Our Board

Ashlyn Cunningham

President

Dr. Ashlyn Cunningham is an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Maryville University.  She has been an academician for 22 years and an occupational therapist for 29 years, working and conducting research primarily in the area of mental health. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Washington University, her Master’s from Texas Woman’s University and her Doctorate from Eastern Kentucky University. She is a member of the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Sharmila Sivalingam

Vice President

Sharmila is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Maryville University of St.Louis. Sharmila grew up in India and moved to St. Louis, MO in 1999 and it has been her home since then.  Sharmila did most of her education in India and completed her doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership at Maryville University of St. Louis. Apart from Mathematics, she has a master’s degree in computer applications.  Sharmila is very passionate about teaching mathematics and has been involved in the university community at various capacities to improve the math, general mathematics curriculum. She has organized some of the workshops at Maryville University of adjunct faculty and summer program for high school girls. She volunteers in circle of concern and have volunteered in other organizations. Sharmila enjoys cooking, walking, and reading.

Gifty Blankson

Secretary

Gifty is an Assistant Professor at Maryville University – St. Louis, where she teaches general chemistry and biochemistry classes.  Growing up in Ghana, Gifty completed her undergraduate degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. She obtained her Ph.D. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – New Brunswick before moving to St. Louis. Gifty is passionate about teaching, service, and helping young minds realize their dreams and potential.

Dave Franke

Treasurer

Dave Franke is the Chief Financial Officer of Alltru Credit Union, where he helps the organization develop and support products that help individuals increase financial independence and empowers underserved communities within St. Louis.  He is a CPA and a graduate of Saint Louis University.  He has a passion for helping people get to a better place in life and realize their true value in Christ.  Dave volunteers as a mentor for Crossroads Prison Ministry and is active in his church.

Antoinette M. Boyd

Dr. Antoinette Boyd is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Management at Maryville University. Prior to that role, she served as Director of Career Success and Professional Development at the university for five years. She has over 15 years of combined experience in career and workforce development, human resource management, and academia.

Dr. Boyd is passionate about serving her community and focuses much of her efforts on helping women who are employed or underemployed gain valuable skills needed for success in the workforce through mentorship and career support. She is also actively involved with local youth organizations, helping support college and career readiness initiatives.

John Jackson

Finance Committee

John is a proud husband, father of 4, and life long St. Louisan.  John earned his B.S. in Biology from Truman State University (Go Bulldogs!) and his MBA from St. Louis University (Go Billikens!).  John has worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years, and is currently Vice President of Client Services for a large Insurance carrier.  John believes that we are all called to serve, and looks forward to the opportunity to do so by supporting Humanitri and it’s mission.

Joshua Jones

Josh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with passions for mental health and social justice. His social work career began at Marygrove in service to youth and young adults who are facing poverty and homelessness, and learning to cope with severe traumas. He is currently working as a Staff Therapist at Washington University’s School of Medicine in the Psychiatry Department serving individuals and families before, after, and during the birthing process through the Perinatal Behavioral Health Services. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from DePauw University and his Master’s Social Work from Saint Louis University.

Kenya Leonard

Program Committee

Kenya Leonard is a humanitarian at heart with more than 20 years volunteer experience with youth mentorship, community programming, and organizational involvement and leadership.  Her professional career includes almost 20 years of work as a Paralegal in small, medium and large firms and local and national firm experience.  Kenya is Past President of Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Paralegal Association.  Kenya believes in using her gifts and talents to connect people to resources and to make this world a better place.

Camden Levine

Camden is a Financial Performance Manager at Anheuser-Busch. He has been a professional mentor to many Anheuser-Busch employees during his time with the company. As a current member of Washington University’s PMBA50 class, Camden was matched with Humanitri to serve as a board member for the calendar year. Camden earned his BA from THE Ohio State University in 2018 and is committed to positively impacting the lives of everyone he encounters.

Ryan McLaury

Finance Committee

Ryan is a husband, father of 4, and native of St. Louis. Passionate about fostering community and loving his neighbors, he is active at Reliant Church in the city and also serves on the board of Lutheran Development Group. He is a self-employed real estate investor and founder of Rhythm Development. He is a Truman State University graduate and received his MBA from UMSL. Ryan enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors with his wonderful family of 6.

Jessica Sisco

Jessica Sisco, SHRM-SCP brings over 15+ years in Human Resources Management, Talent Acquisition and Strategic Human Resources Leadership to the Humanitri board. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Lindenwood University, she found her calling in Human Resources and earned her master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Lindenwood University as well. She is passionate about coaching and developing others to be their best selves each day and building community and personal relationships. She is the President of the Lewis & Clark SHRM chapter and a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, St. Charles chapter. A native to the St. Louis metro area, Jessica resides in O’Fallon, MO with her husband, Jim, her son, Brayden, and her fun-loving Golden Retriever, Emmitt.

Alice Vlietstra

Program Committee

Dr. Alice Vlietstra brings a background in human development, family systems and psychology to an appreciation of the importance of community for healthy development.  Previously a faculty member of the University of Missouri -St. Louis, she is founder of Positive Family Dynamics PC, her counseling practice, where she has been practicing for over 35 years.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University and her Masters and Doctorate in Human Development and Psychology from the University of Kansas.  In her work with families, she has become very familiar with the adverse impact of early trauma and the benefits of community efforts to prevent it.