Team Members
Anissa Hillman Grandberry
Co-Founder & President
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together. and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
-Luke 6:38
Mrs. Grandberry is a graduate of the University of Detroit-Mercy in 1993 with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a concentration in Management.
Mrs. Grandberry began her career in Financial Services as a Loan Officer originating consumer and mortgage loans and then transitioned to Mortgage Underwriting for several years until she exited the workforce to start a family and several home based small businesses. In 2005 She launched Metropolis, LLC, a diversified real estate services and development company in Pontiac, Michigan. In 2007, she became a Partner in H & M Technology, LLC where she built a successful IT Staffing and Services company. In 2013, she became Executive Administrator at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, tasked with managing the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church’s Business Operations.
Jameane Grandberry Bouie
Co-Founder & 1st Vice President
Turning a Vision into Reality
Clarissa N. Grandberry Payne is currently on the NPG Foundation Board serving as the secretary. Clarissa played an integral part in the development and organization of this foundation. Clarissa serves on another foundation where she serves as the Public Relations and Community Development co-chair. Clarissa is a retired educator from the Pontiac School District after 32 years of service in 2022. Her undergraduate studies were completed in Marketing/Finance at Wilberforce University. Clarissa’s Master’s Degree studies and certifications are from Wayne State University in Elementary Education. Clarissa holds certification received after retirement in: Special Education, Event/Wedding Coordinating, Grant Writing, Interviewing and Life Coaching.
Clarissa is the owner of Clarissa’s Creations and Class of Learning, and she is co-owner of Juzt Ribz with her husband. She is the founder of the pending JAG Foundation in memory of her father.
Clarissa is an active, lifelong member of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church of Pontiac. She believes solely in the true word of God. A few of her favorite scriptures are Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” and 1 Peter 4:10 “ As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
She is married to Willie, and they have shared 40+ years together and have two adult children. Clarissa treasures the ability to be a servant of God, to educate and be of assistance to the less fortunate and witness to the unsaved.
Yashica Wellons
Board Chair
Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today.
Yashica Wellons is a woman of faith, devoted mother, educator, and active community servant. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the Lupus Awareness Foundation, and has been a dedicated member of the NPG Foundation for over 10 years. She also serves in multiple ministries at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church.
With more than 16 years of experience in the Pontiac School System, Yashica has made a lasting impact by mentoring and encouraging students to grow academically, mentally, and emotionally. While she is no longer in the district, she proudly continues to embrace her identity as an educator.
Through her continued work with the NPG Foundation, Yashica hopes to build upon its strong community presence by supporting programs centered on scholarship and mentorship. She plans to leverage her experience in education to expand opportunities for youth, strengthen the Foundation’s initiatives, and help raise awareness of Scleroderma throughout the community.
Kerry Mason
2nd Vice President
Hold the vision.
Trust the process.
Kerry Mason brings a professional background in the aerospace and automotive industries and currently serves as a Resin Coordinator. She has been a dedicated member of the NPG Foundation Board for over 20 years, supporting its mission to raise awareness of Scleroderma and assist families impacted by the disease.
Kerry’s commitment to the foundation is deeply personal. Her involvement began when the matriarch of the Nadine Purity family was diagnosed with Scleroderma and later passed away from the disease. Witnessing the profound impact on their family resonated with her own experiences of loss, strengthening her resolve to support the foundation’s mission.
Since then, Kerry has remained a steadfast advocate, committed to honoring that legacy through continued service, awareness, and support for those affected by Scleroderma.
Clarissa Grandberry
Recording Secretary
Dream bigger.
Do bigger.
Clarissa N. Grandberry Payne is currently on the NPG Foundation Board serving as the secretary. Clarissa played an integral part in the development and organization of this foundation. Clarissa serves on another foundation where she serves as the Public Relations and Community Development co-chair. Clarissa is a retired educator from the Pontiac School District after 32 years of service in 2022. Her undergraduate studies were completed in Marketing/Finance at Wilberforce University. Clarissa’s Master’s Degree studies and certifications are from Wayne State University in Elementary Education. Clarissa holds certification received after retirement in: Special Education, Event/Wedding Coordinating, Grant Writing, Interviewing and Life Coaching.
Clarissa is the owner of Clarissa’s Creations and Class of Learning, and she is co-owner of Juzt Ribz with her husband. She is the founder of the pending JAG Foundation in memory of her father.
Clarissa is an active, lifelong member of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church of Pontiac. She believes solely in the true word of God. A few of her favorite scriptures are Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” and 1 Peter 4:10 “ As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
She is married to Willie, and they have shared 40+ years together and have two adult children. Clarissa treasures the ability to be a servant of God, to educate and be of assistance to the less fortunate and witness to the unsaved.
Mary Elcock
Financial Secretary
A Perfectionist on Every Detail
Mary Elcock is a seasoned finance professional with over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from Walsh College.
Mary serves as a Board Member and Treasurer of the NPG Foundation, a role she has held since its inception, contributing more than 20 years of dedicated service. She provides fiscal leadership, ensures sound financial governance, and supports the Foundation’s long-term sustainability.
Inspired by the life and legacy of Naydine Purty Grandberry, Mary is passionate about advancing the Foundation’s mission to raise awareness of Scleroderma and support affected families.
She is also active in her church, where she serves in leadership roles, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary values faith, family, and service.
Henry L. Jackson III
Sergeant-at-Arms
Empowering minds,
expanding opportunities, and leading with purpose.
Mr. Henry Jackson III is a proud Pontiac native who has dedicated his life and career to serving his community through education and leadership. He brings over 16 years of experience in the field of education, where he has worked to create equitable opportunities and impactful learning experiences for students across multiple grade levels. He earned his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education, further strengthening his commitment to transformational leadership and continuous improvement.
Currently, Mr. Jackson serves as a Program Director within the Pontiac School District, where he leads Project Excel, a multi-site, grant-funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. Under his leadership, the program provides academic enrichment, mentorship, and innovative educational opportunities for students from elementary through high school. His work focuses on expanding access, strengthening student engagement, and building systems that support both academic achievement and personal growth.
In addition to his work in education, Mr. Jackson is actively involved with the NPG Foundation, where he is committed to raising awareness about Scleroderma. He is inspired by the Foundation’s mission to educate communities, support individuals and families, and advocate for continued research. Through this work, he remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact both within and beyond the classroom.
.jpg)
Kaino Phillips
Trustee
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments
Mr. Kaino Phillips is a Pontiac product born and raised. He attended and graduating from Pontiac Northern High School. Upon completion, Kaino took his educational endeavors down to Grambling State University in Louisiana where he matriculated in the educational concentration of Pre-Law (Political Science and Mass Communications).
Upon graduating, he returned to Michigan where he engaged in multiple leadership roles with numerous organizations. Some of these positions past and present include: President of the Board for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, President of the Board for Pontiac Promise Zone, United Way of Southeast Michigan Community Public Policy and Advocacy Council, Co-Chair for Goodwill Industries Community Health Council for Justice Involved/Impacted Residents, CNS Healthcare of Michigan Board of Directors Executive Council, City of Pontiac Anti-Violence Commission Chair to name a few.
The one involvement that he prides himself on most is his many years of being a Motivational Speaker. Professionally, he has been in the field of corporate sales and management for close to 22 years and the non-profit sector for 12 years. Currently, he serves in the position of President/CEO of the Clarence Phillips Ascend Foundation. In this capacity he has received numerous coveted awards. Just recently he received the: State of Michigan: Governor, Senate & House of Representatives Award of Service, International Excellence Champion in Service Award for his years of mission work in the Dominican Republic, Race Relation & Diversity Champion Award, State of Michigan Recreation & Parks Association Community Impact Award, Phi Delta Kappa National Honoree for Educational Excellence as well as an honorary induction for LEADERSHIP into the Golden Key National Honour Society to name a few. Furthermore, he was named as a finalist for the 2015 NAACP National Image Award.
Engaging the youth has always been the pinnacle of his passion, Kaino lives by the belief that, “You shouldn’t complain about a problem unless you are willing to engage the problem.” “If you choose not to take action you forfeit your right to complain.”
Yolanda Reney Cox
Board Member
Guided by faith, driven by service, and committed to impact.
Reney Cox is a seasoned administrative and operations professional with more than two decades of experience supporting senior executives and strengthening organizational effectiveness. Her career spans corporate, financial, and human‑resources environments, where she has excelled in process improvement, team engagement, and strategic administrative leadership. Reney brings a deep commitment to service, accountability, and mission‑driven work values that align closely with the NPG Foundation’s focus on governance, community impact, and organizational stewardship.
She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a devoted member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, grounding her leadership in faith, sisterhood, and community service. Reney is known for her ability to build relationships, mentor emerging leaders, and create efficient, people‑centered systems that enhance program delivery. Above all, she is guided by her love for family, which remains central to her purpose and the way she shows up in every space.
Reney holds a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Business Certificate in Organizational Leadership.
Reney's involvement with the NPG Foundation is deeply personal. I lost my sister to Scleroderma, and her passing is what led to the creation of the foundation. Being part of this work allows me to honor her memory while helping ensure that other families have greater awareness, support, and hope than we did. The mission is not just meaningful to me; it is part of my heart. Supporting the foundation gives my grief purpose. It allows me to turn a painful loss into advocacy, education, and service that can make a difference for others facing this disease.
Latacha King
Board Member
Expanding opportunities, empowering communities, and leading with purpose.
Latacha King serves as the Executive Director of Public School Academies at Oakland University, bringing more than 25 years of experience in K–12 education. She has a record of developing and leading initiatives that promote college and career readiness, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for underserved student populations. Prior to joining Oakland University, Dr. King’s career spanned multiple leadership roles, including serving as a K–12 educator, managing state and federal programs for nonpublic schools in Detroit, and supervising grant compliance for Detroit Public Schools Community District.
My involvement with the NPG Foundation is rooted in a personal commitment to advocacy, awareness, and community impact. I was drawn to the Foundation’s deep connection to the community and its dedication to driving meaningful change through education and outreach. Being a part of this organization has allowed me to engage directly in impactful work, whether through outreach efforts and community events.
Angelena Thomas-Scruggs
Board Member
Advocacy in action,
service with purpose.
Angelena M. Thomas-Scruggs, Esq. is a Magistrate for the 50th District Court in Pontiac, Michigan, and President of the Law Offices of AMT Scruggs. With over 20 years of experience spanning law, technology, and public service, she is committed to advancing justice and strengthening communities.
A graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and Spelman College, Angelena is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, Michigan Association of District Court Magistrates, and the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Since joining the Nadine Purty Grandberry Foundation Board in October 2025, Angelena is proud to use her voice and platform to support the fight against Scleroderma—bringing awareness, advocating for those affected, and helping carry forward a legacy rooted in purpose, compassion, and impact.
Ronald Trusty Jr.
Board Member
Built on integrity, driven by purpose, and committed to uplifting others.
Ronald Lee Trusty Jr. is a dedicated family man, entrepreneur, and community advocate. A native of Atlantic City, New Jersey, he was raised between Atlantic City and Detroit, Michigan, shaping his strong values of resilience, integrity, and perseverance.
Ronald began his professional journey in healthcare as a registered pharmacy technician and inventory specialist, later serving for ten years as a supervisor in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. His passion for growth led him to transition into the transportation industry, where he earned his Class A Commercial Driver’s License in 2019. In 2022, he launched his own trucking and transportation business, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to building generational stability.
In 2024, Ronald earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cleary University, with a focus on Diversity, Leadership, and Public Safety. He currently serves as a Board Member of the NPG Foundation, where he is completing his first year of service.
Ronald is inspired by the Foundation’s strong leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to providing scholarships and resources to youth. He is passionate about supporting initiatives that empower individuals to overcome adversity and create meaningful opportunities for success.
Above all, Ronald is a devoted husband and proud father, grounded in faith, family, and a desire to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Jenna M. Williams
Board Member
Leading with purpose, creating impact, and investing in the next generation.
Jenna M. Williams is a dedicated leader, educator, and advocate for youth development and community empowerment. She currently serves as the Director of Youth Programs for the Clarence E. Phillips Ascend Foundation, where she leads impactful initiatives focused on leadership development, mental health awareness, and substance abuse prevention for youth across Pontiac and surrounding communities.
With over 20 years of experience as a dance educator, owner and president of My Dance Studio, Inc., Jenna has combined her passion for the arts with mentorship, providing students with access to high-quality dance education and performance opportunities. Her background in performance arts, education, and program development has allowed her to create innovative, engaging spaces where young people can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Jenna is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Theta Lambda Omega Chapter, where she serves as Corresponding Secretary, overseeing chapter communications and publications.
As a Board Member of the NPG Foundation, Jenna is committed to advancing the organization’s mission through education, awareness, and impact-driven programming. She brings a strong focus on mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement, with a passion for creating opportunities that inspire growth and lasting impact.