Our Team
SunRise Forever is led by individuals who bring experience, compassion, and a shared commitment to serving families and communities with integrity, care, and purpose.
Meet Our Team
Learn more about the leaders and team members helping drive the mission of SunRise Forever forward.
Alice M. Howard
Founder & Executive Director
Alice is a wife, mother of five children, including two adopted, and a proud grandmother. She is a Social Change Practitioner with a deep passion for sustainable development and community empowerment.
With both field experience and academic training, Alice brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Insurance and Risk Management from the West African Insurance Institute, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Liberia, and a Master’s degree in International Development and Social Change from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.
In Liberia, Alice served with the United Nations Office for Project Services, the National Insurance Corporation, and Madison Insurance Company. In Rhode Island, her professional experience includes roles at Brown University, Bank of New York Mellon, Citizens Bank, Plan International USA, and Washington Trust Bank.
Alice is also an entrepreneur and currently serves as a Marketing Director with World Financial Group. As the Founder and Executive Director of SunRise Forever Inc., she leads with a vision to expand access to education, nutrition, and economic opportunity for underserved communities both locally and globally.
She is a dedicated member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode Island.
Grace Gonzalez
Chairperson of the Board
Grace Gonzalez is a seasoned community leader with a lifelong commitment to service, equity, and access. With over two decades of experience in marketing, outreach, and community engagement, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals, families, and seniors navigate and access affordable healthcare coverage across Rhode Island.
Grace holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies from Providence College, and an Associate Degree in Science from the Community College of Rhode Island. She is a licensed Insurance Broker in the State of Rhode Island and currently serves as Director of Marketing Outreach at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.
Throughout her career, Grace has worked at the intersection of public health, education, and community development. For more than 28 years, she has supported underserved communities by connecting them to critical health resources through Medicaid, Medicare, and HealthSource RI programs.
Her leadership extends deeply into the nonprofit sector. Grace currently serves as President of Back to School Rhode Island, an organization that provides more than 15,000 backpacks filled with school supplies each year to children in need, along with ongoing food support programs for families throughout the school year. Since 2018, she has also served as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Sports Union, supporting the athletic and academic development of student-athletes across the state.
Grace has contributed her expertise as a consultant with the Center for Women’s Enterprise, where she has guided emerging entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses and strengthening their marketing and sales strategies.
Her impact has been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors for her leadership, service, and dedication to the community. She has also served on the Providence School Board and continues to lend her leadership to a range of community organizations and initiatives focused on education, health, and youth development.
Grace brings to SunRise Forever a deep understanding of community needs, a passion for service, and a proven track record of building programs that create lasting impact.
Karen E. McLaurin Chesson
General Secretary
Karen E. McLaurin Chesson has been a dedicated member of SunRise Forever Inc. since its inception. She initially served as an advisor for several years and now serves as Secretary of the organization, continuing her commitment to its mission and growth.
Karen is a seasoned higher education administrator with a distinguished career at Brown University, where she served for eighteen years as an Academic Dean and Director of the Third World Center. She later contributed as Associate Director of Alumni Relations, further strengthening engagement and community connections within the university.
A proud Brown alumna, Karen has remained actively involved in alumni leadership, including serving as President of the Inman Page Black Alumni Council. Her commitment to service extends beyond academia through her leadership roles as Vice President of Bamboo Bridge Corporation and Chesson Worldwide Communications 360.
Karen’s passion for global impact is reflected in her work supporting the development of a self-help vocational school at the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana for Liberians in exile. This initiative provides training in baking, sewing, and computer literacy, equipping individuals with practical skills to support economic independence and long-term stability.
Karen brings to SunRise Forever a wealth of leadership experience, a global perspective, and a deep commitment to education, empowerment, and community development.
David A. Kemah
Co-Chairperson, Board of Directors
David A. Kemah is a native of Liberia and a seasoned finance and accounting professional with more than 25 years of experience across both the public and private sectors in Liberia and the United States. His work has taken him internationally, including audit engagements in London, Hamburg, and Athens, reflecting the global scope of his expertise.
In Liberia, David held key financial leadership roles with institutions such as Universal Insurance Company, Meridian Bank International, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, and the Ministry of Finance. During his tenure, he contributed to major organizational milestones, including helping secure funding for the acquisition of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation’s headquarters in Monrovia. He also played a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting a multi-year period of disciplined and transparent cash management during a challenging time in the country’s history.
In the United States, David has served as a Manager for a federal government contractor supporting the Department of Health and Human Services, and as an Auditor for the Maryland State Department of Education. He currently performs internal audit functions for the Liberian Registry and provides advisory services through his private CPA firm, Atlantic International Consultancy, LLC.
David holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Liberia and a Master of Business Administration from Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Virginia Society of CPAs, and the Maryland Association of CPAs.
A devoted family man and active member of his church, David views his role with SunRise Forever as an opportunity to give back to Liberia and contribute to the development of the communities that shaped him.
Fred P. Banny III
Co-Chairperson, Board of Directors
Fred P. Banny III serves as Co-Chairperson of the Board of Directors for SunRise Forever Inc., where he provides strategic leadership, governance, and direction to support the organization’s growth and long-term impact.
Fred is a leadership strategist, speaker, and builder focused on helping individuals and organizations operate with clarity, alignment, and purpose. Through his work, he guides leaders in strengthening structure, decision-making, and execution to build outcomes that are sustainable and meaningful.
He is the founder of Banny Enterprises, LLC, a leadership development and professional training firm that partners with schools, organizations, and institutions to deliver practical, results-driven programs. His work centers on developing leaders, strengthening systems, and equipping people to perform at a high level across both personal and professional environments.
Fred holds a background in Construction Management Engineering Technology, which informs his perspective on leadership as structure and infrastructure. This approach shapes how he contributes to SunRise Forever, helping to ensure that vision is supported by systems, strategy, and execution.
As Co-Chairperson, Fred is committed to strengthening the organization’s foundation, expanding its reach, and supporting its mission to serve families and communities both locally and globally.
Doris Norman
Co-Chairperson, Board of Directors
Doris Norman is a dedicated social work professional with a lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and community care. Her work is rooted in a deep belief in the power of support systems, education, and opportunity to transform lives.
Prior to immigrating to the United States, Doris served in Liberia as a Human Resource Manager and Underwriter with CIGNA/Atlantic Insurance, where she worked for over a decade. She also held a leadership role as President of the Liberia Women & Sports Association. Following the civil war, she and her family relocated to the United States, carrying with them a continued commitment to rebuilding lives and supporting communities.
In the United States, Doris has built an extensive career in human services and social work. She held leadership roles at Re-Focus Inc., where she provided administrative oversight and facilitated training for both staff and clients supporting individuals with physical and developmental needs. She has since continued her work across a range of populations, including youth, the elderly, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with learning and developmental disabilities.
Doris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management from the University of Liberia and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College. She currently serves as a Clinical Social Worker with Tides Family Services and as a Case Manager with Rhode Island College Outreach Programs, where she provides guidance, counseling, and support to adult learners pursuing their educational goals.
Doris brings to SunRise Forever a deep compassion for people, a strong foundation in service, and a passion for empowering individuals through education, care, and opportunity.
Attorney Andrew Cagen, Esq.
General Legal Advisor
Attorney Andrew Cagen is a practicing attorney based in Providence, Rhode Island, with a focus on consumer and small business matters. He is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School in Boston and brings a strong commitment to advocacy and equitable access to legal support.
Throughout his career, Andrew has taken a particular interest in supporting first-time homebuyers, especially those from underserved communities. His work in this area was recognized by the Rhode Island Housing & Mortgage Finance Corporation, where he received the Partners in Housing Award for his service to low-income homebuyers.
In addition to his legal practice, Andrew remains actively engaged in community and economic development initiatives. He serves on the Board of Directors of Urban Ventures, an organization dedicated to supporting small business growth in Rhode Island, and works closely with the Rhode Island Black Business Association to strengthen opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Andrew brings to SunRise Forever a thoughtful legal perspective, a commitment to community development, and a strong belief in expanding access and opportunity for individuals and families.
Rebecca Dine-Nyeswa
Treasurer
Rebecca Dine-Nyeswa serves as the treasurer of SunRise Forever.
Eva Fofana
Chairperson – Ways & Means
Eva Fofana serves as the chairperson for the ways and means committee of SunRise Forever.