ABOUT

Monica Denise Riley is a community and electoral organizer that believes in the power of advocacy work.

"I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me." -Maya Angelou

Monica currently serves as the Alabama Grassroots Manager for the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network. ACS CAN is the nation's leading cancer advocacy organization working every day to make cancer issues a national priority. In this role, Monica recruits, trains, and manages all of the Alabama volunteers. Teaching people how to advocate for themselves and their communities always have and continue to be one of her top priorities.

Stacey Pugh is a graduate of UAB, where she received a BBA in Business Administration and Management. She is currently pursuing her master's degree at Purdue University. Ms. Pugh has various certifications in the quality management and auditing sector in Manufacturing. Lastly, she has volunteered her services to other notable nonprofits in Alabama, such as the Aid to Inmate Mothers Inc. and the Junior League of Montgomery. She is the proud mother of one son, Jaison McKeithan, a sophomore student athlete at Mississippi College.

Dr. Derrick Brewster currently serves as the Chief of Staff/Higher Education Liaison for 525 Technologies. Dr. Brewster provides executive level leadership with full responsibility for driving innovation, operations, staff development and brand recognition across higher education institutions. Prior to that role, Dr. Brewster served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at his alma mater, Alabama State University. Dr. Derrick Brewster has also served as the Associate and Assistant Dean of Student Services at Troy University. As an ambassador for student services, he provides specialized services and support towards the success of transportation services, event management, student/campus engagement, judicial affairs, student counseling services, student health center, outreach coordination/Trojan Outreach, reservation services and serves on a host of university committees. He works closely with the senior administration at Troy University and manages a staff of directors, assistant directors, coordinators and student workers. He has 20 plus years of progressive administrative experience in higher education. Prior to serving those dual roles, he served as the Director of the Trojan Center, Assistant Director of Student Involvement & Leadership and Coordinator of Student Activities, all at Troy University.

Dr. Brewster received a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management in May 1999 from Alabama State University and subsequently received a Master of Science degree in Sport and Fitness Management in May 2006 from Troy University. He earned his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law in December 2019 from Alabama State University. His dissertation covered the Success of African American Male Students Attending a Predominantly White Institution as it Relates to Mentoring, Student Engagement and Self Efficacy.

Vanessa Echols retired in May 2022 after an award winning news anchor career at television stations in Tennessee and Georgia and most recently in Orlando, Florida. Vanessa is the recipient of three Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards.She also hosted an award winning podcast on race called Colorblind: Race Across Generations. While in Orlando, she also founded a nonprofit organization, Compassionate Hands and Hearts Breast Cancer Outreach, which provided financial assistance to breast cancer patients going through treatment. Vanessa founded this organization after successfully battling breast cancer herself.

Vanessa grew up in Auburn and attended The University of Alabama, graduating with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Upon returning to Lee County, Vanessa has become involved in the community. In addition to Hiztorical Vision Productions, Vanessa is also on the Board of the Community Foundation of East Alabama, a member of the Mu Sigma Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and an active member of her church, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist.

Vanessa is also a published author of the book, WE’RE IN HEAVEN, AND I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS.

Cheryl Ferguson, an archival assistant with Tuskegee University Archives, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Hiztorical Vision Productions.

As part of the Tuskegee University Archives team, Ferguson helps to preserve and promote the university’s rich history that spans more than 142 years. During her 12-year tenure with the university, she has developed areas of specialty that include archival research, digital preservation, digitization, outreach/development, and program management. She is a member of the Society of American Archivists, Society of Alabama Archivists and the Association of African American Museums.

Outside of her work, Ferguson is actively involved in the community. She is a Tuskegee native and graduate of Bethune-Cookman University. She serves on the Community Advisory Board for Forge Ahead Center and is a member of Tuskegee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.