Pollyanna Neely

President

Pollyanna Neely was born in Miami, Florida and grew up between Florida and Nassau Bahamas. The fourth of five children, she has always been destined to serve in the military. Joining the United States Navy in 1987, and pursing her desire to serve her country while obtaining the stability needed as a single parent, she excelled.

Her 25-year career has taken her across the world, and coast to coast. This peaked with her becoming selected as one of the exclusively limited number of women of color to achieve the enlisted rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. Her campaigns included missions in direct support of DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION NEW DAWN.
Her awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, five Navy Achievement Medals, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle E, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment ribbons, Overseas Service ribbons, six Good Conduct Medals, and the National Defense Service Medal.

She earned a certification in Global Career Development Facilitation, Undergraduate Certificate in Medical and Billing Coding, Master of Management from Cambridge College, and Master of Public Administration with Concentration in Nonprofit Management from Keller University.
Since retiring, she has Co-Founded Active Veteran With Answers (AVWA), a nonprofit organization focused on educating veterans and family members on benefits earned from the Department of Veterans Affairs and its subsidiaries. AVWA also founded Dimes 4 Homeless Veterans and Vet Girls RISE. In 2018, Pollyanna received the Charlotte Hornets and Bank of America Yellow Ribbon Award for outstanding achievement. Now as the Founder of Impact100 Global Veterans, she aims to enhance organizations that work to enhance the care and feeding of fellow veterans.
She is married to Henry Neely; Master Chief Petty Officer (retired) and they have three sons. The family resides in York, South Carolina.

president@impact100globalveterans.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollyanna-neely

J. Kanisha Armintia

Finance Chair

Kanisha Armintia was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Navy. She began her 20-year active-duty career as an Aviation Electronics Technician in support of counter drug operations throughout Central and South America and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She retired a Navy Counselor Chief where she managed career development programs for Navy Reserve support units and squadrons. In addition, Kanisha participated in a variety of military operations held roles as Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer, Security Officer, Equal Opportunity Advisor and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate.
Kanisha’s awards include two Navy Commendation Medals, four Navy Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, six Navy Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
Currently, Kanisha works with NASA Langley Research Center as a Program Analyst and on the Mentoring employee resource group leadership team. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Columbia College and a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University. She has served since 2016 on the Board of Directors for the non-profit Active Veterans with Answers (AVWA).
Kanisha and her husband have three beautiful children.

finance@impact100globalveterans.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johna-armintia-233358104

Yvette Bell

Grant Review Committee Chair

Yvette Bell was born in Bronx, New York. She graduated from Springfield Gardens High School, Queens, NY in June of 1986 and joined the Army shortly after. She completed basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN. She was awarded the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 75C Personnel Specialist. Later changed to 42A Human Resources Specialist. She moved through the enlisted ranks and held several key leadership positions to include Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, Advanced Individual Training Course Director/Instructor, Operations Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) First Sergeant and Senior Human Resources Sergeant.
While serving as a Senior Human Resources Sergeant, Yvette was the by-name trusted agent to Brigade and Battalion Commanders and Sergeants Major on all enlisted personnel matters to include Army policy and procedures. Yvette served at various duty stations to include four overseas tours to the Republic of Korea with combat deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She received numerous awards and decorations throughout her military career to include the Bronze Star Medal for her outstanding service and support during Operation Enduring Freedom. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organization Management from Voorhees University, Denmark, SC in May of 2006. Yvette retired from the United States Army in the rank of First Sergeant in 2013 after serving faithfully and honorably for 27 years.
Continuing her commitment to service she began working in the Federal Government with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Compensation and Pension Department as a Medical Support Assistant, Fayetteville, NC. In this role she was able to learn about disability compensation for veterans and used this knowledge to help veterans and soldiers leaving the service to assist with their disability claims. Yvette is the proud mother of one daughter and one grandson. She has a twin sister and a brother who both served in the Armed Forces. She is a Founder of Impact100 Global Veterans, Lifetime Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, active Member of the Order of Eastern Stars, and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Yvette currently resides in Spring Lake, North Carolina. The things in life that gives her tremendous joy are spending time with her grandson, community service and doing fun activities with family and friends.

“If there are no consequences for failure, then there is no reason for change.”

Yvette Bell

Grant Review Committee Chair

Yvette Bell was born in Bronx, New York. She graduated from Springfield Gardens High School, Queens, NY in June of 1986 and joined the Army shortly after. She completed basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN. She was awarded the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 75C Personnel Specialist. Later changed to 42A Human Resources Specialist. She moved through the enlisted ranks and held several key leadership positions to include Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, Advanced Individual Training Course Director/Instructor, Operations Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) First Sergeant and Senior Human Resources Sergeant.
While serving as a Senior Human Resources Sergeant, Yvette was the by-name trusted agent to Brigade and Battalion Commanders and Sergeants Major on all enlisted personnel matters to include Army policy and procedures. Yvette served at various duty stations to include four overseas tours to the Republic of Korea with combat deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She received numerous awards and decorations throughout her military career to include the Bronze Star Medal for her outstanding service and support during Operation Enduring Freedom. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organization Management from Voorhees University, Denmark, SC in May of 2006. Yvette retired from the United States Army in the rank of First Sergeant in 2013 after serving faithfully and honorably for 27 years.
Continuing her commitment to service she began working in the Federal Government with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Compensation and Pension Department as a Medical Support Assistant, Fayetteville, NC. In this role she was able to learn about disability compensation for veterans and used this knowledge to help veterans and soldiers leaving the service to assist with their disability claims. Yvette is the proud mother of one daughter and one grandson. She has a twin sister and a brother who both served in the Armed Forces. She is a Founder of Impact100 Global Veterans, Lifetime Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, active Member of the Order of Eastern Stars, and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Yvette currently resides in Spring Lake, North Carolina. The things in life that gives her tremendous joy are spending time with her grandson, community service and doing fun activities with family and friends.

“If there are no consequences for failure, then there is no reason for change.”

Nichelle A. Gautier

Board Development Chair

Nichelle Anastashia Gautier a retired Master Sergeant (MSG) and was born in Chicago, IL. She was raised partly by her dad, Cecil Purnell since the age of 2. She is the widow to the late Mark Charles Gautier; Sr. and they have two children. Nichelle is the proud mother of two wonderful daughters and 8 grandchildren. She joined the Army as a 92Y in 1987 in the Army Reserves and transferred to active regular Army in 1989. She was assigned to various positions throughout her career. She is currently Career Retired and resides in Charlotte, NC. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management/Human Resources from Park University. She has a life filled with love, great aspirations, and amazing choices with no regrets. Her passion is to help Veterans, their families, and the advocates that support them. She helped others by volunteering as the Lead Facilitator for the Military Veteran Peer Network, for 7 years. Her motto is adopted from someone she truly admires: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”– Maya Angelou. She is proud to be a member of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority because she loves being a part of an organization that has members with the same lifestyle, interest, and goals for maintaining our Military Heritage through Sisterhood. Her hobbies include spending time with my family and friends, cooking, reading, fine dining, shopping, volunteering, and some plain old me time. She enjoys being able to make a difference in others’ lives and them in hers. Nichelle also wants to assist in the change agent that will make all Military Women as one in Sisterhood! She is a Founder of Impact100 Global Veterans, and President/Charter member of Charlotte Alpha Nu Chapter of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc. She truly believes in building brands!
“Many Women have done noble things; we excel them all!” …. Proverbs 31:29

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichelle-a-gautier-400a9b38

Kimberly Davis

Events Committee Chair

Kimberly Davis is a retired Air Force Veteran that proudly served for more than 22 honorable years. She was born in Asheville, North Carolina and graduated from Asheville High School in 1987. She enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1988 and was assigned to numerous duty locations with multiple responsibilities. Her assignments included Andrews AFB Maryland, MacDill AFB Florida, Keesler AFB Mississippi, Aviano AB Italy and McConnell AFB Kansas. She started her military career as a Logistics technician and then re-trained as a Medical Laboratory technician and retired as the Wing Career Assistance Advisor.
During her more than 22 years of honorable military service, Sergeant Davis was recognized on numerous occasions for her hard work and dedication. She received the John Levitow Award, the highest honor given to a student upon graduation from Airman Leadership School. She received the Medical Laboratory Honor Graduate award, the NCO Academy Distinguished Graduate and the Senior NCO Academy Distinguished Graduate awards.
Her military awards also include two Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, two Air Force Achievement Medals, nine Air Force Unit Awards, seven Air Force Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long, five Air Force Longevity Service Ribbons, four USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbons, AF Training Ribbon and the NATO Medal.
Kimberly earned a certification in Blood Donor Phlebotomy from the American Association of Blood Banks, a certification in Principles of Instruction, an Associate in Applied Science in Logistics and an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from Community College of the Air Force. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Development from Southwestern College and a Master of Arts degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
Since retiring, Kimberly has been heavily involved in her community with various organizations. She served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for 8 Years, the Assistant STEAM Camp Director for a non-profit organization providing youth educational programs in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). She also volunteered at the VA Hospital as the Clinical Pastoral Education Program Assistant, Hands-on-Charlotte at various events and is the Operations Director for Active Veterans With Answers (AVWA), a Veteran centered non-profit.
Kimberly continues to serve Veterans at the VA Hospital as the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Coordinator. In this role she is responsible for the recruitment, placement and management of volunteers, donations, public relations and special events. She says she is blessed to be in a career that allows her to serve others! She enjoys working with Veteran Service Organizations and non-profits assisting Veterans to ensure Veteran needs are met. She is proud to be a founding member of IMPACT100 Global Veterans where she serves as the Events Committee Chair.

Kimberly resides in Concord, NC with her handsome husband William Davis Jr. and has a beautiful daughter, TyDasia Davis of Raleigh, NC. She is also blessed to be back close to home to enjoy her family and friends.

events@impact100globalveterans.org

Jolanda Rose

Membership Committee Chair

Jolanda Rose was born in Detroit, MI and graduated from High School in 1982 prior to enrolling and attending the local community college. In 1984, she joined the United States Army and completed basic and advance initial training at Ft Jackson, SC. Serving 21 years active duty, her assignments included: Fort Jackson, S.C., Ludwigsburg, Germany, Fort Stewart, GA, Fort Shafter, HI, Ft Sill, OK, Camp Stanley (Uijeongbu), Korea, and Carlisle Barracks, PA. Special duties assignments were the Better Opportunity for Single Soldier Program for the Pacific Islands, Drill Instructor at Ft Jackson, SC, Equal Opportunity Advisor for the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA, and Deployment to Honduras in 2000 for victims of Hurricane Mitch and Tropical Depression Keith.
Since separating from the U.S. Army, she earned an Associates in Science from University of Phoenix. Currently employed with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Her commitment to service continued with deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING Freedom; Puerto Rio in support of Task Force Power restoration after hurricanes IRMA and Maria and Phoenix, AZ borderline construction.
She is a Founder of Impact100 Global Veterans, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America, active International Free and Accept Modern Mason and Order of Eastern Star, active member of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Incorporated.
Jolanda currently resides in Roseville, MI and enjoys traveling, volunteering, outside gardening and crafting.

Regina Smothers

Community Investment Review Committee Chair (CIRC)

Regina Smothers was born in Columbia SC and raised by Mr. and Mrs. Hall (deceased). Her family consists of two sisters and two brothers (one deceased). She has been married to her husband for over 34 years. She is the proud mother of a daughter who is serving with the Center of Disease Control (CDC). She is the grandmother of one handsome three-year-old grandson. After graduating High School in 1982, she followed in her father’s footsteps and joined the United States Army (reserves). After completing basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ and AIT at Fort Jackson, SC and with further consideration of the armed forces, she decided to join the United States Air Force as an Administrative Specialist. Smothers served in both the active and reserve components of the United States Air Force and United States Army respectively. During her over 9 years on active duty, she worked multiple components of the intelligence arena, in New Mexico; Korea; Greece; and Florida. During Operation Desert Storm, she facilitated multiple special operations taskings to deployed Airmen. While in the Air Force she achieved her Community College of the Airforce Degree (CCAF). Since separating from the military, she continued her education, earning an Associates in Science degree from Okaloosa Junior College, FL. She also earned a Certificate in Paralegal with South University, SC; Bachelor’s in science degree in Legal Administration from University of West Florida, FL; Master of Business Administration with Webster University, SC. Continuing her commitment to service, Smothers, achieved her Real Estate License in 1998 through present and is a founding member with her brokerage; she has over 16 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her duties include servicing as a Quality Review Officer of multiple claims for VA compensation. Currently, she is a Founder of Impact100 Global Veterans, and an inactive member of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Incorporated. She severed on multiple boards, and positions over the past 20 years. Smothers currently resides in Blythewood, SC and enjoys traveling, reading, family time, listening to music and serving her community. “Continuing to be of service within her communities.”

Cindy Villavaso

Technology Resource Committee

Cindy Villavaso was born in New Orleans, LA. She resided in Marrero, LA., and at the age of 19 entered the United States Navy. She joined the Navy in 1986 as an E-1. Her career spanned 20 years serving overseas, and across the United States. She served on two aircraft carriers, and one amphibious ship. She was the first female pinned “Chief” onboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), and retired as a Lieutenant.
Her campaigns included missions involving Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Her awards include 2 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, 6 Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Global War on Terror Service Medal, 2 Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbons, Navy Unit “E” Ribbon, 5 Good Conduct Medals, 3 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and Overseas Service Ribbons.
Upon retiring, she volunteered 11 years at a Christian school in Richardson, TX. She now serves as a Founder and member of the Website and Communication Committee of Impact100 Global Veterans. She is currently residing in Westwego, LA. She is single, and is enjoying being close to her family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-villavaso-4bbb5254