meet our board
Founder & Executive Director - Linda “Pearl” Fils-Aime
Linda “Pearl” Fils-Aime, the founder of A Lady Named Pearl’s Modeling & Leadership Academy is an expert in teaching transformation, both in the world of modeling and in the world of next generation leadership preparedness. The modeling industry is often narrow-casted as just about physical appearance and presenting only the façade of the person. However, Linda Pearl Fils-Aime has discovered a new way to upend the old modeling industry to become a tool to help shape future global leaders of all sizes, gender, perspectives and mindsets.
Pearl began her professional career as a model walking the runways for Ebony Fashion Fair, touring the U.S., Canada and Caribbean. Shortly after touring with Ebony Fashion Fair, Pearl pursued her MBA at Clark Atlanta University. Pearl served as a real estate analyst for a Fortune 1 company from 2008 to 2011. In 2013, Pearl won the crown for “World’s Top Natural Hair Model” sponsored by Taliah Waajid.
Currently, Pearl serves as the host of the World Natural Hair Show and travels internationally with the company to promote the health and beauty of natural hair. Through her work, she continues to inspire confidence and empowerment, redefining beauty standards and leadership potential worldwide.
meet our board
President - Syreeda Battle
Mrs. Syreeda Battle is a Language Arts teacher grades 6-8, a musical theater actress, and sings with praise teams, choirs, and bands. She sings with the Fire Light Reggae band, with their songs on Spotify, #realityvibes. And with the BrassHeart band where she does her musical tributes and is most famous for her Tina Turner impersonation.
Mrs. Syreeda Battle is a Language Arts teacher grades 6-8, a musical theater actress, and sings with praise teams, choirs, and bands. She sings with the Fire Light Reggae band, with their songs on Spotify, #realityvibes. And with the BrassHeart band where she does her musical tributes and is most famous for her Tina Turner impersonation. Her first award as Tina was at the FAMU Homecoming talent show where she won a cash prize. She has won numerous other awards and accolades for her Tina Turner tributes. Syreeda shares her talents with the youth as she is the cheer and dance coach at her school and for the community band Bishop and Warriors and Warrettes drumline. She is in the dance ministry and choreographs the youth, at Mt. Olive M.B. Church, Pastor Kendrick.
Syreeda’s choreography has won 1st place trophies in competitions for cheer teams, color guard, church, and Hip Hop 4 Health teams!
To sharpen her talents and skills, she became a student at the A Lady Named Pearl Modeling and Leadership Academy. After graduating from the program, Syreeda participated in fashion shows in the Polk county area. Syreeda is ecstatic and honored to be appointed the Chairman of A Lady Named Pearl Foundation Inc.!
VP - Jhelisa Anderson
Jhelisa Anderson is an international recording artist, vocalist, and producer featuring many great musicians from around the world. Jhelisa has toured over 14 countries sharing stages with legends like Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Mavis Staples, The Roots, Roy Ayers and James Brown. She moved to London England at 20 years old and signed h
Jhelisa Anderson is an international recording artist, vocalist, and producer featuring many great musicians from around the world. Jhelisa has toured over 14 countries sharing stages with legends like Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Mavis Staples, The Roots, Roy Ayers and James Brown. She moved to London England at 20 years old and signed her first recording contract producing her debut album Galactica Rush on Dorado Records in 1994 which spawned her hit song "Friendly Pressure" with co-producer Lee Hamblin, a well loved song that went viral Summer of 2024. Jhelisa has also been featured as a performer on Netflix as a part of the One Giant Leap Project, and featured in the film "The Protagonist" starring Tilda Swinton. You can support her award winning music on all streaming services including her healing frequencies meditation album called "7 Keys" used by many Yoga classes and students for studying, focus and relaxation. Born in Mississippi, and raised in Louisville Kentucky, Jhelisa started singing with her family at the age of five years old, her travels and experiences has made her music rich with heritage and exploration with an emphasis on spreading positive energy. inspiration and continued hope for humanity's rise.
Secretary - Fan Wu
Treasurer - Milca Fils-Aime
Fan is an ALNP 2024 graduate. She has always been interested in modeling and was glad to find the Pearl Academy home to pursue creative endeavors. Throughout the program, she was fortunate to walk in various modeling events eg. Little Haiti Fashion Show, became one of the designer grant recipients to co-create a dance core clothes line,
Fan is an ALNP 2024 graduate. She has always been interested in modeling and was glad to find the Pearl Academy home to pursue creative endeavors. Throughout the program, she was fortunate to walk in various modeling events eg. Little Haiti Fashion Show, became one of the designer grant recipients to co-create a dance core clothes line, and also established UnityTales through the ALNP entrepreneurship program. She is glad to serve as the secretary in the non-profit branch of the Pearl Foundation, and looking forward to further embracing the sisterhood.
Treasurer - Milca Fils-Aime
Board Member - Ashley January
Treasurer - Milca Fils-Aime
Milca Fils-Aime joined A Lady Named Pearl Foundation in November 2019 as the Finance Manager. She oversees all aspects of the foundation finances, including the development and management of
budgets, preparation of financial statements and reporting. Milca brings over 14 years of experience spanning from finance, project management, serv
Milca Fils-Aime joined A Lady Named Pearl Foundation in November 2019 as the Finance Manager. She oversees all aspects of the foundation finances, including the development and management of
budgets, preparation of financial statements and reporting. Milca brings over 14 years of experience spanning from finance, project management, serving as chair in various committees, serving as a past
president and technical disciplines from volunteering at Twin Valley Roller Girls and Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, which both organizations are non-profit.
Milca’s passion is to help nonprofit organizations become better, stronger, more collaborative, and more impactful. Milca Fils-Aime received a Bachelor of Chemistry from Florida State University and her
Master of Business Administration from Averett University.
Board Member - Ashley January
Board Member - Ashley January
Board Member - Ashley January
Ashley “January” is a model, soprano opera singer, aerialist, and Creative Producer. As the Founder and CEO of The Culture Agency, she specializes in events, branding, and special project productions. Known for her striking presence and versatility, January seamlessly blends elegance, strength, and artistry in every performance. Whether
Ashley “January” is a model, soprano opera singer, aerialist, and Creative Producer. As the Founder and CEO of The Culture Agency, she specializes in events, branding, and special project productions. Known for her striking presence and versatility, January seamlessly blends elegance, strength, and artistry in every performance. Whether on stage, in the air, or in front of the camera, she brings a bold and captivating energy to every project.