Our Team

Staff

Lawrielle West | Director of Marketing, Partnerships and Programming

Simone Davis | Client Services Manager

Kim Gills | Strategic Growth Development Director

KwanzaaMe Advisory Board

The KwanzaaMe Advisory Board is a dynamic circle of thought leaders, culture shapers, and strategic partners who help drive our mission forward. With deep roots in community, creativity, and cultural pride, they provide critical insight, amplify our reach, and help shape the future of KwanzaaMe. Together, we co-create meaningful experiences and expand the impact of Black culture year-round.

Kris Banks

Kris is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Public Relations. They come from a union family, and that’s what drew them to their work in the political space. Kris has worked on political campaigns and in activist spaces, including the 2016 Clinton campaign and the 2020 Biden campaign, serving in Digital Organizing roles. What draws Kris to KwanzaaMe is the organization’s passion to grow and expand knowledge of the holiday and its principles to younger audiences and new communities.

Kenya Chalmers

Kenya Palmer Chalmers is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of operations leadership experience in the DC/MD/VA region, known for her servant leadership and commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, she brings both personal depth and professional excellence to every space she enters. As a people leader and culture carrier, she is passionate about developing and inspiring the next generation of corporate executives.

Kenya actively supports organizations that uplift people of color and women, aligning her values with meaningful impact. Guided by Maya Angelou’s words—“people will never forget how you made them feel”—she leads with empathy, authenticity, and purpose.

Tremaine Davis

I am a proud Africana, Pan African, Blackademic

Martina Hinton Jones

Martina is deeply rooted in family, self-development, and a passionate commitment to cultivating a better, Blacker way of life. Inspired by conversations with her uncle Kujichagulia—a key figure in the development of Kwanzaa—Martina embraces the opportunity to learn from and contribute to this rich cultural legacy.

She is actively engaged with community groups like Live6 Alliance and various music circles, where she builds connections and shares her skills. Martina is energized by the collaborative spirit of these networks and is excited to continue growing alongside others dedicated to uplifting Black culture and creativity.

Williamena Kwapo

Williamena is a first-generation immigrant who grew up in Detroit, MI. She has embraced the opportunity to learn about Kwanzaa and its deep roots in Black American history and tradition. As a media professional, Williamena is dedicated to shining a light on Black stories, history, and traditions, with the goal of contributing to their preservation. Being part of KwanzaaMe—an organization founded in the community that shaped her—is a meaningful way to support this mission.

Bianca Payton

Bianca Payton is a Detroit-based business strategist and product leader passionate about culture, equity, and innovation. She has experience in healthcare, tech, and AI and’s drawn to KwanzaaMe’s mission to celebrate and preserve Black heritage. She’s excited to support a purpose-driven brand rooted in education, storytelling, and community impact.

Zalen Robinson

Zalen Robinson is a well-traveled professional skilled in cross-cultural analysis and understanding global systems. He thrives in diverse environments and leverages strong personal and organizational skills to lead initiatives that foster community, advocacy, and business development.

Drawn to KwanzaaMe’s dedication to celebrating Black culture through meaningful mediums, Jalen is passionate about uplifting the heritage and collective power of the Black community.