top of page
465872038_1761070101361921_7219348933881330540_n_edited.jpg

MEET OUR TEAM

Deyonne Photo update_edited_edited.jpg

Founder & CEO

Deyonne Primo

Deyonne Primo is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for Economic Empowerment and Community Development. As the Executive Director of Daughters Across the Diaspora, a renowned nonprofit organization, she has dedicated her life to empowering black and brown women to establish sustainable businesses that pave the way for economic growth and prosperity.

 

Originally hailing from the enchanting country of Guyana, Ms. Primo migrated to the United States, where she has made a significant impact through her entrepreneurial endeavors and community involvement.

​

​Deyonne Primo founded Daughters Across the Diaspora in 2020 with a clear vision: to change how women of color access opportunity, build wealth, and lead within their communities. With over ten years of hands-on experience in business development, program design, and community leadership, Deyonne provides strategic direction, organizational oversight, and mission alignment. Her leadership is rooted in integrity, lived experience, and a deep commitment to building systems that create long-term economic impact for women across the diaspora.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
3.png

Director of Operations

Meaghan Read

 Meaghan is a dynamic professional and dedicated advocate with over 15 years of experience spanning the healthcare, non-profit, and political sectors.

​Her career is defined by bridging the gap between complex policy research and community action. Her background is versatile, ranging from managing multi-million dollar clinical operations at Ideal Dental. As a seasoned speaker and co-host of the "Not a Lonely Coffee Break" podcast, She am a committed advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Rooted in lived experiences, she remains a dedicated champion for diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of her community. Her leadership extends as Director of Operations for Daughters Across the Diaspora, she strategized operational efficiency, service delivery, funding development, and administrative tasks. 

​

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Arlington.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
5.png

Secretary

Eliezer Velez

A driven individual with comprehensive experience in various types of law and legal situations, including the management and archiving of high physical and electronic documents; an effective communicator and responsive team player who excels in team building and work production with excellence. Detail-oriented, quiet when needed, and trustworthy, with practical time management skills.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
6.png

Chair

Ariska Scott

Ariska “Coach Risk” Scott, BCMHC, is a Board-Certified Mental Health Coach, Certified Professional Life Coach, and trauma-informed transformational coach dedicated to helping women break cycles of self-sabotage and step into the life and leadership they were created for.


She is the founder of A Bountiful Solution, a personal development and leadership coaching organization committed to helping women move from hurt to healing by addressing the internal barriers that often limit growth, confidence, and decision-making.

​

She is the creator of the SELF-ish SHIFT™ Framework, a transformational model designed to help high-capacity women develop self-awareness, emotional resilience, discipline, and confidence so they can lead their lives and businesses with clarity and purpose.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
5.png

Chair

Francis Forde

.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
2.png

Chief of Community Engagement

Carla Ewing

Carla Ewing leads community outreach, partnerships, and participant engagement for Daughters Across the Diaspora.

 

With over eight years of experience working directly with underserved families coupled with her marginal work at the Dallas Symphony, Carla excels at building trust-based relationships and connecting women to resources that support their growth. Her work ensures that DATD’s programs remain accessible, culturally responsive, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.

​

Carla Ewing is a 45-year-old mother of three wonderful sons and grandmother to 6 amazing grandchildren. As Carla developed her skills she also found a love for helping others develop there as well. This is how she helps others today. Carla is the go-to person for designing renowned resumes and connecting individuals to jobs that suit their skills and attributes.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
4.png

President

Cristina Hughes

Christina Hughes embarked on her remarkable career in 1990, venturing into the realm of criminal justice. Starting on probation and progressing to parole, she quickly proved herself as an advocate for justice and rehabilitation. Before her tenure in law, Christina played a pivotal role in crafting action plans for underserved families in the vibrant communities of Brooklyn.

​

​Christina’s outstanding work did not go unnoticed, earning her well-deserved recognition from the Mayor of New York City for her tireless efforts in creating employment opportunities for individuals re-entering society after incarceration.

 

Today, Christiana Hughes stands as a retired law enforcement professional, having dedicated her life to serving her community. Her passion for making a difference knows no bounds, and she has now chaneled her expertise into the field of mental health, where she continues to impact lives positively.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
7.png

Vice President

Christie Johnson, MPA, CPA

Christe Johnson, MBA, is a distinguished Accountant and a nationally recognized Credit Expert. As the CEO of Score Factor, a prominent credit and financial service company based in DeSoto, Texas, she has made significant contributions to the industry. Christe is driven by a deep passion for community education, emphasizing the critical importance of financial literacy.

 

In addition to her professional endeavors, she is the visionary founder behind the Score Factor Domestic Violence Awareness 5K, an annual event dedicated to providing support and aid to survivors of domestic violence.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
5.png

Chair

Gail Benjamin

.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
d.png

Volunteer Today!

Are you ready to grow your skills, join a sisterhood, and empower women?

Then it's time you volunteer with Daughters Across the Diaspora!

Our volunteer and intern opportunities are project based so that you know impact and growth come hand in hand.

Complete the Volunteer Form

bottom of page