TOMIKO MEEKS

Professor Tomiko Meeks is a professional historian, freelance editor, and professor. She is a graduate of the University of Houston with a BA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a MA in History with a focus on Public History. Before becoming a professional Historian Professor Meeks was HR Director for Cornerstone Hospital. She is currently a visiting instructor at Texas Southern University, where she also serves as an advisor for Phi Alpha Theta –History Honor Society (she is also a member of Phi Alpha Theta). She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., where she serves as the committee chair for EMBODI, a youth program for young males ages 13-18 and as Chapter Historian. She also serves as Board Chair of Houston History Alliance.

Her passion is history and she has worked on several projects which include a collaboration with the University of Houston and the Menil Collection on The Effects of Atlantic Slave Trade in Visual Culture of Africa. She served as co-chair of the Digital Humanities Symposium at Houston Community College and she is currently conducting research on Houston’s Historic Fourth Ward. Professor Meeks is also currently working on a book chapter featuring Lenora Rolla for Biographical Studies of African American Women in Texas History. She was also the recipient of the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Science award for outstanding contingent faculty at Texas Southern University for two consecutive years.

MARY YOUNG

Mary L. Young is the Executive Director/Chief of Police for the Texas Southern University Police Department located in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. When Mary became the Chief of Police in March, 2017 she made history as the institution’s first female to serve in that capacity. A natural leader, self-starter, teacher and pillar of the community, ChiefYoung specializes in merging traditional public safety tactics with community policing which encourages agencies to proactively develop solutions to the immediate underlying conditions contributing to public safety problems.

As the first female Police Chief to lead the Texas Southern University Police Department, Young brings a unique understanding to the concerns of the diverse campus community.

Young is a graduate of James Madison Senior High School where she excelled in sports and academics, earning her diploma at the age of 16. She later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications/Law Enforcement from Prairie View A&M University and a Master of Arts degree in Criminology/Sociology from Sam Houston State University. Young is a Diamond Life member of the Illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a Certified Security Consultant for Professional Athletes and Entertainers.

Additional professional licenses and awards she received is a Master Peace Officer’s certificate from the State of Texas, a teacher’s certificate in Secondary Education, and a certificate of completion in Homeland Security from Louisiana State University. She is a member on several boards and associations and has held previous top positions in some including the Institute of Social Justice, National Black Police Association, Houston Police Officer’s Union, African American Police Officer’s League, Houston Police Burial Fund Association, and Teach for America.

BLAINE KEENER

Blaine Keener is the Director of Enterprise Engagement within the Office of Information Technology and is responsible for leading the team that provides Desktop Services to Texas Southern University. Blaine began his IT career as a Computer Operator/Programmer in the United States Army where he proudly served for 12 years. Bachelor of Science (BS), Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Houston-Downtown, Associate of Arts (AA), Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Lone Star Community College, AAS, Management at Lone Star Community College.

Blaine has over 27 years of experience in Enterprise IT Leadership and his management style is one that fosters and encourages true ownership, collaboration, and accountability at all levels. He expects everyone on his team to make customer-centric decisions that align with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

Security: Protect Your Personally Identifiable Information

DR. QUINELLA MINIX

Dr. Minix joined The Right Step in 2016. International Speaker speaking on topics on dealing with difficult people, The Psychology of Women: Thriving in the Workplace and Diversity / Generational Differences. Dr. Minix published many articles to including a recent article about Recalibrate when required that included former New Orleans Saint and NFL Top 50 All Time wide receiver Marques Colston. She is a licensed professional counselor-supervisor, certified employee assistance professional, and board certified coach with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and behavioral health. Dr. Minix has worked in numerous roles throughout her career including employee assistance for oil and gas, construction and transportation corporations, nonprofit organizations, and several hospitals.

Dr. Minix was honored by Texas Southern University College of Education in 2016 Top Educators at Excellence Gala. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Leo University, and a master’s degree in counseling and a Doctor of Education in counselor education from Texas Southern University. Dr. Minix enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her spare time, she volunteers with local charities and is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha-Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter and National Women of Achievement-Bayou City Chapter.

ANDREW HARDWICK

Andrew Hardwick, a Metropolitan Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration, graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in modern languages, subsequently earning a Master's in modern psychology while at TSU. He started working for Social Security in the New York City area in the disability program. Since coming to Houston, Mr. Hardwick has been involved in public outreach for the Social Security Administration.

In 2010 Andy recorded audio publications for the blind into Spanish while at Social Security headquarters. For their work on SSA’s Spanish language website, Andrew and his team were awarded the Associate Commissioner’s Citation in 2010 and the Deputy Commissioner’s Team Award in 2012. In 2015 Mr. Hardwick was awarded the Deputy Commissioner’s Citation recognizing his work in public communications and the Associate Commissioner’s Citation for his work on improving Social Security’s web page. Aside from being a wife and a mother to two beautiful daughters, Dr. Cooper prides herself on pursuing her passion for educating, empowering and uplifting others so that they can reach their full potential.

Mr. Hardwick has also worked closely with congressional offices to deliver information about Social Security programs to our senior citizens via public forums. He has cooperated with the office of Inspector General to investigate fraudulent claims.

Currently Mr. Hardwick serves as the vice president of the TX Hispanic Council on Aging, an organization dedicated to serving Hispanic seniors in the greater Houston area. Andrew was also co-chair of the Elder Service Provider Network and served on the board of the Information and Referral Network of United Way of Greater Houston. He and his wife Mayra are the parents of fivechildren.

Maximize Social Security in Your Retirement Strategy

DR. CAREN COOPER

Dr. Caren Cooper is a native Houstonian who holds a B.A. in Sociology from Wiley College, and both a M.A. in Clinical Psychology and Ed.D. in Counselor Education from Texas Southern University. She is a National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and has been providing mental health services in the greater Houston area for nearly a decade. Dr. Cooper has experience in mental health counseling, life skills training, motivational interviewing, case management and program management in government, private and non-private sectors as well as higher education.

In addition, Dr. Cooper has developed and presented workshops and trainings for colleges, professional conferences and community events. Her research interests include maternal depression among low-income African American women, mental health discrepancies within the African American community and women issues. Dr. Cooper is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Aside from being a wife and a mother to two beautiful daughters, Dr. Cooper prides herself on pursuing her passion for educating, empowering and uplifting others so that they can reach their full potential.

“Being able to guide others to greater self-understanding and self-awareness so that they can live a well-balanced life is what sparked my interest and passion for counseling. And I am proud and blessed to be able to do just that at one of my alma maters.” ~Dr. Cooper~

How Can I Take Better Care of Myself

YOLANDA EDMOND

Edmond began her career in education as a payroll supervisor with the Houston Independent School District. After leaving Houston ISD, she joined the Katy Independent School District. Over her 13 years with Katy ISD, Edmond served as Human Resources Coordinator of Compensation, Director of Human Resources and Executive Director of Human Resources. Edmond holds a B.S. in health information management and MPA in HR management from Texas Southern University.

Edmond most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Katy Independent School District, where she served as the Title IX Coordinator and the Level II Grievance Hearing Officer. She was tasked with staffing 64 campuses in a fast-growth district consisting of over 79,000 students and approximately 9,200 employees; while remaining fiscally responsible and maintaining the integrity of student needs.

“I am truly honored to be able to give back to where it all started. I am looking forward to being a part of what embodies this great organization. My purpose is to always lead with a servant’s heart.” ~Yolanda Edmonds~

Taking Care of Our Most Valuable Assets – Y-O-U!

CICELY TAYLOR

Cicely Taylor is an alumni of Texas Southern University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Masters of Science in Management Information Systems. Joining TSU in 2015, she began working for the Office of Information Technology, where she serves as a senior technician and trainer for student workers who are enrolled in technical degrees and wish to pursue a technical career. Working with technology, and helping others understand the value and use of technology has always been her passion. Previously she has worked as an Senior Microcomputer Analyst-Service Desk Specialist for the City of Houston and The University of Texas Health Science Center

Cicely’s intrinsic motivation derives from the desire to maximize productivity in the work environment using technology.

When Cicely is away from work, she enjoys playing the organ and bass guitar for her church and traveling. She has also volunteered at numerous Church organization such as Reunion Missionary Baptist Church, Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Crossing Point Church.

Microsoft Office 365 at TSU

MELINDA SPAULDING CHEVALIER

Melinda Spaulding Chevalier is a graduate of Howard University. She has become a trusted source of information as many have welcomed her into their homes through their television sets as an former Fox 26 news anchor. She has weaved her way into the community to be involved with numerous organizations that have made our corner of the world better.

Melinda started her journalism career in online media in New York as a member of the launch team for Entertainment Weekly Online and then as the first editor-in-chief for Essence Online.

Before joining the FOX 26 News team, Spaulding was a reporter and anchored morning updates at WGNO, the ABC affiliate in New Orleans. While at WGNO, Melinda was named “Best Spot News Reporter” by the regional Associated Press. She also received a regional Suncoast Emmy award for “Best Spot News Coverage.”

Serving others in the community she covers is important to the New Jersey native. You can often find Spaulding giving her time by hosting and emceeing charitable events around the Houston area. She serves as a board member for Family Services of Greater Houston and an advisory board member for Pro Vision Inc. Her memberships have included the Spouses of Houston Barristers, The Junior League of Houston, the Houston Association of Black Journalists and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Social Media and You: Managing Your Online Brand

MIKE SOFIA

Mike Sofia is an Investment Advisor representative, a member of the Houston Money Week, with 15 years as a licensed leader in Financial Services. Mike grew up in a family business and is a recognized veteran in the United States Marine Corp.

Mr. Sofia has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the State of New York College of New Paltz. He is a former high school business teacher, where he taught personal finance for 14 years; school administrator (assistant principal and principal).

Mike is a crusade to help families save and make money, while at the same time, building a business. Having been a school teacher and administrator for many years, Mike had a tremendous impact on children's lives.

Inside Money: Managing Income & Debit

Workshop Title Presenter(s)How Can I Take Better Care of Myself? Dr. Bernadette P. Smith, Director

Dr. Caren R. Cooper, Counselor II

Inside Money: Managing Income & Debit Mike Sofia

Hostile Intruder & Emergency Evacuation Police Chief Mary Young

How Can You Build Positive Relationships With Coworkers? Dr. Tomiko Meeks, Adjunct Faculty

Let’s Talk About Grief Dr. Quinella A. Minix, Director

STOP the Bleed: Save A Life Karina Romo

Lifelong Learning with Lynda.com Lynda.com Representative

Retirement 101: There’s No Time Like the Present to Save for the

Future / Maximize Social Security in Your Retirement Strategy

Andy Hardwick, Public Affairs Specialist

How Can I Take Better Care of Myself? Dr. Bernadette P. Smith, Director

Dr. Caren R. Cooper, Counselor II

Workshop Title Presenter(s)Healthy Living for your Brain and Body Bertha Sturgeon-Cabello

Social Media and You: Managing Your Online Brand Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, Vice President

Microsoft Office 365 at TSU Cicely Taylor, Technical Support Specialist

Security: Protect Your Personally Identifiable Information Blaine Keener, Director of Enterprise Engagement

Financial Advisor / Investment Advisor Mike Sofia;