Higher Achievement has assembled a team of passionate social justice advocates to lead our scholars in becoming life-long learners.
From our dedicated staff to the National Board of Directors to the affiliate Boards of Advisors, the vision we’re working toward wouldn’t be possible without the whole Higher Achievement community.
Senior Manager of Program
Richmond
Learning Director, Dogwood
Richmond
Learning Coordinator, Henderson
Richmond
Director of Human Resources and Employee Engagement
As the Director of Human Resources and Employee Engagement, Michelle promotes the organization’s core values through talent acquisition and a variety of strategic and employee-centric initiatives. With an incredible HR team, Michelle oversees HR processes and implements strategies that support employees and their professional development. With a focus on creating a positive employee experience, her role supports opportunities for feedback, access to health and wellness benefits, and relationships between team members.
“Higher Achievement provides me with the opportunity to make a positive impact on employee experience. Leadership is all things inclusive, dynamic, and personable as they model the Core Values of the organization. Higher Achievement supports employees through robust benefits, flexibility, space for creativity, and regular connection. Through my work, I am able to live out my calling to care for and about people. I am delighted to have my part in delivering on the Higher Achievement commitment to employees and scholars. This organization makes a difference!”
Manager of Program Operations
DC Metro and Baltimore
Kayla works with the Executive Directors in DC and Baltimore to plan scholar events, manage center logistics, and provide general operational support to both offices.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I believe quality after school programming has the power to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.”
Emeritus Board
The Menkiti Group
Emeritus Board
Abt Associates
Learning Coordinator, Highlandtown
Baltimore
Learning Coordinator, Brookland
DC Metro
Learning Coordinator, Mount Royal
Baltimore
Learning Coordinator, Greenbelt
DC Metro
Program Support Fellow – AmeriCorps
DC Metro
Learning Director, Mount Royal
Baltimore
Learning Coordinator, Lakeland
Baltimore
Board of Directors
True You Career Coaching
Learning Director, Boushall
Richmond
Richmond Board of Advisors
St. Christopher’s School
Richmond Board of Advisors
Truist
Learning Coordinator, Ward 7
DC Metro
Board of Directors
Weber Shandwick
Learning Director, Ward 6
DC Metro
As Learning Coordinator for the Ward 6 Achievement Center, Alexis creates and fosters relationships between youth and our volunteer mentors and support our scholars academically, emotionally, and mentally through the hardships of middle school.
“I work at Higher Achievement because of their mission to close the education opportunity gap by providing knowledge and information.”
Richmond Board of Advisors
Altria
Emeritus Board
LeaderFit
Emeritus Board
Hurston/Wright Foundation
Pro Bono Corporate Counsel
Mayer Brown
Director of Program Operations
DC Metro
Board of Directors
Clark Construction
Emeritus Board
Eng Garcia Properties LLC
Baltimore Board of Advisors
DAP Products Inc.
Emeritus Board
McKinsey & Company
Board of Directors, Vice Chair
Visa
Board of Directors
PwC
Richmond Board of Advisors
PwC
Development Manager
Connor provides fundraising and administrative support to senior fundraising staff, and provides logistical support for Higher Achievement fundraising events.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I believe in its mission: to bring talent and opportunity together in order to launch our scholars into lifelong success.”
Baltimore Board of Advisors
Baltimore City Council
Richmond Board of Advisors
St. Christopher’s Episcopal School
Baltimore Board of Advisors
Jackson Lewis
Learning Director, Ward 8
DC Metro
Emena manages mentoring at the Ward 8 Achievement Center and work with the Ward 8 center staff to create a safe, impactful, and positive learning environment where our scholars can grow and realize their potential.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I enjoy having an impact on the scholars and the city I grew up in!”
Emeritus Board
Bates White
Learning Coordinator, Ward 6
DC Metro
Erykah is on the ground with our scholars every day at Center. Alongside Ward 6’s Learning Director, she executes the daily ins and outs of programming. In addition, Erykah ensures that all of our volunteers have up-to-date clearances and manages our amazing Ward 6 mentors.
“As an alum of a very similar program I personally understand the importance of educational access programs—and I am a prime example of the impact they have on scholars’ lives!”
Richmond Board of Advisors
Former Henrico County Superintendent
Baltimore Board of Advisors
Higher Achievement Baltimore Mentor
Managing Director of Program
James manages the Center Support Team – to offer strong org-wide trainings, services, and supports for Center staff across core elements of our program model.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I enjoy collaborating with scholars, families, and schools to support scholars’ academic and social growth.”
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Millrose Partners
Board of Directors
PwC
Senior Manager of Development
Jessica works alongside the development team, overseeing Higher Achievement’s communication channels, digital fundraising, and annual appeals.
“I support Higher Achievement because I believe in closing the opportunity gap and giving our scholars the opportunities they deserve.”
Chief Operating Officer
Emeritus Board
Eagle Hill Consulting
Baltimore Board of Advisors
PwC
Director of Program Operations
Baltimore
Board of Directors
New York Life
Senior Director of Finance
Julie manages all finance and accounting activities and works closely with senior management and staff to ensure sustainability of the organization. She prepares, analyzes, and interprets financial reports for management and facilitate annual audits.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I believe in its mission and want to bring my finance, communication and leadership skills to help build and sustain the organization.”
Executive Director
Richmond
Senior Manager of Volunteers and Curriculum
Learning Director, Brookland
DC Metro
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Clark Construction
Board of Directors
Pepco
Senior Manager of Development
Kimberly manages the grant portfolio for Higher Achievement’s DC Metro affiliate.
“I work at Higher Achievement because nobody should be denied a bright future because of zip code. In uniting as a community and raising each other up, we can really make a difference.”
Learning Director, Henderson
Richmond
Learning Coordinator, Dogwood
Richmond
As a Learning Coordinator, Lucy works with two very important groups of people—our scholars and mentors. She supports the implementation of our mentoring curriculum by recruiting, training, and assisting volunteer mentors. She works with scholars in several different capacities including creating meaningful programming, assisting scholars through the high school application process, homework help, discipline, and supporting scholars in any other way they might need. She works closely with the Binford Center Director to keep Center running smoothly and safely.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I understand the importance of providing meaningful, educational, and safe after school time. Our staff and volunteer mentors provide support, enrichment, and a sense of community that is impactful to our scholars both on a daily basis and in the long term. I know how much our scholars value their time with their mentors, and I’m happy that I can assist in creating and supporting those relationships.”
Richmond Board of Advisors
BrownGreer
CEO
Lynsey supports Higher Achievement scholars across all four regions, making sure that we advance our mission and run an effective organization. Lynsey works with the Board of Directors, staff, supporters, and partners to raise funds, grow and evaluate our program, and continually improve.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I’ve witnessed the power of our model as a volunteer and staff member for 19+ years, with countless successful alumni and hard data. Our model bridges divides and advances justice.”
Emeritus Board
Community Volunteer
Board of Directors
Richmond Board of Advisors, Chair
Community Volunteer
Baltimore Board of Advisors
Venable, LLP
Board of Directors, Chair
IBM
Learning Director, Greenbelt
DC Metro
Mike is responsible for the recruitment, supervision, training, and support of volunteer teaching mentors, ensuring that they are able to implement the curriculum and actively engage scholars in learning. As a VSC, he also plans and executes center events, field trips, and other activities to enhance the scholars’ learning experience.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I am passionate about Higher Achievement’s mission, and this is the perfect position that will allow me to continue working with youth in the DMV area so that I can be an ally.”
Learning Director, Highlandtown
Baltimore
As a Learning Direcor, Milan ensures that our scholars, families, and center are thriving. Milan also leads programming for our scholars including tutoring, mentoring, community meetings, and more.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I’m committed to serving, uplifting, and working with children of color. I’m especially concerned with targeting inequities that children of color face.”
Board of Directors, Secretary
DSI
Emeritus Board
Camber Creek
Learning Director, Mount Royal
Baltimore
Much of Natia’s role involves contributing to volunteer recruitment, training volunteers, facilitating communication with mentors, curating curriculum for mentoring sessions, and participating in the fun/excitement of Center!
“I work at Higher Achievement because…I have a background in health education, and so I support the organization’s holistic approach to academic enrichment and SEL.”
Richmond Board of Advisors
Tredegar Corporation
Baltimore Board of Advisors
Miles & Stockbridge P.C.
Emeritus Board
Madison Wealth Management
Director of Program Operations
Richmond
Emeritus Board
Clark Construction
Richmond Board of Advisors
Feed More
Learning Coordinator, Ward 4
DC Metro
Emeritus Board
Community Volunteer
Development Manager
Emeritus Board
Learning Director, Lakeland
Baltimore
Richmond Board of Advisors
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Baltimore Board of Advisors
T. Rowe Price Associates
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Dr. Woodlon develops, implements, and monitors DEI-related strategies and initiatives that support equitable outcomes for colleagues, scholars, and communities. At the heart of her work at Higher Achievement is relationships – which serve as the foundation for a positive organizational culture in which DEI work may thrive.
“I work at Higher Achievement because…the people are second to none! Higher Achievement’s team of dedicated and motivated folks truly care about the scholars and communities we work with each day!”
Accounting and Payroll Manager/Government Grants Administrator
Yancy guarantees that Higher Achievement can fulfill its mission by working closely with affiliates to provide them with billing support. She also is responsible for processing accounts payable and receivable, and payroll.
“I work at Higher Achievement because I love what Higher Achievement’s mission is: help scholars meet their goals and become someone in life, no matter what.”
