Meet the Change Makers

Our dedicated Board of Directors and passionate team members bring a wealth of experience and devotion to our mission of empowering women veterans. Together, they guide our efforts to create joyful, healing, and supportive environments for all women who have served.

  • Pepper Phillips, USAF

    CHAIRPERSON

  • Joceyln Travis

    VICE CHAIR

  • Vedia Barnett, USAF

    FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Sonja Baisden Shell, USN

    TREASURER

  • Ruth Walker, USMC

    SECRETARY

  • Brandace Baylor, USA

    VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

  • Gabrielle DiToto, USCG

    COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Our Bios

Board of Director Bios

  • I am a Navy veteran and current Farm Services Agency professional at the USDA. I previously spent twelve years in Workforce Development, and helping hundreds find sustainable employment. I have an MBA in Human Resources, a bachelor’s in Counseling and Human Services, and an associate’s in Business Administration.

    I'm also the Second Vice-President of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, owns AJ's Cupcake Cafe, and co-hosts the podcast "Why? Because We Said So." 

    I live in GA with my husband Levert and beloved dog, Skittles. I am an avid volunteer and love assisting others in my spare time. I live my life as a testament to my dedication to service, empowerment, and community. 

    One of my guiding principles comes from my favorite quote, "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve". ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

  • I am a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served at Camp Lejeune, NC, and Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington, VA. With over 50 years of experience in administrative and organizational roles, I have provided secretarial and administrative support to various government agencies and contracting consultants, handling a broad range of responsibilities.

    I have been happily married for 53 years, and together, my husband and I have raised three adult children. We are blessed with seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.

    I thoroughly enjoy reading, attending Senior Citizens classes, dancing, and exploring Black historical sites and museums. I'm passionate about family genealogy and dedicate time to researching my family's history. I also volunteer at my church and various organizations.

    One of my guiding principles comes from my favorite quote: "We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord."

  • My name is Jocelyn L. Travis and I currently serve as Deputy Regional Field Director for the Sierra Club, overseeing teams in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

    My journey with the Sierra Club began in 2016 as the Ready For 100 Campaign Manager in Ohio, where I led Cleveland to become the 83rd city nationally to commit to 100% clean energy, with a strong focus on ensuring an equitable and just transition.

    My background is deeply rooted in community organizing and nonprofit management, driven by a passion for advocating on various issues impacting our communities. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Alabama State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Cleveland State University. Throughout my career, I've been actively involved with local, state, and national organizations, including significant volunteer service with the NAACP and serving on the National Board of Directors.

    Currently, I chair the Black Environmental Leaders in Ohio and serve as a board member of the North Coast Unit of Parliamentarians and the Alabama State University National Alumni Association. In my personal life, advocacy runs in the family; my daughter, Attorney Joi Travis, is a community activist and chairs the Alabama Sierra Club Chapter.

    I am deeply honored to join The Vet Space as a new Board Member. While I am not a veteran myself, many members of my immediate family have served and continue to be active in the military. It is a privilege to collaborate with women veterans in creating an environment that fosters joy and healing.

  • I began my journey in the Air Force.  There, I learned laboratory science and specialized in microbiology.  The COVID-19 pandemic affected our laboratory and my life significantly, and seeing how much disinformation was being spread, I decided to pursue more education to help my friends and family make informed choices.  I graduated with a Master of Public Health in January of 2024, and am now a data analyst for a Department of Defense contractor working on issues for women in the military.  My work is incredibly fulfilling, and I plan to utilize the knowledge I gain in my career to be a changemaker for the women who follow in our footsteps. 

    I am a happily married active duty spouse, a proud mother of an active duty daughter and a son, and my first grandchild was born this year.  I am filled with joy every day and am grateful for my life beyond words. I love camping and hiking, live music, and laughing with my family.

    One of my guiding principles comes from my favorite quote: Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow".

    – Mary Anne Radmacher

Daily Operations Team

  • I’m Vedia Barnett, a disabled Air Force veteran, passionate advocate for women veterans, and committed community activist. As the co-founder of The Vet Space, I work to create empowering spaces for women veterans to heal and thrive. I hold a Master’s degree from George Washington University in Women, Gender & Sexualities, with a focus on Black women veterans’ health and mental well-being. My journey as a community organizer began in college, and since then, I’ve dedicated myself to advocating for the rights of marginalized people, championing environmental justice, nature therapy, and veteran education.

    In addition to my advocacy work, I’m a 2x triathlete and 2x marathoner, finding strength and resilience through physical challenges. When I’m not organizing or training, I love spending time with my grandson in the garden, kayaking, hiking, glamping, and diving into the worlds of Black historical fiction—both as a reader and a writer.

    One of my guiding principles comes from my favorite quote by Dr. Maya Angelou: "Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass." This mantra fuels my determination to make a difference in the lives of others every day.

  • I’m Gabrielle, a disabled Coast Guard veteran currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. My curiosity and love for learning extend to studying the Chinese language and delving into ancient Chinese history—topics that have always fascinated me. I’m deeply passionate about helping improve people's lives, a mission that has shaped my journey both in service and in my studies.

    Growing up, I was always different from other kids. I loved being outdoors and was constantly bringing critters into the house, much to my parents' dismay. Now, as a mom to an energetic, super reader 6-year-old son, I cherish our road trips together, exploring new places and making memories. I’ve always been determined and don't take "no" for an answer when it comes to pursuing what I believe in.

    One of the quotes that guides me daily is "Change takes courage" by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—a reminder that drives me to embrace challenges and create positive change in the world around me.

  • My name is Brandace and I proudly carry the legacy of an Army Veteran, continuing my commitment to service as a civil servant with the federal government.

    While I have firmly planted my roots in Georgia, I remain a proud Maryland native at heart.

    I am a mother of four, a published essay writer, and a passionate lover of the great outdoors. In my spare time, I find joy in writing, reading, and hiking, and I love engaging in sports with my kids. I also cherish the energy of HBCU college bands and the excitement of United soccer games.

    Giving back to my community is a cornerstone of my life, and I am deeply committed to volunteering and helping others. As a devoted animal lover, I dream of one day owning enough land to raise a family of goats.

    For now, my kids and I delight in the company of our dog, Luna, two praying mantises, and a crested gecko.

    One of my guiding principles comes from my favorite quote: "Stumbling is not falling", as stated by Malcolm X. There is no shame in failure, the shame is in not recognizing the lessons within the fail. Everyone stumbles.  Everyone fails. But everyone also has the ability to regroup and keep going.