Board Members

Cherry Dale - Chair

Cherry joined Virginia Credit Union in 2007, and now leads its nationally recognized and award-winning financial education program. She and a team of four full-time financial educators reach more than 100,000 individuals annually with lessons and information on personal finance basics, money management, and how to achieve and maintain financial well-being. The work of her team spotlights Virginia Credit Union’s commitment to being members’ trusted financial partner and embodies the credit union’s mission to help members achieve greater financial success. A leader at the state and national levels, Cherry has been recognized for her work by the Virginia Credit Union League, the National Health Network, and the Credit Union National Association. Through her financial education initiatives, Cherry also supports Virginia Credit Union’s community engagement initiatives, working closely with such notable partners as Virginia Commonwealth University, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the JumpStart Virginia Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, Richmond City government, and all of the Richmond-area.

Tracy Keller - Vice Chair

Tracy Keller has served as the chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast (GSCCC) since 2005, having served as the director of finance and technology for the council previously.

She graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics. She received a certification in nonprofit management from the Academy for Nonprofit Excellence and was selected from an elite group of Girl Scout CEOs by Girl Scouts of the USA to attend a Strategic Leader Seminar at the United States Army War College sponsored by the Columbia University Business School. Tracy was selected by Girl Scouts of the USA to assist leadership with the Council Action Network, a network dedicated to governance work.

Tracy is also a graduate of the Lead Hampton Roads Executive Program and is active as a Civic Leadership Institute alumni. Under Tracy’s leadership, GSCCC has received numerous awards including the distinguished Top Workplace in Hampton Roads by Inside Business for two consecutive years.

Tracy has been recognized with many awards that have included the 2008 Top Forty Under Forty by Inside Business, the 2016 Woman of Distinction by the YWCA of South Hampton Roads, the 2018 Women in Business Award by Inside Business, the Great Bridge Rotary Club Rotarian of the Year in 2018 and 2021, and was a 2018 Angels in Adoption Honoree. Tracy was also named on the 2024 ‘Serve Virginia’ Honor Roll for Volunteerism and Community Service.

Her commitment to the empowerment of girls and women have led Tracy to take on many volunteer roles that include Rotary District 7600 Empowering Girls Chair since 2022, and she serves as a committee member on the United Way of South Hampton Roads’ Women United. Tracy’s current board affiliations include: Great Bridge Rotary Club (2024 President), Tidewater Friends of Foster Care, Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.), and the Girl Scout Staff Association. She is an active member at Hickory Ridge Community Church and is a lifetime Girl Scout who received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a girl may earn in Girl Scouts. As an adult member, she has been recognized with the Girl Scout Thanks Badge and the Thanks Badge II awards, the highest adult honors.

Tracy and her husband of more than 20 years, Dan, live in Chesapeake and have five children.

Dr. Shawnrell Blackwell - Secretary

Dr. Shawnrell Blackwell is a powerhouse multi-hyphenate with over 20 years of experience in wellness, education, and the arts, dedicated to empowering women by creating spaces that support their growth and success.

As CEO of Avail Outpatient Counseling, Dr. Blackwell works to make mental health care more equitable and accessible. She is also the Founder of Education Connection Academy (ECA), a nonprofit focused on the health and wellness of youth and families in the Greater Richmond area since 2009. Additionally, she is a Licensed Realtor in Virginia and a qualified trainer for Virginia Housing's Homebuyer Education Program, helping individuals and families achieve financial wellness and homeownership.

In education, Dr. Blackwell is a National Instructional Excellence Speaker with Catapult and a grant writer for Richmond Public Schools. She holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and her M.Ed. and BA from Virginia State University. She is licensed as a Virginia Division Superintendent and holds a Virginia Postgraduate Professional License with endorsements in English, Pre-K–12 Administration and Supervision, and English as a Second Language.

Known artistically as Dr. B, she is a published author, spoken word artist, DJ, motivational speaker, and Zumba instructor who uses her creativity to inspire audiences through rhythm, movement, and storytelling.

Her commitment to public service is reflected in her leadership on several community boards, including the Standards of Learning Innovation Committee, Southside Community Housing and Development Corporation, and the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. As a Brand Ambassador for Ladies Golf Too, she continues this service by advocating for wellness, representation, and fun through inclusive golf experiences for women.

Joely Mauck

Joely K. Mauck is a Senior Financial Advisor with LPL Financial, the largest independent Broker/Dealer in the United States. Joely has been with LPL since 2009 and brings over 30 years of investment experience. Her specialities include wealth management, estate planning, 401k management, and insurance needs. She currently manages over $250 million in assets, which includes over 300 client portfolios. Prior to serving as a Senior Financial Advisor at LPL, Joely was an investment broker with Charles Schwab & Co. for 8 years, serving their Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan offices.

Joely earned her Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certificate in 1995, adding the Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, Life & Health, Long Term Care, and Virginia Notary certifications soon after.

Joely is a proud 1990 graduate of James Madison University, earning her B.B.A. in Finance with a minor in Economics. Joely has been appointed to the Board of Advisors at the James Madison Univeristy College of Business, the Executive Board for College of Business, and the Board of Virginia Council on Women. Joely is extremely active in her community; consistently volunteering with Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, fostering 56 dogs to date! Joely has also earned her Certified Personal Trainer License with the American Council on Exercise and is a Certified Nutritionist.

Joely and her husband of 31 years, Trey, reside in Oak Hill, Virginia with their four wonderful children.

Erin Rayner

Erin Rayner grew up in Canada, England, and Alaska, she has degrees in Psychology, History, and advanced study in Energy Security Policy, She moved to NOVA in 2011, and Purcellville in 2017. She is the Executive Director of the Women in Leadership Program at George Mason. She was elected to the Town Council in 2021 and serves the town on the Board of Architectural Review. Erin is the president of the Mountain View PTA and the Purcellville Business Association. She is on the board for the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, the Committee for Dulles and Virginial Regional Transit and was appointed by the Governor to be on the Virginia Council on Women. She lives in Purcellville’s Mayfair community with her husband Kristian and two daughters.

Erin was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and moved to Alaska at the age of 10 with her family. Erin attended The University of Alaska, Anchorage and graduated with a double degree in Psychology and History.

In her final semester of University, she studied abroad in London, England where she worked as an intern in British Parliament for a Member of Parliament working on white papers and European prison policy. She decided to stay in England and studied for her Master’s and post-graduate work at Keele University in Global Security and International Relations specializing in Energy Security and Policy.

In 2011, Erin returned to the United States, working for an oil and gas project consulting firm in Ashburn. After five years of consulting, she was offered a full-time position as Congresswoman Barbara Comstock’s Community Outreach Director.

In January 2019, Erin started her own consulting firm, Erin Rayner Consulting and has represented numerous clients including UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, acting as the Director of VeteransAgainstAlzheimer’s where she lobbied for veteran rights and support for service-related brain injuries.

In January 2020, Former Congresswoman Comstock appointed her to be the Executive Director of the Barbara Comstock Program for Women in Leadership based at George Mason University’s Schar School for Policy and Government.

Erin is also currently a member of Purcellville Town Council. She was elected in November 2021. She is the town council liaison to the Board of Architectural Review. Her focus for her time on council is to enforce proper governmental process and increase economic development within the town.

Erin proudly sits on multiple boards, as:

• Treasurer and Board Member for Purcellville-based non-profit, Virginia Regional Transport
• Board member for the economic development non-profit Committee for Dulles
• President of Purcellville’s Mountain View Elementary School PTA
• President of the Purcellville Business Association
• Gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Council on Women

Erin lives in Purcellville’s Mayfair community with her husband Kristian and two daughters Harper (8) and Hayden (5).

Kristina Hagen

Virginia Campaign Director, Virginia Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy

With extensive experience in field, fundraising, communications, data analysis, management, and campaign strategy, Kristina Hagen has been active in Virginia politics since 2012. She has worked on candidate and issue campaigns at the federal, state and local level.

Prior to joining the Virginia Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, she spent five years with the Senate Democratic Caucus, developing and executing a strategic plan that successfully flipped the Virginia Senate from a Republican to Democratic control.

Kristina cut her teeth as an organizer during her time as a student at Durham University. She now lives in Richmond with her husband, their little boy and their two cats.

Aisha Johnson

Aisha Johnson was appointed to the Virginia Council on Women in August 2018, and serves as the Council’s Secretary and as a member of the Summit Subcommittee. Professionally, Aisha is employed as an Economic Development Specialist for the City of Roanoke. In that role she furthers efforts in the areas of economic equity and innovation. Aisha has also held the positions of Assistant to the Roanoke City Manager and Roanoke Police Department Spokesperson. Prior to her career in public service, Aisha worked as a reporter and producer for various television stations in Pittsburgh, Bluefield, WV, and Roanoke. Aisha has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Hollins University. Personally, she is married to Robert R. Johnson, Jr., Division Dean of Students for Montgomery County Public Schools. Together they are raising three children. Aisha is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Mary Kate Andris, Ed.D.

Dr. Andris currently serves as Principal, Andris and Lewis Consulting, a consultancy for non-profit governance, leadership development and strategic planning.  Previously, Dr. Andris served as the Director of Council Partnerships for the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) where she supported more than 30 Council CEOs and their Board Chairs in annual and strategic planning in favor of growth and sustainability. 

Prior to joining the GSUSA, Dr. Andris served as the President and CEO of the YWCA South Hampton Roads for 5 years where she worked to increase revenue from philanthropic sources and build awareness of the YWCA South Hampton Roads’ brand.  While acting as CEO, Dr. Andris secured the organization’s largest private gift of $2 million from MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist and author.

Dr. Andris holds a B.A. from Moravian University and a M.Ed. and Ed.D. from Widener University. Mary Kate and her husband, Kevin, have two teenage boys and a dog named Nyx.

Anh Tu Do

Founder and President of American Minority Engagement Network (AMEN), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization established in 2021 to promote conservative values and principles to minority communities through outreach and education.

Anh Tu Do is a Realtor at Westgate Realty Group, Inc in Falls Church, VA specializes in both residential and commercial real estate since June 2003 to present. She was appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell to serve as a Virginia Real Estate Board Member for a four-year term from July 2011 through June 2015.

Anh Tu Do holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information System from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

She is the Pro-Life Coordinator at St. Michael Catholic Church in Annandale, VA since 2009 until present. She organized and coordinated the yearly March for Life and the twice-a-year 40 Days for Life events.

Anh Tu Do invests in her community by serving as Vice President of the Vietnamese Women Association of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia since March 2016 until present. She provided support and helped local communities with various functions such as helping seniors with translations, applying for health insurances and other government related programs. She is also helping with various yearly events as well as the Presidential elections in the Vietnamese community that occurs every two years within the DC Metro areas.

In the political arena, Anh Tu Do has been involved extensively with local, state and national campaigns since 2007. She is the Precinct Captain of a couple precincts since 2008. She helps organize political rallies, coordinates outreach and voter registration drives, conducts local phone banks and hold fundraising events.

She was appointed by Braddock Supervisor John Cook to serve as a Board Member of Visit Fairfax for a two-year term from June 2011 to June 2013.

Anh Tu Do lives in Centreville, VA with her son Daniel.

Courtney Hill

Courtney Hill is a community leader, national training facilitator, and political consultant who has spent 24+ years engaging Black and Brown People in the political process and community causes such as restoration of rights for returning citizens; educational equity; and affordable healthcare and housing. From grassroots organizations to grassroots movements to Democratic presidential campaigns; from managing local political campaigns to training Women to run for public office, Courtney has been in the trenches for electoral change; social justice advocacy; and restorative public policy.

Courtney is the Founder and Chief Strategist of Polaris Strategies - a D.C. area political services and nonprofit consulting firm. Through her firm, Courtney works to build political power by working primarily with Black and Brown candidates and offers nonprofit services to organizations that center BIPOC communities.

Courtney is a proud Virginia State University Trojan; Howard University Bison; Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter); Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Northern Virginia Chapter); NAACP (At-large); and The Northern Virginia Urban League Guild. Courtney is also the proud Mom of two beautiful daughters, Denver, who attends Spelman College, and Zoe', an aspiring Howard University Bison. 

Karishma Merchant

Senior Education and Workforce Policy Advisor

Karishma Merchant is U.S. Senator Tim Kaine's Senior Education and Workforce Policy Advisor staffing the Senator on his assignment to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Karishma was a former Legislative Fellow for U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet from Colorado, developing his education portfolio. Previously, she was a researcher for the Tennessee Consortium on Research, Evaluation, and Development evaluating the implementation efforts of Tennessee’s $501 million federal Race to the Top grant. She also worked at the Tennessee Department of Education managing the implementation of Common Core curriculum training for school leaders.

Karishma began her career as a Teach For America corps member in Washington, DC teaching high school social studies. Karishma holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Studies, Psychology, and Economics from Duke University, a master’s degree in Teaching from American University, and a master’s degree in Public Policy focusing on K-12 Education Policy from Vanderbilt University. She is a 2019 graduate of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute’s Political Leaders Program.

Marisol Morales-Diaz

Marisol Morales-Diaz has lived in Newport News for the past 15 years. She has devoted her professional life to teaching languages since she graduated from college in her native Bogota, Colombia. She started teaching French and English in Colombia. Her passion for language acquisition took her to places like London, UK, where she was a languages assistant; Spain, where she attended Universidad de Alcalá de Henares for an Intensive Summer Spanish Language and Cultural Institute and multiple trips with her students; and the United States, where she currently lives and works.

Marisol graduated in Modern Languages from Universidad Pedagógica Nacional and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from Universidad Distrital Francisco Jose de Caldas in Bogota, Colombia. She is currently finishing a second master in Educational Leadership at George Mason University, and planning to continue studying a third master’s degree in Spain. She has taught elementary and secondary school and has experience as a college professor as well. She worked in Bogota at different public and private colleges. In the United States, she worked for Newport News Public Schools, York County School District, and Christopher Newport University. Currently, she is working for Fairfax County Public Schools. 

Marisol is highly devoted to youth development and has participated in different community events to help students develop their leadership skills. She was a member of the Hispanic Advisory Committee to the City Manager of Newport News, serves as a member of the  Delta, Kappa, Gamma Society International, Virginia State Organization, Beta Delta Chapter, is a member of the African American Historical Society of Newport News, and volunteers for different community organizations. Marisol was appointed to the Virginia Council on Women in August 2020

Teresa Pregnall

Teresa Pregnall, of Forest, is currently serving as the State Director Concerned Women for America of Virginia. Concerned Women for America is the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization. Other than her seven years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Teresa’s life has been given to a wide range of volunteer efforts, including her current role, having served in various capacities with a number of non-profit organizations. Teresa considers her position as a homemaker, wife, and mother to have been her primary work. Teresa has made herself available to serve young women over the past 25 years as a mentor, teacher, and friend.

As State Director, Teresa’s mission is to build a strong state organization promoting CWA’s purposes and concerns wherever possible and to educate people on policy surrounding their seven core issues; to develop an informal board of advisors that assist in duties necessary to build an effective grassroots organization; and to provide guidance for action on local, state, and federal issues that affect their membership.

During the annual Virginia General Assembly Session, her responsibilities include building strong relationships with elected officials from across the Commonwealth through weekly visits, as well as presenting and promoting good public policy during those visits. She also works with appointed officials throughout the year and acts as an encourager, advisor, and sounding board.

Teresa has been passionately involved in short-term missions for over 24 years, sharing the gospel and bringing humanitarian aid in Eastern Europe, South America, Central America, and Asia. She loves to explore new places and takes great pleasure in meeting new people, hearing their stories, and finding ways to encourage them on their journey. Teresa considers herself to be a life-long learner and is thankful for opportunities to serve.

Teresa was appointed to the Virginia Council on Women by Governor Glenn Youngkin in June 2022. She serves on the Board of Directors at the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center in Lynchburg and on the State March Committee for the Virginia March for Life.

Teresa is the wife of Herb Pregnall, and has a grown daughter, Christine, and son-in-law, Bryan. She enjoys her country life with Miss Opal, her German Shepherd, and Angus, the farm cat.

Lauren Kivlighan

Lauren Kivlighan is the Principal Broker and Owner of Northern Virginia Real Estate Inc., a women-owned business in McLean, VA. She consistently ranks in the top 5% of all real estate sales in Northern Virginia and holds the prestigious Platinum Northern Virginia Top Producer title. Additionally, she frequently appears as a Top Producer in NVAR and Washingtonian Magazine. As a K-1 Partner with Classic Cottages LLC in Arlington, VA, Lauren participates in building over 40 new homes annually. She recently facilitated the partnership between the developer and investor for Chainbridge Estates, a gated community in McLean, VA, resulting in the construction of 30 new elevator townhomes in downtown McLean.

Lauren has served as Chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Council in Fairfax, VA, and is a donor and board member of the White House Historical Association.

A proud graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, Lauren holds a BA in Business Administration. She also spent a year studying at the University of Richmond in the UK, enriching her international perspective. Lauren's extensive travels have allowed her to build a global network of friends, contributing significantly to her life experience.

Active in her community, Lauren has volunteered for many years as a eucharistic minister at St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean, VA, supported animal rescues (owning many rescue dogs and cats herself), and driven seniors to their appointments at Fairfax Hospital. She is known for her open-mindedness, fairness, and trustworthiness, and she deeply values hard work, integrity, and compassion.

Bershan Shaw

Bershan Shaw is a CEO Tech Founder & Creative Strategist for tech companies & for the one she birthed www.Urawarrior.com a mental health app. A TV personality, global Motivational Speaker, Business & Career Executive Coach, Strategist and a Diversity & Inclusion Trainer. Bershan is the CEO of Warrior Training International (WTI), which helps companies for over 12 years with Interactive Training solutions from employee motivation to Senior leadership workshops to career & executive coaching. WTI offers interactive Senior Leadership Training, Corporate and Diversity Training and Professional & Personal developmental tools for Corporations & Individuals. WTI trainings will help equip Business Leaders, CEO's, Executives, Mangers, Entrepreneurs and HR staff with the tools they need to help advance in their career.

WTI offers coaching and training in Senior Leadership Development, Media Coaching, Speaker & Presentation Skills Training, Performance & Career Management, Workforce Planning, Executive Presence, Emotional Intelligence, Stress Management, Employee Motivation, Corporate Communication Mgmt, Negotiation Training , Team building, Evaluation & Tracking Systems for productivity and more. WTI pushes you and your team to go where you never thought you could--EXCELLENCE. Warrior Training International can help prepare your team for success and provide skills that will not only improve the work environment but will help with productivity and your bottom line.

WTI can tailor any Corporate program to fit your individual needs. Bershan and her team travel globally to speak to CEO's, Leaders, Execs. and Mgmt in Switzerland, London, Germany, Poland, Australia, and more. Bershan has spoken globally to financial firms, law firms, women empowerment conferences , pharmaceutical organizations, tech firms, and more. Bershan has received countless leadership awards from around the world.

Elizabeth J. Level

Elizabeth Level serves on the board of The Gloucester Institute since its founding. Mrs. Level currently teaches preschool at Lord of Life Preschool in Clifton, Virginia, where she resides with her husband Brandon Level and their 3 children. She also owns a home based business, Brandsyn Design creating unique and personalized gifts. Mrs. Level served on the staff of US Senator George Allen as his regional representative for Hampton Roads, VA, from 2001 to 2004.  

Georganne W. Long, MD

Georganne W. Long, MD, of Richmond, Retired Physician, Richmond OBGYN

Frances Lanzone

Bio Coming Soon

Dr. Katrina Chase

Pastor Katrina Chase has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Old Dominion University, a Master’s Degree from Norfolk State University, and 2 Doctoral Degrees from Norfolk Seminary and College. She is finishing her third Doctoral Degree from the University of Phoenix.

Katrina was C.E.O for a large broadcasting company for many years.  After advancing in the broadcasting industry she decided to become a broadcast owner herself.  She and her husband now own and operate Christian Broadcasting Company in Norfolk, VA and she is the General Manager of the COGIC media company Jubilee Broadcasting Network in St. Louis, MO.  In addition, Katrina is the Supervisor of Women of South Africa 7th Jurisdiction,  Secretary of Virginia 4th Jurisdiction, co-host of a daily, nationally syndicated radio show, Crusade for Christ -Hour of Power where she encourages and prays for thousands of people daily. She was an adjutant- professor at Norfolk State University where she taught Radio and Television sales. Dr. Chase now serves as Secretary for the Board of Visitors for Norfolk State University.

Dr. Chase is the pastor of Friendship Church-Norfolk and Friendship Cathedral in Suffolk, Virginia. She also assists her husband in their overseas outreach ministry. She is a happily married to Bishop Joe A. Chase Jr. and a proud mother to their two sons Joseph (Jasmyne) and Justin.  She loves golfing, exercising, watching various sports and motivating others to do better in life.

Valerie R. Coley

Valerie R. Coley of Chesterfield, Pastor