Meet Our Founder

Dr. Lovely A. Thornton is Founder and President of the Sensible Women Initiative. Presently, she serves as a Lecturer in the College of Education at Towson University. She is also a Director for Legal Shield, Inc. Dr. Thornton is a visionary professional with skill in Organizational Development and Management, Teaching Methods Innovation, Cultural Competency, Mentoring, and Parental Training. She has thirty-eight years of experience in teaching, developing, and implementing educational and social programs designed to enhance individual scholastic excellence. Dr. Thornton coordinated efforts that fostered effective collaboration among several colleges, organizations, and agencies in support of increasing educational opportunities for a diverse population of students. She also served as the Director of Assessment/Educational Counselor in the College of Pharmacy at Howard University.
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Dr. Thornton is a Life Coach and is world travelled. She provided cultural competency training for Howard University and the American Association of Clinical Pharmacists. She also provided special training for the Department of Defense and Special Programs in Germany, Greenland, Japan, France, Korea, and the United States. She resided six years in Germany and three years in Japan. She sphere headed several Task Forces and committees responsible for improving morale and welfare of Department of Defense personnel. In Misawa, Japan, Dr. Thornton served as an International Instructor of African and African-American History for the Japanese School System. She is Co-founder of the Parents Assisting Youth Organization and served as President for five years.
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Dr. Thornton is a sought-after speaker. She has spoken at the National Lectureship; Ladies Day Programs; United Christian Women Seminar; National Minister Wives’ Conference; Schools, Colleges, and Universities; Department of Defense; Organizations and Agencies. Dr. Thornton has assisted her husband (Retired Air Force Chaplain, Major Michael Thornton) in providing Marriage Retreats, Pre-Marital Counseling, Stress Management, Assertiveness Training and Team Building Workshops and Seminars. At heart, she is a youth advocate. She is dedicated to eradicating obstacles that impede the progress of today’s youth.
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In 1976, Dr. Thornton graduated from the State University of New York at Brockport (SUNY Brockport) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in African-American History. In 1978, she was awarded a full graduate scholarship at SUNY Brockport and completed a Master of Science Degree in Education Counseling. Dr. Thornton wrote, produced, and directed two Civil Rights re-enactments entitled, “Forty Lives for Freedom” and “Recycled Dreams: A Tribute to Thurgood Marshall.” She is a published poet. In 1993, she received her Ph.D. in Education Administration from Walden University. At Walden, she was elected Student Representative, served on the Advisory Board/Academic Council, was selected as valedictorian, and delivered the Commencement Address.
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She received many awards and accolades. Among these are the following: Outstanding Teacher of America, Outstanding Young Women of America, New York State Individual Scholastic Excellence Award, United Women Outstanding Presenter Award, and Toastmasters International Success Leadership Award. In 1991, Dr. Thornton’s family received the Department of Defense “Great American Family Award.” She received recognition from President George Bush and wife Barbara for her commitment to the field of education and encouraging parental involvement. She was also given the keys to the City of Dover, Delaware, for her innovative “Your Move” youth program.
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​Dr. Thornton is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Kappa, and International Society of Poets. She is the daughter of the late Cecil and Margaret McClary and has seven siblings. She is blessed with a wonderful stepmother, Mrs. Mennie Harris-McClary, and has nine step sisters and one step brother. Dr. Thornton is married to Minister Michael Thornton of Kansas City, Kansas; has three sons: Michael Jason, Marcus Justin, and Mikale Joshua; two daughters-in-law: Marcia and Nadia Nohelani; wonderful grandsons: Xavier Jones and Marcus London; and beautiful granddaughters: Mia Love Jada and Ava.