About The Mission Attempt

In 2020, Teona McGhaw joined forces with lifelong friend Daneika Irving to start our nonprofit, The Mission Attempt, dedicated to serving their North St. Louis County community. Through partnerships and fundraising, The Mission Attempt helps provide back-to-school supplies for students, food for families in need, and toys and presents for children and families during the holiday season, all while supporting and celebrating black-owned small businesses and North County’s vibrant local community.

MEET THE MISSION ATTEMPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Johnathon Bolden

Johnathon has 15 years of Retail Management, and over 16 years of Program Management of Non Profit Organizations. He has served on several community and workforce boards, and is currently self-employed.

He is excited to serve as Board President for 2026. He loves what the Mission Attempt has done over the years in Attempt to help change people’s lives. He hopes to bring his knowledge and resources to further the Mission. He believes the Key to our Success will be Networking and Partnering with other organizations to expand The Mission Attempt’s reach.

Vice-President: Tamia Coleman-Hawkins

Tamia is the founder and CEO of Mia’s Treats Delight – an online bakery specializing in cookies, brownies, and cookie cakes. She co-wrote the children’s book “Mia Dreams BIGGER” with her mom. In addition to being involved with The Mission Attempt for several years, she has been on the youth board of different nonprofits like KIDBOX and Dreams for Kids.

As the youngest member of the Executive Board, she hopes to bring a different perspective. Detail-oriented by nature, she’s already a proven contributor to the team.

Co-Secretary: Angela Mershon

Angela is the proud mother of three amazing children who inspire her every day. Being raised by a strong single mother taught her the value of hard work, strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Helping others has always been a passion. She believes in giving back to her community, supporting those in need, and making a positive difference. Whether it’s through kindness, encouragement, or service, she strives to uplift others and lead by example.

Her children motivate her to continue growing, succeeding, and showing them the importance of compassion, determination, and never giving up.

Co-Secretary: Rush Wilkerson

Rush started working at Paraquad in May 2022 as a Youth Services Employee and Administrative Assistant in the Public Policy Department. He has since advanced to become Adaptive Tech Specialist.

He suffered a spinal cord injury in 1999. He brings that real-life experience to his work as an A-T specialist, helping others daily to improve their lives. Rush is certified in mental health first aid for youth and adults, sex educator, and seizure first aid for youth and adults and is an ADA coordinator. Rush was recently appointed to serve as a member of the Advisory Council on the Disabled of St. Louis. He is excited to be part of the Mission Attempt team!

Treasurer: Thomasina Sargent

Thomasina has over 38 years of experience in the medical field. Her attention to detail and her organizational skills have helped keep The Mission Attempt running smoothly for four years. She also brings a background of financial knowledge and an endless stream of fundraising ideas to the table. Her positive spirit and can-do attitude helps The Mission Attempt make things happen!

We are grateful that the mother of two and grandmother of three shares her warm, willing and compassionate heart with our Mission!

Co-Executive Director, Co-Founder: Daneika Irving

Born in Kinloch, Missouri, the very first all-black community. She attended Catholic school, and then Ferguson-Florissant school district. She’s the owner of Luvlashin Lash Extensions LLC. She used to deliver food to families in our community that were in need and couldn’t make it to pantries. She has been with the organization from its inception, and it’s mission is close to her heart.

She brings her ambition, love and a connection to the community to her role as Executive Director.

Co-Executive Director, Co-Founder: Teona McGhaw

Teona joined Paraquad almost two years ago as the Organizing and Advocacy Specialist. In addition to her lived experience as an above-the-knee amputee, as a senior-level paralegal with 20+ years of experience in criminal, personal injury, traffic, and workers’ compensation law, Teona brings with her a wealth of knowledge on how access, or lack thereof, to healthcare, education, and transportation impacts the lives Missourians across the State.

An advocate for women’s rights, Teona has served as a member of the National Women’s Political Caucus for more than 10 years; in 2022, she was elected as the first African American President for the Caucus in Missouri.

Outreach Coordinator: Pamela Paul

Pamela is a former educator with over 20 years of experience and teacher of theology. Throughout her career, she has worked with underserved families and individuals in need, providing guidance and support to help them create positive changes in their lives. From assisting the unhoused to supporting those facing incarceration or other life-altering challenges, Pamela is committed to offering compassionate solutions and meaningful support.

We are excited to have her bring her expertise to our team, as she helps us broaden our reach in the North St. Louis County community.

Youth Advisor: Chloe Mershon

Chloe is a young teen and a straight-A student who enjoys painting, reading, and cooking. She is eager to get involved in my community, learn new skills, and help other children make a positive impact as well. She is excited to volunteer alongside her mother and grandmother, who have always shown her the importance of giving back to others with kindness and compassion. She has learned that family is not defined only by blood, and that when someone is in need, even a small act of kindness can make a big difference.

She wants to help create a stronger, more caring community by supporting others and encouraging young people to get involved and make a difference.

…AND SOME OF OUR VOLUNTEERS, HONOREES AND SUPPORTERS

Above: Jolly July Gala in 2023, celebrating businesses and individuals making a difference in St. Louis County.