Our Team
We are led by a Board of Directors committed to the Foundation's mission and values.
The Foundation Board is composed of 7 voting members. Board members serve a two-year term, renewable up to three terms (six years). Directors are professional women and men who share a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Each is willing to invest their time, talent, and resources to positively impact the community and workforce by developing transformational leaders at the high school level, and understanding the positive impact it will have on the community.
The Foundation Board Members set policies, manage the Foundation’s governance, and screen The Leadership Academy, Clarey Walker Leadership Scholarship, and Elite Leaders Scholarship applicants.
Our Board of Directors
Curriculum Design Team
The Curriculum Development Board (CDB) is a group of seasoned leadership trainers in the federal government who provide similar training to federal employees by applying adult learning theories and methods. The CDB drives the leadership competencies and curriculum that will serve as the cornerstone for each Leadership Academy cohort. The carefully tailored curriculum package serves as a foundational model that will posture young leaders to be successful in college and beyond. Leadership skills transcend every facet of work and life.
Nicole Hicks
Nicole is a versatile, multimedia entrepreneur specializing in creative consulting, design, film, and photography. She employs diverse mediums to craft and convey ideas that ignite inspiration, impart knowledge, and captivate audiences.
Whitney Irvin
Whitney Irvin is a Program Manager with seven years of experience working for the Department of Defense, after graduating from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Technology Education. She is responsible for executing professional development courses and educating agency employees on effective communication and leadership competencies. Whitney is inspired daily by her family and friends, and in her free time, she is a self-proclaimed foodie that enjoys crafting and motorcycle riding.
Key'Nita Harris
Key'Nita Harris is from Richmond, Virginia and graduated from James Madison University with an Undergraduate degree in Sport Management and Master's in Adult Education Human Resource Development (AHRD). She’s been working in training and development for over 9 years as an Instructional Designer/E-Learning Developer. She thrives on learning new skills and teaching them to others.
Harriet Loney
Harriett D. Loney is a Certified Instructor & Facilitator, ICF credentialed Coach, and Team Coach for the Department of Defense and the Maxwell Leadership Team. She is an author, entrepreneur, and founder of iSpark Transformation, LLC with 38+ years of U.S. Air Force military and federal experience. As an international speaker, she has strategized with business leaders, coached executives and teams, and mentored managers and youth to reach strategic success goals. Harriett’s purpose is to empower and connect people by assessing situations, challenging mindsets, and laying solid workable plans of immediate action to achieve Blueprints for Success.