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About the Team

Leadership & Expertise

Meet the Team Behind Eatonville Rising

Proven leaders with decades of experience in cultural preservation, heritage tourism, and community development

Eatonville Rising organizational chart — Sacred Ground and Storied Eyes project team structure

Chad McKendrick

President, Board of Directors

Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.)

N.Y. Nathiri

Executive Director

Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.)

Jeffrey Cherisol, Project Specialist / Executive Assistant

Jeffrey Cherisol

Project Specialist / Executive Assistant

Cultural Heritage Tourism Consultants

Alice Morgan Grant, M.A./M.S
Event Lead

“Sankofa Showdown” – National Middle School Scholastic Tournament

Bryan Giemza
Bryan Giemza, Ph.D., J.D.
Event Member

“Sankofa Showdown” – National Middle School Scholastic Tournament

Clarissa West-White
Clarissa West-White, Ph.D.
Event Member

“Sankofa Showdown” – National Middle School Scholastic Tournament

Reginald Lewis
Event Lead

Heritage Concert Series

Lonnie Graham, M.F.A.
Event Lead

Especially For Eatonville – A Commissioned Exhibition

Zienzi Dillon
Event Lead

Pan African Fashion and Food Expo

Everett L. Fly
Event Lead

Welcome to Eatonville – Cultural Heritage Tours
Cynthia Haywood, Event Member — Welcome to Eatonville Cultural Heritage Tours
Cynthia Haywood
Event Member

Welcome to Eatonville – Cultural Heritage Tours

Muhammad Nadiri
Muhammad A. Nadhiri, M.B.A.
Event Member

Welcome to Eatonville – Cultural Heritage Tours

Julian C. Chambliss
Event Lead

Celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s World

Bryan Giemza
Bryan Giemza, Ph.D., J.D.
Event Member

Celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s World

Clarissa West-White
Clarissa West-White, Ph.D.
Event Member

Celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s World

Marketing & Media

Sheryl Taylor
Sheryl Taylor
Sales & Marketing

ST Consulting LLC.
TK Walker
Digital Marketing

Digigor Web Solutions
Lynda Hasberry
PR & Media Strategist

TBD

P.E.C. Board Representative

Winnifred (Winnie) Hurston, Chair
Board Development Committee

P.E.C. Board Representative

Why This Team Succeeds

Proven Track Record

37 Years of Success:

1+ million festival attendees served

Millions in economic impact generated

Hundreds of artists and scholars featured

National recognition as cultural tourism leaders

Experienced

Comprehensive Skills:

Cultural preservation – Deep understanding of African American heritage

Government relations – Connections with local, state, and federal agencies

Business development – Board members with corporate and entrepreneurial experience

Tourism industry – Hospitality and visitor services expertise

Academic credentials – Partnerships with leading universities and scholars

Digital marketing – Modern outreach and
engagement strategies

National Connections

Strategic Partnerships:

Academic institutions providing research and
student engagement

Media networks ensuring national coverage and visibility

Cultural organizations offering programming and promotional support

Philanthropic partners providing matching funds and ongoing support

N.Y. Nathiri, M.S. (Library Science)

Executive Director, Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.) & "Eatonville Rising" Project Manager

N.Y. Nathiri, M.S. (Library Science), “Eatonville Rising” Project Manager, is the executive director of the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.), a historic preservation/cultural arts/community revitalization organization committed to promoting the town’s considerable heritage and historical resources as a means for its revitalization and economic development.

Under her leadership, P.E.C. has earned national recognition for its programs and festivals. Nathiri holds a B.A. in history from Ithaca College, an M.S. in library science from Syracuse University, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Rollins College.

She is the editor of ZORA! Zora Neale Hurston: A Woman and Her Community and serves as Vice President for Cultural Heritage Tourism for the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance.

Jeffrey B. Cherisol

Civil Service

Jeffrey Cherisol is a social-services professional with 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable communities, including individuals living with serious mental illness, families experiencing homelessness, and at-risk youth.

He has built cross-sector partnerships with businesses to deliver food-security initiatives for homeless families, technology and toy drives for at-risk children, and school-supply campaigns for young scholars.

Most recently, his civil service work has centered on quality assurance, compliance, and clear communication, improving outcomes and operational consistency. Mr. Cherisol holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Information Studies with a concentration in Security from the University of South Florida. He brings his unique experience and discipline to Eatonville Rising with a focus on producing quality results, aligning messaging, tracking deliverables, and meeting reporting and funding requirements to maximize equitable community impact.

Alice Morgan Grant, M.A., M.S.

Owner & Editor/Consultant, VISION Writing Services

Alice Morgan Grant, M.A., M.S. (Sankofa Showdown), a retired college English professor and student services administrator, is passionate about addressing the educational needs of underserved youth.

In 1997, she founded the E-WE Computer Laboratory and Learning Center in Eatonville, FL, impacting over 3,000 children in grades pre-K to 12.

A Spelman College alumna, Mrs. Grant holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Southern Illinois University, along with a master’s degree in counseling from Rollins College. She is passionate about addressing the educational needs of underserved youth.

Bryan Giemza, Ph.D., J.D.

Professor of Humanities & Literature, Texas Tech University

Bryan Giemza, Ph.D., J.D. (Sankofa Showdown & Celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s World Conference), is a Professor of Humanities and Literature at Texas Tech University and the former Director of the Southern Historical Collection at UNC-Chapel Hill.

A longtime collaborator with P.E.C., he has worked for over a decade to preserve Eatonville’s historic resources and advance its role as a national gateway to the African American experience.

As a Fulbright Scholar and public humanist, he brings deep experience in community-engaged scholarship and initiatives. He believes in bolstering civic participation by bringing people together through shared stories and public memory.

Clarissa West-White, Ph.D.

University Archivist, Assistant Professor & Faculty Athletics Representative, Bethune–Cookman University

Clarissa West-White, Ph.D. (Sankofa Showdown & Celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s World Conference), is the University Archivist, Assistant Professor, and Faculty Athletics Representative at Bethune-Cookman University. A native of Quincy, Florida, she has degrees in Creative Writing, Curriculum & Instruction, English Education, and Information from Florida State University.

She has varied educational teaching and leadership experiences that span almost three decades across public and private, state and county, national and international, in-person and online, library and archive spaces.

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated; her hobbies include traveling, road trips, photography, and more recently, knitting. She is married with two sons.

Reginald Lewis

Founder, ClaDom Enterprise, LLC

Reginald Lewis (Heritage Concert Series), founder of ClaDom Enterprise, LLC, brings over 45 years of experience in event production, concert promotion, and business management, featuring genres such as R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Reggae, Rock, and Country.

ClaDom has promoted renowned artists like Frankie Beverly and Maze, Anthony Hamilton, Charlie Wilson, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Lewis also co-produced major festivals, including the MOJA Arts Festival and the Noon 2 Moon GiGantacore Rock Festival. A former restaurant owner, he is known for his strategic planning, strong city partnerships, and successful touring events.

Lonnie Graham, M.F.A.

Distinguished Professor, Pennsylvania State University

Lonnie Graham, M.F.A. (Especially for Eatonville), is a recently retired Distinguished Professor at Pennsylvania State University and a former Director of Photography at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, where he developed a nationally recognized arts education model.

Graham chairs the board of the San Francisco Art Institute and created the “African/American Garden Project,” linking urban mothers and Kenyan farmers.

His work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, La Maison des États-Unis in Paris, and the Goethe Institute in Ghana. He is the author of A Conversation with the World and a recipient of multiple NEA and PCA fellowships.

Zienzi Dillon, Ph.D.

Founder & CEO, Carmel Global Capital; Founder, Marketplace Calling International

Zienzi Dillon, Ph.D. (Pan African Fashion & Food Expo) founder of both Carmel Global Capital, New York, and Marketplace Calling International, has over 35 years of solid banking experience, including Central Banking, Retail, Corporate and Investment Banking, as well as development finance at the Pan-African and international level, in addition to having over 20 years of board experience in Africa, including serving as deputy chairperson for a listed company.

Everett L. Fly, FASLA

Landscape Architect

Everett L. Fly, FASLA (Welcome to Eatonville), is a licensed landscape architect and architect with over 40 years of experience in the research of historic Black towns and settlements, for which he received a National Humanities Medal in 2014. He has served on various historic review boards and worked with private families, nonprofits, governments, and organizations like the National Park Service.

Fly is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and has received numerous awards, including the 2021 Harvard University Distinguished Alumni Award. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Cynthia Haywood

Manager of Museum Operations, Zora Neale Hurston® National Museum of Fine Arts (The Hurston®)

Cynthia Haywood (Welcome to Eatonville Team) serves as Manager of Museum Operations at the Zora Neale Hurston® National Museum of Fine Arts. Her leadership ensures a welcoming visitor experience that advances P.E.C.’s mission.

She has been affiliated with P.E.C. for more than two decades, beginning as a dedicated volunteer for the ZORA! ® Festival. In 2020, she joined the paid staff, providing both museum and administrative service.

She is a retiree from the State of Florida, Department of Children and Family Services, having worked as a staffer for 36 years of service.

Muhammad A. Nadhiri, M.B.A.

Founding Managing Partner, LightPoint Group; Co-Founding Partner, Axis Development Group

Muhammad A. Nadhiri, M.B.A. (Welcome to Eatonville), Founding Managing Partner of LightPoint Group, is a real estate developer and community leader with over 20 years of experience in urban-infill and mixed-use projects.

He is the Founding Managing Partner of LightPoint Group and Co-Founding Partner at Axis Development Group, with a portfolio spanning San Francisco and Los Angeles. A former investment banker, Muhammad holds a B.A. from Morehouse College and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.

Raised in a household rooted in education, art, and social justice, he continues that legacy through civic leadership with 100 Black Men of America and service on several nonprofit boards focused on education and equitable development.

Julian C. Chambliss, Ph.D.

Professor of English & Val Berryman Curator of History, MSU Museum, Michigan State University

Julian C. Chambliss, Ph.D. (Celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s World Conference), is a Professor of English and the Val Berryman Curator of History at the MSU Museum, Michigan State University.He is a co-director of the Digital Humanities and Literary Cognition Lab (DHLC) and faculty lead for the Graphic Possibilities Comic Research Workshop in the Department of English.

His research explores race and identity in the context of Popular Culture, Afrofuturism, and Digital Humanities. His documentary on Afrofuturism, entitled Afrofantastic: The Transformative World of Afrofuturism (2023), is available through PBS.org.

Sheryl Taylor

CEO & Owner, ST Marketing Consult, LLC

Sheryl Taylor, recently retired Vice President of Member Development at Visit Orlando, is the CEO/Owner of ST Marketing Consult, LLC, where she assists businesses in crafting and executing impactful marketing strategies.

She spent 30 years as Vice President of Member Development at Visit Orlando, driving millions in private-sector revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, and marketing programs. Earlier, she held sales and leadership roles at Merck & Co. and Bristol Myers Squibb, building expertise in sales excellence, product development, and marketing.

A University of Maryland graduate in Psychology and Cultural/African Studies, Sheryl is also deeply committed to community service, serving on numerous nonprofit committees and as a 48-year member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

TK Walker, M.S.

Founder & CEO, Digigor

TK Walker, M.S., founder & CEO of Digigor, is a marketing technologist, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to blending culture, technology, and community impact. As the founder and CEO of Digigor, he delivers innovative digital solutions that help organizations thrive.

TK is also Course Director at Full Sail University, where he brings 20+ years of expertise spanning technology, engineering, and digital strategy, beginning as a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin. He holds a master’s in Computer Science and a background in electrical engineering.

TK leads digital strategy for Eatonville Rising, creating a world-class online presence for the historic town. Passionate about AI, automation, and financial literacy, TK champions innovation that enriches life.

Lynda Hasberry, Ph.D.

Global Media Strategist, Eatonville Rising

Lynda Hasberry, Ph.D., is a public relations professional and global media strategist with nearly two decades of experience shaping narratives that drive visibility, trust, and impact.

She earned a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Mass Communication from Jackson State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication from Regent University. Lynda has led high-profile media campaigns across sectors including advocacy, cultural heritage, and corporate responsibility.

As the Global Media Strategist for Eatonville Rising, she leads the planning and execution of media strategies by developing comprehensive messaging frameworks, securing media coverage, and connecting Eatonville’s historic legacy to worldwide audiences through coordinated, multi-platform outreach.

Winnifred Hurston

Board Representative, Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.)

Winnifred Hurston, P.E.C. Board Representative, brings decades-long experience in the corporate arena, having served as Executive Administrative Support at the C-suite level.

Her background spans corporate NYSE/NASDAQ entities, law firms, and the nonprofit sector. Winnifred is an award-winning Executive Strategic Partner, earning the 2018 Carriage Services High Performance Hero Award and the 2024 Admin Awards Colleen Barrett Award.

Recognized in P.O.W.E.R. Magazine in 2023, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including Board Director, Executive Strategic Partner, and mentor. Winnifred is passionate about volunteerism and community service.

Tracy Moore

Founder & Owner, RCP Limited

Tracy Moore, founder and owner of RCP Limited since 1999, serves as the official travel consultant for the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, coordinating air and hotel contracts, ZORA! Festival travel arrangements for guests and for collaborative partners; commemorative cruises; and other special projects.

RCP Limited has provided consultant, branding, and design services for clients that have included the National Broadcast Association for Community Affairs, the Florida Historical Society, the Department of Defense, NASA, The Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Multicultural Complex, and the National Park Service. RCP Limited’s mission is to provide resourceful and creative professional services and quality resources.

Melva Akens

President and Owner, Akens Design, Inc.

Melva Akens is the President and Owner of Akens Design, Inc., a creative firm specializing in delivering epic experiences, events, and etiquette programs.

She is an accomplished entertainment professional who was recently honored by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Women’s Committee during Women’s History Month 2025 for her advocacy and dedication to developing professional development programs for women working in stagecraft, film, and television.

Melva is a founding board member of Women in Film & Television International, a past president of Women in Film & Television, Central Florida, and a board member of Global Peace Film Festival 360°. A proud Pepperdine University alumna, Melva has held nonprofit leadership and management roles where she consistently exceeded organizational goals in membership engagement, service delivery, and capacity building.

Victor Watkins

Official Photographer, Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.)

Victor Watkins serves as the official photographer for the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.). His work captures activities at the Zora Neale Hurston® National Museum of Fine Arts (The Hurston®), the annual ZORA!® Festival Season, and a wide range of cultural heritage tourism events.

Through his lens, Victor preserves the legacy and ongoing work of P.E.C., ensuring that its history and impact are visually chronicled for future generations.

Ken Moore

Technical Producer, Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.)

Ken Moore, a proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Speech and Journalism, along with a certification in Radio and Television Engineering from REI Electronics. He serves as Technical Director of Media Services at Bethune-Cookman, where his media career began at WBCC campus radio.

His experience spans radio and television. He is a recipient of both the Telly, the premier honor for excellence in film, video, and television, and the American Advertising Awards (ADDY Awards), the world’s largest advertising competition with over five million annual entries.

He is “The Voice” of the Marching Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University and Technical Producer for the P.E.C. organization.

Christopher Peace, Ph.D.

Assistant Teaching Professor of Business Communications, Carnegie Mellon University

Christopher Peace, Ph.D. (Celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s World Conference), is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Business Communications at Carnegie Mellon University. Before joining CMU, he was a Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

His current practice aims to build on students’ rhetorical audience awareness of professional genres, self-branding, intercultural rhetorics, and effective writing strategies when communicating to multiple business audiences.

His personal research interests include writing with ethnographic methodologies that examine rhetorical strategies of professional identity formation within African American esotericism, Hoodoo, and spirit communication. He also serves on the Academics committee for the ZORA! Festival of the Arts and Humanities.

In memoriam: Alice Morgan Grant (1942–2026) — donate via P.E.C. in her honor