Anna Bowen
Founder and CEO
A visionary advocate for inclusion in fashion. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Long Island University and worked at Helen Keller Services for the Blind editing Braille and large-print books. A former Face of Kurvacious 2021, Annalee inspired the creation of the Ms. Kapable Kurves Modeling Competition for visually impaired women. Through NME, she continues to demonstrate that disability does not define what is possible.
Horace Smith
Co. Founder and Technology Director
Has lived with vision loss since 1994 and currently has glaucoma. With more than 20 years of experience as an Assistive Technology Coordinator and instructor, Horace is passionate about helping others navigate technology and vision loss. His greatest challenge was rebuilding his career after vision loss; his greatest accomplishment was returning to school and earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Horace continues to empower others through technology, education, and his message that vision loss does not stop you from achieving your dreams.
Lavar Edwards
Finance Director
Oversees the financial responsibilities of Not My Eyes, Inc., supporting sound financial organization and accountability. Her work helps strengthen the organization’s operations and supports responsible growth as NME advances its mission.
Kenya Brown
Program Director
The owner of Kenya Brown Consulting, with a background in accounting, finance, and business administration. She brings a strong business perspective to NME’s programs and operations. Having lived with vision loss for more than three decades and raising a visually impaired child, Kenya is deeply committed to making accessibility part of how communities, programs, and spaces are designed. Her greatest accomplishment is using both her personal and professional experience to help create a more accessible world for individuals with disabilities and future generations.
Tanishia Rieves
Executive Director
Legally blind since 2016 after a retina‑severing detachment during surgery, she now has only central vision in her left eye. Rebuilding independence became her greatest challenge, andand she has transformed that experience into purpose, creating access and opportunities for others. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Community Health Education, grounding her work in accessibility and community advocacy. Since first modeling for NME in 2023, she has become the editor of NME Magazine, designs the organization’s website, and leads administrative and development operations with a focus on lived‑experience‑driven leadership.
Alexis Riddick
Secretary
Visually impaired since birth due to a rare genetic mutation of the GUCY2D gene, Alexis brings dedication, consistency, and a commitment to empowerment to her work with NME. She has completed graduate school and is currently pursuing her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Alexis represents NME’s belief that vision loss does not limit what you can accomplish.
Lisa Dunkley
Junior Secretary
Has been part of the organization since its first Fashion Showcase. She has lived with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) all her life and holds a Master of Arts from Hunter College. Her background in mathematics education and accessibility includes serving as a Learning Specialist supporting students with disabilities. Her greatest accomplishment is using her expertise and experience to help others succeed while working toward greater accessibility for herself and her mother.
Destiny Bowen
Operations Director
Has been a dedicated supporter of the organization and its VIP community from the beginning. The daughter of NME CEO Annalee Bowen, Destiny brings a natural spirit of compassion, leadership, and service to her work with NME. A SUNY Old Westbury Biology graduate, she has supported individuals with disabilities, assisted with social media backstage production fundraising, generated sponsorships and previously participated as an NME model. Destiny continues to advocate for the VIP community while pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatrician. Her commitment, loyalty, and genuine love for the community make her an invaluable part of NME.
Sheree Clay
Media Director
Creator of Cloudi Vision Tees. After experiencing double retinal detachments and significant vision loss, she has used her experience to advocate for greater awareness and representation. Her greatest challenge has been learning to navigate life differently. Her greatest accomplishment is turning vision loss into a platform for entrepreneurship and advocacy.
LaShonda Smith
Marketing Director
An educator, advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader committed to helping individuals recognize their abilities and reach their full potential. After experiencing vision loss, she developed independent-living skills at World Services for the Blind and later returned as a Techniques of Daily Living Instructor. Her greatest accomplishment is turning her own experience into service through entrepreneurship, education, and advocacy for blind and visually impaired individuals and their families.
Kiana Glanton
Marketing Assistant
A graduate of Stony Brook University, she works in development and special projects and advocates for individuals with vision loss. Her involvement in adaptive athletics, including blind baseball, reflects her commitment to confidence, independence, and representation. Through her work with NME, Kiana helps promote the organization’s message and demonstrate what is possible for individuals with vision loss.
Andrew Felton Fashion Advisor
Drew Felton has served as Fashion Advisor for Not My Eyes since 2024, bringing refined styling expertise and runway insight to every production. His guidance strengthens model confidence, sharpens presentation, and helps define the signature movement and visual polish of the NME runway.
Jeannie Ferguson Goodlow
Model Coach
Co-Founder of Runway Parties. With more than a decade of experience in fashion, merchandising, product development, and production management, Jeannie helps NME participants build confidence, presence, and professionalism. As part of NME’s upcoming experience, Runway Parties will host Friday night’s Runway Training and Meet & Greet, bringing together participants, their families, and NME staff for an evening of preparation, connection, and community.
Robert E. Knight Lead Designer
As Head Designer for Not My Eyes, Robert Knight brings an unmistakable blend of artistry, intention, and heart to every collection. His work is defined by movement, emotion, and a deep commitment to making every model feel seen, powerful, and unforgettable. Rob is the creative force behind the silhouettes, textures, and dramatic moments that shape the NME runway—always designing with purpose, always pushing the vision forward.
Molly Hopkins
Lead Designer
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in intimate apparel and body-positive fashion through her business, LiviRae Lingerie. Her commitment to inclusivity and empowering women of all sizes, ages, races, and abilities aligns with NME’s mission of celebrating individuality, confidence, and self-expression through fashion.
Jerry Jordan Production/Backstage Manager
Bringing more than 30 years of experience as a fashion show producer, casting director, stylist, and entrepreneur. As the founder of Kaleido Production, he specializes in fashion show production, event coordination, casting, talent development, and educational programming. A graduate of New York University with an MBA in Business Management, Jerry has produced and coordinated major events including New York Fashion Week, The Essence Awards, the Grammys, and the Emmys. His expertise and commitment to excellence help NME create professional, inclusive productions where blind and visually impaired individuals can confidently take center stage.
Tasha Monique Hill
Fashion Commentator
A co-founder of Runway Parties and host of the Now What Podcast. With more than 13 years in the plus-size fashion community, Tasha uses her experience in fashion, entrepreneurship, and event production to highlight the talent, confidence, and individuality celebrated through NME.
David Ash
Master of Ceremony
Guides audiences through NME’s events with energy and professionalism. His presence helps create an engaging platform where NME’s mission, participants, and message of inclusion take center stage.