Founder & Visionary Leader

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With over 25 years of experience in marketing, outreach, and customer service, Joan Lewis brings a wealth of knowledge and heart to the mission of Encourage HER Academy. As a natural extrovert, she thrives on building meaningful relationships and connecting with members of the community, using her voice and presence to uplift and empower those around her.

Joan’s commitment to service extends beyond the boardroom. She is deeply honored to serve not only as a board member but also as a mentor, pouring into the lives of young girls with guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. Her passion for mentorship stems from a belief that every girl deserves to be seen, heard, and supported on her journey.

In her spare time, Joan enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Her vibrant spirit and compassionate leadership make her an invaluable part of the EHA family.

Favorite Quote: 

“Control what you can control”

Vee Philips is a devoted mother of three, passionate about faith, education, and service. With over a decade of homeschooling experience, she’s also dedicated to volunteering with organizations supporting children with disabilities and the homeless across Athens, GA and Dallas, TX. Vee actively mentors youth, supports church outreach programs, and loves connecting people to helpful resources. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, walking, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

Favorite Bible Verse:  

Jeremiah 29 v 11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you.” declares the LORD. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you. plans to give you hope for the future”. 

Favorite Quote:

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it." 

-William Arthur Ward

Kendria Johnson is a devoted child of God, wife, mother of two, and a licensed professional counselor who brings both heart and purpose to her work. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has held impactful roles supporting workforce development, foster care, and permanent supportive housing.

As a therapist, Kendria is passionate about helping others walk boldly into their purpose, embrace their personal stories, and cultivate self-love without apology. Her approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to healing.

Outside of her professional life, Kendria enjoys traveling, experimenting with new recipes, and spending quality time with her family—including her two beloved fur babies. Her presence at Encourage HER Academy reflects her dedication to nurturing the whole girl and the whole family through faith, healing, and hope.

Favorite Quote:

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

― Maya Angelou

Jacqueline is the owner of KlariFinancial Tax Firm and holds a Master’s in Digital Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. As a financial aid advisor at the University of Georgia and a passionate community advocate, she empowers others through financial literacy and education. Jacqueline is dedicated to bridging the gap between entrepreneurship and financial planning—helping individuals and small businesses build brighter futures, one connection at a time.

Favorite Quote: 

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

Beth Dinkins serves as the Community Outreach Committee Chair for Encourage HER Academy, bringing both heart and purpose to her role. With a deep love for community and connection, Beth’s journey with EHA began after relocating to Athens in 2023 with her family. After adopting her daughter in 2021, Beth was intentional about finding a space where both she and her daughter could feel seen, supported, and connected—and they found exactly that within the EHA village.

Even as her daughter prepares to graduate and embark on her next chapter, Beth’s passion for the mission of Encourage HER Academy remains strong. She credits EHA with helping her daughter grow in confidence, discover her voice, and embrace leadership—especially through opportunities to mentor and connect with younger girls.

To Beth, empowering girls means creating safe spaces where they are free to simply “be”—to be heard, to be valued, and to realize their full potential. She is deeply committed to paying forward the same encouragement and support her daughter received, ensuring every girl who enters EHA experiences that same sense of belonging and empowerment.

In her role as Outreach Committee Chair, Beth is dedicated to expanding EHA’s impact by building meaningful community connections, identifying opportunities for volunteerism and fundraising, and helping to share the organization’s mission throughout the community. Her goal is to strengthen the village that continues to uplift girls and families, ensuring its reach extends even further.

Favorite Quote:

"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles"-Audrey Hepburn