Our Team

Being Alabama-borne, breed, and educated (aside from the military), what I know for sure, is that education has and always will be, one of the greatest gains that I have personally experienced and it changed my life! The desire to gain knowledge is something that each of us is born with; who fosters that is a different scenario. What drives me is my unwavering passion for others to win! Winning has such a sweet aroma of victory and being triumphant!

Ashlee Taylor is a licensed attorney and entrepreneur who holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as a Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law. Ashlee Taylor is a fervent advocate for high quality education options, and the economic advancement of the Black Community. she takes great pride in doing meaningful work.

Favorite Quote: Fear is the mind killer. Let it pass through you.
Lakeshia Wheeler is a freelance graphic designer and owner of Keekee360 Design a brand and marketing design firm located in Huntsville, Al that serves clients all over the world. Keekee helps entrepreneurs bring their dreams to reality. Keekee is a twenty year veteran of using print and web technologies to build relationships for business, organizations and individuals. She speaks, blogs, writes and creates.

Shatae Martin is an innovative and purpose-driven educational leader whose work is rooted in a deep commitment to leadership development, student growth, and community empowerment. She holds a Master of Science in Education and, as a proud TRIO Upward Bound alumna, understands the life-changing power of access, mentorship, and opportunity in creating pathways for emerging and aspiring leaders, as well as youth.

Additionally, her background in community mental health shapes her compassionate, holistic approach to leadership, strengthening her ability to support social-emotional growth and build meaningful relationships with students, families, and communities. Shatae believes true leadership honors both excellence and human well-being.

Driven by a vision for equity, she is committed to cultivating reflective, equity-minded leaders who are equipped to create lasting change across schools, communities, and the state of Alabama.

A native of Gadsden, she was raised there and earned her BA from Jacksonville State University with a focus in Business Management. Bonita is a mother of two children, and becoming a parent early on deepened her understanding of how parent engagement and involvement are key factors in a child’s success. She has spent many years volunteering her time to Black Alabamians for Education prior to becoming an administrative assistant with the organization. Bonita is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Business Administration at Jacksonville State University. She remains committed to advocating for education and empowering families within her community.

James Thornton is a dedicated education professional with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, youth advocacy, and student development. With a background in mentoring and community outreach, James is passionate about empowering underserved students to succeed academically and in life. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, James brings expertise in leadership, team collaboration, and strategic planning to his role as the Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at Build Up Community School in Birmingham, AL.

James has a strong track record of building meaningful partnerships with families, educators, and community organizations, which has resulted in increased student enrollment and enhanced community involvement. An active member of various community organizations, James is committed to fostering educational excellence and driving positive change within underserved communities.