Meet our Board
Our dedicated board members bring a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to Cultured Experiences. Each member plays a vital role in guiding our mission to empower, thrive, and unite communities through impactful programs. With their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to making a difference, our board helps shape the strategic direction of our initiatives, ensuring that we continue to create meaningful opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. Get to know the leaders behind Cultured Experiences and learn how their expertise drives our work forward.
Executive Director
Patience Walton
Patience Walton is the Executive Director of Cultured Experiences, bringing 22 years of expertise in graphic design, communications, and strategic planning to drive youth empowerment and community development. An Adobe Community Expert and award-winning Creative Director, she seamlessly integrates visual storytelling with strategic impact across the nonprofit and education sectors.
With 20 years of corporate experience, Patience has worked with major brands including American Express, where she honed her skills in brand development and strategic communications. Since 2012, she has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector, creating transformative programming for underserved communities with a focus on youth empowerment, economic development, community building, and health & wellness.
As founder of Premier Design Haus, her innovative work has earned recognition from the American Advertising Federation, American Express, and Full Sail University.
Patience holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree, which inform her strategic approach to design and community development. She designs comprehensive educational curricula that merge creativity with measurable impact, empowering organizations and individuals to communicate more effectively.
Governance Director
Chanel Harris
Our Governance Director, who also serves as Director of Compliance at American Express, with over 8 years of experience driving governance and compliance. Chanel is a seasoned attorney and business advisor, renowned for her expertise in negotiation, compliance, and strategic business matters. She is passionate about empowering small businesses to reach their full potential by fostering growth and streamlining operations. Chanel is highly regarded for her ability to resolve complex legal and business issues through innovative strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys giving back to the community through volunteer work.
Fundraising Director
Chavonique Poole
Chavonique Poole is born and raised in Phoenix Arizona. She is a strategic leader with over 10+ years of experience at American Express, where she specializes in enterprise engagement, performance management, and organizational effectiveness. In her current role, she leads performance and feedback strategy supporting more than 75,000 colleagues globally, partnering across HR, technology, and business teams to deliver scalable programs that strengthen colleague experience and drive business outcomes.
Since 2019, Chavonique has served on nonprofit boards in multiple leadership capacities, including Programming Chair, Fundraising Chair, and Board Chair. Chavonique is passionate about community impact, colleague development, and creating spaces where people feel supported, seen, and inspired to grow. Outside of work, she enjoys volleyball and competitive billiards.
Programming / Events Director
Tajuana Fields
Our Events & Programming Director, bringing a diverse background in cosmetology management and event planning, along with additional experience in waste management. Tejuana’s expertise in organizing and executing events ensures that Cultured Experiences’ programs are both impactful and meaningful. Her dedication to community service and creating memorable experiences drives her passion for the work she does.
Community Partnership Director
Minu Ngangu
Our Community Service Partnership Director. Muni serves as a Student Success Counselor at Grand Canyon University, where she helps students navigate their academic journeys with care and dedication. She holds a bachelor's degree in business and brings her passion for community service to every project she undertakes. Muni excels at building and nurturing relationships within the community, ensuring that Cultured Experiences forms meaningful and lasting partnerships. Her compassionate approach to empowering others has made her a vital part of our team, driving the mission of Cultured Experiences forward through impactful collaboration and service.
