Latreese Cooke is the Founder and Executive Director of MELJ Center. She has a demonstrated history of working in the civic & social organization industry. She has developed and created programs that are designed to support participants, reduce recidivism, and provide a beacon of hope for those that would otherwise be hopeless.
Under Latreese’s leadership, The MELJ Center has also been involved in helping to advance several different women as business owners and leaders. She has helped assist numerous up-and-coming organizations to become 501(C)3. She not only encourages entrepreneurship for people who have been formerly incarcerated but helps them form a business model that will provide a basis that will help these organizations to succeed.
Latreese was elected President of the Central Texas National Action Network (NAN). In addition, Latreese has been serving on boards and committees and is currently a member of the CAPCOG and Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (CJAC). She is also on the board of directors for Caldwell County Appraisal Review Board, KAZI Board of Directors, and Grassroots Leadership.
Latreese is also a veteran radio talk show host of a show she developed called “Iron Sharpens Iron” which airs on KAZI 88.7 FM every Wednesday at 12pm-1pm!