MEET WOMAN2WOMAN COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Tongela D. Smith, is a dynamic preacher, teacher, psalmist, worship leader,

and recording artist. Dr. Tongela is known for her ability to move with authenticity, depth,

and transformative power.

Her musical journey began as a background vocalist for the “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown,

which opened the door for her to expand her gifts in the music industry. She later reunited with

members of James Brown’s band, contributing to the creation of musical albums under the JB’s,

with songs available on platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. In addition to group

projects, she has released singles that are widely distributed on all major streaming platforms.

Dr. Tongela is an ordained and licensed minister, a certified life coach, and a civil mediator.

Her commitment to growth and excellence is evident through her multiple certifications and

service on several boards of directors. She is also the author of three bestselling books and is

currently writing her fourth masterpiece.

As the CEO of Woman2Woman Community Network, Dr. Tongela is dedicated to the

development of effective women leaders, whether in corporate offices, entrepreneurship, or as

homemakers. Her organization empowers women to become trailblazers in their respective

spheres, offering programs that build self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills in young

women ready to influence their communities.

A passionate community outreach leader, she actively supports underserved communities

through food and clothing distribution initiatives. Her heart for outreach extends into her

professional role as the Inmate Affairs Director for a Georgia state law

enforcement agency. There, she oversees comprehensive vocational and reintegration programs

designed to equip justice-involved individuals with the tools for successful reentry, including

education, job training, and essential life resources. She facilitates technical certification classes

with local college professors, provides soft skills training, résumé development, and ensures

participants leave incarceration with job opportunities, transportation, identification documents,

and wardrobe essentials.

Dr. Tongela also serves as a Senior Assistant Chaplain and is the first African American

female chaplain within her department. She provides emotional, spiritual, and crisis support to

law enforcement personnel and their families, while also serving as a liaison between the

Sheriff’s Office and the community to foster healthy relationships. She leads monthly chaplain

meetings, attends annual conferences, and collaborates with her Sheriff and leadership team on

initiatives that unite officers, community pastors, and civic leaders. Her one-on-one pastoral care

and counseling offer invaluable spiritual and emotional support within a professional and ethical

framework.

In addition to her many roles, Dr. Tongela holds an honorary Doctorate Degree in Christian Counseling and a Ph.D. in Christian Leadership and Business, both from Crown Reign University. Her educational accomplishments reflect her commitment to equipping others spiritually, emotionally, and professionally to walk boldly in their God-given purpose.

She’s a mother of four, two son in-loves and a grandmother. 

Lynn R Miller

Managing Partner

Starling Capital Group & Assoc. LLC

Demonstrated excellence accompanied by a superior work ethic; Ms. Miller has 30 + successful years in the Mortgage Finance Industry. Her career has spanned various leadership positions from Mortgage Servicing to Residential and Commercial Originations.

As the principal in the development of ancillary income streams for Miletic Home Mortgage which

helped them earn the award of #1 FNMA servicer in the early 90’s. She followed with a Service

Management position in Dick Parson’s regime where she was a critical member of the team that

enabled Dime Savings Bank. successful emergence from under FDIC receivership.

A high-octane run-in origination followed in both Residential Originations and Residential Construction at the Park Avenue, NYC branch of Washington Mutual. She was a recurring, multi-year member of the President's Club.

She co-founded Starling Capital Group & Assoc. LLC in 2012 as a boutique Commercial Originations brokerage focused on new development along with small to mid-size investment property financing for both Multi-Family and Commercial properties. She enjoys mentoring young, minority and women developers. SCG & Associates focuses on putting their client's needs and goals foremost in all of their transactions.

As a former D1 Basketball player and Olympics alternate athlete, Coach Lynn enjoys coaching and

training young high school basketball players to prepare them for eligibility to receive Division I and

Division II scholarships. She currently has helped place over a dozen young women in various athletic programs around the country including HCBU programs. She concentrates on preparing them mentally for achieving at the highest levels. both academically and in athletics. She is not currently coaching due to the pandemic, however, whenever possible she can always be found courtside.