Going Places 2025
Going Places 2025 Honorees
Joe Dempsey
In 1977, four weeks after graduating from Fordham University, Joe arrived in Washington D.C. to teach Math at the Higher Achievement Program (HAP) center at Immaculate Conception School at 7th and N streets. That summer he learned a little bit about how to teach, learned how to drive a school bus, and learned that working with purpose could be exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. Joe remained with HAP for six years, working as a center director and part-time teacher at Gonzaga High School. In 1984, he transitioned over to Gonzaga full-time for six years as an English teacher and Dean of Students. Based largely on his experience with HAP, most of Joe’s post-teaching career was spent working with Catholic service organizations that provided resources and hope to people in need of material and emotional support: twenty-two years with the Order of Malta and eight years with Catholic Charities of Washington.
“Greg Gannon often said, ‘It’s a world of results, not of intentions’. I saw and learned that working hard for a good cause with good and dedicated people can produce great results. HAP’s academic results were measured by test scores, attendance figures, and other metrics. HAP’s great results could be seen every day on the smiling faces of the students who were enjoying going to school in the summer and on the faces of their teachers (some seasoned professionals, others fresh out of college) who knew then that they were part of a very special teaching and learning experience.”
Mary Maguire
A native New Yorker, Mary got involved with the Higher Achievement Program, known as HAP, when she came to Washington in 1977 after graduating from Fordham University. She was a math and reading tutor at Gonzaga, Sacred Heart, and St. Augustine schools and was especially fond of the roller-skating parties. After chairing the 10th Anniversary celebration and serving on the Board, she stayed active as a donor while raising her family and working as a public relations executive for Fleishman Hillard and two international development organizations. She currently mentors 8th graders at Ida B. Wells Middle School, serves on the Emeritus Board, and co-chairs the 50th Anniversary Committee.
“Education is everything, and middle school is the pivot point for determining educational success. Higher Achievement scholars graduate high school on time and are three times more likely to graduate college than their peers. This program works, and as a mentor, I see it working every time I step into a classroom. Higher Achievement unleashes talent.”
Charlene Faison
Charlene’s connection to Higher Achievement Program (HAP) is both personal and long-standing. She attended HAP at the Immaculate Conception site in Washington, DC, and spent summers at Sacred Heart School on Park Road. Years later, her son joined the program at the Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School site in Baltimore and graduated in 2021. His Mount Royal Achievement Center class is the first to graduate from high school. Because Charlene knew firsthand the value of HAP, becoming a mentor was a natural choice. She began mentoring in 2019 at the Mount Royal Achievement Center and remains proud to support this impactful program.
“Higher Achievement’s mission to close the opportunity gap during the pivotal middle school years is meaningful to me because I remember those years. I was an awkward young person, trying to belong and not knowing who I could turn to for support and guidance. It is an honor to be the support person I did not always have.”
The Howard Family
Charlene Howard enrolled her daughters, Adar, Patrice, and Felicia, in Higher Achievement in the 1990s. Charlene deepened her commitment to Higher Achievement by joining the Board of Directors after her daughters graduated, during particularly challenging financial times in the organization’s history. She was instrumental in propelling the organization into the future and shaping its identity as a national platform for education reform. Patrice is a co-chair of the 50th anniversary campaign, Adar has served as a curricula consultant for Higher Achievement and 50th anniversary committee member, and Felecia is a great champion and connector.
“As young people growing up in DC, opportunities were all around us—some beneficial, and some detrimental. What made the difference were the ‘opportunity ushers’ like Higher Achievement that made sure our plates were full of good opportunities. Higher Achievement is a beacon of light in the out of school space that honors community and collaboration and engages of young people as they develop as the next generation of leaders.”
Carlos Garcia
Carlos joined Higher Achievement as a mentor in the 1990s, later becoming a board member and serving as board chair. His leadership helped Higher Achievement navigate challenging times for the organization in the late 1990s, ensuring that future generations of scholars continued to have access to Higher Achievement’s academic and social-emotional support. In 2003, he received the “Unsung Hero” award from the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region for outstanding leadership in revitalizing Higher Achievement. Carlos has remained an ardent champion, generous supporter, and Emeritus Board member. He currently serves as co-chair of the 50th anniversary committee.
Sameer Bhargava
During a period of change in 2012, Sameer assumed the role of Board Chair at Higher Achievement. Collaborating closely with Lynsey Jefferies, whom the board supported as the new CEO, Sameer and the board revitalized the Higher Achievement team and strengthened the organization’s financial foundation. This collaborative effort enabled Higher Achievement to successfully secure the impactful multi-million dollar i3 grant. Sameer worked closely with Lynsey to strategically reshape the board, positioning Higher Achievement for a resilient future. As an Emeritus Board member, Sameer remains engaged in strategic support and a dedicated champion through personal contributions and the involvement of Clark Construction.
“Education is one of the most powerful enablers in America, yet too often it depends on opportunity. Higher Achievement steps in at a critical time, offering belief, community and mentorship. It has measurable impact inspired by the passionate, mission-driven team. It delivers both rigor and heart, creating real change in scholars’ lives and I feel lucky to be part of it.”
Sherry Rhodes
Sherry was introduced to Higher Achievement by Suzanne Keech—an introduction for which she will always be grateful. Sherry first participated in the President’s Council, but as soon as she retired, she became a mentor. One of Sherry’s first scholars graduated from college in 2025 and will be attending graduate school at Howard University. Sherry also served as a board member for two terms and now serves on the emeritus board. Her daughter worked for Higher Achievement, both as Americorps volunteer and as an employee in the Baltimore office. Sherry’s husband, Dan Masur, has been completely devoted to Higher Achievement since he first attended a Love Out Loud performance shortly after she became involved with Higher Achievement. Sherry is a devoted advocate of the program, and she has introduced at least a dozen people to Higher Achievement, some of whom remain involved today. She is currently working on the 50th Anniversary Committee.
“Higher Achievement’s mission is personally meaningful to me because my mother never graduated from high school. Finishing high school and attending college and law school impacted the entire trajectory of my life. I know what education can do.”
Rick England
Rick is the President of the England Family Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based philanthropy and funder of Higher Achievement. The England Family Foundation’s grantmaking focuses on supporting economic justice, the next generation of leaders, and representative democracy. Rick previously worked for 23 years as a senior wealth advisor for Madison Wealth Management. He was a certified financial planner and received an MBA from Duke University. Rick plans to use his knowledge and background to teach classes in financial literacy to young people in economically challenged areas of Washington. He first connected with Higher Achievement as a representative of the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy when Higher Achievement was the academic programmer for that nonprofit. Later, he served 6 years on the Higher Achievement board, and is currently a member of the emeritus board, founder of the initiative to establish long-term financial stability through an endowment, and host of events to raise the profile and awareness of the organization.
“I love helping young people overcome a challenging environment and difficult economic circumstances, to become better students who become successful adults with rewarding careers. The academic enrichment they receive, the benefits of having adult role models or mentors, and the opportunity to practice public speaking will always positively impact scholars. I have met and spoken with alumni who believe their Higher Achievement experience made a huge difference in their lives. Higher Achievement truly ‘levels the playing field’ for so many.”
Michelle Gilliard
As Principal Consultant at Michelle Gilliard & Associates, LLC, Michelle heads a consulting and coaching firm that leverages positive psychology, positive organizational science, and nonprofit practice to build and empower resilient social sector leaders and organizations.
Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Michelle is a seasoned cross-sector executive, having served in leadership capacities within nonprofits, multinational corporations, higher education, philanthropy, and arts/cultural organizations. Her proven track record includes enhancing the capacity of nonprofit organizations and designing and leading multi-million-dollar initiatives to support underserved populations in Pre-K to 16 education, youth development, and workforce development.
Michelle’s journey with Higher Achievement began in 2018 when she led Venture Philanthropy Partners’ investment in the organization. She joined the board in 2020 and now serves as Board Chair.
“For generations, my family has prioritized education. With both parents as educators, I learned that education not only liberates the mind but also serves as an act of self-determination. Higher Achievement’s holistic focus on academic and socio-emotional development empowers scholars to discover and use their agency and voice, preparing them to pursue their dreams and aspirations in high school and beyond.”