Classmate Spotlight

Aspen Clemons is an adept leader at the crossroads of policy, equity, and community development. With a decade-long career, she's now the Executive Director of Prosperity Indiana, driving equity, economic mobility, and opportunity. Aspen's roles in policy, program execution, and coalition-building equip her for this pivotal position. Her academic background includes a B.A. in Economics from Spelman College and an M.S. in Social Policy from the University of Pennsylvania, with an Executive Leadership Certificate from the University of Chicago. Aspen's career spans roles in universities, Indiana United Ways, and the Indiana Commission for Women, demonstrating her advocacy, training, coalition-building, and strategic planning acumen. Proficient in public policy, community development, strategic communications, and leadership, Aspen is dedicated to advancing racial justice and equity, aligning perfectly with Prosperity Indiana's mission.

Monique Gray has a passion for international travel and cultural immersion. Spelman had cultivated Monique to become a global citizen and she has now traveled to 43 countries. Her passion has awarded her prestigious fellowships in China, Turkey, Ethiopia, and in Guinea where she was able to expand her understanding of cultural competency and socio-economic values in health and in education. Currently, Monique is a Worldwide Refugee Officer for the Refugee and International Operations for the US Department of Homeland Security. As a refugee officer, she gets to travel the world interviewing refugees while serving her country to determine if refugees can resettle in the United States. While Monique's job is daunting it is also very rewarding because she enjoys helping people especially vulnerable populations who has been displaced by war, famine, and civil and political unrest. Monique's assignments include El Salvador, Zimbabwe, Albania, Qatar, and will include Burundi this week. When she is domestic, Monique enjoys exploring her new city Washington, DC and spending time with love ones. Over the next several years she began working with local politicians such as former Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell, Dekalb Solicitor- General Donna Coleman Stribling and City of South Fulton Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis. She focused her time in helping political candidates fundraise for the campaigns so that they can do the important work that was needed in the State of Georgia. Maci continued to grow her political career in Atlanta, working on over ten political campaigns to most recently took on a role as the Assistant Director for Grassroots Campaigns in fund development to benefit organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Doctors without Borders and of course the American Civil Liberties Union. As the importance of the 2020 election became apparent, Maci turned her efforts to fight against voter suppression by working with March ON as their Georgia State Director. Currently, Maci is working as the Program Director for the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, where she supports state representatives and state senators to bringing caucus messaging and visibility to constituents in the state of Georgia through programming and community initiatives.

Maci Hall is a Georgia native and political activist. Upon her entry to Spelman College in 2009, she saw the importance in engaging and empowering the community around her. As a sophomore she became a member of Vanguard Leadership Group (VLG), where she was introduced to the world of politics. Upon entering her junior year she became the Atlanta University Center Campus Engagement Coordinator for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). After graduating she took a position as the Assistant to the Nevada Regional Director for AIPAC. Loving her work with politics she decided to head back home to Georgia, to begin making a difference in the community that held her heart. Over the next several years she began working with local politicians such as former Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell, Dekalb Solicitor- General Donna Coleman Stribling and City of South Fulton Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis. She focused her time in helping political candidates fundraise for the campaigns so that they can do the important work that was needed in the State of Georgia. Maci continued to grow her political career in Atlanta, working on over ten political campaigns to most recently took on a role as the Assistant Director for Grassroots Campaigns in fund development to benefit organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Doctors without Borders and of course the American Civil Liberties Union. As the importance of the 2020 election became apparent, Maci turned her efforts to fight against voter suppression by working with March ON as their Georgia State Director. Currently, Maci is working as the Program Director for the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, where she supports state representatives and state senators to bringing caucus messaging and visibility to constituents in the state of Georgia through programming and community initiatives.

Mahaliah Little is an Assistant Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Irvine. She earned her doctorate from the Ohio State University, her master's from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and her BA from Spelman College. Dr. Little's research is interested in representations of Black women's sexuality and self-fashioning after experiences of sexual violence in documentaries, fiction, memoirs, and other sites of cultural production. Her current book project intervenes in anti-rape feminist debates by considering Black women's specific cultural relationship to prevailing linear conceptualizations of trauma recovery that tend to endorse a transformation from a victim into a survivor.

Constance has been a change agent both on and off the stage. She uses her experience as a black woman (plus all of the nuances that entails) to enhance theatre, making it more accessible, particularly classical text like Shakespeare. She’s been fortunate to make a career behind the mic as well, voicing commercials for some of the world’s most notable brands.

Sakinah Watts is a Market Engagement Lead within Accenture’s Ventures & Open Innovation group, focused on bringing startups and emerging technologies to multinational companies. Prior to her current role, she worked in the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Strategy practice. Sakinah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Spelman College and a Master’s in Business Administration from Emory’s Goizueta Business School. Before joining Accenture, Sakinah spent time in Chicago and Minneapolis as part of a leadership rotational program within General Mills’ sales organization. Sakinah serves on the Emerging Leaders for Children Board, benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Emmaus House Board, a non-profit focused on education and economic empowerment for local Atlantans. She is an active member of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In her free time, Sakinah enjoys traveling and spending time with her three younger sisters.

Adrianna Mitchell, a multifaceted talent hailing from Atlanta, GA, has firmly established herself in the world of theater and television. She's graced both Broadway and Off-Broadway stages, making her Broadway debut as Opal in the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning "Fat Ham," a role she originated at The Public Theater. Her impressive repertoire extends beyond Broadway, with notable Off-Broadway performances in "What to Send Up When It Goes Down" at Playwrights Horizons and "runboyrun" at NY Theatre Workshop. Adrianna's regional theater credits shine equally bright, including roles in "Romeo and Juliet," "The Taming of the Shrew," and "Noises Off" at esteemed venues like Chautauqua Theater and Two River Theater. Her television presence is equally captivating, with recurring roles in the FX hit series "Snowfall" as Tanosse and guest appearances on shows such as "Queens," "The Blacklist," "Bull," and "The Good Fight." Adrianna's academic journey is equally impressive, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Spelman College and further honing her craft at the American Conservatory Theater, where she earned her MFA. She also had the privilege of studying at the British American Drama Academy (BADA) in London. Adrianna Mitchell continues to inspire and uplift, both on and off the stage, embodying her lifelong mission of affirming and empowering Black voices, particularly Black women. Currently, she graces the Broadway stage in the remarkable production of "Fat Ham."

Lyrric Jackson is a multifaceted American choreographer and multidisciplinary visual artist known for her captivating and innovative work that transcends art media. Her creative journey encompasses collaborative projects and special events on a global scale, where she explores the deeply personal principles of freedom, renewal, and change. Grounded in contemplative practices and structured improvisation, Lyrric's choreographic work is a reflection of her extensive anthropological and sociological explorations. She holds a Bachelor's in Drama with a Concentration in Dance from Spelman College, as well as a Masters in Arts Administration and a Masters of Fine Art in LXFM from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Lyrric's commitment to education and the arts is profound. She is a National Geographic Certified Educator and an inaugural member of the Peace Studio’s PeaceBuilder Artists Cohort. Her work has left an indelible mark on local and global arts and educational institutions, including Spelman College, Brenau University, Emory University, Ubumuntu Arts Festival, and Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company in Kigali, Rwanda. Notably, Lyrric's performance piece, "Psychedelic Strut: 62 + 62," premiered at Brenau University in the spring of 2022, followed by "Psychedelic Strut: Red Eyes" at Spelman College in the same year. Her thought-provoking piece, "command[ME]n(o)t: An Effort to Understand & Surrender Everything," made its debut at the Fall 2022 Emory University Dance Concert. Currently in residence at the B-Complex in Atlanta, Georgia, Lyrric Jackson serves as an Adjunct Professor for the Dance Departments of both Spelman College and Brenau University. Her passion for arts and education continues to inspire and transform lives, and her work serves as a testament to the power of creativity and exploration in the pursuit of knowledge and self-expression. Lyrric earned her Bachelor's degree in Drama with a Dance Concentration from Spelman College, complemented by a Master's in Arts Administration and a Master of Fine Arts in LXFM from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She's recognized as a National Geographic Certified Educator and proudly serves as an inaugural member of the Peace Studio's PeaceBuilder Artists Cohort. Her artistic contributions extend to both local and global educational and artistic institutions, including Spelman College, Brenau University, Emory University, Ubumuntu Arts Festival, and Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company in Kigali, Rwanda. Lyrric is currently in residence at Atlanta's B-Complex and serves as an Adjunct Professor at Spelman College.

Jaleesa Lashay Diaz is a Multicultural Publicity Manager at Netflix, specializing in curating impactful campaigns for film and series releases, with a particular focus on engaging the Black audience. Her extensive skill set encompasses Public Relations, Crisis Management, Entertainment Marketing, Influencer Engagement, Public Speaking, and Panel Moderation. Before her successful career at Netflix, Jaleesa earned recognition as a Journalist & Critic, with her insightful coverage of film and television featured in renowned media outlets such as Variety, Elle, and Essence, among others. Leveraging her journalism background, she offers valuable counsel to clients, aiding them in effectively connecting with diverse audiences and the press. Jaleesa's educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a Spanish Language concentration from Spelman College. During her undergraduate years, she expanded her horizons by studying African Influence and Spanish Literature in Cadiz, Spain. Fluent in Spanish and armed with a profound understanding of multicultural dynamics, she plays a pivotal role in guiding her teams strategically, ensuring successful communication with multicultural and Spanish-speaking audiences. Jaleesa's dedication to her craft is underscored by her prior role as a Multicultural Marketing Manager at HBO Max. Currently, she splits her time between Los Angeles and New York, contributing to the cultural richness of both coasts.