Founder/Executive Director

Nailah Starks is the mother of an amazingly brilliant boy and a middle school ELA/SS teacher. Much of her joy comes from using her voice to help others around her. By nature, she is a creative, a leader, and a Praying Girl who wishes to use her gifts to abundantly bless others. She aims to educate, influence, transform, and inspire people who face adversity through her teachings, writings, and personal experiences. Nailah has a soft heart for women, mothers, and children and dedicates her time to serve in whatever space she can as often as she can.

Board Member

Ayana Buchanan is a dedicated mother, educator, entrepreneur, and community leader committed to empowering families and strengthening the next generation. As the mother of two daughters, Kaci and Kourtney, Ayana’s passion for uplifting women and children is both personal and purposeful. Her journey through motherhood fuels her empathy, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment to creating spaces where mothers feel supported and seen. Ayana holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a master’s degree in Business from Louisiana State University, blending analytical thinking with compassionate leadership in every role she serves. She currently teaches 7th grade math, where she inspires confidence, discipline, and possibility in her students. As a small business owner and founder of The Duchess Tresses, Ayana has built a brand rooted in excellence, empowerment, and service. Her influence extends well beyond the classroom and the business world. Ayana has led and served in numerous community organizations, including the Amite Chamber of Commerce, Regina Coeli Child Development Center’s Policy Council, and G100 Oneness & Wisdom. Her work consistently centers on creating access, opportunity, and support for women, youth, and underserved families. A committed advocate for women—especially those navigating young motherhood, pregnancy, or adversity—Ayana believes in leading with integrity, showing up with love, and using her gifts to create meaningful, generational change. Deeply rooted in her faith and her community, she works daily to build a future where women are uplifted, families thrive, and every child grows up with hope.

Board Member

Dr. Ashraf Esmail is an Associate Professor and Endowed Professor of Criminal Justice at Dillard University. He also started the Dillard University Center for Racial Justice in 2020. His research has focused on cultural diversity, racial and social justice, and violence. He is the senior editor of the Journal of Education and Social Justice and Chief Editor of the International Journal of Leadership, Education and Business Studies. He is the Associate Editor of the International Journal of Contemporary Islamic Studies and Community Dynamics: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal. He is the co-editor for the Journal of Contemporary Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Esmail has published several articles and books. Some of the books include Youth Violence in American Schools: How Can it Be Alleviated, “Oh, It’s like CSI..” Qualitative Study of Job Satisfaction Experiences of Forensic Scientists, Racial Disparity in Sentencing Outcomes: A Study of Sentencing Decisions Under Arizona’s Perspective Sentencing Structure, Internet Identity Theft: An Insight into Victimology and Law Enforcement Response, Alleviating Bullying: Conquering the Challenge of Violent Crimes, Professional Development in Community Corrections: A Case Study, A Critical Assessment of Technical Violations in Criminal Justice: A Probationer’s Perspective, Gun Violence in American Society: Crime, Justice, and Public Policy, On These Mean Streets… People are Dying: Police and Citizen Brutality in America, Old Problem, New Paradigms: The Tragedies of Human Trafficking and Exploitation, Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes? National Security: Evaluating the Equilibrium between Secrecy, Transparency, and Individual Freedoms, and Terrorism Inside America’s Borders.

Board Member

Whitney Walker is a dedicated single mother to her nine-year-old son, Noah, who she describes as her heart outside of her body. Everything she has accomplished in life has been driven by her love for him and her desire to create a meaningful impact in the world. Whitney holds a master’s degree in counseling and has obtained her provisional license for professional counseling, with full licensure expected in 2026. Currently, she works as a school counselor, supporting students in their academic, social, and emotional growth, while also serving as a certified doula, providing compassionate guidance to mothers and families during the transformative experience of childbirth. Outside of her professional life, Whitney enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading on her Kindle, binge-watching shows, and savoring good food.

Board Member

Nia Starks is the owner of Nostalgic Creations & H.O.P.S. She is certified in multiple healthcare areas, but began in phlebotomy. Nia is known for combining creative visions with business strategy and leadership. She is experienced in media and content creation and has built and maintained product creation competency.

LaSindra McCoy-Hutchinson is a faith-driven advocate for women and children who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is the mother of three children, one of whom has autism, and has firsthand experience navigating complex systems to secure support and resources for families. She is the founder of Grace in the Journey – Autism Advocacy, where she walks alongside families with compassion, education, and faith, and the owner of Mommy and Me, a multi-service organization.
With a background in healthcare, behavioral health, and residential leadership, LaSindra has spent her career supporting mothers through seasons of instability while leading with empathy, purpose, and advocacy. She is honored to serve on the TMDF Board and is deeply committed to advancing its mission to place women and children first through faith in action and community support.