Meet the Board

Elizabeth Orr-Bell

Elizabeth Orr-Bell (Liz) is an active member of the Board of Directors for Girls of Character. She has an extensive background as a Retail Analyst in Corporate America. Liz worked with Super Value Midwest Distribution Center for over 15 years until retirement. She has worked closely with the Executive Director with the Girls of Character for more than 9 years. She plays a significant role with event planning for the organization.

Mary Roberson

Dr. Mary Roberson has more than 27 years of proficiency in the Behavioral Health Services field working. She is the Founder of the newly established NFP, Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO), a first for Lake County, IL. As the previous Managing Director for Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (semi-retired) she had oversight on several evidenced based federal projects (SAMHSA Grants). Dr. Roberson is a Navy veteran and has a Doctorate in Education in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She is also Certified as a Supervisor of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counseling.

Angela Atterberry

Angela Atterberry became a part of Girls of Character when my daughter and later my granddaughter were members. She loved helping out at the numerous events during the time which they were members. She has been a member at Jesus Name Apostolic Church for over twenty years, serving as an Elder. She is the Vice President at Vernon Hills Bank & Trust at Wintrust Community Bank for over 24 yrs.

Robbin Burnett

Robbin Burnett is the Chairperson for the Board of Directors. She is a retiree from Fed Ex in 2014 after working for 25 years. Robbin has worked as a Substitute Teacher for the Zion School District since 2015 . She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Counseling.

Johnnie Jenkins

In 2004 Johnnie Jenkins earned her GED at the College of Lake County where she became the Vice President of the Adult Basic Education Student Speakers Club. She has completed her Associate in Arts degree at CLC in 2010 and she completed her bachelor’s degree at National Louis University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree through National Louis University. Johnnie is the Employment Specialist/Senior Case Manager for the Waukegan Township Supervisor Office where she assists ex-offenders with employment opportunities. Johnnie travels across the country as a motivational speaker inspiring the lives of others.

Sheryl P. Gray

Sheryl Porter Gray is a retired Assistant Principal from Gurnee District 56, spending 12 years supporting more than 500 3rd-5th graders and their families at Prairie Trial Elementary School. In this role, she created the Partnership and Achievement Leads to Success (PALS) Program as well as the Making Education Nurturing and Tomorrow’s Opportunities Real (MENTOR) Program to increase partnership between parents and the school as well as supporting the academic experiences of black male students. She saw both programs expand across the District. Prior to her time in Gurnee, Sheryl worked in Zion District 6 for 23 years as a teacher. She was the coordinator/teacher of the School Within A School (SWAS) program, and a District Literacy Coach for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Sheryl graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Family Life and Integrated Creative Arts from Western Michigan University and earned a Master in Education from Carthage College. She furthered her studies by taking classes in teaching children at risk and earned a General Administrative Certification from National Louis University. She has been nominated by her students for Teacher of the Year through WGN-TV and has been inducted into Who's Who among America's Teachers and Outstanding Young Women of America. In 2014, she was named the Assistant Principal of the Year for Lake Country and for the State of Illinois. Sheryl is originally from Hampton, Virginia but has called Illinois home for more than 35 years. Currently, she serves as a committee member for the Artis Yancey HBCU Tour through the Waukegan Township and participates in several ministries at her church.

Pastor Kennth Smith

Kenneth Smith joined the Board of Directors in 2020. Kenneth brings to the organization a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in mentoring, counseling, community service and 30 years of experience as a professional photographer. His creative works are complemented by his knowledge of business operations and his passion for providing an excellence of quality through community service. Kenneth seeks out opportunities for mentoring and expanding upon his realm of creativity through volunteering for new and exciting endeavors. Kenneth is recognized in his local community as Pastor Kenny. Pastor Kenny has served in God’s ministry as a Youth Pastor, Evangelist and Spiritual Leader for over 30 years. He is passionate about children and his desire is to help those persons who are under served. He has dedicated countless hours of service to community, civic and religious undertakings. Pastor Kenny desires that his love