Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Chiefs Of Staff
LaVonna D. Moore, MBA, PMP
"Qu33N R3D DOT"
Founder & CEO | .50 Cal Queens Self-Defense Academy
A native of Newport News, Virginia, and a retired U.S. Army combat veteran, our Founder leads with the disciplined precision and resilience forged during tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a Bronze Star Medal recipient. Following her distinguished military service, she recognized a critical need for high-quality, empowering self-defense education tailored specifically for women. This realization, combined with her lifelong passion for teaching, birthed the .50 Cal Queens Self-Defense Academy, a premier women's self-defense academy.
LaVonna's commitment to excellence extends into the academic and civic realms. She holds an MBA and is currently a Ph.D. student, bringing a sophisticated, research-backed approach to her business and instructional methods.
As a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she embodies the principles of scholarship, service, and sisterhood in every aspect of her life.
Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, she is the dedicated mother of three children—the primary inspiration behind her mission to create a safer, more positive world for the next generation of women through effective self-defense training.
Her Certifications Include:
- Certified Master Resiliency Trainer (U.S. Army)
- U.S. Army Combative Level I & II (Brazilian Jiujitsu)
- Certified Senior Instructor (U.S. Army)
- Certified in Basic Pistol (NRA)
- Certified in Basic Rifle (NRA)
- Range Safety Officer (USCCA)
- First Aid/ AED
- Stop the Bleed
-CPR (Adult & Pediatric)
-Youth Firearm Instruction (USCCA)
-"Don't Become a Victim" (USCCA)
Akwoko Harris-Moses
"GLOC'D QUE3N"
COO | .50 Cal Queens Self-Defense Academy
Akwoko serves as the Chief Operations Officer of .50 Cal Queens Self Defense Academy. She brings a unique and vital perspective to the training environment by blending her career in clinical healthcare with a deep-seated commitment to personal safety. As a dedicated dental professional, Akwoko has spent years mastering the precision and patient-focused care required in the medical field.
Beyond the clinic, Akwoko is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and community upliftment. At the Academy, she leverages her strong background in safety and training to ensure that every student receives high-caliber firearm training and disciplined instruction. Akwoko’s mission is to bridge the gap between health and security, providing women with the tools they need to live confidently and safely through effective women's self-defense technique.
Her Certifications Include:
-NRA Basic Pistol Certification
-Range Safety Officer (USCCA)
-First Aid & AED
-Stop The Bleed
-CPR (Adult & Pediatric)
LaShondra Bell
"Queen Ho!!ow Po!nt"
CIO | .50 Cal Queens Self-Defense Academy
LaShondra serves as Chief Information Officer of .50 Cal Queens Self Defense Academy. As a distinguished strategic leader and Retired United States Air Force Veteran, LaShondra oversees the organization’s digital transformation and technological infrastructure. With a career rooted in military excellence, she specializes in aligning complex communication strategies and digital initiatives with high-level mission goals, including the promotion of firearm training for enhanced safety.
LaShondra is a dedicated wife of 27 years and a proud mother of 4 amazing children and 8 beautiful grandkids. She is also a proud member Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Incorporated and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
As CIO, LaShondra is committed to driving innovation that fosters efficiency, growth, and sustainable competitive advantage, particularly within the self-defense academy. By ensuring that every technology solution enhances performance and supports data-driven decision-making, she delivers measurable value across the entire enterprise. LaShondra remains a steadfast advocate for utilizing cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of the organization and its stakeholders, especially in the realm of women's self-defense.
Her Certifications Include:
-First Aid/ AED
-Stop the Bleed
-CPR (Adult & Pediatric)
Executive Board of Directors
Lawandca Gary, also known as "Queen Str8 Shoota," serves as the Membership Director at .50 Cal Queens Self-Defense Academy. She is a proud Army veteran and a member of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Incorporated.
With a heart full of passion and a wealth of experience. She expertly leads a squad while also nurturing her three daughters and two grandsons
Lawandca understands that protection and community are intertwined, especially in the realm of women's self-defense. she instills discipline and structure within the .50 Cal Queens. However, it’s her vibrant, "people-first" personality that truly defines her role as Membership Director. Lawandca is deeply committed to firearm training and self-defense, believing that knowledge is the ultimate tool for empowerment.
She dedicates herself to ensuring every woman who enters our self-defense academy feels seen, valued, and confident. For Lawandca, this journey is not just about membership; it’s about fostering a sisterhood where every woman is equipped to navigate the challenges of today's world.
Her Certifications Include:
-First Aid/AED
-Stop the Bleed
-CPR (Adult & Pediatric).
Peggy Benoit, MPH, MSN, also known as "Queen Caliber," serves as the Health & Wellness Director at .50 Cal Queens Self-Defense Academy. As a key contributor to the organization’s mission of promoting holistic health, she leverages her dual Master’s degrees in Public Health and Nursing to provide an evidence-based approach to wellness.
Peggy specializes in bridging the gap between clinical excellence and community-wide health initiatives, particularly within the realm of women's self-defense. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Incorporated, her work emphasizes disease prevention and the promotion of sustainable, healthy lifestyles, empowering every member of the .50 Cal Queens community to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
Her Certifications Include:
-NRA Basic Pistol
-Stop the Bleed Instructor
-First Aid/AED
-CPR (Adult & Pediatric)
Donjinia Moore, also known as "Queen CrownFire," serves as the Outreach & Youth Director at .50 Cal Queens Self-Defense Academy. Donjinia is a dedicated educator and community leader with a passion for serving children and families. Her expertise extends to firearm training and women's self-defense, ensuring the safety and empowerment of the community.
As a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Incorporated, her background in education, youth development, and family engagement aligns naturally with her role as the Outreach and Youth Director.
Donjinia currently works as an elementary school teacher in Richmond County and is the founder of CM Moore In-Home Tutoring Services, LLC, where she provides academic support and enrichment programs for students.
Her Certifications Include:
-First Aid/AED
-Stop the Bleed
-CPR (Adult & Pediatric)