DeMakus Staton CGMS, is the President/Executive Director of Reflection of Inspiration Inc. Reflection of Inspiration is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs to support community groups and organizations in achieving their aspirations. Its’s Mission is to empowers individuals and organizations to be successful for their families and within their communities by encouraging positive development.

DeMakus also worked as the Grants/Contract Manager for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) for over a decade. He has over 12+ years of experience as a key cog in securing and managing EBCI’s external resources serving within the Treasury Division. DeMakus has worked with over 50 different federal, state, and private agencies. He has managed over $50 million of annual expenditures from external sources.

He served as the Chair of the Tribal Administration Committee for United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), also appointed representative for the Department of Interior Tribal Interior Budget Council and Self-Governance Advisory Committee (Eastern Region). Currently serving as a Board Member, of the National Grants Management Associations (NGMA). Mr. Staton holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting and Entrepreneurship (Western Carolina University) He has been a contributing advisor and presenter for several Federal and local agencies and has obtain the Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) credential and also the Native American Finance Officers association (NAFOA)- Tribal Financial Manger Certificate.

He is a believer in higher education, and continuous training. Organization and communication skills are very important to him. He believes that accuracy and accountability are two qualities that should be held at the upmost standard by any individual that shepherds any financial information.

Renissa is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She and her family reside in the Birdtown Community. She holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters Jursprudence in Indian Law. Ms. McLaughlin has worked with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in various capacities for over 28 years. Currently, she is the Director of Youth and Adult Education with programs that serve all ages. She oversees and leads six distinct programs for the EBCI. Serves as a spokesperson with outside agencies and higher educational institutions. Serve as a leader for new programs offering and program improvements. She also has an active role with children attending the language immersion school. Ms. McLaughlin also serves on the Certification Commission for Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise as the Vice Chairman.

She enjoys working in an environment that is challenging and allows her the opportunity to serve the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as well the community.

Michael Quillen is Treasurer of Reflection of Inspiration Inc. Michael is also Director of Health Care Administration for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Public Health and Human Services Division. He has served in this position for 7 years and worked in the EBCI Treasury Division for 3 years as an Accounting Coordinator.

Michael serves on the Public Health and Human Services Regulatory and Compliance Steering Committee and the Tribal In-home Care Services Policy Committee for the EBCI.

Michael and his family moved from Florida to North Carolina in 2005 to build an environmentally friendly and sustainable home. Michael and his family built their home from scratch on raw land and learned a lot about perseverance and integrity in the face of adversity.

Michael also worked as the Business Manager for 8 years for Aging with Dignity, Inc in Florida and was a licensed CPA in FL at the time. Aging with Dignity is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity at the end of life. Aging with Dignity developed and distributes the Five Wishes Living Will which is now recognized and used in more than 36 states across the country and is in multiple languages.

Michael has a BS in Accounting and a BS in Business Management from Florida State University.

Kayla Brown, the Director of Operations of Reflection of Inspiration, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the organization’s policies are effectively implemented while upholding its mission. Her commitment extends beyond her professional responsibilities to include a deep-rooted dedication to her community and cultural heritage.

As a native of Western North Carolina with ties to both Indigenous and Appalachian cultures, Kayla actively works to preserve and promote these traditions. Her advocacy focuses notably on ending violence on tribal lands in the Southeastern US, reflecting her passionate support for indigenous communities.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Kayla invests her personal time in community enrichment activities. She volunteers as a coach for youth cheerleading and basketball, where she imparts values of teamwork and leadership to young participants. Furthermore, she shares her knowledge of traditional food preservation methods through workshops, ensuring that these cultural practices endure across generations.

Kayla’s educational background emphasis her commitment to professional growth and nonprofit leadership. With a degree in Business Administration, a certificate in Accounting, and ongoing pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Project Management & Nonprofit Sector Management, she continuously enhances her skills to drive positive change in her community.

Prior to her role at Reflection of Inspiration, Kayla gained valuable experience in business, land conservation, and healthcare within the Appalachian context. Her interactions with elders in the community have enriched her understanding and strengthened her ties to her cultural roots.
Overall, Kayla Brown exemplifies a blend of professional excellence, community advocacy, and cultural stewardship. Her contributions towards creating a safer and culturally vibrant Appalachia underscore her profound dedication to making a difference.