The GADDI Board

Shenique "Nikki" Whymns - President

Georgia Chapter Board Chair/Executive Director

Nikki is a native of the Caribbean Island of New Providence Bahamas. She relocated to the state of Georgia in 2007. Her passion for youth empowerment began in the Bahamas while service her community in the capacity of a national pageant title holder and carried that same passion for community service with her as she served on a number of community boards and programs in the great state of Georgia. Nikki is a senior banker, author, international philanthropist and community organizer. Her purpose in life is to lead with love, educate with empathy and unite the diaspora community. 

Juanita Austin - Co-Vice President
Business Outreach Director

Juanita is the Founder and Owner of Black Wall Street ONLINE and Faith Design Tumblers.  As an Entrepreneur, her passion is to not only empower women who have or are suffering mental and/or physical abuse but to build up black-owned businesses worldwide on multiple levels that are beneficial to them as a business and are cost-effective. 

Jamie Davis - Co-Vice President

Community Outreach Director

Jamie is a graduate of the esteemed Georgia Historically Black College, Morehouse College. He is a real estate professional and hails from the Caribbean country The Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Jamie has resided in the great state of Georgia since 2005.

Herbert Brunswick - Administrator

Business Economic Development Director

Herbert is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a degree in Chemistry.  He has a degree in Management Information Systems from Goldey Beacom College, Wilmington, Delaware. Herb also served as Sergeant in the U.S. Army, and was awarded the Purple Heart for gunshot wound while in combat.


While living in Delaware, Herb served as membership chairperson for the NAACP. In that capacity, he interacted and served with many of the local, state, and national leaders, including the current president who is a Life Member. Herb has volunteered his time and finance supporting many community service organizations as mentor, advisor, tutor, scholarship sponsor, etc.


As a student of the Bible, Herb has developed and gives a 4 day presentation on Blacks in the Bible, including speaking engagements, showing that we, the Black folks in the Diaspora, are in fact the True direct descendants of the Children of Israel, and from which, he has outlined an economic development plan to be offered to leadership for consideration.

UhuRa W. McQueen, CNM, MSN - Secretary

Family Services, Health & Wellness Director

UhuRa is a certified nurse midwife committed to improving the health and well-being of women and their families. As a healthcare provider, her focus is on the prevention and promotion of optimal health through lifestyle changes and traditional healing. Ms. McQueen is dedicated to closing the disparity gaps Black women encounter in the healthcare system. Additionally, she also empowers women with knowledge to advocate for themselves and their families. A healthy nation needs healthy and happy women to raise healthy and happy children.

 UhuRa is also a teacher, health guide, fitness enthusiast, researcher, advocate, and Pan-Africanist.

Welcome to the Georgia African Diaspora Development Institute Chapter! (GADDI)

Check out our Events and Programs to get involved.