Meet the Team

D'Andrea Coles is a 26-year-old God-fearing woman, devoted wife and mother, minister, and Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Supervisor. With a heart for service and a passion for people, she is committed to creating safer environments, empowering others, and making a meaningful difference wherever she is called to serve. As Vice President of Women of Excellence, D'Andrea uses her leadership and ministry to encourage women to grow in faith, purpose, and confidence. Whether in her career, ministry, or motherhood, she strives to lead with compassion, integrity, and excellence while keeping God at the center of all she does.

Lawanda Hamler-Dean is the Treasurer and Coordinator for Women of Excellence. Lawanda is highly organized and a results-driven Executive Administrator with extensive experience supporting senior executives, managing complex schedules, coordinating high-level meetings, and streamlining administrative operations. Recognized for exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to professionalism, while building positive relationships with executives, clients, and stakeholders. Dedicated to improving operational efficiency, managing priorities effectively, and ensuring seamless day-to-day executive support. Passionate about contributing to organizational success through proactive leadership, discretion, and outstanding administrative expertise. Lawanda has a passion for helping others and working on special projects to improve the organization.

Amber Knight serves as an Administrator of Women of Excellence, where she plays an active role in supporting the systems, operations, communications, and resources that help the organization function and grow. Her work includes administrative and technical support, assisting and training team members with organizational tools and systems, managing and developing communications such as newsletters, supporting the organization's phone and digital infrastructure, and contributing to merchandise design and e-commerce development. Professionally, Amber is a lender with a credit union, where she enjoys helping individuals and families work toward their financial goals through personalized lending and banking solutions. As a woman of faith, Amber believes that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. She is honored to serve Women of Excellence and looks forward to continuing to support its mission of empowering women, restoring lives, and building legacies.

Rhonda is a therapist, coach, and creative whose mission is to make mental health a priority, not only in the life she lives, but also in the lives of the people she has had the privilege of serving. She believes healing begins with self-awareness, grows through self-compassion, and flourishes when we choose ourselves without guilt or shame.

Pastor April Allen-Brown is an associate pastor at Christ Harvest Fellowship under the leadership of Bishop Lewis E. Evans. She has served in the ministry for more than 25 years and leads the church's educational ministry. Each Sunday, she teaches the women's Hour of Power class, helping women study God's Word and apply it to their lives. April earned a degree in Communication and Theater Arts from Eastern Michigan University. She has worked at Karmanos Cancer Center for more than 25 years and currently serves as a director. She is the owner of Pathway2anewu LLC, guided by her belief that empowered women empower women. Through mentoring, coaching, inspirational T-shirts, bags, embellished items, and specialty gifts, she encourages women to embrace their purpose. She also offers practical sessions on AI and digital tools to help people develop their businesses and ministries. April recently founded Ola Allen's Legacy Foundation in honor of her mother. The foundation is a hub of support for women, men, and children in the community. Believing she is blessed to be a blessing, April is committed to pouring into others and encouraging them to reach their potential. April is the wife of Charles Brown and mother of Charles Brown III. She is a proud grandmother to one granddaughter and one bonus granddaughter and is grateful for her daughter-in-love.

With a heart fully devoted to the Lord and over thirty years of ministry experience, her life's calling is woven into every relationship she holds dear. As an ordained pastor, she is honored to co-labor with her husband of nearly 25 years as co-founder of Good and Faithful Marriages, a ministry dedicated to strengthening godly unions. Her passion extends to nurturing women through the Wise Wives Council, where she and her co-laborers impart godly wisdom for this journey called life, whether you're married, engaged, or desiring to be married. She is a licensed cosmetologist of 31 years and the owner/operator of The Glory Room Hair Salon, where she ministers and styles her clients at the same time. Above all, she is a worshipper — singing and praising her Lord in Spirit and in truth, being a cheerful giver with a servant's heart. Ka'Wondi is forever unapologetically honored to be a daughter of the King. Her greatest treasures are her husband, children, family, and the people of God, whom she loves with her whole heart. Every day, she strives to reflect His glory and love through prayer, service, song, and sincere devotion. Her commitment remains steadfast: to build up the Body of Christ, nurture marriages, and encourage women to walk in wisdom and purpose.

My name is Sabina Purifoy, and if I had to describe myself, I would say that I am a woman who truly has a heart for people. I am caring, compassionate, honest, and passionate about helping others. I believe in treating people with kindness and respect, and I always try to see the good in people and encourage them to see the good in themselves. My faith in God is an important part of who I am. It has taught me to love people, have compassion, be patient, and lend a helping hand whenever I can. I believe God has given each of us something special to share with others, and I try to use what He has given me to make a positive difference, even if it is in a small way. I also have a creative side that I absolutely love. I enjoy creating gift baskets, decorating, and helping put together events. There is something special to me about taking a simple idea and bringing it to life. I have also worked as a caregiver, and that experience strengthened the caring side of me. Being a part of Women of Excellence means a lot to me because it gives me an opportunity to serve and help others. At the end of the day, I simply want to be remembered as someone who loved people, treated people right, helped when I could, and allowed my faith and my heart to show through the way I lived and served others.

My name is Donika Thomas. I have 8 plus years of experience in property and business management and as a paralegal assistant. I'm passionate about serving others, making a positive impact in the lives of other people and encouraging them to become a better version of themselves, building meaningful connections, and continuing to grow in every aspect of my life. I value family, faith, and enjoying life. As a proud new member of Women of Excellence, I'm excited to connect with like-minded women, learn from others, share my experiences, and contribute to a community that celebrates, encourages, and empowers women. I believe in embracing every opportunity to grow, inspire, lead, and walk boldly in purpose.