Our Team

Jo Pamphile

Jo combined her undergraduate major in psychology and minor in business to earn a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology & Development from Columbia University. Her career objective was to help non-profit, youth-serving organizations fulfill their missions. When asked what her ideal job would be, Jo said working for a foundation.

She ultimately found that ideal job at the T. Howard Foundation where she is President & CEO. She brought her special event fundraising knowledge, program development experience, organizational and leadership skills and love of young people to the Foundation.

Along with a committed Board of Directors and a dedicated team, Jo has been able to develop a mission-driven organization that raises nearly $1.5 million per year to provide paid internships, professional development, career opportunities and an alumni network to hundreds of diverse and underrepresented college students eager to enter the world of media and entertainment.

She believes that the Foundation’s success is measured by the students and alumni who are achieving their career goals as a result of their relationship with THF and its partner companies.

LaShika Howard

With a deep understanding of the skills and experiences required to succeed in today’s workforce, LaShika is committed to equipping young professionals with key tools and resources.

LaShika holds a Master’s in Human Resources and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She’s spent most of her career helping professionals evaluate and achieve their career aspirations, as well as helping business leaders attract and secure the best talent for their hiring needs.

LaShika joined THF as a certified HR professional with more than 14 years of expertise in executive recruitment, talent pipeline development and building relationships with senior leaders. She has been instrumental in expanding the alumni network, increasing the number of full-time hires in the media industry and developing and managing three new initiatives.

Whitney Jennings

While in college, Whitney interned at a variety non-profit organizations, which is where her passion for non-profits and helping underserved communities grew. She was instrumental in identifying the collective needs of various groups and creating opportunities for them to have access to information, resources and support to better meet those needs.

As Assistant Program Coordinator, Career and Alumni Services, Whitney supports recruitment and job placement activities, assists in planning and publicizing events, conducts pre and post event evaluations, and creates presentations, templates, and newsletters for various audiences.

Whitney is a native Michigander and a graduate of Western Michigan University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

Brynton Lett

Brynton joined the T. Howard Foundation after serving several years as a professional in higher education and student affairs. As the Program Manager, Internship Program he seeks to further develop the educational partnerships between the Foundation and colleges and universities.

Brynton brings his passion for social justice, student development and inclusivity to the Foundation. This commitment was demonstrated at Georgetown University and Longwood University, where he worked with students on their personal and professional enrichment.

An alumnus of the University of Georgia, Brynton earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and went on to receive his Master’s degree in College Counseling from Longwood University. He is excited to bring his experience in leadership development, corporate management and recruitment to THF, where he hopes to continue to positively impact the lives of students in their professional growth.

Nina Maudlin-Jeronimo

Nina’s passion and commitment to helping others succeed led her to work with non-profits in multiple capacities: recruiting international students for a cultural exchange program at International Arts & Artists, providing administrative support at a preschool and marketing the value of nonprofits to others.

She enjoys combining her recruitment and marketing skills at THF, where she recruits students and assists with social media e-recruitment activities.

Nina received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington, where she was also a varsity swimmer and team captain.

Aqiyla Moody

Aqiyla developed her passion for working with college students during her time as a student affairs professional. At Syracuse University, she was able to work with a diverse student population and help them develop holistically. As the Training and Recruitment Coordinator, Aqiyla facilitates professional development trainings, co-manages spring and fall internships, and supports the internship program administratively. She is excited to bring her experience with recruitment and passion for helping students reach their goals to the T. Howard Foundation.

Aqiyla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Rhetorical Studies and African American Studies from Syracuse University. Her Orange pride led her to continue her studies at Syracuse University obtaining a Master’s degree in Public Relations. At THF, Aqiyla looks forward to helping students with their professional growth.

Raphael Richard Jr.

Raphael’s commitment to the overall success of college students led him to the role as Associate Manager of Internship Programs at the T. Howard Foundation. After serving years as a higher education professional, focusing on multicultural affairs and diversity education, he looks forward to using those skills to continue to diversify the Foundation’s talent pool.

Raphael’s passion for effecting change through storytelling and diversity education was previously shared with students at Columbia University as Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs and the University of Alabama at Birmingham as Coordinator of Multicultural and Diversity Programs. Additionally, he models and mentors global citizenship practices to an international network of college students as a Senior Fellow in the Melton Foundation.

Raphael holds a M.S. in Higher Education from Syracuse University, where he also served as a Diversity Education Specialist and a B.A. in Urban Studies and Public Policy from Dillard University.

Raphael is delighted to work with THF interns and partners and share his experience in student leadership development, diversity and inclusion and curriculum development.

Doreen Thomas

Doreen developed a desire to work with young adults, particularly college students, while attending Towson University. At Towson, she served on campus leadership boards and obtained a student position in the International Student & Scholar Office. Through these experiences, she was able to work with diverse college students as they grew in their academic, personal and professional pursuits. Her passion for helping people develop led her to pursue an early career in human resources, with an emphasis on training and development.

Doreen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Towson University and a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Edina Varsa

Always one who looks at the bigger picture to understand how office systems and departments affect one another, Edina also focuses on the details to help ensure smooth running Foundation operations. With early experience in the for-profit world, Edina happened into the nonprofit sector and has not looked back.

In her role at THF, Edina supports the Foundation’s president & CEO in media industry outreach efforts, the annual Diversity Awards Dinner and Board of Directors matters.

Her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland underscores her commitment to people. Edina is thrilled to work for an organization whose staff and participants are as passionate about the mission as she is.