Meet The Board
Tamara Goshay-Bryant
Founder & President
Tamara Goshay Bryant is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director of Your Advocate, Inc. She is an advocate and speaker whose passion is educating and empowering individuals to become informed advocates for themselves and their families.
With more than 15 years of advocacy experience, Tamara has worked with individuals facing consumer issues, and other complex challenges that require effective communication and self advocacy. Her mission is to ensure that people understand their rights, know where to turn for help, and have the confidence to speak up when something is not right.
Under her leadership, Your Advocate, Inc. provides educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy initiatives that help Senior Citizens recognize scams, prevent fraud, and make informed decisions. She has presented workshops and educational sessions for libraries, senior communities, nonprofit organizations, churches, and community groups, equipping audiences with practical strategies to protect themselves and advocate with confidence.
Tamara earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Human Resources Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. She brings together her education, professional experience, and unwavering commitment to service to strengthen the mission of Your Advocate, Inc.
Tamara believes that education is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy and remains committed to building stronger, safer, and more informed communities through leadership, collaboration, and service.
Leonora Bowers
Secretary
As Secretary for our organization, Leonora Bowers provides administrative leadership that helps keep our mission moving forward. With more than 10 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, she brings exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to effective communication. Her expertise in coordinating operations, maintaining records, and supporting leadership ensures the organization can continue serving seniors with excellence and compassion.
Felecia Stevenson
Treasurer
Felecia Stevenson serves as the Treasurer for Your Advocate, Inc and is the owner of FSS Financial Services and a Jackson Hewitt Tax Service franchise with ten locations across Illinois and Indiana.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, an MBA, and is a Certified Treasury Professional. After a successful corporate career as a Treasury Manager, Felecia pursued her passion for helping individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses build strong financial foundations.
Recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Black Women Professional League and a Woman of Excellence by The Chicago Defender, she is committed to financial education, community service, and empowering others through knowledge and practical guidance.
Calandria Goshay
Volunteers Coordinator
Calandria Goshay is an experienced program and operations leader with a strong background in community engagement, grant management, and team leadership. As a Resource Coordinator, she successfully managed the Community Schools Initiative (CSI) grant for more than four years, overseeing program implementation, building partnerships, ensuring grant compliance, and creating impactful opportunities for students and families.With extensive experience leading diverse teams in both education and food service operations, Calandria is passionate about developing people, improving systems, and fostering collaborative environments that drive meaningful results. She brings a servant-leadership approach to every role and is committed to strengthening organizations and the communities they serve.
Tracie McClinton
Legal Advisor
Tracie McClinton brings more than 20 years of experience in the legal field, with extensive knowledge of estate planning documents and processes. She is passionate about helping individuals and families understand the importance of planning ahead. As Legal Advisor for Your Advocate, Inc., Tracie assists clients by providing guidance, education, and support regarding estate planning and probate while helping connect them with trusted resources and referrals when legal or other professional services are needed.
Having personally assisted her own family through estate planning and probate matters, Tracie understands the challenges and difficult decisions that often accompany these life transitions. She brings both professional experience and personal compassion to her role and is committed to helping individuals and families navigate the process with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind.
Calida Jevon Barnes
Board Member
Calida Jevon Barnes brings experience in community engagement, program development, business operations, and strategic partnerships through her work across nonprofit and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Her passion for advocacy and service naturally aligns with her role as a Board Member of Your Advocate, where she is honored to support efforts that provide guidance, resources, and opportunities for those navigating life's challenges.
A proud Chicago-area native, Calida believes meaningful change happens through compassion, collaboration, and empowering others to recognize their value and potential.