Board President - Patricia Bell
“Patricia Hall Bell,”a native of Port Lavaca, Texas currently resides in Antelope, CA which is a suburb of Sacramento. She has extensive knowledge which includes private (non-profit) and public sectors. Patricia started a career as a nurse at Champ Traylor Memorial Hospital where she worked for several years. After moving to California, she changed careers and successfully worked as a Project and Product Manager for Pacific Bell with 20 years’ experience developing and overseeing various products and projects. She has 14 years’ experience as an entrepreneur, the founder and CEO of two non-profit organizations, Higher Hope Inc., an organization specializing in behavior modification for at risk youth, and New Testament Christian School Inc, a private school, that successfully educated toddlers to sixth grade, along with 14 years’ experience as an instructor (teaching interviewing, job, and life skills) for the County of Sacramento.
Although Patricia has achieved countless gratifying and notable, accomplishments over the years in her various “careers,” what she cherishes and is most proud of, is being a mother of three, a grandmother of six and a great grandmother of six. Also, giving back and helping others is near and dear to her heart. Patricia works hard to fulfill her motto… Know and live out your assigned purpose according to his will.
Patricia is excited to be a part of Wilkins Alumni Inc., a non-profit organization where she is a member and Chair of the Board of Directors, working to make a difference in the local community. She loves to share her knowledge to help others. During her down time, she enjoys arts and crafts, creating custom made greeting cards and flowers as well as designing and personalizing t-shirts, other garments, and glassware.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree,St. Mary’s College – Business Management
Associate of Science Degree,Merced Junior College – Sociology
Associate of Science Certificate, Champ Traylor Memorial Hospital – Nursing
Board Secretary - Margaret Leonard
Margaret Leonard Anthony was born and raised in Port Lavaca, Texas and is a graduate of Calhoun High School. She attended Texas Woman’s University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Marketing and Economics. Margaret retired from American Airlines after 25 years of service. During her tenure at American Airlines, she served as Time and Attendance Manager, Cargo Analysist, Employee Engagement Manager and Manager of Training and Development at the DFW Airport. She is the recipient of numerous leadership awards throughout her career at American.
She is currently employed at Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce as a Member Engagement Manager and Co-Chair on the Board of Director’s Community Committee. She was recently awarded the Chamber’s Chairwoman’s Choice Award for 2020.
Margaret has volunteered with other non-profit organizations serving the community such as Chris Howell Foundation of Dallas, UNCF Dallas, Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish Foundation and many more.
Margaret currently resides in Hurst, Texas a suburb of the Ft. Worth community. She enjoys traveling, researching her family history, crafts, and serving the community.
 Board Member-Sandra Lee Davis
Sandra Lee Davis raised in Port Lavaca Texas and attended Wilkins Elementary, Travis Middle School and Calhoun High School. Her higher education was continued at Merced College in Merced California.
After attending college in California, Sandra was gainfully employed with Pacific Telephone. When she transferred back to the Southern region, the company was better known as Southwestern Bell. That company today is better known as AT&T. After her 30 years with AT&T, she retired with excellent work performance. Sandra was highly admired and respected by all her coworkers. Because of her limitless work ethic, Sandra was nominated as a Union Steward for 10 years. After her amazing accomplishments as Union Steward, she was then selected as a District Steward and continued to do amazing work. Sandra was the only African American female in her district with a title this high. Upon retirement from AT&T, she was quickly employee by a high recognized school district. Humble ISD soon hired Sandra as Transport Specialist for special needs children. This once again showed her love for all children especially those in need.
When it comes to love, Sandra's first love is Christ. Once she relocated to Houston, she quickly united with a sprit filled church in Spring Texas Truevine Missionary Baptist is where God called Sandra to worship and service others. While at Truevine, Sandra served in the adult choir and the Women’s Mission. She blessed so many adults and youth were as she was able to bring them closer to the word of God. In 2000, Sandra united with The Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Humble Texas. She services as a welcome greeter, sung in the Women’s Choir, served in the Women Mission and was a advocate for girl Rite's of Passage where she mentored young girls from the age of 10 – 18.
Sandra's love for mentoring other will never fade. As mentioned above, Sandra shows that the work of God can truly bless others. Her work ethic and God’s love for others is unspeakable. Her final Prayer for all walks of life, is to seek God's love and will, for their lives.
Board Member-Bernadette Barefield
Bernadette Barefield was born and raised in Port Lavaca Texas. She attended Jackson Elementary, Travis Jr. High and graduated in 1982 from Calhoun High School with a Cosmetology License. She furthered her education attending Bee County College in Beeville TX., whereas she became a Licensed Cosmetology Instructor. 1986 Bernadette moved to Houston Texas where she managed a well-known Franchise Beauty Salon. In 1989 Bernadette made a huge career change. She holds both the General Lines Property & Casualty and General Lines Life & Health Insurance Licenses. Bernadette has maintained employment at a large Insurance Company as a District Office Manager, with over 45 successful agencies. In 2016, Bernadette chose to follow a longtime passion and became a Real Estate Agent, accomplished by taking night and weekend classes and successfully passing both the National and State TX Real Estate Exams. She works hard to meet and exceed the expectations of both the Insurance agencies and her Real Estate clients. In addition to her 25-year Certification as a TX Notary, Bernadette has also recently become a member of the American Society of Notaries as a Certified Notary Signing Agent, certified to remotely witness signatures and notarize loan closing documents for buyers and sellers. She strongly acknowledges that the business relationships in the industry has been motivating and very rewarding and in some cases have led to long lasting friendships. Bernadette Barefield is excited for the future of the Wilkins Alumni Association She proudly sits on the Board of this Historic Black School passionately known as Wilkins Elementary, whereas both her parents attended as children. Bernadette attests that while she may not have personally attended Wilkins Elementary, she knows that her bloodline runs deep into what Wilkins was built on and what the Historic school stood for (lest we forget).
Board Member-Bobby Joe Barefield
Bobby Joe Barefield is a lifetime resident of Port Lavaca, Texas. After graduating Calhoun High School Bobby enlisted in the US Army and served our country for 4 years. Returning to his hometown, he worked for Union Carbide for 33 years and retired in 2002. Bobby has dedicated his life to the community of Port Lavaca and has actively served as founding member and Vice President of CCIA (Calhoun Citizens In Action) and past President of the Wilkins Alumni Association. Bobby is a devoted and loving husband and father of 3 children, 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Wilkins Elected Officers
Dr. Jennifer Wimbish - President
Anthony "Tony" Taft - Vice-President
Secretary
Jeannie Hall - Treasurer
Paulette Clay - Asst Treasurer
|
