JTIE History & Committee

D’Andre Thompson is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Administrator with the City of Columbia in the City Manager’s Office. He also considers himself to be a social activist who is regularly involved in community initiatives advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in developing a thriving and welcoming community. He is a graduate of both the University of Missouri-Columbia and Columbia College with degrees in General Studies and Business Administration (MBA) respectively. His commitment to the community of Columbia and Boone County is evident through his acts of community service and engagement with populations that are most vulnerable and in need.

Sunitha enjoys serving alongside all the amazing humans on the JTIE committee and working on creating and supporting inclusive spaces. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and also helps small businesses and nonprofits navigate their marketing projects. Sunitha works as the DEI Facilitator at Ragtag Film Society.

As a children's librarian at the Daniel Boone Regional Library, I connect members of our community to one another and to local resources. Serving on the JTIE committee gives me a truer vision of the many members of our diverse community, which challenges me to grow personally and professionally.

Nikki is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering inclusive healthcare environments and improving healthcare outcomes for all as the Director of Belonging and Community Impact for MU Health Care. With a proven track record of driving innovation and addressing challenges related to equity and belonging, Nikki focuses on creating meaningful change that benefits patients, employees, and communities. Nikki’s work reflects her commitment to advancing healthcare practices that ensure everyone has access to quality care and a sense of belonging. Nikki believes that true change is a collaborative effort, and her role is one of facilitation, learning, and adaptation.

Daniel Boone Regional Library
Libraries provide access to information and welcoming spaces for all people - inclusion is a foundational value of my profession. I'm dedicated to the Journey's work because I want to be a part of creating a community where everyone can thrive.

I center my work on inclusion and equity around the vision of connecting with each other to honor and celebrate our stories, to lead and hold space to grow, and to “exist” in our diversities. I am a DEI consultant.

Secily Devese is a champion for belonging and connection at Veterans United Home Loans. Her deep commitment to fostering understanding and meaningful conversations led her to the Social Impact team, where she creates experiences and trainings that empower her colleagues to broaden perspectives and build stronger, more inclusive workplaces.

Taylor Claiborne the Senior Manager of Inclusion and Engagement for Shelter Insurance Companies. She has a passion for being able to create opportunities for learning and environments where people feel comfortable showing up as their authentic selves.

Ashton Day is the Manager-Communications at Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) and a lifelong Columbia resident. She is passionate about improving the diversity, equity, and inclusion to better the community. Ashton also serves on the Columbia/Boone County Board of Health

Fontella Jackmon-Jones is the Community Employment Manager & Work Incentive Practitioner at Woodhaven. She is passionate about learning and expanding her knowledge of disability services related to competitive, integrated employment in the community. Fontella is dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and embracing diverse perspectives and talents, fostering inclusivity. 

Teo Cooper serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Life, Equity, & Inclusion at Columbia College, in Columbia, Missouri. He has centered his career around creating access to education, and championing student success initiatives for students from diverse backgrounds to flourish.

Kerby Webb is the Program and Community Specialist with the Boone County Community Services Department. Her work involves the administrative support of the Boone County Children’s Services Fund and Domestic Violence Fund, with an emphasis on equitably inclusive solutions for the County’s funded agencies and programs. She is also involved in the Boone County Upward Mobility project which convenes stakeholders, policymakers, and community members around the idea that everyone deserves the chance to improve their lives and economic well-being, to be valued and feel like they belong, and to have power and autonomy.