
Entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs
Our leadership team knows first-hand the challenges we face as black and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. We founded this organization to address the disparities we encounter and create solutions. We are personally invested and committed to seeing change happen and making our business community an inclusive ecosystem for all businesses to have opportunities and resources to grow.
Our Leadership Team
BEFH Staff
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Sheila Ellis-Glasper
Executive Director, Co-Founder
With over 15 years of marketing and communications expertise, Sheila brings a spirit of collaboration and passion to lead our organization of entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs.
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Andrea Young
Programs & Community Coordinator
Andrea brings writing, admin and marketing experience to her role with BEFH supporting programs, events and membership relations.
BEFH Board of Directors & Advisers
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Jermain Glasper
Co-Founder and Board Chair
With two decades of Information Technology and management experience, Jermain brings technology infrastructure and entrepreneurship expertise.
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Chaz D. Mailey, Psy.D.
Board Member
Dr. Mailey has skill working with diverse clients and presenting issues. Areas of professional interests include: addiction concerns, helping veterans and military personnel readjust to civilian life, exploring PTSD symptoms, helping individuals manage race-related stress, men's issues, depression, anxiety, and managing interpersonal conflict. Dr. Mailey believes in providing a safe, supportive, and genuine environment wherein individuals can navigate the concerns that they may have that are disrupting their lives. He also believes in the power and potential of the human mind as a means for altering perceptions and reducing unhealthy negative emotions/behaviors.
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Teresa Parks
Board Member
Teresa Parks is a South Carolina native who has been a Manhattan KS resident since she was 10. She graduated from Manhattan High School, has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kansas State University and a Master’s in Administration of Justice and Security. Teresa has spent a large portion of her professional career providing advocacy for everything from domestic violence and sexual assault survivors to wounded soldiers before transitioning into vocational and employment training for the military. Teresa started with the Career Center in 2021. Her biggest passion is helping people and she finds no greater pleasure than working with students and helping them prepare for a successful future.
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Willie Thomas
Board Member
Willie Thomas II has been a licensed Financial Advisor since 2024. Willie is a United States Army veteran who completed 10 years of service including multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2016, Willie completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Kansas State University and then held a very successful, seven-year career in finance and management in the automotive industry.
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Jessica Elmore, Ed.D
Adviser
JElmore Cross Cultural Consultants
Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, CASE
A visionary educational advancement leader dedicated to the development of authentic and cross-cultural opportunities, Jessica brings expertise in engaging and building relationships with students, alumni, donor, communities and cultures.
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Lazone Grays
Adviser
Founder, President ISBA, Inc.
Lazone has long been a proponent of workforce development and training opportunities for low-income individuals. He has a proven track record of changing the narrative, and public policy change, and a pioneer in the digital inclusion movement.
Interested in joining our board?
Board of Directors Commitment
Commit five hours monthly to BEFH during a 2-3 year term.
Support and share BEFH's mission
Attend 75% of board meetings
Actively serve on one committee
Adhere to By-Laws, maintain confidentiality, ensure actions protect BEFH, and provide counsel to further BEFH’s mission and vision.
Fill out the form and send your resume to engage@blackflinthills.com.