Jasmine Anderson-Leonard, Education Coordinator
Historical Figure:
I admire Maya Angelou because she was a woman of many talents. Maya Angelou was a well-known activist who inspired many women to have self-confidence and high standards. Maya Angelou was not afraid to speak up and establish a name for herself.
Maya Angelou’s work influences me by achieving excellence in every area of my work. Her ability to navigate so many obstacles has inspired me to keep going and show my self-confidence. When I think about the work here at CPA, her quote always comes to mind: “If you don’t know what you’re here to do, then just do some good.” We help shape the lives of the children and help teachers fulfill their dreams toward education. Knowing that I am doing the work to help others inspires me to keep pushing myself to greatness.
Family Figure:
Listening to the stories of my grandmother really inspired me as a woman. I never got a chance to meet my grandmother, but my family also tells me I remind them of her. My grandmother was a woman of many talents; she was very jazzy, and her hands were a masterpiece. She was very creative and a jack of all trades. People admired her sweet personality and eagerness to help others. As a child, I would listen to a lot of stories about her while looking through old photos and items of hers. Just from what I have grown to know about Grandma Emma, she has inspired me to learn a lot, be creative, give effortlessly, and remain humble.
Ivannah Campbell, Grants Coordinator
Historical Figure:
I admire Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his unwavering commitment to serving the less fortunate and his fearless stand against opposition. He wasn’t just fighting for civil rights; he was also advocating for the poor and marginalized through his Poor People’s Campaign, which focused on economic justice. His message of love, justice, and equality resonates deeply with me. He dedicated his life to making the world a better place for everyone, especially those who had been overlooked and oppressed.
His work influences me in everything I do, especially in my role at CPA. Like Dr. King, I believe in showing love and respect to others, valuing their stories, and standing up for those who may not have a voice. His focus on living with purpose and compassion drives me to be intentional in my work, making sure that every person we serve feels seen, heard, and valued. I strive to carry that same spirit of justice and care into my daily actions, always mindful of the impact we can have in our communities
Family Figure:
Of all my relatives, I was most deeply impacted by my late Aunt Lynn. She was a minister who took great pride in caring for the less fortunate. With the biggest heart and generosity as her superpower, she faced opposition with unwavering faith and responded to anger with kind words. She did outreach at local prisons in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and, with her infectious smile and boundless compassion, she brightened every space she entered. Everyone who knew her cherished the light she brought into their lives.
I carry her kind heart and passion for people with me, living each day with purpose and intention just as she did—showing love to everyone I meet, valuing others’ experiences and stories, and being present in a world that drives us to move fast. I take the time to get to know people and slow down to appreciate all that God has created, including all of us.
Frankie Harris, Operations Administration Assistant
Historical Figure:
Rosa Parks! She refused to sit in the back of the bus, so because of her, I’m able to work at CPA and don’t have to sit in the back of the bus. Where would I be without Rosa Parks?
Family Figure:
My mother. I was always told to do my best no matter what I was doing (cleaning toilets or sitting behind a desk) because I represent her and to never give up!
Ivan Harrison III, MA, Executive Director of Child Welfare
Historical Figure:
There are many, but one African American historical figure I admire is A. Philip Randolph. I learned a lot about him in college when I joined the same community service fraternity he had previously joined—Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. A. Philip Randolph was a civil rights leader and labor organizer who fought for racial equality and justice. In 1925, he founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first major Black labor union in the United States. He also chaired the March on Washington in 1963, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other organizations, which helped lead to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A. Philip Randolph campaigned for the desegregation of the labor movement and the armed forces. His work helped improve wages and working conditions for workers and laborers of all races. His dedication has also inspired me to work tirelessly to help improve the lives of the marginalized children and families we serve in foster care.
Family Figure:
I have always been inspired by my paternal grandfather, with whom I share the same name—Ivan Harrison Sr. My grandfather served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 761st Tank Battalion. His battalion, nicknamed the “Black Panthers,” fought valiantly and was the first African American tank unit to enter combat in World War II. My grandfather, Ivan Harrison Sr., was also one of the first African Americans to command a tank battalion.
The 761st Tank Battalion served in continuous combat for 183 days during World War II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and playing a role in the liberation of Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp in Germany. Over the years, the 761st Tank Battalion and its members earned numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Medal of Honor, eleven Silver Stars, and approximately 300 Purple Hearts.
I have always been inspired by my grandfather and the other members of his unit for breaking so many barriers—especially during a time when African Americans were openly discriminated against and treated as second-class citizens.
Daisha Schaffer, Human Resources Coordinator
Historical Figure:
Michelle Obama is a deeply empathetic leader, and in my HR role, her example has inspired me to lead with the same level of compassion and care. I aim to create environments where everyone feels supported, heard, and valued. I believe leadership is not about standing at the top but about serving as the foundation that enables others to rise.
Family Figure:
I am in constant awe of my grandmother, Geraldine Owens Drumgoole. She has been and continues to be the backbone of our family, providing unwavering support, love, and guidance. From a young age, I’ve witnessed her strength, resilience, and kindness—qualities that have shaped my own life and the lives of every family member and friend she’s touched. She is wise, beautiful, and powerful. She has been a source of stability, constantly pulling us together, no matter the circumstances. Whether through her nurturing spirit, ability to listen, or unwavering faith, she has built a foundation that holds us together. I am forever grateful for her presence and the lessons she continues to teach me and my children daily.
Cinaiya Stubbs, President & CEO
Historical Figure:
Alice Walker, novelist, poet, and social activist. As the first Black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, she was a pioneer. With The Color Purple, one of my favorite works of fiction, she painted a picture of Black oppression at the hands of Whites and Black struggle at the hands of fellow Blacks, demonstrating how the injustice of oppression is often expressed as punishment meted out against each other. What many don’t know about Walker is that she was blind in one eye, having been accidentally shot with a BB gun when she was eight. The perseverance it takes to become a stalwart example of excellence at the very thing many thought you’d never be able to do is awe-inspiring as we work on behalf of populations of people who try every day to succeed against all odds.
Family Figure:
The group of women who raised me: my mother, grandmother, two great aunts, and cousin. Being poor and Black in America is an existence that no one can understand unless you’ve lived it. Layer on the walls that are intentionally erected to keep you out—social isolation, economic oppression, unsafe communities, mass incarceration—and the list goes on. You begin to understand the depth of sacrifice and wisdom required to build the bridges that are responsible for where I am today.
At CPA, we know that Black history goes beyond just one month. We honor the past, embrace the present, and build a better future every day. The people our team shared have shaped their lives and strengthened CPA’s mission to support children and families. We’d love to hear from you: Who in history or your family has inspired you to become who you are today?
