flourish her board members
Mischelle Fortson
Founder & Executive Director
Mischelle Fortson is the Founder and Executive Director of Flourish Her Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women to live Feminine, Fearless, and Free through mentorship, personal development, financial education, and transformational experiences. Driven by a passion for helping women flourish in every area of life, she built the foundation on the principles of purpose, leadership, service, and community impact.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry, Mischelle currently serves as a Vice President and Market Expansion Branch Manager at JP Morgan Chase, where she plays a key role in business growth, client engagement, and leadership development. Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, she spent a decade as a Vice President and Financial Center Manager with Bank of America building extensive expertise in financial services, compliance, team leadership, and customer-centered strategies. Her leadership style is rooted in excellence, integrity, compassion, and empowerment.
In 2025, Mischelle expanded her entrepreneurial impact by founding Flourishing at Home, LLC, a home care organization committed to helping individuals thrive with dignity and independence in the comfort of their own homes. Through both Flourish Her Foundation and Flourishing at Home, she creates opportunities for growth, connection, and resilience while strengthening individuals, families, and communities.
A visionary leader, mentor, and advocate, Mischelle is known for her ability to inspire others to embrace their purpose and pursue excellence. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources and Change Management, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Human Resources. Through her leadership, mentorship, and service, she remains committed to helping others walk boldly in purpose, leadership, and legacy while creating lasting, transformational impact.
Motto: "Leave it better than you found it."
Aaliyah Fortson
president
Aaliyah Fortson serves as President of Flourish Her Foundation, where she is committed to advancing the organization’s mission of empowerment, growth and community impact. She brings over 10 years of experience in human resources, government contracting, project management, operations and consulting, with a passion for creating strategies that help organizations and people thrive.
In her current professional role, Aaliyah is a Contract Specialist with the federal government, where she has awarded and managed over $50 million in contracts. She is known for her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring accountability, efficiency and alignment with organizational goals.
Prior to her federal service, Aaliyah held roles with leading global organizations, including Mercedes-Benz Group, Nestlé Purina PetCare, and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where she gained valuable experience in operations and organizational development.
Throughout her career, she has led strategies that align people and purpose, with expertise in talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee relations and policy development. She is recognized for strengthening teams, building partnerships and supporting initiatives that drive sustainable growth and meaningful outcomes.
Aaliyah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from The University of Alabama and an MBA. She also holds a DAWIA Contracting Certification, solidifying her expertise in federal acquisition and contract management. Beyond her professional work, she is actively involved in her church and her community. Above all, she is driven by a deep commitment to service, leadership, community and creating opportunities for others to flourish
Shaundra Clark
VICE PRESIDENT
Born and raised in Mississippi, Shaundra Clark has built a life and career rooted in service, leadership, and community. A proud graduate of Stillman College, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business in 1990 and later completed her master’s degree at Mississippi State University in 1993. That same year, she began her career in housing with the Albany Housing Authority, beginning a professional journey driven by a deep commitment to helping people and strengthening communities.
Since June 2000, Shaundra has served as Executive Director of the Tifton Housing Authority, where her heart for service and leadership continues to shape lives. Proudly calling herself a “houser at heart,” she believes housing is about more than buildings—it is about dignity, opportunity, and creating communities where people can thrive.
Her leadership has extended far beyond her local community. In October 2019, she was honored as a NAHRO Fellow, recognizing her dedication and contributions to the housing profession. She has also served as President of the Georgia Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, President of the Southeastern Regional Council of NAHRO, and a member of the NAHRO Board of Governors.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shaundra’s passion for service is reflected in her faith, sisterhood, and community involvement through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Christ’s Church of Tifton, Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House, PLIGHT, Inc., and the Tifton Arts Council. Whether leading, mentoring, serving, or advocating, she remains deeply committed to uplifting others and leaving every community stronger than she found it.
savannah hall
treasurer
Savannah Hall is a Senior Account Manager and passionate advocate for women’s personal and professional growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a Sales Certification from The University of Alabama, Class of 2017, and a Master of Business Administration from Lipscomb University, earned in 2019. With a background in sales, marketing, and leadership, Savannah brings experience in strategic relationship building, business development, and creating meaningful partnerships. She has held sales and account management roles with Reynolds American, KIND Snacks, and Primo Brands, where she currently works with major retail customers across the convenience channel.
Beyond her professional career, Savannah has a heart for serving others and building meaningful community. She has served as a Big Sister mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley since 2023 and is passionate about investing in others and creating opportunities for growth. As a board member of Flourish Her, Savannah hopes to use her professional experience, leadership skills, and passion for service to help create spaces where women feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to flourish personally, professionally, and in their faith. Outside of work and volunteering, Savannah enjoys traveling, spending time with her dogs, and being involved in her church and community.
Carolyn Edwards Ford
secretary
Carolyn Edwards Ford is a retired school district administrator, third-generation farmer, and community leader dedicated to education, agriculture, and rural development. After more than three decades of service in education, she transitioned her leadership experience into managing Roe Edwards Farm, a multigenerational family farm in Southwest Georgia. As CEO of the farm, she oversees operations including livestock production, specialty crop development, and conservation initiatives to strengthen long-term farm viability and land stewardship.
Carolyn is an active church officer and community advocate who believes in service, mentorship, and collaborative leadership. She also serves as an officer with the Southern Farmers Collaborative Group, where she supports small and underserved farmers through education, resource development, infrastructure expansion, and market access. Her leadership helps connect producers with technical assistance, strategic partnerships, and economic development initiatives that improve resilience and profitability for rural communities.
She is also a cohort member of a regional Farm Business Link program, where she collaborates with fellow agricultural leaders to strengthen farm business strategies, build sustainable enterprises, and expand opportunities for future generations of farmers.
Dr. Cindreka Marshall
board member
Dr. Cindreka D. Marshall is a passionate advocate, educator, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to empowering individuals and creating meaningful change. With an extensive background in social work, behavioral health, and higher education, she has devoted her career to serving vulnerable populations, advancing equity, and helping others overcome barriers to success. Her professional experience spans child and family services, discharge planning, social services, and academia, where she has consistently led with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
Dr. Marshall currently serves as a professor and mentor, shaping and inspiring the next generation of leaders through education, advocacy, and service. She is also the founder and owner of L.E.G.A.C.Y., a thriving case management organization that employs more than 60 professionals dedicated to supporting individuals and families through quality care, advocacy, and community-based services. Through her leadership, she has built an organization rooted in excellence, empowerment, and transformational impact.
Known for her authenticity, professionalism, and heart for service, Dr. Marshall continues to leave a lasting impact through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to helping others thrive. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to uplifting communities, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities that change lives for generations to come.
