Officers
Maimah Karmo
President
Maimah Karmo is the Founder of Tigerlily Foundation and a five year survivor of breast cancer, who recently received the Congressional Black Caucus Leadership in Advocacy Award for her work with young women and breast cancer. In 2009, she spoke on Capitol Hill, alongside Representative Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, now Democratic National Committee Chair, to introduce the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act; and in October 2010, Maimah was appointed to the Federal Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, a committee established by the Affordable Care Act, on which she will work to develop initiatives to increase knowledge of breast health and breast cancer, particularly among women under the age of 40 and those at heightened risk for developing the disease.
On February 28, 2006, at 4:45 p.m., she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She had no family history of breast cancer; and was only 32-years old. While undergoing chemotherapy, she made a promise to God that if she survived, she would create an organization that would educate, empower, advocate for and support young women affected by breast cancer. After her second round of treatment, Tigerlily Foundation was born.
Since starting Tigerlily, Maimah has dedicated her life to helping young women around the world. She is a speaker and has appeared in various media outlets, to include O, the Oprah Magazine, Essence, Ladies Home Journal, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Redbook Women and Cancer, Cure Magazine and more. She has also been featured on Fox 5, ABC 7, CBS, the Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America and numerous national radio stations. In 2009, Maimah was awarded a L’Oreal Paris’ Woman of Worth award, among others. Maimah is a member of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Young Adult Alliance and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocates in Science program. She is also a National Breast Cancer Coalition Project LEAD graduate and is an active member of other advocacy organizations. In May 2011, she was awarded as one of Running Start’s “Women to Watch”. Most dear to Maimah’s heart is being the mother of a beautiful 8-year old girl, whom she adores.
While breast cancer was an unwelcome experience, Maimah would not give back the experience. “I’ve lived more in the past four years than I did the years before, and when I die, I want to know that I made the best use of my “after life” and impacted the lives of as many people as possible.” Maimah is dedicated to changing the breast cancer landscape and creating a legacy of a world free of breast cancer.
Vacant
Vice President
Nijiama Smalls
Secretary
Nijiama Smalls is the founding owner of Le Fabuleux Events and Party Rentals. The company opened its doors in 2004 and has since grown to be one the area’s leading providers of party, wedding and catering equipment rentals. Ms. Smalls has applied her many years of experience in marketing and sales to lead the company in exponential growth by increasing its year to year profit earnings by 65%.
Prior to this, Ms. Smalls was the Director of Career Services for both ITT Technical Institute and Everest College. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at both institutions where she taught professional development and business related courses. She also held a position as the Marketing Specialist for Maximus Ticket to Work and many other positions in the sales and marketing field. Ms. Smalls has earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a MBA.
Vacant
Treasurer
Directors
Cathy Backus
Cathy Backus is a Global Director for CSA Travel Protection / Europ-Assistance headquartered in San Diego CA, Bethesda MD and Paris France. Ms. Backus is the founder and current Co- President of Women in the Industry (WINWIN is a 501 (3) (6) organization that engages in education, research, networking and philanthropy. Ms. Backus has successfully developed the philanthropic arm of WIN, and has created powerful philanthropic programs throughout the years. Her work includes the development of a program with great impact for Girls Inc, NYC. Ms. Backus founded Corporate Citizenship Charities, Inc., a 501 (c ) ( 3) charitable tax exempt organization that develops and manages private label corporate citizenship charity programs for small to mid-size companies. Ms. Backus graduated from Illinois State University in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in urban education.
Ms. Backus has organized and participated in Women’s Medical Missions in the Bahamas and was instrumental in raising funds through Women In The Industry to supply Abacos Island with a mammogram machine.
When asked how she manages it all as a wife, a mother of 6 children, an employee and a philanthropist, her response is, “I like to believe I can shift the very axis of the earth to make change in the world that has a lasting effect”.
Michael Draine
Michael Draine is a pharmaceutical industry executive with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and government affairs. Mr. Draine has served in senior management positions with global pharmaceutical corporations’ Merck, Novartis and AstraZeneca. He most recently served as Senior Director and Head of US State Government Affairs and Public Policy for Tokyo headquartered pharmaceutical giant, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc prior to establishing the Strategic Policy Management Group LLC, a government relations consulting firm with a focus on biopharmaceutical policy.
Mr. Draine is a leading pharmaceutical industry expert on patient access to treatment issues relating to reimbursement and community care. He is also a well sought after speaker in the areas of health disparities, health information technology and pharmaceutical industry business development.
Mr. Draine believes that health education, disease screening and access to appropriate treatments are key to improving the health status of all Americans. He is an advocate for affordable health insurance coverage and increased funding for cancer research. He currently serves as Chairman of the Public Health Committee for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Alcorn State University and a Masters in Business Administration from the Byrd School of Business, Shenandoah University.
Judy Freeman
Since 2004, Judy has been helping businesses and professionals discover their
untapped potential and harness their strengths to achieve exceptional results.
She brings 25 years of professional experience to coaching and is well-versed
in all areas of business, particularly accounting, sales and marketing, and
technology solutions. Judy began her career as a CPA working with banks, small
businesses, and computer manufacturer Wang Laboratories, where she met with
executives worldwide managing operational audits. Over the years, she worked
for leading high technology companies and earned numerous awards, including
Global Sales Team of the Year and Regional Sales Manager of the Year.
Judy holds a B.S. in accounting from Boston College, an M.B.A. in
marketing from Babson College, and is an ActionCOACH Certified Business
Coach. A valued member of the Northern Virginia business community, she is
actively involved with local organizations including the Dulles Regional
Chamber of Commerce and the Mason Enterprise Center. Judy is a dynamic
presenter and workshop leader, who captivates and inspires audiences.
She works primarily with businesses in the professional services sector. Her
clients say that her creativity in problem solving, combined with her business
savvy, and her top-notch interpersonal skills, energizes their business and leads
them to new levels of success and profitability.
Judy is constantly challenging business leaders and their teams to think
bigger and work smarter to uncover their hidden potential and grow individually
and as a company.
Michelle Hellstern, Director - Membership and Development Chair
Michelle W. Hellstern possesses over 10 years of experience in healthcare financial management and compliance of multi-million dollar operations. Michelle Hellstern is currently the Compliance Manager at Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Previously, Michelle was the Reimbursement and Compliance Manager for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) in Baltimore, Maryland and Budget, Reimbursement, and Compliance Manager at Civista Medical Center in Charles County, Maryland. Michelle holds a Master’s of Management Public Administration from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Communication Studies from Howard University.
Michelle is married to Mark Hellstern, CAPT, USN (retired). They have two teenage sons and reside in Chattanooga, TN.
Dr. Grace Keenan
Dr. Grace Keenan is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center, Inc. Born in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, Dr. Keenan received her medical degree from Memorial University School of Medicine in 1985. Upon successful completion of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at St. Thomas Hospital Center in Akron, OH, Dr. Keenan relocated to Loudoun County and began private practice in 1988. The previous sole proprietorship became Nova Medical Group in 1991.
Dr. Keenan has been certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine since 1988 and received her certification from the Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine in 2009. She is also board certified in Anti-Aging Medicine by A4M.
Dr. Keenan is a business leader in Loudoun County and actively involved with the local community. She serves on the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and the Loudoun County CEO Cabinet. She's also a member of 100 Women Strong and the Washington Spa Alliance, a clinical preceptor for George Mason and Marymount Universities, and an affiliate faculty for George Mason University. On a national level, she serves on the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Leaders & Innovators Strategic Advisory Panel and the University of California Irvine Extension Advisory Committee for the Spa & Hospitality Management Certificate Program.
Other professional memberships include: the Medical Society of Northern Virginia, American Association of Medical Review Officers, Medical Society of Virginia, American Medical Association, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), the Women's Foreign Policy Group, International Spa Association (ISPA), and Vistage.
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
Dr. Keenan enlists her patients in the process of diagnosis and treatment by carefully listening, and taking the time to educate and explain how to achieve maximum wellness while integrating the best of conventional and complementary medicine.
Jeanette Love
Jeanette Love is the founder of Joyful Events Inc., an event management company. Prior to launching Joyful Event Inc, Jeanette spent over 15 years working in corporate America with companies such as AT&T, AOL and GEO Eye, Incorporated. Jeanette was also an active member of the Alliance of Black Telecommunications Employees, which provided a forum for networking and community involvement.
Jeanette has been an advocate for numerous charitable organizations through volunteering and fundraising activities. She has a special passion for the development and education of young women. She believes that this preparation will provide the best foundation for success for their future success and contribution to society.
Jeanette studied at Temple Business School and the University of Maryland. She lives in Ashburn, Virginia with her husband and 2 children.
Lynni Megginson
Lynni Megginson is the owner of L&M Designs, an interior design firm located in Boyds, Maryland. A North Carolina native, she moved to Maryland from Raleigh, NC in 1996.
Her firm has won numerous awards through the years, including Best of Interior Design two years in a row. In 2008 her retail store was nominated for the prestigious ART Award in the Mid-Atlantic Home Accents Retailers division, a nationwide distinction of the top retailers in America. In her career as a retailer and designer, she has served on the Board of Home Accents Today magazine where she had a popular column entitled 'Just Lynni' for many years. A well known speaker, she has been featured at the top gift and home markets both domestically and internationally.
An avid reader, artist and cook, Lynni has just started her own line of gourmet food products appropriately entitled "Lynni's Fabulous". She enjoys spending time with her 14 year old daughter Wallace and her little dog Shrek who is her constant companion.
Meghan Moore, Director - Sponsorships
Meghan Moore is a successful media marketing and sales professional in the Washington DC region. For the past 8 years, she has worked as in integrated media sales rep with Clear Channel and Bonneville Communications (HOT 99.5, DC101, WASH-FM, WBIG, WMZQ, WGMS & Washington Post Radio). She excels at helping clients to design effective advertising campaigns using on-air, online, endorsement and social media platforms and specializes in healthcare marketing. Meghan first developed a relationship with the Tiger Lily Foundation while working on her radio stations' community outreach programs which include a dedication to breast cancer awareness initiatives.
In the past, Meghan has also worked with regional advertising agencies as a campaign planner and media buyer so she brings perspective from all sides of the media business. She holds a MA in Communications and Public Affairs from American University and a BA in Mass communications from Towson University. In her spare time, Meghan enjoys exercise, cooking, reading, yoga, travel and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Lansdowne, VA with her husband Chad and sons Cameron and Charlie.
Rina Shah, Director, Advocacy & Development
Rina Shah spent the past few years as a senior aide to two Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. A native of southern West Virginia, her background also includes work in TV news and as a freelance writer. Nowadays, Rina runs a boutique political communications consulting and strategy practice. She has become increasingly active in local and national politics while remaining committed to causes which further and empower young women in various walks of life. When she’s not honing her leadership skills, Rina keeps her life-long love for dance alive via performing in a local East Indian fusion dance troupe. Rina resides in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC.
Charlisa Watson
Charlisa Watson is currently Vice President for Community Development in the southeastern region for United Health Care Community Plan with responsibility for building strategic alliances and relationships with community and faith based organizations. Prior to this position she served as the Executive Director of Unison Health Plan of the Capitol Area, a UnitedHealth Group Company a Medicaid plan in Washington, DC. In this position she was responsible for the day to day operations, overall market performance, directing and managing the organization’s financial performance and partnering with corporate teams and sister segments to deliver various support services.
With nearly 25 years of health care experience, Charlisa has analyzed, developed and implemented policies and programs to improve managed care health plans serving Medicaid and other special needs populations. Prior to joining UnitedHealth Group Charlisa was the former executive director of the National Association of Health Services Executives where she established close working relationships with key policymakers and legislators at federal, state and local levels. She also helped develop innovative programs to strengthen the membership base, fund raising and created initiatives to retain members. Previously, she served as chief operating officer and interim executive director of the National Association of Black Accountants where she oversaw daily operations including budgeting, staffing, revenue growth, program development and administration. Charlisa also served as operations manager/House of Delegates liaison to the National Medical Association; executive project director of Foster America; and various leadership positions with managed care organizations.
She is a recognized leader in both the health care and non profit industries for energized vision and keen management skills, and has worked extensively in partnership with private and public sector companies, employers, health care management corporations, and health care professionals, as well as with state and local government officials.
Charlisa maintains active involvement in community service organizations and currently, serves on the Board of the Tigerlily Foundation and DC Healthy Start Community Consortium, Inc. She has previously been a board member of Lupus Mid-Atlantic serving as the Board Chair and First Vice Chair.
Watson holds a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University. She is married and has four young adult children.
Requirements of the Tigerlily Foundation Board of Directors
A Tigerlily Foundation Director must:
- Be dedicated to the vision, mission, ideals and principles for which the Tigerlily Foundation stands;
- Be capable of attending all meetings of the Tigerlily Foundation Board, and any committees to which he/she is assigned,
- Commit the time required to discharge Board and committee duties.
- Be responsible for discharging his/her duties
- in good faith,
- With the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances,
- In a manner the Director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the Tigerlily Foundation,
- Keep all matters in meetings of a proprietary nature private, unless the Board of Directors unanimously agree the information is to be public.
