Meet The CryOut Team

Zundra earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by her master's and doctoral degrees from Jackson State University and The University of Mississippi Medical Center, respectively. Currently, she is working towards a DrPH at Tulane University. Zundra is a Forensic Epidemiologist & Biostatistician with various certifications, including Master Certified Health Education Specialist and certified HIV/AIDS Train the Trainer. She is actively involved in distributing free contraceptives through the HBCU Tour & Sexual Health PODS College Program. Despite growing up in the rural South, Zundra remains committed to fighting against racism, sexism, and HIV stigma through education and community engagement. She has received the Mississippi Distinction Fundraising Award 2008-2010 and is a member of the National Health Honorary Eta Sigma Gamma, Alpha Iota Chapter. Zundra, a published author, was featured in the Jacksonian. As a proud "GRITS" - Girl Raised In The South - she cherishes her family life with her husband and two children, Dallas Rai and Jaidon.

Dallas Sutton is the Director of Projects and Programs for CryOut Teen Organization, a role in which he has found his true calling. Initially from a different professional background, Dallas transitioned into public health driven by his passion to make an impact in the lives of others. His diverse experience puts him in a position to help develop and implement programs that address the needs of today’s youth.As a Co-Founder of CryOut Teen Organization, Dallas has been instrumental in the organization’s reach and effectiveness. His leadership has led to the successful launch of platforms providing educational support, mental health resources, and leadership development for teens and young adults. Dallas's dedication to his work is evident in his approach to fostering a supportive environment.His strategic vision has enabled CryOut Teen Organization to expand and enhance their impact in many communities. Dallas's commitment to continuous learning helps ensure the organization remains at the forefront of youth development, empowering the next generation to realize their full potential.

David S. Johns is the Director of Outreach for CryOut Teen Organization (COTO). His educational background includes an AS degree in Electrical Technology and a BS degree in Information Technology. As a lifelong native of Mississippi, David has worked in various industries garnering many skills. Even though he has a strong background in the Tech field, David has always been dedicated to helping others through volunteer opportunities and church ministries. David's passion for serving others has pulled him away from the Tech world and he is now focused on serving in the public health sector addressing issues and topics affecting society. His first position in the public health sector focused on spreading the U=U message to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As an employee of COTO, David has the opportunity to focus on more areas affecting the community. David can be described as someone who measures several times to cut once. This philosophy has aided David by allowing him to excel in anything that he puts his mind to. The most widely known skills that people identify David with are his tech skills, cooking, and baking. David has been married to his wife Brittney since 2007. Together they share 4 children (Dekevious, Aleia, Austin, and Aylah) who seem to keep them on the go. Whenever possible, David enjoys vacations, fishing, and quiet time outside when the weather is pleasant.

Jaidon Keyz Horton Terry, MS (He/Him)
Director of Youth & Young Adult Engagement
Co-Lead College Connections jaidon@teenscryout.org
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Jaidon Keyz Horton hails from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, but has spent the majority of his life in the state's capital, Jackson. Recently joining Kappa Alpha Psi – Omicron Omicron Chapter, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Millsaps College in Spring 2024. Jaidon currently holds the position of Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement at CryOut Teen Organization and Grounded by COTO, where he focuses on addressing various issues affecting Mississippi and its rural areas. While he is passionate about tackling a wide range of issues, Jaidon has a particular interest in combating Food Insecurity, raising HIV/AIDS Awareness, promoting U=U Education, advocating for Teen Mental Health, fighting against Bullying, reducing Human Trafficking, raising awareness about Gang Violence, promoting Racial Equality, advocating for Social Justice Reform, and assisting with College Preparation. His dedication to public health, especially in the area of Sexual Health, has been nurtured through his work at CryOut. Jaidon is determined to eliminate STI's like HIV and supports the Undetectable equals Untransmittable Campaign. As a young black man who attended a predominantly white institution, he is well aware of the unique challenges faced by his peers. Jaidon's future plans include pursuing a master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Jackson State University to address public health issues and drive positive change. He aims to utilize his education to create targeted prevention strategies, conduct research, and implement programs to enhance health outcomes not only in his community, but also globally.

Dee has been living with HIV for 27 years. Her primary focus is community engagement and has been committied to reaching those who need it the most by using her exspetise and lived expeirnecs for prevention, PrEP, testing, and U=U and stigma. She holds an associate degree in public health. Dee is an international speaker who has graced many stages globally and has been recognized with numerous accolades accolades. These include the 2023 HIV Activism Award in NV from the Black HIV Awareness Day Committee, the 2023 Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for her dedicated activism awarded by Congressman Steven Horsford, the 2022 Stigma Award from the International Conference on Stigma, the 2021 Poz 100 celebrating Black Advocates, the 2019 Persistent Advocate Award presented by AIDS Watch, and the 2017 Social Media Award for her podcast.
Dee, knows first had what it feels like to get a positve test result. She has taken what most call pain and turned it into a positive. Dee knowsto never take life for granted and that she was lead to do this work so that she can continue to work on ending the transmission of HIV. Dee, has two beautiful daughters and an amazing grad daughter.
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Gwendolyn Bryant Sutton is a Financial Manager in Mississippi with CryOut Teen Organization. Gwendolyn received her undergraduate degree from Jackson State University in Business Administration and is presently pursuing Certification in Mental Health Coaching from Light University. Gwendolyn holds Certifications in Drug & Alcohol Awareness, Workplace Violence, and HIV/AIDS Awareness. Gwendolyn also has certifications in, Building Trusting Relationships with Expectant and Parenting Youth (EPY) Understanding Confidentiality and Consent
when Serving (EPY), Identifying Needs and Connecting (EPY) to Resources, and Taking a Trauma-Informed Approach when Serving (EPY) through The Access, Resources, Trust, & Science (ARTS). Gwendolyn Bryant Sutton is a Licensed and Ordained Minister. She volunteered with Pastoral Services at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson,
Mississippi. Gwendolyn is an ambassador for MORA and received the SPERO Faith Leader of the Year Award 2020, and participated in Mississippi Faith Leaders CLOSE THE GAP Video Campaign. She and her husband are the parents of three adult children, grandparents and great grand parents.

Tatiyans Moore (She/Her)
Tatiyana, is an honors senior at Jackson State University. As a member of Cryout, Tatiyana gets the chance to connect and mentor youth and young adults from all different walks of life, and also manages the Mental Health platform. Tatiyana believes that mental health in youth is a topic that needs to be taken very seriously. Apart of her work Tatiyana, has been able to table and be apart of hosting many events. At these events, she spreads the message of U=U, Undetectable equals Untransmittable. She knows the importance of the message she spreads, and it how it is pertinent to help end the HIV epidemic. Tatiyana is beyond grateful for the many opportunities she receives, and knows that the work she is doing is only the beginning.

Breniss Duffy-Crosby (She/Her)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Public Health in Biostatistics. A former high school science teacher and mom of a mini schnauzer named Spirit, Breniss Duffy-Crosby is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. As a 3-times graduate of Jackson State University with a background in Chemistry, Secondary Education, and Public Health, she is passionate about all things epidemiology, biostatistics, and cartography. When she’s not impacting the world of public health, she enjoys making funny videos with the love of her life (Ennis), dancing, quoting movies with family, interior decorating, and all things hair and beauty related. She is currently obtaining a Doctor of Public Health degree with research interests that include Biostatistics, Toxicology, Industrial Hygiene, Youth Risk Behaviors, and Epidemiologic disease surveillance. Her philosophy: Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.

Tyechia Batease She/her
Tyechia Plushette Bateaste, a dedicated registered nurse hailing from Brandon, Mississippi, embodies the spirit of compassion and relentless pursuit of knowledge. With a decade of experience in the nursing field, Tyechia is not only committed to her patients but also to advancing her expertise, currently pursuing a Nurse Practitioner's degree to better serve her community.Despite not having children of her own, Tyechia's love for the younger generation shines through her deep bond with her nieces and nephews. This affection extends to her professional life, where she has played a pivotal role in the CryOut Teen Organization since its inception. Her unwavering advocacy for teens led her to a paid position as the Director of PrEP Navigation, where her voice and activism continue to make a significant impact.Tyechia's journey is a testament to her dedication to both healthcare and social causes. She stands as a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for the youth of Mississippi, demonstrating that true purpose and passion can drive meaningful change.

Dallas Rai Sutton (She/Her)
Director of Bullying Platform
Co-Lead – Teen Component
dallasrai@teenscryout.org
Dallas Rai Sutton, whose namesake is her father and grandfather Dallas Ray Jr. and Sr., respectively, a 15-year-old sophomore honor student at Terry High School in Terry, Mississippi, is a remarkable young leader and aspiring scientist. As one of the youngest youth directors of the Bullying Platform at CryOut Teen Organization (COTO). Dallas Rai also serves as Co-Lead of the Teen Component at COTO, showcasing her dedication to community service and leadership. Born prematurely in 2008, she has overcome challenges, but none expected, considering what the doctor had predicted, leaving her to know that God holds the key to her destiny.Dallas Rai excels in Math, Science, and Technology and is an enthusiastic learner. She has developed a knack for the performing arts and is a talented singer and guitarist. She wrote and published her first book, "Sooooo I Gave My Bully A Cupcake," at age ten and is working on its sequel. Passionate about languages, she has begun learning Spanish, Coding, and American Sign Language. During the pandemic, she wrote five mini-grants for CryOut Teen Organization,
distributing hundreds of care packages to nursing homes and activity boxes to youth. Dallas Rai's perfectionism drives her to achieve remarkable goals, and her giving spirit and strong sense of discipline make her a standout among her peers. She is dedicated to being one of the strong youth advocates who will help lead the South to the end of the HIV epidemic.