Linda Thomas now semi-retired was the Executive Director for the
National Association of Minority Contractors, Las Vegas, NV and Chair of
the National Chapter Development, Washington D.C. Founder and President
of LLJ Consulting & Construction a full service General Contractor.
Her own sensitivity to the minority audience stems from her multicultural
background, having been born ion the Mid West with extensive travel
throughout the USA and outer lining areas. She began her career in
construction several years ago with a family owned construction business
emphasizing in road construction and excavation. Throughout the years of
extensive work and education she developed into a WMBE Certified
Company. Linda attended KCKS and OCC earning a BS degree in
Management and Human Resources, Alexander Hoyt Business
Management, Mid America Real estate Institute Turner Construction
Management, and American College of Forensic Counseling.
As the ED for the organization she Administered “Careers In Construction
Pre-Apprentice” training through Nevada Partners for youth and adults.
She trained many minorities and hired in the field of construction.

Monica Albert. I am the Vice President of LupiDiva. As a Lupus Supporter, I have had a front seat to the challenges that come with a Lupus diagnosis from the accompanying illnesses like fibromyalgia, the painful mornings, the many specialist visits to the multiple bottles of medications. I have witnessed the tears and the fights to get doctors and hospitals to listen and to acknowledge the pain as more than "just a flare." 

I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan with my parents, three brothers and one sister. After battling many years of cold weather and ice, in November of 2006 I moved to sunny Arizona where I live with my husband and children. Since moving here I have worked in dental consulting, human resources and government. 

Shante Saulsberry is a community advocate, nonprofit founder, and former candidate for the Arizona State House of Representatives with five years of dedicated service across Arizona. She is known for her boots-on-the-groundwork in housing stability, domestic violence prevention, legislative advocacy, and community-centered policy reform. Through her leadership, Shante has developed and supported programs that prioritize safety, dignity, and opportunity for individuals and families navigating crisis and transition.

Shante’s commitment to advocacy is deeply personal. After losing her sister to lupus following more than 15 years of courageous battle and multiple strokes, she chose to transform grief into purpose. Her sister passed away at the age of 43, inspiring Shante to become a vocal advocate for lupus awareness, education, and early intervention, particularly in communities where the disease is often misunderstood or underdiagnosed.

As a board member of Gamma Pi Rho Lupus Sorority, Inc., Shante brings a servant-leader approach grounded in lived experience, integrity, and impact. She is passionate about amplifying survivor voices, advancing health equity, and building meaningful community partnerships. Shante believes awareness saves lives and that leadership rooted in service has the power to create lasting, generational change.