Our Pro Staff
Our Abele Ambassadors
The Abele Ambassadors are undergraduate, graduate and/or professional students who work in our office, to complete front desk tasks, answer the phone, manage social media, design marketing materials, help install gallery exhibits, assist with special projects and PROMOTE the work of the Center by serving as Ambassadors, Interns or Fellows. These are part-time, paid positions working at least 5-10 hours per week. Student status is required. Federal or Duke work-study is preferred. The ambassadors have outgoing/engaging personality, strong organizational skills, demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills, computer literacy, office skills, creativity and an interest in Black People, Culture, History and the myriad of contributions we have made and are making at Duke and in the world.
Stacia Solomon (she/her/hers), Director
Box 90880
919.684.2924
stacia.solomon@duke.edu
A native of Charlotte, Stacia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management & Marketing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Following a short career in the banking industry, Stacia became a K-12 educator before attending North Carolina State University where she earned her M.Ed. in Counseling with a concentration in College Student Development. She holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University.
Prior to joining Duke University in the fall of 2019, Stacia started her career in University Housing at North Carolina State University before joining the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs as the Assistant Director for African American Affairs. After a relocation to the west coast, Stacia continued to serve historically underrepresented students at the University of California San Diego as a Student Development Coordinator in the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. This role focused on graduate students pursing PhDs in STEM fields with an emphasis on pursuing faculty roles in the academy. Stacia’s experience with the federal grant, funded the GEAR-UP program serving diverse students in the Inland Empire of Southern California was foundational for bridging the gap between high school and college. In 2013, Stacia returned to the University of California San Diego serving as the inaugural director of the Black Resource Center, a campus community center which centered the Black experience for undergraduate and graduate students at UC San Diego. Within this role, Stacia was able to develop, lead, and implement data-driven initiatives geared toward student recruitment, retention, and success through a variety of programs, events, resources, and collaborations.
Committed to the success of the whole person, Stacia is passionate about helping students to get to know themselves and utilize the resources around them so that they can make informed decisions about their futures.
When she’s not helping students, Stacia enjoys traveling, collecting Trader Joe’s shopping bags, exploring different cuisines, and spending time with her family.
Duke Trainings Stacia has completed:
Duke P.R.I.D.E.
UndocuAlly
Mental Health First Aid
Ramadan 2023
Samaiyah Faison(She/Her/Hers), Assistant Director of Programming
Box 90880
919.684.1112
samaiyah.faison@duke.edu
Samaiyah Faison is a dedicated student affairs professional who is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive spaces for student success. Originally from Sunnyvale in the Bay Area of Northern California, she has called Raleigh, North Carolina home for several years. Samaiyah earned her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in Women’s Studies and is currently pursuing her master’s degree.
For the past eight years, Samaiyah has been a valued member of the Duke Student Affairs community. She brings warmth, empathy, and deep commitment to her work—whether through academic advising, facilitating impactful programs like First Friday and Harmony and Heritage Tea, or serving as an advisor to the Black Women’s Union. She is especially passionate about mentoring students and offering a supportive presence through both personal and academic challenges.
Samaiyah’s professional background includes extensive experience in case management, supporting children with developmental delays and mental health needs across Durham County and other northern counties in North Carolina, including Vance and Warren Counties.
Outside of work, Samaiyah is an avid reader, a mother to a beautiful daughter, and "Gigi" to her beloved granddaughter, who continually inspires her to embrace the joy and beauty of life.
Ashley Turnbull (She/Her/Hers), Assistant Director of Training and Assessment
919.684.0579
Ashley Turnbull, M.Ed., has dedicated her career to achieving educational equity and enhancing educational opportunities for historically underserved students. A Raleigh, NC native, she holds a B.A. in Sociology and a B.S. Human Development & Family Studies from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as a M.Ed from Lipscomb University.
Ashley has amassed over ten years of experience in education and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work. Her early experiences as a middle school ELA teacher ignited her passion for expanding access to quality educational
opportunities and ensuring that schools provide joyful and affirming experiences. She consistently advocates for educational practices that honor students’ intersecting identities, and cultivate joy and belonging. She has since led a dynamic career across higher education, the nonprofit sector, and the federal government. Through her experiences, Ashley continues to develop a unique aptitude to effectively bridge the gap between educational research and practice to enhance educational outcomes at all levels.
When she’s not championing for educational equity, Ashley is traveling the world, giving sound baths, indulging in music, and being a proud plant mom. She is also an eager foodie and welcomes any and all food recommendations.
Mikala King(She/Her/Hers), Marketing and Communications Fellow
Box 90880
919.684.3615
mikala.king@duke.edu
Mikala is a Durham native and grew up as a Duke Blue Devil fan. As a 2021 graduate of UNC Greensboro with a BA in Communication Studies, Mikala supports the marketing and communication efforts for all programming at The Lou. Mikala is passionate about creating meaningful relationships and safe spaces for all individuals. She takes pride in utilizing effective communication to better understand individuals as well as exhibit exceptional customer service, hospitality, and inclusivity.
As an undergraduate, Mikala was a student leader serving as a Resident Advisor, Campus Tour Guide, Orientation Leader, Residential Senator for Student Government Association, and Community Service Chair for the Psi Sigma chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi the Professional Business Fraternity.
Outside of work, Mikala enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and listening to music.
Joshua Andrews
(he/him/his) Major: Computer Science ; Class of 2026
Zinny Anunobi
(she/her/hers) Major: Global Health & Medical Sociology Certificate: MMS ; Class of 2027
Joe Asamoah-Boadu
(he/him/his) Major: Public Policy Minor: Education ; Class or 2026
Destiny Benjamin
(she/her/hers) Major: African & African American Studies ; Class of 2025
Vaughn-Regan Bledsoe
(she/her/her) Co-Major: Global Health and African & African American Studies Certificate: Health Policy ; Class of 2025
Demetrist Booker
(he/him/his) Major(s): Public Policy and African & African American Studies ; Class of 2027
Neleh Hopper
(she/her/hers) Major: Psychology Minor(s): African & African American Studies and Spanish ; Class of 2025
Brianna Johnson
(she/her/hers) Major: Public Policy ; Class of 2025
Zach Moore
(he/him/his) Graduate Liberal Studies ; Class of 2025
Noah Obuya
(he/him/his) Major(s): Statistical Science & English ; Class of 2026
Sydney Okeke
(she/her/hers) Major: Program II, Reproductive Justice & the Environment ; Class of 2026
Makyla Pirtle
(she/her/hers) Major: Public Policy & Global Health ; Class of 2027