Our Board of Directors
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Founder & President
Tisha-Marie Wosencroft Donovan - Real Estate Professional & Community Advocate
She/Her/Queen | Race: Black | Ethnicity: Cape Verdean, Bajan, Native American, West Indian
Born and raised in Newport RI, I am the oldest sibling of four. I am also a published author, real estate professional, racial & cultural equity consultant, public speaker, business owner, and the founder of LegallyBLACK. Graduating from the University of New Haven in 2010 with a major in Communications, I soon found myself working in Television & Film production and helping to scout shooting locations. Real Estate intrigued me, and I began to shift my focus towards real estate law. Racism shaped Real Estate in America dating back to the slaughtering, raping, and enslaving indigenous and Black people in the late 1400s. Un honored treaties, establishing eminent domain, and more. In 2016 I got my real estate license. Committed to helping to educate people of color on their rights, options, and ways to acquire ownership, my business grew. Seeing the issues plaguing the growth of Black homeownership directly linked to lending practices STILL in use today, I became a mortgage loan officer at the biggest bank in the world. This institution has a history of denying loans to Black, people of color, and immigrants which has contributed to the racial disparities in homeownership we see today. My goal was to help fight this from the inside by addressing systems, processes, and hurdles used when qualifying applicants. Unfortunately, big companies are slow to change and even slower at acknowledging their faults. Still, to me it is worth the energy.  As a real estate professional with a passion for urban and economic development, I help LegallyBLACK combat and propose reconciliation strategies for affordable housing and community infrastructure. I founded LegallyBLACK in 2016 in Rhode Island and it has been important to me, that our board consists of people with professional expertise in the areas we aim to positively impact. Housing, Health, Education, Employment/economic development, Law, Policing, and politics. In 2020 I brought LB to Tacoma WA. Our Tacoma founding board was instrumental in solidifying our presence and reputation as an organization in Washington state. Since 2016 my closest family and friends encouraged, supported, and helped make LegallyBLACK real. They have served behind the scenes as counsel to LegallyBLACK, legal guidance, strategic planning, budgeting assistance, and more. Those people are now on our Board of Directors.
Vice President
Lynese Redeemer - Youth Violence & Displacement Advocate and Political Analys
She/Her/Queen | Race: Black & White |
I'm Lynese Redeemer. Many describe me as a dynamic advocate dedicated to community service and social justice. I studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at the University of Washington-Tacoma and serve as the director of the Pierce County NAACP Youth Chapter. As a Cities United Youth Fellow Alumni, I focused on eliminating community-based violence and increasing opportunities for Black youth. I've worked as a Community Champion with Resilient in Sustaining Empowerment (RISE) to support families impacted by gun violence. I am the proud eldest sister to six siblings and devoted wife of Reverend Malando Redeemer. I'm a member of Shiloh Baptist Church and serve as the secretary for the Women’s Ministry. I'm committed to a holistic approach to dismantling systemic racism and is honored to serve my community in the city of destiny, Tacoma, WA.
Secretary
Ariel Carter - Attorney
She/Her/Queen | Race: Black & Hispanic | Ethnicity: Cape Verdean & Salvadorian
My name is Ariel Carter. I was born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island as the middle child of three. I moved cross country in 2014, after graduating law school, to pursue my legal career. I became licensed to practice law in California. I am a Certified Family Law Specialist. I am a mother of two amazing children both under 4 years old and enjoy spending time with my family exploring Southern California and the surrounding areas.
Assistant Secretary
Deanna Rogers - Business Owner & Mental Health Therapist
She/Her/Queen | Race: Black | Ethnicity: Cape Verdean
I am Deanna Rogers, a licensed clinical social worker currently living in Miami, Florida. I was born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island. I am the only child of my mother and one of six from my father. I am the owner of Perspective Counseling, a group mental health practice specializing in guiding first-generation individuals on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and values-based living. With over twelve years of experience in social work, I have an extensive background in community mental health. I have served children and families in underserved communities and counseled juveniles in the criminal justice system. My work is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions and achieve transformation personal growth. Moving to Miami 14 years ago was a pivotal step in my career and personal journey. My passion lies in empowering others to discover their potential and live fulfilling lives.
Assistant Treasurer
Michael Gibbons - High School Educator & Mentor
He/Him/King | Race: Black | Ethnicity: Bajan (Barbados) and West Indian
A little about Michael D. Gibbons, I was born in Newport RI on Juneteenth in 1970 to Charlie and Gloria Gibbons. Charlie was a US veteran and former professional Canadian football player who became a longtime teacher and coach in Rhode Island. While playing for the Montreal Alouettes he met my mother Gloria, a local Bajan beauty with a sharp wit and a winning smile. Together they moved back to Charlie's hometown in the states. Gloria became a legal secretary, and Charlie began his legacy as a coach. I am their second son, and in many ways, I followed in my father's footsteps. I am an esteemed high school educator, football and track coach, mentor, husband, and father of 3. My approach to effective tangible change on behalf of the Black and minority communities begins with acknowledging and honoring the work of our ancestors. We stand here, able to do this work because of their sacrifices and commitment to us. The
Treasurer
Autumn Wosencroft - College Coach, Scout, Mentor, & Budgeting Expert
She/Her/Queen | Race: Black & White | Ethnicity: Cape Verdean, Native American, Irish & Italian
​Autumn Wosencroft is a sitting board member for Legally Black as Treasurer. Providing management and oversight to all financial goals of the organization. Autumn is a native of Newport Rhode Island, Graduating from Rhode Island College with a BA in Justice Studies and a Minor in Sociology. For the past 8 years she has devoted her time to Coaching and is Currently the Rhode Island College Associate Head Coach of the Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Track and Field. Autumn is an Athletic Hall of Famer and has received numerous scholar awards. She is a wife and mother of three. Autumn developed a strong sense of devotion to working with a nonprofit after seeing so many lives in need growing up in poverty. Witnessing the impact that an organization can have on so many as well as the need for there to be more nonprofits prompted her drive and desire to help others. Being in a position now to help pay it forward along with her management skills she has attained while running a diverse collegiate program, we believe that her background and credentials will assist us in furthering our mission.