BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ALASKA BLACK CAUCUS

Celeste Hodge Growden

Celeste's Bio

Celeste Hodge Growden is a passionate advocate for the well-being and improvement of Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and marginalized communities. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Celeste is recognized as an instrument of deep change, leveraging her exceptional ability to lead, listen, and empathize with individuals and groups to address and resolve complex community issues.

As the President and CEO of the Alaska Black Caucus since 2019, Celeste develops the organization’s vision and strategy, establishes budgets, and collaborates with community partners to eradicate racism. Her leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing efforts that uplift and empower local communities.

Prior to her role at the Alaska Black Caucus, Celeste served as the Executive Director of Shiloh Community Development, Inc. from 2012 to 2019, where she was responsible for strategic and operational oversight, program development, and community partnership cultivation. Her experience in legislative affairs includes serving as a Legislative Staffer for both the Alaska State Legislature under Senator Bettye Davis and U.S. Senator Mark Begich, where she focused on racial and diversity issues and engaged with constituents to advocate for their needs.

Celeste’s extensive experience in community outreach and equal opportunity initiatives began in the Mayor’s Office of Equal Opportunity for the Municipality of Anchorage, where she managed discrimination complaints and advised the Mayor on racial and diversity matters. Her earlier roles also include serving as a Family Service Counselor and an Office Administrator, showcasing her diverse skill set and commitment to public service.

A graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage, Celeste holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and an Associate Degree in Business, Economics, and Organizational Management. Her dedication to social justice and community empowerment has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2022 Athena Award and the 2024 Alumni of Distinction Award.

Celeste is actively involved in various community organizations, having served as President of the NAACP Anchorage Branch, where she was the longest-serving president. She has also contributed to initiatives focused on women’s and children’s issues, affordable housing, and youth development through her board service with organizations such as NeighborWorks Alaska and First Tee of Alaska.

Through her unwavering commitment, Celeste Hodge Growden continues to be a driving force for positive change, advocating for equity and justice for all.

Yolandous "Doyle" Williams

Doyle's Bio

Yolandous “Doyle” Williams has been a community-involved Alaskan since 1978. Vice President of Team-sters Local 959 and State Coordinator for UPS in Alaska, member of American Legion Post 34, Prince Hall Masons of Alaska. Yolandous Williams was raised in West Covina, California and originally came to Alaska as a member of the US Air Force stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1978 as a Household Goods Specialist.

Mr. Yolandous left Alaska in 1989 but always with a plan to return and was able to do so ten years later. He was employed as an Air Ramper with United Parcel Service (UPS) since 2005 and soon recognized the need to have a shop steward during his shift at UPS and became shop steward in 2008. Since that time Yolandous has been Alaska’s delegate to the Teamsters National Black Caucus and is a non-management representative on the UPS safety committee. He maintains membership in the American Legion, Post 34 and Prince Hall Masons of Alaska.

Ouida Morrison

Ouida's Bio

Ouida Morrison serves as the Equal Opportunity (EO) Director for JBER, the largest EO program in the Pacific Air Force. Her work focuses on preventing and addressing bullying, hazing, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace, ensuring a safe and productive environment for service members and civilians. She served previously as the EO Manager for Alaska Railroad. She is the chair of the Economics Committee for the
Alaska Black Caucus.

Brenda Tyler

Brenda's Bio

Brenda has been a resident of Anchorage Alaska since 1981. She has been employed with the federal government under the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service. Her work involved Human Resource (Human Resource Assistant), Equal Employment Oppor-tunity (EEO Counselor), and Contracting Services (Concessions Specialist). Brenda has been a longstand-ing member of the American Legion serving as Secretary and later, Executive Committee Member. She was a working member of Business and Professional Women’s organization (North to the Future and Forget-me-Nots) and recent member of the Alaska Women’s Educational & Charity Clubs. She attended Bishop State Junior College (pre-nursing) in Mobile Alabama and also University of Alaska/ACC (Business). She enjoys spending time with family in outdoor and other activities such as fishing, camping, and bowling. Brenda regularly assists with political campaigning (door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, fundraising, hosting). She is also a member of Cella’s Angels who conducts fundraising activities throughout the year to directly benefit the American Cancer Society.