CMS
Advisory Board
Our advisory board is composed of a diverse group of dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Colour Me Social Foundation. Each member is passionate about our mission and committed to guiding our efforts to make a positive impact in the community. Together, they provide invaluable insight and strategic guidance ensuring we stay focused on our goals and effectively serve those in need.
Erika Ford-Oliver
Founder of Colour Me Social Foundation
A true product of all things Chicago, Erika Ford-Oliver is a visionary entrepreneur with a deep passion for building community and creating spaces...
A true product of all things Chicago, Erika Ford-Oliver is a visionary entrepreneur with a deep passion for building community and creating spaces where people can connect with purpose. What began as a simple desire to dress up and venture beyond clubs and parties, evolved into something far more meaningful—the Colour Me Social Foundation.
Erika initially carved out a successful career as an education finance administrator, but her entrepreneurial spirit and love for curating experiences led her down a new path. Now a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, she is dedicated to fostering opportunities for connection, empowerment, and social impact. Through Colour Me Social, she has transformed a stylish social concept into a platform that uplifts and inspires, proving that a great idea—when fueled by passion—can blossom into something extraordinary.
With deep roots in Chicago’s culture and a commitment to giving back, Erika continues to redefine what it means to mix philanthropy with fun, style with substance, and community with celebration.
Kwame Atiogbe
CMSF Advisory Board Vice-Chairman
Kwame Atiogbe is native of the southeastside of Chicago, where he still resides. A lover of the arts, his true passion is helping others...
Kwame Atiogbe is native of the southeastside of Chicago, where he still resides. A lover of the arts, his true passion is helping others, which has guided his personal and professional endeavors. Kwame holds a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Master of Arts from the University of Chicago. He is honored to be a part of the CMS Advisory Board, and is excited for the awesome things planned for this year
Nichelle Parker
CMSF Advisory Board Secretary
Nichelle Parker is an accomplished business professional, innovative leader, and director of staff who serves as the Advisory Board Secretary for the Colour Me Social Foundation...
Nichelle Parker is an accomplished business professional, innovative leader, and director of staff who serves as the Advisory Board Secretary for the Colour Me Social Foundation. A proud Chicago native, Nichelle’s bold, strategic approach and willingness to take risks fuel her passion for philanthropy. Since joining the foundation in 2019, she has been dedicated to driving meaningful change and broadening perspectives. As she puts it, “I am on a mission to inspire a community that seeks change, whether it’s tangible or visionary.
Alfred Campbell
CMSF Advisory Board
Marketing & Communications Advisor
Alfred Campbell, known as Chicago’s “Healthy Hair and Extension King,” is a renowned hairstylist, Mizani artist, and international educator specializing in textured hair...
Alfred Campbell, known as Chicago’s “Healthy Hair and Extension King,” is a renowned hairstylist, Mizani artist, and international educator specializing in textured hair. As an educator for Mizani and L’Oréal, he’s contributed to programs like Mizani’s Texpert Academy and L’Oréal’s Protégé Program, helping stylists master textured hair care. Committed to community service, Alfred extends his efforts to the Colour Me Social Foundation, supporting initiatives that uplift underserved communities. His passion for healthy hair, education, and philanthropy continues to make a lasting impact.
Bliss Muse
CMSF Advisory Board Member
Bliss Muse is a dynamic executive, community advocate, and proud South Side Chicagoan with a passion for social justice, community development, and celebrating Black excellence...
Bliss Muse is a dynamic executive, community advocate, and proud South Side Chicagoan with a passion for social justice, community development, and celebrating Black excellence. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Bliss brings a unique perspective to her work as a proud lesbian leader. Committed to creating impactful experiences, she channels her passion into producing events that uplift and empower. When she’s not curating meaningful gatherings, you can find her enthusiastically cheering on women’s sports.
Lauren Weatherspoon
CMSF Advisory Board Member, Treasurer
Lauren Weatherspoon serves as the Treasurer of CMSF. With a solid background in accounting and a passion for supporting meaningful causes...
Lauren Weatherspoon serves as the Treasurer of CMSF. With a solid background in accounting and a passion for supporting meaningful causes, Lauren brings strong financial expertise to the organization’s board. Holding a master’s degree in Accounting, she has extensive experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and ensuring the fiscal health of organizations.
Demetrius McCloud
CMSF Advisory Board Member, Legal Affairs
Demetrius McCloud is an attorney, advocate and community leader dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through strategic legal representation and philanthropic efforts...
Demetrius McCloud is an attorney, advocate and community leader dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through strategic legal representation and philanthropic efforts. As the founder of McCloud Law Group, he pairs his expertise in the law with a passion for uplifting underserved communities. Committed to equity, justice, and economic empowerment, Demetrius believes in using his platform to make a lasting impact. When he’s not fighting for his clients, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family and two French bulldogs.
Kenji Cotton
CMSF Advisory Board,
Grants Strategy Advisor
Kenji has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, holding roles from teacher to Director-level leadership, with a deep commitment to serving children and families in Chicago...
Kenji has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, holding roles from teacher to Director-level leadership, with a deep commitment to serving children and families in Chicago. She holds a Master’s in Non-Profit Management and Human Services from DePaul University. As the Founder and CEO of Kindred Alliance, LLC, Kenji helps organizations improve life/work balance, implement data-driven systems, and enhance their impact. Her expertise spans system development, research, data, and organizational management.