ECTC Beacon of Light awards honor nine African American leaders 

Published on Feb 23, 2024

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) celebrated nine area leaders at the 2024 Beacon of Light Awards, which honor African Americans in the college’s 10-county service area for their successes, exemplary service to their professions and communities, and their commitment to servant leadership and equity. The sixth annual award ceremony, sponsored by Abound Credit Union, was held Feb. 23, 2024 at the Elizabethtown campus.

“Each of these recipients have made our region a better place for future generations, and we are very proud to partner with Abound Credit Union to celebrate their contributions,” said ECTC Director of Cultural Diversity Jerisia Lamons. “I’m grateful for each of these leaders, who all have played an important role in increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in their communities.”

Recipients of the sixth annual Beacon of Light Awards, chosen by a special selection committee, include:

Dr. Anticia Alston. Alston is a management analyst with the U.S. Army Human Resources Command and resides in Vine Grove. She serves as the Uplifting Local Community Chair with the Mu Delta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, president of the Alston Foundation, which serves homeless female veterans and their children, and board member of Warm Blessing Community Kitchen. A participant of the Department of Defense Civilian Emerging Leaders Program, Alston is a Women Rising Flame Award finalist.

1st Sgt. April Beard. Serving with U.S. Army Recruiting Command, 3rd Brigade, Elizabethtown Recruiting Company, Beard resides on Fort Knox. Beard and her husband mentor African American boys and girls, and she prioritizes connecting with minority populations and inspiring them with her success story. With 20 years of active federal service, Beard has earned accolades from Recruiting Command. She serves as Membership Chairwoman for the AGCRA.

Alicia Gibson. Gibson, of Rineyville, is an entrepreneur and employed by the Department of Veteran Affairs. She has spearheaded projects to empower marginalized people and, by creating platforms for these individuals to share their narratives, has helped to challenge stereotypes and dismantle biases. Through her involvement in advocacy campaigns, she has lobbied for policy changes and implemented programs that address root causes of social injustices.

Selena Hudson. A business development specialist for South Central Bank, Hudson is serving her second term on the Vine Grove City Council. She gives back through multiple community organizations including the ECTC Foundation, Girls United and The Legacy Foundation, and she organized the first Juneteenth Celebration in Vine Grove. She is a Kentucky Colonel, Hometown Hero Award recipient and a Women’s Equity Day Businesswoman of the Year.

Elaine Leach. Leach, of Elizabethtown, works as a bailiff at the Hardin County Justice Center. She is the first Black woman to serve as an officer with the Radcliff Police Department and the first Black woman to serve as deputy/sergeant in the sheriff’s department. An Army veteran, she is known for embodying a spirit of fairness, inclusivity and commitment to public service.

Shirley Scott. An installation manager for the Garrison Command on Fort Knox, Scott resides in Rineyville. She was the first Black woman appointed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at Fort Knox's Garrison. Her impact extended to the Elizabethtown community, supporting local initiatives. Despite living with cerebral palsy, her work has led to an honorary doctorate and multiple awards, including being named a Kentucky Colonel. She continues to inspire through speaking engagements and volunteer work, including fostering children with disabilities with her husband, James.

Shonna Sheckles. Sheckles is the director of outreach services for SpringHaven Domestic Violence Program. A Bardstown resident, her leadership extends to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through various roles including those with the NAACP and local DEI committees. Sheckles’ accolades include the I am HER Advocate Award, Green Dot Bardstown High School Alumni Community Advocate Award and the Humanitarian Award, all recognizing her commitment to her community's well-being.

Dr. Lucretia Starnes. Starnes, of Bardstown, is the founder and CEO of Starnes Educational Consulting Firm, LLC. Her advocacy spans from addressing homelessness and food insecurity to tackling academic achievement gaps and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in education. Recently named a Kentucky Colonel for her work with children and families, she served as executive director for Aspire Day Treatment & School, providing mental health services and quality education.

Tyrone Brown Williams (Deceased). Williams was the owner of Mr. Brown’s Who Dat Wings and Po Boy in Radcliff and a community philanthropist. He relocated from Louisiana to Kentucky and was known for providing a free Thanksgiving meal to community members. He died in a car crash in February 2023 while visiting Louisiana.

Learn more about the Beacon of Light Awards and the ECTC Office of Cultural Diversity.