Ebony Lige
Director of Operations and Museum Experience Ebony Lige is MOBWI’s Director of Operations and Museum Experience, responsible for facilities, events, daily museum operations, and visitor services. She brings a background in nonprofit leadership, facilities management, event planning, and operational coordination, and works across teams to support educational programming, strengthen operating processes, and make sure the museum is ready to offer meaningful experiences to visitors, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Ebony holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Norfolk State University. She believes every detail contributes to the experience, and is dedicated to an environment where visitors feel welcomed, stories are meaningfully shared, and MOBWI’s mission comes to life in every interaction.
Tamar Smithers-Diakhi
Director of Learning and Engagement Tamar Smithers-Diakhi is an arts leader, educator, and performing artist with more than 19 years of experience in museums, higher education, and cultural institutions. As Director of Learning and Engagement, she leads MOBWI’s educational initiatives, public programs, and community engagement. She previously served as Chief of Staff at ARDX, as founding Executive Director of the Virginia African American Cultural Center, and as founding Senior Director of Education and Exhibitions at the National Museum of African American Music, where she helped shape the museum’s opening. Tamar chairs the Board of Directors of the Association of African American Museums and holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Sierra J. Alexander
Development Manager Sierra J. Alexander leads MOBWI’s fundraising strategy, donor engagement, corporate partnerships, and sponsorships, with a focus on the Museum’s reach and long-term sustainability. She approaches development as relationship-building: creating opportunities for people to see themselves within a mission and connecting investment directly to impact. Before joining MOBWI, Sierra was Corporate Relations & Campaign Manager for United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, where she managed corporate partnerships and workplace giving campaigns across the region. She holds a Master of Arts in Arts Leadership & Community Engagement from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The staff of the Museum of Black Women Innovators leads the museum’s day-to-day work, from education and public programs to operations, visitor experience, fundraising, and community engagement. Together, they are preparing MOBWI to welcome visitors and to preserve and celebrate the innovation of Black women for generations to come.
Meet the staff
Le’Ren Jones
Social Media Intern Le’Ren Jones is a writer, speaker, interviewer, and community advocate, and MOBWI’s Social Media Intern. After graduating from Lake Taylor High School, she founded Mwanamke Makeup Artistry to enhance the essence of women everywhere, and has since served hundreds of Black women across Hampton Roads. An award-winning journalist and advocate, she spent four years as youth advisor to the Norfolk Branch NAACP and has been recognized as a compassionate leader for young people. Through live interviews, panel discussions, and writing, she is building a platform that centers the experiences of Black women. Le’Ren studies Mass Communications and Journalism at Norfolk State University, with a minor in Sociology.