Our Compassionate Leaders
Demetrius Frazier
Kofi Annan
Vivian Shields
Board Chair & Executive Director
Demetrius Frazier is the owner of Resist Booksellers, an independent bookstore in historic Petersburg, Virginia, dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and fostering community through literature. A lifelong advocate for literacy and access, he is also the founder of Black Men Read, a national book club promoting reading engagement among Black men.
Board Vice Chair
Kofi Annan is the Executive Director of Sankofa Travels with Kofi, a nonprofit organization that connects people to Africa through immersive cultural travel experiences while supporting the Sankofa Scholars Program, which empowers youth through heritage education and global engagement. A U.S. Army veteran, author, and former president of the Fairfax County NAACP, he has spent his career advancing racial justice, leadership development, and community empowerment.
Board Treasurer
Vivian L. Shields is a seasoned financial leader with over three decades of experience, currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Commonwealth Savers. In this capacity, she oversees the Finance Division, leading customer service and financial operations teams, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting and program operations. Ms. Shields joined Commonwealth Savers in 2000 and prior to her current role, she spent 11 years as Controller
Destiny Simms
Board Member
Destiny Simms is a Petersburg native with a passion for education. A two-time graduate of Virginia State University, she strives to impact her community anyway she can. Destiny is the Academic Coordinator for the Upward Bound Program at Virginia State University, where she and her coworkers assist low-income, first generation high school students with their journey to post-secondary education.
Sera Wright
Board Member
Sera Wright is a Bookish/Lifestyle Content Creator, Founder/CEO of Readin’ Magazine, and Resist Bookseller’s Social Media Manager.
Sera is loyal to a good book, a good Asian drama and a good chai latte. She enjoys building community and helping bring creative ideas to light through content creation.