Advisory Board
Jennifer V. Liddell
Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr.
Jennifer V. Liddell
Jennifer V. Liddell is the oldest grandchild of Barbara V. Brandy. She is a native of South Bend and enjoys volunteering where she can to help her community. Jennifer has over 10 years experience working and volunteering in the non-profit sector. Currently, she is the Director of Mission Advancement for the United Way of St. Joseph County
Jennifer V. Liddell is the oldest grandchild of Barbara V. Brandy. She is a native of South Bend and enjoys volunteering where she can to help her community. Jennifer has over 10 years experience working and volunteering in the non-profit sector. Currently, she is the Director of Mission Advancement for the United Way of St. Joseph County.
Jennifer serves on the board as the Community VP for the Junior League of South Bend, is a former board member and current volunteer for Girls on the Run Michiana, as well as volunteer for Camp Fire River Bend and the National MS Society. For the past three years, she has participated as a speaker for The Mamalogues which is a performance of woman sharing real life stories they have personally written. The proceeds for the show go to benefit a local non-profit. She is also a member of Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka class 46.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband Mark and their three children as well as reading, writing and volunteering.
Arielle M. Brandy
Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr.
Jennifer V. Liddell
A native Hoosier, Arielle Brandy was born and raised in the Rust Belt city of South Bend, IN, where she resides. A graduate of Indiana State University, she received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a concentration in Legal Studies. A proud Afro-Latina voting rights advocate and community organizer, she is passionate about
A native Hoosier, Arielle Brandy was born and raised in the Rust Belt city of South Bend, IN, where she resides. A graduate of Indiana State University, she received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a concentration in Legal Studies. A proud Afro-Latina voting rights advocate and community organizer, she is passionate about empowering Hoosier women, youth into leadership and mentoring. She has become her community’s go-to on policies impacting the Black & Brown communities, voting rights, voter registration and voter education. She is the co-founder of Vote Safe Indiana, a bipartisan non-profit with the mission of improving Safe Voting Rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arielle was most recently the Indiana State Director for the Pete for America Campaign. As State Director alongside her Pete for Indiana team, she led volunteer & voter outreach efforts throughout the state to help drive success in each Early State primary and build a strong coalition of elected officials, candidates, organization and party official support for Pete Buttigieg in the state of Indiana. Arielle spearheaded national surrogate programs to include voices of supporters/validators from South Bend & Indiana. She also traveled across the country as a National surrogate speaking directly about Pete’s leadership as her Mayor, advocating for Pete’s policies that would directly improve the lives of Black & Brown America.
Before hitting the national campaign trail, Arielle led the exploratory committee as Political Director for Senator Eddie Melton’s bid for Indiana Governor. For 3 years, Arielle served as the Democratic Board Member of Voter Registration for St. Joseph County, where she maintained the voter rolls, ensured every voter in St. Joseph County had access to the ballot and oversaw the elections as an Election Administrator and as a Regional Field Director in 2016 for the Indiana Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign for John Gregg for Governor, Evan Bayh for U.S Senate and Lynn Coleman for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District. As an organizer in 2016, she co-founded the St. Joseph County African American Democratic Coalition. Alongside her membership, she continues to advocate for issues that affect the Black & Brown community through community forums and initiatives. She strives everyday to bridge the gap between government and the community.
Since 2011, Arielle has served the state of Indiana as an Executive Board Member for Indiana Young Democrats. She was most recently elected as President of IYD and previously served as the National Committeewoman working to elect Young Democrats and candidates that represent their values elected into office while also getting young people engaged in the political process. In 2019, Arielle was appointed to serve on the Young Democrats of America National Convention planning committee, overseeing the convention’s training, speakers and panel discussions that brought over 1,000 Young Democrats, Presidential candidates and national trainers from all over the country to Indianapolis, IN.
Standing strong with women’s rights and advocating for women’s healthcare accessibility & policies, she now serves on the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana/Kentucky Political Action Committee (PPINK PAC). Arielle graduated from the inaugural class of Hoosier Women Forward, a Democratic women’s leadership organization. She now serves on the HWF board helping women across the state of Indiana get elected into office, hold leadership positions, find their purpose and have a seat at every table.
Arielle was awarded ‘Leader Under 40’ by Mayor Pete Buttigieg and the City of South Bend in 2019. She serves her South Bend community as Political Action Chair of the South Bend Branch of the NAACP, Committee Member for the Westside Memorial Day Parade Scholarship Fund, a member of Latino Young Professionals Network, IDAAC South Bend Chapter and a Press committee member of ‘Not In My Community’ Campaign- combating the use and distribution of synthetic drugs in her community.
A full time single mother to two beautiful daughters Madisyn and Harlyn, Arielle strives to ensure that our communities are educated, empowered, full of diverse leadership and inclusive policies not only now but for future generations to come.
Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr.
Pastor Eugene C. Staples, Sr.
Ret. Air Force Captain LaDonna Miller
Eugene C. Staples, Sr. Affectionately known as theREV is founder and Lead trainer for LeaderSHIFT Training and Development (L.T.D) providing leadership training to businesses, schools, churches and non-profits to help them fully reach productivity potential. Staples is a seasoned YouTuber on “ReCharge with theREV Broadcast”, host of Rolli
Eugene C. Staples, Sr. Affectionately known as theREV is founder and Lead trainer for LeaderSHIFT Training and Development (L.T.D) providing leadership training to businesses, schools, churches and non-profits to help them fully reach productivity potential. Staples is a seasoned YouTuber on “ReCharge with theREV Broadcast”, host of Rolling with theREV a broadcast program featuring motivational messages, music and dialog to encourage and engender positive life change Live from Las Vegas, USA. This nationally syndicated show features host Minister/Teacher/Motivator Eugene C. Staples, Sr. and a team of contemporary life changers and commentators.
Staples is committed to providing not only life changing and challenging messages of excellence, he also strives to provide teaching and training that puts Leadership Development into service within the community. Staples, is founder of The C.H.A.I.N. (The Community Helping Advance and Improve Neighborhoods). The C.H.A.I.N. is an alliance between community partners such as ministries of faith, members of the police and fire departments, city government officials, representatives in education, professionals from mental health industry and senior citizens. This alliance was formed to bring community members together to brainstorm and come up with “next steps for solving the problems that plague our communities”. With the input of the greater community its goal is to develop sustainable grassroot strategic plans that make the community a better place to live, work, worship and serve.
Staples former experience includes Founder/Executive Director/CEO of S.A.F.E. Entertainment (Staples & Associates Family Educational Entertainment) non-profit company which specializes in empowering America’s youth utilizing multi-media. Founder of Capernaum Community Church in South Bend, Indiana. He did so after seeing the need to provide a place where persons of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities and abilities could be encouraged to develop their full spiritual, emotional and physical potential through innovative forms of worship.
Staples has served as Senior Pastor for congregations in the Mid-west. He served for two and a half years as Senior Pastor of the 190 year-old historic Second Baptist Church of Dowagiac, Michigan, Lead Pastor of a Southern Baptist Church Plant Capernaum for three years, served nearly seven years as Senior Pastor of Southwind Immanuel Church in Michigan City, Indiana, Chaplain of Alford’s Mortuary in South Bend, Indiana and on-air-talent for LeSea Broadcasting contributing to LeSea’s international television broadcast. Pastor Staples is founder & President of S.A.F.E. (Staples & Associates Family Educational) Ministries. The Reverend is well versed in all aspects of pastoral care and is a self-published author.
Social justice work is no stranger to Pastor Staples as he is the former Clergy Chair of T.A.P. (Transforming Action thru Power) in South Bend, Indiana; an affiliate of the Gamaliel Foundation. T.A.P. is a faith power-based organization that utilizes community-based strategies to address such persistent problems as low educational attainment, poverty, inadequate health care, violence, and limited civic engagement.
Eugene & Kelly have been married for over 30 years and have five wonderful children Eugene, Sidney, Gabrielle (their only daughter), Sam and Adam.
All in all, Eugene C. Staples, Sr. has dedicated his life’s mission to helping build Leaders by “accepting them where they are but challenging them to get to where they are suppose to be by engaging young people, adults and families in the examination and correction of the most critical issues of their lives.”
“I just want to use the to empower individuals and families for healthy development of mind, body and spirit: helping those who have faltered to get back on course while helping all become positive, productive contributors to the communities in which they live and serve – by teaching everyone that the affirmative application of the life lessons & experiences combined with commitment to community involvement can make this world a better place to live, learn and share”
Eugene C. Staples, Sr.
Ret. Air Force Captain LaDonna Miller
Ret. Air Force Captain LaDonna Miller
Ret. Air Force Captain LaDonna Miller
LaDonna Miller, born and raised in South Bend, IN. LaDonna a graduate of the “Pride of the Westside” Washington High School. She started her military career right after high school graduation in 1986. After serving 5 years in the United State Air Force she returned to South Bend to complete her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Indiana Univer
LaDonna Miller, born and raised in South Bend, IN. LaDonna a graduate of the “Pride of the Westside” Washington High School. She started her military career right after high school graduation in 1986. After serving 5 years in the United State Air Force she returned to South Bend to complete her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Indiana University South Bend. After graduating with her BSN, LaDonna worked for a short while for the South Bend Head start program. Loving her career path as a nurse, LaDonna decided to return to the Air Force to complete her desire to use her nursing degree to once again serve her county. LaDonna returned to the military as an Air Force officer. While serving she had the pleasure of traveling and being stationed at AF bases in, England, Texas, Nevada and Illinois.
During LaDonna’s lustrous career as an AF nurse, she held nursing position as floor nurse working on OB/GYN, Medical Surgical units. On these units LaDonna provided an advanced level of specialized nursing care of medical-surgical patients, ranging from neonates to the elderly. Offered direct care and education to patients and families by promoting excellence in patient care delivery and advancing evidence-based practice. Supported and facilitated the professional growth and education of nursing and other health care staff. Identified and implemented improvements in health care delivery systems. Provided input for decisions related to policy, procedures, and practices relevant to patient care. Utilized the nursing process to initiate assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care of patients. Provided direct care and education to patients and families based on regulatory and professional standards. Worked independently and with the physician to evaluate the needs of patients and made independent decisions regarding nursing care. Demonstrated, and assisted highly specialized nursing care to patients that have undergone complex medical procedures. Worked case management for patients to assess, monitor and evaluate care. Made independent nursing assessments. Educated or monitored the education of patients and family members regarding procedures, treatments, and discharge information. Initiated emergency measures as appropriate. Responded decisively to life threatening changes in patient conditions, providing immediate and appropriate emergency measures. Supported excellence in patient care delivery and advances evidence-based practice.
LaDonna was next promoted to Nurse Manager Outpatient Family Medicine Residency, where she coordinated the day-to-day management of clinic to ensure appropriate appointing of patients and facilitation of meeting access to care standards. Served as a resource clinician, mentor, and patient advocate. Provided health care counseling and education to eligible patients and family members on the telephone and patients presenting to the Primary Care Clinic. Established, reviewed, and updated clinic policies and procedures, internal stand and operating procedures, and patient education criteria followed by all nursing personnel assigned. Reviewed updated regulatory guides and directives to assess the impact on current nursing operating activities. Supervised military and civilian registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and military medics. Reviewed and revised position descriptions, as required, to ensure that they accurately reflect the duties performed by subordinates. Planned both long-range work schedules and priorities and day-to-day assignments, adjusting as necessary. Established performance standards for subordinates and discusses requirements with employees.
LaDonna’s last assignment before retirement was as Commander/Deputy Commander Education & Training. Here she was professional accountable for planning coordinating and implementing continuing education, clinical education to include continuing medical education, and various life support programs. Identified, organized, and coordinated educational and training activities. Maintained and improved the clinical competency of all civilian and military professionals and enlisted health care personnel. Directed continuing education unit opportunities to enable the clinical competency of health care personnel, to include physicians, nurses, and other allied health personnel, and to improve job specific competency staff. Utilized professional knowledge of education concepts, principles, techniques, and practices in order to perform assigned duties.
Developed, researched, and presented comprehensive plans for short/long-term goals for future professional training programs. Coordinated and communicated with other departments, directorates and committees as required. Assessed, analyzed, and resolved problems related to training issues. Determined annual training needs and established priorities for the Continuing Education Unit's (CEU) and staff activities. Prepared after action reports to evaluate effectiveness of various training programs; maintained records of all continuing education offerings, and prepared various weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Analyzed information prior to routing through staff offices to identify organizational training issues and priorities.
LaDonna retired from the AF in 2013, since her retirement she now resides in her hometown of South Bend, IN where she enjoys the love of her children, Jelanee, Jaren her granddaughter, Caidense and her husband Terrance. In her free time LaDonna enjoys reading, taking walks, cooking/baking. She is currently working on her master’s in legal studies degree from Washington University St Louis with graduation date of 2021.
Dr. Mark A. Smith
Ret. Air Force Captain LaDonna Miller
Dr. Mark A. Smith
Many years ago now Mark Smith was a factory worker who wanted to do more. He completed his BSBA while on the shop floor, and went on to obtain his MBA, starting his own consulting firm. As a consultant to business for over 20 years, He started and administrated college accredited corporate universities when there were still less than 100
Many years ago now Mark Smith was a factory worker who wanted to do more. He completed his BSBA while on the shop floor, and went on to obtain his MBA, starting his own consulting firm. As a consultant to business for over 20 years, He started and administrated college accredited corporate universities when there were still less than 100 in the country. This led to his obtaining his doctorate in education, with a concentration in the Community College. His work centered on his practical application of new ideas about getting groups to act as one, setting the world record for improvement. Dr. Mark A. Smith is today a writer/director/producer of film, with an eye towards acting and public speaking. He has multiple film projects with such stars as Laurence Fishbone, Jesse Metcalfe, Danny Trejo, Jaci Velasquez, Milo Gibson, and more. Today his focus is on change, through the use of media, that aligns with two principles: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. He encourages everyone to pursue the hope of perfect love right where they are, to leave the world a better place than they found it.