Ayanna Adams
Ayanna is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, mentor, and disciple of Christ. With nearly ten years of experience in multifamily real estate, primarily in NYC, she is known for her passion for tackling complex issues and attention to detail. Ayanna holds an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from the University of Richmond.
Having stepped away from corporate America, Ayanna recognized the limitations of existing structures and felt compelled to create something that aligned more closely with her vision for positive change. This moment of inspiration led her to pursue her current path and create the Welcome Home Foundation.
As an advocate for housing equity, Ayanna is committed to ensuring fair and accessible housing for all. Ayanna works to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. Her motto, inspired by her mother’s daily encouragement to be the best she can be, is “Striving to be positive, powerful, and prideful in every aspect of my life.”
In her spare time, you can find Ayanna experimenting kitchen, exploring new destinations around the globe, and cherishing moments with the people she loves the most. Guided by her favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,” she continues her journey to make a positive impact in the world and align with God’s will.
Lyniesha Ward
Lyniesha is a servant leader, critical thinker, challenger, and educator. She loves to serve the community independently, with her church, and with her sorority. Lyniesha is also an avid reader and runner. Lyniesha holds two chemistry degrees: a B.S. from the University of Richmond and a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. She is a former high school science teacher currently employed as a chemistry professor at Indiana University Indianapolis. At Indianapolis, she collaborates with a team of graduate and undergraduate students to tackle challenges in higher education.
Currently, Lyniesha's favorite scripture is John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." Lyniesha grew up as a military child, frequently moving with her family. Regardless of the state or country in which she lived, Lyniesha always felt at home when she was with her family. To Lyniesha, Home is a place where peace, security, love, and family are possible.
Marcia Grayson
Rev. Dr. Marcia R. Grayson is the founder of A Better Me Prayer Ministry and a consultant for the Interfaith Coalition for Women of Domestic and Sexual Violence, a State-funded program through the Mercy Center in Asbury Park, NJ. She also serves as a Domestic Violence Response Team responder and holds a Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling: Crisis Response and Trauma from Liberty University. Her mission work in Haiti and South Africa fuels her passion for ministry.
As Executive Pastor and Core Team member of Encounter Christ Global Fellowship, Dr. Grayson supports the leadership of Dr. Semaj Y. Vanzant, Sr. A retired Correction Officer with 25 years of service at the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department, she now works as a substitute teacher for elementary students and teaches Biblical Studies at Brown and Davis Bible Institute in Asbury Park, NJ. Her community roles include Daughter Ruler of Maggie G. Hill Temple #1308, IBPOE of W; Grand Temple Chaplain of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World; secretary for the National Council of Negro Women’s National Human Trafficking Committee; and Chaplain for the NJ State DOES. She founded the “Jewels of the Kingdom: It’s a Process” annual women’s prayer breakfast and retreat. Additionally, she serves as Chaplain and Asst. Chaplain for the Eastern Division and National Antlered Guard Department.
In 2021, she published her first book, "Can’t You Hear Her?" based on her graduate work on addressing sexual and physical violence against women through transformational preaching, earning her the title “The Voice for Broken Women.” Dr. Grayson is a proud mother, grandmother, and daughter. Her favorite scripture and motto is: “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” - Luke 6:27-28.