Our Team | Hey,College Girl!

Who We Are

Shekinah Hurst, M. Ed. President

Shekinah, a proud native of Raleigh, North Carolina, serves as the CEO and President, embodying the principles she teaches. With a commitment to an impactful role model, she inspires every child she encounters through her actions and dedication. Her leadership reflects a deep passion for making a positive difference in the lives of young people. After graduating early from Southeast Raleigh High School in 2002, she became an undergrad student at NCCU getting her degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations. Shekinah's educational journey is truly inspiring. As a working wife and mother, she persevered to earn her Master's degree in Education: Administration & Supervision, proving that determination knows no bounds. Not one to rest on her achievements, she is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education: Christian Leadership & Next Generation Ministry, all while nurturing her growing family and chasing her dreams. She is the spirit of HEY, COLLEGE GIRL! in living color, showcasing that success comes with work and passion.

Alexis Henderson Vice President

A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Alexis is driven by a passion for learning and growing daily. After graduating from Garner Magnet High School in 2008, she explored the workforce for three years before discovering Lyndon B Johnson Job Corps Center in Franklin, NC. While attending this trade institution she earned certificates in Business Technology with concentration in Office Administration, and Culinary Arts. Today, she thrives as a Community Health Worker and proudly manages several successful companies. These companies include Milli J Sweetz Catering, Crown Triumphant Apparel, and host of The Morning Groove on the Green Wonder Network Radio App. Alexis is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation. She finds great joy in mentoring young girls, empowering them to reach their full potential and surpass her own achievements at their age. Through her guidance and support, she hopes to inspire confidence and ambition in each girl she meets.

Brandon Brownlee
Financial Secretary

Brandon Brownlee was born and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida. He graduated from Blanche Ely High School in 2004 and earned his degree in education from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in 2008. From 2008 to 2010, Brandon dedicated himself to the students at Blanche Ely as the assistant band director, a role he undertook with great commitment and reliability. Between 2010 and 2019, he held multiple positions at Blanche Ely, including senior class advisor, assistant office manager, and assistant athletic director, showcasing his versatility and dedication. Currently, Brandon is employed at Treasure Coast Elementary as the Behavior Specialist. His professional journey is driven by a passion for working with youth and young adults, a commitment that has been a consistent theme throughout his career. Additionally, Brandon mentored with the Big Brother Program and the Boys and Girls Club from 2009 to 2019.

Britni Brefka
Secretary

Britni Brefka is from Wilson, North Carolina. She graduated from the illustrious North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, twice. Her first degree was in Political Science and second was in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Literacy. She also obtained my Master's Degree in School Administration; Educational Leadership, from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro after she fell in love with school-wide instruction. She currently serve in school leadership as the Instructional Facilitator, which allows her to help support teachers and maximize student success in the classrooms.

Brefka says, "I am in education because I know that there is a profound need for teachers who truly care about cultivating the next generation of thinkers, learners, and members of society. Students need teachers who truly care and are dedicated to building strong relationships with them."

She possess a strong capacity for mentorship. She participate in NCCU’s college-level mentoring with the Aspiring Eagles Program and is currently in her ninth year of coaching cheerleading where she building confidence and self-esteem in young ladies. She also participate in a mentoring ministry program which serves to help school-age girls, learn etiquette, life skills, and just have a safe place to grow with healthy adult relationships.

Excited would be an understatement about the future of young ladies associated with Hey, College Girl!.

Jasmyne Thomas
Treasurer

A proud North Carolina native, she began her academic journey at Winston-Salem State University, where she pursued studies in Elementary Education—laying the foundation for a career rooted in service, leadership, and student empowerment. After graduating high school in 2008, she continued to invest in her professional growth, earning her Project Management Certification in 2021 to further sharpen her operational expertise and strategic leadership capacity.

She currently serves as the Director of Operations and Athletic Director at a middle school in Durham, North Carolina, where she plays a critical role in shaping the daily culture, structure, and success of the school community. In this dual leadership capacity, she is responsible for overseeing operational excellence, campus safety, athletic programming, and organizational systems that ensure the school functions with precision, purpose, and care.Known for her strategic mindset and people-centered leadership style, she is deeply committed to creating an environment where both scholars and educators can thrive. Through intentional systems, thoughtful organization, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she helps cultivate a campus culture that promotes growth, accountability, and opportunity. Education is more than her profession—it is her passion, and her work continues to open doors, build confidence, and create meaningful pathways for student success.

Matroba Tarver
Ambassador Advisor

Born and raised in Woodland, North Carolina, she has proudly called Raleigh home for more than two decades, where she resides with her husband, Ricky, and their sons, Ricky II and Ryan. She is an accomplished alumna of North Carolina Central University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Sociology along with a North Carolina Teaching Certification. She further advanced her professional credentials by earning a Master of Education in Special Education: Cross-Categorical from Grand Canyon University. She currently serves as a school-based mentor, where she provides strategic coaching and instructional support to beginning educators. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in strengthening classroom practice, fostering professional growth, and elevating instructional outcomes. Her career also includes impactful service as a special education teacher, during which she supported diverse learners in improving academic performance in reading and mathematics while building confidence, independence, and self-advocacy skills. Additionally, she has served as a case manager, ensuring compliance with educational regulations and program requirements for both special and general education teams. Having personally navigated learning challenges, her own educational journey profoundly shaped her vocational purpose. With more than 20 years of dedicated service, she remains deeply committed to empowering students to recognize their potential, overcome barriers, and pursue academic excellence with confidence and resilience.