To encourage Carroll County, Maryland residents of African descent to embrace and share their culture and history. To Speak and Act on injustices faced by our children and our community. To be the agent of change.
We envision bringing cultural awareness to our community through education and outreach service.
Speak On It Act On It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Carroll County, Maryland focused on bringing cultural awareness through education and outreach service.
“I can lead or I can follow. I will happily do what needs to be done.”
Diane Watson Hurd was born in Washington DC but grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She attended PG County Public schools and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Frostburg State University.
She is an active member of the community. She served as the Program Coordinator of Excel Track and Field (a youth track program in Carroll County, MD) and a member of the North Carroll Recreation Executive Board. She is currently a Board Member of the Carroll County Arts Council and a member of the Carroll Coalition of the MD Lynching Memorial Project. Ms. Hurd organized and served as the Chairperson of the 1st Annual Juneteenth in Carroll 2022 and is Co-founder and President of Speak On It Act On It, Inc.
In addition to her community endeavors, she is committed to her church, Union Memorial Baptist Church of Westminster. Each year she organizes The Denim & Pearls Women’s Empowerment Lunch, and the Black History Month Slave Narratives.
Diane and her husband of over 30 years, Maynard, have two daughters, Alexis Symone and Erika Nichol. She and Maynard have been residents of Manchester, MD for since 2003.
Kim Jones is the Treasurer for Speak On It Act On It and is actively involved in the community. She is an active member at Strawbridge United Methodist Church, Chair of the Distinguished Young Women of Carroll County Scholarship Program, Secretary for the Carroll County NAACP and is also a Travel Advisor. Kim grew up in Carroll County and currently resides in New Windsor with her daughter Jordan.
“Spending time explaining yourself give people the right and authority to judge you. Instead, honor your heritage and culture without apology or explanation.”
Ava Shivers is a 25-year resident of Carroll County, Maryland hailing originally from Baltimore City. A business leader within the DC, Virginia, Maryland tri-state area, Ava has more than 35 years of experience in public accounting and financial management of profit and not-for-profit organizations. She has served in the role of Chief Financial Officer, VP of Finance, Senior Director of Finance, and Controller for organizations focused on giving a voice to disenfranchised communities throughout the United States. As a servant leader, her objective is to encourage learning and foster empowerment and the well-being of the communities served by SOIAOI. Ava completed her Master of Business Administration at Loyola University and is an active Certified Public Accountant.
