Ta’Vianna Sanders, Founder
Ta’Vianna Sanders has dedicated her life to empowering women and girls. She is a former school principal and non-profit founder with 15 years of experience in creating community-based programming focused on developing the next generation of leaders. Additionally, she is passionate about public speaking and travels nationally to offer professional development for leadership teams. Ta’Vianna is a proud Florida A & M University graduate and member of several community service organizations.
Bernadette Hardeman Strong
Bernadette Hardeman Strong has worked with students for nearly 25 years. She began her career in the social services field working as a targeted case manager and then a mental health therapist. A few years in she decided to make the shift from social services to education. Bernadette has close to 20 years of experience in education. She began her educational career as a School Counselor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida and a master’s degree in Counselor Education from the Florida A & M University. Most passionate about college and career readiness for underrepresented students, she has spent the past several years working with phenomenal programs where this is a priority, including AVID and GEAR UP. She has an affinity for helping students and believes that education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.
In her spare time, Bernadette values volunteerism and service to the community. She mentors girls in high school and is a member of the board for the Pearls of Perfection mentoring organization. Bernadette enjoys traveling, and new adventures to small lesser known places. She currently works as a Supervisor for the GEAR UP project with Duval County Public Schools.
Alfreda Denson-Butler
Alfreda Denson-Butler is a native of Jacksonville, FL and a Rattler through and through, who bleeds orange and green. She graduated from Florida A&M University earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice, 1990. Also, a proud alumna from the William Marion Raines High School, where she made her mark who excelled in track and field.
Alfreda has been actively involved as a member of J.R.E. Lee (Jacksonville) FAMU Alumni Chapter, serving as the Co-Chair for Special Projects, Gala 2019 committee liaison, Jazz Brunch and Fashion Show coordinator, FAMU National Alumni Association Florida Region Conference 2020 Greeter and Travel consultant co-chair, just to name a few. Alfreda is an active member of Jacksonville Section-National Council of Negro Women, serving as the Financial Secretary. Because of her outstanding leadership involvement at the local community level volunteering servicing as the President of the Al Denson Youth Foundation for over two decades. Alfreda’s professional career began as a substitute teacher and coach (Assistant Girl’s Track and Girl’s Golf teams) at Northwestern Middle and William Marion Raines High Schools in Duval County Schools.
After marriage, she moved to Hillsborough County Schools as a middle math teacher for two years. Still serving in the capacity as President of the Al Denson Youth Foundation she was sought after and recommended to work as an educator with Duval County Schools System Transitional Program at Mattie V. Rutherford Alternative School. She serves as the schools Sunshine/Hospitality Chair, where she has sought grant funding from prospective business partners to provide incentives for faculty and staff. In addition, Alfreda serves as the Professional Development Facilitator, generating courses and workshops appropriate for teacher development, and Duval United Teacher Building Representative.
She has accumulated multiple awards and recognition such as most recently and twice awarded, Teacher of the Year 2020-2021 and Teacher of the Year 2019-2020. She was awarded, from JPEF (Jacksonville Public Education Fund), 2021 EDDY Awards “Powering Potential” Classroom Grant . A true humanitarian and dedicated to public service, Alfreda commitment to education and working to improve the lives of children. She works tirelessly for social change with her steadfast involvement in NCNW serving on the Fundraising and Social Action committees. Alfreda also volunteers with various non-profits, Blessing Others All the Time, Inc. and Pearls of Perfection, Inc.
She is a member of Open Arms Church Fellowship. Alfreda is the wife of Dwayne Butler, a mother of three: sons Deron and Jalen; and daughter Ahja. Through all her accomplishments, she takes pride in being with family and being strong in her faith. She believes in the importance of having a relationship with God, family, and friends.