Meet Team Leaders

Passionate leaders inspiring growth through compassionate community service.

Kim L. Smith

Kim

Founder & C.E.O.

Kim is the Founder and CEO of Z.O.O.M International Women’s Ministry, an organization dedicated to community outreach, leadership development, empowerment initiatives, and family centered support programs. With a passion for service and advocacy, Kim has devoted her life to uplifting individuals and strengthening communities through mentorship, education, and outreach.

A native of Denver, Colorado, Kim relocated to Summerville, South Carolina with her husband, Terrence Smith, to whom she has been married for more than 34 years. Together, they are proud parents of three daughters; Andrea, Tinisha, and Tierra as well as loving grandparents to seven grandchildren.

Kim brings more than two decades of leadership, labor relations, and community engagement experience. She worked for over 24 years at Westvaco Papermill in North Charleston, South Carolina, where she became actively involved in union leadership and advocacy. Her dedication and leadership led to her being elected as the first African American female president of her local union, serving in that role for more than eleven years. Following her success, she was appointed as the first female International Staff Representative within her district after the merger of the United Steelworkers Union (USW).

Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, Kim has earned degrees in Business Management, Theology, and Christian & Biblical Counseling. She was selected in 2011 to attend Harvard University, where she received a certificate in Labor Studies. She has also completed leadership and labor studies programs through the United Steelworkers and Wayne State University. Throughout her academic journey, Kim achieved Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude honors and was inducted as an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa after being recognized on the International Dean’s List.

In recent years, Kim further expanded her expertise by earning certifications in Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, reinforcing her commitment to advocacy, wellness, and community support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she actively pursued additional educational opportunities in leadership, personal development, and community empowerment to better serve others during a critical time.

Through her leadership, professional accomplishments, and dedication to service, Kim continues to inspire and empower individuals to walk confidently in their purpose while creating meaningful change within families and communities.

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Andrea Alston

Executive Director

Andrea Alston serves as the Executive Director of Z.O.O.M International Women’s Ministry, where she provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development focused on empowering women, strengthening families, and advancing community outreach initiatives. Known for her strong organizational leadership, professionalism, and commitment to service, Andrea plays an integral role in ensuring the organization’s mission and vision continue to impact communities locally and beyond.

Born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Summerville, South Carolina, Andrea is the eldest daughter of Terrence and Kim. She is married to Mario Alston, and together they are the senior Pastors of Grace Fellowship Ministries; as well as proud parents of four children: Nyasia, DeAndre, Freddie Jr. and Kayla.

Andrea completed her primary education in Dorchester County and graduated from Summerville High School. She continued her academic journey through studies at Trident Technical College, Charleston Southern University, and University of Phoenix, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Healthcare Management. She also obtained a Human Resources Management certification and was inducted as an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa after earning recognition on the International Dean’s List for her academic excellence and dedication.

With more than 22 years of professional experience across retail, automotive, finance, and healthcare industries, Andrea has built a strong background in leadership, operations, and human resources management. She is passionate about leadership development, mentorship, mental wellness advocacy, and community engagement. Earning certifications in both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, she remains committed to continuing education and professional growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she actively pursued leadership and development opportunities to better support individuals, families, and the community during a critical time.

As Executive Director, Andrea was instrumental in helping launch Z.O.O.M International Women’s Outreach & Empowerment and continues to serve as a driving force behind its growth, outreach initiatives, and organizational impact. In addition to her work with Z.O.O.M, she also serves on community-focused boards and initiatives dedicated to advocacy, empowerment, and outreach.

Andrea is recognized for her integrity, strategic mindset, and servant leadership approach. She is deeply committed to creating opportunities that empower individuals to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually while helping build stronger and more connected communities.

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Andrea Alston
Salley Palmer

Salley Palmer

Chief Financial Officer

Salley Palmer is a dedicated leader, mentor, and community advocate with decades of experience in administration, financial oversight, and organizational leadership. Known for her professionalism, integrity, and servant leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every role she serves.

Salley has been married to Leland Palmer for more than 37 years. Together, they have built a strong and loving blended family, including two biological children, four bonus children, seventeen grandchildren, and twenty-four great-grandchildren. Family remains one of the most important foundations of her life, and she values creating lasting memories and meaningful relationships with loved ones.

A trailblazer throughout her professional career, Salley made history as the first African American secretary employed at the Berkeley/Charleston/Dorchester Technical Education Center prior to its transition into an accredited college institution. She later retired from Trident Technical College after more than 35 years of dedicated service as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager. Throughout her tenure, Salley earned recognition for her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Her exceptional work ethic and positive influence among her peers led to her being selected as Staff Support Person of the Year, representing the college at the annual South Carolina Technical Education Association conference.

Following retirement, Salley continued her commitment to education and leadership by serving as the college’s retiree representative on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Technical Education Association. Over the course of her career, she received numerous awards and certificates recognizing her outstanding performance, leadership abilities, and administrative excellence.

Salley is deeply passionate about mentorship, volunteerism, and community service. For many years, she has served as a mentor to young girls, helping guide and encourage future generations through wisdom, support, and leadership. She also actively volunteers with various organizations and enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, and her community.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Salley serves as a Notary Public for the State of South Carolina and has held leadership roles at both the district and local levels within the United Methodist Women’s Organization. She is a faithful member of New Francis Brown United Methodist Church, where she has served on multiple committees and ministry initiatives throughout the years.

Salley currently serves on the Board of Directors for Z.O.O.M International Women’s Outreach & Empowerment as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this role, she is responsible for helping ensure fiscal accountability, financial stewardship, and organizational sustainability while supporting the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

With a heart for service and a legacy of leadership, Salley continues to make a meaningful impact through mentorship, community involvement, and organizational leadership.

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Christina Gethers

Director of Operations

Christina Gethers is a dedicated professional with a strong background in customer service, human resources, organizational leadership, and outreach initiatives. Known for her professionalism, strategic planning abilities, and heart for service, Christina is passionate about creating positive experiences, building strong relationships, and helping organizations effectively serve their communities.

As the proud mother of three children, Christopher(Jennifer), Christen and Caelan, Christina values the importance of family, meaningful connections, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. Her commitment to family and community is reflected in both her personal and professional life, where she consistently demonstrates compassion, leadership, and a servant centered approach.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration, her educational background, combined with years of hands-on professional experience, has equipped her with expertise in operations management, employee relations, customer engagement, logistics coordination, and organizational development.

Christina currently serves as the Director of Operations for ZOOM International Women’s Outreach & Empowerment and the Community, Faith & Labor Transformation Project, where she oversees operational planning, program coordination, outreach initiatives, and organizational development efforts. In this leadership role, she plays an integral part in supporting community-based programs, strengthening operational systems, and helping advance the organization’s mission of empowerment, outreach, and transformation.

In addition, Christina serves as the Operations Administrator for Grace Fellowship Ministries, where she manages administrative operations, event coordination, logistics planning, and organizational support. Her strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence help ensure efficient operations and successful execution.

Driven by a genuine passion for outreach and service, Christina remains committed to empowering others, supporting families, and contributing to initiatives that create meaningful and lasting change within the community.

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Christina Gethers
Gwinnette Booker

Dedicated Leaders Serving Communities

Gwinnette Booker

Gwinnette Booker, also known as Gwin, is a native of Rome, Georgia. She is a product of the Rome City School System and a 1982 graduate of East Rome High School. She was raised by her parents, the late Clifford W. Thomas and the late Barbara Clopton.

She is the mother of Tramaine Booker (Ashley) and the proud grandmother of Arianna and Kingston Booker, both of whom bring joy to her heart.

Gwin is an activist at heart and is passionate about helping, encouraging, and educating others about their rights in the workplace. In addition to her involvement in community service, she actively encourages others to get involved as well. She strongly believes in the scripture, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

She is deeply committed to educating individuals and providing them with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to succeed in life. This passion is one of the reasons she proudly serves on the Board of Directors for Z.O.O.M International Women’s Ministry.

One of her favorite scriptures is Isaiah 54:17a: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

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