About The Looking Glass Collective
What sets The Looking Glass Collective apart is that it was founded with a social entrepreneurship focus and mission. Members of The Collective are community leaders and social justice advocates who strive to give back through philanthropic and programming support of individuals and organizations whose work align with the community uplift vision of The Collective.
Collective Members
Gwen Allen, MD
Gwen Allen, MD
Dr. Gwen M. Allen, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Gardena Women’s Center in Gardena, California, has dedicated her life to providing exceptional healthcare to women. Gardena Women’s Center was established in June 2004 with the mission of offering comprehensive general obstetrics and gynecology and infertility services. This vision and purpose were inspired by Dr. Allen’s unwavering commitment to empowering women. Her expertise as an OB/GYN specialist and skilled surgeon has been instrumental in training medical professionals. Dr. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her extensive research in hypertension complications associated with diabetic pregnancies has led to the co-publication of a seminal work titled “Pelvic Pain and Menstrual Related Illnesses.” In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Allen is deeply committed to community service. She has dedicated over two decades to volunteering in the area, sponsoring multiple families during the holiday season and providing tuition assistance to university students. Dr. Allen is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Incorporated.
Michelle Humphrey, Esq.
Michelle Humphrey, Esq.
Michelle Humphrey was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and after receiving her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance, she taught elementary school before receiving her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. She joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecuting serious and violent felonies including gang homicide and special circumstance murder cases. While in the Mental Health Division, she implemented mental health treatment programs for homeless offenders suffering with mental illness. She is currently the Deputy-In-Charge of the LADA’s Post-Conviction Litigation Resentencing Unit. Ms. Humphrey has been a keynote speaker at numerous law schools and universities, LAPD, National Bar Association, National Black Prosecutors Association and California Association of Black Lawyers on the death penalty, mental health diversion, teen sexting, cyber bullying and homicide prosecutions. She was a consultant for the television series Law and Order: LA and is the Co-Founder and Vice-President of the Black Prosecutors Association of Los Angeles. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Legal Voices Choir.
Dr. Bernadette Lucas
Dr. Bernadette Lucas
Dr. Bernadette Lucas is a proud native of Washington, D.C. who earned her B.A. in English from the University of Virginia and went on to receive her Doctorate in K–12 Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. With over 34 years of dedicated service in public education, Dr. Lucas has cultivated a career grounded in equity, excellence, and opportunity for all students. Dr. Lucas has served in multiple roles across the K–12 spectrum—including classroom teacher, teacher on special assignment, assistant principal, principal, and Director of Technology. She currently serves as a senior leader in a California public school district, where her work remains centered on dismantling barriers and expanding access so that every student can realize the future their dreams chart for them. Dr. Lucas is also a faculty member in the USC Rossier School of Education’s doctoral program, where she teaches courses on school leadership, organizational change, college student development, and diversity and inclusion. She is an active and engaged member of both Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated and is deeply passionate about family, community engagement, and ensuring that all young people—especially those historically underserved—have equitable access to the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to thrive.
Dr. Donna J. Nicol
Dr. Donna J. Nicol
Dr. Donna J. Nicol is an academic administrator, professor, and award-winning author. She has more than 25 years of experience in public higher education and currently serves as the Associate Dean for Personnel and Curriculum and professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts at CSU Long Beach. In this role, she is responsible for recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and conflict resolution matters for over 800 lecturers, tenured faculty, and department chairs. Trained as an educational historian, her book, Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action won the 2024 Best Indie Book Award in History and was longlisted for a 2025 PEN Open Book Award. Dr. Nicol has used her research skills to help improve the quality of life for Black Angelenos as the co- author of the State of Black Los Angeles Report, commissioned by the LA County Board of Supervisors. She serves on the board of directors for the Historical Society of Southern California and is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated.
Dr. Stephany Powell
Dr. Stephany Powell
Dr. Stephany Powell is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience with the Los Angeles Police Department. Leveraging her expertise in human trafficking, Dr. Powell has become a leading educator, victim advocate, and legislative policy consultant. Since 2013, she has trained more than 20,000 law enforcement officers, first responders, community leaders, school administrators, and others, both nationally and internationally. Her ability to engage underserved communities through focus groups and outreach has made Dr. Powell a sought-after speaker and a recognized authority on all forms of human trafficking. In addition to her advocacy work, Dr. Powell serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Southern California (USC), is a published author, and has been featured in documentaries, podcasts, and print media. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated.
Dr. Erika Miller-Tate
Dr. Erika Miller-Tate
Dr. Erika Miller-Tate has over 30 years of experience at the K-12 and Higher Education levels. She currently serves as Director of the TRIO Scholars Program at Los Angeles Southwest College. As an educator, Dr. Miller-Tate has provided counseling services to underrepresented, low-income, foster youth and college students with mental health challenges ranging from anxiety to depression. She helps students manage the balance between their academics and psychological well-being using holistic counseling modalities. Dr. Miller-Tate was instrumental in establishing the UMOJA Program, a culturally relevant student program that focuses on the African Diaspora and its heritage. Dr. Miller-Tate teaches undergraduate psychology courses at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, specifically in the areas of Abnormal Psychology, Lifespan Development, and Psychotherapy. She brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership in the areas of counseling, student engagement, student success, and program development. Before entering academia, Dr. Miller worked as a Foster Care Social Worker, where she monitored the sustainability, care, and assessment of foster youth during their transition. Dr. Miller is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated.
Tammy Tumbling
Tammy Tumbling
Ms. Tammy Tumbling is a c-suite executive with over 25 years of experience as a visionary leader in philanthropy and community empowerment. With a background in utility management, corporate philanthropy, community foundation management, public affairs and strategic partnerships, she has dedicated her career to creating inclusive opportunities and bridging gaps between underrepresented communities and vital resources. Tammy is passionate about building collaborative networks and developing programs that uplift individuals and transform neighborhoods. Her work reflects a deep commitment to economic mobility, educational access, and environmental stewardship. An advocate for change, she actively mentors emerging leaders and champions civic engagement at every level. Tammy’s strategic approach to community engagement combines data-driven strategy with heartfelt service, earning her many accolades and media attention as a trusted and inspiring force in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. Her leadership is guided by the belief that meaningful change happens when communities are empowered to lead their own success stories. Tammy holds a B.S. in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University Dominguez Hills and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and founder of the African American Alliance Fund.