Board of Directors
Below, you can get to know the Board of Directors of The KIS Foundation that are making a difference in the world of Sickle Cell Disease.
KiKi Shepard
Founder, Board President &
Executive Director of THE KIS FOUNDATION
KiKi Shepard has worked with the National Association (SCDAA) as their Spokesperson for 10 years, carries Sickle Cell Trait, and uses her national celebrity to raise awareness. Ms. Shepard is an actress and is best known as the “Apollo Queen of Fashion”. For 15 years, she starred as the smashing Co-Host of NBC’s original “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”.
KiKi Shepard is a graduate of Howard University and holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and has relationships with Herbalife, Xerox, California African America Museum, Verizon, Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County, SCD Collaborative. In addition to associations with numerous high-level celebrities, and several top television shows. Ms. Shepard is the proud Guardian and Auntie/Mom to two nieces.
André Dawson
KISF Board Treasurer
Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills
Cynthia Heard
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO), LOS ANGELES URBAN LEAGUE
Jo-An Turman
KISF BoARD SECRETARY
Head of Global Entertainment Partnerships for HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Sheila Gilmore
PRESIDENT, Gilmore Group
Harold Hunt
Marketing Consultant LA County
Vaughn Williams
Principal Supplier / Diversity Advisor
SoCalGas Company
Babe Evans
Children’s Advocate, Los Angeles, CA
Claire Padmore-Clarke, MBA
I am an experienced professional at a leading Beverage company, with deep expertise in leadership, compliance, and organizational change management. Known for resolving challenges and driving process improvements, I am committed to advancing inclusion through 21 years of Employee Resource Group leadership, championing “A Space to be YOU” for all. Outside of work, I’m involved in initiatives that support job preparedness and food insecurity and serve on the Boards of the YMCA of Anaheim and The KIS Foundation. I believe in the power of education and small, meaningful actions to create lasting, positive impact.
Deon Reid
I’ve had my own business, Assist Design, for the past 35 years and I’ve had to do my own planning fundraising, hiring vendors and evaluating personal, as well as, catering to customers and providing great customer service. My biggest strength is excellent customer service. My company specializes in Graphic Design Printing and Promotional Marketing. My customer base is 100% Community College Programs that have a need for promotional items for students.
Two years ago Harold Hawk Hunt invited me to a KIS Foundation Community Event as a volunteer. I enjoyed myself. I enjoyed working with the team and I LOVE helping people.
And now moving forward I’ve discovered the purpose of the Foundation and want to help spread the word and support the programs.