Velina Watson-Mouton is the oldest daughter of six children born to Loretta and Odell Watson. She grew up in the rural community of Cato located in an unincorporated area of North Little Rock. The first black child to integrate Sylvan Hills Elementary located in the PCCSD, she experienced her first encounters of racial discrimination at a young age. She understood her parent’s determination to secure the best education possible for their children and did her part to become academically successful. After this first, Velina paved another first as Miss Teenage Little Rock in 1976 and represented the state of Arkansas at the National Miss Teenage America Pageant where she danced on stage with the late comedian, Bob Hope. In 1978, she was crowned Miss Black Arkansas and traveled to Philadelphia, PA for the National Miss Black America Pageant.
Watson-Mouton continued her education at Sylvan Hills Middle and eventually graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1977. In the fall of 1977, she began her college career at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville as a Speech Communications major. She pledged the Lambda Theta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in Spring 1980. Velina received her bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication in Spring 1981. She decided to continue her education in Speech Communication as a teaching assistant in graduate school. In 1984, she received her Master’s degree in Speech Communication.
Her work experience includes library science automation and information technology. She is active in her church Music ministry and working with youth. She is the mother of three very talented children.
Sherry Lowe, Board Treasure, MBA, is a Juvenile Probation Officer for Pulaski County Juvenile Court. She began her career in Law Enforcement in 1994, with adults. After working with adults, she realized that her time would be better spent assisting youth to become successful adults. She has worked with youth and youth organizations for the last 20 years to make sure children have the essential tools to become productive adults. She believes we all carry the responsibility of making sure children are college or career ready.
Sherry is the president of Write It Right, Inc. It is a grant writing, evaluation and training business she has operated since 2000.
Paul Woods, Board President is a popular speaker and workshop leader. He has presented to audiences in educational, non-profit, healthcare, and church organizations across Arkansas.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts is Sociology from Wiley College (home of the Great Debater) and recently retired from his role a Juvenile Probation Officer, Pulaski County Juvenile Circuit Court – Tenth Division.
Mr. Woods has an extensive background in juvenile justice, mental health, substance abuse, case management, counseling, and group life therapy. He is a trusted advocate for youth, young adults and families.
Paul is a member of St. Mark Baptist Church where he serves in the Children’s and Youth Ministry. He is married to Cassandra Woods and the father of Latasha, Natika, Rashad and Corey. He is the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren.
Mr. Woods is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Valerie Pruitt, Board Trustee is a real estate agent with the NewG Team at Keller Williams Little Rock. Prior to real estate she held various positions in the media for over 15 years. Valerie began her broadcasting career as a news reporter and public affairs director for several radio stations in Little Rock.
She began her television career as station manager of Comcast Cable Channel 14 where she hosted the show, “In-Depth.” Valerie has worked as a political campaign consultant for local and statewide candidates. Her political experience took her to city hall serving the citizens of Little Rock as assistant to former Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey.
Valerie also has over 15 years experience in the nonprofit arena, holding positions as Executive Director and Program Director for a number of non-profit organizations. She has served on various nonprofit boards and city positions including Our House, Youth Home and the City of Little Rock Planning Commission. Valerie is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
She is the proud mother of 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. She has been a member of St. Mark Baptist Church for over 55 years.
James H. Jones, Board Vice-President
Program Development and Implementation Manager/Coordinator and Prevention/Intervention Specialist Over 30 years in the Insurance Industry
James H. Jones has over 30 years of leadership experience working with government, state, city, and private programs involving managing and coordinating services in youth and adult programs. This experience and skills have equipped him to take new or existing program concepts in their extended or formative stage and set up and develop procedures and goals to ascertain the desired outcomes. Achievements acknowledged by The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, recognize faithful service to the community. The Log Cabin Democrat-Conway, Arkansas Managing the Transition Employment Assistance Program (TEA) of Faulkner County, and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette as a Youth Intervention Prevention Specialist/Coordinator for New Future for Little Rock Youth, Youth Initiative Program. The Little Rock Job Corps’ training program for 16-24-year-old youths recognizes his recognition of dedicated service and commitment.
James’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of youth and families facing challenging times is unwavering. As a financial representative, he provides crucial information on insurance needs, ensuring their financial security. His work with ex-gangs and in addressing drug/ alcohol abuse crises demonstrates his dedication to community welfare. His training in mediation and conflict resolution further underscores his commitment to providing assistance to those in need.
James H. Jones’s track record of program development and implementation is on the philosophy of experiences, listening, and openness to move from the problem and focus on solutions. James’s experience has equipped him to develop organizational coordination, collaboration, and relationships within the organization’s departments to improve project outcomes and objectives. Also, it has provided him with many opportunities in public speaking and disseminating information to businesses, agencies, schools, colleges, churches, and universities
James’s academic achievements are a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. He completed his DBA (Doctoral Business Administration, Social Impact Management) program studies in May 2024, further enhancing his expertise. He earned his MBA (Master Business Administration, Project Management) from Walden University in 2013, and his BA in Psychology from Philander Smith College. His studies in the Executive MBA at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock And International Business Studies at Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico, further enriched his knowledge and skills.
James’s service on committees was –Little Rock Task Force For Youth, Family Life Center Advisory Committee, 21st Century Community Learning Center Committee in Conway, AR, Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy (WAGE) Advisory Committee, Faulkner County Cooperative Extension-Family and Consumer Science Sub-Committee, Arkansas—Department of Health Diversity and Disparities Work Group Committee-National Tobacco Control Program.
Herbert Brooks
Board President Emeritus
Retired Educator
Little Rock, AR