Board of Directors
The officers serving on AAAL’s Board of Directors bring to the organization deep ancestral knowledge, professional experience and skills and a shared commitment to preserve African American Appalachian history.
President
Janice M. ‘Lyn’ Wright
Janice M. Wright is an assistant clinical professor emerita at Ohio University, where she directed clinical education for speech pathology graduate students, supervising their hands-on training in the university’s feeding clinic. She taught courses on Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Professional Issues, and Multicultural Issues, preparing students for diverse practices. Janice co-founded the Botswana Interprofessional Service-Learning program, leading students from various disciplines to collaborate with rehabilitation professionals in Botswana. Her professional involvement includes serving as a site visitor for the Council of Academic Programs, participating in the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Ohio Speech Language and Hearing Association, and acting as a state ambassador for The American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Janice specializes in pediatric feeding disorders, supervision, conflict resolution, trauma, diversity, inclusion, and mental health first aid, presenting nationally and internationally. She is certified in several programs including Bridges out of Poverty, Mental Health First Aid, Ohio Not a Single Drop, Minimize Risk Maximize Life, and Ohio University Diversity Essentials, contributing to community and professional development. In retirement, Janice remains active by singing with the Calliope Feminist Choir and supporting ‘Drug Free’ school dances in Ohio and West Virginia with her husband, Rockin’ Reggie.
Vice President
Dr. V. Michelle Chenault
V. Michelle Chenault Wilson, known as Shell, is a biologist and certified Medical Technologist with advanced degrees including a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology. She has worked in clinical labs, academia, and government agencies such as the FDA and USGS, engaging in research, science administration, and technology transfer. Now retired, she is a grandmother and horticulture educator, drawing inspiration from her Appalachian roots and family traditions in science and gardening.
At Large Officer
Ayisha Mumin
Ayisha Mumin is a senior leader with more than two decades of experience driving strategic leadership, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration across the aerospace, chemical, public, and private sectors. She currently serves as the Innovation Division Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where she leads enterprise-wide efforts to develop innovative solutions that advance the future of Commercial Space Transportation through strategic planning, research and development, process improvement, and training. Ayisha holds an MBA in Decision Science from Old Dominion University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Norfolk State University. She is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a PROSCI Change Management Practitioner, and an FAA-certified Remote Pilot (Drone Operator). She is deeply passionate about children's education and is an active mother member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. In addition, she is a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Norfolk State University Alumni Association.
Committees
Property
Cynthia Y. Barnett
Cynthia Y. Barnett is an accomplished IT Specialist with more than 35 years of expertise in supporting and securing government infrastructure, serving both military and civilian sectors. Cynthia holds Master’s degrees in Information Technology- Information Assurance and Business Administration (MBA), demonstrating her commitment to advanced learning and professional development. Her core specialties include network administration and cybersecurity. Cynthia has consistently implemented robust security protocols to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with federal standards. Driven by a strong dedication to the public sector, Cynthia is committed to safeguarding national security using reliable technology solutions. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Cynthia enjoys spending quality time with her children and granddaughter. She is also actively involved in giving back to her community.
Technology
Joseph Boccuzzi
Joseph Boccuzzi serves as the Senior Associate of Data Analytics and
Compliance at the Connecticut Green Bank. In this role, he leverages his strong technical and
analytical abilities to streamline workflows, enhance data governance, and boost organizational
efficiency. Joseph holds a master’s degree in business analytics from UMass, which provides
him with a solid foundation for approaching projects through a data-driven lens and delivering
effective solutions. His expertise encompasses Salesforce development, Power BI development,
system integrations, and SOC-2 compliance preparation. Joseph is recognized as a reliable
resource for process improvement and internal training within the organization. He applies his
analytical skills to a variety of tasks, ranging from developing new systems within the Salesforce
ecosystem to preparing dashboards and audit reports. Joseph’s approach prioritizes efficiency,
governance, and continuous improvement in all aspects of his work. Driven by curiosity and a
growth mindset, Joseph spends time reading books related to business, economics, mindset,
and optimization. Notable titles include The 4-Hour Workweek, Nudge, and Principles. He is
always seeking new ways to expand his knowledge, improve his mindset, and develop his skills.