Our Beacons of Change
Behind every program, every event, and every moment of impact are the people who make it possible.
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Our Beacons of Change, from our founder to our dedicated board and team, are the hearts and hands carrying this mission forward. Each brings unique gifts, experiences, and a deep commitment to uplifting families, strengthening communities, and building a legacy of hope. Together, they light the way for change that endures.
Founder
Eric T. Collins, Sr.
Eric T. Collins Sr. is the visionary, founder,
and CEO of Beacon of Change Initiative.
As the CEO of Thee Herbal Blessing Natural
Health Store, he has combined entrepreneurship with community care, building initiatives that empower families and strengthen communities.
Eric’s leadership is rooted in service, legacy, and faith, guiding Beacon of Change Initiative with a commitment to impact that reaches beyond today. His life reflects the belief that true leadership is measured not only in accomplishments,
but in the lives uplifted along the way.
Guided by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is,
‘What are you doing for others?’” Eric embodies the very spirit of change he seeks to inspire.
Co-Chair
Bridget Oluyeba
Bridget Oluyeba serves as Co-Chair of Beacon of Change, bringing strong leadership and a passion for service to the organization. Known for her collaborative spirit and dedication to empowering families and communities, Bridget helps guide the vision and strategy of the board.
She is committed to building lasting change through stewardship, advocacy, and a heart for others.
Guided by the belief that “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” (Mahatma Gandhi), Bridget embodies the spirit of hope and transformation at the heart of
Beacon of Change Initiative.
Co-Vice Chair
Stanley Wesley
Stanley Wesley is a passionate community leader with a strong record of service and advocacy in Jackson, Mississippi. He previously served as President of Respect Our Black Dollars and as a Constituent Services Representative for the City of Jackson under Mayor Lumumba’s leadership.
Currently, he serves as Special Project Officer for Hinds County District 4, where he supports initiatives under Supervisor Wanda Evers.
Beyond his professional roles, Stanley is committed to educating others on the importance of healthy living and giving back to his community.
Guided by the principle “Each one teach one,” he brings vision, energy, and dedication to his role as Co-Vice Chair of Beacon of Change Initiative.
Co-Chair
Ebony Cornelius
Ebony E. Cornelius is a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder of Noir Network LLC, a multifaceted company offering services in caregiving, cosmetology, consulting, and construction.
With a passion for creating opportunities that uplift individuals and families, she blends business excellence with a heart for service. Beyond her ventures, Ebony leads as a Girl Scout troop leader and youth ministry leader, mentoring young people in faith, resilience, and leadership.
As Co-Chair of Beacon of Change Initiative, she brings vision, determination, and dedication to building a legacy of empowerment. True to her motto,
“Rain, sleet, or snow, I’m gonna get it,” Ebony embodies perseverance and commitment to change.
Co-Vice Chair
Reynelle Cornelius
With more than 30 years of experience serving others, Reynelle Cornelius is deeply committed to both care and education. As a self-employed personal assistant supporting the elderly, and a mentor and tutor to students from Pre-K through high school, she blends compassion with dedication across generations.
Reynelle also holds a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Hazardous Waste Management, equipping her to promote healthier living and stronger communities.
In her role as Co-Vice Chair of
Beacon of Change Initiative , she helps guide the mission with faith, vision, and service. Anchored by her belief to “keep my focus on God and not man,” Reynelle leads with both humility and purpose.
Farra Collins
Co-Treasurer
Farra Collins blends business expertise with a deep commitment to healing and hope. A seasoned professional in risk management and leadership,
she is also the founder of Angel of Mine Publishing and the visionary behind the “Letters to Heaven”
grief support initiative. At Beacon of Change Initiative, she channels her skills into financial transparency and strategic planning that amplify community impact.
Guided by her favorite words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi),
Farra brings both vision and compassion, helping transform generosity into lasting legacies.
Sylvester Collins, Sr.
Co-Treasurer
With over 25 years as a successful entrepreneur and trusted community leader, Sylvester Collins Sr. brings financial wisdom and unwavering dedication to Beacon of Change Initiative.
Known for his steady leadership and servant’s heart, he has long guided organizations with integrity, from his family business to his church and community.
As Co-Treasurer, Sylvester ensures every resource is stewarded with care, turning generosity into
real impact.
He lives by the words, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth” (Shirley Chisholm), embodying the spirit of giving that inspires change.
Co-Secretary
Andrea Lewis
Andrea Lewis is a devoted mother and committed professional who brings both financial expertise and community spirit to Beacon of Change Initiative.
With over 18 years of experience in education and administration, including her current role as a Bookkeeper with Copiah County School District, Andrea has a strong track record of stewardship and service. She has also dedicated years to student success and community engagement through her involvement in campus committees and cultural initiatives. As Co-Secretary, Andrea ensures clear communication and organization, helping strengthen the impact of the mission while building
connections that uplift others.
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Guided by her belief that “to serve others is to plant seeds of change that grow far beyond ourselves,” she embodies the heart of our work.
Co-Secretary
Halima Olyfemi
Halima Olyfemi serves as Co-Secretary of Beacon of Change Initiative, where she supports the mission through organization, clear communication, and a commitment to excellence. Known for her reliability and dedication, Halima ensures that details are managed with care so the broader vision of service can thrive. She is passionate about building connections that strengthen families and communities, and she brings both heart and discipline to her role on the board.
Guided by the words, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,”
she embodies the spirit of collaboration that drives Beacon of Change Initiative forward.
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Board Members
Beyond titles and roles, our Board Members are the backbone of Beacon of Change Initiative.
They are leaders, visionaries, and advocates who dedicate their time, talents, and voices to ensure that every gift makes a lasting impact. With diverse experiences and a shared passion for service, they help transform generosity into opportunities for families and communities.
Their commitment is a powerful reminder that true change is not carried by one, but by many and together, they make hope possible.
Your Support
Lights the Way
We extend our deepest gratitude to our board, our supporters, and our community partners. It is only through collaboration that hope becomes action, and action becomes change.