A native of Darlington, S.C., Carlo L'Chelle Dawson is an award-winning author, historic dramatic reenactor, arts integration specialist, community organizer, and teaching artist. Mrs. Dawson is a graduate of College of Charleston with a Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Lesley University. Carlo’s “why” is providing a voice to those who are often muted by society. Carlo wrote and starred in the "The Missing Voice" a one-woman show and educational workshop to bring awareness to the educational and social needs of historically underserved and marginalized youth while providing teaching strategies for educators and teacher leaders. As a community organizer and DEI College instructor, Carlo serves on various boards, where she leads DEI sessions in her state. This community servant and 2020 Educator of the Year, awarded by Central City Optimist Club International, is driven to motivate, to uplift, and to inspire individuals to maximize their full potential and is elated to serve the Power of PROGENY Foundation.

Joey Grinkley is a 21-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry, holding various leadership positions in Manufacturing and Supply Operations, Supply Chain Strategy and Product launch Project Management.   Joey is currently Associate Director, Global Supply Business Development and Process for Merck, Manufacturing Division, Merck & Co., Inc.  where he leads key business processes supporting new business deals, clinical trial collaborations and is creating a Search and Evaluate process that will drive innovation for medicine manufacturing of the future.  Joey received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 2000 and MBA from Rutgers Business School – Newark/New Brunswick, NJ in 2012.

Tamra Goodson is a Senior Vice President with Truist Financial Corporation. Having performed various roles over her 19+ year career in financial services, she currently serves as a Retail Area Leader supporting multiple branch locations & over 100 branch teammates to maximize client outreach and teammate engagement. Tamra supports diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging both personally and professionally, serving as an advocate & ally for all marginalized groups.

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Briona Millidge is a native of Beaufort, South Carolina. She is an honors graduate of Winthrop University, class of 2021, where she obtained a degree in Middle-Level Education concentrating in Math and Science. Currently, she is in her last term of graduate school at Louisiana State University to obtain her Master’s Degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She is currently a third-year 6th-grade Science Teacher at a middle school in South Carolina. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Briona has a host of accomplishments. She owns a tutoring and collegiate consulting business called Steps 2 Success, aiding in students’ progress and future endeavors. One of her most recent accomplishments is becoming the chairperson of The South Carolina Education Association’s SCENE working with the State’s 0-10 years educators. In the future, she aspires to become an Instructional Coach, teaching other educators relevant and rigorous practices for all students, regardless of race, age, creed, gender, or any other facet of their background.

Nicole Oxendine is a Rock Hill native.  In high school, Nicole was a multi-sport athlete, served on Student Council, National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, and was honored to be a part of the PROGENY club for two years. PROGENY provided a path for Nicole to fully embrace her heritage and who she was. Prior to PROGENY, Nicole felt that being a Native American had to come with much explanation. Nicole felt that this group taught her to be who she was without shame and educate others on what being Native American meant in an area that is not heavily populated with others like her.

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Carl Goodson brings his extensive leadership, project management, and service delivery expertise to the organization.  Mr. Goodson’s experience includes over 40 years of leadership experience at Wellman Industries and Harvest Hope Food Bank.  Carl Goodson’s educational background includes Industrial Firefighting and Engineered Analytical Training from the S. C. Firefighters Association of Rock Hill, S.C., and Bachelor of Social Work from Coker College.  Mr. Goodson has received numerous honors, awards and certifications.

Margie Goodson is a native of Darlington, SC. Mrs. Goodson earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree of Business Administration from Francis Marion University.  After 30 years of exemplary service with the State of South Carolina supporting the Department of Revenue as an Auditor and the Department of Social Change as a Program Coordinator-Work Force Consultant, Mrs. Goodson retired.  Margie hopes that her involvement with the Power of PROGENY foundation will allow her to continue seeing positive change in the lives of others.

Dr. Jocelyn Gordon, Rock Hill, SC native earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Winthrop University, Master’s in Biological Sciences from Clemson University, and PhD in Education, Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University.  Dr. Gordon has been an educator for over 20 years. During her free time, she enjoys attending and presenting at professional development opportunities to extend her expertise and passion about STEM/STEAM education.  She is a strong advocate for STEM/STEAM education and enjoys motivating and preparing students to compete academically with peers through innovative educational explorations.

Melinda Longtin has several years of experience providing multi-disciplinary education and social work support to K-12 students in the foster care system. In addition to her foster care work, Mrs. Longtin has extensive hands-on experience working with children with special needs. As an advocate for equal educational and economic opportunities for both children and adults, she volunteers for a variety of relevant organizations and has also founded Insprwing, a blog about the right to pursuit of happiness. In addition to Inspirwing, Mrs. Longtin uses poetry to provide a voice for domestic violence survivors. Her
previous publications include poems in literary magazines around the world as well as her collection, Metaphoria, which focuses on her own journey of surviving domestic violence.  Melinda's educational background includes BA in Theater from Winthrop University and MSW from the University of Southern California.

Shannon Allen, was born in Darlington, South Carolina. Mrs. Allen has served in the US Army, as a Meteorological Crewmember. Upon arriving home from a medical discharge, Mrs. Allen developed skills as a store clerk, manufacturing worker, teacher’s assistant and paraprofessional. She continued service as a Certified Senior Veteran Service Representative for 10 years. Mrs. Allen was blessed to retire from Veterans Benefits Administration at the age 35. Shannon has become quite a wealth of knowledge and experience. Completing her high school diploma at Carver High School, was only the being for this academic trailblazer. She holds a diploma in Meteorology from the United States Army. Her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration was obtained from Winston Salem State University. She has earned a Master of Arts in Human Service Management from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Mrs. Allen has continued her education toward community advocacy, acquiring a Municipal Government Certificate from the City of Winston Salem University. She has fostered a vast number of resources, relationships and sponsorships towards community outreach and advocacy.  Humanities have been and continues to be a passion of Mrs. Allen.