Shane Gowdy, President
Shane is a native Detroiter. Born prematurely, her fighting spirit is evident through every trial she has tackled since her early arrival into the world, and through every goal she has set and accomplished. Her tenacious personality keeps her moving...through the death of her father as a teen...through her leap of faith to leave her successful career in education. Through her persistence to be GREAT at her entrepreneurial endeavors. She is currently breaking glass ceilings in the faith-based market with her subscription and fundraising platform Testimony.
Shane has had the best of both worlds when it comes to education. From public school to attending an all-girls Catholic high school, then Michigan State University, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education with specializations in English and Special Education. She has always enjoyed learning and helping people become the BEST they can be. Shane has proven to be a "class act" when it comes to being a role model and leader.
Always involved in the church and community, she has a passion for serving and she co-leads Transitions, a young adult ministry at Christian Tabernacle Church in Southfield, MI. Ministering to millennials is a passion of hers that transfers directly into her professional work with Testimony. Shane is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Southfield Alumnae Chapter.
Dr. Shondra Marshall, Secretary
Shondra L. Marshall, PhD is originally from Flint Michigan and has familial roots to Detroit Michigan. She’s involved with organizations which aim to uplift and support the betterment of the community. Dr. Marshall has been involved with the inception, establishment , and growth of successful non-profit organizations and has been elected served on board of directors and in executive committee roles.
Dr. Marshall is a two-time alum of Michigan State University and obtained her PhD from Eastern Michigan University. She served as MSU Black Alumni Inc. National President in 2020-2022 (a Michigan-based nonprofit). It was then when she led the organization during the onset of the global pandemic while her platform focused on on engagement, enhancement, and evolvement. Under her administration the MSUBA University endowment increased from 2.4M to well over 3.2M. She led this organization through a virtual shift and established the first virtual meeting format , the first hybrid meeting format, conducted the first electronic voting process and led the efforts to develop the first SOP and the first three-year strategic plan. She also led the efforts to digitize the organization documents and materials for historical sustainability.
Professionally she’s an advocate and is committed to supporting minoritized students/people and marginalized individuals through equity and justice. Some of her research foci surrounds youth voice, youth engagement, academic performance, racial socialization, cultural responsiveness, and social justice. Dr. Marshall served in multiple inaugural positions over the past 7-8 years.
Dr. Marshall proudly serves on OGP inaugural board of directors as Secretary.
Shaunta Tyus, Treasurer
Shaunta Tyus is a dynamic individual born in Detroit, MI, who wears many hats with pride. As a daughter, sister, and friend, she cherishes the importance of meaningful connections in her life. Shaunta's academic journey led her to Michigan State University, where she earned a BA in Statistics, showcasing her love for data and analytical thinking.
With over 15 years of experience in HR and Customer Service, she has honed her skills in providing exceptional customer support. Shaunta has shown an extreme amount of compassion and dedication to serving others through her work.
But her true passion lies in serving others and creating memorable experiences through event planning and coordination. With her outgoing personality, she brings joy and enthusiasm to every project she undertakes.
Currently, Shaunta is the President of the Michigan State University Black Alumni Oakland County Chapter, where she fosters a supportive community and empowers fellow alumni. Additionally, she serves as the Treasurer of Onyx Growth Project, an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the community. As a board member for Protecting My Peace non-profit organization, Shaunta actively contributes to their mission and helps bring about positive change in the lives of others.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shaunta finds fulfillment in mentoring the youth in Metro Detroit, guiding and inspiring the next generation. Her compassion and dedication define her remarkable journey, as she continues to make a lasting impact on her community.