Lane A. Harper
Executive Director
Humanitarian Lane Harper has dedicated more than 15 years of helping people facing difficult times in the Birmingham area. Harper is a Birmingham Police Officer, Executive Director of a nonprofit, a Self-Defense Trainer, Martial-Arts Expert and an Actor.
He’s an alumnus of Alabama State University and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He recently co-starred in the civil rights off-Broadway play and movie, “Justice on Trial,” as famous civil rights activist, Medgar Evers. He is a well-rounded individual, and he inspires others by continuing to protect and serve in his communities and by giving back to those he encounters that need help. His story needs to be told. Encouraged by a former Michigan head football coach, he learned to always reach back and lift others.
After years of funding his own acts of service, Harper created a nonprofit, The Power of Life Foundation. The Foundation was started to help the Birmingham community with basic human needs such as free face masks, food, shoes, and clothing. The Foundation now serves 4 states. Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Michigan.
Nikita Mathews
Director
Nikita Mathews, otherwise known as Niki, was born and raised in Gary, IN. She graduated from Indiana Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Sociology with a minor in Business Administration. She later moved to Birmingham, Alabama to pursue her Masters/PhD in Medical Sociology at the University of Alabama. Amongst her educational achievements, she holds positions on numerous county boards, and volunteers her time as an Ambassador for the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and different work groups across the county. A current focus for Nikita' is promoting Deaf Awareness and bridging the gap between the Deaf and Hearing community while is enrolled in an ITP Sign Language Program. Another area of focus for her as a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor is to provide support, knowledge, training, and resources for anyone wanting to obtain financial success.
In her free time, she's managed to earn a 1st Degree Level 2 Black Belt, and loves to learn, travel, and spend time with family and friends. Nikita' loves to show those around her the fun in life and remind people that " there is always light at the end of the tunnel but sometimes you just have to turn it on!" -unknown
Sharonda M. Pettaway
Director
Sharonda M. Pettaway, a native of Mobile, AL, is a resident of Montgomery, AL where she is currently employed with Alabama State University (ASU) as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work. Prior to her career in academia, she acquired over twenty years of experience as a social work practitioner. She served the most vulnerable citizens of Alabama in various capacities of increasing responsibility over a span of twenty-three years during her employment with the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). At the height of her career with DHR, she was Director of the Montgomery County Department of Human Resources where she served as the local administrator for the department’s public welfare programs which provide for the protection, well-being and self-sufficiency of children and adults.
Her career with DHR also included work experiences in Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Macon and Randolph Counties. She attended The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 1997 and a Master of Social Work Degree in 2001. Her community involvement experiences are vast and diverse, serving many organizations and entities over the past twenty years in various capacities including, The University of Alabama Social Work Society Board (Past President); American Red Cross; Leadership Alabama/Alabama Leadership Initiative; Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama, Inc. Board; and East Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl (founding Board member), to name a few. Her many community service endeavors are indicative of her passion for serving people and motivating them to greatness. Her mantra is “be what you want to see” in the world.