our board of directors

Winona Edwards is the founder and executive director of I'm Not Different.  Born and raised in Detroit, MI, she is the proud mother of three children and has had the honor of raising ten additional children alongside her own reflecting her deep commitment to nurturing and supporting others.  

With over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Winona has dedicated much of her career to supporting individuals with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.  For the past eight years, she has served as the Director of Nursing at a homecare company, demonstrating leadership and compassion in a demanding field.  Over her 14-year tenure with the same company, she has steadily advanced, exemplifying dedication, resilience, and professional excellence.  

Currently continuing her education in nursing, Winona balances her career with caring for both her parents and children.  She enjoys reading, shopping, traveling, and spending quality time with family.  Passionate about uplifting others, Winona is driven to inspire teens and young adults to reach their fullest personal and professional potential.

Daralynn "Dream Rich" Mumphord is a visionary fashion designer and music industry entrepreneur with a decade of experience shaping both creative landscapes.  A co-founder of I'm Not Different and a survivor of epilepsy, she has turned her challenges into a platform for empowerment and success.

With 10 years in fashion, Daralynn has built and rebuilt iconic brands, most recently Arte de la Moda, known for its bold, statement-making designs.  She has hosted two successful fashion shows per year since 2020, mentoring countless artists and designers while giving back to her community through philanthropic initiatives.

In music, she has played a key role in elevating local talent, mentoring 80% of Detroit's emerging rappers and singers, and even bringing Quality Control Records to Detroit in 2021, helping Baby Money land a deal.  As a thriving force in the industry, she continues to break barriers, securing opportunities for independent artists while expanding her own ventures.

From surviving adversity to shaping culture, Daralynn "Dream Rich" Mumphord is proof that resilience and creativity can build an empire.

Deon Chisolm serves as the President of I'm Not Different, bringing a strong background in leadership and community engagement.  With extensive experience supporting local organizations through fundraising and community initiatives, Deon is committed to driving our nonprofit's mission forward.  His vision is to ensure the success of I'm Not Different by providing individuals with disabilities equitable opportunities to learn essential life skills.

Scott Moore is a dedicated board member and the Secretary of I'm Not Different.  Passionate about ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to navigate life's challenges, Scott brings over 10 years of experience in secretarial and bookkeeping roles.  His expertise helps maintain the organization's efficiency, governance, and record-keeping, contributing to its long-term success.

Jowanna Rucker serves as the Chief Financial Officer of I'm Not Different.  She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and has spent over 25 years passionately working with children, adolescents, and young adults, helping to create and oversee meaningful opportunities for their growth and support.  

Jowanna began her career in the restaurant industry at just 16 years old and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a general manager position by the age of 20 while attending Michigan State University.  Throughout her career, she has successfully opened and restructured more than 15 locations, gaining a reputation for her exceptional skills in mathematics, business operations, and financial management.  Known for her strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence, Jowanna brings invaluable experience and insight to her role as CFO.  Her dedication to fiscal responsibility and community impact ensures that I'm Not Different remains financially sound and mission-driven.