A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

Shandra M. Willis is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tamera’s Hope for Angels. Born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, she is the organization’s founder and provides strategic leadership focused on operational excellence, team development, and mission advancement. Ms. Willis brings more than 12 years of federal service, with professional experience spanning military, medical, and administrative operations. She is a results-driven executive known for building high-performing teams, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and driving organizational effectiveness through disciplined leadership and continuous improvement.

She holds a Master of Public Administration from Ashford University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Virginia State University. Ms. Willis is committed to ongoing professional development to enhance executive leadership, governance, and organizational performance.

Her distinguished service has been recognized through numerous federal and military honors, including the Army Achievement Award, Army Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service (two awards), Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, Commanding General’s Certificate of Achievement, Air Force Award for Civilian Achievement, FEMA Certificate of Achievement, and multiple Army Certificates of Appreciation and monetary awards. She has also received the Honors with Distinction Scholastic Excellence Award, the Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher Award, and is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society.

Ms. Willis leads with a strategic, service-oriented approach grounded in accountability, professionalism, and mission impact.

Shan A. D. Willis was born in Charleston, Mississippi. He is a member of the United States Army and served for over 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and pursuing a Master of Science in Management and Organizational Leadership. He’s a member of several professional organizations, Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), Transportation Corp Regimental Association (TCRA), Field Artillery Regimental Association, National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA), Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC), National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 70. He holds several awards and decorations for his military service.

Celester Thomas was born and raised in Lake City, South Carolina. He is a Principal Broker and Owner at Soldier to Soldier Hawaii Realty, LLC. He studied Electrical engineering at South Carolina State University. Celester is a United States Army Veteran where he earned numerous awards.

Education Merrick Green Graduation from Louisiana State University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science, additionally in 2008 he earned a Master’s of Science in Information Technology Management. He also hold a Certified Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification. Work Experience Merrick Green is currently serving on active duty in the United States Air Force. In his 21 year career he has served as a Deputy Group Commander, Squadron Commander, staff officer and is a Master Air Battle Manager. His Air Force career has taken him all around the globe including assignments in Germany, Turkey, Florida, Virginia, Oklahoma, Georgia and Louisiana. He has over 2000 hours on the JSTARS and AWACS surveillance systems, with 500 of those hours in combat. Additionally he is the owner of MG4Tech, a technology company that specialized in website development and management. Major Achievements 2013 Warren Easton High School Hall of Fame Inductee 2008 Phi Beta Sigma, Delta Beta Sigma Chapter, Man of the Year 2019 Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Gamma Sigma Chapter, Man of the Year 2019- Present, President of the Iota Gamma Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc 2019 – Present, President of the Ramstein Speakers Association Toastmasters Club 2442

Tabitha Evans currently serves as the Board Treasurer for Tamera’s Hope for Angels, where she oversees and ensures financial compliance which includes personal, business, state and federal donations and grants. Tabitha has over 10+ years of job experience in compliance grant writing, grant contract management, and state/federal reporting. Tabitha holds a degree in Business Administration, Psychology and minored in English studies.

Shanika Gavin, is a wife, mother and leader. Having had the privilege to be a stay at home mom and military wife for the last 12 years she has served her family with love, support and dedication. The love of family is what lead Shanika to foster her skills as a caregiver and help to other military families who do not have family or access to child care. Prior to deciding to stay home fulltime Shanika served as a Human Resources assistant as well as a Finance Consultant for the United States Army. Positions that she held in both the US and Germany. When Shanika is not spending time with her family she enjoys spending time helping those in need.

My name is Dr. Angel Murphy and I am a principal within the Port Arthur ISD. I obtained my Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership in 2015. I am an advocate for all students and believes that an Education can open doors to opportunities that would have otherwise been unavailable. It is my goal and personal mission to ensure all students are given the same equal opportunities to a quality education. My favorite quote and motto is from Sir Winston S. Churchill “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” I stand for truth, ethics, morals, and values and strive to provide the same to all stakeholders whom I serve.

Tamaron Gibbs I am an Army Veteran who was born and raised in Port Arthur, Tx. I’ve been in the health care field for over ten years with training ranging from patient care to administrative roles. My passion is to help those who may not know where to find help.