Our Tribe

Who We Are

Charlene Hendricks (She/Her)

Founder & President

Never afraid of standing on the frontlines; Charlene Hendricks strongly advocates for black empowerment, sexual liberation, and equality.

Charlene Hendricks is The S.P.O.T's current President and Founder. She oversees communications, coordinates sponsorships, and heads event planning.

Outside of The S.P.O.T, Charlene has always had a passion for event planning. Her passion has led to an extensive background in the field. Formerly, she worked as Event Manager for J.McAllister Events in Atlanta, GA. Continuing her love for planning, she has coordinated numerous events for family and friends and through a strategic partnership. She is currently working as an Event Coordinator at Emory University's Student Center.

Charlene planted her roots in Covington, GA but was born in Cleveland, OH, which she will always call home. She received both her Bachelors of Arts in Communication and Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership from Brenau University. Continuing her education, she is currently obtaining a Ph.D in Nonprofit Administration.

When not working at The S.P.O.T, she spends quality time with family and friends. She has a plethora of hobbies including aerial arts, studying astrology and yoga.

Charlene@thespotinc.org

Azayla Rodriguez
(She/He/They)

Founder & Vice-President

Find your wings, Azayla believes redefining your lifestyle can expand horizons, help strengthen intimate bonds, enhance lives, open spiritual awareness, and evolve the world around you.

Azayla Rodriguez is The Safe Place for Our Tribe’s (S.P.O.T) current Vice President. At The S.P.O.T, she oversees public relations, marketing, and out-reach programs.

Outside of The S.P.O.T, Azayla is a full-time graduate student at San Francisco State University obtaining Master’s of Women and Gender Studies. Azayla has always had a passion for writing, theory, and literature. Alongside, she is an activist for the LGBTQ+ community as well as a firm believer in sexual liberation. Their passions led them to The S.P.O.T and pursuing research of new theories in Black liberation, Indigenous methodologies, and Queer theories.

Azayla comes from a strong bloodline rooted in Griffin, Georgia. They received their Bachelor's of Arts in Communications with a dance minor from Brenau University.

When not working at The S.P.O.T, Azayla enjoys reading books like An Afro-Indigenous History of the U.S. by Kyle T. Mays and All About Love by bell hooks. Also, she enjoys yoga in the sun, pole dancing, and herbalism.

Azayla@thespotinc.org

Alexus Cooper (She/Her)

Secretary

Determined to make a positive impact wherever she goes (& looking damn good while doing it), Alexus Cooper continues to create the world around her.

Alexus Cooper is The S.P.O.T's current Secretary. She oversees all record-keeping, social media, and graphic design at The S.P.O.T.

Outside of The S.P.O.T, Alexus is a jack of all trades. She is the owner of Austere Beauty, where she is a freelance makeup artist. Also, she works for STARR Interior & Design. Alexus has a background in the fashion industry as an administrative assistant, social media manager, and media marketer. Her true passion is helping people and ensuring a quality experience, which has fueled all of her endeavors. Currently, she is serving the country as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy.

A true Georgia peach, Alexus has spent her entire life in GA. Although GA is where she calls home, she has traveled worldwide. Alexus is currently stationed in Japan working in the Navy hospital while living out her dreams to live abraod.

When not working at The S.P.O.T, Alexus is catching her next flight to a new place. She likes to try new foods along the way while traveling. If she's not traveling, Alexus loves trying new things in the kitchen, deeming herself a food enthusiast.

Alexus@thespotinc.org

Jaylan Burgess
(He/Him)

Creative Director

There comes a point where you realize that everything you crave and search for, is already nestled in your soul.

Jaylan Burgess, Creative Director of The SPOT, is responsible for managing the graphic design committee and helping curate the visual identity of the organization.

Originally from Parkersburg, West Virginia, Jaylan has settled in cosmopolitan Atlanta, Georgia. His educational background is in building design and construction, receiving his professional degree in Architecture and minor in construction management from Kennesaw State University. He currently works as project coordinator in a design firm in Atlanta while he studies for his Architect licensure.

When not working at The SPOT, Jaylan is the creative director and founder of Ignorant Youth Design Studio, a studio and brand inspired by the instinctive creativity of our childhood. He also works as a creative consultant for small businesses and enjoys graphic design in his free time.

Jaylan@thespotinc.org

Marissa Brown (She/Her)

Board Member

Always be true to yourself.

Marissa Brown is The Safe Place for Our Tribe’s (The S.P.O.T.) current treasurer. At The S.P.O.T. she oversees financial accounts, booking vendors, and master-of-ceremonies for events.

Outside of The S.P.O.T. Marissa is a full-time manager at Amazon, freelance photographer, and art enthusiast. She has a background in museum education and her passion for curating led her to be a part of The S.P.O.T.

Marissa has lived most of her life in Gwinnett County Georgia although has traveled to over 5 continents and has been to over 20 countries. She received both her Bachelors of Arts in Communication in 2016.

When not working for The S.P.O.T. she enjoys planning her next solo trip

Marissa@thespotinc.org

Ashley Casey (She/Her)

Digital Media Coordinator

No one is you, and that is your power! Ashley believes we are all placed on this Earth for a special purpose. Once you decide to tap into your true self and exude yourself authentically, you will forever be unstoppable.

Ashley Casey is The Safe Place for Our Tribe (S.P.O.T.) Digital Media Coordinator. She oversees our social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook. Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest) by planning, creating, and strategizing eye-catching posts for supporters, sponsors, and client opportunities.

A true Georgia Peach at heart, Ashley was born and raised in Clayton County and deeply loves the Southside of Atlanta. She graduated from Valdosta State University and obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Healthcare Science and a minor in Psychology. She advocates for Public Healthcare and loves art, health, creativity, and community!

Ashley is a corporate girly handling intensive Administrative, H.R., and Payroll affairs. Outside of the S.P.O.T., Ashley is constantly creating both on and off-set, hanging out with friends and family, sightseeing in nature, or coding with her fellows. She has plans to break into the tech industry at the intersection of Fashion & Entertainment or Healthcare. The sky is never the limit.

Ashley@thespotinc.org

Aniyah Laudat
(She/Her)

Community Engagement Coordinator

No rain, no flowers; Aniyah believes that challenges in life are inevitable, but it is all about how you handle them and grow from every experience - it is worth it in the end.

Aniyah Laudat is The Safe Place for Our Tribe’s (The S.P.O.T.) current Community Engagement Coordinator.

At the S.P.O.T., she develops and maintains positive relationships with community members and partners, working to increase engagement in initiatives.

Aniyah values serving her community and giving back as an important part of life. She helped charter and became chapter President of SISTUHS, Inc., a community service organization founded by and for Black women, during her time at Kennesaw State University. She has volunteered and served with several organizations in and around Atlanta, participating in several service trips. She is currently a Program Assistant at Our House, a nonprofit in Atlanta that works with families experiencing homelessness to provide them with various services.

Aniyah was born in California but was raised in Covington, Georgia. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies from Kennesaw State University. She is preparing to return to school at her alma mater to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

When not working with the S.P.O.T., she is a true foodie who enjoys spending time with her family and friends and watching any true crime. She also travels and enjoys the much-needed break before returning to school.

Aniyah@thespotinc.org

China Lee
(She/Her)

Outreach Coordinator

Just do you! Get out of your head and stop overthinking! You can do anything you put your mind to. As long as you believe in yourself, nothing can stop you!

China Lee is The Safe Place for Our Tribe’s (S.P.O.T) current Outreach Coordinator. At The S.P.O.T, she oversees the planning and implementation of outreach strategies.

Currently, China works part-time but desires to be a full-time freelance makeup artist who travels the world.

China was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, specifically Kirkwood. In between 1st & 2nd grade, she stayed with her aunt in Riverdale, GA, traveling back and forth to Covington, GA, for education. Upon 3rd grade, her family decided to stay in Covington, GA, and she’s resided there since.

After graduating high school in 2017, China attended Augusta University to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing. Later in 2019, China transferred to Georgia State University switching her major to Sociology, and continued to network with her peers. While in school and nearing graduation, the pandemic took place and opened up her eyes to take a pause on school and focus more on her business, Beyond The Highlight. Pursuing ventures other than college, her passion for helping others continues, and that’s precisely why she joined the S.P.O.T.

When China is not working at the S.P.O.T., she gets dirty on the kickball field with her teammates, Rare Breed Ballers. Alongside, she’s growing in her pole journey at Pink Poles Studios, traveling the world and free-painting in her spare time.

China@thespotinc.org

Kayla Sales
(She/Her)

Treasurer

Serving smiles daily. Kayla loves being able to make others happy with her good vibes and vibrant light.

Kayla Sales is The Safe Place for Our Tribe's (S.P.O.T.) current Treasurer who oversees financial accounts, vendor bookings, and record keeping.

Kayla works as the front office coordinator at Dentistry for Children. And when she is not helping kids smile, Kayla is living her life through fitness. Kayla is the full-time CEO of FitByKay where she serves as a personal trainer and fitness enthusiast to all. Kayla has a passion for all things pertaining to health and wellness and she enjoys helping others transform their bodies. In addition, Kayla is committed to helping others become their best selves through proper nutrition and physical. Kayla plans to continue growing her business and owning a FitByKay gym in the future.

Kayla was born and raised in Georgia and she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Science from Clayton State in 2020.

Kayla@thespotinc.org

Evana Moore, Esq.
(She/Her)

Ethics & Compliance Director

Always a fierce advocate and trusted confidant, Evana Moore strives to push boundaries and open doors for anyone who feels like an underdog.

Evana Moore is The S.P.O.T’s Compliance & Ethics Director. She assists the team in making decisions that are in compliance with community, county, state, and federal guidelines.

Outside of The S.P.O.T, Evana is an advocate for indigent clients within the criminal justice system. She is currently working as Assistant Public Defender in Rockdale County’s Judicial Circuit. She has always had a passion for counseling, defending, supporting, and assisting friends, family, and the community.

Evana was born in Augusta, Georgia and raised in Conyers where she has resided for over 2 decades. She has roots in Jackson, Mississippi and Hampton Roads, Virginia. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Political Science and African American Studies from Georgia State University. She continued her education at Georgia State and earned her Juris Doctor degree. During law school, Evana had the wonderful opportunity to assist in planning and participate in Berean Christian Church’s Mission Trip to Kampala and Kamuli, Uganda.

When not working at The S.P.O.T, you can find Evana enjoying concerts, trying new restaurants, traveling to new places, and watching reality tv shows.

Evana@thespotinc.org

T'yanah Crowley
(She/Her)

Social Media Director

A small act of kindness can have a very large impact on someone else.

T’Yanah was born and raised in East Tennessee. She moved to GA to attend Brenau University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science with a minor in Gerontology. She is passionate about the older adult population and how to better improve the aging process.

She has since returned to school to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. T’Yanah hopes to continue her education and obtain a PhD in Nursing.

Outside of The S.P.O.T., T’Yanah enjoys taking solo mini road trips and trying new restaurants. She also enjoys binge watching true crime series and reading a good book on the patio. On weekends, she volunteers to assist with activities at local nursing homes.

Tyanah@thespotinc.org