Felicia Phillips
Founder/Director
Felicia Phillips is a mother of two, and a retired military veteran with a steadfast commitment to service, both in uniform and beyond. After serving honorably, Felicia held several management and leadership positions with various companies, it wasn’t until a visit to her grandparents’ home in Hudson Town, SC, that she was driven by a new mission to combat food insecurity—a challenge she witnessed both during her service and in her community. Drawing on her leadership skills and organizational prowess honed during and after the military, Felicia founded the Betty Carol Foundation, named in honor of her mother, who taught her the importance of compassion and community support. The foundation is dedicated to ending hunger by addressing the root causes of food insecurity and creating sustainable solutions. Under Felicia’s guidance, the Betty Carol Foundation operates on principles of integrity, community engagement, and continuous improvement. The foundation collaborates with local farmers, businesses, and volunteers to establish food distribution networks that not only provide immediate relief but also empower residents to achieve long-term food autonomy.
Vernay Jackson
Treasurer
Vernay Jackson, currently serving as the treasurer of the Betty Carol Foundation, brings a wealth of financial expertise and a deep commitment to community service to her role. Residing in Atlanta, GA, Vernay has cultivated an impressive career spanning over 15 years, during which she worked closely with a major medical group's CFO, mastering the intricacies of financial management in the healthcare sector. In her capacity as CFO assistant, Vernay demonstrated exceptional proficiency in strategic financial planning, budget management, and financial reporting. Her role was crucial in steering the medical group through complex financial landscapes, ensuring both growth and stability. This experience has proven invaluable in her work with the Betty Carol Foundation, where she oversees the financial health of the organization, ensuring that resources are used efficiently to combat food insecurity effectively. Vernay's passion for music and community involvement runs parallel to her professional life. She is an enthusiastic singer, often performing at local community events and charitable functions, which she believes are vital for fostering community spirit and solidarity. Her dedication to giving back to the community is reflected not only in her financial governance at the foundation but also in her active participation in various volunteer efforts throughout Atlanta. Her balanced blend of sharp financial acumen, artistic passion, and community dedication makes Vernay a key asset to the Betty Carol Foundation and an inspirational figure in her community. She continues to impact lives positively, ensuring that her professional skills contribute significantly to societal well-being.
Robin Williams
Secretary
Robin Williams is a skilled and accomplished individual with a wealth of experience and talents. Originally from Albuquerque, NM, Robin has traveled extensively throughout the United States, as a military spouse and a mother of five, and understands the challenges families face when there is a lack of food or resources available to provide nutritional meals to their family. Cooking, traveling, and taking on small DIY projects are just a few ways Robin cultivates her passions and continues to give back to the community. Above all, Robin is committed to serving the community and empowering others through her work at the Betty Carol Foundation. Robin has a professional and driven demeanor and is a valuable asset, not only to the foundation but to the community.
Betty Carol Breaker-Snelling
The Inspiration &
Honorary Member
Betty Carol, born the daughter of a sharecropper in St. George, South Carolina, was a formidable advocate for civil rights, whose courageous efforts helped end segregation in local schools. Her faith in God inspired her journey from a humble beginning to a pivotal civil rights figure demonstrating the profound impact of determination and advocacy. Raised in a family where resourcefulness and hard work were daily necessities, Betty absorbed the values of perseverance and justice from an early age. Witnessing the sharp inequalities of the Jim Crow South, she became determined to challenge the entrenched systems of segregation that limited opportunities for her and her community. In the late 1960s, Betty became a central figure in the desegregation of schools in St. George. Her approach was marked by peaceful protests, strategic community engagement, and an unyielding commitment to equality. Her leadership helped to pave the way for significant educational reforms, ensuring that future generations would have access to integrated and equitable schooling. Betty's legacy continued to inspire long after these initial victories. Her eldest daughter, moved by her mother’s life of service and the ongoing issue of food insecurity in their community, founded the Betty Carol Foundation. This foundation aims to combat food insecurities and ensure that no one in their community has to worry about their next meal. It stands as a tribute to Betty’s life work, extending her impact from educational reform to tackling hunger, driven by the same principles of equity and community support that Betty championed. Today, the Betty Carol Foundation not only commemorates Betty's contributions to civil rights but also amplifies her vision by fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, free from hunger and full of potential.