Willa L. Adams, Ed.D
Dr. Willa Adams has been a champion of both traditional and nontraditional education for 35 plus years. In her role as a Board of Education Administrator and Supervisor, she provided leadership for curriculum design/development and the planning of staff development. As a science teacher, her challenge was often to be creative and “think out of the box” to keep the students’ interest in the classroom. Working with adult students allowed her to develop a successful program that was flexible, fitting the needs of adult learners allowing many of them to earn their high school diploma. Her role as a science teacher, administrator and mentor has changed thousands of lives for the better.
Dr. Adams earned her B.S, in Chemistry from Morgan State University; a Master’s in Education from The Graduate School of Education-Rutgers University and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She is a firm believer that “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” (Malcolm X).
Following her successful career in public education, Dr. Adams currently gives time freely and on a regular basis in her community. She has volunteered at the Franklin Township Food Bank providing support for countless families in need and served as a Member/Secretary of the Board of Trustees-Franklin Township Food Bank (2 years).
Obi Agudosi, AIA
OCA Architects was established by Obi Agudosi, AIA. As the founder, President
and CEO of OCA, Obi is focused on providing practical and cost-effective architectural design solutions to clients through effective management. In his prior endeavors, Obi served as principal-in-charge on numerous projects, directing the staff from project inception, through completion. These included projects for The Housing Authority for the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey Schools Development Authority, New York City Schools Construction Authority, Irvington Board of Education, Highland Park Board of Education, Middlesex County College, East Orange Housing Authority, City of East Orange, Township of Westampton, to mention a few.
As Principal, Obi is responsible for overall direction of the firm and relies on his capable associates to execute projects in a timely cost-effective fashion. As the key liaison between OCA, clients, design teams, construction teams and specialty consultants, he ensures that OCA meets and exceeds client expectations while working within the established schedules and budgets.
With more than 36 years of experience in all phases of design and
construction, Obi has completed projects in a wide variety of service sectors including corporate, residential, education, public, healthcare, correctional and commercial facilities. He is adept at coordinating contract document development, client interface and code analysis. Obi has successfully completed projects using conventional design/bid/build and design/build project delivery mechanisms that involved construction phasing and fast- track design and construction. Regardless of the size and scope of the project, Obi gives unparalleled attention and effort to creating maximum value for clients. His practical and technical background in construction has resulted in innovative designs and the timely and cost-effective completion of projects.
Obi stresses, quality service, cost efficient designs and maximum value. The diversity of Obi’s experience is demonstrated by several completed projects some of which are listed below.
Alfred L. Ball, CPA, CGMA
Alfred L. Ball is Director of A. L. Ball and Associates, LLC, that services clients in the areas of federal, state, and international taxation, and include tax consultation, compliance, examination assistance and resolution of tax issues and disputes. His firm’s clients are located throughout the United States, Europe and Africa and include individuals, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, estates, U.S. expatriates and foreign nationals. As a consultant, he periodically conducts seminars on taxation and technical accounting issues.
Prior to establishing his firm in 1999, he held a variety of the financial accounting and tax positions over a thirty-year corporate career, including Controller, AT&T General Business Systems, Tax Director, AT&T Corporation, Chief Financial Officer, AT&T Custom Electronics Systems, and Financial Systems Director at Lucent Technologies.
Al, a U.S. Air Force veteran, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Morehouse College, Atlanta Georgia. He subsequently completed the Advanced Management Program at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, the Engineering Economics Program at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, and the International Executive Program at INSEAD (the European Institute of Business Administration), Fontainebleau, France.
His extensive professional and personal affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New Jersey Society of CPAs, Global Chartered Management Accountants, National Association of Black Accountants, National Society of Tax Professionals, Morehouse Alumni Association, INSEAD Alumni Association, Prince Hall Masons, Boy Scouts, the American Legion and serves on the board of Renaissance Cyclists for Defeating Cancer United
Marcia Ceaser, PCLS is a Director – Reinsurance Claim Client Lead at Everest Global Services in Warren, NJ. She has over 18+ years of reinsurance claims experience and over 30 years in the insurance industry. In addition to a strong reinsurance/insurance background Marcia is passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and serving her community. She is currently serves as a steering committee member of Everest’s Black Employee Resource Group. Marcia holds a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In her free time, Marcia enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and taking spin classes.
Delores served Johnson and Johnson more than 20 years as a Senior Lab Technician in the department of Research and International Development. Although presently retired, she designed extensive lab testing of products that prospered the company in becoming leaders of consumer products utilizing the extensive research gathered.
Delores represented the company in German and Brazil as she traveled to oversee production of and use of the research gathered. Her team frequently launched new products internationally as well as in North America enabling Johnson and Johnson to become a the leading company in personal products.
Delores serves as a Finance Director and Financial secretary for two nonprofit organization that provides noteworthy scholarships to college students. She is also a Lifetime member of the NAACP. Additionally, she provides community service support to help African Americans to advance through influencing legislation and urging promotion of Democracy.
Gwendolyn Harris
Gwendolyn O. Harris is a highly conscientious, detail-oriented communicator with proven results in teaching, research, analysis, interviewing, and problem solving. She offers organizational and adaptability skills in deadline-driven environments. Gwendolyn is a self -motivator with excellent interpersonal verbal and listening skills. She has the exceptional ability to work independently and/or as a team player to effectively contribute to an inclusive environment.
Gwendolyn’s employment history has included real estate sales, counseling, coaching, mentoring, curriculum development, educator, and office manager. She has served on the Board of Directors of the New Brunswick, NJ YWCA and the Hunterdon/Somerset Association of Realtors as an officer as well as a member.
Gwendolyn holds a Master of Science Degree in Guidance and Counseling and A Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut. She was licensed by the NJ Real Estate School with a NJ Realtors License and a NJ Brokers License. Her certifications By the NJ Real Estate Commission includes Graduate Realty Institute Designation, Certified Residential Specialist Designation, Accredited Buyers Representative Designation and NJ Associate of Realtors Diversity Training.
Gwendolyn is the proud recipient of multiple awards for distinguished service as a Top Producer in real estate sales, as a volunteer at The Sharing Network of NJ, as an active member to First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens Somerset, NJ , Central New Jersey Chapter of the Links Incorporated, Girl Scouts of America, and Jack & Jill of America.
Joylette Mills-Ransome
Joylette was born and reared in Reidsville, North Carolina and is a product of the Reidsville Public School System. Graduating from high school with honors, Joylette attended Bennett College in Greensboro, NC. She graduated from Bennett with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She also holds a Ed.M. in Urban Education from Rutgers University (New Brunswick Campus); a degree in Medical Technology from Freedmen’s School of Medical Technology in Washington, DC; and a Master of Arts degree in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University. She holds NJ Standard Certifications as a Teacher of Science, Supervisor and School Administrator.
As a lifelong educator of science, retiring as Director of the Office of Science for Newark Public Schools, Joylette remains engaged in the teaching and learning process. Her travels with the People-to-People Science Education Delegation to South Africa, China and Cuba to exchange ideas and observe classes, help develop her global perspective of science in today’s world. As a self-proclaimed ambassador for science, who promotes STEM education, she wrote a proposal and received funding to hold a six-week K-8 Inquiry-Based after-school science program for approximately 60 students from schools in the community.
Prior to being appointed for one year to the Plainfield City Council in January 2017, Joylette served as Voter Services Chair for the League of Women Voters of Plainfield. She was appointed as a City Council Member in January 2017.
On January 1, 2018, Joylette was sworn in to complete the last year of the unexpired term for Councilwoman At Large for 2nd and 3rd Wards. She was also sworn in as Vice President of the City Council. She retains the above positions of subcommittees stated above. As Vice President, the President has extended an invitation for her to sit in on all agenda setting sessions.
Joylette received the nod from the Plainfield Democratic City Committee to run for a full term as Councilwoman At-Large 2nd and 3rd Wards in the Primary Election this past June. She won the June 5 Primary Election and is running unopposed in the November General Election. On January 1, 2019, Joylette was sworn in as the President of the City Council. She served on the Economic Development and IT Subcommittees and as the Council Liaison to the Plainfield Business District Management Corporation.
Joylette currently serves as the chair of the Economic Development Subcommittee and remains a member of the IT Subcommittee and the Council Liaison to the Plainfield Business District Management Corporation.
Although Joylette serves in a leadership position, she is always aware, and wants her actions to reflect, that her primary goal is to be of service to others.
Joylette has received many awards for exemplary services rendered to the community included those presented by: Celebrate Women Celebrate You, Epsilon Alpha Chapter National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc, National Organization of African American Administrators, and Grace Hill Bible University.
Dian is passionate about building communities through intentional conversations that are centered on transformative change. She is a committed social justice advocate who is eager to diminish “Unequal Treatment” in healthcare and economic injustice suffered by African Americans and Native American Indians.
Dian is a success-driven, strategic, creative, and analytical thinker who demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, inclusive community, leadership, and social justice education.She is a visionary as she founded The Equality District which aims to diminish racial prejudice and create opportunities where all diverse populations can understand and learn about other cultures, contributing to making the world a better place to live, learn and breathe in.
For 30 years, Dian served as Chief Operations Officer for DiROY LLC. a technology company. Dian has designed and secured 3 patents from the US Patent and Trademark office. She has developed and brought technological innovation to life management systems teaching individuals how to capture wellness and efficiently enabling them to navigate consumer personalized services, encouraging medical adherence to the prescribed regimen, and promoting healthy living. Dian serves the community through various community service organizations.
Dian holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Washington University, Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and earned 9 credits at the London School of Economics in Social Services Economics.