Catherine Smith, President and Founder
Catherine was born in Prince George’s County Maryland but raised in the District of Columbia, where she attended DC Public Schools. She received her undergraduate degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio in 1982. In 1998, after several years as a career woman, Catherine returned to school to obtain her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Howard University. Her area of study, along with volunteer and direct support in human services, allowed her to address issues that would improve the quality of life of the disenfranchised population she encountered as a professional and advocate for her community. Her experience with providing assistance to at-risk youth, low-income families, seniors and the intellectually and developmentally disabled community has spanned more than 25 years.
Janice Scott-Ataiyero, Vice President-Acting Treasurer
Janice is a transplanted Washingtonian from Bedford, Virginia. She and her family moved to DC when she was just 18 months old. Having attended DC public schools, she learned early the disparity of education provided to those in far Northeast compared to the residents of Wisconsin Avenue and the effects of poverty on her classmates. The inequalities of life that she witnessed as a child prompted her to become an advocate for those less fortunate as early as her grade school years. It was no surprise that she became a Black Panther as a teen and began working with the disadvantaged in her adult professional life. Both through volunteer endeavors as well as her vocation, Janice has provided social and human services through ABE/GED, prison re-entry, welfare-to-work, at-risk youth, disability, homeless, and hunger programs in the Washington-Metro area for more than 20 years.
Aisha Trim, Secretary
Aisha was raised in Trinidad and Tobago. She is a licensed school psychologist who has worked with students K-12 in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Aisha has obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a Specialist Certification in School Psychology. Before pursuing a career as a school psychologist, Aisha worked as a substitute teacher in Louisiana and as a residential specialist. In her role as a residential specialist, Aisha provided supports and training for adults with intellectual disabilities. Aisha’s experiences have afforded her the opportunity to work with children and adults of various backgrounds. She is skilled in assessment and consultation and collaboration with related service providers and community agencies. Her skill set makes her a valuable resource to Lillian’s Place.
Rolanda A. Wray, Social Media Administrator
Rolanda was born and raised in Northwest, Washington, DC where she completed her primary and secondary education. She completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Delaware University. In 2012, she completed her graduate studies at Howard University, School of Social Work with a concentration in communities, administration, and policy practice. She has 13 years professional experience in social work, working with children and families, displaced populations, persons with disabilities, returning citizens, and older adults. She is an active member in the young adult fellowship ministry at Bibleway Church of Washington.
Mr. Kwaku Agyeman, Employment Program Administrator
Kwaku has a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership, a Bachelor’s of Science in health administration and a graduate certificate in career planning and placement for youth in transition. Mr. Agyeman has over 17 years of social services experience.
Saphronia A. Drake, Outreach Coordinator
Saphronia is a native Washingtonian with roots in public service. Her career as an emergency services administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gave her the opportunity to help those in need in a most dynamic way. Many times a first- responder, she saw first-hand the devastation caused by disaster as well as crippling poverty. Ever a lover of young people, Saphronia decided to resign from FEMA to work with college students in the Political Science department of Howard University in Washington, DC. As the department administrator, Saphronia has brought her love of helping others to students in need of not only educational and scholarship assistance but also basics such as food, clothing shelter, moral support and even spiritual guidance. Her participation and sponsorship of empowerment seminars and lectures have provided the student body with much needed support to further their education and improve their lives. She has been positively impacting a diverse student population for more than 20 years.