BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Kimberly T. Abney
Founder & President
Dr. Kimberly T. Abney graduated Bloomsburg University in 2009, where she received her B.A. in Psychology. She then graduated from Eastern University, where she studied and received her M.A. in School Counseling. Dr. Abney is a current Certified School Counselor and Licensed Therapist. Dr. Abney also received her Ed.D in Educational Leadership in 2020 from Gwynedd Mercy University. She is also the proud mother of a impressive daughter. Her love for the youth, giving back, empowering, and educating people of all ages, led to the creation of her own scholarship and a college based mentoring program, both which are held at her alum Bloomsburg University. Dr. Abney has a passion for giving youth the opportunity to become change agents in their lives and in their community. Her motto is to bless others by keeping the flame going and to always Pay It Forward!
Kiah Anderson
Vice President
Kiah Anderson attended Millersville University from 2011-2015, from which she received her B.A. in Psychology. Post undergrad, Kiah began working in childcare; she started in elementary education and is now working in early childhood education. Kiah is also the proud mother of a newborn baby girl. Currently, Kiah is pursuing her M.S in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in Childhood and Adolescent Disorders. Her dream is to open a Behavioral Therapy Center for children with various disorders from developmental to behavioral. We DREAM provides Kiah with the opportunity to impact our youth and help them realize their dreams while living out hers!
Alicia Allen
Secretary
Alicia is dedicated to not only making a difference in her family but also in her community. Her passion is to create unforgettable moments by making a difference in the lives of others. Alicia lives by the quote "dreams don't work unless you do", which drives her energy and willingness to serve all that she encounters.
Christina Anderson
Secretary
Christina graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2008 with a B.S. in Business Administration and is currently pursuing a PA real estate license. She is currently employed as a manager within the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s HCV department. Through her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated she has a strong commitment to public service and helping those in need. She currently gives a scholarship in her name to a college student in need which is given through her alma mater, Bloomsburg University. Christina believes that children can be anything they want to be in this world but understands that they are sometimes not given the proper guidance. If she is given the opportunity to give at least one young person a true chance at becoming successful in life she feels like her goal has been accomplished. As a current board member for the “WeDream” non profit organization she feels she has a great platform to do just that. Christina’s current motto is “Hate is too great a burden to bear, as it injures the hater more than it injures the hated” ~Coretta Scott King. If we all work together we can accomplish great things.
Tiana Patillo, CFP®
Treasurer
Tiana graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2009 where she earned her B.A. in Political Science. Committed to a life of helping others, she is a board member of the non-profit organization We DREAM and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Tiana has obtained her Masters’ of Business Administration in Management from Eastern University and is currently a Certified Financial Planner. Tiana is a resident of Philadelphia with her daughter. In
her free time, she enjoys doing community service, traveling, and being highly engaged in all her daughters’ extracurricular activities. Tiana motto is “success isn’t given, its earned”. In order to be successful, you always have to put your best foot forward. We appreciate things much more when we work hard for it!
Board Members
Charles Allen
Charles "Chuck" Allen is a native to the North Philadelphia neighborhood. He graduated high school in 2005, attending several colleges there after, CCP PSU GCU to name a few. He also enrolling into technical schools in search of his destiny. Charles soon realized that his passion was around him the entire time. In 2006 Charles began volunteering as a coach in the Nicetown area for a Pop Warner football team called Titans, where is also created a tutoring program before the daily football practices which boosted kid’s confidence academically as well as athletically. Charles greatest goal as a husband, father of 2, a mentor and mentee, is to have programs that empowers a generation with the proper knowledge, in hopes to break the poverty cycle through generations.
Felicia Ellzy, M. Ed
Felicia Ellzy M.Ed is an educator and mother of one very rambunctious toddler. Her personal motto is, "I was born to educate and love." She graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2010 with a B.A. in History and a minor in Ethnic Studies. She then continued at Bloomsburg University where she earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D in Curriculum & Instruction. She has taught History and currently serves as the
Director of Curriculum & Instruction at the Nativity School of Harrisburg. Committed to a life of service, she is a board member of the non-profit organization We DREAM, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Member at Large for the Bloomsburg University Alumni Association Board of Directors and facilitator of family counseling services through Life Esteem LLC. Overall education and service are the foremost priorities to Felicia and through her commitment to these goals underserved communities will continue to blossom
Gwendolyn Bell
Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Gwen graduated Bloomsburg University in 2009 with a B.A. in Economics with a concentration in Business. Gwen currently works for BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors as a Settlement Coordinator and is a proud mother of a beautiful daughter. Gwen is a huge advocate for mentorship. During her high school years, she was given a mentor through a nonprofit organization in which the pair continue to have a great relationship after 17
years. Committed to a life of giving back, she is a board member of the non-profit organization We DREAM. Gwen is also a mentor in Thank Goodness I am Female because she knows how important is it to have and be a mentor. Gwen goal is to give back to the community, as her passion in life consist of creating programs that will focus on impoverish communities in the inner city.