Candice Hicks has been employed with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for 11 years. Candice can adapt to varying personality types and can generate respect from the most difficult individuals. She has extensive professional development and training in principles of effective intervention in the areas of substance abuse and mental health, research skills in best practices, policies, and procedures within the criminal justice system. Furthermore, she provided mediation between tenant-landlord disputes, planning, writing, and coordinating consumer education materials, and providing agency related presentations to high school students in Fairfax County, Virginia outreach program that she acquired during her time of employment with the Fairfax County Government Department of Consumer Services. Candice earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from the College of Southern Maryland, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Bowie State University, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Baltimore. She enjoys spending her free time with family, attending WWE wrestling events, and watching historical documentaries. She is also a natural comic! Candice is excited for the relaunch of Refined Diamonds, Inc. (RDI) to witness the transformation of “Refining One Diamond at a Time” that will take place within each program participant and for the full vision that the Lord Jesus Christ commissioned her to will be carried out completely.
Karen Gross is a Senior Human Resources Specialist with the United States Secret Service. She has 25 years of federal civilian service, with prior roles at the U.S. Census Bureau, Department of State, and Department of Agriculture. Karen also has 25 years of retail experience from Sears Holdings Corporation, where she developed strong customer service and leadership skills. She is always ready to assist wherever needed, regardless of the size of the task. She holds an Associate of Applied Sciences in Management Development from the College of Southern Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Karen is currently taking courses to advance her professional development and career growth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies, and following sports. Karen is honored and excited to serve as Treasurer and Secretary for Refined Diamonds, Inc. (RDI) and looks forward to seeing the positive impact RDI will have on participants in this exceptional mentorship program.
Linda Gonzalez is the youngest of three siblings. Linda holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice. She has been employed with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for four years. Linda grew up in Mexico and Spanish is her first language. She previously worked for Language Line translating from English to Spanish, helping a wide range of companies. Refined Diamonds, Inc. is Linda’s first-time being part of a non-profit organization in which she desires to walk along and help young girls while they discover the many options the world has to offer
for their success. Linda is excited to be part of Refined Diamonds, Inc. and all the memories that it will bring.
Lasea Westbrook is a 22-year-old Woman of God from Charles County who is known for her loving, outgoing, and joyful spirit. Newly married to her husband, Jaelin Westbrook, in January 2026, she values faith, family, and helping others. Her favorite colors are pink and black, reflecting both her bold and creative personality.
At 18, Lasea began working in the school system as a Special Education Assistant and is currently in a program to become a teacher. She has a passion for supporting children and making a difference in her community through acts of service, including creating care and hygiene bags for the homeless.
In her free time, Lasea enjoys singing, especially with her husband, dancing, family game nights, and embracing her spontaneous and cheerful nature. Although she has never traveled due to her fear of flying, she is now ready to face her fears and step into new adventures with faith and confidence.
Sylvia M. Gross is a Certified Hospice Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) for Capital Caring Health. Sylvia is known for her compassionate professional care and her humble disposition. Sylvia currently has certifications in Hospice and Palliative Care, Advanced CNA with Wound Care certification, and CPR/First Aid/AED. She brings a wealth of experience as a CHPNA III for over 20 years. She is a model employee that has been a preceptor and an example to many of her colleagues who provides complete customer service to her patients and families, including some local notable public figures in Maryland. Sylvia continues to work toward achieving a degree in Nursing. Sylvia raised two successful children as a single mother with the help of God, family and friends, as well as various mentorship programs. When she is not in "scrubs", Sylvia enjoys spending time with family (especially her granddaughters) and friends, taking mini vacations, doing yard work, earth bathing, volunteering/serving the less fortunate, encouraging others, as well as lending a listening ear. She is honored and excited to be a part of Refined Diamonds, Inc. and is eager to witness the success, confidence, and excitement of the young ladies entering this wonderful mentoring program.
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