Our Leadership
R. Romona Jackson, Esq.
Founding President and CEO
The Women’s Advocacy Center was chartered in 2018 by R. Romona Jackson. Romona has been a licensed Tennessee attorney since 2010. As a practicing attorney, she represented clients with gender-based asylum claims at her immigration law firm, Jackson & Hurst, LLC. Romona has also represented women in family law matters through the Memphis Public Interest Law Center. In that role, she secured orders of protection for victims of domestic abuse.
A recipient of the Irvin Bogatin Social Justice Award in 2009, Romona has worked to give voice to vulnerable individuals in the U.S. and abroad.
In 2014 while living in Krakow, Poland, she co-founded "Unchained,"a grassroots, human rights organization to raise awareness about human trafficking in Central Europe.
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Before her law career, Romona had a
16-year business career at International Paper. As a business professional, she worked in various roles of increasing responsibility earning the Chairman's Award and other recognition.
​For almost thirty years, Romona has served the Memphis community. She has volunteered as a CASA with the Shelby County Juvenile Court, a mentor with a Memphis charter school, a pro bono attorney with Memphis Area Legal Services and the Community Legal Center, a ministry leader in her church, and as a dedicated member of local civic and nonprofit organizations.
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Romona, a survivor of domestic abuse, speaks in the community on the impact of trauma due to adverse childhood experiences. She offers thoughtful approaches to addressing domestic abuse in a holistic manner. Romona also shares insight on issues concerning children, women, and nonprofit leaders.
She is the best-selling author of Starting and Serving, Your Personal Guide to Launching a Successful New Career as a Nonprofit Leader. Her story of faith and perseverance has been told in Canvas Rebel magazine, the Commercial Appeal, Tour Collierville magazine,
Voyager magazine, the Re-new-all blog, and on podcasts for Her Town and cityCURRENT.
To request her as your speaker, complete this form.
Our Board of Directors
Board Chair - Laurie Tucker
Retired Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing, FedEx
LaDonna Gibson
Learning Manager/Training Officer 2, Tennessee Dept. of Human Services
Treasurer - Terry R. Morris, CFP®
Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Asset Management
Private Wealth Manager, Raymond James
Dr. Jara Best
Pediatrician - Le Bonheur Pediatrics
Bill Brown, Esq.
Attorney, Lead Counsel, FedEx Corporation
Tiffany Matthews
Associate Project Mgr. - Vieste, LLC
Dr. Fedoria Rugless
Adjunct Faculty - Oakwood University, Allied Health
Judy Dolce Lilavois, MSN, CRNA
AMN Locum - Methodist Healthcare
Rita Gibson Rayford, Esq.
Strategic Legal Advocates, PLLC
Our Team
Sharing Hope. Changing Lives.
Our team of paid and volunteer staff is committed to listening to what our clients need for their healing and well-being. Whether that is a meal program for working moms, innovative healing therapies for children, instruction on budgeting, or educating on what emotionally healthy parenting looks like post divorce or separation. By working together, we find solutions that provide the best possible outcomes for our clients and their children.
Ashley Bishop
Volunteer, Bi-Weekly Meal Coord. - East
Sarah Bynum
Client Services Manager - Northaven
Abigail Glass, LMSW
Client Services Mgr. - East
Michelle Johns, MA,
TLPC-MHSP, NCC
Volunteer, Support Group
Co-Facilitator - East
Jessie Morris
Volunteer Mgr., Donation Center - East
Cynthia Ramsaran
Volunteer, Comm.
Coordinator
Bonnie Sanford, MACR, LADAC - Qualified Clinical Super., Level II
Volunteer, Support Group Facilitator - Northaven
Lynn Warren
Children's Support Group Program Coord. - East and Wellness Consultant
William Warren
Children's Support Group Program Asst. - East
Open
Support Group Co-Facilitator - East
Having a support system during tough times is crucial. Our Yokefellows provide a non-judgmental, Gospel-centered approach to help clients navigate through life's challenges. Clients choose to have a Yokefellow walk with them for six to twelve months, checking in weekly to ensure their basic needs are met and offering and support for their journey forward.
Volunteer Yokefellows
Karlen P. Eaton
Yokefellow Emeritus, since 2019
Helen Ledbetter
Volunteer, Yokefellow
since 2024
Joe Ann Nicholson
Volunteer, Yokefellow
since 2019
Sandra Wilson
Volunteer, Yokefellow
since 2024
Cindy Bishop
Volunteer, Donation Center Coord.
Join Our Team
Join the mission of The Women's Advocacy Center to empower and support survivors of domestic abuse as they heal and thrive. Whether you work with us or volunteer with us, we welcome your passion and commitment to this community. We are a faith-based organization that serves those in need, and we are always looking for new members to join our team. If you are passionate about making a difference and willing to learn and grow, please contact us to learn more about how you can get involved.
Open Staff Positions
​Please send resume and cover letter to contactus@womensac.org.
Open Volunteer Positions
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Click here to complete a volunteer application.
Our Partners and Sponsors
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. The Women's Advocacy Center has found partnership that emerged out of a common pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Our community relationships are with organizations driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support. Contact us to learn more and get involved.
Sponsors:
Partners:
Living Well Network
Moriah House for Women
