Our Board
The mission of Sangha Unity Network is to provide opportunities to empower and enhance the lives of people who are marginalized. We are excited to welcome our committed Board of Directors who will join us in accomplishing our goals of growing and supporting the mission of Sangha Unity Network.
Belinda Harris
President
Belinda is an executive coach, speaker and author. With a Masters Degree in Human Resource Development, Belinda has over 15 years in the Human Resource field. She is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources and is also certified as a Senior Certified Professional with the Society of Human Resource Management. Currently, she is the Executive Director/ Owner of Rocket Science HR LLC and CEO/Owner of Rocket Employment LLC. Rocket Science HR was created to assist people with disabilities to gain and maintain employment in the state of Georgia. Rocket Employment was created to assist people worldwide with gaining employment through a variety of service supports. Belinda is passionate about helping folks achieve their dreams and goals in employment.
Derek Heard
Board Member
Derek is a graphic artist, entrepreneur, public speaker, and disability justice advocate based in Albany, Georgia. Derek believes in the power that images have in creating positive change. Derek uses graphics to help understand and communicate with the world. For the last few years, he has used his love of art to help educate others about the rights of people with disabilities by illustrating the importance of equality, self-determination, and the power of using one’s voice. He currently serves as a leadership collective member of Uniting for Change and is a board member of REV Up Georgia. Derek is also a Fannie Lou Hammer Fellow and a Youth Ambassador for the Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice.
Jacob Hollingsworth
Board Member
Jacob is a self-advocate living with his family in Lithia Springs, Georgia. He is a member of the Uniting for Change Leadership Collective, which is a grassroots self-advocacy network throughout the state of Georgia. In this position, Jacob supports a weekly gathering of self-advocates through his graphics. He loves producing artwork and telling stories through drawing, making YouTube videos and creating works of art such as calendars for friends and family. He enjoys watching movies and TV and listening to country music. Jacob is an avid Georgia Bulldog fan.
Jackie McNair
Board Member
Jackie has strived for over 15 years, to provide support, training and resource information to families of children who are deemed eligible to receive Special Education Services. Jackie is currently the founder and owner of A Voice For Kendra, where she continues to work with students, families, and school systems to better understand supports needed for students with disabilities. Jackie has a passion for learning and connecting. Jackie has served in various capacities with many state organizations and agencies and has received recognition as a community volunteer. She has volunteered for various events that are sponsored by Gwinnett County Government’s Community Outreach Program. Jackie continues to build bridges and bring awareness about issues facing people with disabilities to communities across Georgia.
Debbie Stone
Board Member
Debbie Stone is currently in a leadership position with Creative Consulting Services which provides monitoring and oversight for folks with disabilities who use Medicaid waivers. She has worked in this field for over 20 years. Prior to this, Debbie worked as Director of Social Work and Admissions in Long Term Care facilities, as well as teaching at a Private Elementary School in a Metro Atlanta. Debbie is an artist and has sold many works of art which includes illustrating 2 books. Debbie has a long history of working with non-profit organizations and has a gift for Organizational Leadership and Fundraising.
Carmine Vara
Board Member
Carmine Vara is a self-advocate living in his own home with support in Cumming, Georgia. He is a member of the Uniting for Change Leadership Collective, which is a grassroots self-advocacy network throughout the state
of Georgia. Carmine has enjoyed working at Stone Mountain Park for over 16 wonderful years as a valued information guide for the park. Carmine is a train enthusiast, business owner, and an aspiring radio show host. In his free time, you can find Carmine spending time with family, his fiancée, and meeting new people.