Daphne H. Rice-Allen has been a leader in the African American arts and culture community since 1989.  Her parents attended historically Black colleges in the South and encouraged her to be always be curious . Leading the museum is part of that tradition. During her tenure as the Chair she is motivated to strengthen the museum’s volunteer and membership base.  Mrs. Rice-Allen has held positions as an Arts Coordinator for Art Reach after school program and a former board member of the Denver Black Arts Festival now the Colorado Black Arts Festival. She was recently inducted into the Circle of Wisdom by the Colorado Kwanzaa Committee.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Technical Communications/Public Relations from Metro State College and an associate’s degree in Applied Science, Fashion Merchandising from Arapahoe Community College.

Denise Leadon, PhD, is an experienced organizational professional in the field of psychology, assessments, training and organizational systems. As an assessor and trainer with a focus on organizational development, Dr. Leadon is accomplished in both the public and private sectors and has worked successfully in urban and rural communities. She has effectively launched programs and systems developed to meet the needs of diverse populations.  She has been an assessment tester and trainer for AT&T, Southern Pacific Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, as well as numerous private and public colleges and universities. Her management expertise includes fortune 500 companies.  Dr. Leadon is a member of the Denver­-Rocky Mountain Region, Association of Black Psychologists as an Executive Officer.  She is an Advisor for Mental Wellness for the Health Ministry at New Hope Baptist Church. Dr. Leadon holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado, a M.A. from Webster University and Fielding and her PhD, from Fielding Graduate University

Terri Gentry has volunteered at the museum since 2008, with a passion for presenting the museum history to community groups and organizations.  As a board member she has worked to encourage school and community groups to visit the museum. Ms. Gentry is an interior designer and business owner of A Terrific Design, LLC, and works part time at Joy’s Consigned Furnishings in Denver. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Aurora, CO chapter. She attended Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in African/African American Studies from Metro State College (University) of Denver, and a Master’s Degree in Humanities, focus in Public History and Museum Studies, from the University of Colorado Denver.

Earnest Reese Jr., retired from Pinnacol Assurance as a Senior Underwriter after 25 years of service.  He currently presides over his own insurance agency offering all lines of insurance coverage and investment products.  Married to Rosalyn since 1980 his hobbies include golf, fishing, gardening and volunteer work. Having served on several non- profit boards, presided over national volunteer agencies and very active in his church, Earnest has an unequivocal passion for community service.