorority and a 15 plus year career as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in Prince William County, VA.  She enjoys traveling, home improvement projects and recently became a real estate agent.

She is looking forward to this new endeavor with FEW, and looks forward to working with the National Board, committees and members to further  FEW’s vision for the future.

Wanda V. Killingsworth has more than 25 years of public service, all with the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, where she works as a Senior Program Analyst.  In this position, she is responsible for providing Risk Management infrastructure to various Information Technology projects where she ensures projects receive training and guidance on the Risk Management processes and tools.

Wanda served as FEW’s National President from 2016-2018. Wanda is concerned about the advancement of women in government, thus her lifetime membership and active involvement in FEW. Wanda is the recipient of FEW’s President’s Awards in 2009 and in 2013.  She also received the Allie Latimer Award and FEW’s most prestigious award, the Barbara Boardman Tenant Award in 2009.

Ms. Killingsworth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Management and two master’s degrees, one in Computer Science and the other in Project Management. Ms. Killingsworth currently resides in Maryland.

Ivana H. Miranda is a Project Manager with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She brings experience from Human Resources, finance, sports marketing, communications, sales, and entertainment. With the motto, “mission critical does not equal boring,” she is known for interactive experiences and cost-saving strategies. She is an instructional designer, Distinguished Toastmaster, and earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Ivana was instrumental in chartering the FEW Bright Knights Chapter in 2015.  She has served at the Chapter and Regional levels. In her spare time, Ivana loves karaoke, podcasts, and supporting the arts.

Ms. T. Patrice Waters is an experienced Program Director with more than 17 years of experience in the Government Contracting (GovCon) industry.  She has leads, manages, and oversees program portfolios which provide IT, program management, and professional services for various Federal Agencies.

Helping mothers is a passion for Ms. Waters and she spends time volunteering with various organizations helping at risk, homeless, and veteran mothers.

Ms. Waters holds an Associate of Arts degree from Wilbur Wright Junior College, Chicago, IL; a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Health Services – Business Management from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD; and Master of Business Administration – Healthcare Management, Phoenix, AZ.

Chavon Rogers is a seasoned Human Resources and Legal professional with extensive experience in employee relations, performance management, and legal support. Holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in the Public Sector of Human Resource Management from Penn State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice and a Paralegal Certificate from George Mason University, Chavon combines a robust educational background with practical expertise. Chavon’s comprehensive experience and dedication make her a valuable asset in both human resources and legal environments.

Currently, Chavon serves as an Employee Relations Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools, where she oversees employee evaluation and performance management, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

In her previous roles as a contractor for the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Chavon has excelled as a Paralegal. She has demonstrated expertise in FOIA, conducting financial analysis, and managing legal investigations. With strong skills in HRIS applications, MS Office, and compliance management, Chavon is adept at fostering positive workplace environments and supporting organizational goals.

Chavon’s commitment to community service is evident through her volunteer work with the Boys and Girls Club and Fairfax Family4Kids, where she mentors youth and has been recognized for her outstanding contributions and mentorship. Chavon has held leadership positions in other nonprofit organizations.

Judy is a former Federal Women’s Program Manager/Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist, who retired in 2015 from Bonneville Power Administration, a Department of Energy power marketing agency, in Portland, Oregon.  In 1993, she joined FEW and attended her first National Training Program (NTP) in New Orleans. In 2003, she became a Lifetime Member and in 2011, upgraded to a Diamond Member.

Judy served as Pacific Northwest (PNW) Regional Manager from 2006-2010.  She chaired/co-chaired PNW’s 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2011 Regional Training Programs (RTP) and served in 2012-2014, 2021, and 2022 as the RTP Training Chair.  She served as Correspondence Lead for NTP Committees in 2009, 2010 and 2011.  From 2016-2018, Judy served as the PNW Regional Secretary, Ways & Means Chair, and President of the Willamette Valley Chapter #356.  For 2022-2024, she will serve as the PNW Region and Willamette Valley Chapter Treasurer, and the National Publications & Policy Review Committee Chair.

Dr. ShaNita Nolan is the Advanced Leadership Development Program Manager of USDA’s Center for Training and Organization Development.  With over two decades of experience in adult education, personal and professional growth, leadership development, human resources, and consulting, she excels in instructional and curriculum development, employee relations, and workshop development and facilitation. She also has three years of academic instruction experience.

Dr. Nolan is an accomplished author, certified coach, teacher, speaker, trainer, and DEIA practitioner, with a strong commitment to maternal and mental health advocacy, collaborating with the March of Dimes, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Mental Health America. She founded Circle of Trust Leadership, Circle of Trust Leadership Academy, and L3 Unlimited to support personal, professional, leadership, and spiritual growth, along with healing, resilience, self-care, and self-advocacy. Dr. Nolan holds a BS in Business, an MS in HR Management & Development, and a Doctorate in Leadership.

Chris Jones is a distinguished leader and innovative multimedia specialist whose remarkable career of 25 plus years of Federal service is marked by his unwavering commitment to service and multimedia technology. Beginning his journey in 1997 as a Photographer at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Chris combined his passion for visual storytelling with his role as an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor for the Office of Research Services. His adept management of complaints and provision of vital counseling services laid a solid foundation for his leadership journey. Chris’s dedication to conflict resolution led him to become the youngest Board member of the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County (CRCMC) in 2002 and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mediator for the Montgomery County Circuit Courts and NIH from 2000 to 2005.

Chris’s leadership and multimedia expertise have significantly impacted both professional and non-profit sectors. As the co-founder and President of the Caribbean Association at the National Institutes of Health (CANIH), he expanded the organization’s membership and spearheaded the highly successful “Taste of the Caribbean” event. His tenure highlighted his ability to unite communities and advocate for healthy food access in disadvantaged areas. Armed with a B.A. in Digital Filmmaking from Boston University, Chris excels in multimedia video production, specializing in green screen photography and filming techniques. His talents extend to graphic design, marketing, social media ads creation, and video productions, creating visually stunning infographics, illustrations, and publications. With over 15 years of experience in print services, Chris has expertly printed conference materials, designed and printed awards, certificates, posters, and various types of signage, banners, and digital video walls creations. He also provides A/V services and IT support when needed. Chris’s training in Agile Project Management within the Federal Government has ensured the timely and efficient delivery of numerous projects.

Graduating from the Darlene H. Young Leadership Academy in August 2013, Chris’s leadership acumen is well-recognized. Most recently his contributions to Blacks in Government (BIG) serving eight years as the National Communications and Public Relations Committee Chair under three National Presidents and his role as the First Vice President of the Darlene H. Young Leadership Academy Alumni further underscore his dedication to leadership and public health advocacy. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of loved ones and his own battle with cancer, Chris’s resilience and faith have guided him through adversity. His multifaceted career, blending technical excellence with creative vision, continues to make him a valuable asset to any agency and a significant contributor to his field.

Althea Sprosta has more than 17 years of public service as an Auditor. She is a Senior Auditor at the U. S. Government Accountability Office, Financial Management and Assurance in Washington, D.C., where she works to improve and transform the government’s financial management and operations and ensure stewardship of financial resources. Althea is also a member of the BIacks In Government GAO-USACE Chapter where she serves as the Treasurer.

Althea joined the Federal Triangle Chapter in 2017.  In her Chapter and in the DC Metro Region, she has held the position of Finance Chair.  She served on the 2019 NTP Committee as the Agency Forums Lead and on the 2018- 2022 DC Metro Region RTP Committee as the Finance Chair.

Althea graduated from East Carolina University with an undergraduate degree in Accounting and her MBA. She also graduated from Grantham University with a Masters in Information Technology.

Elena Epps is an Assistant Director at the Government Accountability Office within the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Team. In her role, she has worked on a myriad of topics, including enterprise architecture, privacy, records management, and system acquisition.

In addition to serving as FEW’s Special Assistant for Housing and Credentials, Elena currently is the President of FEW’s Federal Triangle Chapter. Outside of work, Elena has taught information technology courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels in the areas of computer applications and concepts, emerging technologies, integrated technology, software design, and system infrastructure. Furthermore, Elena belongs to the Ladies of Literature book club and is dedicated to public service by being an active member in several non-profits. In her spare time, Elena also enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and especially her twin nieces.

Elena earned her Master’s degree in Information and Telecommunication Systems from Johns Hopkins University and her Bachelor’s degree in Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems with a minor in Information Technology from George Mason University.

With over 17 years of experience in federal service, Samantha is a seasoned Human Resources Professional currently serving as the Acting Human Resource Officer for the Department of Justice at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. Previously, she held the role of Human Resource Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Before joining the DOJ, Samantha was a Human Resources Remote Designee with the Air National Guard in D.C., where she contributed to the development and implementation of an internal Privacy Act of 1973 document routing system. This innovative solution streamlined HR processes and improved staffing and retention functions across geographically dispersed offices. Samantha then transitioned to the Maryland National Guard as a Supervisory HR Specialist. During her tenure she led the Employee Benefits and Employee Relations team through various government shutdowns, COVID-19 employee tracking response, the successful development of virtual onboarding through the COVID-19 pandemic and the activation of T32 dual status employees for the pandemic response teams within the state of Maryland.

Samantha began her federal career as a Training Specialist at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA. With 22 years of military service in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard, she rose to the rank of Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, specializing in Training & Development and Air National Guard recruiting. Notably, she established the first Recruiting Lead Command Center for the Air National Guard in Arlington, VA, and has deployed multiple times in support of the Global War on Terror.

A strong advocate for veteran support, Samantha volunteers as a mentor through the Veterati Veteran Mentorship Program, assisting transitioning service members and veterans with career navigation, resume reviews, and interview preparation.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology and a Master’s in Adult Education, along with two degrees from the Community College of the Air Force. She has enhanced her professional development with an Executive Certificate in Leadership & Management from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business and a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certificate from the University of Miami.

In her leisure time, Samantha enjoys exploring museums, historical sites, traveling, and hiking with her dog.

Mrs. Hedgspeth has been employed in the federal government for over 32 years. She is currently employed by the General Services Administration (GSA) as a Telecommunications Specialist/Contract Officer Representative (COR) with oversite and management of several large revenue earning accounts.

She is a Life Member of Federally Employed Women (FEW) currently serving as the President of the LATIMER Chapter of FEW and the DC Metro Assistant Regional Manager.

She obtained her BA and MBA while working full time in the federal government, graduating with honors. She strongly believes that to be a good leader you must be a good “Follower.” She gained much of her exemplary level of commitment to excellence in everything she does by being a servant leader. Her level of commitment and work ethic has placed her in a position to be a great asset to any organization.

Tammie Edwards is employed at the National Institutes of Health where she serves as the Director of the Division of Amenities and Transportation Services (DATS). The Division is responsible for the development, planning and dissemination of a centralized program governing transportation and amenities support services.

She serves as 1^st Vice President of the Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland and successfully works to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy. Tammie holds the positions of Bethesda Chapter Vice President and DC Metro Region Women’s Health and Wellness Chair.

A proud Virginia Tech graduate, Tammie was born and raised in Florida and the mother of one amazing son.

Michelle Slade has over 30 years of federal service. She currently works as a Supervisory Equal Employment Manager at the NOAA National Ocean Service.  Michelle was installed as FEW’s 22nd National President on July 20, 2012, and was re-elected on May 2014 to serve a second term.  She is Diamond Lifetime member of FEW and a founding member of FEW’s Seas and Skies Chapter at NOAA. In 2009, she received the FEW Champion of Diversity Award for her efforts to increase diversity awareness.   In 2011, she received FEW’s most prestigious award, the Barbara Boardman Tennant Award.

Michelle attended Georgia Southwestern University and received a Certification in Equal Employment Opportunities Studies from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University. She is also a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, and Speaker.

Ms. Robinson is a distinguished member of The Federally Employed Women since 2008, currently serving as a Regional Representative for the Federally Employed Women’s D.C. Metro Region as well as a past Regional Manager for the D.C. Metro Region. and a member of the FDA’s Parklawn Chapter of FEW.  Additionally, she actively contributes to the Parklawn Chapter of Blacks In Government at the Food and Drug Administration and is a valued member of the Capitol Heights Toastmaster Club.

Professionally, Helen excels as a Program Analyst in the Work Life Programs office at the Food and Drug Administration. In her commitment to advocacy, she serves as the Principal Chief Deputy Steward for the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU Chapter 282) within the agency.

Adding to her community impact, Helen has spent the last 19 years working part-time as a Trainer and Community Companion with the ARC of Prince George’s County.

In her leisure, Helen indulges in her passions for travel, literature, and cherishing moments with her beloved family, especially her daughter Desiree.

Joseph S. Somerville, III is a Maryland native whose life and career exemplify dedication, service, and leadership.  A veteran, entrepreneur, educator, community activist, mentor, and pioneer, Joseph has made a significant impact across multiple spheres.

With over 31 years of service in the federal government and 18 years in the military, Joseph has established himself as an expert in fields such as business management, budget execution and support, performance management, equal opportunity counseling, and physical security.  His leadership skills have been instrumental in guiding teams and facilitating diversity and dialogue programs across various agencies.

As the Scholarship Chair for his Blacks in Government (BIG) chapter, where he is also a lifetime member, Joseph continues to advocate for education and community development. His communication skills, both oral and written, allow him to connect with people from all walks of life, consistently using his platform to uplift and empower others.

Joseph’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional career.  He is deeply involved in mentoring young men through his non-profit organization.  Mentoring to Manhood, which focuses on the development of African American boys aged 12 to 18. Whether mentoring, advising on Thrift Saving Plans, or spending quality time with his family, Joseph’s dedication to making a difference is evident in everything he does.

I am looking forward to being an asset to the FEW Family!