Board of Directors

  • Chaka Jackson, President and Founder

    Chaka Jackson is the founder of Diabetic Social and a type 1 diabetic. After Chaka was diagnosed with diabetes, she found it was hard to obtained information and a support group on how to manage diabetes. The passion for helping people with diabetes gave her the desire and passion for helping educate others about this disease. Chaka is a mother of two beautiful daughters. She has a BA degree in Business Management, a master hairstylist and a former Tennessee Titans cheerleader.

  • Latarsher White, Vice President

    Current Cardiorenal, Pulmonary & Metabolic Clinical Specialist with over 20 years experience in multiple disease states.

    My motto is “When passion is your purpose it becomes your profession.” I am extremely passionate about advocating for the prevention of chronic disease.

    As a Nashville Native and a graduate from Tennessee State University with a BS, emphasis in Biology & Chemistry

    Former Tennessee Titans Cheerleader & NFL Pro-bowl pick

  • Jani Chollman, Secretary

    Jani Chollman is the mother of identical triplet girls and has been married for 34 years. She has worked for 24 years in education as a science teacher and a coach (Volleyball, Track, and Dance). Jani graduated from the University of TN (Knoxville) with a Bachelor of Science and a Master's in Administration and Supervision from Carson Newman University. She is honored to serve as Secretary of the Diabetic Social Board. The passion for teaching gives her the desire to help educate and spread awareness about diabetes.

  • Talesha Littlejohn, Treasurer

    Talesha Littlejohn is the founder of TDLittlejohn LLC, the newly formed consulting firm dedicated to assisting individuals establish or renew their credit worthiness and businesses and nonprofits with the establishing process. It is her mission to help individuals and organizations build and grow their personal and professional ambitions.

    Her twenty plus years in the banking industry has provided resources and experience in helping people accomplish their personal and professional financial goals.

    Her personal struggle with type 2 diabetes and the loss of her father who suffered with complications caused by diabetes has fueled her passion to serve as the Treasurer of Diabetic Social. It is her desire to merge her professional experience in banking and personal experience with Diabetes to help Diabetic Social spread awareness and resources to the community.

  • Angelina Armstrong

    Angelina Armstrong holds a BA in Speech Communications from University of TN – Knoxville and a MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is currently a Team Manager for a large property and casualty insurance company. During her career Angelina fulfilled leadership roles in various departments, lead many projects, served on numerous committees. Having balance has been the key to Angelina’s success.

    Angelina has a passion for working in the community and takes an active role in mentoring women and the youth of today. Angelina is a member of Living Word Community Church. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Nu Omega chapter where she held several offices, committee chairs and won regional awards. While serving on the leadership council, Angelina developed and facilitated leadership workshops and coordinated local and national events.

    She was the founding President for the Ivy Enrichment Foundation and is still an active member. She is also an advisory board member for Family Roots for Life, Inc. Angelina was worked on several successful political campaigns, organizing phone banks, grassroots campaigns, and scheduling events. She is also a member of the Athena Patron Society and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

  • Tilita Shaw

    Tilita Shaw is a Registered Nurse for 19 years and held various clinical roles including staff nurse, clinical education, human resources and leadership. Originally from Decatur, Georgia she relocated to Nashville in 2012 with her husband Garrett and son Dylan. Tilita currently works for HCA TriStar Health and is the Director of Academic Affairs where she act as the liaison between our hospitals and secondary and post -secondary academic partners. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Mercer University and a MBA from Phoenix University. She is a member of Chi Eta Phi, a professional organization for registered professional nurses and student nurses representing many cultures and diverse ethnic backgrounds.

  • Roderick White

    Roderick White (J.D) serves as the Director of Diversity and Community Life at University School of Nashville, pioneering the school's diversity initiatives including the first-ever DEI report and USN Bias Form. He is the Statewide DEI Representative for TAIS's Administrator Services Committee and has roles with SAIS, including as a Diversity Mentor and Accreditation Team member. Roderick has spoken at several conferences including TAIS, SAIS, NAIS, and others.

    Starting his Nashville journey at Tennessee State University, he was a prominent member of the "Aristocrat of Bands." Active in local music, he's part of the Nashville Community Concert Band since 2005 and the Nashville African American Wind Symphony as the clarinet section leader. Beyond music, he taught at Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church, coached numerous cheerleaders, and captained the Tennessee Titans Cheer Squad.

    Married since 2001, Roderick and his wife have three children.

  • Bob Merritt

    Bob Merritt is a Nashville native. He is a graduate from Vol State and the father of two daughters, Charity and Michaela. Bob has worked in hospitality for over 30 years. He was the manager at Gaylord Hotels and the Marriott Hotels. Bob is currently the Concierge Director for SkyHouse Nashville and CEO of Merits CSE (Concierge Services & Events).

    Ex. Of Clients of company are:

    1. Skin & Allergy Center- four locations.
    2. NFL Alumni TN Chapter..