OUR BOARD

Executive Committee

Concerned Black Women of Calvert County 2024 – 2025 Executive Committee Members

Sinetra Bowdry
Sinetra Bowdry CBW President
Sinetra Bowdry is a communications extraordinaire, leader, motivator and advocate for transformative action.

She is the President, Founder, and CEO of Sint Communications Inc. which serves as a boutique PR firm for CEOs, Executives, sports figures, entertainment industry, etc, and private speech therapy practice for children and adults with communication disorders such as expressive, receptive, cognitive and pragmatic language disorders. She has extensive training in public relations communications and neurogenic communication disorders where she holds two masters degrees. She has a degree in classical piano studies from Tougaloo College – Jackson, Mississippi. A Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Howard University and a Master of Public Relations from Georgetown University respectively – Washington, DC.

During her matriculation at Tougaloo College, she was chosen as their campus HBCU queen – Miss Tougaloo College. During her reign, she served as an ambassador for the college leading the student union and college to an unprecedented growth in college admissions. She toured the state of Mississippi recruiting students to attend HBCUs thus causing Tougaloo College to increase student enrollment by more than 40 percent. While at Howard University, Sinetra worked as an intern for then Congressman Mike Espy who later became the first African American Secretary of Agriculture under the Clinton Administration. Her studies at Georgetown University led to her being appointed as an ambassador of students forging Georgetown School of Continuing Studies’ first Toys For Tots drive which was successful in giving out toys to underserved communities for three years.

In the field of Speech-Language Pathology where she has worked for more than 25 years, she is a sought after expert who diagnoses, trains and treats children and adults with communication disorders in her private practice in Prince Frederick, MD. She sits on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Board of Directors as a Speech Language Pathology member on the Government Affairs and Public Policy Board. At present, she is certified in orofacial myology – an oral motor training program for children who have severe speech problems characterized by frontal and lateral lisping, tongue ties, etc.

In the area of public relations, Sinetra is a dynamic and accomplished communication strategist with over 11 years of experience and success in communication and strategic plan development, campaign management, media affairs, public policy, and research analysis and data. She trains, mentors, and counsels organizations on executing strategic communications and public relations plans. She directs workshops and collaborates with leaders and executives to determine how to best manage organizational communications processes, systems, and change management. She has expertise in digital analysis, digital marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and social media analytics. She leads, develops, and motivates top-performing teams. Her PR firm clients included – The Magic Johnson Foundation, district attorney candidates, a national alumni association, public school parent associations, former NBA hopeful – Tony Skinn, The Shepherd’s House International Christian Church (TSHICC), Tuskegee Airmen (consultation) and its foundation just to name a few.

Sinetra currently serves in her community as a board member for (1) League of Women Voters (LWV) – Cal Co MD, and (2) American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) – Government Affairs and Public Policy Board, and (3) President of Concerned Black Women of Calvert County. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Sinetra’s educational background and life experiences have molded her into a resourceful problem solver where she has worked tirelessly for 25 years in MS and MD serving her community. She has served as a PTA President raising $20K in a year’s time for educational equipment upgrades to her kiddos local elementary school. She has served as a public relations brand strategist for many nonprofits increasing their brand and awareness in the community. Her writing skills are effortless and compelling which is why she has served on several community boards to increase branding opportunities. She is proactive, driven, and respected.

Sinetra is a native of Grenada, Mississippi. She resides in Southern Maryland where she has lived for more than twenty years. She is very strong in her faith and passionate about helping others reach their goals. Her greatest joy is being a mom to her three adult children.

Sinetra Bowdry
Sinetra Bowdry CBW President
Sinetra Bowdry is a communications extraordinaire, leader, motivator and advocate for transformative action.

She is the President, Founder, and CEO of Sint Communications Inc. which serves as a boutique PR firm for CEOs, Executives, sports figures, entertainment industry, etc, and private speech therapy practice for children and adults with communication disorders such as expressive, receptive, cognitive and pragmatic language disorders. She has extensive training in public relations communications and neurogenic communication disorders where she holds two masters degrees. She has a degree in classical piano studies from Tougaloo College – Jackson, Mississippi. A Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Howard University and a Master of Public Relations from Georgetown University respectively – Washington, DC.

During her matriculation at Tougaloo College, she was chosen as their campus HBCU queen – Miss Tougaloo College. During her reign, she served as an ambassador for the college leading the student union and college to an unprecedented growth in college admissions. She toured the state of Mississippi recruiting students to attend HBCUs thus causing Tougaloo College to increase student enrollment by more than 40 percent. While at Howard University, Sinetra worked as an intern for then Congressman Mike Espy who later became the first African American Secretary of Agriculture under the Clinton Administration. Her studies at Georgetown University led to her being appointed as an ambassador of students forging Georgetown School of Continuing Studies’ first Toys For Tots drive which was successful in giving out toys to underserved communities for three years.

In the field of Speech-Language Pathology where she has worked for more than 25 years, she is a sought after expert who diagnoses, trains and treats children and adults with communication disorders in her private practice in Prince Frederick, MD. She sits on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Board of Directors as a Speech Language Pathology member on the Government Affairs and Public Policy Board. At present, she is certified in orofacial myology – an oral motor training program for children who have severe speech problems characterized by frontal and lateral lisping, tongue ties, etc.

In the area of public relations, Sinetra is a dynamic and accomplished communication strategist with over 11 years of experience and success in communication and strategic plan development, campaign management, media affairs, public policy, and research analysis and data. She trains, mentors, and counsels organizations on executing strategic communications and public relations plans. She directs workshops and collaborates with leaders and executives to determine how to best manage organizational communications processes, systems, and change management. She has expertise in digital analysis, digital marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and social media analytics. She leads, develops, and motivates top-performing teams. Her PR firm clients included – The Magic Johnson Foundation, district attorney candidates, a national alumni association, public school parent associations, former NBA hopeful – Tony Skinn, The Shepherd’s House International Christian Church (TSHICC), Tuskegee Airmen (consultation) and its foundation just to name a few.

Sinetra currently serves in her community as a board member for (1) League of Women Voters (LWV) – Cal Co MD, and (2) American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) – Government Affairs and Public Policy Board, and (3) President of Concerned Black Women of Calvert County. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Sinetra’s educational background and life experiences have molded her into a resourceful problem solver where she has worked tirelessly for 25 years in MS and MD serving her community. She has served as a PTA President raising $20K in a year’s time for educational equipment upgrades to her kiddos local elementary school. She has served as a public relations brand strategist for many nonprofits increasing their brand and awareness in the community. Her writing skills are effortless and compelling which is why she has served on several community boards to increase branding opportunities. She is proactive, driven, and respected.

Sinetra is a native of Grenada, Mississippi. She resides in Southern Maryland where she has lived for more than twenty years. She is very strong in her faith and passionate about helping others reach their goals. Her greatest joy is being a mom to her three adult children.

Mapri Gray
Mapri Gray CBW Vice President
Mapri Gray is a native of California but spent thirteen years living overseas in Tashkent Uzbekistan, Ecuador and South Africa before moving to Maryland. Mapri’s background is in Education. She began her career in education as a school teacher at the elementary and secondary level for seven years before becoming a school counselor. She has been a school counselor since 2004 and has had the opportunity to work in her field both abroad as well as overseas. Mapri has served in several leadership positions, her most recent being the Counseling Department Chair at Chopticon High School. She has two amazing boys, one of which graduated this year from Calvert High School and earned a 3 year full scholarship to Florida A & M (FAMU). Her youngest will be a Junior at Calvert High School and has a passion for basketball. Mapri has a heart to serve in whatever capacity where she sees a need. Whether it be in her community or in her profession. Her passion for helping others and unique life experiences has been a major part of her drive to serve and invest in her community.
Rhonda Hawkins
Rhonda HawkinsCBW Recording Secretary
Dr. Rhonda Hawkins is an Accountability Specialist in Prince George’s County Public Schools, one of the largest urban school districts in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Her 25+ year career as an educator has provided invaluable opportunities culminating in her current role as a coach leading districts through school improvement processes. In addition to the daily work Dr. Hawkins does in the field as an active coach of improvement work, she is also the Founder and CEO of Ell Consulting LLC, a company created to meet the needs of school districts seeking to incorporate an improvement mindset into the fabric of existing best practice.

Dr. Hawkins obtained her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the Nova Southeastern College of Education. Her research and teaching interest centers on how schools grow into becoming learning organizations to engage in deep and sustainable change that breaks the status quo. Dr. Hawkins is committed to “challenging the status quo to transform learning spaces across the globe.” To achieve her professional vision, she seeks to support professionals with building the capacity and stamina to embrace functioning as a learning organization.

Dr. Hawkins is married to Rev. Dr. Laurence Hawkins and they have three children, now young adults, that are a great source of pride and continued investment. When not checking in on their children to see what support they might need, Rhonda and Laurence enjoy spending time with one another and co-facilitating on a number of topics under the Ell Consulting LLC umbrella that is ministry focused while servicing both secular and christian audiences.

Shawnte Buck
Shawnte Buck CBW Corresponding Secretary
Shawntè Buck is a native of Calvert County, Md. After graduating from Patuxent High School, Shawntè went on to attend Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University) located in Philadelphia, PA. As a student there, she was a University Ambassador and a member of the International Leadership Academy – affording her the opportunity to travel to Beijing, China; She was also the President of the Black Student Union and participated in community mentoring programs. Shawntè pursued a childhood dream and completed a semester at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, to study International Marketing. Shawntè graduated from Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Minor in International Business.
She began her Marketing career with Pacer Financial as a Marketing Associate and helped launch the company’s Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) platform. Following her tenure with Pacer Financial, she spent four years as a Marketing Coordinator at Hilton Worldwide, where she worked on the Hilton Brand Marketing team. She oversaw the brand communications channel and supported the online marketing efforts. Shawntè then went on to pursue her passion for the spa industry and served as the Spa Operations Manager at the 5-Star Salamander Resort & Spa, located in Middleburg, Va. Currently, Shawntè is the CX Strategy Manager for CXE, Inc. in Annapolis, Md.
Shawntè’s greatest honor was when she became a mother to her now six-year-old daughter, Makayla. They enjoy playing and taking walks together. She has been a dedicated member of Concerned Black Women since 2017. She currently serves as the Corresponding Secretary and helps support the organization’s communications efforts. She also served on the organization’s Salute to Excellence Committee and the Education, Scholarship, and Youth Committee. She enjoys traveling and dining out with her husband, Brandon, and daughter Makayla in her spare time.
Julia Williams
Julia Williams CBW Treasurer
Julia L. Williams is a resident of Chesapeake Beach, MD. She is a proud mother of two: Her son, Jalen, is a graduate of Towson University, and her daughter, Bria, is an honor student in high school. Julia was born and raised in Washington, DC. She earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing/Management from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s degree in Public Administration from Bowie State University. She has over twenty-five years as an educator in the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County Public Schools. In addition, she served as an Out of School Time Programs and Education Grants Manager. She is currently a School Testing Coordinator and Grade Manager in Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Julia has served in various leadership positions professionally and as a community activist. She is currently the treasurer for the Concerned Black Women of Calvert County and a member of the Calvert County NAACP and the Dunbar Alumni Federation, Inc. in Washington, DC. Additionally, Julia served as the Campaign Treasurer for a former Prince George’s County School Board Member and ran for office as the Register of Wills in Prince George’s County.

Her passion is her purpose. Helping children succeed has always been her passion. Julia has always strived to be a role model for all and has committed her life to helping others, especially those less fortunate. She has served as a mentor and tutor for many years to school-aged children, including foster children, in DC and Maryland. Lastly, Julia regularly donates and volunteers with food, toys and clothing drives at Project Echo in Prince Frederick, Maryland and Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Sylvia Parker
Sylvia Parker CBW Immediate Past President
Mapri Gray
Mapri Gray CBW Vice President
Mapri Gray is a native of California but spent thirteen years living overseas in Tashkent Uzbekistan, Ecuador and South Africa before moving to Maryland. Mapri’s background is in Education. She began her career in education as a school teacher at the elementary and secondary level for seven years before becoming a school counselor. She has been a school counselor since 2004 and has had the opportunity to work in her field both abroad as well as overseas. Mapri has served in several leadership positions, her most recent being the Counseling Department Chair at Chopticon High School. She has two amazing boys, one of which graduated this year from Calvert High School and earned a 3 year full scholarship to Florida A & M (FAMU). Her youngest will be a Junior at Calvert High School and has a passion for basketball. Mapri has a heart to serve in whatever capacity where she sees a need. Whether it be in her community or in her profession. Her passion for helping others and unique life experiences has been a major part of her drive to serve and invest in her community.
Julia Williams
Julia Williams CBW Treasurer
Julia L. Williams is a resident of Chesapeake Beach, MD. She is a proud mother of two: Her son, Jalen, is a graduate of Towson University, and her daughter, Bria, is an honor student in high school. Julia was born and raised in Washington, DC. She earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing/Management from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s degree in Public Administration from Bowie State University. She has over twenty-five years as an educator in the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County Public Schools. In addition, she served as an Out of School Time Programs and Education Grants Manager. She is currently a School Testing Coordinator and Grade Manager in Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Julia has served in various leadership positions professionally and as a community activist. She is currently the treasurer for the Concerned Black Women of Calvert County and a member of the Calvert County NAACP and the Dunbar Alumni Federation, Inc. in Washington, DC. Additionally, Julia served as the Campaign Treasurer for a former Prince George’s County School Board Member and ran for office as the Register of Wills in Prince George’s County.

Her passion is her purpose. Helping children succeed has always been her passion. Julia has always strived to be a role model for all and has committed her life to helping others, especially those less fortunate. She has served as a mentor and tutor for many years to school-aged children, including foster children, in DC and Maryland. Lastly, Julia regularly donates and volunteers with food, toys and clothing drives at Project Echo in Prince Frederick, Maryland and Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Sylvia Parker
Sylvia ParkerCBW Immediate Past President
Shawnte Buck
Shawnte Buck CBW Corresponding Secretary
Shawntè Buck is a native of Calvert County, Md. After graduating from Patuxent High School, Shawntè went on to attend Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University) located in Philadelphia, PA. As a student there, she was a University Ambassador and a member of the International Leadership Academy – affording her the opportunity to travel to Beijing, China; She was also the President of the Black Student Union and participated in community mentoring programs. Shawntè pursued a childhood dream and completed a semester at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, to study International Marketing. Shawntè graduated from Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Minor in International Business.
She began her Marketing career with Pacer Financial as a Marketing Associate and helped launch the company’s Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) platform. Following her tenure with Pacer Financial, she spent four years as a Marketing Coordinator at Hilton Worldwide, where she worked on the Hilton Brand Marketing team. She oversaw the brand communications channel and supported the online marketing efforts. Shawntè then went on to pursue her passion for the spa industry and served as the Spa Operations Manager at the 5-Star Salamander Resort & Spa, located in Middleburg, Va. Currently, Shawntè is the CX Strategy Manager for CXE, Inc. in Annapolis, Md.
Shawntè’s greatest honor was when she became a mother to her now six-year-old daughter, Makayla. They enjoy playing and taking walks together. She has been a dedicated member of Concerned Black Women since 2017. She currently serves as the Corresponding Secretary and helps support the organization’s communications efforts. She also served on the organization’s Salute to Excellence Committee and the Education, Scholarship, and Youth Committee. She enjoys traveling and dining out with her husband, Brandon, and daughter Makayla in her spare time.
Rhonda Hawkins
Rhonda HawkinsCBW Recording Secretary
Dr. Rhonda Hawkins is an Accountability Specialist in Prince George’s County Public Schools, one of the largest urban school districts in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Her 25+ year career as an educator has provided invaluable opportunities culminating in her current role as a coach leading districts through school improvement processes. In addition to the daily work Dr. Hawkins does in the field as an active coach of improvement work, she is also the Founder and CEO of Ell Consulting LLC, a company created to meet the needs of school districts seeking to incorporate an improvement mindset into the fabric of existing best practice.

Dr. Hawkins obtained her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the Nova Southeastern College of Education. Her research and teaching interest centers on how schools grow into becoming learning organizations to engage in deep and sustainable change that breaks the status quo. Dr. Hawkins is committed to “challenging the status quo to transform learning spaces across the globe.” To achieve her professional vision, she seeks to support professionals with building the capacity and stamina to embrace functioning as a learning organization.

Dr. Hawkins is married to Rev. Dr. Laurence Hawkins and they have three children, now young adults, that are a great source of pride and continued investment. When not checking in on their children to see what support they might need, Rhonda and Laurence enjoy spending time with one another and co-facilitating on a number of topics under the Ell Consulting LLC umbrella that is ministry focused while servicing both secular and christian audiences.


COMMITTEES AND CHAIRS

ELECTED OFFICERS:

FOUNDERS: Annette J. Funn and Doris Cammack-Spencer *(Deceased Member)

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Sylvia Parker

PRESIDENT: Sinetra Bowdry

VICE PRESIDENT: Mapri Gray

RECORDING SECRETARY: Dr. Rhonda Hawkins

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: Shawnte’ Buck

TREASURER: Julia Williams


APPOINTMENTS

BYLAWS: Andristine Robinson

CHAPLAIN: Gwendolyn James

EDUCATION-SCHOLARSHIP- YOUTH: Gwendolyn James

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: Randi Parker Niles

HISTORIAN: Dawn Tucker

HEALTH: Sylvia Parker

MEMBERSHIP: Dr. Renita Alexander

NOMINATING: Norma Onley

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Kessa Thompson

SOCIAL MEDIA: Dr. Adrienne Clark

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE: Randi Parker Niles

WEBMASTER: Michael Walker Walker Branding | Atlanta, GA