Our Pro Staff
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.
Stacia Solomon joined Duke University in Fall 2019 as a member of the Duke Career Center and, since Spring 2023, has served full time as Director of the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture.
She began her career in University Housing at North Carolina State University before moving into the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs as Assistant Director for African American Affairs. After relocating to the West Coast, Stacia continued her commitment to historically underrepresented students at the University of California San Diego, serving as a Student Development Coordinator in the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. In this role, she supported PhD students in STEM fields with a focus on diversifying the professoriate.
Her work with a federally funded GEAR-UP program in Southern California was foundational in bridging the gap between high school and college for diverse student populations. In 2013, she returned to UC San Diego as the inaugural director of the Black Resource Center, where she developed and led data-driven initiatives to advance student recruitment, retention, and success through programs, resources, and campus-wide 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.
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.
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 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. She is currently pursuing a masters in digital marketing at Wake Forest University and hopes to continue to highlight underrepresented communities and connect them to resources through various media platforms.
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. Servant leadership has always been at the forefront of her work and she continues to do so here at Duke as a mentor in the Her Garden Mentorship program with the Women's Center.
Outside of work, Mikala enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and listening to music.
Ashley Turnbull (She/Her/Hers), Assistant Director of Training and Assessment
919.684.0579
Ashley Turnbull, M.Ed. has dedicated her career to expanding access to high-quality education and improving outcomes for students from historically underserved communities. A native of Raleigh, NC, she holds a B.A. in Sociology and a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and an M.Ed. from Lipscomb University.
With over a decade of experience in education, Ashley has built a reputation for developing programs and strategies that support inclusive learning environments and promote student success. She has led a dynamic career across secondary education, higher education, the nonprofit sector, and the federal government, with a commitment to expanding access to quality educational opportunities and ensuring that all students have joyful and affirming learning experiences. She consistently advocates for educational practices that honor students’ intersecting identities, and cultivate joy and belonging.
Ashley brings a deep commitment to aligning research with practice and specializes in evaluating educational programs to support meaningful, data-informed change. She leverages her cross-sector experience to help institutions strengthen their student support efforts and build more responsive, collaborative communities.
When she's not working to advance educational opportunity, Ashley enjoys traveling the world, offering sound baths, exploring new music, and nurturing her growing collection of plants. A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s always on the lookout for a great restaurant recommendation.
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.
Folu Adenuga
(she/her/hers) Major (s): Biology & Global Health ; Class of 2028
Kosi Amuzie
(she/her/hers) Major (s): Political Science & Psychology; Class of 2028
Joe Asamoah-Boadu
(he/him/his) Major: Public Policy Minor: Education ; Class or 2026
Demetrist Booker
(he/him/his) Major(s): Public Policy and African & African American Studies ; Class of 2027
Larkspur John
(she/her/hers)
Milan Moise
(she/her/hers)
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
Pauline Wakudumo
(she/her/hers) Masters in Public Policy with a Health policy concentration ; Class of 2026