Board of Directors

Blue Ridge Literacy's Board of Directors are a diverse group of professionals, service providers, and advocates who are committed to supporting adults in the Roanoke Valley improving their literacy skills.

Jennifer Smyrnos,
 

President

Lead Attorney, 
Grace Immigration PLLC

Carole Tarrant, 

​

Vice President 

Coordinator of Development, 

Virginia Western Community College

Lori Baker-Lloyd,

​

Vice President

Vice President of Human Resources, 

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys

Sandra Pratt, 

​

Secretary

Business Development, 
Media Partners Inc.

Connie Brockenbrough-Vaughn,

​

Treasurer

Retired, 

Montgomery Publishing

Elvir Berbic

​

Student Affairs Manager, 

Virginia Tech Carilion

Alicha Grubb

Attorney, 

Gentry Locke

Baraka Kasongo

CEO, 

Volatia Language Network

Risa Katz-Albert

Staff Attorney, 
Legal Aid Society Roanoke Valley

Sissy Kegley

Retired, 

Adult Educator

Evelyne Nzikobanyanka

Clinical Nursing Assistant, 

Our Lady of the Valley

Kat Pascal

CEO and Founder, 

Spotless America

Hispanic Business Advocate

Sheila Umberger

Director of Libraries, 

Roanoke Public Libraries

Diane Wiggins

Retired, 

Physician Associates