Board of Directors

Pontiac Native and Graduate of Pontiac Northern High School (1989)

Derinda N. Shaw is a dedicated community leader and human resource professional with deep roots in Pontiac, Michigan. She is a proud graduate of Oakland University, where she earned a degree in Human Resource Development and Leadership, as well as a Master of Science in Administration with a focus on Human Resource Organizational Leadership & Development from Central Michigan University.

With over three decades of service, Derinda has made a significant impact in her community through her work with the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition and Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, where she dedicated 32 years to youth development and community outreach. She has served as Youth In Government Coordinator and currently serves as Program Coordinator for the Pontiac Promise Zone, a role she has held for the past two and a half years.

In addition to her professional achievements, Derinda is an active advocate for health and youth initiatives, serving on the Oakland County Health Network Advisory Board. She also contributes her leadership and passion as the Youth Director at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church.

Derinda N. Shaw’s lifelong commitment to service and leadership continues to inspire positive change within her community and beyond.

Dr. Chastity Gaither is an educator, educational consultant, executive leader, speaker, and certified coach with more than two decades of experience advancing higher education, leadership development, and community engagement. She partners with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to strengthen organizational capacity, improve student success initiatives, develop strategic programs, and implement sustainable systems that drive measurable impact.

Dr. Gaither holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. She also earned a Master of Science in Higher Education from Drexel University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Management Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing. A lifelong learner, she has further expanded her expertise through professional development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and earned a Certificate in Online College Teaching from Michigan State University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Gaither has served in executive leadership roles across higher education and nonprofit organizations, leading initiatives focused on student success, organizational effectiveness, workforce development, and educational equity. She has taught undergraduate and graduate students as an adjunct faculty member at multiple institutions and presented nationally and internationally on leadership, communication, organizational development, women’s empowerment, and student development.

Known for her engaging teaching style and solutions-oriented approach, Dr. Gaither equips educational institutions and organizations with practical strategies that transform ideas into action. Her work is grounded in a commitment to expanding educational access, fostering leadership excellence, and building systems that empower individuals, strengthen organizations, and create lasting community impact

Noon serves as a High School Success Coach at the Pontiac Promise Zone. She is passionate about empowering students to reach their educational and career goals. With a background in education, community engagement, and program development she is driven by a passion to expand educational access and opportunities for students in Pontiac.

My name is Phylisha Brown and I am so excited to serve! I am a Michigan State University graduate with personal experience in trades as well. I have a strong attention to detail, a passion for realism, and enthusiasm to push THROUGH the finish line. At the Pontiac Promise Zone I support Community College and Skilled Trades scholars. My goal is to help students achieve their career goals by encouraging grit, accountability, and must-do attitudes. My goal for scholars in the Pontiac community is to increase engagement between the community our organization so that scholars have options, giving them goals to look forward to post graduation! We’re all in— I can’t wait to see the great things we accomplish together!

Shameca Dillon brings a passion for people, purpose, and progress to her role as an Academic Success Coach. With a background in communications and a heart for service, she is deeply committed to helping scholars not only access higher education, but successfully navigate and complete it.

Shameca’s professional focus centers on the cultivation, growth, retention, and long-term success of the students she serves. She works closely with scholars to build strong academic habits, develop personal accountability, and maximize the opportunities provided to them. Believing that education is both a privilege and a responsibility, she encourages students to steward their scholarships well while preparing for meaningful careers and leadership roles beyond college.

Known for her ability to connect with people and speak life into their potential, Shameca approaches her work with both compassion and high expectations. She is passionate about helping scholars grow into capable, confident individuals who will one day invest back into their families, communities, and future generations.