THE TEAM BEHIND THE MOVEMENT.

Jonnetta Richardson is the Founder of Footsteps Foundation, entrepreneur, tax professional, financial specialist, community advocate, and servant leader whose life's work has been dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and restoring communities through practical support, financial education, and compassionate service.

A mother of four children, grandmother of ten, and proud great-grandmother, Jonnetta understands firsthand the challenges many families face while working to build stable and meaningful lives. Her personal journey as a single mother raising four children helped shape a lifelong commitment to helping others overcome obstacles, access opportunities, and achieve long-term stability.

For more than two decades, Jonnetta has built a reputation as a trusted financial professional, serving individuals, families, and small business owners through tax preparation, bookkeeping, financial consulting, and notary services. She has spent over twenty years helping clients navigate complex financial matters, maximize available resources, and work toward financial stability and success.

Jonnetta also dedicated fifteen years of distinguished service to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, where she progressed from Claims Processor to Financial Specialist and Subject Matter Expert (SME). During her tenure she trained both domestic and offshore employees, spent twelve years working within Special Medical Accounts, and later served as an Operational Specialist within the Federal Employee Program (FEP).

Her professional experience spans financial management, operational excellence, compliance, process improvement, team development, customer advocacy, and organizational leadership—skills that continue to strengthen Footsteps Foundation's long-term sustainability and growth.

In 2002, Jonnetta co-founded Footsteps alongside her best friend, Ann Kirby. At the time, both women were single mothers raising their families while navigating the challenges of providing for their children. Together they envisioned rebuilding the sense of community support that once existed in neighborhoods where people looked after one another and no one faced life's struggles alone.

Their vision centered on serving those often overlooked or underserved, including single mothers, youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those rebuilding their lives after incarceration. They believed that with encouragement, resources, guidance, and community support, people could create new opportunities for themselves and their families.

The journey of Footsteps was deeply impacted by the loss of Ann Kirby in 2018 after her courageous battle with brain cancer. While her passing left a tremendous void, the mission she shared with Jonnetta remains a guiding force behind the organization today.

In recent years, Jonnetta followed what she describes as the Will of Yah, leading her to South Africa and opening a new chapter of humanitarian service. This transition expanded her vision beyond local outreach efforts to include international partnerships, community development initiatives, poverty alleviation programs, and sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities.

Today, as Footsteps Foundation evolves into a board-led organization with leadership and partnerships spanning both the United States and South Africa, Jonnetta continues to serve as a steward of its mission. Her vision remains rooted in the same principles that inspired Footsteps more than two decades ago: empowering youth, strengthening families, restoring communities, and rebuilding the village that once helped people thrive.

Dr. Dominique S. Austin is an educator, entrepreneur, and community builder dedicated to advancing education, economic empowerment, and sustainable development across the African Diaspora.

He serves as a sociology professor and educational leader while developing innovative initiatives in international education, tourism, community revitalization, and social impact. His work focuses on creating pathways to generational wealth, strengthening global connections, and fostering opportunities for underserved communities.

Guided by a vision of collaboration, self-determination, and long-term community development, he is committed to building systems that empower individuals, families, and future generations.

Melissa Wright is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, recording artist, humanitarian, and mother whose life reflects a remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Born and raised in Los Angeles and now residing in Johannesburg, South Africa, she has built a career that spans entertainment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and philanthropy.

Melissa began her professional career at the age of eleven in August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning production The Piano Lesson. She later worked across theater, dance, television, modeling, and music before being signed to Capitol Records by legendary music executive Roy Lott. Her career led her to the Aftermath Entertainment family, where she contributed vocals to Put It On Me, the lead single from the Training Day soundtrack alongside Dr. Dre and DJ Quik.

Throughout her entertainment career, Melissa collaborated with some of the industry's most influential figures, including Snoop Dogg, The Game, Scott Storch, Mýa, and B-Real of Cypress Hill. She also appeared opposite DMX in the film Angel, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bill Duke.

After becoming a mother, Melissa redirected her focus toward entrepreneurship with a mission to create freedom, stability, and opportunity for her family and future generations. Beginning with an investment of just $840, she built a beauty company that ultimately achieved a seven-figure valuation through strategic leadership, relentless execution, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

For more than twenty-five years, Melissa has developed expertise across business development, marketing strategy, branding, automation systems, operations, leadership development, customer acquisition, and organizational growth.

Perhaps the most defining chapter of Melissa's story is her survival and escape from human trafficking as a teenager. Rather than allowing trauma to define her future, she transformed adversity into purpose and dedicated her life to creating opportunities for others.

Today, as President of Footsteps Inc., Melissa leads a humanitarian vision focused on restoring dignity, expanding opportunity, and creating sustainable pathways out of poverty for families living in South Africa's informal settlements and underserved communities. She believes lasting change requires addressing housing, education, entrepreneurship, skills development, economic participation, and community empowerment together.

Guided by her belief that excuses build nothing and faith paired with action can change the world, Melissa remains committed to helping create a future where opportunity is not determined by circumstance and where communities are empowered to build lasting prosperity for generations to come.

Music: www.Melissa.Today
Relocation: www.MelissaToday.com

Joya Michele serves as Treasurer of Footsteps Inc., bringing more than two decades of experience in finance, accounting, financial operations, and organizational management. Born in Dayton, Ohio, and currently residing in Athens, Alabama, Joya is the devoted mother of two adult sons and considers motherhood one of life's greatest privileges and responsibilities.

Known for her humility, integrity, and unwavering work ethic, Joya believes that accomplishments and titles are secondary to character. Her greatest pursuit is becoming the woman the Creator designed her to be—seeking wisdom, truth, and a life marked by service, obedience, and grace.

Over the course of her career, Joya has built extensive expertise in financial reporting, budget management, accounts payable and receivable oversight, general ledger administration, revenue reconciliation, audit preparation, compliance, process improvement, and operational efficiency. Through years of hands-on experience and consistent leadership, she earned positions of increasing responsibility and developed a reputation for excellence, accountability, and sound financial stewardship.

Today, Joya serves in a management role within the software industry, overseeing financial operations and supporting organizational growth through strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and operational leadership. She is widely respected for her attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to ensuring that resources are managed responsibly and transparently.

The foundation of Joya's work ethic was established by her father, who taught her and her brothers to take pride in every task they undertook. His guidance continues to shape her professional philosophy: excellence is not determined by position, but by the integrity, care, and diligence with which work is performed.

Joya first connected with Footsteps founder Melissa Wright through the Ordered Steps South Africa relocation community. What began as a simple introduction quickly grew into a shared commitment to service. After witnessing footage from Melissa's first visit to the Winnie Mandela Camp in Soweto, Joya was deeply moved by the conditions facing families in the settlement and became one of the earliest financial supporters of the relief efforts that would eventually grow into Footsteps Inc.

Today, she serves as a trusted advisor and member of the Footsteps leadership team, helping ensure the organization remains financially responsible, transparent, and mission-focused as it grows. She believes meaningful change happens when ordinary people choose to become bridges for others and use their resources, talents, and influence to uplift those in need.

"We rise by lifting others."

Toya Matthews Brown is a Los Angeles realtor and broker whose professionalism, structure, and community-minded leadership support the executive board.

As a seasoned Realtor with over 18 years of experience in the Los Angeles market, Toya has worked with top brokerages like Coldwell Banker and Keller Williams, specializing in commercial, residential, land, and lease transactions.

With a B.A. in Communication Studies, she blends her passion for travel with real estate. Now an independent broker and investor, Toya helps clients achieve their goals with confidence.

She also leads a Relocation and International Real Estate division, assisting clients with global investments, including in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Amos Prophete Jr. serves on the Footsteps Inc. Board of Directors, bringing vision, strength, leadership, and a heart for impact.

Dr. JerMara Davis Welch brings more than 20 years of leadership in education, curriculum development, instructional design, and faculty development to the Footsteps Inc. board.

A Quality Matters-certified peer reviewer, she holds a PhD in Teaching & Teacher Education from the University of Arizona and works as a Lead Instructional Designer supporting online graduate education. Earlier in her career, she served as Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education at the University of California, Riverside.

Beyond her work in higher education, Dr. Welch is the founder of Bluu Publishing, a boutique instructional design consultancy that helps subject matter experts, entrepreneurs, and organizations transform their expertise into high-quality online learning.

She is also the founder of The Supermodel Society, a faith-centered platform that empowers others to live with purpose through faith and service. She is the author of High Value: The Prayer of a Queen and the creator of Embark: Charting Your Course to Entrepreneurship, a curriculum equipping teens with practical business skills.

Her commitment to service runs deep. Guided by her motto to Influence. Educate. Inspire., Dr. Welch is honored to lend her expertise in service of Footsteps Inc.'s mission.

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Instagram: @TheSMSociety
YouTube: @TheSupermodelSociety
TikTok: @smsocietyjw

Glen Modiegi Mashapa is a South African entrepreneur, financial services leader, and business development strategist with extensive experience in insurance, wealth management, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship.

Beginning his career through a competitive investment consulting learnership, Glen quickly distinguished himself as a top performer and became the first learner in his cohort to secure a permanent corporate position.

His success led to leadership roles across some of South Africa's leading financial institutions, including Alexforbes, Budget Insurance, and BrightRock, where he developed expertise in business development, commercial insurance, wealth management, and client relationship management.

Driven by a passion for innovation and economic empowerment, Glen founded Glenova Group, a diversified financial services company focused on providing accessible financial solutions, strategic growth opportunities, and long-term wealth creation.

He also established iLendMoney, a registered Financial Services Provider specializing in credit and financial management solutions.

Beyond business, Glen is passionate about community development and philanthropy. Together with his wife, Neo Mashapa, he actively supports charitable initiatives through their nonprofit organization, Bophelo ba Tsa Lapeng, which focuses on uplifting underserved communities and creating opportunities for those in need.

Kenneth Manzana serves as a Board Advisor and Strategic Partner to Footsteps Inc., bringing expertise in business development, entrepreneurship, fintech innovation, philanthropy, and community-centered economic empowerment.

Kenneth is a South African entrepreneur, business development specialist, and community leader committed to advancing economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development across Africa.

As the visionary behind the Township Economic Ecosystem, Kenneth works at the intersection of financial technology, merchant empowerment, and community-driven economic development.

Through mentorship programs, business development initiatives, and strategic partnerships, he has helped support and strengthen hundreds of entrepreneurs, township enterprises, and growing businesses.

Kenneth is also the founder of the Manzana Foundation, Asanti Foundation Organization, and Vuka Daki Foundation, organizations dedicated to youth empowerment, skills development, arts and culture, community upliftment, and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

His work bridges business success and social impact, with a focus on building resilient communities, expanding economic opportunity, and creating lasting change throughout South Africa and the African continent.

Areas of Expertise:
Business Development & Growth Strategy • Entrepreneurship & SME Development • Fintech & Digital Innovation • Economic Empowerment Programs • Strategic Partnerships • Capacity Building • Community Development • Youth Mentorship • Arts, Culture & Creative Economy Development • Social Enterprise & Impact Initiatives

Eulenda Lebese-Cussons is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Generational Wealth Builders in Africa, Skyline Attorney Realtors, and Lebese-Cussons Attorneys Inc., with a growing footprint across Africa.

Her businesses are shaping how entrepreneurs, property investors, and the diaspora community gain market entry in Africa to build and protect generational wealth, with tax and estate planning integration.

Through Generational Wealth Builders in Africa, her mission is to make wealth creation, protection, and legacy accessible, strategic, and future-proof, guided by legal and structural principles designed for long-term stewardship.

Through her firm’s proprietary frameworks for due diligence, cross-border structuring, property acquisitions, business registration, and estate planning, Eulenda has helped multiple diaspora and global investors securely invest across Africa.

She has represented high-net-worth individuals, a former United Nations Ambassador, and the diaspora community in legacy-driven business and property acquisitions, generational wealth structures, and cross-border financial transactions, including a single transaction exceeding $35 million.

Since founding LCA Inc., Eulenda has been featured in Investec’s “Out of the Ordinary” campaign. She continues to expand her impact through her work in South Africa and across the wider African region.

Above all, Eulenda knows she is called to please God and serve people, especially those who understand the power of good stewardship in business, wealth, and purpose.

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lebesecussonsattorneys.co.za

Stanley Nkuna brings more than 30 years of experience in construction, infrastructure development, and project execution to Footsteps Inc.

Throughout his career, he has managed residential, commercial, hospitality, and government projects, navigating the complexities of large-scale development, procurement, compliance, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder management.

His experience working with government projects gives him valuable insight into the systems, processes, and challenges required to move major development initiatives from vision to completion.

As Construction & Infrastructure Advisor, Stanley provides strategic guidance for Footsteps Inc.’s long-term housing, community infrastructure, and development initiatives throughout South Africa.

Known for practical leadership, accountability, and execution, Stanley helps ensure that every project is built with integrity, efficiency, and lasting impact.

Gcinumzi Aggrey Damoyi ("GAD") was born in Potchefstroom, North West, in the township of Ikageng and currently resides in the West Rand, Gauteng. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and community development.

GAD is a multidisciplinary set builder, carpenter, and production designer with more than 25 years of experience creating functional film and television sets, custom cabinetry, and precision joinery.

A marketing graduate and independent entrepreneur, GAD has contributed to numerous large-scale corporate, film, television, and entertainment productions. His experience spans set dressing, art direction, grip work, lighting, production support, and project execution.

Known for his attention to detail, hands-on leadership style, and commitment to excellence from concept through completion, GAD approaches every project with respect, loyalty, honesty, and integrity.

He is also the founder of L.E.A.D. Film Society (NPC), an organization dedicated to training and developing aspiring creatives in filmmaking, production, and carpentry.

Giving back to others has always been at the heart of GAD's mission. His dedication to service, mentorship, and community upliftment aligns closely with the mission of Footsteps Inc.

Tshepiso Motsepe, also known as Rickey, is a film and music producer bringing creative direction, media experience, and cultural storytelling to the work.