ABOUT US
Kelly Scroggins-Powell
Co-Founder/Executive Director >
Racine native, Kelly Scroggins-Powell, attended University of Southern Indiana, for Social Work and Non-Profit Management. She has enjoyed a rewarding career in the non-profit sector for more than 30 years. As an experienced leader she has empowered teams to achieve their greatest capacity and assisted organizations in fulfilling organization’s mission, vision, and core values. Her vast experience working with public/private entities has afforded her the opportunity to work with individuals and families from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
She is the proud co-founder of Racine Women For Racial Justice.
Mary Pucci
President/Co-Founder >
Mary grew up in Cedarburg, WI and has been a resident of Racine since 1995. She is married to her husband, Mike, and is the mother of three children, ages 17, 20 and 22. Mary received her BA in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She currently works as a local realtor for Becker Stong Real Estate Group, Inc. where she specializes in both residential and commercial real estate. Mary sits on the Community Development Authority committee for the City of Racine.
In 2019, Mary founded Racine Women for Racial Justice and now serves as the President of its board of directors.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laura Powell
Board Director >
When Betsy Balkcom moved to Racine over a decade ago she began building friendships with local activists invested in the work of racial justice. She is a health & wellness advocate with dōTERRA essential oils, with an education in English & art. Betsy brings her experience in radio, marketing, event planning, church & community organization to the table with RWRJ to amplify the outcry against injustice & create equitable pathways of access to resources for Black, Indigenous & People of Color in her city.
Chellie Wiles
Board Director >
Chellie Wiles is an Executive Relocation Counselor, with AIM Resources Inc, where she has been relocating professionals to the greater Milwaukee area, since 2011. She is married to Julian Wiles, & they are the proud parents of 3 adult daughters. Chellie has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, since 1998. Chellie was in Jack and Jill of America from 2010-2019. She is currently a Jack & Jill of America Associate. Chellie is a graduate of The Ohio State University. In her spare time she is an Ambassador for Stella&Dot, where she loves to connect with, & support women in fashion.
Marcia Buhler
Board Director >
Marcia is a former small business owner & corporate training & marketing professional who has been a Racine resident for over ten years. Her prior community involvement was as a Director & Capital Campaign Chair for Racine’s Wild Root Market food cooperative. She is passionate about using her skills & experience to advocate for social justice, whether it be food security, healthcare or eliminating other barriers that disenfranchise members of the community.
Ann Gregg
Member at Large >
Ann is committed to anti-racist practices & values equity, creativity & well being. She is excited to join the RWRJ board to uphold & support the organization's important mission. Ann spent a decade as the Director of Social Impact Programs at Carnegie Hall, & is currently a producer, non-profit consultant, & program officer with The Lewis Prize for Music. Ann spent the first 18 years of her life in Racine where she & her brothers attended Jefferson, McKinley, & Park High School. Ann lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband & two boys. Still considers Racine "home" visiting at least twice a year.
Mia McKinney
Member at Large >
Mia received her Master’s degree in City & Regional Planning from Georgia Tech & two B.S. degrees in Political Science & Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mia's professional experience & educational background has created a pathway for her to give back in her hometown of Racine. Her understanding of strategic, community planning coupled with her ability to work with varying stakeholders produces a platform for constructive dialogue & effective change. It is her belief that racial justice is the foundation of universal justice for all.
Lisa Gonzalez
Board Director >
Educator, Nonprofit & Communication Professional. Racine Resident. Through her work as an educator & journalist, Laura has pursued social justice and equity, efforts that are much more successful as part of a community network of like-minded people, which is why she is honored to be part of Racine Women for Racial Justice.