Who We Are
CoCo Corner is a group of individuals from diverse walks of life, who come together to try to make positive change in our underserved communities. We are writers, day care providers, social workers, ministers, each with a unique perspective on what needs to be done, and how to best achieve those goals.
Biographies of our Board
Helen Raines Austin has worked for Alameda County Social Services for over 20 years, providing services for those in need. While working for the County of Alameda, Helen began pursuing higher education by attending the PACE program at Berkeley's Vista Community College. There she received an Associate in Arts degree in liberal studies. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Holy Names University. Helen has been instrumental in implementing pilot programs such as the Parent Edu-tainment program with Girls Inc. and (SALT) Summer Academic Learning Transition Program with Holy Names. Out of her passion to educate and encourage others, in 2006 Helen founded Cornucopia Community Corner dba CoCo Corner, a non-profit organization empowering youth and young parents to reach their educational goals and become self-sufficient.
Dianne Gail Shelmire graduated high school with honors. She went on to pursue a career in real estate appraisal, while attending college. Later she was employed at Xerox Corporation, with internal and external customers in state and local government, education, manufacturing, advertising, and public relations. Her exceptional work ethics earned her several achievement awards. Gail went on to work for Sun Microsystems as a logistics planning manager. She ultimately opened a successful home-based daycare business. Her innovative approach raised the level of daycare to a new standard of excellence, recognized by the Department of Child Care.
A. L. “Toni” Anderson is a former legal secretary and paralegal who is currently employed by the City of Oakland. Toni is a freelance editor and proofreader, as well as a talented writer and former movie reviewer. She is experienced as a literacy tutor for elementary school children and adult learners. Toni earned an Associate in Arts in paralegal studies from Merritt Community College, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Holy Names College. Toni has had a lifelong love for reading, and a burning desire to help others learn to read. She has served on Mayor Ron Dellums’s literacy task force. Her interests united when Holy Names classmate Helen Raines offered her a directorship on the board of CoCo Corner, and an opportunity to create and implement her own reading programs.
Rhodesia Ransom is a native of San Francisco who holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from San Francisco State University. She holds a Master’s in public administration from Golden Gate University, where she was inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha honor society. She is an associate faculty member for the University of Phoenix School of Business, and the director of Sow A Seed Community Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to minimize gaps in opportunity and achievement. Rhodesia serves as a member of the City of Tracy Planning Commission, and as a member of Tracy Unified School District’s Anti-Bully Committee. She has held active positions on several local boards and associations, such as the Tracy African American Association and the Tracy Performing Arts Foundation. From 2006 to 2008, Rhodesia was a vice foreperson on the San Joaquin County civil grand jury, providing oversight to public agencies throughout the county. As a charter member of the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Rhodesia serves as co-chairperson of the Delta Academy mentoring program and chairperson of the Social Action Committee. CV Drum magazine featured her as the “2007 Grassroots Activist.” Rhodesia is excited to be a director of CoCo Corner, and believes that CoCo Corner will help find solutions to the problems facing many of our youth today.
Paris Pryor possesses a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tuskegee University, and has completed a Master’s in criminal justice at California State University, Long Beach. She has worked for numerous non-profits, including Girls Inc., People United for a Better Oakland (PUEBLO), and Code 33. As a peer educator with Girls Inc., Paris instructed teens on the issues of teen pregnancy, drug use, and date rape. As a grant maker with PUEBLO, she helped fund youth-based programs designed to make a difference in the community. With Code 33, she created documentaries and workshops to develop better relationships between the youth and the Oakland Police. Paris was a member of the Black Business Student Association (BBSA) at CSULB, where she volunteered as a mentor for foster children (Day of the Child).
Geraldine Driver is a native of Alameda, California. She graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland, and is now enrolled in Christian Bible College of Independence, Missouri. in pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in theological studies. She worked as a cashier-clerk for 35 years before retiring. Geraldine has worked in ministry for many years, starting by teaching Sunday school to youth. She labored faithfully in many positions with zeal, which led her to the position of senior pastor of Hines Memorial Church. She has taken advantage of opportunities to speak at conferences, retreats, revivals, and workshops. In her compelling urge for street ministry favoring the homeless, lost, and the outcast, she provides community resources, clothing, and meals. She served a 2-year term as president of Harvest Ministries, an organization focusing on development, outreach, and evangelicalism. Geraldine has supported many organizations near and far, and feels privileged for the opportunity to be a part of CoCo Corner in its endeavors.
Tamika Thomas is the Assistant City Clerk for the City of Oakland. She earned her undergraduate degree from California State University Hayward and her law degree from John F. Kennedy University School of Law. Prior to joining the City Clerk’s office, Tamika worked on the City’s ethics commission, where she labored to promote confidence and transparency in government. She is passionate about working with and on behalf of young people. Her passion for the growth, enrichment, and ultimate success of youth is what prompted her to join the board of directors for CoCo Corner. Tamika has has been active with several non-profit organizations, including an assignment as a youth advocate with CASA of Alameda County, as a mentor with the Be a Mentor program, and as a tutor in the Kids with Dreams Program.