Our  Board

My name is Patricia Roland and I’m the founder and CEO of Ladies of Excellence Chat and Chew.  This is non-profit organization that is designed to help empower women and young girls self-care, loving and forgiving yourself and most importantly, you are enough.

The focus is on helping the most vulnerable to find their way back.  I’ve always been blessed to have had positive role models to guide me and found it to have had made a major impact in my life.  Being raised by my loving grandmother and surrounded by caring church members as a youth, helped me to understand the importance of a village. Those individuals helped mold and shape my future. 

I have always mentored and worked in the homeless community and found it very rewarding to know I’ve made a difference. I poured into my children self-awareness,  self-worth and loving yourself.

I’ve understood the heartache and pain of my children not fitting in and being bullied while in school.  As a mom it’s limited to what we can do but hearing the words, “ I AM ENOUGH!” and giving them daily affirmations reassured them, they can. It’s my goal to empower anyone needing encouragement and to let them hear, I am enough.

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee and my family relocated to Pine Bluff, Arkansas at the age of eight.  I consider Pine Bluff my home.  I am a PK (preacher’s kid).  I grew up in church and have always worked in the church.  I have worked with youth ministry, the education department, and in the ladies’ ministry.  I married my best friend 32 years ago and we have one daughter.

I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I also obtained a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

I also have certifications in general education, English as a second language, and Gifted and Talented Education.

My work experience includes Human Resources and Education.  I have taught pre-school, 5th  – 8th grade, and college-level courses.  I currently work for the Grand Prairie Independent School District as an Advanced Academics Specialists.

My hobbies include reading, crocheting, and spending time with family. 

My name is Crystal McCartney. I’m a proud mother of a beautiful daughter, Christina who is the love of my life. I work for a local airline as a Flight Attendant where I love traveling and meeting new people. I’ve also recently fell into my life long passion and returned to culinary school. I graduated and now enjoy creating new dishes for family and friends. I’m active in the community working to bridge the gap of those suffering from homelessness and domestic violence. Helping people within the community is always been a rewarding goal.

 

I am excited to take on the role as a nutritionist advisory for I Am Enough. This will give me an opportunity to share healthy eating, recipes and budgeting skills to the community. I’m looking forward in sharing my experience with cooking on a “shoestring budget.” I will be share with beginners as well as experience individuals on making your budget work for you. I feel confident that I’m the right person for this position. I’ve ready to share new experiences and ideas.