EDNA RIPLEY
Meet our Executive Director
Greetings! I'm Edna Ripley—a devoted educator by trade, a natural-born nurturer at heart, and a passionate advocate for both children and seniors. My journey in the field of education began in 2001, and since then, I've found immense joy in nurturing young minds.
As the youngest of three children, I've always been surrounded by the warmth of family. Now, as a mother of three, I understand the profound impact that care and advocacy can have on the lives of both the young and the elderly.
I pursued my academic journey at Johnson C. Smith University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications/ Public Relations. This educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping my ability to effectively communicate and advocate for those in need.
My deep-seated passion for seniors stems from personal experience. Over the last 16 years, I served as a devoted caregiver for both of my parents until they were called home. Advocating for their well-being and ensuring they received the respectful and appropriate medical treatment they deserved became a mission close to my heart.
In honor of my parents' memory, I founded Carson Cares Advocacy, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. Through this venture, I continue to champion the rights and well-being of seniors, striving to make a positive impact on their lives and the lives of their families.
When I'm not immersed in the world of advocacy, you can find me engrossed in a good book, embracing the benefits of exercise, or exploring new destinations through travel. These pursuits not only bring balance to my life but also inspire my ongoing commitment to creating positive change. Join me in the journey of compassion, education, and advocacy. Together, we can make a difference.
MEET OUR MAKERS
Our Executive Board
Our leadership team, a blend of dedicated professionals, drives our mission forward with unwavering dedication. Each executive brings a unique set of skills and experiences, united by a shared vision of making a tangible difference in the communities we serve. Get to know the passionate individuals behind our impactful work, as they lead initiatives that embody our core values of empathy, integrity, and innovation. Join us in our journey of advocacy and change.
Akilah Weaver-Hill
A graduate of Elon University, Akilah Weaver Hill is a Senior Vice President, Benefits Executive with Bank of America charged with designing, enhancing, and maintaining robust human resources-related programs for 170+ employees across the organization. A dedicated Elon alumna, Akilah serves as the president of the Elon Black Alumni Network and is a yearly supporter of the Black Alumni Scholarship and a 1963 Club charter member. Akilah is a member of the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serves as Vice Chair of Deltas of Charlotte Foundation. A breast cancer survivor, she is dedicated to supporting women of color through their journey. She resides in Charlotte, N.C. with her husband Duane and golden doodle Chloe.
Marshay Proctor-Bates
Marshay A. Proctor-Bates, MSW, MHP, GCDF, is an esteemed Educational Consultant and Mental Health Professional with over 14 years in higher education. Passionate about creating supportive relationships for accessible education, she's well-versed in Social Work and lifelong learning. As the founder of MAP-B Consulting LLC, she aids in academic success and advocates for equitable learning experiences. Marshay also supports older adults with Alzheimer's and dementia through Carson Care, and serves on the board of Vital Connection of Midlands, SC. An Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member, she enjoys hiking in the Appalachian Mountains and nurturing her love for plants, embodying her dedication to education, mental health, and eldercare.
Ebony Copland
Ebony Copeland, originally from Washington, DC, now resides in Charlotte, NC. A proud alumna of Johnson C. Smith University, she earned her undergraduate degree and furthered her education at Howard University, where she received her Master's degree. With a deep commitment to service, Ebony has been instrumental in launching community engagement initiatives in Charlotte. These efforts demonstrate her dedication to fostering accountability and strengthening community ties. Her journey from Washington to Charlotte, combined with her academic achievements and passion for community betterment, highlights her role as a leader and advocate for positive change.