JTIE History & Committee

D’Andre Thompson is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Administrator with the City of Columbia in the City Manager’s Office. He also considers himself to be a social activist who is regularly involved in community initiatives advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in developing a thriving and welcoming community. He is a graduate of both the University of Missouri-Columbia and Columbia College with degrees in General Studies and Business Administration (MBA) respectively. His commitment to the community of Columbia and Boone County is evident through his acts of community service and engagement with populations that are most vulnerable and in need.

As a children's librarian at the Daniel Boone Regional Library, I connect members of our community to one another and to local resources. Serving on the JTIE committee gives me a truer vision of the many members of our diverse community, which challenges me to grow personally and professionally.

Lauren Williams is the Adult and Community Services Manager at the Columbia Public Library, part of the Daniel Boone Regional Library system.
Libraries provide access to information and welcoming spaces for all people - inclusion is a foundational value of the profession and informs the library’s collections, programs, and services.

Fontella Jackmon-Jones is the Community Employment Manager & Work Incentive Practitioner at Woodhaven. She is passionate about learning and expanding her knowledge of disability services related to competitive, integrated employment in the community. Fontella is dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and embracing diverse perspectives and talents, fostering inclusivity. 

Kerby Webb is the Program Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist with the Boone County Community Services Department. Her work involves the administrative support of the Boone County Children’s Services Fund and Domestic Violence Fund, with an emphasis on equitably inclusive solutions for the County’s funded agencies and programs. She is also involved in the Boone County Upward Mobility project which convenes stakeholders, policymakers, and community members around the idea that everyone deserves the chance to improve their lives and economic well-being, to be valued and feel like they belong, and to have power and autonomy.

Vera has 10+ years of experience working with youth and young adults across Missouri and Kansas in a variety of capacities, including as a librarian, speech & debate coach, and a college professor. After a year of serving as a Volunteer Coordinator with PRISM, Vera was thrilled to step into the role of Youth Program Coordinator. Vera received her Bachelor's in Communication from the University of Missouri in 2015 and her Master’s in Library and Information Sciences from Emporia State University in 2019. Vera loves to volunteer around the community, particularly with True/False Film Festival and Unbound Book Festival. She also serves on the City of Columbia's City Council. On a rainy day, you’ll find her curled up with a blanket, one of her incredibly vocal cats, and a good book.