Djuana Austin Frank
President Lincoln Alumnae DST
Djuana Austin Frank is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia. Djuana is a Diamond Life member and joined the Lincoln Alumnae Chapter in 2018. She has contributed to education and economic development initiatives across the country as a member of this illustrious organization for over 30 years. Her passion is to make a lasting impact on Black Girl achievement initiatives and serve the Lincoln community at large. Professionally she is a mid-level manager for State Farm Insurance Companies with leadership responsibilities for home and commercial claim teams in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Illinois.
Christyna Wells
Vice President Lincoln Alumnae DST
Christyna Wells is a Bellevue, NE native but has lived in Lincoln, NE almost as long. She earned her BA in International Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2010 and her Masters of Arts in Management from Doane University in 2017. In Lincoln Alumnae, she currently serves as the Vice President and Chair of Program and Planning. Since 2013, Christyna has served as the Primary Advisor of the Omicron Chapter. Professionally, Christyna has worked in the Juvenile Justice field for almost a decade and loves watching and helping young adults reach their full potential.
Philana Blakely
Corresponding Secretary
Philana Blakely is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. Philana moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in April 2013. She graduated with a BA in Recreation Administration with a Therapeutic Emphasis from Missouri Western State College. She completed her MSW at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). She is currently finalizing her research for her MPA from UNO. She serves as the Sergeant at Arms and corresponding secretary. She sits on the board of directors for Heartland Family Service and Nebraska CASA. She is employed with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services with state oversight as the Administrator of Religion and Volunteer Services. Some of her hobbies include reading, mentoring, volunteering, traveling and watching various sports all year round. She lives by the motto be humble, coachable, and teachable but most of all be grateful!
Ashleigh Gildon
Recording Secretary
Ashleigh Gildon, a native Omahan, the first African-American in the College of Architecture to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture. Since becoming a graduate, she has served as the Recording Secretary of the Lincoln Alumnae Chapter. In addition to that role, she has recently become the chair of the technology committee, and looks forward in aiding with the accessibility of technology for all members of her chapter.
Shirley Pickens-White
Treasurer
White is currently serving her second term as Chapter Treasurer.
Marcy Haas
Financial Secretary
Marcy Haas is an Alabama native and U.S. Navy Veteran. Marcy moved to Nebraska in 2009 and to Lincoln in 2015. She is a 2018 graduate of Doane University. She served as the corresponding secretary and internal audit chair prior to becoming financial secretary. Marcy is employed by the federal government as a Management and Program Analyst and owner of Sweet Things by Marcy.
Dr. Jeannette Jones-Vazansky
Immediate Past-President
A native-born New Yorker, Dr. Jones-Vazansky was raised in Queens and Long Island. She earned her BA in History from Hofstra University and her MA and PhD in History from the University of Buffalo. She is an Associate Professor of History and Ethnic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 2004. She served as President of the chapter from July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2014, July 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014, and August 17, 2018 - June 30, 2020.
