V. Elizabeth Perkins
Co-President; Program & Missions Coordinator
Elizabeth is deeply passionate about her calling and often reflects on how God’s hand has guided her to this moment. She believes that her journey is not just about her own path but also about leading others towards their purpose.
With over 25 years of experience working with youth, Elizabeth has a profound passion for mentoring others. She has led a teen girls’ purity group called She-ciples, demonstrating her commitment to guiding young women in their spiritual and personal growth.
Her experience includes ministering and serving with the Navigators in Africa, where she dedicated her time to impactful service. Additionally, Elizabeth has served as the executive director for three documentaries, showcasing her leadership and dedication to impactful storytelling.
Elizabeth’s mission is clear and profound: to help the next generations encounter and follow Jesus, thereby blessing a broken world.
Please feel free to reach out for any questions about our Mission Team, Internship opportunities, and the Perkins Justice Pilgrimage.
Contact Elizabeth:
email: Elizabeth.perkins@jvmpf.org
phone: 601-238-2073
twitter: @Mzelizperk
Priscilla Perkins (M.Ed., cPl)
Co-President; Development
Priscilla Perkins is the visionary founder and inaugural headmaster of Harambee Preparatory School. Through extensive research and travel to study private school models nationwide, she established an inner-city Christian school that has since become a benchmark for others. Priscilla’s expertise lies in the social foundations of education and children’s cognitive development. Additionally, she brings valuable experience in family law and legal research.
Priscilla is the Co-President of Development, excelling in strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement. Her innovative approach and dedication have significantly advanced the organization’s mission, fostering growth and sustainability. Priscilla also heads the JVMPF Legacy Schools, continuing the impactful work of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation by nurturing and developing educational institutions that embody its values and vision.
As the seventh child of John M. Perkins, Priscilla has spent her entire life immersed in ministry, bringing a unique perspective and depth of experience to her work.
Please reach out for inquiries about Intellectual Property, Sisters Speaking, Legacy Schools, and the Perkins Institute.
Contact Priscilla:
email: Priscilla.perkins@jvmpf.org
phone: 601-238-4090
twitter: @PriscillaPerk17
Deborah Perkins
Co-President; Business Office & Property Stewardship
As the fifth child of Drs John and Vera Mae Perkins, Deborah has a rich legacy of service and leadership. She spent 28 years in Southern California, working with universities and providing advisory services to charitable organizations globally.
Deborah is a dedicated business office manager at the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation (JVMPF). With a solid commitment to the foundation’s mission, Deborah plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the business office. Her dedication to excellence and her ability to discover and encourage the strengths of others make her an invaluable team asset.
Deborah enjoys swimming, playing chess, and walking in her leisure time.
Deborah can speak at your church, college, club, city, or corporate event. She passionately advocates for the Perkins Foundation’s 3Rs philosophy of Reconciliation, Relocation, and Redistribution. As part of JVMPF’s Speakers Team, Deborah is inspired to connect with you and learn how your unique gifts and passions can contribute to community impact. She is always open to scheduling a talk and walk.
For inquiries about volunteer opportunities for JVMPF’s #ServeSaturday or operational needs, please get in touch with Deborah.
Contact Deborah:
email: Deborah.perkins@jvmpf.org
phone: 601-503-0374
twitter: @DebPerkListens
Mykia Cannon
Youth Director
Mykia’s Journey: From Tupelo to Transforming Lives
Born and raised in Tupelo, MS, Mykia is a proud alumna of THEE Jackson State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Currently, she is advancing her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work at JSU, a two-year program that will further equip her to make a difference.
Mykia has dedicated the past 3.5 years to the Perkins Foundation Youth Department, starting as a work-study student and quickly rising to the role of Youth Director. Her passion and commitment to the community are evident in her mission: to nurture and empower the youth in all facets of life—emotionally, physically, mentally, financially, socially, and spiritually.
With a heart for service and a vision for impactful change, Mykia is excited to continue her journey with the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation, striving to make a significant difference in the world with the support of the foundation and the community.
Contact Mykia:
email: Mykia.Cannon@jvmpf.org
Angie Truex
Executive Assistant to Elizabeth Perkins
Angie serves as the Executive Assistant to Co-President V. Elizabeth Perkins at the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation. With a deep passion for the Foundation’s vision and mission, Angie provides essential administrative support while managing social media and communications. A former elementary and special education teacher, Angie first connected with the Perkins Foundation during a transformative short-term mission trip with her church. Her dedication to the Foundation’s goals is further demonstrated by her previous role as the Youth Director, where she empowered and inspired young minds. Angie’s commitment to justice, community development, and reconciliation shines through in every aspect of her work.
Contact Angie:
email: Angie@jvmpf.org
Chris Cannon
Consulting Team – West Coast Office
Chris, a native of Southern California, has been a dedicated church planter and pastor for over 30 years. He was introduced to Dr. Perkins at Harambee in 1991 and has been mentored by him ever since. Chris has made countless trips to Jackson, passionately working to connect churches to the Justice Pilgrimage, spreading the mission and vision of the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation (JVMPF) to the West Coast.
Chris has a close relationship with the Perkins family, further enriching his commitment to the foundation’s mission. In addition to his role at the West Coast office, he is one of the Perkins Zoom Bible study leaders. He is eager to engage with churches that are interested in social justice and the gospel. If you want to discuss how your church can get involved, Chris would love to hear from you!
Contact Chris:
email: Pastorchris61@gmail.com or Chris@jvmpf.org
Rev. Ronald Potter
Resident Theologian
In addition to being a member of the Perkins family by marriage, Ron Potter is a gifted writer, preacher, and teacher. He is passionate about Biblical truth, and is a vital part of our Perkins Justice Pilgrimage experience.