Board Members

We have a team

to Support You!!

The mindset of an abused person is altered from the experience but there is always hope. 

Support

Compassion

Empowerment

Our Committed Board

We support people to Walk Away Standing.

Evelyn Mickles

President/Founder
Evelyn has always cared for the underdog. Classified as the least likely to succeed, she persevered. Her life journey consisted of many ups and downs. Early in her life, she was exposed to domestic violence, abandonment, and homelessness. God strategically guided her from high school dropout, military veteran, to her MBA. Evelyn remembers the feelings of hopelessness and pain. It is her relentless desire to help victims of domestic violence embrace their God-given value and accept their life purpose. Evelyn is married to Leon who supports her on this journey. She is the mother of three daughters and six awesome grandchildren.

Dr. Allegra Grice

Vice President / Director
Allegra J. Grice is the Vice President of Walk Away Standing. In this role, she collaborates with and supports the President as a leader for this inspiring organization. Her accomplishments include serving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force where she worked in operations support and asset management. Dr. Grice’s passion for advocacy and empowerment is apparent in all her professional, educational, and community achievements and goals. Seeking to help others find their inner voice to take control of their lives, she has devoted many hours to community service and youth mentoring. Her professional endeavors include research with Latina immigrants about their romantic relationships, research with minority college students, and pandemic monitoring. In her role with WAS, she hopes to continue in the vein of service to others and the greater community good. Dr. Grice believes that there is purpose inside of every person and that it is our duty to treat others with humanity. Her favorite verse is Psalm 3:6 English Standard Version 6  I will not be afraid of many thousands of people     who have set themselves against me all around. She is the wife of Jeremy Grice, mother to five wonderful gifts from God, and resides in Texas.

Donnice Holmes Hightower

Secretary/Director
Donnice Holmes Hightower operating in the position of change from Teacher to Evangelist. As a minister of the gospel operating in the position of Teacher for 17 years, this allows me to bring a Gods' perspective to the table. I've always had a strong protective compassion for people who are being mistreated. Coming from a tumultuous upbringing this brought about a passion to instill encouragement for others to move forward on their journey of life. My greatest achievements in life are both my children, ages 42 and 31 who are my pride and joys. I also have 2 delightful grandchildren in whom I treasure so much. I'm a grammy and I'm proud of it.

Tanya Williams

Asst. Secretary / Director
Tanya is concerned about the continuous battle for women’s fight for equality, protection of rights in domestic abuse cases and how this affects their mental state. As a native of Oakland, California, growing up as a young child, Tanya experienced firsthand the impact of domestic abuse and violence in her home and family. Presently, she lives in Houston and is a retired member of the Air Force. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in hopes to help women and girls in a positive way.

Artesa Jones

Treasurer/Director
Serving from the heart no matter the challenge has led Artesa throughout her life’s journey as a mother, sister, and friend as well as professional. Growing up as a child of a military family and then continuing into the military herself has shaped her spirit of excellence and service before self. Artesa holds a master’s degree in Administration with an emphasis on public administration and currently serves as Business Financial Manager for the federal government. She is motivated to learn the new challenges of how to support Walk Away Standing (WAS) operations and is passionate about what this nonprofit will accomplish. Her desire to help women overcome domestic challenges motivates her to continue to pursue and advocate for the future of WAS. Yes, ladies we can do this together!

Diana Jones

Director
Diana backgrounds includes being a caretaker of many, wife, mother and grandmother. Diana is married to the love of her life for over 42 plus years. Diana understands being alone with no one to understand the aftermath of abuse and the hard work of being in a realtionship. She knows that in any marriage and any rel;ationship there is lot of ups and downs but with God...he will keep you and get you through it. Marriage and relationships are a job and you have to continue to work at it all time. Being a caretaker is what she loves and enjoys to take care of others. Her passion is children, helping the elderly and anyone that needs a listening ear and a heart to accept their destiny. Diana is the mother to two wonderful and amazing daughters and grandmother to two living granddaughters and one deceased granddaughter and two grandsons.

Johnic Lanigan

Director
Johnic has had a compassion for children all of her life. Johnic retired from working with the Little Rock School District in 2018. After her retirement, she was blessed to own a home child care (Love and Giggles). In 2019, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to close her life dream and vision which is to take care of children. In her first marriage, she experienced physical and verbal abuse. She knows firsthand that people walk around with things in their past and present but sometimes feel there is no way out. Johnic is a mother of six children and nine grandchildren. And of course, one awesome husband James.

Testimonials

These are the first impressions of our Walk Away Standing Attachés.