BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KYMBER LOVETT-MENKITI, BOARD CHAIR
Kymber Lovett-Menkiti is the Co-Owner and President of Keller Williams Capital Properties (KWCP), a brokerage with nine offices across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. She is also the Regional Director of Keller Williams for the Maryland / DC (MDC) Region where she oversees 4,500+agents. Kymber also served as the 2020 President of the DC Association of Realtors and currently serves as the Broker Liaison for the National Association of Realtors.
She is the board chair for the CPMG Foundation and a board member of Crittenton Services and StepAfrika. She was also appointed by the Mayor of Washington, DC to serve on the District of Columbia Arts Commission.
Prior to her roles within KWCP and the Keller Williams MDC Region, Kymber was the President of Sales for The Menkiti Group. Throughout her time with the company, she built a dedicated and passionate team of real estate professionals who assist the clients of The Menkiti Group in meeting their real estate goals. Under Kymber’s leadership, the MG Residential Sales Team assisted over 1,000 first-time homebuyers and brokered the sales of over $1B in residential real estate. The MG Residential Sales Team has been recognized internationally as being among the Top 50 teams within the Keller Williams franchise as measured by sales volume.
As one of the best and brightest young business leaders in the greater Washington, DC region, Kymber was recognized by the Washington Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 Honoree and a 2021, 2022 Real Estate Newsmaker by RISMedia.
Kymber is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and James Madison University and currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband and four sons.
Aaron Myers, BOARD Secretary
has served on Crittenton’s Board of Directors for 7+ years. Mr. Myers is an international touring Jazz artist based in Washington DC, activist and entrepreneur. Originally from Goodlow, Texas. Mr. Myers is a veteran of the United States Army where he’s certified as a Radio Telecommunications Specialist, and an alumnus of Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. His political experience ranges from a mayoral run in Corsicana, Texas, Field Organizer for the Obama-Biden Campaign for Change, policy analysist, and political adviser to candidates and office holders. Mr. Myers is also a skilled volunteer coordinator, event manager, public speaker, and an experienced music instructor. While in Washington DC he previously served as National Director of the nonprofit Global Family Program and is the Minister of Music of Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ, a position he’s held for 12 years. A jazz and soul musician, Mr. Myers is currently the Resident Artist at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant and Eaton DC. From a point of service, Mr. Myers is the founding Chair of the Board of Directors for the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation and serves on the Board of Governors with the Recording Academy DC Chapter. Currently, he serves as Vice-Chair of the NAACP DC-Branch LGBTQIA Committee along with being a member of the board of directors for CTE Vision Foundation and Covenant Full Potential Development Center. Mr. Myers’ activism has been recognized by the Jazz Journalist Association and he’s been twice awarded a WAMMIE Award for his activism and service in Washington DC.
Shayna Taitt-Thompson, Board treasurer
Shayna is a Director in Guidehouse’s National Security Segment, who is driven by leading diverse teams, strengthening relationships (both internal and external), and delivering high quality solutions, in an effort to foster a stronger financial reporting and operational environment. Shayna has 12 years of experience and is responsible for leading various high-profile and strategic initiatives, related to grants management, financial management, risk management, project management, and technical accounting support services, for clients across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a specific focus on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accounts. Prior to joining the FEMA and the USCIS teams, Shayna supported several clients across PwC’s Public Sector Advisory Practice (i.e., CBP, FBI, GSA, etc.) and PwC’s Commercial Assurance Practice. Shayna holds a BS in Business Administration, concentration in Accounting, and an MBA, concentration in Accounting, from Hampton University. Shayna is a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA), Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (LSSYB), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Antonio Tijerino
Antonio Tijerino is the President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, an organization that identifies, inspires, prepares, and positions Latino leaders in the classroom, community, and workforce. He has also served as the director of public relations in the communications department for the Fannie Mae Foundation, a manager for corporate communications and spokesperson for Nike, and an account supervisor for the Burson-Marsteller and Cohn & Wolf public relations firms in Washington. Mr. Tijerino earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. Mr. Tijerino is serving his third term on the Crittenton Board and serves on the Board’s communications task force and the governance committee.
Bryan Tramont
Bryan is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top media and communications lawyers. A relentless advocate, Bryan is sought after by clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to innovative startups for his exceptional understanding of spectrum management, transactions and strategic advocacy before multiple regulatory agencies. His commitment to excellence brings both loyal clients and leading industry honors. Bryan’s years as Chief of Staff at the Federal Communications Commission under Chairman Michael Powell, along with his earlier work at the agency and beyond, give him a profound understanding of the often complex legal, political and regulatory environments where his clients operate. His keen instincts for achieving results have been honed at the center of the industry. In addition to his role as Managing Partner, Bryan also leads the strategy and implementation of WBK’s award-winning communications, media and technology team, and directs client management and development. Bryan lives by the pay it forward ethos, a philosophy he’s helped to infuse throughout WBK. He gives generously of his time and talents to support the community. Whether as a speaker, educator or thought-leader, Bryan is always focused on helping others succeed and encouraging the next generation to thrive. He is serving his third term on the Crittenton Board and sixth term as Crittenton’s Celebration Event Co-Chair.
Caroline Van Wie
As Vice President of Federal Regulatory, Caroline Van Wie is responsible for supporting AT&T’s wireline policy interests before federal regulatory authorities, including the Federal Communications Commission. Caroline most recently was Assistant Vice President of Federal Regulatory and concurrently served as Chief of Staff to Joan Marsh, Executive VP – Federal Regulatory Relations, from 2017-2020. Prior to joining AT&T, Caroline was a Telecommunications Associate at Wiley Rein LLP. Before attending law school, Caroline served as Deputy National Finance Director for Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) and Scheduler for Congressman John B. Larson (D-CT). Caroline graduated from Emory University with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. She received her J.D. with honors from Georgetown University Law Center, where she served as Senior Programs & Development Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal. Caroline was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, and now resides in Washington, DC with her husband, two young sons, and cocker spaniel.
Celeste James
Celeste James, Executive Director of Community Health for Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, leads Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Department, which engages in program development and implementation, grantmaking, and public policy advocacy to create conditions for health and well-being in Kaiser Permanente communities, with a commitment to health, racial, and economic equity. Celeste’s career spans 30 years in the health and media industry, including leading corporate communications for USA TODAY/Gannett Co., Inc., U.S. News & World Report magazine, and NPR (National Public Radio). Celeste also serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland State Governor’s Community Health Resources Commission, as co-chair of Washington Regional Food Funders, a collaborative of funders dedicated to improving our regional food system and a Board Member of Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. Celeste is a graduate of Cleveland State University. She relaxes with great cuisine, music and laughter. Ms. James is serving her first term on the Crittenton board.
Tori O’neal
Tori is a passionate and strategic leader of O’Neal Social Impact, an organizational development practice including executive coaching. She brings over three decades of successful executive leadership experience to foundations and nonprofit organizations prioritizing racial equity and social justice in carrying out their missions. Partial list of clients include: The Hewlett Foundation, Fetzer Institute (national funder), Faith in Action (an international organizing federation), People’s Action (national organizing federation), and the League of Women Voters (national office). In 2000, she launched O’Neal Consulting, a social impact practice, in her native California. Her clients included nonprofit organizations and an 11-member funder collaborative focused on health. In 2005, she relocated to the Washington DC area, where her consulting practice expanded to include women’s funds, reproductive rights organizations, foundation national affinity groups, and an 8-member funder collaborative focused on Prince George’s County. Tori accepted a senior leadership position with the Center for Community Change (now Community Change) in 2009, where she served for seven years as Director of Institutional Advancement. She then transitioned to Demos in 2015, a national think tank led by Heather McGhee, author of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can …, where Tori served for four years as Vice President of External Affairs over both strategic communications and resource mobilization, as well as anchored the organization’s Washington DC office. She also served as the Chief of External Affairs over civic engagement, communications, and development at the national office of the NAACP during the pivotal year of 2020, when the organization’s resources and national external positioning rose exponentially. She is a co-author of Winning Grants, Step by Step, 5th Edition (Wiley Press, 2019), and author of the 4th Edition (Wiley Press, 2013), contributing author to Nonprofit 101 (also Wiley Press, 2019 and 2014), and is a proud mom to two beautiful sons, both of whom are currently attending college.
Dr. shawaan t. robinson
Dr. Shawaan Robinson is excited and humbled to lead the dynamic community of learners and staff at Briggs Chaney Middle School in Silver Spring, MD. Dr. Robinson has been an educator for 30 years. She has worn many hats during her career. She has been an elementary school teacher, elementary and middle school counselor, pupil personnel worker, assistant principal, and principal intern in various school communities. Dr. Robinson is a native of Washington, D.C., where she resides with her two sons and mom. She is passionate about building relationships and creating the learning conditions for students to thrive.
She is proud to be a Briggs Chaney Bear, and her vision simply states: Believe in Equity and Access and Relationships for all Students!
Keiva rodriquez
Keiva Rodriques was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) on July 12, 2023. Mrs. Rodriques is responsible for providing guidance and management oversight for internal affairs related to the MAA. Mrs. Rodriques has 20 years of professional experience in program management, business administration, construction management, and aviation. She joined the MAA in 2019 as Deputy Chief Engineer in the Division of Planning and Engineering where she provided organizational strategy and policy development for the planning, design, environmental compliance, and construction of projects for both BWI Marshall and Martin State Airports. Mrs. Rodriques brings a wealth of experience from working as a consultant for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and the Federal Aviation Administration, where she provided strategic planning and project management expertise prior to joining the MAA.
Mrs. Rodriques holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore. She is a licensed Professional Engineer, a Project Management Professional, a Certified Construction Manager and a Certified Member of AAAE. Mrs. Rodriques currently serves on the Green Building Advisory Committee supporting the General Services Administration providing independent policy advice and recommendations to GSA’s Office of Federal High-Performance Buildings, to advance federal building innovations in planning, design, and operations to reduce costs, enable agency missions, enhance human health and performance, and minimize environmental impacts.
She is active in several trade organizations including the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) where she serves on the Professional Development Committee, and the Northeast Chapter of AAAE where she serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She also serves as a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, and on the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. She has been recognized by Building Design + Construction Magazine for the 40 Under 40 Award (2018), AMAC’s President’s Award (2022), and The Daily Record Maryland’s Top 100 Women Award (2022).
Jawauna M. greene
Jawauna Greene stands as one of the highest ranking African-American women within the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). With a transportation career that spans more than 30 years, Jawauna has earned her place among Maryland’s top professionals. A lifelong Baltimore City resident, Jawauna Greene remains committed to her community. She has served as an executive for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), one of our nation’s largest transportation and infrastructure organizations. Ms. Greene has spent most of her professional career working in Maryland for regional transportation systems such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), and the Maryland Transit Administration. She began her career working in the Maryland General Assembly and went on to work for the late United States Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. Ms. Greene has helped launch high-profile transportation projects and customer-facing initiatives that have been recognized as industry game-changers! Ms. Greene has performed advocacy work for both private and public sector organizations.
Ms. Greene is also an international speaker for Advertising Week, where she has served on panels in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Her expertise is used to help guide the next generations of marketing and media professionals. She has served on advisory committees and nonprofit boards throughout the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. Ms. Greene is the former board chair for the Children’s Guild, where she has also helped launch charter schools in Maryland and the District of Columbia. She also helped create small non-profits in Maryland such as She Rises Int’l, an organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence and empowering women; and is a founding member of We Empower Women (WEW). Ms. Greene remains passionate about empowering youth through public education advocacy and supporting minority business access to state-wide and municipal contract opportunities. Ms. Greene has received numerous awards for her work such in the field of marketing and for her advocacy work.
Ms. Greene holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Hood College, and a Masters in Business from University of Maryland Global.
Vida Ali
Vida Ali was born in Trinidad & Tobago, where her parents raised her with the philosophy that “it takes a village” and “always treat everyone as family.” In her own words, “We never closed our doors. As little as we had, we always shared.”
As a child, Vida moved with her family to the Washington, DC area. She began her work life at Ben’s Chili Bowl, the iconic Washington, DC restaurant that was opened in 1958 by Ben and Virginia Ali. In 1984, she relocated to Los Angeles with her husband, Sage Ali. Vida quickly jumped into the music business, first at Virgin Records and then at Capitol Records in Hollywood. In 1992, Vida left Capitol, and in partnership with Sage, she launched her own company, Vida Media Group.
As one of the entertainment industry’s most highly respected publicists, Vida spearheaded national and international media campaigns for numerous recording artists. Her work was critical to the success of superstar MC Hammer, and her campaign helped his career to explode. Over the years, Vida worked with many other legendary artists, including Rachelle Ferrell, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Lenny Kravitz, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Prince, Bonnie Raitt, The Beastie Boys, Megadeath, Poison, Grover Washington, Jr., The Whispers, The Beach Boys, Bebe and CeCe Winans, and many more. Vida continued to work with her DC family business by setting up national media campaigns from her VMG West Coast office to bring special attention to the 40th, 45th, 50th, and 55th Anniversary celebrations of Ben’s Chili Bowl. Also, we worked with many non-profit organizations, such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, to help make a difference.
After spending over 25 years in the entertainment business in Hollywood, Vida returned to Washington, DC, in 2009 following the death of founder Ben Ali. She is currently working with the family to forward the expansion of the Ben’s Chili Bowl brand as well as the continuation of its legacy in the DC community and beyond. Over the past 60 years, Ben’s has been a significant part of DC history and culture, and Vida’s impact on the brand has been tremendous in terms of publicity and media relations as well as operations.
With all her credentials and experience, Vida is best known for her great integrity and work ethic. Her positive attitude and deep commitment to excellence in everything she undertakes always inspire and bring out the best in those around her. Vida truly cares about people, and as a result, she is masterful at creating a cooperative and mutually supportive team environment in which everyone takes pride in excellence and everyone wins. She has often been referred to as being “the calm in the center of the storm” because she makes doing a great job look easy and fun. Vida strives daily to spread joy in people’s lives. As Gandhi said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”