Stone Center Staff
LeRhonda Manigault-Bryant
Director
Dr. Manigault-Bryant comes to the Stone Center from Williams College, where she was a professor of Africana Studies since 2011, served as Associate Dean of the Faculty, and held affiliations with the department of Religion and the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program.
After completing her undergraduate education at Duke University, Dr. Manigault-Bryant received a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a PhD in Religion from Emory’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. A proud native of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, she navigates the academy as a scholar-artist, where she merges her life as a musician and filmmaker with her interdisciplinary specializations in Religious Studies, Africana Studies, and Gender Studies, all with a focus on ethnographic methods.
Dr. Manigault-Bryant is the author of Talking to the Dead: Religion, Music, and Lived Memory among Gullah/Geechee Women (Duke University Press, 2014). She is also the co-author of Fat Religion: Protestant Christianity and the Construction of the Fat Body with Susan Hill and Lynne Gerber (Routledge, 2021), and Womanist and Black Feminist Responses to Tyler Perry’s Productions (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014) with Tamura A. Lomax and Carol B. Duncan. She has authored and co-authored numerous works for academic and general audiences.
A recipient of the New Directions Fellowship from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Dr. Manigault-Bryant is an accomplished filmmaker who studied filmmaking at Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She founded ConjureGirlBlue Productions, which produced films including: “PRECIPICE: On the Black Maternal” (2021) and the acclaimed short film, “death. everything. nothing” (2020), an official selection to numerous film festivals.
Dr. Manigault-Bryant also has several works currently in progress, including “Welcome to Toxic Tallevast,” a documentary on environmental contamination in an African-American community on Florida’s Gulf coast; Pushing Weight: Religion, Popular Culture, and the Implications of Image, which considers how popular culture and contemporary media forms simultaneously influence mass interpretations of the black female “religious” body; and a muti-media venture entitled “Black Crossroads: Mourning Rituals and Geographies of Sacred Space.” Whether investigating practices of specific communities, exploring cultural production at the popular level, considering the impact of new technologies, or creating documentary shorts, critical to Dr. Manigault-Bryant’s work are explorations of how Black women engage religion and spirituality to navigate the contours of life.
For her creative endeavors, Dr. Manigault-Bryant has been awarded independent and national grants from the Ford Foundation, the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the Forum for Theological Exploration, the Louisville Institute, the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Religion and Theology, Emory University, Wake Forest University, Williams College, and the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. She has also held visiting professorships at Brown University and Harvard University.
As the new director of the Stone Center, Dr. Manigault-Bryant brings an array of experience to bear rooted in her life as a Black southern-born womanist attentive to folkways; grounded by her deep, interdisciplinary scholarly profile in Africana religious studies; centered in scholarship, service, and teaching that foregrounds Black women’s experiences; undergirded by her work as an innovative documentary filmmaker; refined by her campus-wide level administrative expertise; seasoned by her role as a dynamic, creative, and inclusive leader; and inspired by the ethics of care and delight which underpin all of her endeavors.
Sheriff Drammeh
Associate Director
Sheriff Drammeh is the Associate Director of the Sonja Haynes Stone Center. Since joining the Center in 2014, Sheriff has had the principal role of designing arts, culture, and community programs. This has included planning and organizing efforts for the Annual Stone Memorial and Diaspora Lectures, the Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film, and numerous art exhibitions hosted in the Stone Center’s Brown Gallery, cultural performances — among them the one-woman play on the life of Big Mama Thornton entitled “Houn’ Dawg” featuring artist Azusa SHESHE Dance and the one-man show “POWER!” on the life of Stokely Carmichael by DC-based actor/playwright Meshaun Labrone. Sheriff also coordinated symposia — on Amiri Baraka and the Black arts movement, Black bookstores, and the 1619 Project to name a few — and community workshops (including one on Bomba Dance) led by Stone Center guest artists.
Sheriff holds undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Communication (with a minor in journalism) from NC State University and graduate degrees in International Development and Conflict Management from Brandeis University.
Javier Jaimes-Ayala
Facilities Manager
Javier Jaimes-Ayala is the Facilities Manager at the Stone Center. Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Javier first joined UNC in the Department of Public Safety as a security guard for 10 years. He also spent five years at UNC hospitals as a General Manager for Environmental Services, Patient Transportation, and Guest Services. In addition to his work at the Stone Center, he also owns and operates a commercial/residential cleaning company.
Gregg Moore
Stone Center Librarian
Gregg Moore is a Rocky Point, NC, native who studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has more than a decade of library experience as a former employee of the Wake County Public Libraries in Raleigh.
Brittany Yarborough
Executive Assistant to the Director
Brittany Yarborough is a Burlington, NC native and brings to the Stone Center over ten years of executive administrative experience.
Jordyn Cooper
Admin Support Associate
Jordyn is the Admin Support Associate at the Stone Center. She joined the center in 2024 and plays a key role in supporting the Moore Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program(MURAP) and Student Learning to Advance Truth and Equity (SLATE). Jordyn’s work includes supporting the development and implementation of academic programs, facilitating research opportunities for students, and promoting cultural awareness and understanding within the university community.
An interdisciplinary researcher, Jordyn’s academic focus has examined the intersections of race and its economic, cultural, and political impacts. Recently, her research has expanded to explore geographic effects, particularly the physical expansion of carcerality in response to political and social movements and its implications for various communities. She views research as an essential tool for understanding complex societal issues and driving meaningful change. Jordyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Political Science from UNC Greensboro and a master’s degree in Global Studies from UNC Chapel Hill
Safiyyah Elahi
Community and Undergraduate Programs Coordinator
Safiyyah Elahi is the Community and Undergraduate Programs Coordinator at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center. Safiyyah joined the Center in February of 2024. She works primarily with work study students, supports efforts for Stone Center Programs, as well as CommUniversity Youth Program (CYP) — a K-12 out-of -school STEM enrichment program and outreach. She has experience working with at-risk youth, as well as in education through teaching and tutoring, and in youth development.
Safiyyah holds an undergraduate degree in Public Health from University of Saint Joseph (CT) and graduate degree in Gender and Cultural Studies from Simmons University.
Kara Endsley
Philanthropy Officer
Kara Endsley is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in fundraising, program management, and training & development. Her impressive career includes work with a variety of prominent organizations, such as DePauw University, the American Heart Association, United Way of Central Indiana, North Carolina Central University, The Geena Davis Institute on Gender and Media, and the Winston-Salem State University
Foundation.
She has a notable track record of delivering high-quality, engaging
presentations and workshops on topics including cultural competency, media advocacy, coalition building, and strategic planning. Kara’s expertise has been sought after by a wide range of audiences across the US, including several states and federal agencies like the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA).
Kara holds a BA in Political Science from DePauw University and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Oakland City University. She recently earned a certificate in Fundraising Leadership from the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy.
In her community, Kara is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., volunteers with Dress for Success and her church, Baptist Grove, and resides in Morrisville, NC, with her husband, Houston Vines.
Her dedication to enhancing the capacity and growth of large and small nonprofits and community organizations underscores her passion for service and commitment to underserved populations.
Neha Chhabra
Public Communications Specialist
Neha Chhabra serves as the Public Communications Specialist at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center, bringing over a decade of global experience in strategic communications. Her background encompasses a broad spectrum of internal and external communications, with expertise in marketing, media relations, public relations, social media strategy, and event management.
She has held communications roles in both North Carolina and Singapore, working across diverse industries including Education, Energy, Healthcare, Fashion, Sports and Hospitality. Neha has contributed to the success of large corporations, mid-sized firms, small businesses, and internationally recognized public relations agencies.
She is known for developing and implementing strategic, innovative, results-driven campaigns that effectively engage target audiences, elevate brand visibility, strengthen corporate image, expand digital reach, and drive business growth.
Neha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Science in Communication from North Carolina State University.
Faculty Leads
Cheryl Woods Giscombe
Faculty Fellow
Dr. Cheryl L. Woods Giscombé, PhD, PMHNP-BC is a distinguished professor, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social/health psychologist, certified health coach, and certified mindfulness teacher. Dr. Giscombe is the Senior Associate Dean and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Nursing, the Academy of Behavioral Medicine, and the Mind & Life Institute. Giscombe was named a Leader in the Field by the American Psychological Association, and her research has been consistently funded by the National Institutes of Health and other national foundations and healthcare organizations for the past twenty-one years.
Dr. Giscombe’s research incorporates quantitative and qualitative methods, psychoneuroendocrine and cardiometabolic biomarker data, and community-engaged research approaches to investigate how stress and coping strategies contribute to biopsychosocial mechanisms of pre-diabetes, diabetes, and breast cancer. She develops tailored, mindfulness-based and other integrative, whole-person health interventions to promote well-being in populations at high risk for chronic health conditions.
She teaches art museum-based contemplative practices, with training from the Harvard Macy Institute. She was a design partner for the Harvard Macy Institute Art Museum-based Health Professions Education Fellowship, and she is a contributor to the Harvard Medical School CME Visual Thinking Strategies for Healthcare course. Dr. Giscombe developed the Superwoman Schema Conceptual Framework, the Giscombe Superwoman Schema Questionnaire, and the Harmony Program.
Dr. Giscombe is a North Carolina native and a graduate of the NC School of Science and Mathematics, North Carolina Central University, Stony Brook University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has published extensively in scientific journals, and she is the author of The Black Woman’s Guide to Coping with Stress: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Skills to Create a Life of Joy and Well-Being (New Harbinger, 2024).
National Advisory Board
Sam Fulwood III is a nonresident senior fellow at American Progress. He is also the former director and founder of American Progress’ Leadership Institute, a program to assist with the advancement of people of color in public policy and served as Dean of American University’s School of Communication. Fulwood earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill in 1978.
Laura Anderson Wright graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1991. A thirty-year higher education & communications professional, Laura returned to her home state and works for the University of Maryland, College Park (“UMD”).
Amanda Rodrigues Smith currently serves with Amazon on equity partnership initiatives with colleges and universities especially minority serving schools that focus on STEM. She holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Almer Reddick graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. He is currently a Regional Sales Director for Sanofi’s Gastroenterology Division.
Anita Walton is an accomplished higher education professional with more than 30 years of progressive experience in higher education. She serves as the Vice Chancellor of University Advancement at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in education from North Carolina State University.
Beverly Knight is an alumna of UNC Chapel Hill where she earned both her bachelors in exercise science and psychology; and her doctorate in physical therapy. Over the years, she has served as a clinical practitioner of physical therapy in multiple settings helping people of all ages.
Cassandra Denise Caldwell is an internationally renowned executive, faculty member, philanthropist, consultant, entrepreneur, and scholar. She is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Communication at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Caldwell earned a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, an M.P.A. from North Carolina Central University, and a B.A. in speech communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Cedric Brown is an award-winning social impact leader with 20+ years of deep and varied experience in the U.S. philanthropy and NGO sectors. Cedric runs Blue Skies Advising, a consultancy focused on program strategy and development for foundations and nonprofits. Cedric holds academic degrees from the University of North Carolina and Stanford University, as well as executive certificate credentials from Georgetown University and the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Jennifer Gerz-Escandon serves as the associate vice president for Academic Programs and Research at the University of North Carolina (UNC) System Office. As a team leader within the Academic Affairs Division, Dr. Gerz-Escandón leads the implementation of UNC Board of Governors policies on graduate academic program planning and approval and oversees research reporting and initiatives – including the Research Opportunities Initiative, Interinstitutional Planning Grant, and Undergraduate Research Program Award.
Kathryn Hunter Williams received her B.F.A from University of North Carolina School of the Arts and her M.F.A from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she is Chair and Associate professor in the Department of Dramatic Art.
Linda Brown Douglas, who graduated from Carolina in 1982 with a bachelor’s in journalism, returned to her alma mater in November 1998 as director of Community Relations in University Relations. Today Douglas is director of Volunteer Engagement in University Development where she staffs the UNC Board of Visitors and the Alumni Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity.
Monica Cloud was Chief of Staff to Representative Alma Adams (D) of North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D). She now serves as Director of Federal Government Relations at GSK Pharmaceutical.
Philip Charles-Pierre is the CEO of Semsee, the automated small commercial quoting solution for agents. He has significant experience creating digital solutions to help small and mid-sized businesses in insurance, real estate and travel.
Shannon Bell is a fundraiser and business efficiency professional with over 15 years of experience in higher education, health care, and law. She has earned her breadth of knowledge serving as Executive Director, Major Gift Officer, Consultant and Liaison, as well as Legal Assistant in non-profit, central university development, school/unit-based development operations, real estate practices and law firms. She is an alumna of UNC Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Public Policy and a Carolina Research Scholar.