Women for Progress of MS, Inc.
New Induction Members October 2025

Mandy Adams is a strategic program leader and grants compliance professional.  As Grants Compliance Officer for the City of Jackson, she has successfully led initiatives strengthening fiscal accountability and departmental coordination.

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Previously, she served as Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and Staff Accountant at The Piney Woods School, where she enhanced executive operations, donor engagement, and financial reporting precision. A member of the National League of Cities Local Infrastructure Hub and the Federal Reserve’s Racial Equity Framework cohort, Mandy continues to shape inclusive financial practices. She is also a graduate of Leadership Greater Jackson annd continues to do her part in advancing civic engagement and community leadership.

As a state government employee, I use data-driven strategies to direct operations for the Mississippi WIC program, lead a team of managers, manage complex projects, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This ensures WIC participants and staff have the resources needed to excel.

As an entrepreneur, I help nonprofit and public health organizations secure funding and reach their strategic goals through grant writing, program management, project management, and program evaluation.

Mrs. Barnes earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Alabama, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. 

She was commissioned in 1984 as an Army Reserve Officer.   She made history by being the first African-American female from Mississippi to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Army.  She retired from civilian employment in 2007 and retired from military service in October 2014.  She currently serves as State Chair for the Mississippi Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, serves on the Executive Board for the Magnolia Chapter of the Association of the United Army, serves as an Army Reserve Ambassador for the State of Mississippi, and serves as President of the League of Women Voters of the Jackson Area. 

I have always had a love for doing hair.  It started when I was in high school.  I later completed formal training and worked in multiple salons.  In 2007, I decided to open my own salon, and Hair by Sonia was born. In 2020, I became a certified Trichologist.

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​My vision is to leave customers with healthy hair, which they can also style and maintain themselves.  Hair education is important and is shared with customers regularly.

Andrea Jones-Davis is a transformative leader with over 25 years of experience driving strategic objectives within corporate, educational, and non-profit sectors. Known for her visionary approach, Andrea has led large-scale initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, promote innovation, and foster mission-aligned growth. She has a proven record of managing multimillion-dollar grants and developing digital learning solutions that expand impact and elevate the educational experience.

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Andrea has a diverse background in education, business management, and entrepreneurship. Holding previous roles as the Dean/Executive Director of JSUOnline at Jackson State University, Interim Dean of Enrollment Management at Tougaloo College, and Director of CourseGateway with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Andrea is the CEO of AJD Solutions and Toot, Teach & Roll, and a Gallup Global Certified Strengths Coach. 

Melody L. Fortune completed her Ph.D. from Mississippi State University while working full time at the Mississippi State Department of Health as the Director for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. She is formerly the Assistant Professor in Healthcare Administration at Delta State University (DSU). She was awarded the Connected Educator Award during her first year at DSU. Prior to coming to DSU she founded the MS Witness Project; a 501(c) (3) faith based non-profit organization. She initiated the Pink Ribbon Gala in 2005, which funds raised assists those who have been diagnosed with cancer in Mississippi.

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Host of "The Fortune Report", on the Women for Progress Radio Network. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 5;30pm

Vatrice Harmon is the visionary Founder and CEO of Born To Pop, a gourmet popcorn and gourmet nuts brand built on faith and excellence.

 

She is a graduate of Provine High School and Alcorn State University. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 

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Born To Pop, now located in Byram, MS started as a home-based dream and has now grown into a licensed retail and manufacturing company. Proudly recognized as a Genuine MScrafted product, a symbol of quality and authenticity. From themed party favors and popcorn bars to fairs, markets, and nationwide distribution, every bag and every event is an opportunity to share joy, love, and encouragement.

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Marilyn Hasberry is a proud native of Laurel, Mississippi, and a retiree of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she served as a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Department of Gastroenterology. Her career at UMMC was marked by professionalism, dedication, and a deep commitment to healthcare administration.

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Marilyn has been happily married for 52 years and is the devoted mother of three daughters and the proud grandmother of three grandchildren. She is an active member of Tau Sigma Philo Affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Marilyn continues to give back through sisterhood and service, and a commitment to uplifting those around her.

Grace was graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mississippi College with majors in social work and Spanish and then received a master’s degree in community economic development.

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Grace’s career has always focused on public service and social entrepreneurship. She did missions and economic development work in Peru where she founded Peru Paper Company, a fair-trade company that employed Peruvian women. Through her experience having children, she saw a need for childbirth education services in the area, and served more than 200 area families as a certified childbirth educator and doula. She also has experience teaching middle school, teaching International Business at Belhaven, and running a successful online reselling business.

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Ayanna earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Mississippi State University. 

In 2021, Ayanna earned a Juris Doctorate from Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, Tennessee.  She also studied abroad in Venice, Italy and externed for the Honorable United States District Court Judge James C. Mahan in Nevada.

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Since then, Ayanna has externed, and then clerked, on the Mississippi Court of Appeals for two years under the tutelage of Honorable Judge Latrice A. Westbrooks.  She has also been a Summer Policy and Advocacy Fellow for the ACLU of Mississippi. Now, she joins the ACLU of Mississippi as the Constance Slaughter-Harvey Staff Attorney with the focus of ensuring that fairness is applied equally to all Mississippians.

Samantha is passionate about helping clients achieve their real estate goals. She is a licensed REALTOR® serving Central Mississippi, including Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties. 

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As a proud member of Millennium Realty Inc., she leverages cutting-edge market insights, innovative marketing strategies, and a deep understanding of the local housing market to guide buyers and sellers with confidence. 

Millette McLin is a dedicated leader, wife, and mother who brings passion and purpose to her role as Director of Advancement Operations at The Piney Woods School. In this role, she oversees strategic initiatives that strengthen donor relations, enhance fundraising efficiency, and advance the school’s mission of educational excellence and opportunity.

 

She is a proud graduate of Texas Woman’s University. She is also a Leadership Greater Jackson Fellow, and an entrepreneur of wellness products that focus on mind, body and soul.

Millette finds her greatest joy in nurturing others, both at home and in her community.

Educator, Historian, Cultural Activist, Political Organizer, Advocate, Consultant, and Special Events Coordinator: Mrs. Dorothy Thompson Stewart's light of leadership was ignited by her parents, teachers, and mentors who believed that education and commitment to excellence were essential for success. Her teachers and mentors at Jackson College fueled the fires of learning and serving. She was an excellent student and leader; a member of the Dunbar Dramatics Guild, the Social Science Society, the Student Government Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Pan-Hellenic Council. She graduated as a magna cum laude honor student, Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society member, and was listed in Who's Who Among College and Universities Students.

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Her pursuit for excellence in education and her profession led her to a number of universities. She participated in institutes and fellowships at the following institutions: The University of Mississippi in Oxford; Mississippi College in Clinton; Clark University in Worchester, Massachusetts; and San Francisco State University in San Francisco, California. An award of distinction was her selection as a Fulbright Fellow by the Hays-Fulbright Foundation. As a Fulbright Fellow, she attended the Universidad de Nationale of Mexico to study the history and culture of Mexico.

She held with distinction two Master’s degrees: one in History and another in Guidance/Counseling (Academic and Vocational Certification). She holds the following Mississippi Certifications: AAA Certification in History and Social Studies and Certification in Academics and Vocational Counseling.

Kaamilya “Kas” Young is an accomplished public servant with over 18 years of administrative leadership experience within the State of Mississippi. A proud graduate of Jackson State University (B.S.W., Cum Laude) and Walden University (M.B.A.), she currently serves as Project Manager, where she leads a team overseeing payroll, purchasing, and human resources compliance.

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Kaamilya’s excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Federal Highway Administration Excellence in Right of Way Streamline and Integration Award and the Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. A Certified Public Manager and active member of the Rotary Club and NCBW Central Mississippi Chapter, she remains committed to service, leadership, and mentorship.