Our gift isn’t free. That’s not how this works. You may think you’re spent, that you have nothing left to give. But each of us has something to contribute just by being alive, and your presence is a gift to us, too. You’re expected to pay it forward. You’re expected to testify with your life.

Laura Smith

President Circle of Women, Inc

Laura Smith is a powerful spiritual mentor who is committed to helping women live a joyful life as she helps guide them through forgiveness, past hurts, and supports them in a powerful healing journey. Her talks on how the power of forgiveness changes lives for the better are empowering. Her ability to be vulnerable and share her personal story connects women and bridges the gap to isolation.

Laura left home at 17 due to rebellion and anger, she moved from California to Georgia with a bag and an attitude full of rage. This move ended up being a 5-year silence between her and her mother and a 2-year silence with her father. This was the beginning of her journey to forgiveness that spans over 30 years.

Laura made the commitment to gain the insight and education to become a powerful healing coach and mentor. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Pepperdine University and a Master of Science from Azusa Pacific University. She also is certified by the Connective Leadership Institute. She is also an author and is working on a new book.

Laura made a promise to herself during her journey to healing that she would step up and serve as a powerful servant and authentic mentor to women everywhere who want to be free from the bondage of unforgiveness.

Malauna Rice

Vice President

I’m Malauna Rice, a physiological science major at UCLA, eagerly anticipating my graduation in the summer of 2025. Beyond my academic pursuits, I find fulfillment in playing basketball, staying active through exercise, and engaging in community involvement. For the past 4-5 years, I’ve been dedicated to the Circle of Women Inc, where I’ve had the opportunity to give back to my community, a role I take immense pride in. With a strong commitment to service, I’m passionate about pursuing a career as an optometrist, with aspirations to one day open my own practice and continue serving my community in that capacity.

Malaya Rice

Chairman of the Board

Malaya Rice is a young medical laboratory professional that was born and raised in Los Angeles,CA.Her passion for helping others developed very early in life, and it began in the church. At a young age, she found herself printing church bulletins, preparing communion, singing in the church choir, and assisting the elderly in the congregation. She loved witnessing the effects that her positive actions had on those around her. Her favorite scripture quickly became:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”Philippians 2:3 (NASB)

At the age of 18, Malaya decided to move from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. where she pursued a degree from Howard University. In May of 2021, she graduated with a B.S. in medical laboratory science with a double minor in biology and sociology. Her medical and sociological studies have allowed her to better understand how to address the wants and needs of those that exist within underserved communities. Her service with Circle of Women Inc. has further inspired her to eliminate disparities and break down the stereotypes that target women and ethnic minorities.Her long term life goal is to eradicate poverty and build communities that provide necessary educational, familial, and financial resources to those in need.

Outside of volunteering, Malaya enjoys cooking, reading, playing guitar, and spending time withher family.

Dr. Arlice Cleveland, Psy. D., LMFT

Director of Mental Health

Dr. Arlice Cleveland holds an Associates of Arts Degree in Child Development from West Los Angeles College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services from Springfield College, a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University and a Doctorate Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Cleveland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University and a Clinical Director at two Substance Recovery Centers located in Lancaster, California. Dr. Cleveland’s private practice is located in Santa Monica, California, known as The Profound Me. She is the founder of Forms of Expression a 501 3 (C) non-profit establish to provide youth, ages 7 to 17 years old emotional support through expressive arts. Dr. Cleveland has a strong background in working with a variety of clinical issues. She displays strong leadership and presentation skills, as she has spoken on several panels, conducted several workshops, and have advocated for many of her clients in court proceedings.

Kimberly McBride

Career & College Director

Kimberly R. McBride is a resident of Inglewood who serves as a tenured faculty as an Academic Counselor and Professor for the Los Angeles Community College District. During her 15 years and counting in higher education, Kimberly has enjoyed serving on the budget, strategic planning, and student success committees. She believes her passion for differentiated instruction began when she received her invaluable training as a 5th-grade elementary teacher at Centinela Elementary School as her first teaching assignment within the Inglewood Unified School District. Kimberly R. McBride is a resident of Inglewood who serves as a tenured faculty as an Academic Counselor and Professor for the Los Angeles Community College District. During her 15 years and counting in higher education, Kimberly has enjoyed serving on the budget, strategic planning, and student success committees. She believes her passion for differentiated instruction began when she received her invaluable training as a 5th-grade elementary teacher at Centinela Elementary School as her first teaching assignment within the Inglewood Unified School District.

Kimberly earned her Master of Science in School Counseling from the University of LaVerne and her Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University. She also received her Bachelor of Science in Consumer Studies from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She is an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated member who still enjoys life with her family and friends.

Dr. G Landry

Homeless Director

Dr. G Landry is a well-known community activist, national and international speaker, teacher, author, ordained minister of the Gospel, and highly sought-after authority on the topic homelessness and non-profit community programs.

Since 1970, she has been helping thousands in and outside of the United State, London, Africa, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Belize and Haiti. Her main focus is reaching the loss at all cost.

Glenda Hines

Food Distribution Director

Glenda Hines a native of the original lineage to the indigenous tribe Hassanamisco Band pf Nipmucs. She was born and raised in Massachusetts, she lived among relatives who struggled to hold onto their native culture and fought for the rights to live a balanced life on and off the main reservation. Glenda learned early in life community it how we survive. When you help others, you are helping yourself. Today Glenda sits on the Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council as a Clerk. She is a Nation Elder who provides a space for others to have a voice in the ongoing struggle to be a Native American Indian.

Glenda moved to California in 1993, where she raised her two daughters to value all people and honor their struggles. While raising children and working as Operations Manager at a Chemical Dependency Facility, Glenda earned Bachelor of Science in Human Services. She will tell you “Service is the key to life.” Service to all people became Glenda’s passion as she worked with in many communities serving, homelessness, domestic violence, chemical dependency, people with disabilities. and hospice. Moreover, Glenda has spent 30 years within a larger intentional community of good people helping others in need while developing a new mindset for simple living and high thinking.

Ruth Green

Youth Associate Director

Ruth Green was a teenage mom and a high school dropout. She never let her circumstances stop her from striving for excellence and achieving her goals. Ruth’s understanding of the power of education ultimately led her back to school where she later received her high school diploma. Soon after, she went on to secure a higher education at Antelope Valley College. There, she earned an Associate of Arts Degree and began her career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Ruth’s career in the medical field extends over 28 years. She began this journey as a Certified Nurse Aide. Her most recent years were spent as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Ruth’s overwhelming passion for serving her community has led her to serve those in need. She has labored in partnership with several nonprofits to provide food for the unsheltered, school supplies, teen mentorship, etc. Her passion for assisting those in need runs deep. Whether it is as a mother, nurse, volunteer, or businesswoman. She has continuously proven that giving will always be at the core of who she is.

Proverbs: 31: 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity

Motto: To Thy Self Be True /Action speaks louder than words

Gloria Ortiz

Community Liaison

I have a Bachelors in Chicana/Chicano Studies . My goal is to help bridge the gap in my community as a bilingual Latina and immigrant. I have worked with organizations that service kids/ youth & young adults. Servicing them with opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to .My hope is to help them and guide them to get them the assistance and help they need to further them in life’s journey.

Jacqui Nunez

Treasurer

Born and raised in South Los Angeles, I had a challenging upbringing that taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of community. Despite facing some wrong turns in life, I was fortunate enough to have a supportive group of women that helped guide me in the right direction.

Determined to make a difference, I pursued an education and became a registered nurse. In my role as a nurse, I have seen firsthand the impact that health disparities have on communities of color, especially women. I am committed to doing my part to address these inequalities by advocating for better access to healthcare and providing compassionate care to those in need.

My passion for helping others drove me to focus on giving back to the community that raised me. Drawing on my own experiences and lessons learned, I have become a mentor and advocate for young women in my community. I know firsthand the challenges they face and the potential they possess. I believe that given the right opportunities and support, they too can overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.

Tressy Scott

Secretary

My name is Tressy Scott and I have been in the Real Estate Industry for over 35 years. I’m a Senior Escrow Officer, Licensed Real Estate Agent, and Notary Public. My passion is helping individuals become homeowners. I always go beyond the call of duty with my clients to make a big difference.

Yana Shmuliver

Community Distibution Partner

Yana Shmuliver is a Humanitarian & Philanthropist, with her extensive involvement in the nonprofit sector and passion for the need of social and supportive services for men, women and children in the community, Yana established Karing Advocates United for Social Equality or K.A.U.S.E.-Los Angeles in July of 2015. As Founder and Executive Director of K.A.U.S.E. she has, over the last decade provided Advocacy, Leadership, Community Service and Philanthropic efforts working with many, with a mission to enrich the human experience, rebuild courage and strive to give hope and inspire the lives of the
community.

Gericka Powell

Youth Peer Support Specialist

Gericka Powell graduated from California State University (CSU) San Marcos with a Bachelors in Sociology. Geri has extensive experience working with the public and people of all ages. One of my main goals is to bridge a gap between at risk youth and educational resources. I aim to advocate for youth and young adults who have adverse childhood experiences.

Trevina Wallace

Administrative Assistant

I was born and raised in Belize. I graduated from Sacred Heart College. I moved from Belize to Los Angeles in 2021.

I’m someone who is very determined and strong minded. I strive on challenges. I love helping people.

One of my long term goals is to own a few properties back in Belize and invest in them.