Board of Directors

Ms. Karyn R. Collins serves as the Training Director of Bee’s Babies Essentials, Inc. A native Washingtonian, she excelled in the Catholic school system and later attended Prince George’s Community College, continuing her studies at American University.

With 31 years of teaching experience, Ms. Collins retired from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2015, where she led the EM Leadership Excellence Program, a model for leadership development across the DOE. Previously, she spent 23 years as an Employee Development Specialist, coordinating over 250–300 courses for 5,000+ employees. In 2010, she was promoted to Acting Diversity Manager in the DOE’s Office of Human Capital & Corporate Services.

A lifelong churchgoer, Ms. Collins experienced a spiritual awakening in October 2002, deepening her faith in Jesus Christ. She draws inspiration from Matthew 7:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting in God’s guidance in all aspects of her life.

Beatrice Howell serves as the Treasurer of Bee’s Babies Essentials, Inc.

A born-again believer, she has served as a Deaconess and Consecrated Missionary, both locally and internationally.

A retired Associate Director from the U.S. Department of Treasury, IRS Cybersecurity Division, Beatrice spent 27 years managing budgets, contracts, and vendor negotiations, collaborating with federal agencies, tax preparers, and software developers in electronic filing. She also led Tax Preparer Conferences nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Information Systems Management, a Master’s Certificate in Project Management, and certifications in Disaster Recovery (CDRP) and Cybersecurity (CISSP).

As a church Trustee and Minister of Outreach and Evangelism, Beatrice managed budgets and taught Bible-based classes. She has also educated large audiences on IRS procedures. Committed to serving others, she believes in meeting people at their point of need—aligning with Bee’s Babies Essentials' mission to support families at the start of life’s journey.

Dr. Mary M. Gillam serves as the (Seasonal) Vice President of Bee’s Babies Essentials, Inc. A three-time Telly Award-winning television host and ordained evangelist since 1990, she has led global outreach ministries and authored 14 Amazon #1 best-selling Christian books. She hosts Leadership Table Talk and is a retired Air Force Colonel and former Senior Executive Service (SES) leader with the Department of Defense.

A former Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Director of Technology, Innovation, and Engineering at the Pentagon, Dr. Gillam is a serial entrepreneur and a graduate of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. She owns Premier Strategic Solutions, LLC, has led multiple award-winning organizations, and is a recognized expert in executive leadership, organizational development, and team building.

She is the inventor of the Leadership Build Zone board game and creator of the C.O.R.E Leadership Development Model. A Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma and a John Maxwell-certified speaker, coach, and trainer, Dr. Gillam is a sought-after speaker featured in print, radio, and television. She has served on multiple boards and has received numerous civilian and military leadership and humanitarian awards.

Veronica S. Spears serves as the (Seasonal) Event Coordinator for Bee’s Essential, Inc. With over 40 years of leadership experience in creative and business industries, she has provided clients with executive, human relations, design, and event planning expertise.

A native Washingtonian, Veronica has lived in Prince George's County for 50+ years and attributes her strong foundation to her Christian upbringing. She holds extended education in Business Administration and has worked 35 years in both government and private sectors, including as an Executive Administrative Officer supporting CFOs, CEOs, and directors. Her expertise spans organizational leadership, event coordination, and large-scale conference planning across the U.S. and Canada.

For over 30 years, she served as Public Relations Director for her church of 6,000+ members, managing major events, fundraisers, and faith-based initiatives. In 2010, she founded A Touch of Elegance, a full-service wedding and event planning company that delivers personalized and professional event management.