National Executive Board Members

ABWHE, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is operated by volunteered service from its dedicated members. Members join the national organization and a local chapter on an annual basis and elect its national executive board every two years. The National Executive Board comprises a national president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer and meets every month.

The National Board meets every two months, and meetings are open to chapter members. The National Board comprises the National Executive Board, Chapter Presidents, and Vice Presidents, along with National Committee Chairs. Email the national office to participate in a National Board meeting.

ABWHE Values

Sisterhood: A community and safe space for members to be affirmed and access resources to successfully navigate K-12, Higher Education, and marginalized environments. We’re inclusive of sisters who work in areas adjacent to higher education such as K-12, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Leadership and Professional Development: Promote intellectual growth and educational development through offered programs and a bi-annual national conference, as well as offer leadership coaching, engagement, and development opportunities.
Mentorship: ABWHE members partner with local schools and community organizations to mentor diverse students from middle school through the doctoral level.
Advocacy: Eradicate barriers that hinder Black women from thriving academically and in their workplace. We’re a resource to our members by connecting them with information and resources to navigate systemic racism.

Kimberly Roan, Ed.D.

National President

Dr. Roan joined ABWHE in 2013 and currently serves as ABWHE National President since 2022. She’s served ABWHE National as the Treasurer, the Minnesota Chapter as Chapter President from 2014 - 2020, and the Chair of the 2019 National Conference which was held in Minnesota.

Beryl Jeffers

National Vice President

Currently, National Vice-President of ABWHE and she served as President- NY Chapter for 6.5 years. My membership spans over 20 years. As President Emeritus of the New York Chapter, accomplishments include mentorship and building on the legacy with stellar educational programming in NY for Black women in higher education.

Dion Lucas

National Secretary

Dion Lucas joined ABWHE in 2023 to support Black women in higher education. She currently serves as President of the Virtual Chapter while supporting our Executive Officers and National Board.

Karen Ruth-Jarmon, Ed.D.

National Treasurer

Dr. Karen Ruth-Jarmon is the current President of ABWHE-MN and the Treasurer of the National Executive Board. Dr. Ruth-Jarmon is a retired middle school science teacher. She continues her work with students by serving as a substitute teacher.

Michelle D. Morrow, Ed.D.

Immediate Past National Board President and Advisor to the Chicago Chapter

Michelle is the immediate past national board president. Past roles in ABWHE include serving as president and vice-president for the Chicago Chapter, national board secretary, chair of the ABWHE Scholarship Committee, and co-chair of the 2019 ABWHE National Conference Committee.