Founding Members

Jade Thomas

Executive Director / Founder

Jade Thomas is a mother, entrepreneur and the founder and Executive Director of Becoming Kings and Queens. She earned both her Bachelors and Masters degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix. Through her experience working in corporate America, in the insurance and benefits administration industry, she has learned first hand how working together positively encourages team members. As a result, she has vowed to find innovative ways to support and foster leadership in the next generation. She is passionate about service and truly believes that we are responsible for ensuring the success of the next generation. Realizing the importance of mentorship, Jade is excited to help bring the best out of our youth and children. As a single mother herself, Jade understands the importance of “it takes a village to raise a child” and invests in her son, Calvin, to ensure that he is a “Strong, Smart, Kind Black King” everyday.

Christie Juarez

Treasurer

Christie serves as the treasurer and is the newest member to join the Becoming Kings and Queens board. After graduating high school, she decided to pursue a career in the banking industry and has been in the field for six years. She currently manages a branch with Woodforest National Bank in northwest Houston. Christie is a Houston, Texas, born and raised gal, who enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her husband Joe and three fur babies Jack, Valentina, and Phoenix. As a Hispanic woman she embraces and thrives in diverse community groups and aims to help her community in any way possible. Her goal is to teach the youth the financial literacy skills they need to make the right decisions and build their own financial legacy for their future.

"At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can" - Frida Kahlo

Jasmine Thomas

Board Member

JASMINE RENEE THOMAS is an artist, educator, and mental health advocate in Houston, TX. She holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and Communication Studies from Southwestern University. Starting her professional career as a Teach for America corps member, Jasmine has a decade of experience working in both educational and arts environments from classroom teacher to off-broadway actress to non profit manager of arts integration programming! Most recently, she won the title of Elementary Teacher of the Year for Spring ISD. Currently, Jasmine teaches 4th grade English, stars in local theatre and film productions, is a private tutor, and facilitates workshops focusing on the integration of theatre arts with SEL.

Ariel Arrington

Board Member

Ariel is a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University, one of the most diverse HBCU’s in the country where she learned more on the importance of education and how it starts with the pursuit of knowledge. She will readily admit that leadership at a young age didn’t come easy. Ariel is most passionate about leading others and motivating them to unlock their God given potential to take action in pursuit of the amazing plan that Christ for their life. Her dedication to mentorship is needed especially in these times as she states “we are responsible for the next generation’s growth and development. Service has always been a part of her life as her mother instilled an attitude of service through volunteerism. In her spare time Ariel enjoys spending time with family and friends, dancing and the occasional DIY project. Her personal plan to make a change as a board member is to stay connected.

She lives in Houston with her forever plus one her daughter Savannah.

Kimberly Lovelady

Secretary

Kimberly Lovelady is a graduate of Booker T. Washington, HSEP. She attended Houston
Community College where she studied Childhood Education. Kimberley is currently employed with the Houston Independent School District as a licensed certified Special Needs Transportation driver. She enjoys helping as well as encouraging others to fulfill their best potential.

Romans 8:28- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Jessica Thomas

Board Member

Jessica Thomas is a registered behavioral therapist in the Greater Houston area. She holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology from St. Edwards University in Austin, TX. Jessica's strong passion for working with children over the past 10 years has guided her toward her current Masters program where she will receive her Master's in Psychology with a focus in child and adolescent development. Outside of school and work, Jessica volunteers for her home church and loves taking care of her best friend, her nephew- Calvin.