Our Board of Directors family is comprised of seven (7) members who volunteer to collectively help drive our organization into a direction of stability and growth. We currently have 2 Board seats available.
Toshonna Ross is a resilient advocate for women and children’s rights, working to bring awareness to the importance of ending the cycles of violence and exploitation against women and children. A victim of rape, homelessness, clinical depression, and survivor of domestic violence that nearly ended her life, Toshonna strives to encourage and empower women suffering all types of adversities that inhibit positive change, growth, and living productively in society, by reminding them of their worth and importance.
Her strong zeal and desire to support other women, opened doors to motivational speaking at various conferences, churches, social groups, and organizations, to several television news appearances, and the establishment of her nonprofit organization, Courageous Women Association, which brought women together to build, motivate, mentor, and support other women.
Toshonna Ross is a 2011 Jefferson Award Winner, recipient of Congressional Certificate from Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, and proud mother of three who strives on instilling in her children, these key principles: the importance of self-fulfillment and joy through serving and helping others; the significance of understanding and knowing their worth; the value of having Godly wisdom and discernment; and being humble in all things.
Courageous Women Association (CWA), is a nonprofit 501(c)3 Organization, that provides resources, supportive services, and empowerment to women and child victims and survivors of domestic violence, homelessness, incarceration, prostitution/human trafficking, addiction, and other life issues. CWA focuses largely on women and children in domestic violence and homeless shelters, and transitional housing facilities that span the entire Bay Area and Greater Bay Area. To date, CWA helps over 1500 women and children annually.
CWA conducts career development, educational, & health workshops, empowerment support groups, coordinates awareness events, and gives away thousands of life necessities through the annual day of shopping, pampering, and outreach program event. In addition, CWA connects women with service providers that help their individual & family needs, such as assistance in finding shelter and housing, education and employment opportunities, healthcare, mental health, counseling services, legal, and other services that contribute to their overall well-being.
For Toshonna, creating the name Courageous Women stood for many things. Most importantly, Courageous Women stood for having the courage to live past the pain, to start over, to change, to forgive, to grow, to let go and let God, to live life to the fullest, to trust and love self, and to know your worth.
Her outlook on life quoted by a famous Author, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Don’t go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and lead the way”.
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Fedelies Royé worked within healthcare administration over 17 years. Her prayer for many years was to know her purpose on this earth. In 2009, Fedelies joined the ranks of the unemployed, a devastating event in her life after working since the age of 16.
With nowhere to turn Fedelies began volunteering doing community service; assisting a friend and social worker at EOCP-Crossroads, an emergency transitional housing.
In 2010, Fedelies met Toshonna Ross, who invited her on a quest of being a courageous woman! Life became a whirlwind soon after joining Courageous Women Association (CWA). This was a blessing that answered her prayers as it made Fedelies realize that she was brought to this life to give back to the community.
Fedelies loves that CWA has taken on some very creative, joyful and very heartfelt ways of supporting those who just need a second chance rather than judgment. She works alongside Toshonna, board members and the many community volunteers, providing supportive services and resources to women, children, and men throughout the bay area.
Fedelies enjoys watching movies and is an avid reader. In 2001, she cofounded Escapade, a Soulful Circle Bookclub. This working bookclub is still active today and has hosted book signings and social events for multiple authors. Fedelies has accumulated and read all 37 books by her favorite author – Beverly Jenkins.
In 2015, Fedelies will celebrate 22 years of marriage. She is the proud mom of two Blessings and ‘Grandnana’ of four little Blessings.
In her own words, Fedelies states: “I believe the universe is meant to be balanced. It is my endeavor to maintain as much of that balance as possible. I strive to be a blessing to someone in some way so that I may receive a blessing. Community is about giving and receiving and it takes a Village to support a Community. CWA brings out my passion to empower others. Toshonna gives abundantly. She is a true SHEro and my blessing; a very Courageous Woman! I ask God to grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference!”
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Aka "Dee" was born & raised in Oakland and realizes that there are three basic needs people NEED: FOOD, CLOTHING & HOUSING: I'm Grateful that I can help people with their housing need: Helping them achieve their American Dream, Home Ownership. Assisting 1st time home buyers, helping them to find their Dream Home and introducing them to 1st time home buying programs.
Helping sellers sell their homes getting the most for their homes and then finding them another home. Helping seniors downsize, sometimes into a smaller home and sometimes into a Senior Community. After the big real estate crash most sellers are ready for a fresh start. People hire me because I have knowledge, advice, attract buyers and can guide Sellers through the entire process, marketing and selling their homes.
Appreciates the opportunity to be a part of Courageous women, helping to Encourage, Inspire and Empower others. Serving where ever I am needed. Loving every moment. Serving with an Attitude of Gratitude. To whom much is given much is required.
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Mary has spent over two decades in the nonprofit sector working on issues of equity, homelessness and health. Prior to becoming Executive Director of Miracle Messages, she was the Executive Director of California at Health Leads working closely with community partners, local public health departments and health care systems. Prior to Health Leads, Mary was the Director of Program from Building Opportunities for Self Sufficiency, a leading homeless service provider in Alameda County, CA.
Mary started her work in supportin individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Currently, Mary sits on the Board of Directors for Courageous Women Association and is the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Ability Challange.
Growing up, Mary lived in Buffalo, NY and spent her summers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home is now Richmond, CA to her, her two children, rottweiler puppy and partner. She holds a Masters of Health Care Delivery Sciences from Dartmouth College, MPH from University of North Carolina, and a BA from State of University at Buffalo.
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Dr. Sandra Y. Hunter has been an employee with the City of Berkeley HHCS Public Health Division for 34 years. She has served the community in several programs throughout her tenor with the City of Berkeley PHD, such as, Women’s Infants and Children’s Program, Tobacco Prevention, Lead Prevention Program, Reproductive Sexual Health Program, HIV Program. Currently, Sandra serves as the Senior Community Health Specialist and the lead Family Health Advocate for the City of Berkeley Black Infant Health Program. The program mission is to empower and increase resilience amongst prenatal and postnatal African American women, by supporting them to make better health choices for themselves and their families. The program’s goal is to decrease health disparities and inequities amongst women of color.
Dr. Hunter has served on the Healthy Black Families Board of Directors and Courageous Women’s Association Board of Directors.
Dr. Hunter has taught in the Berkeley School District at both Berkeley High School and Berkeley Technology School formally known as East Campos as a Health Educator, with the Expanded Teen Smart Program and the Teen Smart Program.
During Dr. Hunter’s tenor with City of Berkeley Public Health Division, she has completed her academic education and earned the following degrees:
- Associate’s Degree, Education Alameda Junior College
- Bachelor’s Degree, Psychology John F. Kennedy University
- Master’s Degree, Organizational Psychology John F. Kennedy University
- Master’s Degree, Theology LRM Academy Minnesota Graduate School of Theology Bfitsolm Bible College
- Doctorate Degree, Theology LRM Academy Minnesota Graduate School of Theology Bfitsolm Bible College.
Dr. Hunter has earned many certificates and awards throughout her years completing her academic education i.e. diversity and sensitivity certificates, equity certificates, basic nutrition, conflict resolution, and coaching to name a few.
Dr. Hunter is affectionately known as Sandi Hunter and has been a featured soloist in gospel choirs since the age of 5. As an adult she was a lead vocalist in the world renowned “Love Center Choir”, founded by the late Walter L. Hawkins, of the gospel singing group “The Hawkins Family,” known for writing and composing hit songs such as, “Changed” and “Oh Happy Day”.
Dr. Hunter is often referred to as the “Bay Areas” Soprano and known for her high range.
Dr. Hunter has provided background vocals for many local and known gospel as well as secular artist such as: The late Walter L. Hawkins, the late Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins Richardson, Lynette Hawkins Stephens, Donald Lawrence, Richard Smallwood, Patti Austin, Patty Label, Melonie Daniels, Lawrence Matthews, Michael MacDonald, Narda Michael Walden, Byron Cage, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Donnie McClurkin, and BEBE and CeCe Winans, just to name a few.
Dr. Hunter has also lent her vocals to hit touring plays and many studio recording sessions.
In 2008, she was appointed by the late Mr. Edwin Hawkins as the stage coordinator for the City of Oakland Annual Art and Soul Festival “Edwin Hawkins Gospel Stage”. She considers this to be one of the highest honors and pivotal points in her life. Presently, Dr. Hunter still holds this title and does it with professionalism, excellence, and grace. She is known by the City of Oakland festival event organizers as professional, flexible, and passionate about her work.
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