Journey for Change
WHO WE ARE
Board of Directors
Louis Barber
From the software development floor to the music video set, Louis Barber embodies a rare blend of technical mastery and creative artistry. This technological prowess grew from owning a company, Silhouette Multimedia, offering a deep understanding of web development, video, and audio editing. Currently, as a Software Engineering Manager at Accenture, he has spearheaded complex projects, demonstrating expertise in full-stack development and technical leadership. Yet, Louis’s influence goes beyond code. A sought-after Adobe Certified Instructor, Adobe MAX Master Speaker, and Adobe Community Expert, he generously shares his knowledge. This passion for teaching led to co-authoring the programming book "Flash 8 Unleashed." Louis's creative fire burns just as brightly. As a choreographer and creative director, he has left his mark on projects for superstars like Beyonce and D'Angelo. From international tours to music videos and television, his visionary choreography has earned international acclaim. Even before these high-profile collaborations, Louis nurtured young dancers as an instructor in studios and organizations like the Richmond Cotillion. This dedication to the community is a hallmark of Louis's career. Recognized as a Style Weekly Top 40 Under 40, he served on the board of C3 Richmond and volunteered for organizations like Junior Achievement of Central Virginia. Through Hour of Code and school career days, he ignites a passion for technology for the next generation.
Abby Causey
(Virginia Catholics for Racial Justice)
Abby Causey received her undergraduate degree from Boston College in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Finance and holds a Master of Theology from Saint Leo University. In 2020, she was commissioned as a Lay Ecclesial Minister of the Diocese of Richmond and has worked for over 22 years at the parish and diocesan level.
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Her leadership roles span various issues in the realm of social justice. As a parish social ministries director, Abby worked extensively with social outreach programs, community organizing, and justice formation. In 2008, she was part of the first group to be trained in Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Fair Trade Ambassador, and in 2021, she co-founded the CRS Virginia Chapter. Also in 2021 during the Afghan refugee crisis, she was asked to create the Community Sponsorship Handbook for Commonwealth Catholic Charities’ Resettlement Services to assist parishes in refugee sponsorship. She has authored other works including a Catholic Social Teaching introductory course for Richmond Diocese’s online catechetical platform and Lenten reflections for Ignatian Solidarity Network for the past three years.
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After the murder of George Floyd, jr. in 2020, Abby journeyed with several others for 30 weeks with JustFaith Ministries’ racism modules, and they later co-founded Virginia Catholics for Racial Justice where she currently serves as the Executive Director. As an emeritus board member of JustFaith Ministries, Abby also serves on its Anti-Racism Core Team. While working for racial justice, she continues to work at the parish level in religious education where she is the Director of Evangelization - IT/Communications and Youth Ministry at Church of the Holy Family in Virginia Beach. Abby and her husband Lewis, reside with their three children and two beagles, Buster and Toby, in Virginia Beach, and her family are members of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk.
Fr. Tochi Iwuju
(Pastor, Holy Rosary; Director, Office for Black Catholics)
Father Tochi Iwuji is originally from Nigeria and is the youngest of seven children. He came to the USA to continue his studies in Lynchburg and during his studies was active with the Liberty University Campus Ministry and St. Thomas More Parish. It was during his time at Liberty University that he considered joining the Diocese as a seminarian.
He joined the diocese in 2015 and was ordained a priest. His first assignment was at St. Bridget as a parochial vicar for two years and two years at Central Virginia Catholic Cluster parishes. He is presently the Pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Director of the Office for Black Catholics. Fr. Tochi is a trained Pastoral Counselor specializing in marriage and family. Fr. Tochi got his master’s degree in theology from Duquesne University, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (Moral Theology Major) from St. Mary Seminary and University, and a master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University.
Fr. Tochi is passionate about helping marriages and families and engaging youths and young adults.
"I am happy to be part of this wonderful organization."
Alex Jones
(Associate, McGuire Woods LLP)
Alex is an associate in the Sands Anderson’s School & Education Law team, where he works with public school divisions in Virginia on general education and special education matters. Prior to joining Sands Anderson, Alex worked at McGuireWoods LLP and focused on mergers and acquisitions, working on various transactional matters with a focus in large-scale energy projects. Alex is a graduate of Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia School of Law. Beyond work, Alex enjoys following Virginia Tech athletics, playing intramural sports, and traveling. He is also a scary movie connoisseur.
Mary Ann Jones
(Virginia Catholics for Racial Justice, Holy Rosary)
I am Mary Ann Saddon Jones, a devoted educator and community advocate from Richmond, VA. With a Bachelor's in Exceptional Education from Norfolk State University and a Master's from Cambridge College, my accolades include serving as Teacher of the Year at Clarks Springs Elementary.
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Throughout my 37-year career in education, I dedicated myself to teaching, retiring with pride from the Richmond Public School system. Currently, I lead the National Drifters Inc. Richmond Chapter and maintain a steadfast 22-year membership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Upsilon Omega Chapter. Alongside my educational and leadership endeavors, I am the Coordinator of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and spearhead the Myrtle Taylor Battle Scholarship Committee at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
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My commitment to social justice resonates through involvement with initiatives such as the VA Catholics for Racial Justice Leadership Team, notably contributing to "Write My Name on a Roll" the initiative, which highlights the commitment to preserving the rich narratives of the closed Black parishes and schools in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. Moreover, happily married to Robert Jones, Jr. for 34 years, we have 4 children and are blessed with 12 grandchildren. Guided by a passion for education, faith, and community upliftment, my journey embodies dedication to effecting positive change.
​Anthony P. “Tony” Jones
(Vice President) was born in Kenbridge, Va.
From an early age, he wanted to become a doctor and also joked about one day writing a book. After high school, Tony attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans for three years and enrolled in Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. After leaving medical school, Tony spent six years in management at two firms in Nashville. He then went on to become a stockbroker with Morgan Stanley, where he planned to remain until retirement.
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Tony was never much of a reader, finding it arduous, though he liked to purchase books. That was until he picked up a discarded thriller as a young adult and was hooked. Reading was still difficult, but the contents were too compelling to stop. About then, Tony was diagnosed with dyslexia and for the first time realized why he found reading such a chore. Soon, Tony began sharing a story he had in his head with his mother. As a teacher, she had always encouraged him to pursue the arts and write.
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After fifteen years as a broker, he answered the call to become a writer and left Morgan Stanley to concentrate fully on his first novel, “Operation Smokeout.” He enrolled at the University of Virginia to concentrate on creative writing and self-published “The Book of Why Is It(s)?” Tony is a volunteer with James River Writers, a self-proclaimed gourmet cook, sings in his church’s choir and is skilled in martial arts. He enjoys photography, golf, reading and a good cigar and is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
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Tony lives in Richmond, Va. He has four children, Nicholas, Morgan, Alex and Cassidy for whom he is eternally grateful.
Amy King
(President)
Grew up in Syracuse, NY and moved to Richmond 42 years ago with her soon to be husband, Brian. She studied Natural Resources at Cornell University and graduated in 1978. Not wanting a conventional career, she traveled and became a hairstylist. After moving to Richmond, she completed Dietetics course work and an Internship at Virginia State University. That was the start of her career as a Dietitian in Long Term Care. She and Brian are blessed to have a daughter, son in law, and two grandchildren.
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Amy’s spiritual journey blossomed at St. Mathias Episcopal Church as she studied the Bible, contemplatives, healing ministry, and became involved with Cursillo and Kairos prison ministry. A newfound interest in genealogy led to the surprising and deeply disturbing truth that her family enslaved Africans in Central Virginia. She studied the history of enslavement in Virginia on her own and at Richmond Hill with Rev. Ben Campbell and Deacon Charles Williams. Richmond Hill provided continuing studies with Koinonia School of Race and Justice and Rapha Healing. Upon joining St. Edward Catholic Church she found a ‘Just Faith’ group and studied racial healing and justice with them. She continues with prison ministry and her lifelong love of nature.
Brian King
(Finance)
Brian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, artist and poet grew up in Syracuse, NY. His undergraduate degree was from Albany University in Mathematics. He moved to Richmond in 1982 to pursue a Master of Fine Arts Degree in painting. He started a career in Computer technology in 1985 and retired in 2018.
After retirement he again followed his passion for art and poetry. Besides painting and poetry, his interests include reading the daily scriptures, playing the guitar, meeting with friends, reading the news for current political events in Richmond and the world news. He is blessed to have a loving and supportive family.
When he moved to Richmond in 1982 he noticed the disparities between the school systems in the City and Counties, the abundance of wealth for some and the ever present poverty for others. While Richmond has rebranded itself as RVA those problems still remain. Journey For Change is the best place for Brian, at this time, to express his concerns and hopefully affect needed changes in Richmond.
Fajr Mills
(Healthcare Executive)
My name is Fajr Mills. I work in the Healthcare sector as an Executive director at an Independent, Assisted living, and memory care Community. With over a decade of experience in the senior living field, I have a strong background in life enrichment leadership. I am honored to be a dementia partner through the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
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One of my main professional strengths lies in fundraising and grant writing. I have raised over one hundred thousand dollars in the greater Richmond area through various initiatives. Additionally, I have coordinated electronics and donations of clothes, food, and hygiene supplies for local schools, churches, and homeless shelters. My efforts have led to the growth of a community of over 150 volunteers, with resources extending to regions like Virginia Beach and North Carolina.
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Beyond my senior living work, my advocacy passion has driven me to volunteer in diverse settings. I have experience as a volunteer residential program specialist in the juvenile prison system and as a redirection specialist in a school for behavioral health.
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Above all, my greatest accomplishment thus far is being a wife and mother to two amazingly brilliant, funny, compassionate boys. I enjoy playing and watching football, reading books, and writing poetry in my free time.
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Donna Mitchell
(Secretary)
Donna is a long-term resident of Bon Air, Virginia and has worked in finance for over 40 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mary Baldwin College and has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Donna has been involved
with social justice issues in conjunction with various groups for over 35 years. As a result of a recent racial justice and healing course, she landed with Journey For Change. She is looking forward to working on the slave trail film project.
Tyrone Williams
(Urban League of Greater Richmond, Campaign Strategist)
After leaving his hometown of Columbus, Georgia, to attend Kansas State University, Tyrone quickly got involved on his campus and the campaign trail. He served as an LGBTQ Ally Advisor and the Student Governing Association’s Multicultural Affairs Director, helping to create safe spaces for students and ensuring the voices of minority communities were being heard. Upon graduation, he served in multiple capacities on Bernie Sanders Presidential Campaign, ending his role on the Senator’s Advance Team.
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Tyrone is now a 5+ year Campaign Strategist serving national, state and local campaigns, some of the most notable campaigns including McClellan for Governor 2021 as Deputy Political Director and Biden/Harris 2020 as the GOTV Coordinator of Allentown Pennsylvania. He now works as the Deputy Legislative Director to Delegate Suhas Subramanyam of the 87th District of Virginia.
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Since making Richmond his home, Tyrone has expanded his second family through both his work and community service. Developing and managing relationships with allied organizations in the community, Tyrone has served as the Political and Civic Chair for the Urban League of Greater Richmond since 2018. Passionate about Criminal Justice and Education Reform, Tyrone takes great pride in leading voter registration and restoration of rights efforts. We’ve tried to ask Tyrone what he enjoys doing in his spare time, but he responded “That’s a trick question. There is no spare time in Politics.”
Reverend Ciarra Smith-Bond
(Pastor, Faith Community Baptist Church)
Reverend Ciarra Smith-Bond was born and raised in Richmond, Va. She is the wife of Ronald Bond, Jr. and they are the proud parents of 3 young men of valor, Calvin Jr., Josyah and Graceson. She is a leader, superior encourager, spiritual intellect, voice of reason, creator and advocate.
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As a woman who firmly believes she must be a living example for those she mentors, she serves in a leadership role within the Juvenile Justice System. Ciarra received her Associates Degree in Funeral Service from John Tyler Community College. She later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Union University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Criminology and a minor in Legal Studies. In May 2018, Ciarra graduated from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University and earned a Masters of Divinity degree. Ciarra was chosen by the faculty of the School of Theology to receive the 2018 Ella P. Mitchell Preaching Award which highlights a woman minister whose work is judged as pioneering a legacy of justice and wholeness for women preachers or women in non-profit organizations whose work displays uncommon advocacy and ministry in behalf of women and/or children.
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In addition, Ciarra served as a First Amendment Scholar at The Religious Freedom Center in Washington, DC. In 2019, Ciarra’s devotional, Vineyard Chronicles was published in Resipiscence 2019: A Lenten Devotional for Dismantling White Supremacy; edited by Vahisha Hasan and Nichola Torbet.
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Ciarra serves as the Senior Pastor at Faith Community Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Over the past 15 years, she has faithfully studied God’s word and served the membership with care and concern. As she matriculated through school, she began to question her next steps in vocation and ministry. Her destiny has led her into leadership within the ministry. Her role allows her to combine her passion, gifts and talents to help others gain a free and clear mind to tap into the greatness God has for them. Ciarra is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she is committed to be of service to all mankind. She also serves on the board for The Destiny’s Daughters Empowerment Ministry LLC. Actively involved in the community, both professionally and personally, she has surrendered to her calling to be a conduit for liberation and transformation.
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Ciarra believes everyone is called for a purpose and everyday there must be great emphasis to fulfill that purpose. Her favorite scripture is “ God is within her, she will not fall...” (Psalm 46:5 NIV)
Cathy Woodson
(Virginia Catholics for Racial Justice, St. Elizabeth)
Cathy ia a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, located in Richmond. She serves as coordinator for the Lectors’ Ministry and a member of the Justice Ministry Committee. She is serving her third reappointment to the Henrico County Electoral Board, Co-chair of the Virginia Catholics for Racial Justice, a faculty member of Richmond Hill’s Koinonia School for Racial Healing and Justice, a member of the Richmond Hill Council and she is on the Pax Christi Anti-Racism Planning team.
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She has served on Pax Christi USA National Council, the US national Catholic and Peace organization and was a member of the Pax Christi Anti-Racism team for six years. In 2022, she was selected as one the Ambassador of Peace at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. She served on the National Black Catholic Congress Leadership Committee, and several Commissions with the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. She also served on the Richmond Peace Education Board. In 1984, she received the Bishop Sullivan Ministry Award.
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In 2015, she retired from Virginia Organizing, a statewide nonprofit organization focusing on local, state, and national justice issues. She was a member of the first US delegation visiting the countries of Hungary, Bulgaria and Slovakia and talking with community leaders who were interested in learning about community networks to address local issues. From that visit, she was invited to return to Hungary for three weeks to facilitate workshops and trainings with Non-Governmental Organizations and university students interested community organizing and racial justice. She has co-facilitated more than 125 Dismantling Racism workshops across Virginia and the Southeast region of the US. She developed and facilitated leadership programs and collaborated with community groups on leadership development throughout Virginia. Cathy’s focus on leadership development included inviting community members to share their experiences and stories as participants in the histories of their communities.
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She developed local and statewide issue campaigns on Raising the Minimum Wage, Racial Profiling, Immigration Reform, Restoration of Civil Rights, Voter Education, Health Care Reform and Affordable Housing. In 2012, she collaborated with the Director of Restoration of Civil Rights under Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia to develop a Restoration of Rights application that would give citizens access to a process that is fair and just. Recently, she participated in a panel with the Virginia Forum focusing on community engagement.
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Cathy has participated in walks on the Slave Trail with community and religious leaders. She is guided by a commitment to live into the call of peace with justice. She is married and they are the proud parents of a son.
Journey for Change Leadership Team
Jennifer Bousquet
(Parish Advisor)
Jennifer Bousquet is inspired by those who came before her to advocate for those in the present who seek accompaniment. She connects people with each other and with available resources to support them. She is a 9 on the enneagram, so is motivated by peaceful engagement, empathy, and connection. When she is not riding her bike, you can find her at her desk at St. Edward Catholic Church as the Director of Human Concerns/Justice & Peace, directing parish outreach activities and justice programs. She is on the board of Virginia Catholics for Racial Justice and Sacred Heart Center and also volunteers with Cycling Without Age RVA at Saint Francis, Manchester.
Susan Edwards
I am a native Richmonder raised in Lakeside near the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Education was a major expectation in my family, and I pursued high school teaching followed by corporate training. I retired from VCU in 2015 after 15 years of delivering supervisory, management and leadership programs to state employees. My passions are traveling and learning about different cultures and interests.
Dave Evans
I grew up in northern New York State, where local homes on the underground railroad to Canadian freedom were my childhood connection to the Richmond Slave Trail. After raising our family in Fairfax County, while pursuing a career with the Environmental Protection Agency, Joanie and I followed our daughters to become Richmonders in 2017. I’d fallen for the city both from their presence here and years of running in the city’s November marathon. While not a long-term resident, I will live the remainder of my life in Richmond and want to help make it the best community it can become; addressing racial justice issues is essential to that goal. In addition to Journey for Change, I am a member of the City’s Sustainability and Resilience Commission, of Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Communities (RISC), and head Community Programs for St. Edward’s Knights of Columbus Council.
Joanie Evans
Joanie Evans grew up in the suburbs of New York City -- a true melting pot -- and graduated from Ossining High School in 1976. It was a school where racial tensions ran high. There were three main cliques: Blacks, the poor Whites, and the upper middle class white kids. I received a BA in Sociology in 1980 from SUNY - Oswego, then married Dave Evans. After 2 years in Tucson, Arizona we moved to Northern Virginia and raised our three children there. I felt privileged to stay home with our three children until the youngest was school age. I volunteered in our local elementary school’s reading program, taught catechism and led a women’s Ignatian Spirituality prayer group.
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I taught preschool for 6 years and completed a Master’s of Elementary Education from George Mason University. I taught 6 th grade Language Arts and Social Studies in Fairfax County Public Schools. In my first year, I met with another teacher at the beginning of each unit. When we got to the Civil War, she asked me what was the cause of the Civil War? I replied “slavery.” While she also learned that in California, in Virginia we had to teach that the cause of the war was “States’ Rights.” I taught the state’s SOLs, and offered multiple enrichment opportunities that gave students the ability to think for themselves about the Civil War.
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After retiring from teaching, we moved to Richmond - the heart of the Confederacy, but I still identify as a New Yorker. I love being close to our daughters and their families - especially spending time with our granddaughters - the 5th will be here in October. Besides family and friends, I enjoy quilting, reading, hanging with my little dog Ginger, and traveling north to see our family, including our son’s in Connecticut.
Denise Hattley​
Denise is a retired educator from Chesterfield County Schools. Formerly from New York City, Denise worked as a paraprofessional while getting her Bachelors in English/Secondary Education from the City University of New York, Queens College.
She is one of ten children raised Catholic by non-Catholic parents. Denise is a proud parent, grandparent and great-grandparent of three!
Since retiring from Chesterfield County Schools in 2014, and spending a year teaching English in Taiwan, she has spent most of her free time volunteering in various ministries at St. Edward Catholic Church. First and foremost, Denise can be found as lector on Sunday mornings 8:45 AM Mass. Then, through various social ministries she is making cards or baking and sipping tea with the residents of St. Francis Home, Manchester, reading to the elementary students of Westover Hills Elementary School or cooking for the residents of Liberation Veterans Services.
Denise’s passion for travel, learning about other cultures and meeting new people has taken her all over the world covering five of the seven continents. On North America: 41 of the contiguous US states, Hawaii and Alaska (hoping to finish the whole of the US in next few years), Canada and Mexico; South America: Ecuador and Peru; Europe: Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Germany; Asia: Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Africa: Morocco.
The Richmond Slave Trail is just the tip of the iceberg for reaching into the depths of her own culture and roots.
Eydie Triplett
Eydie Triplett received her undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. Eydie worked for Dupont for 34 years holding a number of varied positions including technical support to manufacturing, project engineering, management, process control, tech marketing, Six Sigma as a Master Black Belt and finished her career doing data analytics. She is a founding member of Journey for Change and is currently the lead for the Governance Committee. She enjoys gardening and volunteering for the St Ed’s Appalachia Ministry, JustFaith ministry & food delivery for the Sacred Heart Center.