Shalena Thomas-Founder & President
Shalena knows the cancer journey personally because she has walked it herself.
A breast cancer survivor now in remission, Shalena founded Beauty.Balance.Grace Foundation™ out of a deeply personal desire to support others navigating breast cancer. Her own experience inspired a mission centered on comfort, confidence, encouragement and community, not only during treatment, but throughout recovery and remission.
Born and raised in Urbana, Illinois, Shalena was raised by parents whose careers were rooted in social services and community involvement. From an early age, they instilled in her the importance of giving back, caring for others and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.
A wife and mother of two sons, Shalena had built a successful career in senior living sales when her life changed in December 2023. After discovering a lump during a self-exam, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her treatment journey included chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, radiation and reconstructive surgery.
As she began to heal physically and emotionally, Shalena found herself thinking about the many ways the cancer experience could be made a little easier for others. With encouragement from her therapist, those ideas began taking shape as Beauty.Balance.Grace Foundation™.
Shalena’s vision is to grow Beauty.Balance.Grace Foundation™ into an organization that provides meaningful services, resources and support to people affected by breast cancer during treatment, throughout recovery and in remission, while also recognizing and supporting the caregivers who walk alongside them.
That mission begins with thoughtfully curated wellness kits. Presented in reusable tote bags, the kits include practical and comforting items designed to help ease some of the unexpected challenges that can accompany cancer treatment. More importantly, each kit is a tangible expression of compassion, encouragement and kindness, a reminder that no one should have to navigate cancer feeling alone.
“I am starting with kits because I received a bag of goodies when I was first diagnosed. It was comforting to reach into my bag whenever I needed something to help me get through the day,” Shalena says. “I want others to experience that same feeling of knowing someone is thinking about them and cheering them on.”
Shalena has called Oak Park home for more than two decades. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Illinois Chicago and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Through Beauty.Balance.Grace Foundation™, Shalena is transforming one of the most challenging chapters of her life into a source of hope, comfort and connection for others.
Robert Thomas-Vice President
Robert is a licensed barber with more than 33 years of experience in his craft. As an entrepreneur and business owner, he understands the importance of perseverance and personal growth. He has long demonstrated his commitment to community by cultivating strong connections with his customers and other professionals.
Through his work with the Beauty.Balance.Grace.Foundation, Robert is honored to uplift, encourage, and stand alongside breast cancer survivors. He supported his own wife through her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and remission, and understands firsthand the physical and emotional toll cancer takes on individuals and their families.
Robert advocates for self-improvement, personal responsibility, and helping others recognize their potential. His dedication to service extends beyond business; he tenaciously supports his fellow community members navigating life-changing challenges.
A resident of Oak Park, Robert centers his career around discipline, entrepreneurship, and service to others. He holds a B.S. in Mathematical Engineering from Alabama State University.
Erycka Howard-Secretary
Erycka’s professional background in event services, administration, and community engagement has sharpened the skills necessary for her role with the Beauty.Balance.Grace. Foundation – one she embraces with a passion for serving breast cancer survivors and their families.
Erycka focuses on supporting the Foundation’s board, volunteers, events, and community initiatives. Together with leadership, she manages communications and works to create meaningful experiences for the Foundation’s clientele.
Erycka is honored to contribute her time and talents to a cause that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others.
“I believe that supporting survivors goes beyond providing resources—it’s about making people feel seen, valued, supported, and celebrated,” she said. “I am proud to be part of an organization dedicated to bringing hope, encouragement, and moments of joy to those affected by breast cancer.”
Erycka was born, raised, and continues to live in Oak Park.
Jamal Pryor-Treasurer
Jamal focuses his career on helping others, as an Enrolled Agent federally designated to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Jamal enjoys helping his clients and community with his financial acumen and expertise in tax matters, including audits, collections, and appeals.
As treasurer of the Beauty.Balance.Grace.Foundation, Jamal hopes to help the organization pace its growth and remain financially stable while scaling expanded client service with increased philanthropic support.
A Chicago native, Jamal now lives in Oak Park. He earned his B.A. from Concordia University and his M.B.A. and M.S.A. from Dominican University.