Executive board

Neka Smith, President 

Neka is a dynamic entrepreneur, business strategist, and nonprofit leader for over 10 years, dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women through entrepreneurship. As the visionary behind Launch That Business, Sis, she is committed to equipping women with the resources, education, and support needed to build and scale successful businesses.

With a background in Global Business and a focus on Risk Management and Insurance, Neka has analyzed hundreds of companies full-time, and continued her studies abroad in London as she studied the excess and surplus market and syndication deals at Lloyds of London. Throughout Neka has  developed expertise in business development, financial analysis, and risk mitigation. Neka has worked with multiple Fortune 100 companies, gaining a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities businesses face at every stage of growth. Being a Junior Ambassador for the Greater Valley Area Chambers of Commerce, Neka played a pivotal role in economic development on a local level.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Neka is deeply involved in nonprofit leadership. She has served on multiple boards, including as Vice President of Habitat for Humanity Pike County, President of M.I.S.S. Elite Society, dedicated Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Treasurer Chair , Economic Wealth Program Chair and Assistant Dean), and Troy University's Constitution and Rules Chair- advocating continuously for grassroots organizations.

 A few of Neka's notable recognitions are : Order of Omega recipient, Chancellors' awardee, The prestigious Lamar P. Higgins Leadership Award recipient, Naphcare Scholarship recipient,  Who's Who's amongst college and universities awardee, and recently she was selected for Nashville Entrepreneur Center Accelerator 2024 cohort   - through these vessels  she is recognized for her leadership, business acumen, service, and academic excellence. Currently, she is pursuing her MBA, further strengthening her ability to drive economic empowerment and business success.

Alessandra Kennedy, Street Eatz App

 Alessandra Kennedy is a dynamic entrepreneur and the visionary behind Street Eatz App, a platform that connects food lovers with local food vendors. With a strong background in business development and a passion for empowering other entrepreneurs, Alessandra brings her expertise in tech startups, scaling businesses, and community-building to Launch That Business, Sis. As an Entrepreneur in Residence, she works closely with women entrepreneurs to provide guidance on product development, go-to-market strategies, and growth opportunities. Alessandra's hands-on experience in the startup world and her commitment to supporting women in business make her an invaluable mentor to the Launch That Business, Sis community. 

Yvette Matthews, Vice President

 Yvette Matthews is an experienced leader with a proven track record in business development, strategic operations, and team leadership. As Vice President of Launch That Business, Sis, Yvette plays a key role in overseeing the organization’s operations, driving growth, and ensuring that our programs are both effective and impactful for the women we serve. With a background in corporate leadership and a passion for empowering underrepresented communities, Yvette brings a wealth of knowledge in scaling businesses and fostering partnerships. She is dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, both in business and in life. 

Shel Powe, Treasurer

 Sheldon Powe as our Treasurer, has a solid background in financial management and oversight, Sheldon plays a critical role in ensuring the fiscal responsibility and sustainability of our nonprofit organization. 

Korri Johnson, Secretary

Korri plays a vital role in maintaining accurate records, managing communications, and ensuring that all organizational procedures and compliance requirements are met. His leadership ensures that our programs and initiatives are well-documented, transparent, and aligned with our mission to empower women entrepreneurs.

Korri’s strategic mindset and hands-on leadership are key to helping us scale and achieve our goals while fostering a culture of accountability and growth. His contributions are essential in shaping the future of Launch That Business, Sis and supporting the success of women-led businesses.

Jordyn Saulsberry, MSN,RN

Jordyn Saulsberry as our Wellness Chair. Jordyn holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and is a Registered Nurse (R.N.), currently pursuing her doctorate . With a deep passion for women’s health and wellness, she is dedicated to ensuring that the women in our programs are not only supported in their entrepreneurial endeavors but also in their overall well-being.

Jordyn’s expertise in healthcare and her commitment to empowering women through wellness are vital to our holistic approach. She plays a crucial role in integrating health and wellness resources, including mental health support, fitness, and nutrition, into our programs, ensuring that women have the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.