About us
Phyllis Johnson
Phylliss Johnson, a native of Wichita, Kansas, is a dedicated educator, philanthropist, and performer. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Wichita State University, where she attended on a cheerleading scholarship.
In 2000, Phylliss founded Buckner Brooks & Heights Entertainment, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving communities through innovative fundraising. The organization partners with non-profits that empower women and children, aiming to strengthen communities by reducing homelessness, poverty, illiteracy, and sex trafficking. Through these partnerships, Phylliss aspires to create real change and provide financial support via creative fundraising initiatives.
The name of her organization pays homage to three influential teachers from the Wichita Public School District who mentored Phylliss and helped her hone her skills in performing arts, theatre, music, and dance: Doris Tolle at Buckner Elementary, Kathy Knee at Brooks Jr. High, and Cheryl Neal McFarthing at Heights High School.
Since 2013, Phylliss has been an active member of the National Basketball Association Memphis Grizzlies' senior citizen hip-hop dance team, The Grizzlies Grannies & Grandpas. This group not only performs at 18 home basketball games but also volunteers at various community and outreach events.
Phylliss's philanthropic efforts extend beyond her organization. She hosts her signature event, The I'm Every Woman Leadership Conference, annually in Wichita, Memphis, and St. Louis each summer, further demonstrating her commitment to empowering women and fostering leadership.
Phylliss resides in a suburb of Memphis, TN, with her husband, Lyle, where she continues to make a positive impact on her community through education, entertainment, and philanthropy.
Gwen Jordan
Gwen Jordan, a native of Memphis, TN, is a multifaceted professional with over 30 years of experience in non-profit leadership, multimedia design, and the entertainment industry. She is currently pursuing a BA-MBA Program with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at National University, further enhancing her diverse skill set.
With a strong background in non-profit organizations, Gwen has held various executive roles throughout her career. She currently serves as the Administrative Director for BBH, where she applies her extensive experience in organizational management and financial procedures.
Gwen's passion for the arts has been a constant thread throughout her professional life. As a former stage actor and singer, she has transitioned her love for performance into a successful career as a casting agent for television, feature films, and national commercials. This unique blend of creative and business acumen allows her to bridge the gap between artistic vision and practical execution.
In addition to her work in non-profits and entertainment, Gwen is the CEO of GJ Multimedia Graphics, LLC. The company specializes in branding businesses and events through logo designs and marketing materials. Her talent in graphic design was recognized when her logo design won first place among over fifty entries while she was earning her Associate of Applied Science degree in Multimedia Graphic Arts from Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Committed to giving back to her community, Gwen volunteers with various non-profit organizations, offering her expertise in branding and financial management. She continues to support and nurture the local arts scene through her casting work and community involvement.
Gwen resides in a suburb of Memphis, TN, with her husband, Al, and is a proud mother of three children. Her ongoing education at National University reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and her entrepreneurial spirit, which she applies across all aspects of her diverse career.
Jordan Collins
Jordan Collins is a dynamic professional balancing dual roles in the entertainment industry. She serves as a casting assistant at Buckner, Brooks & Heights Entertainment, where she plays a crucial role in talent booking and supporting the casting process. Simultaneously, Jordan works full-time as a Production Assistant at Entertainment Tonight, gaining valuable experience in television production.
Her diverse background is reflected in her education, holding a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas (2021) and an Associate of Arts from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (2016). This unique combination of journalism and design skills enhances her ability to thrive in the multifaceted world of entertainment.
Jordan's roles allow her to apply her academic knowledge in real-world settings, from identifying talent to assisting with production logistics. Her ability to manage these demanding positions demonstrates her strong work ethic and passion for the industry.
When not immersed in her professional pursuits, Jordan enjoys babysitting, spending time with friends, and relaxing at the beach, maintaining a healthy work-life balance as she builds her career in entertainment.
Erica Collins
Originally from Kansas, Erica Collins, the Founder of EC3TRAVEL, has lived in 12 cities, 9 states, and 3 countries. After completing her Bachelor’s of Science in Economics from the University of Kansas, Erica spent the first 12 years of her business career in high-level corporate executive roles. Her experience at Fortune 500 companies include Amazon and Macy’s, and her international tenure at Lidl took her to work in Germany, Ireland, and the East Coast of America. From District Manager to Director of Sales, Erica made the most of her lean operations tenure.
At the beginning of 2024, Erica began searching for a way to fulfill her passion for travel and to leverage her customer service and sales expertise. During a reflection of her first international trip to study abroad in Kerala, India at the Asian School of Business, Erica dreamt up the idea of launching her own travel agency. By the spring of 2024, EC3TRAVEL LLC was formed.
EC3TRAVEL is an acronym for her late Grandfather, Ellis Collins, and her late Uncle, Ellis Collins Jr. Erica, her Grandfather, and Uncle have the same initials, E.C….and so, this is how her company is ably named, EC3TRAVEL. Their legacy lives on through the explorations she creates for others.
Erica Collins is a modern-day, renaissance woman whose personal and professional aspirations have afforded her the invaluable education of traveling the world. She is passionate about curating life-altering experiences for others, whether that be through corporate, group, or solo travel.
EC3TRAVEL is the proud travel partner of Buckner, Brooks & Heights Entertainment.
Buckner, Brooks & Heights Entertainment is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to serve through fundraising. Our organization often partners with other non-profit organizations that empower women and children to strengthen their communities.