Staff

Michele has been President of the Rankin Foundation since 2020. She served as the President of the Women’s College Coalition from 2015-2019. A history and political science graduate of Douglass College, with a Master’s degree in city and regional planning from Rutgers, Michele has more than 20 years of successful leadership experience with organizations focused on the empowerment and well-being of women and girls. She was recognized as one of FAST Company’s Extraordinary Women of 2013. Previously, she headed up the San Francisco-based membership organization Women’s Funding Network, a global network of women’s foundations with a membership of 166 women’s foundations in 27 countries. Before that, she served for over a decade as President and CEO of the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention. Prior to that, Michele served as a Program Director of the Division of Public Health for the GA Department of Human Resources and as a research associate for the Georgia School-Age Care Association.

Karen Sterk is a champion for women, a champion for education and a champion for social justice. She has served as the CEO of Jeannette Rankin Foundation since September of 2015. Since then the fund has grown five fold in size and impact.

Previously, Karen was the Chief Advancement Officer and Chief Program Officer for the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, responsible for both the YWCA’S program development and fundraising. She was part of the Senior Leadership Team that revitalized the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, taking the organization from a $300K deficit to break even in one year. During her time there, she created and implemented It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race.

From 2000-2010 Karen served at the YWCA of Minneapolis, leaving as the Vice President of Health and Wellness. Her drive to create and grow programs while building financial vitality for the organization was welcomed. During her tenure, her team tripled the number of members and revenues. She was part of the team that launched the YWCA’s Racial Justice Program It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race in 2002.

Karen is married to Ron Warren. They have two adult daughters, a son-in-law, two beautiful granddaughters, Zora and Zadie Jean, and a rescued greyhound.

LaWanna Ross is a dedicated and values-driven leader serving as the Director of Impact Philanthropy at the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. In this role, she leads philanthropic initiatives that expand access to education and economic opportunity for women and nontraditional students across the greater Atlanta area. With a career rooted in service and equity, LaWanna brings over a decade of experience in business development, community advancement, and cross-sector collaboration.

Throughout her career, LaWanna has had the privilege of working with organizations like the Douglas County Chamber and Operation HOPE, where she helped bring together civic leaders, business partners, and community advocates to drive inclusive, mission-aligned impact. Her ability to cultivate meaningful relationships has contributed to securing major gifts and building sustainable partnerships that put people and purpose at the center.

LaWanna’s background spans both the nonprofit and private sectors. Her academic training in Organizational Leadership and FinTech equips her with a forward-thinking approach to strategy, innovation, and inclusive leadership. She leads with empathy and clarity, believing that transformational change begins with listening, collaboration, and intentional action.

A proud graduate of both Leadership Douglas and the Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2024, LaWanna remains deeply engaged in efforts to foster regional connectivity and leadership that reflects the diversity and strength of Georgia communities. She  also serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Cobb/Douglas County and volunteers with Circles USA to help break cycles of generational poverty.

Originally from Moreno Valley, California, LaWanna finds joy in mentoring others and advocating for communities often overlooked especially older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those impacted by disparities in education. She is passionate about advancing equity in education and creating pathways for lifelong opportunity. When she’s not working to advance meaningful change, she enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending quality time with her three children. She lives by a simple belief: lead with purpose, lift as you climb, and always make room for others at the table.

Based in Missoula, Montana, Jackie Slovak brings a mix of authenticity, joy, and sharp strategic thinking to everything she does. A daughter of eastern Montana, she has built her career at the intersection of philanthropy, technology, and social justice—always with humility, humor, and a deep belief in what’s possible for people and communities.

Jackie’s experience spans fund development in the arts, software development with Easter Seals–Goodwill NRM, and operations leadership at an Atlanta tech startup. Most recently, she has raised resources and built mission-driven partnerships as a Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer for the American Red Cross and as Development Director at Adventure Cycling. She is especially drawn to organizations that expand educational and economic opportunity for people who have been historically overlooked.

Jackie holds bachelor’s degrees in political science from the University of Montana and computer science from the University of Great Falls, pairing policy insight with data fluency and practical problem-solving. After years in Georgia and across the West Coast, she was delighted to return home to Montana. Outside of work, she loves biking, hiking, and sharing adventures with her grown daughter, Emily, and Emily’s Pomeranian, Baggins—her favorite tiny trail companion.

LaTrena Artist is a woman who knows that ALL things are possible to those who believe.

LaTrena was destined to link arms with Jeannette Rankin Foundation in the summer of 2011 as a Rankin Foundation Scholar. Fate would have it that she now links her passion with the Rankin Foundation as a staff member. LaTrena’s perseverance has propelled her to succeed and to help those that she crosses paths with do the same. LaTrena has a passion for people and is dedicated to excellence. She has a BA from the University of Georgia in Human Development & Family Science and a BA from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Theology. LaTrena has received a number of awards including GA Woman of the Year Scholar and UGA Amazing Student.

LaTrena is the proud parent of two boys Cameron and Jeremy Stokes.

Jane Broyles recently relocated from Corbin KY to Athens to be close to her son, daughter in law and three grandchildren.  She has an extensive background in finance with a specialization in Quickbooks.  Jane works with small businesses, nonprofits and churches  to make sure their finances are in order.  We’re grateful for her expertise and happy to have her on the team.

Breezy Barcelo began her adventure with the Jeannette Rankin Foundation as a scholar three years in a row while completing her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Services. She loved school so much that she moved right along into her M.S. in Occupational Therapy (OT) and proceeded to work in the field of mental health. She currently offers nature OT for children in West Michigan and teaches in the  Integrative Holistic Health and Wellness program at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. When Breezy presented as the Scholar speaker at the Rankin Foundation STAR Party in 2017, she left thinking she would love to work with the Rankin Foundation.

Prior to attending college, she worked many nights and days as a birth and postpartum doula for over ten years. This led her to a deep love of caring for women and their families.

Breezy is a mother of 7 and lives with most of her kids and her silly goldendoodle in Kalamazoo.

Tiana embodies a compassionate spirit, motivated to empower and support fellow women through education. Coming from the Diné (Navajo) community in Arizona, she pursued her bachelor’s degree in health sciences with an emphasis on public health at Northern Arizona University (NAU), graduating in 2021. Inspired by her mother’s dedication and strong desire for post-secondary education, Tiana continued her academic journey. She earned her master’s degree in public health in 2024. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of education, especially for women with unique paths, Tiana felt called to support them on their journeys. With experience working in clinics, she provided tailored education to mothers and their children, witnessing the profound impact education can have on individual lives. 

She continues to reside near the reservation in Arizona alongside her husband, daughter, and dog. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and walks in nature.

Lori Smoker is an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. She was born and raised on the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, MT, where she currently resides with her husband, four kids and three cats. Lori's life has been deeply rooted in her tribal community, influencing her passion for championing higher education, literacy, and the empowerment of tribal women to ensure that the needs of Native communities are met with care and purpose.

Lori previously served as the Library Director at Fort Peck Community College. A graduate of Montana State University-Northern, she earned her BA in Education in 2021. She will earn her MA in Education, Instruction, and Learning from Montana State University-Northern, Fall 2024. Lori was honored as Employee of the Year during her first year at Fort Peck Community College Tribal Library, a testament to her commitment to developing a love of learning and discovery among tribal members. Lori has also served in volunteer initiatives, such as AmeriCorps and Poplar Women's Club. She actively serves as the treasurer at the First Baptist Church Poplar and is a trustee of the Poplar School Board, where she advocates for educational opportunity and resources for the community. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, photography, and cooking.

Holly is an Executive Administrative Associate at the Jeanette Rankin Foundation. She
has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Georgia
in 2018. She has a background in a variety of administrative and accounting roles and
uses that experience to help the foundation stay organized and continue helping
women.
Holly resides in Bethlehem Georgia with her mother and is a proud cat mom. She also
makes children’s quilts for local organizations. When she is taking a break you will find
her exploring the outdoors on a hike or being creative in a pottery or quilting studio with
an audiobook playing.

Maheen-Arzoo Chranya is the Digital Engagement and Marketing Specialist at the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. She drives digital and social media strategies, creating compelling content and leading campaigns to enhance the Foundation's online presence. With a Master of Social Work from Columbia University and dual Bachelor's degrees in Journalism and International Affairs from the University of Georgia, Maheen blends her communication expertise and social work insight. Her work focuses on advancing the Foundation's mission to empower women and nonbinary individuals through education, reflecting her dedication to social justice and community building.

Nathalie is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, who obtains her bachelor's degree in Economics and International affairs. She is a values-based, results-driven individual with a passion for effectuating change for minority communities through advocation, outreach, and service. She hopes to use her experience in community service and marketing to advance Rankin Foundation’s mission and advocate for women’s pursuit of education. In her free time, Nathalie enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring new places.

Mayerlyn is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Georgia pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Affairs with minors in French and International Human Rights and Security. She has a special interest of study in Human Rights and is passionate about advocating for those without a voice. She hopes to use her passion for outreach and community building to assist the mission of the Rankin Foundation, promoting and uplifting women and non-binary people's pursuit of education. 

Sara Sehhizadeh is a senior at the University of Georgia, pursuing a B. A. in International Affairs and a minor in Women's Studies. In her extracurricular activities, she was awarded “Best Delegate” in the 2019 Southern Regional Model United Nations (SRMUN) in Atlanta and was placed in the top-three during the 2022 Virtual Policy Competition hosted by the UGA chapter of Georgia State Public Administration.

Sara has previous internship experience in journalism, politics, and non-profit work. This past summer, she studied abroad in London where she also interned for a non-profit called Age UK. Sara hopes to utilize the experience gained working at the Rankin Foundation to pursue a career in non-profit work, advocating for the national and international rights of women and the institutionally undeserved.

Alyson is a rising sophomore at the University of Georgia pursuing a BA in political science on the pre-law track. She is especially interested in public policy and social justice, and seeks to pursue a career in government in the future. She is extremely passionate about connecting to the communities she seeks to uplift on a personal level and believes everyone deserves the opportunity and means to thrive. She hopes to contribute to the Rankin Foundation's powerful mission of promoting women's and non-binary individuals' pursuit of education. In her free time, she also enjoys cooking, traveling, and being outdoors