BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.
“I joined The S.O. What! Foundation board 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.”
Emergency Manager- Tennessee Air National Guard
Netisha Burnett
Summer Owens
Founder and Executive Director, The S.O. What! Foundation
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.
“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.”
Charlie Caswell, Chair
Executive Director, Legacy of Legends CDC
Charlie Caswell Jr. was born and raised in the projects of Dixie Homes in North Memphis as one of 17 siblings. Charlie had many disadvantages such as being a high school dropout, living in a drug infested neighborhood, son of a single mother, but that did not stop him from accomplishing his goals. Today, he is a husband, father, community activist, author, entrepreneur, Outreach Pastor at Impact Church, and recipient of many awards such as the 2021 Community Advocate of the Year, 2017 Visionary of the Year from Methodist Community Health Network, and 2014 Frayser Humanitarian of the Year. When Charlie recognized his calling of revitalizing communities, collaborating. partnering, 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. These efforts lead to him being invited twice by the Obama Administration to Washington, D.C, to help in efforts to build neighborhood capacity. Charlie is Executive Director of Legacy of Legends CDC, which is a program that partners with the 7Ps stakeholders in his community to help mitigate Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) and create Trauma-Informed and Trauma Responsive Communities. He serves on Board of Director of Rotary-Family Youth Initiative, 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. In addition, Charlie is the founder of the first Rotary Club in the Raleigh-Frayser communities called “Rotary Northwest Shelby County.” Charlie is the father of six children – Autumn, Destiny, Charlie III, Xzavia, Tiara, and Kiara and the husband of Mrs. Teresa Landrum-Caswell.
“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, Secretary
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.
“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.”
Rico Andrews, Treasurer
Owner, Always Best Care Of Memphis
Rico Andrews has been the owner of Always Best Care of Memphis for the past six years. He also holds a BBA and MBA. Rico has served 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 Memphian. Rico is the loving husband of wife Shekinah and father to Meah, Rico II and Nickolas.
Tammy Hart
Human Resources Manager with ProLift Rigging
Tammy Hart enjoys being able to help others grow personally and professionally. Tammy has over 15 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry and has served as the Director of Human Resources at the Westin Hotel for the last eight years. This role has given her the opportunity to impact others by mentoring to help evolve and grow their careers. Tammy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Union University. She is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management. Tammy enjoys spending quality time with her family and traveling.
“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.
Barbara Prescott
Vice President- Allie Prescott & Partners, LLC
Dr. Barbara Prescott has enjoyed a varied career as a professional counselor, consultant, educator, policymaker, published author, and nonprofit executive. As Vice President of Allie Prescott & Partners, LLC. Dr. Prescott provided consulting services to non-profit agencies in strategic planning, fundraising, and leadership development. She has served the education sector as a teacher, counselor, central office administrator, elected school board member, and as Executive Director of PeopleFirst Partnership, an organization focused on policy and advocacy to improve educational outcomes. Dr. Prescott holds a Bachelor of Education and Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from The University of Memphis and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Systems from The Florida State University. While a member of the Memphis City School Board, she served as President and Vice President and was named to the All Tennessee School Board in 1999. She earned the distinction of Master School Board member and served as 2002 President of the Tennessee School Boards Association.
She has been married for 40+ years to Allie Prescott, III. They have two adult children, Allie IV, and Allison.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the S.O. What! Foundation Board. There is an incredible need to help youth and young adults navigate through the many obstacles that arise in life with no excuses, a hopeful attitude and a positive action plan. Summer Owens is a “super star” and a shining example of how an individual can succeed and make an impact in his or her community.”
Lindsey Stanfill
Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Lindsey Stanfill is the Development Director for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Lindsey is the former Development Manager for the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. She has over 15 years of non-profit and youth development experience. As Development Director at the MSO, Lindsey is responsible for overseeing fundraising, donor relations and special events. In 2005, Lindsey graduated from the University of Memphis with a BFA in Theatre. Her professional career began as the Director of Educational Touring for Voices of the South Theatre Company and then she went on to serve as an Education Program Manager at the Orpheum Theatre. She also served as the Director of Community Programs at Girls Inc. of Memphis where she oversaw several programs throughout the Memphis area.
“I have seen firsthand what good youth development programs do to make an impact in the lives of youth. The S.O. What! Foundation is truly unique in so many ways, and I just had to be a part of that.”
ADVISORY BOARD
Beverly Robertson
Principal, TRUST Marketing, Former Executive Director, National Civil Rights Museum
Carlee McCullough
Owner, McCullough Law
Dave Carlson
Smith & Nephew
Clare Stevens
Marketing Specialist Advisor, FedEx Services