Latreese Cooke, Executive Director
admin@meeelj.org

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Latreese founded MEEELJ in 1991 and opened offices in 2004. Latreese created and developed all the programs that are offered by the organization.   She is an alumni of the University of Texas, Austin Community College and most recently the University of Phoenix. Latreese is the proud mother of three children and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include shopping, reading, singing and …shopping!

Professionally, Latreese has worked several state government offices in operations management, public speaking and lobbying. She has extensive experience in activism and consultation for civil rights of disadvantaged persons throughout the country. Presently, she is involved in multiple Re-Entry Committees throughout Texas, is a Legislative Policy Reform for Incarcerated Persons Chairperson and serves on many other committees.

“I can’t think of anything better than doing this type of work, for this population and their families!”

A Palo Duro High School graduate from Amarillo, Felicia, obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from West Texas A&M in 1993.  Eleven years in finance, accounting, sales, management, and real estate gave way to the quest for a Master's Degree in Counseling at Prarie View A&M University which she earned in May of 2007.

"As a counselor I support the development of the 'whole person'. I believe in a flexible theoretical framework and using a wide repertoire of skills allows me to partner with and empower clients in their journeys of discovery, growth, and integration. My approach to counseling is developmental and consultative.

"I am delighted to be a part of and share the vision and purpose of MEEELJ."

Leticia Strader, Executive Assistant
leticia@meeelj.org

A graduate of Westlake High School in Austin Texas, Leticia received an Associates Degree from the Texas Culinary Academy in 2005. After working in the restaurants as a Pastry Chef, she decided to go back to school. Leticia is currently a student of Austin Community College and is working on transfering to the University of Texas. From there she will be finishing her Bachelors Degree of Nursing. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, drawing, reading and chasing after her little boy.

Phyllis Wilson

Phyllis Wilson, born in Washington State 65 years ago, has lived in Arizona, New York, and 30 years in Alaska. “I've owned and operated a riding stable, drove a truck, or whatever they put me in, on the Alaskan Pipe Line and drove a school bus for eight and a half years, which was a real experience”. She no longer rides or shows horses and gave up her CDL for truck driving due to health issues. “So working in an office is very new and strange for me as I'm very much an outdoors type of person”, she says, and “I do have a few flowers and two dogs at my apartment that I take care of now that my children are grown with lives of their own to live here in Texas. Her business experience will be a great asset to MEEELJ, Inc.

© 2006 Minorities for Equality in Employment, Education, Liberty and Justice® A 501c (3) Non-Profit Organization.  All rights reserved.