Profession: Sales Education: CCNY Term: Founding member Community Engagement: Baltimore Community Association and Watch Groups Why I serve DDWSF: To carry on my parents’ legacy. To encourage and support young people in their pursuit of higher learning. To positively effect the direction of our world, and to enjoy the camaraderie of board and family members.
Vice-Chair Jean Anne Barnes
Profession: Public relations and advertising, retired Education: UNC – Chapel Hill Term: 2018-2021 Community Engagement: Board of Childrens Ministries at the United Church Chapel Hill Why I serve DDWSF: I have long admired the work (David and Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund) of the Wilson Family. Working with the founding board members and the younger generation board members, I want to make sure the valuable work continues. Providing scholarships and support to college students will help prepare them with confidence, courage and capabilities for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Treasurer Timothy Wilson
Profession: Civil Service Accountant, retired Education: MS-Accounting-LIU, BA-Mathematics-Adelphi University Term: Founding member Community Engagement: Safe Haven United Church of Christ – Keyboard Player, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher Why I serve DDWSF: I serve on the DDWSF Board because I strongly believe in the cause and I am committed to making the world a better place.
Secretary Charles Wilson
Profession: Chaplain Education: BBA Adelphi University, MDIV ITC/Atlanta U, THM and DMIN studies, GTU/Univ of Calif, Berkeley and Fuller Theological Seminary. Kranert School of Management, Purdue Univ. Entrepreneurship Certificate, Boston U Genealogical Certificate Term: Founding member Community Engagement: David & Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund, Board Secretary; American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Pacific Region, Board Treasurer. Why I serve DDWSF: I serve on the DDWSF Board for the purposes of creating a legacy, finding leaders for the future and connecting to a global society.
Rev. Dr. Bernard Wilson
Profession: Senior Minister, Norfield Congregational church Education: Doctor of Ministry degree from the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA; Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA; Master of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York City; Master of Arts from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI; B.A from Morehouse College Term: Founding member Community Engagement: Board of Trustees Andover Newton Theological Seminary at Yale Why I serve DDWSF: DDWSF speaks to a family giving back for the blessings of our nation, it affords the opportunity to mentor young people, and allows me to put my faith in action.
Freddie Wilson
Profession: Computer MSP Education: Bernard M Barauch (CCNY) Term: Founding member Community Engagement: Consultant Why I serve DDWSF: Lend A Hand Whenever I Can!
Seleste Wilson Burns
Profession: Manager; Small business owner – Entertainment services Education: College of New Rochelle Term: 2010-2021 Community Engagement: Missionary leader Why I serve DDWSF: I serve on the Board of Directors to be able to enlighten the decisions for our students of the future. To have an impact on a graduating student headed to college to make a better life for their self.
Tanya Lynn Wilson Thomas
Profession: New York City Community Coordinator Education: Norfolk State University Term: 2018-2021 Community Engagement: TAPS Peer Mentor (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors); Veterans Hospital Volunteer; American Legion Auxiliary Why I serve DDWSF: Our youth are our future! I serve on the Board of Directors of DDWSF to contribute to supporting youth in developing and promoting their efforts in education and community service.
Katelyn Jackman
Profession: Classical Musician Education: MM The Peabody Institute, BM University of North Texas Term: 2020-2024 Community Engagement: Cantor/Music Minister; Music Education Why I serve DDWSF: In addition to financial support, the DDWSF offers moral support, professional guidance, and a platform for its young scholars to engage with a broader community. It is unique in its dedication to its students as whole people. I am moved by the passionate dedication this organization has for supporting young scholars. I want to be a part of that mission.
Julian Woods
Education: North Carolina A & T, Class of 2023 Wilson Fund Scholar 2019Term: 2021-24
Why I serve DDWSF: This mission is meaningful for me because academic excellence is at the forefront of everything I do. As a current college student, academic excellence and scholastic achievement are a top priority. I promote these values in all that I do both in and outside the classroom.
Additional Bio: Selected as a Wilson Scholar in 2019, Julian Woods is an energetic, action-oriented scholar and leader with a sustaining passion for education, public policy, civic engagement, and legal issues. He currently serves in a variety of leadership positions on campus and in his community that have allowed him to demonstrate his servant leadership skills. Julian has sustained his commitment to the community while maintaining a strong academic record and earning admission into honor societies. He is currently pursing his JD at Levin College of Law.
Alexander L. Wright, USN
Profession: Military Education: Current PhD Candidate at George Washington University, MIT Fellow, Joint Forces Staff College, Georgetown University Masters of Arts in Security Studies, United States Naval Academy Bachelor of Science in Political Science With Merit Term: 2022*-2025
Why I Serve DDWSF: “Having had the chance to read the applications for the students seeking a DDWSF scholarship, I am inspired (blown away, even) by the amazing things that these high schoolers are accomplishing. Even though the world is bigger than ever, it still ‘takes a village’ to provide the opportunities for helping our young adults succeed. These young men and women work so hard to make a difference, it means everything to be able to do the same for them.”
Michael Wilson
Profession: Program Manager, Middle River Aerostructure System Education: BS History, United States Naval Academy Term: 2024-2027
Why I Serve DDWSF: “The story of the fund and it’s values is my story. The same values the scholarship was founded on are the same values passed from Mother Dovetta Wilson to my father Bernard. My life has been fortunate directly because of my grandparent’s focus on education for their children and my parent’s continuing to instill those values in me. Continuing the legacy of the fund is part of who I am. I have been honored to participate in selecting scholars for the fund these last few years and seeing how incredible each applicant is inspires me to get more involved.”
Why I Serve DDWSF: “Continuing the legacy of giving back that has been passed down by my grandparents is important to me. I am inspired by the character, drive and accomplishment of our scholarship recipients. I am committed to dedicating my energies to building the Wilson Fund network for the benefit of active scholars and alumni.”
Juan De La Garza
Profession: Environmental Control and Life Support System Engineer, Axiom Space Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering, 2022, Rice University Wilson Fund Scholar 2018 Term: 2024-2027
Why I Serve DDWSF: “The mission of The David & Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund (DDWSF) is meaningful to me because it addresses what I believe to be the most challenging obstacle for the development of future generations. The opportunity to pursue one’s dreams through higher education should be at the arm’s reach of every student. However, other than the financial and systemic barriers that exist, the DDWSF is capable of closing the knowledge gap that limits a significant number of students in this country. It is not trivial to understand the path to higher education, let alone gain that understanding in time to prepare to be as competitive as possible. I am passionate about closing this gap because I personally relate to this challenge as a child of immigrant parents who never understood the path to higher education in the United States. But I am not a special case by any means. Over the years of learning how to maneuver the path to higher education I have listened to countless of students share similar stories with me from both immigrant and non-immigrant backgrounds.”
Nolan McDowell
Education: Pursuing a Bachelors in Legal Studies, University of Southern California, Class of 2025 Wilson Fund Scholar 2021 Term: 2024-2027
Why I Serve DDWSF: “The mission of the DDWSF is important to me because I know how impactful it is to the underserved and people in need because the DDWSF took a chance on me. My senior year of high school I graduated with a 3.0, had failed several colleges and was going to junior college. Despite this, the Fund saw the potential in me, they knew if I could figure things out, I would thrive and succeed and they took a chance on me. Three years later, I go a top 25 University, have a detailed and long resume, and work in the United States Senate. I would not be where I am today without the Fund. That experience and knowledge has shown me how critical the fund is. If the fund can do this in just my life, just imagine how many out there could face the same life changing result. The Fund is not only amazing for its financial support, but numerous life supporting programs and educational opportunities it provides. This makes it a premier, unprecedented and extraordinary program I would love to serve on the board of.”
Members of the Board at the 2018 DDWSF Annual MeetingBoard Members and Scholar Leaders at the Semi-Annual Meeting 2023Board Members and Alumni at the 2024 Day of Service
Board of Directors
Chair David R. Wilson, Jr.
Profession: Sales
Education: CCNY
Term: Founding member
Community Engagement: Baltimore Community Association and Watch Groups
Why I serve DDWSF: To carry on my parents’ legacy. To encourage and support young people in their pursuit of higher learning. To positively effect the direction of our world, and to enjoy the camaraderie of board and family members.
Vice-Chair Jean Anne Barnes
Profession: Public relations and advertising, retired
Education: UNC – Chapel Hill
Term: 2018-2021
Community Engagement: Board of Childrens Ministries at the United Church Chapel Hill
Why I serve DDWSF: I have long admired the work (David and Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund) of the Wilson Family. Working with the founding board members and the younger generation board members, I want to make sure the valuable work continues. Providing scholarships and support to college students will help prepare them with confidence, courage and capabilities for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Treasurer Timothy Wilson
Profession: Civil Service Accountant, retired
Education: MS-Accounting-LIU, BA-Mathematics-Adelphi University
Term: Founding member
Community Engagement: Safe Haven United Church of Christ – Keyboard Player, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher
Why I serve DDWSF: I serve on the DDWSF Board because I strongly believe in the cause and I am committed to making the world a better place.
Secretary Charles Wilson
Profession: Chaplain
Education: BBA Adelphi University, MDIV ITC/Atlanta U, THM and DMIN studies, GTU/Univ of Calif, Berkeley and Fuller Theological Seminary. Kranert School of Management, Purdue Univ. Entrepreneurship Certificate, Boston U Genealogical Certificate
Term: Founding member
Community Engagement: David & Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund, Board Secretary; American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Pacific Region, Board Treasurer.
Why I serve DDWSF: I serve on the DDWSF Board for the purposes of creating a legacy, finding leaders for the future and connecting to a global society.
Rev. Dr. Bernard Wilson
Profession: Senior Minister, Norfield Congregational church
Education: Doctor of Ministry degree from the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA; Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA; Master of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York City; Master of Arts from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI; B.A from Morehouse College
Term: Founding member
Community Engagement: Board of Trustees Andover Newton Theological Seminary at Yale
Why I serve DDWSF: DDWSF speaks to a family giving back for the blessings of our nation, it affords the opportunity to mentor young people, and allows me to put my faith in action.
Freddie Wilson
Profession: Computer MSP
Education: Bernard M Barauch (CCNY)
Term: Founding member
Community Engagement: Consultant
Why I serve DDWSF: Lend A Hand Whenever I Can!
Seleste Wilson Burns
Profession: Manager; Small business owner – Entertainment services
Education: College of New Rochelle
Term: 2010-2021
Community Engagement: Missionary leader
Why I serve DDWSF: I serve on the Board of Directors to be able to enlighten the decisions for our students of the future. To have an impact on a graduating student headed to college to make a better life for their self.
Tanya Lynn Wilson Thomas
Profession: New York City Community Coordinator
Education: Norfolk State University
Term: 2018-2021
Community Engagement: TAPS Peer Mentor (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors); Veterans Hospital Volunteer; American Legion Auxiliary
Why I serve DDWSF: Our youth are our future! I serve on the Board of Directors of DDWSF to contribute to supporting youth in developing and promoting their efforts in education and community service.
Katelyn Jackman
Profession: Classical Musician
Education: MM The Peabody Institute, BM University of North Texas
Term: 2020-2024
Community Engagement: Cantor/Music Minister; Music Education
Why I serve DDWSF:
In addition to financial support, the DDWSF offers moral support, professional guidance, and a platform for its young scholars to engage with a broader community. It is unique in its dedication to its students as whole people. I am moved by the passionate dedication this organization has for supporting young scholars. I want to be a part of that mission.
Julian Woods
Education: North Carolina A & T, Class of 2023
Wilson Fund Scholar 2019 Term: 2021-24
Why I serve DDWSF: This mission is meaningful for me because academic excellence is at the forefront of everything I do. As a current college student, academic excellence and scholastic achievement are a top priority. I promote these values in all that I do both in and outside the classroom.
Additional Bio: Selected as a Wilson Scholar in 2019, Julian Woods is an energetic, action-oriented scholar and leader with a sustaining passion for education, public policy, civic engagement, and legal issues. He currently serves in a variety of leadership positions on campus and in his community that have allowed him to demonstrate his servant leadership skills. Julian has sustained his commitment to the community while maintaining a strong academic record and earning admission into honor societies. He is currently pursing his JD at Levin College of Law.
Alexander L. Wright, USN
Profession: Military
Education: Current PhD Candidate at George Washington University, MIT Fellow, Joint Forces Staff College, Georgetown University Masters of Arts in Security Studies, United States Naval Academy Bachelor of Science in Political Science With Merit
Term: 2022*-2025
Why I Serve DDWSF: “Having had the chance to read the applications for the students seeking a DDWSF scholarship, I am inspired (blown away, even) by the amazing things that these high schoolers are accomplishing. Even though the world is bigger than ever, it still ‘takes a village’ to provide the opportunities for helping our young adults succeed. These young men and women work so hard to make a difference, it means everything to be able to do the same for them.”
Michael Wilson
Profession: Program Manager, Middle River Aerostructure System
Education: BS History, United States Naval Academy
Term: 2024-2027
Why I Serve DDWSF: “The story of the fund and it’s values is my story. The same values the scholarship was founded on are the same values passed from Mother Dovetta Wilson to my father Bernard. My life has been fortunate directly because of my grandparent’s focus on education for their children and my parent’s continuing to instill those values in me. Continuing the legacy of the fund is part of who I am. I have been honored to participate in selecting scholars for the fund these last few years and seeing how incredible each applicant is inspires me to get more involved.”
Daniel Wilson
Profession: CNO Researcher, Veracity Cyber LLC
Education: MEng Johns Hopkins University; BS Computer Science, MIT
Term: 2024-2027
Why I Serve DDWSF: “Continuing the legacy of giving back that has been passed down by my grandparents is important to me. I am inspired by the character, drive and accomplishment of our scholarship recipients. I am committed to dedicating my energies to building the Wilson Fund network for the benefit of active scholars and alumni.”
Juan De La Garza
Profession: Environmental Control and Life Support System Engineer, Axiom Space
Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering, 2022, Rice University
Wilson Fund Scholar 2018 Term: 2024-2027
Why I Serve DDWSF: “The mission of The David & Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund (DDWSF) is meaningful to me because it addresses what I believe to be the most challenging obstacle for the development of future generations. The opportunity to pursue one’s dreams through higher education should be at the arm’s reach of every student. However, other than the financial and systemic barriers that exist, the DDWSF is capable of closing the knowledge gap that limits a significant number of students in this country. It is not trivial to understand the path to higher education, let alone gain that understanding in time to prepare to be as competitive as possible. I am passionate about closing this gap because I personally relate to this challenge as a child of immigrant parents who never understood the path to higher education in the United States. But I am not a special case by any means. Over the years of learning how to maneuver the path to higher education I have listened to countless of students share similar stories with me from both immigrant and non-immigrant backgrounds.”
Nolan McDowell
Education: Pursuing a Bachelors in Legal Studies, University of Southern California, Class of 2025
Wilson Fund Scholar 2021 Term: 2024-2027
Why I Serve DDWSF: “The mission of the DDWSF is important to me because I know how impactful it is to the underserved and people in need because the DDWSF took a chance on me. My senior year of high school I graduated with a 3.0, had failed several colleges and was going to junior college. Despite this, the Fund saw the potential in me, they knew if I could figure things out, I would thrive and succeed and they took a chance on me. Three years later, I go a top 25 University, have a detailed and long resume, and work in the United States Senate. I would not be where I am today without the Fund. That experience and knowledge has shown me how critical the fund is. If the fund can do this in just my life, just imagine how many out there could face the same life changing result. The Fund is not only amazing for its financial support, but numerous life supporting programs and educational opportunities it provides. This makes it a premier, unprecedented and extraordinary program I would love to serve on the board of.”