EXCUTIVE BOARD
DATD put together a dynamic team of people to lead the organization internally. Our board of directors is specially handpicked from the community. They all have years of experience working in the community to improve the quality of life for low-income community residents in and around Dallas and abroad. This group is driven and highly motivated in working to create a community of powerful Black and Latina entrepreneurs that will be future leaders within their communities. Raising the standard and quality of life for Black and Latin people across countries is our mission. DATD has identified various professionals with excellent credentials that will work with us. They are designing and implementing the programs that we offer, which target prolonged issues within the Black and Latin community that historically does not value women leaders.
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President
Christian Hughes
Secretary
Eliezer Velez
Christian Hughes embarked on her remarkable career in 1990, venturing into the realm of
criminal justice. Starting on probation and progressing to parole, she quickly proved herself as an
advocate for justice and rehabilitation. Before her tenure in law, Christian played a pivotal role in
crafting action plans for underserved families in the vibrant communities of Brooklyn.
Her
dedication to improving the lives of those in need was nothing short of exceptional. Christian's
outstanding work did not go unnoticed, earning her well-deserved recognition from the Mayor of
New York City for her tireless efforts in creating employment opportunities for individuals
re-entering society after incarceration.
As a single parent of five remarkable boys, Christian was determined to provide them with a
different, nurturing environment. This unwavering commitment to her children led her to Texas,
where she continued her distinguished career in law enforcement while raising her family. Today,
Christian Hughes stands as a retired law enforcement professional, having dedicated her life to
serving her community. Her passion for making a difference knows no bounds, and she has now
channeled her expertise into the field of mental health, where she continues to impact lives
positively.
Vice President
Christe Johnson
Christe Johnson, MBA, is a distinguished Accountant and a nationally recognized Credit Expert.
As the CEO of Score Factor, a prominent credit and financial service company based in DeSoto,
Texas, she has made significant contributions to the industry. Christe is driven by a deep passion
for community education, emphasizing the critical importance of financial literacy. In addition to
her professional endeavors, she is the visionary founder behind the Score Factor Domestic
Violence Awareness 5K, an annual event dedicated to providing support and aid to survivors of
domestic violence.
A driven individual with comprehensive experience in various types of law and legal situations,
including the management and archiving of high-volume physical and electronic documents; an
effective communicator and responsive team player who excels in team building and work
production with excellence. Detail-oriented, quiet when needed, and trustworthy, with practical
time management skills.
Treasurer
Leon Theodore
Leon Theodore is the Dallas County Justice Project Advocate at the Texas Criminal Justice
Coalition, having joined the organization in the fall of 2019. He has been active in the reentry
field since 2006, and he has done extensive volunteer work in Orlando, Florida, where he
established his nonprofit organization after recognizing the lack of services for people struggling
with sexual addiction.
Leon's passion for reentry, as well as social and employment development, stems from his own
experience with the justice system and the stigma attached to people returning from
incarceration. He is a proponent of youth diversion programs, especially as it relates to minorities
and the education system.
Leon earned a Master of Social Work from Texas A&M-Commerce in 2019, and, in the future,
he plans to pursue a Doctorate of Social Work, focusing specifically on students of color and the
intersection of self-esteem and perceived potential.
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Daughters Across the Diaspora is a dedicated team of passionate individuals driven by a shared commitment to empower, connect, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of women across the global diaspora.