Donate
Empower dreams and create lasting impact by donating to Precious Pearls Foundation, a nonprofit fostering positive change through initiatives like MLK5, Stork’s Nest, and scholarships
Volunteer
Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a collective force for good. By volunteering, you become an essential part of a movement that transcends boundaries and inspires positive transformations.
Sign Up
We’re here to extend a helping hand to those in need, offering support through our Stork’s Nest and scholarship programs. Sign up Today! Apply for our Scholarship!
MLK 5K
A time to celebrate unity amongst all. Proceeds from the events will be used to raise awareness and funds for the Precious Pearls Foundations to be able to provide support for the various programs.
Stork’s Nest
A community based prenatal health promotion program for limited-income pregnant women. Working together with March of Dimes and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated to give babies a healthy start in life.
Evening of Elegance
An evening of entertainment and fun. Portion to benefit Precious Pearls Foundation scholarship program which has given over $20,000 in scholarships to deserving students in Desoto County since 2010.
Our Team
Enriching Community, Uniting Voices, Impacting Lives
Tarisa White
Chair
Tarisa White is the current Chair of the Psi Beta Zeta Foundation and a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. As the former coordinator of the Stork’s Nest program, Tarisa played a pivotal role in supporting maternal and infant health in the community. In her role as Foundation Chair, she leads efforts to drive impactful programs and initiatives that align with the foundation’s commitment to service, scholarship, and community upliftment.
Stacy L. Kelly
president and CEO
Stacy L. Kelly is a dedicated leader, currently serving as the CEO and President of the Foundation. With a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has consistently demonstrated her passion for making a meaningful impact on communities.
Calandra Jones-Howard
Immediate Past Chair
Calandra Jones-Howard, Ed.S., is a passionate educator and former Board Chair of the Precious Pearls Foundation. She continues to serve on the board, contributing her expertise and leadership. Calandra is also the President and CEO of the Herk Foundation, which she established in honor of her father, Fred E. Jones. Her dedication to education and community service is reflected in her impactful work with both foundations.
Elois Nicholson-Booker
Treasurer
Elois Nicholson-Booker is a retired teacher and high school administrator with twenty-nine years of experience in education. She currently serves as the Treasurer on the Precious Pearls Foundation board, where she plays a vital role in managing the foundation’s financial operations and ensuring its fiscal responsibility. In addition to her work with the foundation, Elois contributes to the Mississippi Department of Education as a part-time literacy coach in the Office of Elementary Education and Reading.
LaKeisha Gatewood
Chapter President
LaKeisha Gatewood is a charter member of the Psi Beta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she currently serves as the 6th Chapter President. With over 30 years of dedicated service to the sorority, LaKeisha has been a key leader within the chapter. As president, she also sits on the nonprofit foundation board, where she continues to advance the sorority’s mission of service and community empowerment.
Dr. Jacqueline Mason
Chapter Liaison
Dr. Jacqueline Mason is a Charter Member and the first President of the Psi Beta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. With a Doctorate in Behavioral Health, she excels as the Corporate Administrator for Functional Independence Home Care of Cordova, TN. Dr. Mason also plays a crucial role as a liaison on the board of the Precious Pearls Foundation, where she bridges the chapter’s initiatives with the foundation’s objectives. Her leadership and dedication have been pivotal in advancing the chapter’s mission and making a positive impact in the community.
Dr. Adrienne Barnes
event COORDINATOR (MLK Jr. 5K)
Dr. Adrienne Barnes holds dual roles as the Coordinator for the Precious Pearls Foundation MLK 5K and the Chair of the Psi Beta Zeta MLK Memorial Walk. As the driving force behind these significant events, Dr. Barnes manages all aspects of planning and execution, ensuring that both the 5K and the Memorial Walk honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while engaging the community. As the Founder and CEO of ThinkRtI Consulting, she is dedicated to education, community service, and the promotion of civil rights. With a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Administration, she brings a wealth of knowledge and organizational expertise to the foundation.
Octovia Quarels
event COORDINATOR (Stork’s nest)
Octovia Quarels serves as the Coordinator for the Stork’s Nest program and is an active member of the Precious Pearls Foundation board. In her role as Stork’s Nest Coordinator, she oversees the program’s efforts to support maternal and infant health, providing essential resources and education to expecting mothers. Her leadership ensures that the program continues to make a meaningful impact in the community. As a board member of the Precious Pearls Foundation, she plays a crucial role in guiding the foundation’s mission and initiatives, bringing her passion for service and her commitment to improving the lives of others to every project she undertakes.
Dr. Neffie Gatewood Alimayu
Board secretary and office manager
Dr. Neffie Gatewood Alimayu serves as the staff and administration lead for the Precious Pearls Foundation, where she plays a key role in overseeing the foundation’s operations and ensuring that its initiatives are effectively implemented. Her leadership and organizational skills are vital to the foundation’s success in delivering impactful community programs. In addition to her work with the foundation, Dr. Alimayu is the owner of American Dream Management, a business dedicated to providing customized business solutions.
Jennifer Ealy
advisory board
Jennifer Ealy holds the distinction of being the longest-serving chairperson of the Evening of Elegance (EoE) event, having dedicated over 9 years to the role, where her unique creative style has consistently played a pivotal role in coordinating and raising funds for one of the foundation’s partnership events.
Hilda K. Harper
advisory board
Hilda Harper served as PBZ 5th chapter president. She is currently serving in the role of Office Manager, overseeing the administrative operations of the church office. Her responsibilities include managing weekly financial task, and coordinating with the Bookkeeper for report reconciliation, as well as providing administrative leadership for various ministry areas.
Patrice Huff Lee
advisory board
Patrice H. Lee currently serves as the Branch Manager at Bank First Financial Services. As the previous treasurer, she now continues to assist with the success of the foundation.
Paul Gross
advisory board
Paula Gross, formerly the treasurer of the foundation, now occupies a seat on the advisory board. Reflecting her ongoing commitment to the organization’s mission and her valuable contributions.
Let’s work together and make a difference in our community!
Empowering Dreams, Enriching Community, Uniting Voices, Impacting Lives