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About Us Vernetta Keith Nuriddin, Executive Director Vernetta is the chairperson for the WOW Foundation Board of Directors. She founded the organization in an effort to better her community by developing and implementing programs that give aid to low-income and elderly Atlanta residents. She is a native of Atlanta and lives there with her husband and three children. She volunteers with many organizations such as the League of Women Voters-Atlanta Fulton Chapter, Georgia PTA, Georgia Coalition on Hunger, and GALEO Leadership Council. She is dedicated to uplifting the community and encouraging others to be active participants in their own lives. She has worked in the legal, financial and software industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master of Information Technology degree with a concentration in Internet Security from the American Intercontinental University.
Sharon Guest, President of Columbia Residential Management
She is the Director of Community Development for the WOW Foundation. At Columbia Residential, she is responsible for the strategic direction and financial performance of the housing portfolio. She oversees the property management group of Columbia Residential, which consists of over 70 employees. Ms. Guest has demonstrated asset management experience in housing finance with a strong emphasis on affordability, redevelopment and revitalization. Ms. Guest has a proficient knowledge of federal, state and local housing programs, as well as, established experience with public, private and community partnerships. Sharon has three years of commercial real estate property management experience with responsibilities in operational management, staff training, budget development, procurement, vendor management, construction management, and implementation of property initiatives. Ms. Guest holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication degree from the University of Georgia. Shurina Jones, Educator and Realtor
She is the Director of Proprietary Development for the WOW Foundation. As an educator, she has served as the choral director for the Atlanta Public and Fulton County school systems as well as an adjunct professor at Spelman College. As a real estate agent, she serves buyers and sellers in the metro Atlanta area including those re-locating to Atlanta. Her success has been based on her insistence that all deals are win-win or no deal. Selling real estate is more than just moving properties, it's about changing lives. With each new client comes a new challenge. Learning to think outside of the box and creating specialized marketing strategies helps her clients get their properties sold fast. Additionally, finding the right property at the right price can be difficult; however a happy client is a client for life! She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Morris Brown College and a Master of Science degree with a concentration in Human Resource Management and Development from National-Louis University.To contact Ms. Jones click HERE. Bettie Jones, Community Advocate, Author Bettie is the Director of Human Services for the WOW Foundation. She is a humanitarian, dedicated to the plight of the “least of these.” For several years she worked as a Research Assistant at a major hospital and medical school in Atlanta, interviewing women between the ages of 18 and 64 who attempted suicide as a way out of abusive situations. Ms. Jones has a real passion for such women and is devoted to their welfare and survival. She is a member of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and is also actively involved in combating homelessness in Atlanta. For the past 10 years, she has conducted drives to benefit the homeless and women fleeing domestic violence situations. Recent outreach has been to the victims of the DeKalb fires – donating personal hygiene kits, clothing, household good, linen, umbrellas, watches and other personal items to assist these families in restoring normalcy to their lives. She volunteers her time and service where it is needed most. She was recently honored by Volunteer Fulton for her service to the community. She is also an officer in the Fulton County Professional Speakers Club 6484 – Toastmasters, and regularly speaks on her passion. Ms. Jones is a published author, and her book entitled “When the Invitations Stopped,” a guide for women of faith fleeing domestic violence, will be released this spring. Bettie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a minor in English from St. Leo University and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Development from National Louis University. Ms. Jones can be contacted at Bettiejl@bellsouth.net
CoCo Harris, Diarist, Author, Instructor CoCo is the Director of Literary Arts for the WOW Foundation. She is a mother of three daughters and has lived with her family in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Nigeria, West Africa and Seattle, WA. She now resides in her hometown of Atlanta, GA. After receiving her Bachelor in Electrical Engineering degree from Howard University, she became a patent law professional working for the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office granting U.S. Patents for laser and electrical surgery, and was subsequently waived into the United States Patent Bar, practicing as a Registered Agent representing individuals, firms, and corporations. Dubbing herself a lifetime diarist, she has taught the art and craft of creative journal writing to individuals, organizations, and colleges by way of her SOULTALK workshops since 1999. She has authored the Journal Café workbook on creative journaling among other critical writings, essays and stories. She has been a contributing writer and columnist for magazines such as The Spirit and Dialogue magazines. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. Her works in progress include various nonfiction and fiction projects, including several memoir anthologies, a biography, a collection on short stories, and a novel. She continues to spread the word about the beneficial effects of creative journal writing to enhance creative journal writing to enhance creativity and as an overall Life tool in workshops for individuals, groups, conferences, schools and organizations. Contact Ms. Harris at CoCoHarris@gmail.com and visit her website on www.CoCoHarris.net. Bridgette C. Stewart, Entrepreneur
Bridgette is the Director of Entrepreneurial Mentorship. She is a sole proprieter doing business as Bridgette C. Stewart, Inc. Her company owns and operates a sizable holding of real estate, a package store and her family's 25 year old grocery store in Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of 19, Bridgette’s first business venture was "Amelie Apparel," a clothing boutique featuring trendy fashions. She has successfully owned and operated several businesses with over twenty years of entrepreneurial experience. She is a dedicated mother and community activist. Her family has generously donated food, clothing and money to the community and provides interest-free loans to families in dire need.
Calethea Barbour, Attorney at Law
Calethea is the Director of Legal Affairs for the WOW Foundation. She is a competent attorney with over 15 years of experience in general civil litigation matters, including all aspects of negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, trials and appeals.She specializes in entertainment law, contracts, and agreements. She has gained the respect and loyalty of her clients through her keen knowledge of the legal system, and through the unfaltering care and confidentiality with which she treats her clients. Calethea is sought out by clients as much for her business acumen as for her legal expertise. Her current practice stresses overall representation of production companies, music artists, athletes, and executive producers in all aspects of development, production, publishing, distribution and the negotiation and drafting of agreements and counseling in copyright, trademark and clearance issues. She works extensively on licensing, branding and merchandising deals for clients.
Calethea earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from The University of Georgia and juris doctor from North Carolina Central University.
| ORGANIZATION'S HISTORY Founded in 2002 by a group of women who made a pact to get in shape mentally and physically by having monthly exercise outings at Stone Mountain Park of Georgia. Originally called Women Overcoming Weight issues. The name was later changed to Women Overcoming Whatever WOW Foundation. | |
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