Our Team
Shawnette Haynes
Founder/ Executive Director
A visionary, advocate, and mentor whose passion for fostering positive change makes her a beacon of hope for opportunity youth, particularly those aging out or aged out of foster care. Her journey, shaped by 22 years of military service, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to leadership and service. From managing complex logistics operations to overseeing global supply chains, Shawnette transformed her vast experience into a mission that uplifts others. Along the way, she discovered the profound power of community and connection, which led her to create a village of support. As the Founder and Executive Director of Lotus Village United, Inc., Shawnette orchestrates a network of resources to support youth navigating the difficult transition into adulthood. Her vision is not just an aspiration; it is a tangible reality. In Lotus Village United, young hearts find solace, minds are guided, and souls discover a place to call home. Surrounded by a team of dedicated experts, her mission goes beyond advocacy; it's a symphony of change, a crescendo of hope that resonates through every life she touches. Lotus Village's legacy is found in the lives transformed, the futures she shaped, and the hope ignited in the hearts of those served.
Tonia Stoney
Board Member
Loving Wife | Auntie-Mom | Digital Business Mentor | Educator | International Best-Selling Author | U.S. Army Veteran | Tonia Stoney is a dedicated wife, “auntie-mom,” and mentor helping women over 40 simplify their systems, activate their voice, and grow digital businesses that fit their life…not fight it. Through GrowWithTonia.com, she teaches solopreneurs how to organize their ideas, use tools they already have (or didn’t know they needed), and scale without burnout. A U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star Medal recipient, Tonia brings 30+ years of leadership in business, education, and tech. She’s the creator of the AI Sidekick Starter Kit™, founder of Music Is For Me, LLC, and co-author of Business Tips from the Trenches and Soulful Beauty, a powerful anthology on healing, self-acceptance, and inner strength. Her work blends systems, strategy, and spirit, anchored in faith, family, and freedom. When she’s not mentoring clients or creating digital tools, you’ll find her running her online piano studio, homeschooling her niece, or encouraging women to build a business that fits their life, not fights it.
Milinda King
Board Member
Milinda King is a dedicated leader whose life’s work has been defined by her passion for education, health, and service. With an unwavering commitment to transforming lives, Milinda is a retired Warden from the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, concluding an extraordinary 23-year career. One of Milinda’s most defining roles was Supervisor of Education, where she managed transformative educational programs. Her leadership not only ensured the delivery of high-quality educational, wellness, and vocational services to both male and female inmates but also fostered a culture of growth and rehabilitation. Milinda’s dedication to wellness extends beyond the classroom. She is a certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Coach, seamlessly blending her passion for education with her commitment to health. Milinda founded Community Health is Wealth, Inc. (CHIW), where she now serves as President. Rooted in her deep understanding of Vance County’s unique challenges, CHIW addresses the community’s pressing health and wellness needs, offering accessible services that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. At the heart of everything Milinda does is her belief in the transformative power of community, education, and health. Through her leadership, she is shaping futures and fostering a legacy of empowerment and hope for generations to come.
Zhani Swailes
Board Member
Zhani Swailes is a public health graduate student and researcher from Waldorf, Maryland, with a strong focus on health equity and community advocacy. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and is pursuing her Master of Public Health at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Zhani has worked with the Duke Clinical Research Institute and held research roles with North Carolina Peace Action, U.S. Foreign Service Institute and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Her experience includes clinical trial coordination, policy research, and data analysis using tools like SPSS and STATA. She brings a passion for social justice and a commitment to empowering underserved communities through evidence-based solutions. “I believe lasting change begins at the community level—when we listen, collaborate, and lead with purpose.”