Our Team
Board of Directors
Linda McCollum
Chief Executive Officer
Linda aka the Mama Linda has been a chef for over three decades and is passionate about eliminating childhood hunger. She created Mama Linda's Long Handled Spoon to ensure no child goes to bed hungry, and works everyday to make a difference in their lives.
Growing up Linda was fortunate to have a mother who made sure she and her siblings were always fed. As Linda had children of her own, while she may have faced hardships, by the grace of various organizations while working she was able to ensure her children were fed as well. She understood that many children do not receive help and were left hungry, and that's where her passion to feed children grew. Linda has been a chef for over three decades and is using her experience to help children in need. It pains her to know children go to bed hungry everyday as such she's on a mission to end this hunger.
Arnedra Jordan
Executive Director
Mother, author, professor, educator, PhD candidate, a public health consultant, public speaker, an humanitarian award recipient and an
active community member
Arnedra is a dedicated educator who is an adjunct professor of Political Science at West Los Angeles College. She is also continuing her own education by currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy with an emphasis in Foreign Policy. Arnedra works as a Public Health and Policy Consultant for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Los Angeles running a multi million dollar program. As part of this consulting work, Arnedra links women to preventive health care and social support resources and motivates African American women to access screening mammograms.
A multi-faceted woman, Arnedra has also lobbied for the United Nations Association on a Local and Federal level, is an active member and secretary of the American BusinessWomen’s Association, is an organizer for the Beautiful Brown Girls Brunch Los Angeles Chapter. She is also the Public Policy Director for the American Women’s University Long Beach Chapter and a proud member of the Douglas Park Toastmaster group and is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Arnedra is committed to contributing her experience and skills to Mama Linga Long Handled Spoon.
Officers and Staff
Pastor Hawkins
Spiritual Consultant
Reverend Hawkins lives a life full of service and giving to others. He is committed to erasing childhood hunger by being a part of the Mama Linda Long Handled Spoon mission.
Receiving the call to ministry Rev. Hawkins attended Fuller Theological Seminary where he secured a masters in divinity in 1998. Awarded with numerous awards and scholarships, he was ordained in 1999, where he served in numerous chuches. Most presently as Senior Pastor of HollyPark UMC for the past 13 years. Rev. Hawkins has served on several committees and is currently serving on the West District Board of Ordained ministry. A much sought after speaker, Rev Hawkins holds revivals for the UMC Hawaii District for three days, Calvary Church in Santa Monica the Korea Presbyterian in Los Ageless, AME church in Pasadena.
Additionally, served on the Blue Ribbon Committee of Los Angeles to eliminate homelessness and on other civic institutions. Rev. Hawkins is committed to helping others and ensuring everyone experiences love and protection, which is one of the many reasons why being a part of the Mama Linda Long Handled Spoon mission is so important to him.
Michele Davis
Treasurer
Michele is passionate about self-care, problem solving, and helping others. She is using her experience in business management and focus to assist our mission and course in social responsibility and compliance.
A Los Angeles County native, Michele has worked for LA County for 35 years. As a single parent of two sons has gained an AA degree in real estate from Los Angeles City College, a BA in Business and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, all while working full-time. Over the last 20 years, she has worked as a financial analyst for Superior Court, County of Los Angeles creating and maintaining courthouse budget and spending plans. In 2012, Michele went for servicing a district of 3 courthouses to a region of 12 courthouses, which totalled $72 million in salaries, employee benefits, operating expenses and equipment.
In her work and life, Michele is determined to stick to a problem to its resolution, and uses her passion for self-education as a way to help her constantly problem-solve. Taking pride in her ability to brainstorm, collaborate, and execute business operational plans as an individual and in the team environment, Michelle is a great asset to the Mama Linda Long Handled Spoon board.
La Wanda Staten
Director of Public Relations
La Wanda M. Staten is a successful creative and author who is actively involved in the community. Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Human Service Commission for the City of Gardena, La Wanda's goal in life is to help improve the lives of those around her.
La Wanda M. Staten, born in Los Angeles, CA, graduated from Los Angeles Southwest Junior College, where she received her Associate of Arts degree in Language(Spanish and French), She later returned back to school, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television, from the University of Houston. She has worked as a News reporter, News writer, and Director in Houston, TX. She also had her own cable show, "Role Models", with the former Continental Cable. La Wanda has written many plays and skits for churches of various genres. La Wanda is also a published Author, her book "How to Kill Your Willie Lynch" has been a big seller and was made into a play.
Additionally, La Wanda is actively involved in the community. She was the Public Relations Commissioner Chairperson for the City of Carson, CA, Ambassador for the city of Arlington, TX, and currently serving as the Chairperson of the Human Service Commission for the City of Gardena. Through her involvement in the community, La Wanda strives to help make the world a better place and this can be seen through her work with Mama Linda Long Handled Spoon.
Ida Talley
Secretary
Ida Talley's life has consisted of being a role model and working with underprivileged children in low-income communities to help them succeed in life. A teacher for all students to look up too, Ida has committed to a life of giving and continues to do so with Mama Linda Long Handled Spoon.
Ida Talley was born in Akron, Ohio and moved to South Central Los Angeles as a child. She received her Bachelors of Social Science, specializing in History and earned a teaching credential. Afterward, she attended graduate school at Loyola Marymount University, where she received a Masters Degree in Counselling and Guidance in Education. Upon completion Ida worked as a teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for 36 years.
LAUSD fulfilled her dream of working with underprivileged children, living in low income communities. This allowed her to lead a life as a role model to youth and demonstrate that if they continue to work hard, their dreams can become attainable, and that there is an escape from poverty. Ida is a shining example of how to help others, and continues to live out her passion to help underprivileged children through her work with Mama Linda Long Handled Spoon.