Alisia Atwater currently holds the position of Executive Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Culture at Cummins. Alisia is an award-winning business executive, global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader, and legal operations expert with over 20 years of experience driving transformative change across Fortune 500 companies. Her career has spanned industries including technology, aviation, manufacturing, and consumer goods, where she has developed a reputation as a forward-thinking strategist committed to fostering inclusive, employee-centric environments.
A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Alisia holds a Juris Doctor (JD) in Employment Law from the University of Illinois, an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs from Northeastern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management from Auburn University. From 2009 through 2012, Alisia proudly served as the first woman and African American Chair of the Keep Virginia Beautiful Board of Directors. Throughout her career, Alisia has been recognized for her commitment to advancing DEI, earning accolades such as Top Diversity Champion at Altria Group, the National Association of Professional Women’s “Women of the Year in Compliance & Ethics,” and the Hermes Gold Creative Award. She has been featured as a speaker at numerous prestigious events, including The Conference Board Global DEI Conference and the Association of Law Firms of Diversity Professionals, where she shares her insights on building inclusive workforces and driving positive organizational change.
Alisia is happily married to Terry V. Atwater II, her childhood sweetheart, and together, they have five children, four boys and one girl. Mentoring underprivileged girls is her passion and, in her own words, “her obligation to bestow the same blessings she received on the children in her community.”
Brian Isom, Board Member
Brian Isom is a committed follower of Christ and was added to the Church of Christ in 1999. Brian has been a member of the North Shore Church of Christ since 2002. He has served as a Deacon at North Shore from 2013 to 2017. He now serves as an Elder at North Shore since 2017 to present. He has been happily married since 1999 to his devoted wife, Marlene. Their union has been blessed with two boys owned by Christ.
Brian Isom has worked in the criminal justice field approximately 27 years. After many milestones, he currently serves in a supervisory role where he continues his ministry as an agent of change and public safety.
Inspired by Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Terry Atwater II, Board Member
Terry Atwater is the Owner and President of Enova Investments LLC, National Materials Transport LLC, and Enova Care, LLC. He oversees the strategic direction and business growth of all his various companies. Terry brings decades of experience in business development, executive management, and operational leadership to the role.
He has a background in leading and directing strategic business units for several companies, including General Electric, IDEX Corporation, and Berkshire Hathaway. With over 30 years of experience, he has acquired and guided more than 30 companies worldwide, explicitly focusing on the water and air-moving industries. He has held leadership roles that led to improved strategic development, double-digit growth, and fiscal discipline. He has worked directly for iconic business leaders such as Jack Welch, Warren Buffett, and Larry Kingsley.
On a personal note, he is featured in John R. Katzenbach’s bestselling book, “Real Change Leaders”. He holds a BS in Engineering from Western Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Terry is married to a thought-provoking wife, Alisia, and together they have five children: four boys (Terry III, Titus, Zachary, and Fabian) and one girl (Tiara). In his spare time, Terry enjoys time with his family, motivational speaking, golfing, and reading narratives on achievement.
Jennifer Witherspoon, Board Member
Guided by her Christian faith and a deep commitment to justice, Attorney J. Witherspoon is a dedicated advocate for equality and community empowerment. A Chicago native who grew up in the Robert Taylor Projects, she witnessed firsthand the hardships and transformative power of the legal system, inspiring her to earn a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School (now UIC). She is also a certified Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor, Crisis Intervention Specialist, EEOC Investigator, and Mediator.
With over 25 years in public service, Attorney Witherspoon has served as a police officer, probation officer, special investigator, and Chief of Corrections. As a hearing officer, she fights for fair treatment in education, defending the rights of teachers, students, and administrators. During her six-year tenure as President of the Lake County NAACP, she forged key partnerships to advance civil rights and dismantle systemic inequities.
She remains active in the legal community as a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Lake County Bar Association, Black Women’s Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Christian Legal Society and the National Employment Lawyers Association. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her recognition among the Top 100 National Black Lawyers.
Attorney Witherspoon’s faith fuels her passion for mentorship and service. She believes in faith-driven leadership and empowering others to embrace their God-given potential. Through her work, she continues to be a steadfast champion for justice and hope.
Sarah Bostic, Board Member
Sarah J. Bostic is a dedicated Christian woman whose life is centered on the mission of following Jesus Christ and serving others with compassion, humility, and purpose. A faithful member of the Lord’s church since 2010, she is passionate about encouraging others to grow in faith and walk confidently in their God-given calling.
For over 20 years, Sarah has worked within the medical field, with a background in human services and healthcare administration. She currently works with Advocate Health Care in revenue and retention, where she continues her commitment to helping and supporting others through service and leadership.
In addition to her professional work, Sarah proudly serves on the Board of Ethics for the Racine County Common Council, reflecting her dedication to integrity, community involvement, and ethical leadership.
Sarah has been married to her husband, Michael, for 14 years, and together they are raising four beautiful children. She considers her family and home to be her first ministry and is deeply devoted to nurturing, guiding, and investing in the development of her children and immediate family.
Known for leading with compassion and humility, Sarah aspires to become an author and motivational speaker, empowering women to embrace their purpose and walk boldly in the destiny God has designed for them. Her life’s mission is to inspire, encourage, and be a guiding light for others seeking a fulfilling life in Christ.