Our board represents the backbone of our organization—each member is committed to upholding the mission and values of Empowering Lives with a Purpose.
With backgrounds in education,
counseling, business, the arts, and nonprofit leadership, our board brings diverse perspectives
and a shared passion for community service.
Jamaal D. Lathan
Jamaal D. Lathan is a multifaceted entrepreneur, artist, and community leader whose life
journey exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others.
Jamaal is the founder and CEO of Empowering Lives with a Purpose, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization based in Houston, Texas. Jamaal has been an entrepreneur for over two decades
and his diverse talents and experiences have shaped him into a dynamic force for positive change.
Growing up in a lower-income area of Houston, Jamaal experienced firsthand the challenges of limited resources. This upbringing fueled his passion for giving back to the community. In 2017, he founded Empowering Lives with a Purpose, starting with a community service drive that evolved into a
comprehensive program dedicated to assisting underprivileged students and families
in the Houston Independent School District.
His commitment to community service has been recognized through several honors,
including Aldine ISD Business Partners of the Year for 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Through Empowering Lives with a Purpose, Jamaal continues to invest in the
Houston community, striving to create a lasting impact and build brighter futures for all.
Founder & CEO
A’Star Jones-Hurd, a proud native of Houston, Texas, serves as the Board President for
Empowering Lives With A Purpose, an organization devoted to supporting education and
uplifting those in need within the community.
With over 20 years of experience in education, A’Star has held numerous impactful roles
including classroom teacher, campus leader, district and state-level reading specialist, and
principal. Her professional journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for educating children and a
steadfast commitment to service.
Beyond the school community, A’Star has dedicated herself to providing community support in
various capacities to make a meaningful impact. She believes in being a force for good, working
tirelessly to ensure that lives are better simply because she’s part of them. Through her leadership
and heart for service, A’Star continues to inspire and uplift people, one life at a time.
A’Star Jones-Hurd
Board President
Vivian Spikes
As a passionate and experienced special education behavior teacher in Aldine ISD for 18 years,
Vivian Spikes is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive environments where all students can thrive,
focusing on positive behavior interventions and individualized instruction to foster academic and social-emotional
growth. As a school counselor and advocate, she provides support to our students in their academics,
career, and personal/social and mental health supports and believe it is important to provide support in all
areas to assist our students in becoming productive and resilient students out in the community.
image coming soon
Board Member
Katrina E. Moore is a dynamic and energetic professional with broad range of progressively challenging, diversified experience. She establishes and cultivates working relationships with colleagues, company management, officials, business community, stakeholders, and the public. She has extensive experience
in grant management and oversight and budget management. As a grants manager for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, she was responsible for managing $30 million of federal funds
and making funding recommendations to the Board.
She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and from the University of Saint Thomas-Houston with a Master’s in Liberal Arts with a concentration in International Studies.
She is an avid traveler and whilst she considers herself a global citizen, she resides in Houston, TX…for now.
Katrina E. Moore
image coming soon
Board Member
Kevin Johnson
image coming soon
Kevin Johnson is a Kansas native and a 1982 Graduate of the University of
Kansas. He retired from a 30-year career as a Probation Officer. Upon moving to Houston in 2016,
Also worked as a Paraprofessional for the Aldine school District until 2020. Currently he is now a
Licensed Massage Therapist and the Owner operator of KJ’s Massage and Bodywork LLC.
Board Member
Carletta Shepherd-Hall is the dynamic Founder and CEO of DiamaX Promotions & Management Corp.,
A premier marketing and promotions company known for delivering best-results-driven campaigns across the entertainment industry. With a sharp eye for talent and an unmatched ability to execute high-impact promotional strategies, Mrs. Shepherd-Hall has built a reputation as a powerhouse in both corporate and creative spaces. Through DiamaX, Mrs. Shepherd-Hall has organized, promoted, and marketed numerous industry-level events, including press conferences, concerts, and high-profile engagements.
Her artist development portfolio spans from emerging talent to platinum producers and performers
touring with icons like Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna.
In the Houston Metropolitan Area, Carletta is a familiar voice on local radio talk shows and is frequently called upon as a charismatic hostess and Master of Ceremonies. Her reputation for excellence continues to attract venues and industry professionals from across the nation who seek out DiamaX for its cutting-edge and tailored promotional services. In addition to her professional pursuits, Carletta is also a proud partner in Space City Slingers, a national organization for three-wheeled vehicle enthusiasts. She plays a central role in hosting several community-focused events and oversees one of the largest Sling gatherings in the country.
Carletta Shepherd-Hall
image coming soon
Board Member