A Washington, D.C. native, Jasmine has dedicated her career to the non-profit sector. She has been dedicated to helping organizations accomplish and advance their missions for the last six years. With a unique passion for helping underserved communities in the city and in obedience to being commissioned by God, she has now devoted her time to leading and carrying out the mission of the Galatians Law Collaborative

Born and raised in Southern California, Melissa finds strength and motivation through quality time with her family and close friends. Her passion for supporting the growth of historically vulnerable populations comes from years of both personal and professional experience. With over 15 years of working in program and business development, Melissa brings evaluation expertise, development strategy, and mentorship to service-oriented organizations. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a talent for managing timelines and ensuring the delivery of quality content for national conferences, symposiums, and large-scale projects. As a hands-on leader, Melissa motivates community partners to implement protocols and policies with the purpose of ensuring compliance with all funding requirements, as well as maintaining alignment with the organization’s mission. Melissa received a B.A. in Human Development with a minor in Child Development from California State University, Long Beach, and her Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut. She currently resides in Washington, D.C. 

Jerrel Johnson is not just an advocate but a passionate visionary poised to make a lasting impact as a board member at the Galatians Law Collaborative. Although he has not personally experienced homelessness, Jerrel has witnessed how it erodes confidence and exacerbates resource insecurity. This understanding fuels his unwavering commitment to bring about change.

A deep belief in resource stewardship drives Jerrel's journey. He recognizes that homelessness represents an extreme form of resource insecurity, and he is resolute in his conviction that humanity must do better in managing Earth's resources to provide for the basic needs of all: Security, food, shelter, clothing, and clean drinking water.

As a dedicated Sociology student, Jerrel has delved deep into the intricate connections between hygiene, appearance, mental health, and confidence. He understands how homelessness affects one's well-being and erodes the confidence to pursue opportunities. His academic insights illuminate the far-reaching impacts of homelessness, and he is committed to breaking this cycle.

His diverse skill set, including group coordination, advocacy, communication, public speaking, leadership, and community relations, positions him as a professional with the potential to drive transformative change.

As a new board member at the Galatians Law Collaborative, Jerrel's fervent hope is to bring a powerful combination of professional excellence and compassionate advocacy to the organization. He envisions a world where homelessness is no longer a harsh reality and believes that in partnership with GLC, the world will take a step in the right direction.

Kellie has 15 years of experience in the hi-tech sales world of Cisco and Salesforce. Her passion for helping others finally took center stage when she became a realtor. Not only does she give back 10% of her earnings to local non profits but she spends all of her time volunteering to meet new home buyers. Kellie resides in Alexandria, VA with her husband and two foster sons. She is an active member at her parish of St. Mary’s Basilica. 

Amir Clayton Powell loves God, family, the law, and politics.  He connects with people across cultural, generational, political, and socioeconomic barriers.  AC became a dynamic organizational development
guru by heeding his mother’s advice always to listen more and talk less.  Infusing this philosophy into his leadership style guided AC’s success in various senior management roles in nonprofit organizations and in his entrepreneurial endeavors.  He has provided executive direction and compliance leadership to nonprofit organizations and start-ups for over twenty years.  AC speaks with passion, depth, and a bit of humor about issues concerning African American males, criminal justice, small business development, voting rights, spirituality, and the pivotal position of the Hip Hop Generation in the American sociopolitical landscape.

Born & raised in the DMV area; she has a true passion for helping others in need. Jakiea has over 7 years experience in property management and subsidized housing. She is very eager and driven to accomplish the work that's needed in our communities and bring awareness and adversity to the areas that desperately are in need of it. With her faith & trust in God, she believes the hard work can be done.