Meet Our Director of Programming

Essence O. Threlkeld

Essence Owens Threlkeld currently serves as the Director of Programs for the Collegiate Life Investment Foundation (C.L.I.F).  Having been apart of the foundation since its inception, Essence is very passionate about educating others about the dangers of Distracted Driving.  She attended The University of Memphis where she studied English Literature.  She has also completed several Certification Courses taught by the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety office, including but not limited to the Teen IMPACT Driver Training and the Car Child Safety Restraint Training alongside law enforcement agencies throughout Tennessee. 

Through programs like C.A.R.E.S (Children Advocates for Road Safety and Education and V.A.N (Victims Assistance Network), Essence ensures that preserving the lives of those traveling our roadways remains a top priority.  In 2017 Essence, alongside her husband Jamal and their two daughters, extended the C.L.I.F operations into the Middle Tennessee region.  Because of this expansion, the foundation is now able to provide resources to more families and educate more drivers in a more efficient manner.

Essence takes pride in her involvement her community through volunteerism.  She currently coaches her daughter's flag cheerleading squad, leads a Girl Scout Troop, is a member of the Junior League of Murfreesboro and the Society of Women Business Owners.  Essence also enjoys serving in several ministries at her church. Through it all, her message about Driving Distracted remains very clear... It's Just Not Worth It!