Karlease Monique Smalls is the daughter of Rev. David and Mrs. Charlene Smalls, sister to the late Keneisha Danielle Smalls. She was born and raised in Jamaica, New York, but has resided in Kannapolis, North Carolina, since 2011. Through her early years of development, Karlease served in multiple ministries at her home church in New York. After joining Sandy Ridge A.M.E. Zion Church in Landis, North Carolina, Karlease began her work with the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society through her local Youth Missionary. She remembers that Saturdays were dedicated to Outreach and Missions. While finishing High School, Karlease passed and earned her Certified Nurse Aide, in which she worked at a nursing home per diem. She started her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. It was on this campus that she joined the collegiate section of the National Council of Negro Women, an organization of which she is still a member. After two years of studies, Karlease transferred to Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. Later, in December 2019, she graduated from this institution with her Associate Degree in Nursing. In February 2020, Karlease passed the NCLEX and started working as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department with Atrium Health. When life became unexpected in 2022 through the tragic transition of her younger sister, Karlease remained focused and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNC Wilmington. At this time, she also began working on the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Karlease was afforded a lifetime opportunity to be selected as a People-to-People Student Ambassador, spending over a month traveling abroad in Europe. In 2013, her local Youth Missionary Secretary, Ms. Vanessa Harris, further opened the door of missions and allowed Karlease’s heart to expand. She believes that this early foundation has equipped her for a life of service. She currently serves at her local church, Zion Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church, in Troutman, North Carolina, as a Steward, President of the Lay Council, and an active member of the Young Adult Missionary Society. She also serves as the Sacred Health Coordinator on the Salisbury District, in the Western North Carolina Conference, Piedmont Episcopal District. On July 27, 2023, Karlease was elected the 6th Connectional Coordinator of the Young Adult Missionary Society at the 30th Quadrennial Convention of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Karlease’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Karlease knows that all her life He has been faithful and so good, and that she is living in the Goodness of God.