The Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation’s Board of Directors consists of professionals in various career fields that are united by a common commitment to improve literacy rates among children of color. The Board provides critical oversight to ensure the effective operation of the Foundation. In addition, the Board works closely with the Foundation’s staff to develop and implement programs that promote literacy among children of color.
Our board members include educators, business leaders, and mental health professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed in school and in life.
Executive Board Members
Dr. Pamela Gurley, D.M., Founder & President
Dr. Pamela Gurley is a Content Strategy Expert, Transformational Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur, and World-Renowned Best-Selling Author who understands the power of words (both verbal and written). As the Founder/CEO of Clark and Hill Enterprise and IAMDRPGURLEY and Founder/President of the Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation, she is on a mission to empower, grow, and motivate others, as well as lead and challenge social norms.
Mrs. Livvy Zoe, Treasurer
Dr. Cortina Louis, PhD., Vice President
Licensed in Florida, Wisconsin, Texas, and Georgia, Dr. Cortina Peters, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, International Life coach, author, and motivational speaker. She completed both her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Nova Southeastern University. She is EMDR trained and holds a PhD in Clinincal Sexology. She has been providing professional counseling services since 2009.
Mrs. Robin Wynn, Secretary
Advisory Board Members
Mrs. Kim Nelson, Board Member
Kim Nelson earned her B.S in Information and Library Services in 2015 from the University of Maine at Augusta. She has worked in public libraries in both adult and youth services. She has created storytime programs for preschoolers. She taught in a private school at both the high school and elementary levels. She created the school library and literary guild for high school students. She has also worked in childcare and taken numerous child development and child literature classes. She worked for years in a local bookstore and is an avid reader.
Diana Richardson-Phillipus, Board Member
Diana Richardson-Phillipus is the founder and CEO of Empowered Women Empower – a company that hosts pop-up shops, conferences, seminars, and lavish networking events for business-minded women. She is also the founder of Bronzed GLO Beauty, a luxury Organic Cosmetic and Beauty brand – currently sold online and available in six retail locations. An expert in women’s empowerment and business, Diana is committed to helping other women reach their full potential. Diana has a Bachelor’s in Communications and a Master’s in Business Administration.
Nikko D. Toogood, Board Member
Nikko Toogood is the founder and CEO of N. D TooGood Enterprises, LLC., and The Black Authors Matter Tour. Born and raised in Washington, DC, by a single parent and a family full of women who worked hard to create the best lives they knew.
Nikko holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland College, is a U.S Forbes 30 under 30 delegate, and has been nominated for the FORBES Next 1000.