Our Team
Shirley Smith
Founder & CEO
In a world where strength is often measured by the battles one faces and the resilience with which they rise, Shirley Harris emerges as a true beacon of light and inspiration.
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Born and raised in the vibrant city of Newark, NJ, Shirley—fondly known as “Jewel”—has woven a remarkable narrative of triumph over adversity, dedication to education, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
Shirley’s story is not just one of personal success, but a testament to the transformative power of the human spirit. Raised amidst challenging circumstances, she encountered hardship early in life—yet refused to let those circumstances define her. Instead, she embraced every obstacle as a stepping stone, fueling her determination to carve a path of purpose and significance.
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Tragedy struck at the tender age of 21 with the untimely loss of her beloved mother. In the depths of grief, Shirley discovered an unyielding resolve to honor her mother’s legacy through service and compassion. That pivotal moment ignited a lifelong passion for making a difference, propelling her into a journey of empowerment and advocacy.
As an author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Shirley’s impact resonates far beyond her community. Her memoir, Mama Bear, is not just a personal account of triumph but also a guiding light for those navigating their own storms. Through its pages, she shares her struggles, her victories, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way—offering hope and inspiration to all who dare to dream.
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Shirley’s commitment to empowering young women knows no bounds. Through initiatives like My Kota Bear, she extends a compassionate hand to families during their darkest hours, offering support and comfort to those navigating the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Meanwhile, Dropping Jewels stands as a powerful reflection of her devotion to nurturing the next generation of female leaders—equipping them with the tools, confidence, and guidance to thrive in a complex world.
Shirley earned her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Union County College in Cranford, NJ. While residing in Cleveland, Ohio, she attended Cleveland State University, majoring in Urban Studies with a minor in Organizational Leadership.
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Shirley’s greatest legacy may be found in her role as a mother. A devoted mom to three daughters—Demi, Dakota, and Denver—she exemplifies the essence of love, sacrifice, and unwavering support. In them, she sees the promise of a brighter tomorrow—a legacy of compassion and resilience that will echo for generations.
In every facet of her life, Shirley Harris embodies integrity, compassion, and resilience. Her devotion to education and empowerment has touched countless lives, lighting the way toward a more inclusive and hopeful future. As she continues to inspire and uplift, Shirley’s legacy stands as a powerful testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Danica Raney
COO & Executive Director
Danica Raney has built an accomplished career in marketing and communications, with over 30 years of industry experience and more than 15 years as both an entrepreneur and professional leader. Her expertise, certifications, and proven results have consistently delivered lasting impact for the companies, clients, and organizations she has served.
Today, Danica serves as the Chief Operating Officer and New Jersey Executive Director of My Kota Bear. As the cousin of our founder, Shirley Harris, she holds the mission of the organization close to her heart. What began as a family-inspired labor of love has deepened into a personal passion for maternal and child health.
Through her own journey, Danica has become a strong advocate for maternal health — sharing Shirley’s story, raising awareness, and helping families find hope, healing, and support during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
On a personal note, Danica has also held and currently holds varies leadership positions at her church, Love of Jesus Family Church of Newark and her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Alpha Omega Chapter of Newark.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. Esney Sharpe
President
Dr. Esney Mae Sharpe is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bessie Mae Women and Family Health Center located in East Orange, Essex County, NJ.
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Dr. Sharpe holds several prominent positions and is a statewide and national leader. She is one of the Itinerant Pastors and a member for over 38 years at Victory Cathedral Church in Union, NJ; she is the former President of the Orange Public Library Board of Trustees; an Executive Board Member of the NJ Library Trustee Association; elected as the 2016 and 2018 United States Congressional Speaker on Capitol Hill for ALA’s National Legislative Day for State of NJ; Chairwoman of the Urban Life Counseling Center, Inc. Board of Trustees; Member of the State of New Jersey Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, Human Trafficking Task Force – Faith Based Subcommittee; Advisory Board and Partnership for the African American Brain Health Initiative, Brain Health & Aging Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Newark. Vice-Chairwoman of the Essex Metro Immunization Coalition; Executive Board Member of the Partnership for Maternal Child Health of Northern New Jersey; Vice President of the Eloquent Bouquet Kitchen, Inc. (Science & Sustainability); Vice-President of Eloquent Boutique Kitchen (Science & Sustainability) Organization; Member of the East Orange Non-Profit Organization; Member of the Essex County Urban Essex Coalition; Secretary of the Board of Directors for Universal Bible Institute Sonship Program; member of the National Association of Professional Women since 2012; and Member of the National Career Institute Advisory Board.
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Dr. Sharpe is an extraordinary, distinguished and phenomenal woman who has dedicated her life to serving the community in many, many capacities! To hear more about this outstanding entrepreneur go to the web site for Bessie Mae Women and Family Health Center: www.bmwfhc.org
Kawana Curry
Vice-President
Kawana Curry grew up in Hillside, NJ and currently resides in Irvington, NJ. She brings nearly two decades of leadership experience to the board here at My Kota Bear. Kawana currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer at Chris Andersen Roofing, a Tecta America Company, where she's worked for the past 19 years.
Her commitment to My Kota Bear runs deep. She is the Godmother of Dakota Smith, the courageous preemie who inspired the foundation, and the best friend of CEO/Founder Shirley Harris.
Kawana was present when Dakota was born at just 1 pound, and she's been a proud supporter ever since. For her, this work is personal. It’s about family, strength, and hope. Watching Dakota overcome challenges and reach new milestones is not only inspiring, it’s a reminder of why this mission matters.
Aishah Abudullah
Treasurer
Aishah Abdullah, from Newark, NJ is an ambitious woman who is an Alumni of Hampton University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Aishah was determined to excel and continued to further her education and received her M.B.A at Saint Peter's College in New Jersey.
She is a force in her expertise, making strides with over 20 clients and their businesses all over the world as a Supervisor at Bederson LLP (Accounting & Advisor) firm, whom she has worked with for 17 years.
BOARD MEMBERS
Nellian Barrett
Nellian Barrett is a dedicated community leader and seasoned professional with over three decades of experience across public service, education, logistics, and entrepreneurship. For 10 years, she served as the Community Coordinator Child Care (4C’s) of Union County, a Childcare Resource and Referral Agency where she began her impactful journey as an Administrative Assistant before rising through the ranks.
Her commitment to public service continued at the New Jersey Department of Corrections, where she worked as a Business Manager for five years.
Nellian also made a significant impact in the field of education, spending 10 years at Kean University as a Specialist for the Early Childhood Education Scholarship Program, where she was responsible for awarding scholarships and supporting future educators.
In the private sector, Nellian spent 13 years at Wakefern Corporation as a Logistics Customer Service Representative, managing key operations and client relationships.
Beyond her corporate and public roles, she is a passionate entrepreneur and the proud owner of Brown Sugur Southern Cuisine, a business that blends her love for food, culture, and community.
Her commitment to community service is equally inspiring. She has served as the Youth Director at the Westfield Neighborhood Council, Secretary to Councilwoman Pat Perkins August’ for the Civic Association in the City of Elizabeth, NJ, and as a proud board member of My Kota Bear, where she also held the position of Fundraiser Chairperson. Nellian is also an active member of the NAACP, continually advocating for equity and empowerment in her community.
With a lifelong dedication to service and a heart for helping others, Nellian Barrett continues to make a lasting impact wherever she goes.
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Michelle Ivancic
Michelle currently resides in Mentor, OH where she lives with her husband of16 years and 2 children. Michelle received her AS degree in Nursing from Lakeland Community College in 2009 and her BS degree in Nursing from the Chamberlain College of Nursing with President's Honors in 2016.
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Michelle is currently working as a Team Lead at the Cleveland Clinic Willoughby Hills Family Health Center in Internal Medicine. Michelle has 15 years of experience as a caregiver with the Cleveland Clinic. Beginning as a Phlebotomist and moving on to ER RN, NICU RN, Cardia RN and Internal Medicine RN.
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Michelle continues to care for the entire lifespan and their families. She has received many caregiver awards and was one of the original recipients of the Safety Stay Award. Michelle loves to volunteer. Some of her volunteer work includes cochairing the NICU fundraiser, ASA's Angels, Mentor Hockey Booster and putting together multiple baskets for charity.
Kim Wilson
Bio Coming Soon...
Cortney Stoutemire
Bio Coming Soon...
Janiene Taylor
Janiene is a dedicated advocate, entrepreneur, and educator with a passion for empowering communities through childcare, NICU support, hair care education as a Cosmetologist, and maternal health. As a certified doula, Janiene provides compassionate support to birthing individuals and families, ensuring they feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
Debbie Andrews
Bio Coming Soon...
Torrie Florence
Bio Coming Soon...