KIMBERLY SELDEN
CO-FOUNDER
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Kimberly Selden, a Virginia Beach native and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, is a multi-talented professional with a diverse career that spans the fashion industry, production, political campaigns, social justice advocacy, and non-profit work. Her life's work is dedicated to making a positive impact on her community and society as a whole.
After completing her education, Kimberly embarked on her career journey in New York City, where she made significant contributions in the fields of fashion, production, and media. Her impressive portfolio includes producing live events, television programs, and content for renowned brands such as MTV, VH1, Gucci, NBA, Victoria's Secret, ESPN, and HBO, among others. Her expertise and creativity have left a lasting mark in these industries.
In addition to her work in fashion and media, Kimberly has actively participated in two presidential campaigns and supported numerous social justice organizations. She also initiated a non-profit organization with a focus on media in the African Diaspora, emphasizing the power of storytelling to create positive change.
After more than a decade in New York, Kimberly made the decision to return to her hometown and utilize her talents to contribute to her local community's growth and development, with a particular focus on film, television, and economic prosperity.
As part of her transition back to her roots, Kimberly co-founded the Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC) alongside Virginia Thornton. Their shared passion for breaking down barriers, empowering individuals, and fostering community development led to the establishment of BGTC. Kimberly recognizes the transformative power of sports, especially tennis, and understands the importance of representation in sports. As a skilled problem solver, she and Virginia have harnessed their collective interests in tennis, Black women, and community engagement to create a platform for growth and empowerment within BGTC.
Kimberly Selden's multifaceted career, dedication to community service, and passion for using sports as a vehicle for transformation have made her a driving force behind BGTC. Her leadership and problem-solving abilities are instrumental in making a positive impact within the organization and the broader community.
JANINE MOBLEY-BURKE
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Janine Mobley-Burke's background and commitment to education and youth empowerment make her a valuable asset to Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC) team. Her dedication to promoting equity in education and empowering young individuals aligns well with BGTC's mission to provide opportunities for Black women and girls in tennis. Her impressive educational background and experience in teaching and youth programming contribute significantly to the organization's growth and impact.
As the Interim Executive Director Janine's role is critical in designing and implementing educational initiatives and tennis programs that not only teach sports skills but also foster personal development and empowerment. Her commitment to creating a fair and inclusive educational environment is in line with BGTC's values and mission to promote radical wellness and liberation through play. Janine's passion for uplifting the achievements of Black women and embracing the concept of "Black girl magic" undoubtedly inspires and empowers the members of BGTC.
Janine's continuous quest for knowledge and her love for reading demonstrates her commitment to personal growth, which is an important quality for a leader in an organization like BGTC. With her leadership, BGTC can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Black women and girls in tennis and beyond.
LAKIESHA JONES
SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER
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LaKiesha Jones's diverse experiences and strong commitment to her family, community, and professional life make her a valuable addition to Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC) team. Her involvement in community service and her personal connection to BGTC, through her daughter Samara, reflect a deep passion for the organization's mission and values.
As Senior Program Manager, LaKiesha can leverage her extensive experience in change management, demonstrated by her recent promotion to Sr. Change Enablement Manager at Cox Automotive. Her expertise in creating and executing change readiness planning is directly applicable to the growth and transformation of BGTC. This skillset will be invaluable in developing and implementing programs and initiatives that support the organization's mission of empowerment, wellness, and liberation through tennis.
LaKiesha's active involvement in organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated and Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT) demonstrates her strong dedication to community engagement and networking. Her passion for her work, family, and community is a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact.
With LaKiesha Jones as Senior Program Manager, BGTC is well-positioned to continue its mission of empowering Black women and girls through tennis, and her dedication to both her family and the community will undoubtedly contribute to the organization's success.