BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Kamelya Hinson

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Alisha Green

    CHAIR

  • Christopher Saunders

    VICE CHAIR

  • YVONNE HINSON

    BOARD MEMBER EMERITA

  • Alonzo Barnes

    MEMBER-AT-LARGE

  • LES CAMPBELL

    MEMBER-AT-LARGE

  • IVAN HINSON

    MEMBER-AT-LARGE

  • TRE ORR

    MEMBER-AT-LARGE

  • ZORIAH BETHEL

    NEXT GEN ADVISOR

  • JORDAN BRYANT

    NEXT GEN ADVISOR

Kamelya Hinson

Founder & Executive Director
Communicator. Connector. Dream Keeper.

Kamelya Hinson is the visionary behind Ancestors Dream Initiative and an advocate for preserving and uplifting the Black student experience at the University of Florida. As Founder and Executive Director, she brings a deep understanding of legacy, leadership, and the power of culturally affirming spaces—shaped by decades of personal and professional impact.

Kamelya is a proud second-generation Gator in a three-generation UF legacy. She is a Life Member of the UF Alumni Association, past-president of the Atlanta Gator Club, and currently serves as a Member-at-Large on the UF Black Alumni national board. She also helped re-launch Atlanta’s Black Alumni chapter in 2018. With over 13 years of volunteer service to UF, she has raised thousands of dollars for scholarships, organized student recruitment events, and led impactful alumni engagement initiatives. She also serves on the Advisory Board for UF Digital Worlds Institute. Her dedication earned her multiple honors, including the prestigious UFAA National Leader of the Year award.

She played a pivotal role in securing long-overdue recognition for the 1984 Gators football team, mobilizing university leaders and alumni to honor the team’s rightful place in history. Her work has consistently centered the voices of Black students and alumni—whether organizing high-impact events, advocating for equity on campus, or mentoring communications students who now call her a trusted guide. 

Professionally, Kamelya is an accomplished communications consultant and former senior health communication specialist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she spent over 16 years leading national initiatives in emergency response, public health campaigns, and media strategy. Her work at CDC positioned her as a trusted voice in moments of crisis and change—skills she now brings to the fight for student advocacy and institutional accountability.

Kamelya founded the Ancestors Dream Initiative to fill the gaps left by changing institutional priorities and continue supporting the groups and experiences we’ve all grown to love during our time at UF. Through alumni and student engagement, grantmaking, and cultural enrichment, she is helping ensure that Black students at UF don’t just survive, but thrive—knowing that they are seen, supported, and surrounded by legacy.

Kamelya is an advocate for autism acceptance, supporting parents navigating the challenges of raising children on the spectrum. She is the proud mother of two daughters: Tierra, a senior at the University of Florida majoring in Digital Arts and Sciences, and Kamaya, an accomplished Architectural Walls Designer.

OFFICERS

Alisha Green Wyche, chair

Alisha Green Wyche is an accomplished educator and equity-driven leader with a passion for empowering students and transforming learning environments. She currently serves as an Assistant Principal at a local high school, where she supports academic achievement, inclusive programming, and student-centered innovation.

Alisha holds a UF Bachelor’s degree in Communications, a Masters in Curriculum from the University of Hawai‘i and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Barry University. Her career spans media, sports management, and K–12 education—where she has worked with students with disabilities, coached competitive cheerleading and track and field, and championed culturally responsive education.

A lifelong Gator and second-generation alum (both parents attended UF), Alisha’s earliest UF memories began as a child visiting campus. One of her most meaningful college experiences was serving as Associate Producer for UF’s Florida Invitational Step Show. Her commitment to community, creativity, and Black student advancement remains central to her role as Chair of Ancestors Dream Initiative. Alisha brings strategic insight and compassionate leadership to ADI, ensuring the organization stays focused on amplifying student voices and sustaining long-term impact. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and supporting the performing arts.

Christopher Saunders, Vice Chair

L. Chris Saunders – Chris Saunders is Assistant General Counsel at Miami Dade College, where he provides legal oversight and strategic counsel to one of the nation’s largest and most diverse educational institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.  Originally from Boston, Chris came to Gainesville sight unseen and witnessed four national championships during his time on campus. A devoted leader in the UF Black Alumni community, Chris served the South Florida Chapter of the Association of Black Alumni from 2017 to 2019 and continues to support ABA initiatives nationally. Chris brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit governance, civil rights, and public policy to his role as Vice Chair of the Ancestors Dream Initiative. He is committed to protecting legacy, advocating for equity, and ensuring that Black students at UF are supported through every stage of their academic and professional journeys. He currently resides in South Florida with his wife and three children.

Members at Large

alonzo barnes

Alonzo Barnes is a financial advisor with a passion for building generational wealth and financial literacy within communities of color. A more than 35yr career spanning corporate and community financial services, Alonzo provides expert guidance on sustainability and strategic planning for the Ancestors Dream Initiative. As a Member-at-Large, this UF graduate helps ensure the long-term financial health of ADI while advocating for equity-driven investments in student success. Alonzo is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He and his wife Sharice (also a Gator grad) reside in Tampa, Florida.

les campbell

Les Campbell is the President of Campbell & Associates and a respected leader in business strategy, operations, and community empowerment. With a track record of mentoring emerging entrepreneurs and strengthening nonprofit systems, Les brings visionary thinking and operational expertise to the Ancestors Dream Initiative. A proud UF graduate, and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, his strategic counsel as Member-at-Large helps guide ADI’s growth and impact with integrity and intention.

ivan hinson

Ivan Hinson is a dynamic media executive and multi-venture entrepreneur with a thriving portfolio of businesses and properties in New Orleans. As Director of Media Sales for a major communications conglomerate, Ivan pairs business savvy with cultural intentionality—offering ADI both strategic insight and a high-value network of industry connections.

A former football player and proud graduate of Kansas State University, he has built an impressive career in broadcast and digital advertising, helping brands grow through impactful storytelling, strategic media buys, and audience engagement. His advocacy for inclusive representation fuels every aspect of his work.

As a Member-at-Large, Ivan supports Ancestors Dream Initiative by expanding platform visibility, negotiating sponsorships, and building bridges between ADI’s mission and the broader business community. His entrepreneurial acumen and legacy-minded leadership are essential to ensuring Black UF students are seen, supported, and celebrated.

yvonne hinson

Florida State Representative Yvonne Hinson is double Gator, ’71 and ’72 graduate from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Special Education and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. A lifelong educator and public servant, she has been a steadfast champion for equity in education, voting rights, and community collaboration. She served as the Membership Chair of the Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee, the Finance Chair of the Gainesville Housing Authority Governing Board, board member of the Alachua County Branch N.A.A.C.P., and past president of the UF Black Alumni Association.  In 2012, she was elected to the Gainesville City Commission where she served until 2015. As a Member-at-Large for the Ancestors Dream Initiative— Rep. Hinson lends her legislative expertise, historical perspective, and unwavering commitment to justice to support ADI’s mission.

tre orr

Tre Orr is an academic advisor and dedicated student success advocate, committed to helping students navigate their educational journeys with clarity and confidence. A proud former Gator football player, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a Masters in Student Personnel in Higher Education.

He currently serves on the Academic Advising team for the University Athletic Association and actively supports the Black Student Athlete Council at UF. A member of the F Club and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Tre has remained closely connected to UF through his volunteer work with the Association of Black Alumni (ABA). With deep roots in higher education and a special interest in supporting underrepresented populations, Tre brings valuable insight to the Ancestors Dream Initiative. His role as Member-at-Large allows him to uplift student-centered policies and ensure that the academic needs of Black students remain front and center.

Next Gen Alumni Advisors

The bridge between legacy and lived experience.

Our Next Gen Alumni Advisors serve as vital links between ADI’s long-term mission and today’s student realities. These emerging leaders bring authentic insight into the current campus climate, cultural life, and the needs of Black student organizations. Their lived experiences ensure our work remains relevant, responsive, and rooted in the truth of what it means to be a Black Gator today.

jordan bryant

Jordan Bryant is a current student at the University of Florida, set to graduate in December 2025. Her passion for advocacy, service, and creative storytelling makes her a vital voice on the Ancestors Dream Initiative board. As Next Gen Advisor, she offers firsthand insight into the current student experience and helps ADI remain responsive, relevant, and student-centered.

Jordan is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, SISTUHS, Inc., Florida Cicerones, and performs with the Elite Chompettes dance team. She has also been actively involved in other organizations that center Black culture, sisterhood, and leadership. With a background in media and communications, Jordan uses creative storytelling to amplify student voices, preserve cultural memory, and highlight the evolving Black Gator experience.

Her authentic leadership and cultural fluency bring a vibrant and essential perspective to the work of ADI. In recognition of her commitment to engagement, community involvement, and scholarship, Jordan was honored with the Distinguished Engagement Award from UF’s Student Activities and Involvement office.

Zoriah Bethel

Zoriah Bethel is a recent University of Florida graduate and emerging leader with a passion for student advocacy, cultural preservation, and inclusive excellence. As Next Gen Advisor of the Ancestors Dream Initiative, she serves as a vital bridge between alumni and the student body—bringing informed, current-day insight to the board’s decision-making.

At UF, Zoriah was actively engaged in student leadership and campus life. She was a proud member of the Black Student Union, the UF Chapter of NAACP, Florida Cicerones, and Florida Blue Key. Her involvement reflects a deep commitment to elevating the student experience and advocating for equity across campus.

Zoriah’s leadership, institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to community make her an essential voice for progress and continuity within ADI.