At Pepper Lake City, Inc., we believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, compassion, and shared purpose. We are proud to work alongside our valued partners who share our commitment to improving lives and creating lasting change.
In partnership with the American Red Cross, we actively raise awareness about the critical need for blood donors to support individuals affected by sickle cell disease. This initiative reflects our dedication to health, equity, and community well-being.
Our efforts also extend to supporting homeless individuals, veterans, survivors of human trafficking, single parents (both mothers and fathers), and children in foster care. Together with our partners, we strive to uplift and empower those in need — helping them find stability, hope, and opportunity.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who collaborate with us in our mission to build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Pepper Lake City supports and teaches:
Pepper Lake City combines creative arts, storytelling, practical resources, and public engagement to break generational cycles and create lasting opportunity.

Onyxx Monopoly is a multifaceted entrepreneur, media professional, and philanthropist whose life and work are driven by a singular purpose: to transform personal trauma into collective healing and opportunity. Born in California and raised in Utah on Hill Air Force Base and Salt Lake City, Onyxx has lived between Utah and California throughout her life and returned to make Utah her primary home after her mother’s passing to build a legacy her mother never could. From a young age she endured severe abuse and lifelong bullying—at home, at school, and later in the workplace—yet she quietly achieved remarkable milestones while finding the courage to speak out and lead after years of suffering in silence and surviving unimaginable hardship. Those experiences define who she is, what she stands for, when her mission began (rooted in youth and forged through survival), and where she channels her work: in the communities of Utah and California, with Utah as her home base.
Onyxx launched her career in entertainment as a teenager, producing fundraising events, using music and media to amplify stories of identity and resilience. She was featured in the documentary Light Girls on the Oprah Winfrey Network, elevating conversations about colorism and belonging. Today she is an accomplished film and music producer, talent manager, and the founder and CEO of Onyxx Unlimited International, a consulting firm specializing in business strategy, creative development, and brand management. She is the creator and host of HoOked On Onyxx, a media platform and radio show that blends candid storytelling, celebrity interviews, and faith‑based empowerment. With three decades of real estate experience, Onyxx helps individuals and families build generational wealth and long‑term stability. Her choice to remain self‑employed reflects a commitment to autonomy, integrity, and creating safe, dignified workplaces.
Onyxx serves as a Board Member for the American Red Cross, Northern Utah Region, providing strategic leadership for programs including the Sickle Cell Initiative. She advocates for increased blood donations from diverse communities, expanded public education about sickle cell disease, and equitable access to lifesaving care. She partners with community sponsors to feed and house people experiencing homelessness and leads programs that support veterans in transition.
Onyxx leads a transitional housing program for homeless veterans and a veteran reentry initiative that supports service members returning to civilian life. She provides safe housing for abused and battered men, a rare and vital service, and offers referrals and advocacy to help fathers regain fair opportunities to be present in their children’s lives. Her work prioritizes dignity, practical support, and sustainable pathways to stability.
“Tell me I cannot do something, and I will move the heavens and the earth to prove you wrong.” Onyxx’s leadership inspires others to rise, rebuild, and reclaim their power. Her life and work demonstrate that surviving hardship can become the foundation for extraordinary service—and that every story can be rewritten into one of hope, impact, and lasting legacy.

Morgan Mathews serves as the Protection Advisor for Pepper Lake City, bringing a distinguished background in law enforcement and community safety to the organization. A retired police officer from Salt Lake City, Morgan dedicated 22 years of service to protecting and supporting the public through leadership, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to safety.
In his role with Pepper Lake City, Morgan leverages his extensive experience in risk assessment, emergency response, and crisis management to develop and implement strategies that ensure the security and preparedness of our community.
Morgan is deeply passionate about keeping his community safe and is a strong advocate for protecting children and supporting victims of domestic violence—regardless of gender. As a proud father of three beautiful children, he brings both professional expertise and personal compassion to his work, continuing to advance Pepper Lake City’s mission to foster a safe, supportive, and resilient environment for all.
“After 22 years in law enforcement, I’ve learned that real strength isn’t about authority—it’s about protecting the vulnerable, guiding with empathy, and never giving up on the people who need you most. At Pepper Lake City, protection means more than safety—it means creating a community where children are cherished, survivors are supported, and every voice is valued.”
— Morgan Mathews

Vera M. Johnson serves as Vice President of Pepper Lake City, where she provides strategic leadership, cultivates community partnerships, and upholds the organization’s unwavering commitment to service, integrity, and empowerment.
With more than three decades of experience in public service, business leadership, and community engagement, Vera leads with integrity, compassion, and accountability. She is the founder of Unique Mobile Notary, a trusted mobile notary business serving the Chesterfield, Virginia area for over five years, recognized for its professionalism and ethical service.
Before becoming a business owner, Vera dedicated 29 years to the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier. She served with distinction as both a shop steward and safety captain, advocating for employees, promoting workplace safety, and fostering a culture of trust and responsibility. In 1995, she was recognized during the first Road-eo event at her postal location for her outstanding driving and delivery performance—reflecting her commitment to excellence and precision in every task.
In 2021, Vera was honored by the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R.) for her leadership, entrepreneurial success, and positive community impact. A former member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, she continues to champion integrity-driven leadership and the empowerment of women in business.
Grounded in her faith and guided by resilience, Vera credits her strength and success to her unwavering belief in God. As a proud mother of three accomplished adult children, she stands as a testament to the power of faith, honesty, and perseverance—turning adversity into purpose and service.
“Integrity is the foundation of every decision I make. Faith fuels my purpose. Service defines my path. Community drives my heart.” ~ Vera Johnson

COL Andrea S. Bowers enlisted in 1990 as an Army Preventive Medicine Technician. After
five years of active duty, she attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) and commissioned
in the US Army Medical Service Corps in August 1999. After commissioning COL Bowers
served 7 years in the Alabama Army National Guard. Her first assignment was as Platoon
Leader and then Detachment Commander for the 128th Ground Ambulance Co., Ashland
AL; Followed by 4 years as a Medical Logistics Officer, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne),
Birmingham AL. During this time, she mobilized in support of USASOC Deputy Command
Surgeon, Fort Bragg NC, and served as an Officer Candidate School Faculty/TAC for two
rotations, Fort McClellan AL. In August of 2007, she served as Company Commander, 95th Chemical Battalion,
Decatur GA within the US Army Reserves. Following command, she mobilized as a Medical Operations Officer,
US First Army, Fort Gillem GA in support of OEF/OIF operations. In June 2011, she transferred to 5th Medical
Brigade, Birmingham AL for a mission as the Medical Liaison in support of the Command and Control, Chemical
Biological Radiological Nuclear Response Element-Alpha (C2CRE-A) mission. She also served and mobilized as S-
3 for the 75th Combat Support Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL. In May 2015, COL Bowers deployed in support of 3rd
Medical Command (Deployment Support), Fort Gillem GA, for three consecutive rotations to Kuwait, Afghanistan,
and then Qatar. She held several staff positions as Deputy G4 (Kuwait), Battalion S4/Deputy J4/Medical Contracts
(Afghanistan), Chief of Medical Logistics S4 (Qatar), and SHARP SARC. In November 2017 COL Bowers returned
to 5th Medical Brigade as Chief of Medical Logistics S4, where she served until her 2018 Battalion Command with
1984th US Army Hospital, Anchorage AK. In 2021, COL Bowers graduated from Naval War College in Newport, RI
and returned to 1984th US Army Hospital as Brigade Executive Officer at Fort Shafter Flats, Hawaii. While serving
as Brigade Executive Officer, she was appointed and mobilized as the planner and OIC for 9th MSC first Guam IRT
medical mission. From September 2023 to July 2025, COL Bowers was the 313th Hospital Center Commander,
leading the way as the first Role 3 medical unit participating in the National Training Center LSCO exercise. COL
Bowers was board selected to take command of the 5th Medical Brigade in June 2025.
COL Bowers earned her bachelor’s degree in Zoology/Chemistry from Alabama A&M University in 1997. Followed
by a Master’s in Business Administration in 2007, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Epidemiology in 2015, a
Lean Six Sigma certification from Emory University in 2018, and a Master of Art in National Security and Strategic
Studies in 2021. She is a graduate of the AMEDD Office Basic and Advanced Courses, CGSOC, and resident Naval
War College (with JPME II credit), Senior Management Course in National Security (SMCNS), and currently
attending the Joint Combined Warfighter School-Hybrid, Dec 2024. COL Bowers specialty training includes the
Total Army Instructor Course, Health Service Material Officer Course (70K), United States Army Special
Operations (USASOC) Staff Officer Course, Health Services Plans, Operations, Intelligence Security and Training
Course (70H), Defense Support of Civil Authorities Course (DSCA), Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and
Prevention Course (SHARP), and the Operational Contract Support Course (OCSC).
COL Bowers’ military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal (2
OLCs), Army Commendation Medal (2 OLCs), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLCs), Army Good Conduct Medal with
2 Knot Device, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2 OLCs), National Defense Service Medal (Bronze
Star Device), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Bronze Star Device), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal
(Mobilization & Bronze Hourglass device), Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon,
Army Overseas Service Ribbon (2 devices), NATO Ribbon, Expert Field Medical Badge, Parachutist Badge and
Military Freefall Parachutist Badge.
COL Bowers currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia and employed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
She is an avid motorcyclist and tennis league participant.
“Leadership is not just a role — it’s a legacy of service, dignity, and impact.” ~ Andrea S. Bowers









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