Executive Board
Ephonia Green - President of GSA
With a natural flair for leadership, Ephonia Green has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community among graduate students. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives to improve student welfare, including professional development and community service involvement. Her advocacy efforts ensure that graduate students' voices are heard and represented in university decisions, particularly in funding, curriculum development, and student services.
Ephonia holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Bowie State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is a strong proponent of collaborative work, believing in the power of teamwork and actively encouraging cross-departmental interactions to enrich the graduate experience. Her effective communication skills have been key in bridging the gap between students and the university administration, facilitating a more inclusive and responsive academic environment.
As President, Ephonia is committed to creating a supportive and vibrant community for graduate students. Her vision includes enhancing professional development opportunities, increasing accessibility to mental health resources, and cultivating an inclusive culture that respects and celebrates diversity.
Devin Cash - Vice President
Born and raised in the heart of Washington, DC, Devin Cash is a dynamic and driven individual who began his academic pursuits at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Prince George's County. After an impressive undergraduate tenure at Bowie State University, where he graduated in the Spring of 2023, Devin immediately continued his scholarly endeavors by enrolling in graduate studies in June.
Throughout his undergraduate journey, Devin was a central force in enhancing student life, dedicating three years to the Student Government Association. His dual passion for music also flourished, becoming a familiar face as the Campus DJ during his college years.
Currently, Devin serves as a TMA/AmeriCorps VISTA member, a role in which he is responsible for the Nutrition Lounge, contributing to a nourishing and dynamic campus atmosphere. He is also proudly part of the Internet of Things & Internet Technologies (IoT&IT) Master's Program's second cohort, demonstrating his commitment to mastering emerging technologies.
Kaliyah Pendergrass - Director of Communication
Kaliyah Pendergrass, a Communications Specialist with a B.S. in Communications from Bowie State University and pursuing an M.A. in Human Resources Development, is committed to advancing public policy and fostering meaningful connections. In her role at the North East Housing Initiative (NEHI), a nonprofit community land trust in Baltimore, she supports the President and CEO by providing critical administrative and project coordination services, driving solutions for affordable housing.
Kaliyah began her career as a Social Media Coordinator in the medical field, where she honed her communication skills in high-pressure environments, enhancing both internal operations and patient care. Over the years, she has cultivated strong organizational and adaptability skills through various administrative support roles across the Baltimore-D.C. region.
Passionate about leveraging her expertise in communication, Kaliyah is focused on benefiting the nonprofit and human resources sectors, with a particular interest in impactful messaging strategies and public policy advocacy. She is driven by the opportunity to contribute to forward-thinking organizations and collaborate on creating positive change.
Srinivasa Kranthi Kiran Kolachina - Financial Director
Srinivasa Kranthi Kiran Kolachina was born in Rayagada, India. He received the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Master’s in Physics from Andhra University, India, in 2003 and 2005, respectively. He also holds a Dual Master of Science in Electrical Engineering with emphasis on Radio Communications and Signal Processing from Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden, in 2007 and 2010, respectively.
He is currently working toward the PhD. degree in Computer Science at Bowie State University from August 2020. He works as a Research Assistant in the Computation Perception and Animation Laboratory (CPAL), where he engages in several NSF and NASA funded projects.
His research interests include anomaly detection using Large Language Models, Brain MRI analysis with variational autoencoders, also Artificial Intelligence with a focus on developing Deep Learning and Machine Learning models in the field of Cyber Security, and Health Care.
Liz Rodriguez-Cole - Parliamentarian & Organization Liaison Officer
I am Liz Rodriguez-Cole, currently on an academic path at the College of Business, where I am pursuing a Masters of Art in Human Resource Development. This advanced degree builds upon my foundational knowledge and is a testament to my commitment to professional growth in the field of HR.
My educational background is rooted in a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language & Literature and Biopsychology, which I obtained in 2012 from Notre Dame of Maryland University. This diverse educational experience has equipped me with a unique blend of linguistic, psychological, and biological insights.
Professionally, I am dedicated to my role as an Adult Learning Specialist, specializing in e-learning development. Outside of work, my interests extend to organizing events and attending networking mixers, activities that allow me to indulge in my love for community engagement and continuous learning.
Linda Orajekwe - Past President of GSA
Linda Orajekwe is a dedicated advocate for social justice, focusing on resource accessibility and inclusion in both academic and workplace settings. As a graduate student in Human Resource Development at Bowie State University, she has held leadership roles, including President of the Graduate Students Association, demonstrating her commitment to positive change and student advocacy. Linda champions workplace inclusivity and student resource awareness, firmly believing in equal opportunities for all. Her research, including a notable paper on 'Organizational Justice as Trigger to Quiet Quitting,' earned her the NAAAS Research Award in 2023. Additionally, Linda has contributed as an Inclusion Panelist for NASA, assessing and advancing their IDEA goals. Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a human-centered approach in professional and academic environments.
Dr. Cubie Bragg, Faculty Advisor
Dr. Cubie A. Bragg is a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. He currently holds a Ph.D in clinical psychology and is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Human Services at Bowie State University. He is also Interim Director of the Adler-Dreikurs Institute of Human Services and coordinator of the Adlerian Counseling Psychology Program at Bowie State University.
He is an internationally known lecturer, and a national doctoral addiction counselor and therapist. He is certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia. Dr. Bragg has completed extensive research in stress management, depression and anxiety disorders. He serves as a reviewer for several national journals and is the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding work with youth and child care workers.
Dr. Bragg is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding work in the field of human resources. He was president of The National Organization of Youth and Child Care Workers for six years, which provided him the experience of speaking and teaching internationally. As national president, he designed and implemented national and international conferences and training seminars.
Dr. Bragg has more than fourteen years of experience in developing and facilitating management training seminars, as well as organizational and staff development.
Dr. Marsha Jackson, Co-Advisor
Dr. Marsha E. Jackson, known as Dr. Jaye, is a distinguished expert in talent development with over 25 years of experience driving performance enhancements across various sectors. She holds a doctorate in Adult Learning and Human Resource Development from Virginia Tech and is the founder of TreSOTMi, LLC, an organization dedicated to advancing talent within enterprises. Her work focuses on leadership development, diversity and inclusion, career management, mentoring, and organizational change, with a proven track record of helping individuals and organizations achieve sustained success.
A published researcher in transformational learning, Dr. Jaye has contributed significantly to the field, particularly through her celebrated paper "Human Capital Development: Building Organizational Trust in an Era of Cultural Divisiveness," which earned the Best Paper Award from the International Organization of Social Sciences and Behavioral Research in 2017. Her research explores the role of trust in overcoming cultural divides within organizations, providing practical insights into leadership and organizational culture.
Her peers and professional organizations have recognized Dr. Jaye's achievements throughout her career. In 2018, she received the Idahlynne Karre Exemplary Leadership Award from The Chair Academy for her collaborative research efforts. Dr. Jaye’s expertise inspires leaders and organizations, as she remains committed to fostering high-performance environments where individuals can unlock their full potential.