Our Leaders

Committed to the Cause

Sharonda Savoy

Executive Director

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:25-26 ESV). Sharonda Savoy is a native Washingtonian with a passion to live life to the fullest which means learning all about what God wants from us. She answered God’s call on her life at the age of 12 at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Washington, DC. She is currently a member of the Historic Vermont Avenue Baptist Church. She has been married for 24 years with a loving and supporting husband and an amazing son. Her full time career is in the IT field where she holds a master’s degree in Networking.

She is currently the partner of 2 ecommerce businesses. She had a vision to start a non-profit organization while in church one day. God spoke to her during a women's day conference as she saw the joy on the women's faces as they began to fellowship and learn about God's promises. On June 26, 2017, Cultured Pearl began its formation. Sharonda began learning about the promises that God has for women.

Cultured Pearl transforms women by empowering and uplifting through seminars, workshops and honoring women for their accomplishments. She is a member of the Ladies of Distinction Washington DC Red Hat Society. Her hobbies are reading, music, travel and working for God.

Rodney A. Savoy Sr.

Chairmen of the Board

This invaluable member of our team is trustworthy, honest, compassionate and hardworking. Rodney A. Savoy Sr., has been with Cultured Pearl since the inception. He has been the backbone of it's founder and an inspiration. He spends his time working with the homeless population while supporting Cultured Pearl and is one it's largest contributors. His sincere and passionate drive to see this organization succeed is immeasurable. When he signed up to be the Chairmen of the Board his commitment became a blessing for Cultured Pearl. We are truly grateful for Mr. Savoy and his commitment for making a change in the live of others.

He has a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science with a Minor Religion from Midland University in Nebraska. He has a Master's Degree in Human Services from the International University.

He enjoys his family, football, golf and working out at the gym.

Dr. Pamela Gurley, D.M.

Chair of Operations

Dr. Pamela Gurley is the Founder/CEO of Clark and Hill Enterprise, IAMDRPGURLEY; Un@pologeticbyDrG, and Dope A$$ Women Entertainment. She's also the Founder and Host of Herspiration Happy Hour Podcast and the Host of a vlog series titled Un@pologetic with DrG. Additionally, she writes for We Empower and Hustle & Soul Magazine, Medium, Vocal Media,, and Creating Your Seat at the Table Magazine.

Her 25-year career includes working for the United States Federal Government across the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of the Army, Department of Defense, Department of State, and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Dr. Gurley’s budget and management experience extend both domestically and internationally (i.e., Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Johannesburg, South Africa; Brussels, Belgium; Manila, Philippines; Singapore, Singapore, and London, United Kingdom). A civil servant for the Federal Government for over 14 years, she resigned on November 7, 2020, to become a full-time entrepreneur.

She is a retired United States Army Veteran and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Leo University; a Master’s in Health Service Administration from Central Michigan University; and a Doctorate in Management with a concentration in Organizational Development and Change from Colorado Technical University.

Peggy Williams

Chair of Communications

Peggy Williams serves as our Chair of Communications. She has a HBCU alumna of Bowie State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Associates Degree in Mass Communications from Prince Georges Community College. In 2007, Peggy a former performer herself began managing national recording artist Amari and Carmen on the Tommy Boy and Atlantic Records label respectfully and later served as Project Manager of Kellie Williams Productions, where she managed the day-to-day operations. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, she began transitioning into film where she created, executive produced, and directed various shows such as the teen talk show Gyrl Talk and the hip-hop dance show Turn It Up. Currently, Peggy is the CEO of Dream Merchant Media, where she co-produced and directed the Holiday film Christmas In Carolina. Her focus now is creating and developing new content for television and film that the entire family can enjoy. For more information on Peggy Williams or Dream Merchant Media, please visit www.dreammerchantmedia.com

Trina Logan

Board Member

Trina Logan is a Self-motivated Regional Director of a Social/Human Service organization in Washington, DC. Her career spans approximately 28 years of brokering/coordinating, linking and monitoring services for people with varying levels of need for support due to developmental and mental health challenges.

Ms. Logan is passionate about respecting individuality and supporting people with discovering and connecting to what is important to him or her. Ultimately, achieving more purpose driven life.

Shawn Pelote

Board Member

Shawn Pelote has been in the education field for over 27 years. He has served in many capacities that have provided him with a wealth of experiences and knowledge on how to best educate children.

He has spent his entire career working in Urban School Districts and serving as a mentor to children who live in challenging environments Several of his former students have followed on his path and become educators as well.

He holds a M.A. in Education Administration from SouthEastern University and a B.A. in Political Science from Howard University. He lives in Upper Marlboro Md. With his wife and two children.