About Us
Mission
A Celebration of Worth, Inc. (ACOW) is a not for profit organization with a focus on navigating the way through celebration and hands on quality care, for individuals to gain or regain a quality of life hoped for, through a sense of pride, self-respect, self-esteem and self-worth. ACOW will accomplish this for our participants by bridging the gap between people and adequate resources such as: Education, Wellness, Character Building, Empowerment and Mentorship. Our mission is to celebrate and create a better life for individuals who may not have, or who have lost self-worth or self-esteem and have reasoned that there is no way to achieve or regain it.
Vision
The Organization operates to ensure that it maintains upright, legal and professional business practices and will continue to be a credible, viable choice for community partnerships, leadership coaching, self-development and restoration of the at risk population in our community. With carefully, well-chosen professional staff, volunteers and mentors, ACOW will be well equipped with what it takes to cultivate greater community cohesiveness.
Board Of Directors
R. Sherrice Williams
President & CEO
Sherrice Williams is a seasoned leader with a profound commitment to community service and empowerment. Her journey began in the summer of 1994, volunteering with the Waterman Gardens Resident Advisory Group in San Bernardino, California. As the board of director’s Secretary and Youth Advisory Director, she played a crucial role in developing and implementing community programs such as “Healthy Families Together,” exercise initiatives, and neighborhood watch committees.
Sherrice has held various significant positions on community boards, including serving as board Secretary and Executive Director for the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, and as Council Secretary for the California Black Chamber of Commerce Council of Chambers. Her extensive experience extends to her tenure as the business and contracts manager for the Central City Lutheran Mission and H Street Clinic, where she trained youth leaders to sustain community programs efficiently.
From 2009 to 2014, Sherrice led fundraising and infrastructure projects for Southern California Edison Company’s Chino Sub Station and Climbing School Employee Contributions. She earned her certification in Project Management from the California Institute of Technology in 2011 and subsequently founded III Generations Design Concepts, an event planning and business development firm.
In 2013, Sherrice expanded her impact by mentoring aspiring business owners. In 2016, leveraging her personal experiences as a survivor, she established A Celebration of Worth, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and mentoring survivors of domestic violence and individuals with self-esteem issues. She further honed her skills by obtaining a certification from the Women’s Institute of Negotiation at the Rady School of Management, UC San Diego, in 2018.
In 2024, Sherrice ventured into real estate investing and government contract consulting, and obtained her certification as a personal credit counselor. Through her ministry, she continues to impart spiritual values and to assist others in their community endeavors, striving to foster growth and development through education, resources, and personal service.
Asia Luna
Vice President & Manager
Coming from a family of generations of volunteers and entrepreneurs, Asia is no stranger to the joys of helping others and developing a strong work ethic. From a young age, Asia aspired to reach out in service to her community. At the age of 7, she volunteered with Southern California Edison’s community involvement program, participating in several beach cleanup events, and a battered women’s shelter rehab project and food drive.
Additional volunteer opportunities Asia has participated in as a youth, was with the city of Fontana Parks & Recreation, Hesperia Days 5K run, representing Options for Youth and local Fontana Fire department. She participated in the Hesperia Community Cleanup day of 2014
Asia began to acquire business experience in 2010, while working as a cashier, server, desert maker and prep cook, with Martin’s concession and Eddie’s Concession, at the Fontana Lemon Festival, Yucaipa days, and other public events. In 2014, as a senior in high school, Asia was the Treasurer of United Student Body Council (USBC) helping to organize field trips, potluck events and Seniors Class events.
In her young adult years Asia assisted the founder of 3 Generations Design Concepts, Inc. with preparations and execution of events such as weddings, graduations, anniversaries, etc.
Asia came to love children while working for Kingston Elementary School in 2014 – 2016, as a Teacher’s Assistant in grades K to 6th and Special Education. She was awarded in 2015 for her involvement with student score improvements for the state of California. She was instrumental in relationship building and successful conflict resolution, by creatively engaging unruly students and redirecting their negative behavior; by creating and utilizing a rhythmic clapping game to encourage them to show respect toward proctors and other authorities in the cafeteria. Other Proctors were successful in following her lead and receiving a positive response from students. She now is a wife and happy mother of 2 beautiful daughters.
Asia started volunteering with the nonprofit organization A Celebrations of Worth, Inc. in 2019 as a member of the board of directors.
Asia created her own business called QueenzDecals where she could be a stay at home mom and care for her daughter with special needs while passing down a legacy for her daughter’s, which she started in November 6th 2021.
Arlene Williams
Secertary
Arlene Williams is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in customer relations, medical billing and coding, and office management. With over a decade of experience, Arlene has proven her ability to deliver exceptional service and exceed customer expectations in various roles. Her career includes valuable contributions as an Optician at Woodbridge Optometry in Irvine, CA, and Feinerman Vision Center in Newport Beach, CA, where she managed insurance authorizations, scheduling, and provided personalized patient care.
Arlene is recognized for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring efficient operations and high levels of customer satisfaction. She is adept at utilizing her excellent communication skills to build rapport with clients and colleagues alike, fostering positive relationships and driving team success. Arlene's commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional endeavors; she actively engages in community service initiatives, demonstrating her passion for making a positive impact.
In her spare time, Arlene enjoys exploring new opportunities for personal and professional growth, embracing challenges, and expanding her skill set. She is dedicated to continuous learning and strives to uphold the highest standards of service excellence in every aspect of her career.
Melvena Mitchell
Advisor
Melvena started her quest for self-development with a love for knowledge and healthy, educated children when she worked, under the Neighborhood Youth Corp Program from the 10th to the 12th grade, as an office Assist to the Principal’s Secretary at Grape Elementary School in Compton, CA.
She taught Nutrition through Healthy Snack Recipes to 5th and 6th grade students and also worked as a Lunch Recess Supervision temp for the Lynwood City Schools District.
Melvena has always had a love for community and exercised her volunteer spirit with various community organizations and projects including: Girl Scouts of America as a Group Leader for the City of Fountain Valley in Orange County, as a “Boy Scouts of America” Den Mother in the City of Lynwood and as Day Camp Coordinator for the Scouts’ Midland District of Southern California.
Melvena pursued a double majored in English/Journalism and studied Business, Anthropology, Latin and Black Histories at Compton Community College in California. She was the Chief Editor of their reestablished School Newspaper and wrote many of the major articles.
Melvena became the secretary and spokesperson for a Compton Community College Advocate Group, formed as a fact finding committee to provide data to bring about a resolution between teachers and administration during a strike. She later worked there as a Program Assistant and Supervisor to student workers in the “Student Orientation/Transfer Center”.
Melvena attended the University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles and majored in English with a concentration in Writing. She worked there as an Administrative Assistant and Supervisor of student workers in the “office for Students with Disabilities”, where she also wrote articles for an office newsletter.
While working as the CEO of the Waterman Gardens Community Service office; she campaigned and was voted President of the Waterman Gardens Resident Advisory Group’s Board of Directors, by a majority of the voting member residents. She developed and established a community newsletter called The Grapevine, solicited neighborhood and community article input and wrote articles for publishing. The newsletter had a countywide distribution in the County of San Bernardino’s Housing Authority community.
Melvena helped to research data and assisted in developing the by-laws, articles of incorporation and 501(c)(3) nonprofit filing, resulting in the establishment of the Waterman Gardens Resident Advisory Group’s good standing status. This enabled the organization to receive their first grant funding in which she was instrumental in writing. She developed and wrote 5 more subsequent grants and 4 of them were funded.
She also served as the Project Coordinator for the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program for two consecutive tours in which a number of community programs and projects were established and funded by the grants awarded to that group.
Melvena has worked on many other community projects and set on a number of Boards in the Inland Empire in the county of San Bernardino where she held several principle officer positions: including secretary to the Loma Linda School of Public Health’s “Healthy Families Together” Board of Directors and community representative to the Inland Empire Hospitals Board of Directors, established to find more effective ways to administer healthcare to underserved communities.
Paris Polk
Social Media Director
Paris Polk has a rich and diverse background, driven by both personal passion and family influence in the medical field. She began her career as a medical assistant in 2015, inspired partly by her family's legacy of medical work and a deep personal connection to caring for those facing illness, especially after her sister's 15 year battle with cancer.
While pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Health Administration at the University of Phoenix, set to graduate in early winter 2025, Paris has continued her journey in healthcare by working at Inland Empire Health Plan. Here, she serves as a member services representative, contributing to various facets of the organization's operations. She also dedicates her time to community service, volunteering at events such as Back to School Giveaways and health education classes for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
In addition to her medical career and community involvement, Paris has pursued a creative outlet and entrepreneurial endeavor with her business, SisTee, specializing in designing formal and celebratory invitations. This venture reflects her artistic interests and serves as a meaningful way to channel her emotions following the loss of her sister in 2023.
Paris's commitment to the community extends beyond healthcare and entrepreneurship. She strongly advocates for single mothers and children who have experienced sexual assault, which has motivated her to seek a role with the non-profit organization A Celebration of Worth. Through this organization, she aims to continue making a positive impact by supporting individuals who may need encouragement and assistance to overcome challenges.
Paris Polk's journey underscores her multifaceted dedication to healthcare, community service, creativity, and advocacy—a testament to her resilience and desire to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.
Michelle Warren
Member
Michelle Warren brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role as a board member for A Celebration of Worth. With a strong background in the medical field, she has served in hospital administration and as a dedicated caregiver, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being of others.
In addition to her professional career, Michelle has owned and operated a daycare, providing nurturing environments for children.
Michelle is also a proud adoptive mother to a bright and incredible young boy who was born prematurely. Her journey as a mom has been a profound and joyful experience, further enriching her life. She is also devoted to caring for her mother, showcasing her deep sense of family responsibility.
In her community, Michelle is a passionate advocate for women and young girls, using her voice and influence to make a positive impact. Known for her personable nature, she easily connects with others, making her a valued and respected member of any team or community she is part of.
Jade Nathan
Treasurer
Jade Nathan is a dynamic professional with a rich background in finance, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. With years of experience in commercial banking and mortgage lending, Jade has honed her expertise in financial services, offering deep insights and strategic guidance to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. Her comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape and her commitment to ethical practices have made her a trusted advisor and leader in the industry.
In addition to her financial career, Jade is a published author of a children’s book, having penned works that reflect her diverse interests and passion for storytelling. Her writing showcases her ability to connect with readers on a personal level, offering unique perspectives on topics ranging from finance to personal development. Jade brings a wealth of financial expertise to our organization.
Beyond her financial acumen, Jade is the proud owner of an accessory business. She is dedicated to assisting A Celebration of Worth in its mission to uplift and celebrate women and communities of color, particularly women and minorities. Jade’s passion for empowering others and her commitment to diversity and inclusion align perfectly with our organization’s values.