Panel Discussion
Focus Women’s Conference, Session Three, 2:30PM – 3:30PM, Mar 28, 2022
Panelists:
- Dr. Sondia J. Christian / Director, Talent Management, Ingalls Shipbuilding
- Beth Morrissette / M2 Solutions, Inc, CEO | Manufacturers Packaging Services, CEO
- Dr. Lakesha Brackins / Mobile County Public Schools, Deputy Superintendent
- Maggie Lacey / Mobile Bay Magazine, Editor
Dr. Sondia J. Christian Bio
Dr. Sondia J. Christian is the director of talent management at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula Mississippi. In this role she is responsible for executing human capital management strategies that support organizational business goals in the areas of talent sourcing and recruiting, new employee onboarding, performance management leadership development/succession planning and curriculum development.
Sondia joined Ingalls in 2006 and has held various leadership roles in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Development and Operations for the past 15 years in the areas of functional training strategy and execution, compliance, earned value management, financial controls including Sarbanes-Oxley, budgets and administration, and other special projects. Sondia is also a pastor at Twin Beech AME Zion Church in Fairhope, Alabama.
Sondia received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Texas College, in Tyler, Texas. She received her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Southern Christian University, Montgomery, Alabama. She has an earned Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida in Education with emphasis on Organizational Leadership & Adult Education.
Sondia is a very active member in her community and involved in civic activities. She is a member of the following organizations; Beta Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated where she serves as a State Executive Officer and Chapter Chaplain, The Gulf Coast (MS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Omega Theta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, and National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). She serves on the following Executive Boards; Christian Education for the West Alabama Conference, Bethesda Free Clinic, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, NAACP Jackson County Education Board and the former president of the African American Shipbuilders Association (AASA). She currently serves on the AASA board as the Strategic Chairperson. Sondia is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast and a 2019 graduate of Leadership Mississippi.
Sondia is married to Rev. James H. Christian, Sr. and is the proud mother of four children and five grandchildren. Sondia and her family currently reside in Ocean Springs, MS.
Beth Morrissette Bio
Beth Morrissette is CEO and Co-Owner of M2 Solutions, a provider of technologically advanced service life solutions for construction, industry, and manufacturing. She also serves as CEO of Manufacturers Packaging Services, a family-owned packaging and warehouse supply company. A graduate of the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business, Beth’s professional experience includes more than 31 years of sales, marketing, and management in the healthcare, construction, and industrial packaging industries. Beth has been active in Mobile community for many years serving in various leadership positions including President of the Junior League of Mobile and as Campaign Chair for the United Way of SW Alabama. She was a 2004 graduate of Leadership Coastal Alabama. She is currently participating as a RAMP Mentor as part of the Real Advice Mentoring Program sponsored by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and serves as a member of the U.S. Department of Transportation Southeast Region Women in Transportation Advisory Committee. In 2021, Beth was recognized as a Focus Women’s Conference 40 over 40 Honoree. Beth and husband, Henry, have two adult children and call Mobile, AL home.
Dr. Lakesha Brackins Bio
Dr. LaKesha Brackins is the Deputy Superintendent of Mobile County Public Schools (MCPSS), the largest and oldest school system in the State of Alabama. With 53,000 students and 8,000 employees, MCPSS is the largest employer in Mobile County. Growing up in a family of educators, it was no surprise that Dr. Brackins chose to become an educator and that she has since served in the field of education for 23 years. Before becoming deputy superintendent, she worked as a teacher, principal, central office administrator, and assistant superintendent. Dr. Brackins received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Troy University and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Auburn University.