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
Board Chair and Stork’s Nest Chair
Tarisa White serves in dual leadership roles as the Chair of the Board and the Stork’s Nest Chair for the Precious Pearls Foundation. As Board Chair, she provides strategic direction, oversees governance, and ensures the foundation’s programs and initiatives align with its mission and long-term objectives. In her role as Stork’s Nest Chair, she leads efforts to support maternal and infant wellness through targeted community programming. Her commitment, leadership, and organizational insight play a central role in advancing the foundation’s impact and service to the community.
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
EMERITUS FOUNDATION BOARD 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.
Joyce Lee Crutcher
Non-Board Member
Psi Beta Zeta evening of elegance chairperson
Joyce Crutcher serves as the Evening of Elegance Chairperson for the Psi Beta Zeta Chapter, where she leads and coordinates the planning and execution of this signature event. She oversees event logistics, ensures the chapter’s vision is carried out, and helps create a memorable experience for all attendees. Joyce works closely with the Precious Pearls Foundation in her capacity as the chapter’s representative, fostering strong collaboration and alignment between the two entities.
Cynthia Johnson Webster
Non-Board Member
event COORDINATOR for MLK Jr 5k
Cynthia Johnson Webster serves as Chair of the nonprofit’s Annual MLK Jr. 5K, leading the event with a deep respect for the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a strong commitment to community unity, service, and empowerment. An avid runner and advocacy-minded community supporter, she brings personal passion to an event that inspires wellness, connection, and purposeful action. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality management spanning hotel operations, human resources, revenue management, and tourism, she contributes seasoned leadership, strategic planning, and a people-centered approach that strengthens the overall impact of the race. Her dedication to excellence, clear communication, and meaningful engagement helps ensure the MLK Jr. 5K honors Dr. King’s vision while uplifting and uniting the community.
VACANT
Non-Board Member
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.
Dr. Adrienne Barnes
advisory board
Dr. Adrienne Barnes served for five years as the Coordinator of the Precious Pearls Foundation MLK 5K and Chair of the Psi Beta Zeta MLK Memorial Walk. She is the CEO and owner of ThinkRtI Consulting, where she is committed to education, community service, and civil rights. Holding a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Administration, she brings deep expertise and leadership to her work.
Paula 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.
Patrice H. 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.
Let’s work together and make a difference in our community!
Empowering Dreams, Enriching Community, Uniting Voices, Impacting Lives