Meet The Board

Dianne Allen Stancil has dedicated her career as an educator. With a background in early childhood education, Dianne brings valuable skills and insights to the foundation. She served as an elementary teacher in Paterson, NJ. Dianne later taught and has since retired from Kershaw County School District. She is an active member of Sanders Creek Baptist Church. Dianne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, as well as a M.Ed. from William Paterson College. As part of the foundation, she is committed to fostering opportunities that help students achieve their academic and career goals.

Walter Allen III is considered a renaissance man. Earning his Bachelor’s degree in History from Benedict College, he has a passion for cultural and political topics.  As a retired employee of Delta Airlines, Walter is an avid traveler. Never meeting a stranger, he is a true connector. Walter is committed to adding value to the foundation with his unique perspectives.

Yvette Allen Jackson serves as a teacher at Georgia’s first high school for Black students in Atlanta, GA. Her educational training from Benedict College prepared her to be a literature teacher, who equips students with literary perspectives and writing skills which empowers them to grow and thrive.  As part of the foundation, she is committed to drafting correspondence and providing insight related to college essay writing and scholarship obtainment.

Greta Allen Thomas dedicated 34 years of teaching in deaf education in Paterson, New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Benedict College and a Master’s in Deaf Education from Western Maryland College. She is a committed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As part of the foundation, she is committed to ensuring students reach their educational dreams.

Ambree T. Stancil is a proud graduate of South Carolina State University, where she earned a B.S. in Accounting. She also holds a MBA in Marketing from Mercer University. Ambree is an Accounting Manager for the world’s leading technology enterprise for premium content and network for youth, culture and technology. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Ambree serves on various committees that focus on educational development.

Cecil P. Stancil, Jr. is a practicing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Atlanta, GA, where he specializes in dental implants, wisdom tooth extractions and bone grafting. He received his B.S. in Biology at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He obtained his DDS and completed his dental residency at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. Dr. Cecil Stancil Jr. is committed to removing barriers for students to enroll and graduate from higher educational institutions.

Anyee’ D. Payne has over 25 years of experience serving in leadership in K-12 and higher educational settings. Her passion to ensure students are equipped with tools and resources to live choice filled lives drives her work as an Executive Director at a Research I university. She holds a B.S., Education from Georgia Southern University, M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction from Central Michigan University and Ph.D., Educational Leadership from Mercer University. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Ashley C. Mitchell holds two bachelor’s degrees: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science from Georgia Southern University and Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia, as well as a MBA from Queens University in Charlotte, NC. Her unique experiences in healthcare coupled with her business acumen equips her to serve as a Nurse Care Manager at one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States.  She works tirelessly to develop, implement, and review healthcare plans for patients recovering from serious or chronic illnesses. Ashley is passionate about ensuring high school students have choices in their higher educational pursuits.