about us
The Visionaire Foundation Inc. is a 501 © 3 non -profit organization that was founded in 2019 by Debra Owens, its CEO. The organization’s success is emboldened in providing programs and initiatives that strategically meets the needs of underserved populations in the Atlanta Metro and surrounding areas, as well as promoting a forward-thinking approach that leads individuals to thrive positively in order to impact their communities.
Visionaire Foundation Inc. realizes that systematic biases, oppression and economic disenfranchisement creates a reality that is challenging for our targeted community. Consequently, our programs and initiatives are tailored to resuscitate underserved populations by providing an awareness and opportunities for our participants to obtain life skills training and financial resources to overcome these systemic influences.
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our team
Dr. Debra Wright Owens
President
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Dr. Debra Owens, a native Mississippian, is an empowerment advocate, executive coach, speaker, and author. She is the Founder/CEO of Encore Empowerment International, LLC, a business management consulting firm that specializes in top tier business and personal development solutions, training and development, and conflict resolution (mediation and arbitration). She is a founding member and President of The Visionaire Foundation, Inc (nonprofit organization), a global visionary movement dedicated to enhancing the lives of others through education, knowledge and selfless service. She has over 36 years of professional career experience, having served in management and leadership capacity for 32 years. She is a US Army veteran, and holds a PhD in Business Administration (Management), a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Criminology. She is a light and positive energy - full of vision, dreams and purpose. Dr. Debra has two amazing children, a grandson, family and friends - whom she truly adores.
Sharon Gipson
Vice President
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Sharon is an experienced strategic litigator with expertise representing government agencies in labor and employment disputes. Sharon is skilled at developing innovative strategies and utilizing robust analytical skills to navigate complicated, often volatile matters. She is also experienced at instructing colleagues and clients on legal issues and obligations. In addition to serving on the Board of The Visionaire Foundation, Sharon is an active volunteer in her community and her church. Additionally, she is a trained mediator and arbitrator, often volunteering her services within the state of Georgia. Recently, she has begun exploring the intersection of AI and the administration of government and business services, as well as the use of AI in the visual arts.
Curtis Luke
Marketing & Growth Director
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Curtis is highly experienced in researching and implementing new target market initiatives and developing strategies to meet established goals and achieve desired outcomes. He is recognized in democratic leadership positions and proven aptitude to build consensus with cross-functional teams and maintain open lines of communication. Curtis is a strategic leader consistently leading by example in driving motivation among members and encouraging maximum potential, performance, and dedication in team.
Elaine Johnson
Treasurer
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Elaine Johnson is a native of Philadelphia. She has been a Georgia resident for the past 14 years. She has a career in accounting that has spanned Fortune 500 to Not-For Profits. Her greatest joys are her children and grandchildren. She also enjoys charitable work such as Christmas Kindness and Foster Care of America.
Adrienne Gray
Secretary / Technology Director
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Adrienne is a retiree having served 34 years as an IT Specialist in the federal government. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Adrienne graduated from Spelman College with a B.A. in English. She is a contributing author to the book, Life, Vision, Purpose: A Collective Perspective From Five Visionary Authors and is the owner of AEG Craft Designs, a small business she started to share her love of sewing and crafting. She also created and writes in a personal blog, adieink.com.