A 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization Serving Greater Phoenix & Canyon Corridor
Wesley Relf, Chairman
Wesley Relf serves as Chairman of the Board for Rehoboth Community Development Corporation, bringing over 20 years of distinguished nonprofit leadership and community development expertise to the organization. Chairman Relf is the founder and Senior Pastor of Rehoboth Saints Center, Inc. established in 1995.
The church's mission to "meet the needs of the whole person, both naturally and spiritually" flows directly into Rehoboth CDC's comprehensive community development approach.
Chairman Relf's leadership as an Ordained Elder in the Church of God in Christ, where he serves as Vice-Chairman of the Pastor and Elders Council and sits on the Ordination Committee, brings valuable spiritual grounding to our organization's governance.
His extensive experience in nonprofit management and community partnerships has been instrumental in shaping Rehoboth CDC's strategic direction and community impact.
Our organization benefits from Chairman Relf's proven track record in large-scale program oversight, including his service on the First Things First Regional Council, where he helped oversee a $67 million budget for early childhood development initiatives in Arizona. His comprehensive understanding of human services, demonstrated through his role as Human Services Commissioner for the City of Phoenix and Co-chair of the Governor's Summit on Youth Aging-Out of Foster Care for the State of Arizona, directly informs our programming approach.
Through Chairman Relf's active participation in the African-American Clergy Community Council in Maricopa County, former leadership of the City of Phoenix Faith-Based Initiatives Work-group, and membership in the Fathers & Families Coalition of America Committee, Rehoboth CDC maintains invaluable community connections and collaborative partnerships.
His wisdom, guidance, and deep understanding of nonprofit operations ensure effective governance and mission-driven leadership that drives our organization's continued growth and community impact
Desmond J. Sweet
Vice Chairman
Desmond J. Sweet is a dynamic Preacher, Public Speaker, Facilitator, and Mentor with over 20 years of experience in the fields of training, workforce development, and human resources. His extensive career spans government, non-profit, and private industries, where he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their utmost potential.
As the proud pastor of Emmanuel C.O.G.I.C, a church with nearly 90 years of history in Phoenix, AZ, Desmond has been a pillar of spiritual guidance and community leadership. His passionate sermons and unwavering faith have inspired countless individuals, fostering a strong and supportive congregation.
Desmond's dedication to personal and professional development is evident through his work as a facilitator and mentor. He has a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, guiding them towards discovering their strengths and achieving their goals.
His dynamic public speaking engagements are renowned for their motivational impact and insightful perspectives.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Desmond is a devoted family man. He has been happily married to Shalmeka D. Sweet for 20 years, and together they have a daughter, Hattie Lorene Sweet. His family is a testament to his values of love, commitment, and faith.
Desmond J. Sweet's journey is a remarkable blend of spiritual leadership, professional excellence, and personal integrity. His contributions to his community and beyond reflect his unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Nicole Funicello
Secretary
Nicole Funicello joined the Rehoboth CDC board in January 2023. Nicole has been working at the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) as a data analyst since 2015.
At MAG she works closely with the human services division- her responsibilities include providing technical support for the annual point in time count and the regional heat relief network. In her free time, Nicole enjoys gardening, mountain biking, and going on camping trips with her family.
Concepcion Henderson
Treasurer
Concepcion has been a board member since 2018 and has a passion for endeavors that enhance the quality of life of the people it serves.
She is an Assistant Vice President at Alerus Financial—a commercial wealth bank and retirement provider. Concepcion has focused on lending to entrepreneurs and business owners for over 20 years, with a specialty in portfolio management and originating commercial and government guaranteed loans.
Irma Car
Member
Born and raised in Arizona, I am a proud parent of three, wife to my husband of 22 years, and fur baby mom to a spirited little Maltipoo. I am a graduate of Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, holding master’s-level education in Organizational Leadership and Project Management, and a proud alumna of Valle del Sol’s Hispanic Leadership Institute, Class of 2023.
I bring over 20 years of combined experience in real estate, public service, and community development. In my current role as a Right of Way Agent for Maricopa County, I work closely with property owners, government agencies, and community stakeholders to advance infrastructure projects that benefit the public. My past experience includes serving as Regional Executive Coordinator for the American Red Cross, and over 15 years as a successful residential real estate agent.
As a Board Member of Rehoboth Community Development Corporation, I am deeply committed to supporting strategies that expand affordable housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen community resources. My passion for this work is rooted in my belief that sustainable, thriving communities are built through collaboration, equity, and long-term vision.
RaSheena Hawkins
Member
Sheena Hawkins brings over 23 years of extensive experience in financial services to her role as Vice President, Regional Manager for Zero Barriers to Business at BMO Bank. Since joining BMO in 2003, Sheena has excelled in various positions across sales, management, and individual contributor roles.
In her current capacity, Sheena leads the Zero Barriers to Business initiative, a program dedicated to empowering small business owners, with a particular focus on Women, Black, Hispanic, Veteran, Asian, LGBTQ+ and Native American entrepreneurs. She oversees the program development and growth of 30 branches, ensuring robust client relations, managing risks associated with new business acquisitions, and enhancing BMO's brand presence in the marketplace through strategic client and business acquisition and retention.
Sheena is committed to delivering exceptional client experiences and fostering brand awareness. She creates business revenue opportunities through relationship development within her assigned region, targeting existing BMO Bank retail, business, and wealth customers, as well as new prospect relationship opportunities in targeted industries and markets for clients with up to $10 million in annual sales.
Passionate and driven, Sheena has a profound understanding of managing small business clients and providing holistic lending solutions tailored to their dynamic needs. Her dedication to her clients and her team is evident in her proactive approach and her ability to drive significant business growth.
Sheena holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois. Her academic background, combined with her professional experience, makes her a pivotal leader in advancing BMO's mission to support small businesses and drive economic growth within diverse communities.
A Ministry of Rehoboth Saints Center, Inc. - a 501(c)3 nonprofit
© 2023 Rehoboth Community Development Corporation