BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Summer Owens
Founder and Executive Director
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Summer Owens is the Founder and Executive Director of The S.O. What! Foundation and S.O. What! LLC which encourages youth and all people to live no excuses, no judgement lives. Her motto and brand, S.O. What!, is her version of the Serenity Prayer—accepting what you cannot change but changing what you can to live your best life despite life’s obstacles. She is the author of Life After Birth: A Memoir of Survival and Success as a Teenage Mother, a book where she shares the very intimate details of her life to educate and encourage others. Summer graduated magna cum laude with her BBA from the University of Memphis where she was named Miss University of Memphis and an MBA from Belhaven College. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Summer’s career included marketing management positions with the Memphis Grizzlies, ServiceMaster, and FedEx Corporation.
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“I have a genuine love for youth and, based on my personal life experiences, I recognize the hurt and trauma that often limits or destroys them. I believe everyone can achieve anything they could possibly dream– regardless of their circumstances. I want to be a resource and help others to offer their gifts in support of helping even the most challenged youth overcome their obstacles and succeed.”
Netisha Burnett
Program Director
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Netisha Burnett, formerly a program manager with Communities in Schools-Tennessee, has more than eleven years of experience in the nonprofit sector in the areas of youth services and development. Netisha has also served as the Director of Center Based Services for Girls Incorporated of Memphis. Her focus has always been to provide valuable and enriching opportunities to youth through quality programs and meaningful partnerships. She was recognized as the Program Manager of the Year while at Girls Incorporated of Memphis by the national organization for her region. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology-Criminal Justice from The University of TN-Knoxville and her Master’s in Public Administration-Nonprofit Management from The University of Memphis. She is a member of the TN Air National Guard, enjoys adventure, and is the single parent of a fourteen year-old son, Christopher.
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“I joined The S.O. What! Foundation because if I can be an asset to helping this organization achieve its goals then that's what I'm going to do. I believe my time and talents can help set this needed organization up for success. At the end of the day if we can help guide more youth and young adults in the right direction to reach their personal goals then that's what I want to be a part of, this what my life's mission is about.”
“I am incredibly proud of Summer Owens’ work to engage with young people as she seeks to give them tools to take responsibility for their lives. She is a hero in my book and I want to help grow the foundation so more individuals benefit from her story.”
Tammy Hart
President
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Tammy Hart enjoys being able to help others grow personally and professionally. She has over 20 years of leadership experience and is currently serving as the HR Director at the ProLift Rigging Company. This role has given her the opportunity to impact others by coaching and mentoring others to help progress their careers. Tammy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Union University. She is a SHRM CP and an active member of The Society for Human Resource Management. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and working out
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“I joined the S.O. What! Foundation because I truly believe in the mission of the organization. I want to help improve the communities in which we live and I genuinely enjoy helping our youth.
Ashley Garrison, CPA
Treasurer
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Ashley Garrsion is the founder and principal strategist of GRF, a boutique financial firm that empowers small businesses with expert financial guidance and a personal touch. A first-generation college graduate and former Fortune 500 professional, Ashley brings over a decade of experience across corporate, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Her signature blend of analytical skill and people-centered leadership defines the GRF brand.
In addition to serving as Board Member and Treasurer of the S.O. What! Foundation, Ashley is active in several nonprofits and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and youth. Outside of work, she finds joy as a wife, mother of four, and self-declared kitchen MVP and mystery enthusiast. Ashley believes deeply in the power of purpose-driven service to create lasting impact.
Denia Moore
Secretary
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Denia grew up in St. Louis, Mo with two loving parents who pushed for her to pursue her dreams. From a young age, Denia learned to set high expectations for herself and others which lead to her achieving high accolades as a teenager. This desire for learning, advancing and achieving continued as she attended college at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Post graduation with a B.S in Public Relations brought her to Memphis in 2019. Within a few months of being in Memphis she developed a love for the city and its unique people.
Starting at ProLift Rigging Co in fall of 2019, the company's mission to serve others was established through her work as a part of the HR team. Denia is passionate about people and ensuring everyone is treated the way they deserve. Denia continues to utilize her experience in executing successful HR strategies, effectively running weekly payroll, analyzing and reporting payroll reports, and staying up to date with the latest trends and best practices in Human Resources. Denia also Enjoys spending time with friends and family or binge-watching new movies on the weekend.
Rico Andrews
Owner, Always Best Care Of Memphis
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Rico Andrews is the owner of Always Best Care Home Care, Obach Real Estate, and West Transportation Healthcare Transport. He holds a BBA from the University of Memphis and a MBA. Rico serves on the Board of Directors for the Better Business-Bureau. He is also a member of the following organizations: Leadership Memphis 2016, New Memphis Fellows 2017, Memphis Rotary Club, Professional Network on Aging, Greater Memphis Chamber 2016 and Young Memphis. Rico is the loving husband of wife Shekinah and father to Meah, Rico II and Nickolas.
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“I joined the board of the S.O. What! Foundation because I believe in the mission and want to make a difference in a young person’s life. I remember being young and coming in contact with inspirational people. It would motivate me to be the best that I could be in hopes of inspiring someone else. Hopefully, I can inspire a young person to be the best that they can be!”
Charlie Caswell
Shelby County Commissioner
Charlie Caswell, Jr. is a Shelby County Commissioner and community activist with a heart for social justice for all people who have good leadership skills and customer service skills. He is the author of his first book "How to Become More Visible, Vocal, and Valuable to your Community", believing in sowing into the lives of our youth, and making the world a better place by working together with a collective impact approach. Charlie’s desire is to help establish his “7P's Community Collaboration” in every school around the country.
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Longtime pastor and community activist Charlie Caswell knows there isn’t a silver bullet for improving the lives of students in poverty in Shelby County, but he firmly believes he’s come as close as possible to finding one. For Caswell, learning about childhood trauma changed his life. Studying adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, gave Caswell the language he needed to process his own childhood wounds. And it empowered him to become an ACEs evangelist, preaching to anyone who will listen — but especially to educators, school district leaders, and even governors — that awareness of childhood trauma can improve the lives of the most vulnerable students. Caswell worked with stakeholders across the state, to craft a bill signed into law that allows judges to require parents to attend ACEs training before they sign off on their divorce.
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Today, he is husband, father, community activist, author, entrepreneur, Outreach Pastor at Impact Church, Shelby County Commissioner, and recipient of many awards; 2021 Community Advocate of the Year, 2017 Visionary of the Year from Methodist Community Health Network, 2014 Frayser Humanitarian of the Year.
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When Charlie recognized his calling of revitalizing communities, collaborating with partners, and being the voice for the voiceless, 3V Leader was formed. 3V Leader is a movement for leaders to be Visible, Vocal, and Valuable in their community.
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These efforts lead to him being invited twice by the Obama Administration to Washington, D.C, to help in efforts to build neighborhood capacity.
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Charlie is CEO of Caswell Group Consulting, which is a company with a focus on helping to create trauma-informed and trauma-responsive organizations and communities.
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He serves on the Board of Directors of Legacy of Legends CDC, Shelby County Board of Health appointed by Mayor Lee Harris, Ladies in Need Can Survive (LINCS), S.O. What Foundation, and Building Strong Brains TN Advisory Board.
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In addition, Charlie is the founder of the first Rotary Club in the Raleigh-Frayser communities called “Rotary Northwest Shelby County”.
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Charlie is the father of six children – Autumn, Destiny, Charlie III, Xzavia, Tiara, and Kiara and the husband of Mrs. Teresa Landrum-Caswell.
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“I accepted the opportunity to serve on the S.O. What! Foundation Board of Directors because I believe in the mission and vision of the organization.”
Bilicia Hill
Quality Assurance & Compliance Specialist, Transnetyx, Inc.
Bilicia Hill is a professional leader in quality and compliance with 18 years’ experience in the food, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry and Sociology from the University of Memphis. Bilicia also serves as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and as an ambassador for the Midsouth Transplant Foundation where she brings awareness about transplantation and organ donation. Bilicia has also been a mentor for the Connect Mentoring Program where she mentored young girls with educational and cultural development in Shelby County School system and is also a volunteer at the Mid-South Food Bank which distributes food to local and regional organizations to help eliminate food insecurities.
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“I joined the S.O. What! Foundation because I have witnessed the hardships and triumphs of Summer’s journey from teen mom to CEO of this wonderful organization.I believe that we all can overcome obstacles with guidance and a positive mindset. I am proud to be part of an organization with like-minded people of individual talents to guide future generations with personal developments and success.”
Dr. Jara Best
Cumberland Pediatric Foundation
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Dr. Jara Best is a seasoned pediatrician with over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality care to children and adolescents. A passionate advocate for community wellness and equity in healthcare, she has led strategic initiatives for nonprofits focused on improving health, education, and economic outcomes for youth. Dr. Best is also a dynamic speaker on topics including childhood wellness, healthcare disparities, and women’s empowerment.
She currently serves as West Tennessee Director for the Cumberland Pediatric Foundation and sits on the Board of the Women’s Advocacy Center, supporting survivors of domestic violence. Dr. Best is an experienced leader with a strong record of service on executive committees and boards, including Jack and Jill of America, where she has helped shape the next generation of African American leaders. A trusted voice in both clinical and community spaces, Dr. Best brings compassion, clarity, and purpose to every role she holds.
Darren Thomas II
African Methodist Episcopal Church
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Darren Thomas II is a devoted minister, mental health advocate, and community leader committed to building equitable and empowered communities. A graduate of Rhodes College and Asbury Theological Seminary, Darren holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and is a Certified Prepare/Enrich Relationship Facilitator. With over nine years of experience in fundraising and grant writing, he has secured more than $15 million for nonprofits and currently serves as Director of Development for Leading Educators.
Ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Darren has served in ministry across Memphis and the New York/New Jersey area and was appointed pastor of Friendship A.M.E. Church in Clarksdale in 2024. He also mentors youth, chairs the board of Our Grass Our Roots, and serves on the board of Nurturing Black Minds. Darren is the proud husband of Memphis City Councilwoman Dr. Michalyn Easter-Thomas and father to their son, Tripp. He lives by Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting God’s guidance in every step of his journey.​
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ADVISORY BOARD
Beverly Robertson
Principal, TRUST Marketing, Former Executive Director, National Civil Rights Museum
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Carlee McCullough
Owner, McCullough Law
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Clare Stevens
Marketing Specialist Advisor, FedEx Services
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Barbara Prescott
Vice President- Allie Prescott & Partners, LLC