REGIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region
Regional Executive Board
The Southeastern Regional Executive Board is responsible for the day to day operation of the region.
Takeysha Lewis
Regional Director
Takeysha Lewis
Regional Director
Takeysha Lewis calls it a blessing and an honor to serve as the Regional Director for the Sweet, Sweet, Southeastern Region. God has charged her with the duty of raising two beautiful children, Trint and Eva, who she adores and loves to spend time with. For over 25 years, she has been a dedicated Social Worker in the Macon community and in K-12 education. She is a proud member of the Marvelous Macon (GA) Chapter, where she has held membership since 2010. As a member of the Macon Chapter, she has served as Chapter President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Chapter Editor, Grade Group Lead/Sponsor, Social Committee Chair, Membership Chair, and Five Star Chair. Regionally, Regional Community Service Chair, and Evaluations Committee Chair during the 31st Biennial Mothers’ Regional Conference, as a member of the Regional Strategic Relevance and Value Committee and the Carole Robertson Memorial Gravesite Beautification Project Committee. She also previously served as the SER Subject Matter Expert for Community Service and Philanthropy on the National Five Star 2.2 Task Force Committee. She was elected to serve as the SER 2021-2023 Foundation Member-at-Large, where she represented the Southeastern Region on the Jack and Jill of America Foundation Board, served as Co-Chair of the Programming Committee and as a member of the HBCU sub-committee. She was the MAL Liaison for our National Partnerships with the National CARES Mentoring Program and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
In July of 2023, RD was elected to serve as the Regional Director of the Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region. A role that she is honored to serve in RD Takeysha’s vision Is to ensure that mothers are empowered to work. live, and play together while supporting the specific needs of ALL children and enriching the overall Jack and Jill experience for ALL members of the Sweet, Sweet, Southeastern Region- enriching our harmonious sisterly relationships as a vessel to the lasting impact that we will have on our children and the communities we serve. With a holistic focus on our service focus areas, RD Takeysha encourages an emphasis on the power of using our voices through legislative advocacy, specifically surrounding legislation impacting African American communities, including gun violence. Our social emotional impact is centered around supporting the root causes of mental health and supporting the emotional needs of our Moms, Our Children, and ALL Children.
RD Takeysha holds a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from Fort Valley State University, as well as graduate degrees including a Master of Social Work Degree (MSW), and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership, both from Valdosta State University. She currently serves on boards and committees in her community, including the Macon/Bibb County Child Advocacy Center, Carl D. Thomas Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, and the Positive Behavior Intervention & Support Leadership Team, all dedicated to eliminating barriers and supporting families in reaching their full potential. RD Takeysha’s passion for the power of positive relationships drives her commitment to further excel the Southeastern Region, uplifting families, and ALL children to thrive to the best of their abilities. She truly believes that the seeds we plant through our interactions, work, and programming efforts will ensure that not only our children, but ALL children are inspired and equipped to navigate throughout their lives and be the change that we have so tirelessly worked to see in our world. Together, we will make a difference because Together, We are One; for ALL Children!
In July of 2023, RD was elected to serve as the Regional Director of the Sweet, Sweet Southeastern Region. A role that she is honored to serve in RD Takeysha’s vision Is to ensure that mothers are empowered to work. live, and play together while supporting the specific needs of ALL children and enriching the overall Jack and Jill experience for ALL members of the Sweet, Sweet, Southeastern Region- enriching our harmonious sisterly relationships as a vessel to the lasting impact that we will have on our children and the communities we serve. With a holistic focus on our service focus areas, RD Takeysha encourages an emphasis on the power of using our voices through legislative advocacy, specifically surrounding legislation impacting African American communities, including gun violence. Our social emotional impact is centered around supporting the root causes of mental health and supporting the emotional needs of our Moms, Our Children, and ALL Children.
RD Takeysha holds a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from Fort Valley State University, as well as graduate degrees including a Master of Social Work Degree (MSW), and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership, both from Valdosta State University. She currently serves on boards and committees in her community, including the Macon/Bibb County Child Advocacy Center, Carl D. Thomas Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, and the Positive Behavior Intervention & Support Leadership Team, all dedicated to eliminating barriers and supporting families in reaching their full potential. RD Takeysha’s passion for the power of positive relationships drives her commitment to further excel the Southeastern Region, uplifting families, and ALL children to thrive to the best of their abilities. She truly believes that the seeds we plant through our interactions, work, and programming efforts will ensure that not only our children, but ALL children are inspired and equipped to navigate throughout their lives and be the change that we have so tirelessly worked to see in our world. Together, we will make a difference because Together, We are One; for ALL Children!
- Email:[email protected]
Darlene Whittington
28th National President
On July 27, 2024, Darlene Whittington became the 28th National President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. at the 46th National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to being elected as National President, she served as the 2021-2023 Regional Director of the Southeastern Region and Southeastern Region Member-at-Large 2019-2021.
Darlene came into Jack and Jill as the Organizer and Chartering President of the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter (GMAC) of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Under her leadership, GMAC became the first chapter of Jack and Jill to attain the designation of 5 Star Chapter of Excellence. She has subsequently served GMAC as Parliamentarian and two-time Co-Chair of the chapter’s signature Leadership Program and Debutante Cotillion. Darlene was also chosen to participate in both the 3rd and 5th Biennial Marion Stubbs Thomas Leadership Academy.
In her progressive leadership journey, she successfully served a 4-year appointment as the Southeastern Region Program Chair, overseeing the region’s Book Club program, Pen Pal program, oratorical competitions, six annual Children’s Cluster meetings, and the annual regional family trip. Darlene has also served as the Southeastern Region representative to the National Policies and Procedures Committee, as Regional Technology Chair, and for two terms as the Regional Editor. In 2019, she was elected as the Member-at-Large (MAL) and the region’s representative to the National Board of Trustees of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, where she served as the MAL Liaison holding a seat as the only MAL on the Foundation’s executive board. Significantly, Darlene chaired the Steering Committee and served as host Regional Director for Jack and Jill of America’s wildly successful 45th National Convention in Orlando, Florida. During her administration, Darlene safely and successfully transitioned the Southeastern Region out of the pandemic from primarily virtual programming back to initiatives and regional meetings live and in-person. Darlene is proud to have reinitiated the coveted Southeastern Region President of the Year and Southeastern Region Chapter of the Year Awards. She also conceptualized and implemented two special regional projects. One of them being the Southeastern Region State License Plate project, resulting in the state of Mississippi being the first state nationwide to secure a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. license plate. The other project being the Southeastern Region History/Coffee Table Book project.
Darlene is a graduate of Spelman College holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry as well as a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University. She has had an award-winning 24-year career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing and currently serves as a Therapeutic Area Manager in Hematology for Genmab Pharmaceuticals.
Darlene has served in various leadership roles within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Nu Lambda Omega Chapter, Atlanta GA), and as a board member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter). Darlene is also an active member of The Links, Incorporated (Atlanta Chapter, VP of Membership), and the Parents’ Circle of Atlanta Girls’ School. She and her family are active members of the Buckhead Church in Atlanta. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, traveling, photography, crafting, and spending time with her husband Delmar, and daughter Skylar (15).
Darlene came into Jack and Jill as the Organizer and Chartering President of the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter (GMAC) of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Under her leadership, GMAC became the first chapter of Jack and Jill to attain the designation of 5 Star Chapter of Excellence. She has subsequently served GMAC as Parliamentarian and two-time Co-Chair of the chapter’s signature Leadership Program and Debutante Cotillion. Darlene was also chosen to participate in both the 3rd and 5th Biennial Marion Stubbs Thomas Leadership Academy.
In her progressive leadership journey, she successfully served a 4-year appointment as the Southeastern Region Program Chair, overseeing the region’s Book Club program, Pen Pal program, oratorical competitions, six annual Children’s Cluster meetings, and the annual regional family trip. Darlene has also served as the Southeastern Region representative to the National Policies and Procedures Committee, as Regional Technology Chair, and for two terms as the Regional Editor. In 2019, she was elected as the Member-at-Large (MAL) and the region’s representative to the National Board of Trustees of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, where she served as the MAL Liaison holding a seat as the only MAL on the Foundation’s executive board. Significantly, Darlene chaired the Steering Committee and served as host Regional Director for Jack and Jill of America’s wildly successful 45th National Convention in Orlando, Florida. During her administration, Darlene safely and successfully transitioned the Southeastern Region out of the pandemic from primarily virtual programming back to initiatives and regional meetings live and in-person. Darlene is proud to have reinitiated the coveted Southeastern Region President of the Year and Southeastern Region Chapter of the Year Awards. She also conceptualized and implemented two special regional projects. One of them being the Southeastern Region State License Plate project, resulting in the state of Mississippi being the first state nationwide to secure a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. license plate. The other project being the Southeastern Region History/Coffee Table Book project.
Darlene is a graduate of Spelman College holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry as well as a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University. She has had an award-winning 24-year career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing and currently serves as a Therapeutic Area Manager in Hematology for Genmab Pharmaceuticals.
Darlene has served in various leadership roles within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Nu Lambda Omega Chapter, Atlanta GA), and as a board member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter). Darlene is also an active member of The Links, Incorporated (Atlanta Chapter, VP of Membership), and the Parents’ Circle of Atlanta Girls’ School. She and her family are active members of the Buckhead Church in Atlanta. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, traveling, photography, crafting, and spending time with her husband Delmar, and daughter Skylar (15).
Florence Holland
Regional Treasurer
Adria Welcher
Regional Secretary
Adria Welcher
Regional Secretary
Adria N. Welcher, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and the Director of General Education at Morehouse College. She is very passionate about social justice issues and understanding inequalities. Her primary research interests are race and class inequities in educational outcomes and residential choices. Her public scholarship has been an active part of her dossier, regularly participating in podcasts, telecasts, and community panels.
A 13-year member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Adria currently serves as the Southeastern Regional Secretary. Most recently, she served as the Immediate Past Chair of the National Strategic Partnership Task Force and the Ad-Hoc National Sponsorship Committee. She has previously served on the Regional Program, Nominating, and Strategic Relevance and Value Committees. Adria also served as the Program Director and as a two-term Chapter President in the Stone Mountain Chapter.
Adria Welcher earned her doctorate in Sociology from Emory University. She also holds a BA in Theatre with a minor in Mathematics from Spelman College, an MA in Higher Education from the University of Michigan, and an MA in Sociology from Stanford University.
She serves as the Chair of the Georgia State Charter School Foundation Board and as the Board of Directors Program Chair for Leadership Dekalb. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Magnolia (GA) Chapter of The Links, Inc., the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College Atlanta Chapter and First Baptist Church East Point.
Adria was raised in Augusta, GA. She is the proud wife of the Rev. Kamau Welcher, pastor of First Baptist Church East Point, and the mother of four wonderful children: Howard University and University of Georgia graduate, a junior at Spelman College, a freshman at Morehouse College and a 6th grader.
A 13-year member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Adria currently serves as the Southeastern Regional Secretary. Most recently, she served as the Immediate Past Chair of the National Strategic Partnership Task Force and the Ad-Hoc National Sponsorship Committee. She has previously served on the Regional Program, Nominating, and Strategic Relevance and Value Committees. Adria also served as the Program Director and as a two-term Chapter President in the Stone Mountain Chapter.
Adria Welcher earned her doctorate in Sociology from Emory University. She also holds a BA in Theatre with a minor in Mathematics from Spelman College, an MA in Higher Education from the University of Michigan, and an MA in Sociology from Stanford University.
She serves as the Chair of the Georgia State Charter School Foundation Board and as the Board of Directors Program Chair for Leadership Dekalb. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Magnolia (GA) Chapter of The Links, Inc., the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College Atlanta Chapter and First Baptist Church East Point.
Adria was raised in Augusta, GA. She is the proud wife of the Rev. Kamau Welcher, pastor of First Baptist Church East Point, and the mother of four wonderful children: Howard University and University of Georgia graduate, a junior at Spelman College, a freshman at Morehouse College and a 6th grader.
- Email:[email protected]
Selika S. Sampson
Member At Large
Selika S. Sampson
Member At Large
Dr. Selika Stackhouse Sampson has been a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for more than 10 years. On July 16, 2023, she began her tenure as a Member-at-Large (MAL) representing the Southeastern Region as a Trustee to the Jack and Jill Foundation. MAL Selika S. Sampson is also the Immediate Past President of the Tallahassee Chapter--Florida’s First Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and home chapter of the 13th National President, the late Dr. Eva C. Wanton.
Dr. Sampson is honored to have participated as an Inaugural Fellow in the 2022 Marion Stubbs Thomas National Leadership Academy. Selika is known for her ebullient presence on webinars as the Immediate Past Southeastern Region (SER) Program Chair who represented the SER on the National Program Committee (2020 – 2023).
Dr. Selika Stackhouse Sampson is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She obtained the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences more than 20 years ago. During her tenure as a student learner, she served as the National President of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association and the principal charter member/Inaugural President of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society.
Dr. Selika Stackhouse Sampson is a firm believer in “To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required.” During her career journey, she has engaged in pharmaceutical care with companies and organizations such as Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals, AmeriSource Bergen, Wal-Mart Stores, Incorporated, Florida A&M University/Health Department Pharmacy, Neighborhood Medical Center, Magellan Healthcare, and North Florida Medical Weight Loss Clinic at Cross Creek Medical. Dr. Sampson has mentored many aspiring pharmacists and healthcare professionals. She has a passion for professional development.
Dr. Sampson currently serves as the Director of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science Office of Continuing Education. She is elated to provide Excellence with Caring at her alma mater. She has been a faithful supporter and member of the District Advisory Council for Leon County Schools, a member of FAMU National Diamondback Pharmacy Alumni Council, the National Pharmaceutical Association, and the Delta Kappa Omega Chapter & Foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for more than 20 years.
When she is not working or volunteering, Selika enjoys spending quality time at the beach with her husband, Wayne, and their four children whom she affectionately calls, The Sampson Krewe. In all the many hats she wears, none of them matter more than the blessing of being a mother.
Dr. Sampson is honored to have participated as an Inaugural Fellow in the 2022 Marion Stubbs Thomas National Leadership Academy. Selika is known for her ebullient presence on webinars as the Immediate Past Southeastern Region (SER) Program Chair who represented the SER on the National Program Committee (2020 – 2023).
Dr. Selika Stackhouse Sampson is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She obtained the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences more than 20 years ago. During her tenure as a student learner, she served as the National President of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association and the principal charter member/Inaugural President of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society.
Dr. Selika Stackhouse Sampson is a firm believer in “To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required.” During her career journey, she has engaged in pharmaceutical care with companies and organizations such as Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals, AmeriSource Bergen, Wal-Mart Stores, Incorporated, Florida A&M University/Health Department Pharmacy, Neighborhood Medical Center, Magellan Healthcare, and North Florida Medical Weight Loss Clinic at Cross Creek Medical. Dr. Sampson has mentored many aspiring pharmacists and healthcare professionals. She has a passion for professional development.
Dr. Sampson currently serves as the Director of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science Office of Continuing Education. She is elated to provide Excellence with Caring at her alma mater. She has been a faithful supporter and member of the District Advisory Council for Leon County Schools, a member of FAMU National Diamondback Pharmacy Alumni Council, the National Pharmaceutical Association, and the Delta Kappa Omega Chapter & Foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for more than 20 years.
When she is not working or volunteering, Selika enjoys spending quality time at the beach with her husband, Wayne, and their four children whom she affectionately calls, The Sampson Krewe. In all the many hats she wears, none of them matter more than the blessing of being a mother.
- Email:[email protected]