Executive Leadership Council

President: Derin Oduye

Contact: president@thursdaynetwork.org

A native of Austin, Texas, Halimat "Derin" Oduye is the president of Thursday Network for the 2022 - 2023 Executive Leadership Council. In the past 4 years, Derin has served as Vice President and Fund Development Chair of Thursday Network where she has implemented a variety of innovative programming such as a grant writing training where 500 people where in attendance. As a strategic thinker she has created a Board handbook in order to seamlessly transition the incoming Executive Leadership team. Her extensive experience has equipped her to elevate the standard of excellence of Thursday Network.

Professionally, Derin works at Warner Bros. Discovery where she manages digital marketing content. Derin also brings over five years of digital fundraising, lobbying and political organizing experience from the public and non-profit sectors. Prior to relocating to Washington D.C. Derin served as an Americorps Member and in 2018 she was selected as the National Americorps Member of the Year. 

When she’s off the clock, she keeps busy performing poetry, mentoring, and serves as an advisor for the Urban Professionals Community.

Vice President: Symone Howard

Contact: secretary@thursdaynetwork.org

Symone is a Chicagoland native who now calls Washington, DC home. With an interest in the intricate relationship between policy, natural and built environments, and the human experience, she currently serves as an Environmental Protection Specialist at the US Department of Transportation. Symone holds a Master’s degree in City & Regional Planning from Georgia Tech and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Sociology from Bowdoin College. Beyond her professional pursuits, she revels in culinary adventures, globetrotting, quality time with family and friends over meals, watching scary movies, and nurturing her beloved plant collection. In addition to serving on Thursday Network’s Executive Leadership Team, Symone is an inaugural board member of the Bowdoin College Black Alumni Association. She is also a member of Young Professionals in Transportation, the American Planning Association, and Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International.

Treasurer: John Houston

Contact: treasurer@thursdaynetwork.org

A native of Montgomery County, Maryland, John R. Houston is the Treasurer of Thursday Network, the young professional's auxiliary of the Greater Washington Urban League. John brings over 10 years of finance, accounting, fundraising, and political organizing experience from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. In addition to his finance background, he has served in leadership capacities with non-profit organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. John obtained a B.S. in Finance from Hampton University and in his spare time enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and playing the saxophone.

Secretary: Nick Tharkur

Contact: secretary@thursdaynetwork.org

Nick Tharkur is a native of Montgomery County, Maryland and currently resides in Washington, DC. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2020 with a degree in finance and supply chain management. Since receiving his degree, Nick has worked in the consulting industry applying his knowledge of supply chain management and passion for problem solving to strategic engagements supporting private and public sector clients. Outside of his primary client work, Nick is active in supporting internal DE&I initiatives in efforts to retain and attract more talent from underrepresented minority backgrounds.

Nick joined the Thursday Network in October of 2023 as a way to contribute to the movement and give back to his local community. He is an active participant on the Personal and Professional Development Committee and will serve as the Secretary on the Executive Leadership Council for the 2023-2024 term! In his free time you may find Nick checking out trendy restaurants, cooking new recipes, traveling to a new country or city, or playing soccer with friends.

Parliamentarian: Jasmine Colquitt 

Contact: parliamentarian@thursdaynetwork.org

Jasmine is an attorney originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She currently serves as Corporate Counsel at the fintech company Jack Henry & Associates. She received her B.A. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) and her J.D. and M.B.A. from North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Jasmine joined the Thursday Network in February 2022 and serves as Parliamentarian for the 2023-2024 term. Since joining Thursday Network, Jasmine has served on the Civic Engagement, Personal & Professional Development and Policies & Procedures Committees. Jasmine is also a member of the Executive Board of the Washington Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (WBA YLD) where she serves as Chair-Elect for the 2023-2024 bar year. In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys traveling, visiting art museums and running.

Personal and Professional Development Chair: Brittany Cummings 

Contact: ppd@thursdaynetwork.org

Brittany Geneva Cummings is an entrepreneur and advocate dedicated to storytelling, community-building, and creating safe spaces. As Founder of Geneva Savvy Media, Brittany uses her 15+ years of media and communications experience to guide brands and organizations who are creating safe spaces for underserved communities at the intersection of advocacy, social impact, and culture. Brittany is also founder of The Nod, a live event experience brand that produces unapologetically Black events with a twist. Brittany recently served as 2021-2022 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and Chair of Commission 8E in Washington, D.C., a non-partisan, unpaid position she was elected to in November 2020. Brittany is returning to the Thursday Network Executive Leadership Council after serving from 2018-2020 as PR/Marketing Chair then Vice President, working to advance the core pillars of community engagement, political advocacy, youth empowerment, economic security, and social determinants of health.

Civic Engagement Chair: Terrance Brown

Contact: civic@thursdaynetwork.org

Terrance was born and raised in Memphis, TN. He later attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in political science: legal studies (2015) and a master’s degree in public administration: local government management (2018). After graduating, Terrance returned to Memphis where he served the community through advocacy and service. He has spent several years in the nonprofit, social justice, and government sectors and recently moved to the DMV area. Currently he serves as a grant management specialist with the D.C City government.

Some of the issues he has focused on include food justice and access, inequity in the education system, resource development and connection, homelessness, and more. In addition to being the 2023-24 Civic Engagement Chair for the Thursday Network he is/has also been a member/alum of various other groups and organizations such as AmeriCorps VISTA, Black Millennials 4 Flint (BM4F), United Way (UWGC), the MLK Memorial Foundation of Social Justice Fellows, and the Leaders of Color I chapter in Washington D.C. Terrance believes that community is about empowering people with resources, and that we must collaborate together to help our communities and people to not only survive but thrive.

Membership Services Chair: Autumn Moody

Contact: membership@thursdaynetwork.org

Autumn was born in Detroit, Michigan and now calls Maryland home. Autumn enjoys life with Archie, her pandemic-rescue feline companion, and as the eldest of five siblings, she's a natural leader.

Autumn earned her Bachelor's in Psychology with double minors in Childhood Studies and Sociology from Christopher Newport University in '15, showcasing her commitment to understanding and supporting others. In her professional life, Autumn excels in the Property Management industry at AvalonBay, Communities. After managing multiple assets in Northern Virginia, she's now successfully pioneering an onboarding pilot, where her passion for people and improving culture shines. As Membership Services Chair, Autumn embodies her zest for life, her commitment to growth, and her dedication to fostering connections within Thursday Network.

Autumn joined Thursday Network in 2021 and after attending Thursday Network's inaugural Women's History Luncheon, she dove into The Movement with vigor and passion. Since then, she's enjoyed attending General Body Meetings, planning Signature Events like Spirit of Service, and using her platform to uplift those around her.

Join her on this exciting journey as she leads the way in creating a vibrant and engaged community for all our members.

Community Service Programs Chair: Haniyyah (Honey) Bashir

Contact: csprograms@thursdaynetwork.org

Haniyyah (Honey) Bashir is a Brooklyn, New York native who now resides in Montgomery County, Maryland. She graduated from Wells College with a Major in Theatre/Dance and a Minor in Childhood Education. She received her Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration-Student Affairs from the University at Buffalo. After 7 years in Higher Ed, Honey made a career transition to talent attraction, and she is currently loving her role as a recruiter at a consulting firm. Honey is passionate about supporting children and young adults from underrepresented backgrounds to foster growth, mentorship, community development, community service, and mental health awareness.

Honey joined Thursday Network in 2019 because she feels a sense of social responsibility as a resident of the DC community to give back to a city that has given so much to her. One of her favorite community service TN signature programs is our Monthly Food Pantry. She is excited to join the board as the CS Program Chair. When she's not in the DMV, Honey travels the US and the world collecting passport stamps at any chance. She has been to over 35 states and 36 countries on five continents.

Community Service Events Chair: Melika Matthews

Contact: csevents@thursdaynetwork.org

Melika is an Akron (Ohio) native whose background developed a desire to explore and sow into her community. In a professional capacity, she is a public servant that provides technical assistance to state and regional performance stakeholders at the US Department of Labor. Prior to assuming her current role as a Workforce Analyst, she worked within the nonprofit and higher education sectors, where she supported the implementation of impactful workforce programs, projects, and services. Her educational background is in Political Science (BA) and Public Administration (MA with a specialty in Nonprofit Management). Outside of work, Melika can often be found traveling, attending live concerts or shows, and creating new experiences.

Fund Development Chair: Edward Holman

Contact: funddevelopment@thursdaynetwork.org

Ed is a native Washingtonian (Washington State) who moved to the DC area in the summer of 2021. As a community-driven consulting professional, Ed has a range of experiences securing funds, building relationships, and fostering engaging and inclusive environments in youth development, higher education, and cultural institutions.

Professionally, Ed works for Purpose Possible, a startup consulting firm that offers a range of services for mission-driven organizations and funders throughout the US. In his consulting role, Ed works with nonprofits, cooperatives, and social enterprises to help strengthen their fundraising efforts, communication channels, and strategic priorities. As well as working alongside foundation and corporate funders to create strong partnerships with organizations and communities across the country, Ed recently completed his graduate school program at American University's School of Public Affairs, earning him a Master of Public Administration degree and a Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation for Global Impact. He also received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Philosophy from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.

Public Relations Marketing Chair: Logan White

Contact: pr@thursdaynetwork.org

Logan White, a seasoned communications professional with a unique skill set, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to both her professional and volunteer work. As a Communications Manager at LinkedIn, Logan harnesses her storytelling prowess and strategic media relations skills to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce. Logan's tenure as a former Communications Associate at WSP USA, a global civil engineering firm, honed her ability to transform intricate tech concepts into relatable stories, seamlessly merging innovation with human connections. Beginning her career at Edelman Public Relations, the world's largest PR firm, she masterminded diverse communication strategies spanning higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, corporate, finance, and energy sectors. Notably, Logan's press internships with Senators Dianne Feinstein and Dick Durbin on Capitol Hill equipped her with the dexterity to navigate complex political landscapes.

Logan's impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She is a co-lead for the DC office’s Black Inclusion Group at LinkedIn, driving initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. As part of this role, Logan actively participates in service activities, including leading "rock your profile" sessions to help members optimize LinkedIn to its fullest capacity. Furthermore, she is a dedicated member - and the current PR/marketing chair - of Thursday Network, a young professionals organization committed to serving the Washington Metropolitan area through community programs and partnerships aligned with the Empowerment Goals of the National Urban League. Logan's commitment to service is further exemplified through her role as a middle school mentor with Higher Achievement, an afterschool program aimed at closing the opportunity gap for 5th-8th grade scholars. Last but certainly not least, Logan is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, actively contributing to the organization’s legacy of leadership, scholarship, sisterhood, and service.

Pride of the Movement Chair: Jarred Keller

Contact: pride@thursdaynetwork.org

Jarred Denzel Keller is the Senior Press Secretary for The Human Rights Campaign and a mental health advocate using his social media to normalize the conversation surrounding mental health. Following the suicide of his friend, Jarred decided to become more vocal about his struggles with anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation to help those suffering in silence. Using his story to shine a light on what mental health looks like, Jarred shares his triumphs and failures regarding his mental health to remind others that “it’s ok not to be ok.”