ABOUT US
Founded in 2020, the Social Equity Initiative is a group of Black Silicon Valley professionals united to bring about impactful change and further progress for Black people. Our expertise in connecting people and organizations in need bridges overlooked gaps across many domains.
Tanya Patterson
President, Founder
Tanya Patterson is CEO/Founder of Patterson Investments, a Real Estate Brokerage servicing the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Tanya has a bachelor’s of science degree in Telecommunications from Cal State East Bay and spent years working in the high-tech industry. She is focused on helping families build generational wealth through real estate investments.
Tanya Patterson’s passion for uplifting minority communities affected by systemic racism in the United States led her to start the Social Equity Initiative. She firmly believes with guidance and assistance anyone can thrive. Tanya knows that making a difference is attainable, the key is reaching out, helping others and being the change you want to see. The Social Equity Initiative’s very talented Board of Directors of various backgrounds share Tanya’s passion and dedication to minority communities.
If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together. – African Proverb
Tom Patterson
Vice President | Director of Technology
Tom Patterson is a high-tech professional with decades of experience working in the valley. Tom has a bachelor’s of science degree in Packaging Engineering from Michigan State University.
Tom’s commitment to the Social Equity Initiative stems from the conviction that the ties that bind minorities in this country to lower-achievement are breakable. He has worked as a tutor and helped those seeking a college education raise their standardized tests scores. He knows there are means by which we can all have a positive impact, we simply need to find the right avenue to have that impact.
Tom Patterson
Vice President | Director of Technology
Tom Patterson is a high-tech professional with decades of experience working in the valley. Tom has a bachelor’s of science degree in Packaging Engineering from Michigan State University.
Tom’s commitment to the Social Equity Initiative stems from the conviction that the ties that bind minorities in this country to lower-achievement are breakable. He has worked as a tutor and helped those seeking a college education raise their standardized tests scores. He knows there are means by which we can all have a positive impact, we simply need to find the right avenue to have that impact.
Christian Evelyn Dean, MS
Treasurer
Christian Dean holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and is a passionate, financial services professional with experience in Business Relationship Management. Whether she is educating business owners or providing sound financial advice to families, Christian is both committed and dedicated to assisting business owners to excel by identifying opportunities and developing customized financial solutions that are in alignment with their business goals. Christian actively teaches many minority business owners on strategically positioning their business for longevity and success. Christian believes in finding the right solutions for the future success of every business and is proud to serve on the SEI Board of Directors.
Aba Armah
Secretary | Director of Health & Wellness
A biotech professional with over 10 years’ experience, Aba Armah specializes in Clinical Data Management. She studied Comparative Women’s Studies, with a concentration in Women’s Health, at a liberal arts college where her enthusiasm for public health bloomed. Aba has implemented and supported programs promoting wellness, presented on an array of health-related topics, advocates for sustainable living, and keeps a close eye on health issues affecting BIPOC communities.
Aba Armah
Secretary | Director of Health & Wellness
A biotech professional with over 10 years’ experience, Aba Armah specializes in Clinical Data Management. She studied Comparative Women’s Studies, with a concentration in Women’s Health, at a liberal arts college where her enthusiasm for public health bloomed. Aba has implemented and supported programs promoting wellness, presented on an array of health-related topics, advocates for sustainable living, and keeps a close eye on health issues affecting BIPOC communities.
Tyelisa Shields, MS
Director of Technology & Education
Tyelisa Shields has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Grambling State University, and a master’s degree in Information Security from Carnegie Mellon University. As a Silicon Valley resident, she is most passionate about closing the technology gap experienced by minority communities.
Swanellie Paulin, AAMS, CRPC
Director of Wealth & Investments
Swanellie Paulin is a financial advisor with more than a decade of progressive leadership experience in assisting high net-worth clients at a major financial firm. She holds a master’s degree in finance from Colorado State University, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University. She is certified in AAMS and CRCP by the College for Financial Planning. Swanellie has been recognized for her acumen and proven track record in yielding robust returns for clients and her dedication has been recognized with many notable awards. As an invited guest speaker at several organizations, Swanellie has imparted her breadth of knowledge on wealth building to the community. She has devoted herself to mentoring future financial advisors and teaching her clients the importance of building wealth, understanding their relationship with money, and closing the wealth gap. Her motto is “at every stage of your life, your money should serve to maintain your lifestyle and leave behind a legacy.”
Swanellie Paulin, AAMS, CRPC
Director of Wealth & Investments
Swanellie Paulin is a financial advisor with more than a decade of progressive leadership experience in assisting high net-worth clients at a major financial firm. She holds a master’s degree in finance from Colorado State University, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University. She is certified in AAMS and CRCP by the College for Financial Planning. Swanellie has been recognized for her acumen and proven track record in yielding robust returns for clients and her dedication has been recognized with many notable awards. As an invited guest speaker at several organizations, Swanellie has imparted her breadth of knowledge on wealth building to the community. She has devoted herself to mentoring future financial advisors and teaching her clients the importance of building wealth, understanding their relationship with money, and closing the wealth gap. Her motto is “at every stage of your life, your money should serve to maintain your lifestyle and leave behind a legacy.”
William Harlley
Director of Digital Marketing
William Harlley is a Digital Marketing professional with over a decade of experience providing marketing and advertising solutions to businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area using New Media technology. William holds a degree in Communication Arts and Justice Studies.
Greg Ligon
Director of Communication Outreach
Greg Ligon is an Electrical Engineer with over 12 years of experience in Power Systems working for a utility company. He is very interested in providing assistance to disadvantaged communities any way possible. One of his hopes is to see more diversity within the Energy sector.
Greg Ligon
Director of Communication Outreach
Greg Ligon is an Electrical Engineer with over 12 years of experience in Power Systems working for a utility company. He is very interested in providing assistance to disadvantaged communities any way possible. One of his hopes is to see more diversity within the Energy sector.
Statement on Equity and Accountability
The Social Equity Initiative is committed to an operating ethic which encourages reasonable accountability and supports the interests of all who seek to join efforts with SEI and its partners.