OUR BOARD MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/
PRESIDENT
Jena Carter miller
Jena Carter is the Executive Director/President of We Are the Mom's Foundation, a nonprofit born from her deep desire to support grieving families and effect positive change in the community. With over 35 years of experience in administrative leadership, Mrs. Carter has a proven track record of solving complex challenges and delivering peak service through thoughtful solutions. She is known for building strong, lasting partnerships with clients and stakeholders that lead to long-term success, and her work has been drive by a passion for helping others.
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Her journey took a transformative turn in December 2019 when she lost her son to gun violence. Devastated by the loss, Jena knew that grieving alone wasn't enough. She wanted to take meaningful action to honor not only her son but also the many families who have experienced similar tragedies, whether due to gun violence, overdose, or suicide. After prayerful reflection and conversations with loved ones, Jena founded We Are the Mom's Foundation, creating a space where mothers and families can find healing, support, and a sense of purpose as they work together to address community issues.
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Jena is a natural leader, dedicated to helping others navigate grief, and committed to empowering individuals to take an action role in improving their communities. Her motto, "Change can't happen if we don't participate," reflects her determination to turn pain into purpose. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and indulging in her love for interior design. Through her work with We Are the Mom's Foundation, Jena continues to provide hope, healing, and a platform for change.
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VISION STATEMENT
To create an environment where no mother or family has to endure the heart wrenching pain of losing a child or family to violence. We envision a future where our collective strength and advocacy lead to safer communities and reduced violence and improved support systems for grieving mothers.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide unwavering support, understanding and healing to mothers who have tragically lost their children to homicide. We stand together as a community of strength, compassion, and resilience offering a safe place to share our pain, honor our children's memories and work toward justice.
Through unity, advocacy and love we strive to bring awareness to the devastating impact of such losses on mothers and families.
SECRETARY
ALETHIA HICKSON
Alethia Hickson is a dedicated and seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in administrative, customer service, and clerical roles. She is known for her exceptional communication skills and ability to support organization in achieving their service-level goals. Throughout her career, Alethia has built a reputation for excellence by listening, learning, and applying her knowledge to contribute to the success of every company she has worked with.
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Mrs. Hickson is deeply committed to maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Her resilience and focus have allowed her to navigate life's challenges gracefully, treating each experience as an opportunity for growth. She is a fighter, a person of strong faith, and values forgiveness and perseverance.
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Family-oriented and community-minded, Mrs. Hickson is passionate about giving back. She enjoys shopping, cooking, helping those in need, traveling, and attending conferences that promote personal and professional growth. In 2020, she earned her associate degree in Liberal Arts from Wilmington University, and she is currently pursing a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Delaware. Her goal is to advocate for civil rights and justice, particularly within communities lacking such knowledge.
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As the secretary of We Are the Mom's Foundation, Alethia draws from her own experiences to support and strengthen other mothers who are grieving the lost of a child. She is proud to use her skills to make a positive impact wherever she goes and remains dedicated to serving those in need. Alethia attributes her strength and accomplishments to her faith and reflects daily on her journey, continuously inspiring others to persevere and never give up.
TREASURER
CHRISTOPHER MILLER SR.
Christopher Miller serves as the Treasurer for We Are the Mom's Foundation, bringing over 35 years of experience as an accounting specialist with General Motors. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional financial acumen in managing the timely payment of invoices for employees seeking services through the EAP office. His sharp attention to detail and commitment to ensuring that every dollar is properly allocated have earned him a reputation as a frugal and responsible steward of financial resources.
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Christopher's deep understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and financial systems for nonprofits makes him an invaluable asset to the foundation. He is adapt at managing cash flow, developing accounting systems, and navigating the tax implications of nonprofit financial management. His business-minded approach ensures that We Are the Mom's Foundation operates with integrity and fiscal responsibility, allowing it to serve the community effectively.
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His personal experiences with the tragic loss of both his son and grandson to gun violence drives his passion for helping others. While nothing can bring his loves ones back, Mr. Miller is determined to ensure their legacy lives on by supporting other families facing similar grief. He is committed helping others cope with loss and find healing, believing that no other parent should endure what he has experienced. His dedication to the foundation's mission, combined with his financial expertise, positions Christopher as a leader who is both compassionate and results-oriented.
Savette Taylor is dedicated and passionate event planning professional with a passion and enthusiasm for bringing people together. With a keen eye for detail, she has successfully consulted with clients, ensuring that every event aligns with their objectives and requirements. Her expertise spans coordinating essential services, including venue selection, catering, table displays, and audiovisual equipment, all to create seamless and memorable experiences.
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Having retired from a career in the medical office field, Ms. Taylor remains actively involved in her Wilmington community, where she has lived for many years. Her commitment to making a positive impact is evident in her desire to assist where needed, especially in helping families affected by gun violence. As a surviving mother, she is driven to support others through grieving, offering compassion and guidance during difficult times.
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In her personal life, Savette enjoys reading, interior design, and cooking, and shares her love and creativity with her great-nieces and nephews. her hand-on approach, combined with her deep empathy for others, makes her an invaluable resource and advocate for those in need.
THERAPIST
AMINAH YUSUF,
MBA, MS, LCADC, LMSW
Aminah Yusuf is the founder and principal consultant at Yusuf Consultants LLC, specializing in trauma-informed care and brain development education to improve the lives of youth and their families. With over 40 years of experience in Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Human Services, and the Criminal Justice System, Aminah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her clients. She has been a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor sine 1999 and a Licensed Masters-level Social Worker sine 2021.
Aminah's professional journey includes significant roles such as School Clinician at Parkways of Delaware, where she provides counseling and behavior intervention for high-risk students, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center. Her background also features extensive work in trauma-informed therapy, crisis intervention and relapse prevention.
She holds a PhD in Psychology Sports and Performance from the University of the Rockies, a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, and an MBA in Healthcare Management from American InterContinental University. Her dedication to facilitating change and improving life function for individuals and families makes her a highly valued consultant and therapist.
Outside her professional life, Aminah enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring interior design. She remains deeply committed to her mission of supporting and transforming lives through compassionate and effective treatment approaches.
SOCIAL WORKER/INTAKE COORDINATOR
STACI WATKINS
Staci Watkins is a dedicated and resilient member of the We Are the Mom's Foundation. Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, she grew up in a single-parent household on the west side of the city. Despite facing numerous challenges during her upbringing, including struggles with addiction and periods of incarceration, Staci has emerged as a powerful example of perseverance and personal growth.
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A graduate of Newark High School, Staci overcame her addiction through the support of a 12-step program and has remained drug-free for 26 years. Her journey has included both difficult and positive choices, but it is marked by her unwavering commitment to living with purpose and helping others. One of the most profound challenges she has face is the tragic loss of her daughter to suicide-an event that will forever be part of her life. Despite this unimaginable pain, Staci has found strength in her role as a mother, cherishing her 32-year old son and her twin three-year-old daughters.
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Staci's passion for supporting other families who have lost children, as well as her own journey of healing, fuels her work with We Are the Mom's Foundation. Her story is one of transformation and hope, and she is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others who are navigating the depths of grief and trauma
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
ALETHEA SMITH-TUCKER
Alethea Smith-Tucker is the founder and principal business consultant of Help U Produce, a consultancy firm she established in 2017. Specializing in strategic planning and strategy implementation, Alethea identifies her clients' unique needs and develops customized plans to enhance efficiency, profitability, and goal achievements. Her collaborative approach, marked by compassion and assurance, positions her as a trusted partner to small businesses and non-profits.
A proud alumna of Wilmington University, Alethea majored in Information Systems and Business, where she distinguished herself academically. Before launching her consultancy, she garnered 16 years of diverse experience in the banking, healthcare, and insurance sectors, holding roles such as sales representative, technical analyst, business analyst, and financial analyst.
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Alethea is also an advocate or education, serving her community as the Vice President of the Christina School District Board and as a board member of the Wilmington Learning Collaborative. Her commitment to education and community service underscores her dedication to making a positive impact beyond her professional endeavors.
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Alethea's extensive education, combined with her vast professional experience and passion for business, make her a valuable asset to any organization. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, engaging in activities such as reading, dancing, networking with supportive women, and exploring real estate.
LINDA PALAFOX-ZAPORTA
GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER
