Our "HISsTORY"

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Iffat M. Walker is the Founder and Executive Director of Community Action NOW! (C.A.N.). Since 2014, her dedicated efforts have provided assistance to tens of thousands of people around the world

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A native of St. Thomas and current E. metro Atlanta resident, Iffat boasts deep ties to the primary communities she serves. C.A.N. clients are not merely customers or statistics—to her, they are fellow islanders and Georgian neighbors. From disaster relief to workforce development and youth outreach, Iffat works tirelessly to support disadvantaged populations and restore hope for a brighter future.

When she’s not advocating for change in the nonprofit sector, Iffat is running her business, Unbounded, LLC., a virtual accounting, tax, bookkeeping, payroll and consulting firm specializing in solutions for micro-businesses, philanthropic organizations and entrepreneurs. She is the author of “Fix Your Damn Credit,” a step-by-step guide to understanding and mastering the credit system. She currently serves as Executive Member and Treasurer of Atlanta’s Fulton Pre-Arrest Diversion Board, Board Member of Rockdale County Board of Adjustments, Finance Committee Member of Sister Love, Inc., and Advisory Board Member of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Iffat holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management and a Master of Accounting & Financial Management.

In her limited free time, Iffat can be found spoiling her two Chihuahuas, spending time with her sons AJ and Dre and going on camping trips with her family.

Lu Henley is the Deputy Director of Community Action NOW! (C.A.N.). As a resident of St. Thomas, Lu maintains a thorough understanding of community needs throughout the island. Her well-established relations enable her to plan, direct, and coordinate daily C.A.N. operations. Whether organizing disaster relief or onboarding staff, Lu’s oversight ensures that CAN operations run and program initiatives run smoothly, and ultimately, are successful.

Lu brings more than fifteen years of customer service, human resources, and account management experience to her role as Deputy Director. Outside of her time with C.A.N., she works as a Human Resources Administrator, Consultant, and Recruiter for various businesses on St. Thomas. Lu studied  Business Administration at  Johnson C. Smith University.

When Lu isn’t managing people, she’s usually spending time with her two children.

Gwendolyn (Lily) Hodge is the Romeo Malone Center Coordinator for Community Action NOW! (C.A.N.). 

Gwendolyn has a demonstrated history in youth program support, case management, hospitality and logistical support.

Prior to joining C.A.N., Gwendolyn worked as a Disaster Case Manager for the St.Thomas Recovery Team (S.T.R.T.) where she supported disaster survives in fulfilling unmet needs by linking them to  services and resources.  Gwendolyn brings over 30yrs of professional customer service experience.

When Gwendolyn is working with CAN she enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her son and  grandchildren. 

Brandy Brown-Rhodes is the General Board Chair for Community Action NOW!.  In this vital role, she supports the Board  in steering the direction of the organization, facilitates productive board leadership, and sets the agenda for group discussion.  

Brandy is a multi-talented professional with over 20-years of experience encompassing managerial and organizational development and leadership. 

After the brutal assassination of her father, Sheriff Elect- Derwin Brown in 00' in DeKalb County, GA Brandy has committed to a lifetime of compassionate leadership  in her role as a community activist for social change.

Brandy is a proud member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, DeKalb County Police Athletic League (PAL Plus), member of the Board of Directors for Safe Haven Transitional, Inc. and volunteer for the DeKalb Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) AARP

Foundation. 

Maria M. Bell, MBA-HR, acts as Parliamentarian of the General Board for Community Action NOW! (C.A.N.).  Boasting more than twenty years of experience in human resources and program management, Maria advises the board on a range of issues, including community relations and the evaluation of ongoing initiatives. She is also a wealth of knowledge on employment readiness, professional development training, and career assessment—expertise that encompasses all aspects of C.A.N.

programming.

She currently serves as Executive Secretary and Programming Chair of the National Black MBA Association, as well as Programming Director for Dress for Success  Greater.

 Ms. Bell is the Program Manager (Orlando & Jacksonville), for Home Builders Institute (HBI).  Ms. Bell brings over 20+ years of professional Human Resource and Workforce Development and Training experience.  Ms. Bell also serves as an Adjunct Instructor for Valencia Community College in Orlando Florida.   

Ms. Bell holds a Bachelor of Science (Organizational Management),  and a Master’s in Business Administration & Human Resources. 

As a dedicated steward that is heavily involved in giving back to her community, Ms. Bell's MOTTO is EOTO = EACH ONE TEACH ONE. 

Cheryl Miles Board is a General Board member for Community Action NOW!.

Cheryl has an extensive background in nonprofit leadership, and she is also a for-profit business owner. She is the

founder of The Non-Profit Consortium, an organization aiming to support and assist new and existing nonprofits. 

In addition to providing resources and guidance, they also host educational events and sponsor various forms of community outreach. Cheryl is also the owner of Connection Consultants, LLC,

which provides consulting services specifically to nonprofits and entrepreneurs.

In her “spare” time, Cheryl acts as Chairperson and Board Member of a slew of other nonprofit  organizations. She is a proud cancer survivor and mother of eight.

Shelley Maxwell is a General Board Member for Community Action NOW! (C.A.N.). With over twenty years of asset and financial management both in the private and public sector, Shelley also owns a private tax preparation practice in metro Atlanta. Shelley brings key regulatory and compliance expertise to C.A.N. 

Shelley wears many profesional hats, most notably known as  "Red Carpet Shelley" the Caribbean Media Maven  behind the powerhouse pop culture website redcarpetshelley.com.  Shelley is also a TV/Radio host and producer on Caribbean Runnings on Atlanta's WRFG 89.3

Shelley enjoys traveling  and spending time with her family. 

Dr. Henry Carter is a General Board Member for Community Action NOW! (C.A.N.). With over twenty-five years of community and leadership development experience, Dr. Carter brings knowledgeable insights and evidence-based solutions to the core of our efforts. His calculated and holistic approach is perfectly in line with C.A.N.’s mission to restructure and rethink the way we address systemic issues facing local communities. 

Dr. Carter holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Doctorate of Business Administration. He is a life coach and national trainer, giving workshops and lectures to communities all around the world. He is the Founder and CEO of Manly Deeds Inc., an organization that provides post-secondary preparation, personal, and professional development skills to boys and men of color. He is also the President of H.M. Carter and Associates, which offers communications-related consulting, seminars, and speaking engagements centered around a range of issues such as leadership and bridging the gap between the police and the community. 

When Dr. Carter isn’t enlightening audiences around the world with his eloquence and depth of knowledge, he can be found brainstorming his next book. He’s already the author of two books, the best seller “Who Moved My Nuts?” and the children’s version, “Who Moved My Acorns?”

Angel Bolques, Jr., is the acting Advisory Board Chairman for Community Action NOW!. In this cross-functional role, he serves as communication liaison between the board of directors and advisory committee. He also manages subcommittees and assists with annual organizational events. 

Angel brings a diversity of valuable skills and strengths to the organization, including experience in business and media consultation, budget administration, as well as project management and procurement.

Angel is the owner of Angel Arts Consulting, a full-service, “one-stop-shop” for all marketing needs. From consulting to social media management and brand building, Angel has his hand in every aspect of the business. In addition to running his consulting firm, he serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Board of Elections of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He’s responsible for overseeing all logistical management, administrative policies, payroll, and other various tasks and initiatives as directed by the board. 

When he’s not working, Angel enjoys ___________ and ____________.

Dr. Suzanne Darrow-Magras serves as Program Advisory Board Co-Chair of Community Action NOW! (C.A.N.). In addition to directing and supporting leadership meetings, she is responsible for organizing and coordinating board activities.

When she’s not involved in C.A.N., Dr. Darrow-Magras serves as the Director for the University of the Virgin Islands, Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL). Her efforts are focused in program management and development, online education, and career and technical education. 

Previously, Dr. Darrow-Magras worked with at-risk youth as the Education Manager for My Brother’s Workshop, and as Senior Manager for Learning and Development at International Capital and Management Company. She also formerly served as an Information Technology Supervisor for Faculty Technology Services at the University of the Virgin Islands.

Dr. Darrow-Magras enjoys spending quiet time with her family.

Dr. Celia Victor is an Advisory Board Member for Community Action NOW! (C.A.N.). She contributes strategic advice regarding structure, management, program development and effectiveness. 

Her innovative insight and dynamic perspective is informed by a lifetime of professional accomplishments centered around public health, experience which C.A.N. greatly benefits and learns from.

In her daily life, Dr. Victor serves as Director of Clinical Compliance for the Office of Residential Services in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She provides direct support to district managers and supports division efforts. She also currently acts as a Prevention and Dual Diagnosis Group Facilitator for the Family Resource Center, an organization which supports those combating mental illness and drug addiction. In addition to a lifetime of community health-focused work, Dr. Victor holds a B.A. in Psychology and Doctor of Pharmacy from Temple University.

Dr. Victor enjoys volunteering in numerous organizations that support the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Kyza A. Callwood is an Advisory Board Member for Community Action NOW!.   

Kyza  is a Ph.D. Candidate in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change with an emphasis in Education/Academic Leadership for Change and new generation of leadership for change. 

Kyza is a graduate of the University of the Virgin Islands with a Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration (magna cum laude) and Associate of Arts Degree in Business Management. Also, Kyza is a Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Certified Ethics Associate, and Certified Business Office Manager.

Currently, Kyza is the Vice-Chair of the Virgin Islands Board of Education and Chairperson of the Professional Staff and Higher Education committee.  

Kyza brings experience, talent, love and compassion for fellow Virgin Islanders. 

Tara Lewis McFarlane  an Advisory Board Member for Community Action NOW!. 

Tara brings over  25 years of experience in meeting and event planning, project management, and marketing.  Her work spans the spectrum between the business, public, and non-profit community. She has worked successfully in the hospitality, food & beverage industry including management positions with the W Hotel Buckhead and the Holiday Inn Select, both in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Tara also served as Manager of Education Services at the National Child Support Enforcement Association, in Washington DC. Mrs. McFarlane is a founding partner and director of the celebrated organization, 4 VI Girls Incorporated, a non-profit organization in St. Thomas, USVI. 

A woman of many talents, Tara is also an experienced and successful political campaign manager.  Tara has been married to Wayne McFarlane Sr. for 28 years and they have 3 sons, Wayne Jr., Malik and Tariq McFarlane.