Lieutenant Akilah Jenkins has been employed with the Irvington Police Department, Irvington, NJ for the past 22 years. She has been assigned to several units throughout the Irvington Police Department. However, the most rewarding was working at Irvington High School as a school resource officer and currently a lieutenant in charge of the Community Affairs Division.

Lieutenant Jenkins graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  She now has a 14-year-old daughter who she cherishes dearly. Her goal in life is to WOW my ancestors and pave the way for other women in law enforcement.  

As we say at Minding My Business, let the celebration continue, we present to you our next nominated Unsung (s)hero, Nakita Williams.  Nakita relocated to Georgia from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2017. Nakita was raised in the foster care system and moved around consistently to various foster homes and group homes. As an adolescent, she had several traumatizing experiences. At an early age, she found safety and security in youth organizations. She participated in programs that allowed her to express herself and build her confidence. Nakita made a vow to herself to one day support to the youth in her community.

Nakita is currently the Site Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta at Promise South location. She is the founder and CEO of POETIC SERVICES Inc a nonprofit organization providing mentoring services to youth. Nakita is also the CEO of Purpose Inspiration Coaching & Consulting, LLC where she specializes Life Coaching, Couples Coaching, and Business Consulting and services

Nakita is an award-winning Youth Advocate, mentor, and community leader. Her dedication to community development has also allowed her to be awarded the Community Leader Award as a token to her contribution to her community. She has a strong passion for youth development and strives to motivate and inspire the youth she encounters.

Nakita has over 15 years of experience working in the Human/ Social services field. She exhibits a broad knowledge in youth engagement and support as well as a proven commitment to ensuring the highest quality of services. The foundation of her success lies in her talent and passion for the youth and bringing real-world learning experiences to them. Nakita has had much success in implementing best practices for youth growth and development throughout her career at organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Nakita holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Bryant & Stratton College, Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy , Graduate Certificate in Counseling specializing in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services as well as a Graduate Certificate in counseling specializing in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family systems from Capella University. Nakita was also nominated for Covington’s 40 an award bestowed up her for her community service to Newton County, GA for starting the 1st Boys and Girls Club there.

Nakita also served on various committees including the Youth Arts Initiative which focused on allocating resources funding Art Programs for youth. To prevent more youth from experiencing the traumatizing experiences that she had as a child, she served as an advocate with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare and provided insight on policies and procedures that were recommended to be in place to protect children.  Nakita is a member of the National Honor Society for Leadership and Success.  She also is a member of the Chi Upsalon Chi chapter of Chi Sigma Iota  

Nakita has overcome many obstacles which makes her “relatable” to youth. These obstacles fuel her passion for youth development. She also lives by the quote ” I want to inspire people; I want someone to look at me and say, Because of you I didn’t give up.” This mindset has helped her become a pillar in the community.  Her Story is Our Story.

Shanell Toomer – “A Rose that Grew from Concrete.” Simply put….Shanell is Amazing and we celebrate you!

Shanell Toomer is the “Rose that Grew from Concrete.”  She was raised in Irvington, NJ with 2 parents with substance abuse challenges, in a community impacted by poverty, violence and crime.  She successfully navigated through life due to her strong faith in God and individuals placed in her life that encouraged her to persevere.  Shanell graduated from Essex County College in 2013 with a degree in Human and Social Services.  She continued her education at Rutgers University, graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology in 2015 and enrolled in the Advance Standing Master’s in Social Work program and graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work (concentration Children and Families) in 2016.  Shanell is currently a Professor at Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, where she teaches future social workers the skills necessary to be change agents in their community.  Shanell is also a school social worker.

Shanell Toomer is an advocate and change agent for youth in Essex and Hudson Counties. Shanell is a Director of Youth programs at the Newark YMCA where she assisted in the creation of a program that provides life skills mentoring, and activities for juvenile justice involved youth. This afterschool program focused on reducing recidivism, engaging at risk youth, and promoting healthy lifestyles with youth ages 13-17.  Shanell participates in the interruption of violence in Hudson County as an active member of team of individuals that meet with gang leaders and create a safe space to have meaningful discussions that lead to the elimination of violence in the community.

Shanell also supervises a youth shelter that provides hope, love, and support to teens that are victims of trauma, Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) involved, homeless, and who have run away from home. Shanell continues to make strides in her community via her Non-profit organization (Health and Wellness Empowerment Program) which provides supportive services to at risk youth in need. Shanell continues to be a positive force by helping youth and their families navigate the ups and downs of living in a neighborhood impacted by social inequity and traumatic experiences. Shanell also serves as a community advocate, grant writer, researcher, grief counselor and community leader. Shanell attends church at New Psalmist Worship Center in Newark, NJ

Shanell enjoys painting, listening to music and being with family. Her future goals are to continue advocating and be a community leader fighting for Social Justice and Systemic Change. Her Story is Our Story!

Women’s History Month is not just a time to look back; it’s a celebration of the powerful and inspirational women who have shaped our past, continue to make waves today, and will undoubtedly light the way into our future.

Throughout history, women have stood as pillars of strength, courage, and innovation. But let’s zoom in and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of Black women. Their resilience and determination have carved an indelible mark on the pages of history. From Harriet Tubman’s fearless leadership on the Underground Railroad to the eloquent words of Maya Angelou and the groundbreaking achievements of Mae Jemison, these women have shown us the boundless potential of the human spirit.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Black women have continued to be trailblazers. We see it in the powerful voices of civil rights activists like Rosa Parks and the indomitable spirit of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. Today, we are inspired by figures like Oprah Winfrey, whose media empire has broken barriers, and Michelle Obama, whose grace and advocacy have left an indelible mark on the world.

But it doesn’t stop there. Modern-day Black women are contributing to every facet of society, from science and technology to politics and the arts. Women like Kamala Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States, and Stacey Abrams, a champion for voting rights, show us that progress is possible and that glass ceilings are meant to be shattered.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we must also look ahead. The future of women’s contributions is bright and promising. Young Black women are stepping into leadership roles, using their voices to advocate for justice, equality, and change. They’re becoming CEOs, astronauts, educators, and artists, showing us that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

So, let’s embrace the future with open arms. Let’s support, uplift, and celebrate the women who tell our stories and shape our world. Together, we can ensure that every generation of women, regardless of their race or background, continues to break barriers, leaving a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for all. Women’s history is still being written, and it’s a story worth celebrating every day.

SGT. ERICA JOHNSON

Sgt. Erica Johnson #2583 is a twenty-two (22) year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department. She was raised and educated in the City of Baltimore where she earned her Associates of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies. Sgt. Erica Johnson became interested in police work after working as a clerk with the District Court of Baltimore. She later became a Community Service Officer (CSO) with the Baltimore City Police Department, Western, District.

Sgt. Erica Johnson relocated to Prince George’s County, Maryland after she accepted the position of police officer with the Prince George’s County Police Department.

During her 22-year tenure, Sgt. Erica Johnson has had the opportunity to work in several capacities, Patrol, School Resource Officer, Special Crimes Detective (Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Units), Media Relations and Patrol Supervisor. Her most rewarding position has been her current duty assignment in the Training and Education Division. This position has allowed her to oversee the Citizen’s Police Academy. Since 2014, Sgt. Erica Johnson has graduated over 500 citizens from the program. The Citizens Police Academy has allowed her to bridge the gap between Police and Community. She has been able to create strong allies for not only for Prince George’s County Police Officers but for officers all over. She is very adamant about dispelling myths about the police department and how it operates. The union she has created between police and community has also set an atmosphere where our citizens are not afraid to speak to the police. This is an accomplishment that Sgt. Erica Johnson is very proud of and honored to be a part of.

By: Minding My Business

February 21, 2022