Olivia has been actively engaged in the Christian and inspirational publishing field since 1987. She has been a gender pioneer at all of her places of employment— the first African-American female hired in a professional denominational position at the Baptist Sunday School Board (now Lifeway Christian Resources); the first female senior editor at the historic R. H. Boyd Publishing Corporation; and the first woman to serve as director of publishing for the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. 

Olivia is currently associate editor of the curriculum at the R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation. She also owns Guardian Angel Communications Services (GACS), a company she formed in 1997 to provide writing, editing, publishing and design services to authors, publishers and organizations. 

Shirley Freeman, a lifelong learnernwith decades of teaching experience, has an educational background in sociology. She has spent 20 years as a classroom teacher — focusing on high school English and journalism, as well as tutoring young college students toward improved writing skills. 

Shirley curated The Freeman Institute® Black History Collection of over 3,000 genuine documents and artifacts and serves as administrator of the collection. This comprehensive collection chronicles Black history from ancient Africa and the Transatlantic Slave Trade to Emancipation, Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights Movement – as well as, Black accomplishments in science, social reform, athletics, arts, and entertainment. 

Her experience as a classroom teacher has informed and enhanced her desire for accurate and honest dialogue regarding the history and the literature that shapes the conversation.

Tanisha Shorter-Lott brings with her over 20 years of experience and service in leadership, training, program & grant management, community development, fundraising, and higher education.  In higher education, she worked at various campuses of Dallas County Community College, now called Dallas Colleges at which, her last position was an Associate Dean of Student Support Services as well as an Adjunct Professor of Management.  Tanisha also brings with her passion, grit, and dedication to fulfill the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of this dynamic organization.  

Tanisha earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Grambling State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix. She gives back to her global community by participating in numerous professional organizations locally and nationally.