Meet the Speakers

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Sharnelle Shelton is a dedicated mother, mentor, and community maven, known for her commitment to empowering others. As an elected official, she actively advocates for positive change and community engagement. A small business enthusiast, Sharnelle supports local entrepreneurs and fosters economic growth. With a passion for mentoring, she guides individuals in their personal and professional development, helping them unlock their potential and build meaningful connections. Sharnelle’s multifaceted approach combines leadership, empathy, and a deep commitment to her community.

Tiffany Gamble is a visionary entrepreneur, passionate advocate, and the esteemed founder of the Emerging Ladies Academy—a groundbreaking educational institution aimed at empowering young women to unlock their full potential and become influential leaders in their respective fields. With her unwavering commitment to gender equality and female empowerment, Tiffany has become a driving force in reshaping the educational landscape and fostering a new generation of trailblazing women.

Sybil Jackson, LIMHP and PLADC, has over 30 years of experience in human services, working with teens in group homes, on probation, and individuals with intellectual disabilities. She runs a nonprofit and private practice offering therapy, assessments, relationship classes, and sex education for those with intellectual disabilities. Sybil also contracts with Uta Halee as a clinician and serves as a guardian and shared living provider.

An Omaha native, CynFranecia has over 10 years of experience in personal and leadership development across various industries. She is the founder of Activate Your Great LLC, which helps individuals identify and address leadership blind spots through self-awareness and soft skills development. Outside of her work, she enjoys acting, traveling, crafting, sharing knowledge, and spending time with family. She has spoken at events such as Nelnet's Agile Camp, the 2023 Omaha Chamber of Commerce YP Summit, and OmahaCARES Mentoring Movement.

Alisa Parmer, PLMHP, MBA, serves as In-Home Director at RADIUS, where real-time research is conducted on youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system. With over 20 years of experience in secondary education, health and human services, and behavioral health in the Omaha Metro area, she has held roles at College of Saint Mary, Heartland Family Service, Cerebral, and Purdue University Global. Alisa advocates for second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals and promotes mentorship to reduce recidivism. She holds degrees in Human Services, Mental Health Counseling, and an MBA.

Tierra Robinson, MBA, MHA, is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. A proud native from Omaha, Nebraska, where she currently resides with her husband and children, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her loved ones. As a professional leader in the field of healthcare diversity, equity, and inclusion, Tierra has 15 years of experience at Nebraska Medicine, where she currently serves as the Director of Adaptive Learning and Inclusive Excellence. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Clarkson College. Tierra deeply values relationships and diversity, appreciating the unique qualities each person brings. She is passionate about advocating for others and fostering long-standing, meaningful connections. Having been married for 7½ years, Tierra also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience related to marriage, blended families, and overall relationships. 

Darryl Brown, Jr. is a nationally recognized author, sexual health educator, spiritual life coach, and the only openly gay Black pastor in Nebraska. Formerly the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Builders Christian Center for 14 years and Director of Reconciliation & Restorative Practices at Planned Parenthood, his work focuses on spirituality, healing, Black liberation, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. His book *I’m Positive, I Forgive You* shares his journey of forgiving the man who gave him HIV. Darryl now serves as Senior Director of Programs and Advocacy at Black & Pink National and is the Founding Teacher at Under the Tree Wellness Community. He has received multiple awards, including the Omaha Chamber’s “Change Maker Award” and Black & Pink’s “Kuwasi Balagoon Award,” for his impactful community work.

Shannon Jackson, holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master’s degree, and is a dedicated barber with over 10 years of experience in the Omaha area. As the first female owner of a barbershop and salon in Benson, Omaha, she serves over 600 clients, with 300 being regulars. Shannon has taught classes on fading, natural hair care, and loc maintenance, judged barber competitions, and created her own line of loc products. In addition to her work in the hair industry, Shannon has been a certified life coach, mental health technician, and mentor for three years.

With a BA in Psychology, an MA in Counseling Psychology, and certification in Cannabis Healthcare, this expert helps individuals integrate cannabis into their wellness routines safely. They provide tailored guidance for stress relief, emotional balance, and personal growth in a supportive environment, breaking down misconceptions and fostering informed wellness choices. Visit: ConnectiveCollectiveLLC.com.