With more than 15 years in the nonprofit sector, LaShonda Andrews brings a unique blend of experience as a fundraising and communications writer.

LaShonda Andrews prior roles include the Communications Director at a National education nonprofit, where she led several growing and evolving communications initiatives. She previously worked at the Foundation for Food and Agriculture as the Development Officer where her passion for agriculture and southern roots collided. As a native North Carolinian, Shonda was raised in a food desert and knows first-hand the importance of bringing innovative ag-technology, education opportunities and financial resources to rural marginalized communities.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UNC-Greensboro and a Graduate Certificate in Education from Harvard University. Outside of work, you’ll find Shonda serving as a sports practice taxi for her two boys, studying astrology or watching wrestling.

Katrena R. Hanks serves as the Director of Grants and Programs with the 1890 Universities Foundation. Her primary areas of expertise are the Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions, the flagship initiative of the nineteen historically black colleges and universities. Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Hanks provided leadership for competitive grant programs with the United States Department of Agriculture and served as a community redevelopment planner along Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Ms. Hanks earned a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the College of Charleston, where she received the Outstanding Student Award in recognition of distinguished performance.

She is an avid traveler and photographer with submissions to the Smithsonian Magazine’s annual photo contest. Ms. Hanks is a Charleston, South Carolina native and resides in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Mr. Gray provides the Foundation agricultural expertise gained from more than 25 years of service as an Agriculture Counselor at U.S. Embassies in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe helping U.S. companies market their food products.

After leaving the federal service in 2016, he started Q. Gray and Associates, a consulting company that provides trade promotion and food safety/security services. His clients have included the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association, the Southern United States Trade Association, the American Soybean Association, the American Indian Foods organization, Dinar Standard (consulting firm based in Dubai), the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Also, he is a Lead Instructor for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). He teaches a 2-day course to help US and foreign companies meet FDA food import requirements.

Quintin regularly speaks on agricultural trade issues at various conferences, including recently at the National Restaurant Association Show and the U.S. Dairy Export Council’s Halal Workshop in Chicago. He serves on advisory committees for the Halal Chamber Certification Organization and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He is fluent in French.

Monique Sturdivant serves as the Program Coordinator for 1890 Universities Foundation. She is responsible for overseeing all Centers of Excellence work and streamlining departmental processes. In her role, Monique ensures that programs run efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall success and innovation within the organization.

With 15 years of experience in the health insurance industry and four years in project management, Monique brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her position. Her most notable achievements include building a claims department from the ground up, which continues to thrive today. Additionally, she has successfully project-managed over 12 initiatives that have significantly transformed the organizational landscape, demonstrating her ability to drive change and deliver results.

Beyond her professional life, Monique has a passion for cooking and traveling. She enjoys spending her free time exploring new destinations and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Her love for culinary arts and adventure enriches her personal life and brings a fresh perspective and creativity to her professional endeavors.

Monique’s dedication, experience, and enthusiasm make her an asset to the team. She consistently contributes to the organization’s growth and success.