Tiesha M. Butler
Fellowship Placement: Whitehall City Schools
Tiesha M. Butler (she/her/hers) is a dedicated, impactful, student-centered educator and leader who is passionate about being the catalyst in education for student success.
She earned her B.A. in English from the University of Toledo and M.Ed. in Secondary English Language Arts from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Tiesha’s educational journey began as a first-generation college student. Through the college’s student support services, Tiesha found her place as a peer mentor and an office assistant. Tiesha later worked at COSI Toledo and as a substitute teacher in Toledo Public Schools, which helped her to discover a love for educating students and becoming a world-changer.
Tiesha has experience working in urban, suburban, and rural school districts at both middle and high school levels. She has served in many roles, and in her most recent position as a Literacy Specialist, she supported principals, students, and staff in effective educational strategies. This gave her the opportunity to serve as a leader and a source of support and encouragement for her colleagues. Tiesha has had success as educator, which has been reflected through student achievement scores. She has also implemented literacy curriculums and cross-curriculum programs/resources, as well as facilitated professional developments in literacy. Tiesha has also been recognized as Educator of the Month and MVP throughout her professional career.
Through BRIGHT, Tiesha plans to bring her diverse experiences to teach students strategies to navigate academically and socially, which will help them to attain success in and out of the classroom.
When Tiesha is not teaching, she enjoys gardening, writing, reading, and home projects. She also volunteers with her church youth group, where she is a youth leader, encouraging students on their spiritual journey.
Lindsey M. Capacetti
Fellowship Placement: Berea City Schools
Lindsey M. Capacetti (she/her/hers) has a commitment to educational equity and strives to provide her students with the best possible education and opportunities.
Lindsey graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from John Carroll University in 2011. She began her career in education as a Secondary Science Teacher and Teach for America Corps Member in New Haven, Connecticut. She has an M.S. in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University.
Over the past 12 years, Lindsey has taught in diverse educational settings, including urban, suburban, and rural communities, and has continued to develop her leadership skills through participation in programs such as the Schlechty Center Regional Teacher Leadership Academy, Expeditionary Learning Conferences, and the Lynch Leadership Academy Webinar Series, among others. She has been privileged to have worked alongside excellent educators that have inspired her to be innovative in the classroom and create a culture of achievement. Most recently, she served as a dedicated Honors Biology, Chemistry, and Biomedical Sciences teacher at Midview Local Schools. She has also served on multiple committees, including PBIS, the Designing Engaging Work Team, and the Science Curriculum Team.
Through her participation in BRIGHT and beyond, she is determined to maintain high standards for herself and her students, while also promoting equitable opportunities and cultivating strong leaders in her community. Lindsey’s passion for community development is evident in both her career and personal life.
In her own time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, DIY home projects, and hosting gatherings for her family and friends.
Amanda Clark
Fellowship Placement: Whitehall City Schools
Amanda Clark (she/her/hers) is a visionary and creative thinker. She aims to design and implement programs that impact systems, utilizing her experience and training with BRIGHT.
She has attained a B.S. in Biology, MEd in Science Education, M.A. in Educational Policy and Leadership, and a Teacher Leader Endorsement Program, all from the Ohio State University. Amanda is licensed to teach Biology and Chemistry in grades 7-12. Additionally, she has worked as a Chemistry Teaching Assistant at OSU, a Science Teacher with Upward Bound Summer Enrichment Institute at Columbus State Community College, and a Science Teacher for Columbus City Schools.
Through her long tenure at Columbus City Schools, Amanda has had the chance to serve in various leadership roles, including science department chair, assessment leader, and a Building Leadership team member, where she was able to assist in developing the school improvement plan, lead staff professional development, and collaborate with colleagues across the district to address needs identified within schools. Amanda has also served as grades 6-12 district science curriculum coordinator.
Amanda is introspective in both her work and personal life, as she enjoys solitude, writing, and reading. She has also been awarded Teacher of the Year multiple times!
Benjamin M. Colas
Fellowship Placement: Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District
Benjamin M. Colas has a love of learning and believes that education allows students to discover how their own knowledge, skills, and values can help them to lead a life of purpose.
He received a B.S. in finance from Grove City College.
Benjamin entered education in 2013 as a Teach for America Corps member in Cleveland, OH. Throughout the next 5 years, he gained much experience within K-12 education. Benjamin taught kindergarten in Cleveland schools, and with the help of strong family partnerships, he contributed to students doubling their projected academic growth. He also coached teachers on relationship-building, recruited quality school leaders, and provided support to a building’s leadership-centric redesign.
This experience allowed Benjamin to see firsthand the cycle of kids entering kindergarten behind academically and not catching up, which motivated him to launch KinderKits. This initiative served to equip and empower parents in their role as a child’s first teacher and use everyday moments as teaching opportunities. Over 6,000 parents across Ohio and Pennsylvania have received these kits and the work was recognized in local and national outlets.
His most recent work at Class Technologies and Stand Together has focused on K-12 innovation and supporting education entrepreneurs and school leaders to expand access to educational opportunities and redefine when, where, and how education is delivered.
Benjamin looks forward to applying learnings from BRIGHT and helping foster opportunities for learners to unlock their potential. He is preparing to lead a building and foster an environment where both students and staff feel safe, welcomed, and valued.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, reading, grilling, and being active outdoors.
Michael D. Cole
Fellowship Placement: Canal Winchester City Schools
Michael D. Cole (he/him/his) is a firm believer in the possibility of infinite possibilities for anyone committed to realizing their fullest potential. Through his work with BRIGHT, Cole aims to bring this mindset and his skills to work collaboratively with staff and students towards their optimal professional and academic outcomes.
Michael holds a B.A. in International Studies from The Ohio State University and M.A. in Strategic Communications & Leadership (MASCL) from Seton Hall University. Additionally, he completed the Accelerating Board Capacity Certification from Harvard Business School and a certificate in Education Finance from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.
His diverse professional background demonstrates that of an accomplished leader with expertise in strategic communications, public policy, government affairs, community engagement, and operations management. Serving in a variety of roles during the last two decades, Michael has leveraged opportunities to secure grants, develop campaigns, and oversee large budgets.
In public education, Michael brings 10 years of governance experience as an elected member of the Columbus City Schools Board of Education. He also worked for several years as a substitute teacher in the South-Western City School District at the middle and high school levels.
With a passion for sharing and learning, Michael enjoys public service, leadership mentoring, and reading spiritual writings. He collects the works of renowned authors, such as Peter Senge, James Baldwin, Amitai Etzioni, and Rudyard Kipling. Inspired by the interests of his father and uncles, he also is a corvette and motorcycle enthusiast. Michael is married to Lee Cole and they are the loving parents of three adult children.
Joseph D. Cooper
Fellowship Placement: Columbus City Schools
Joseph D. Cooper Sr. (he/him/his) is a skilled and experienced leader who has spent his career building relationships with his staff and positively impacting the lives of young people.
He received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, where he was a student-athlete and 2-time captain on the football team. Through the challenges of balancing athletics and academics, he developed valuable time management and leadership skills.
Joseph has spent the past 12 years as Director of Security, where he has built a cohesive team of an assistant director, security officers, and supervisors. His ability to connect with and inspire his staff has earned him the title of “most inspirational leader” among all managers.
Joseph’s passion for positively influencing the lives of young people led him to pursue coaching basketball. He began coaching in 2007 with second graders and has since coached at the junior high and high school levels. In addition to coaching, Joseph has also served as a substitute teacher and safety and security resource coordinator with Columbus City Schools.
As a member of the BRIGHT program, Joseph hopes to use his experiences and skills to positively impact the lives of young people. He believes that with the right guidance and support, today’s youth can become tomorrow’s leaders. Joseph’s dedication to his staff, his community, and the young people he serves makes him a valuable asset to any organization.
Luke Feerer
Fellowship Placement: Mad River Local Schools
Luke Feerer (he/him/his) strives to be a tireless advocate and champion for his students, as well as a dependable pillar for parents through his professional and personal endeavors.
Luke obtained his B.A. in Communication Studies from Wright State University.
During his undergraduate years, Luke held a position as a marketing intern at the renowned Ervin J Nutter Center. During his tenure, he gained invaluable experience in event planning, project development, and marketing, and he intends to embed these skills into his work as a K-12 administrator. Luke also served as a test proctor, note taker, and academic assistant/tutor through the Wright State University Office of Disability Services, where he had the opportunity to provide academic assistance to students in need. Through this work, he developed a unique understanding of the challenges that students with disabilities face and the importance of excellent educators in their lives.
Luke brings with him much prior experience in business, including his own venture as the business owner of both a facilities maintenance company and restaurant. More recently, he has served students as an ELA Phonics Instructor at Dayton Public Schools. He also volunteers his time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Montgomery County Juvenile Court, which recently won him their 2023 Star Award for volunteer services.
Luke is eager to further develop his skills and knowledge through BRIGHT with a mission to create brighter futures for all students. His unwavering dedication to supporting the community has earned him recognition as a ‘Daytonian of the Week’ by Dayton.com.
In his personal time, Luke enjoys spending time with his elderly mother and teenage daughter. He also loves cooking, watching college sports, and listening to live music.
Lazaro G. Fuentes Jr.
Fellowship Placement: Canal Winchester City Schools
Lazaro G. Fuentes Jr. (he/him/his) is a driven and experienced professional who is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of young people.
He holds a B.A. in History from The Ohio State University and M.S. in Sports & Recreation Sciences from Ohio University. Lazaro also acquired the necessary trade skills and licenses to work as a general contractor and real estate agent.
Lazaro began his career as a supervisor and later embarked on a business venture as the owner of a residential and commercial construction company for a large part of his career. His career path then shifted as he pursued a calling for sports management, which led him to to a role equal to that of the Director of Recreation Sports at a regional campus of The Ohio State University. He previously fueled his passion for sports as the Director of Soccer Operations, as well as coaching for local soccer clubs and a high school team. His training in Title IX helped him to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participating students.
Lazaro has further demonstrated his dedication to growth and leadership development by chairing and serving on multiple hiring committees, as well as serving as the BSA Tri-creek District Day Camp Director and precinct election official for the Fairfield County Board of Elections. With the help of BRIGHT, Lazaro will be in a position to continue leading others and impacting youth in his community through his work in education.
Lazaro’s outdoor hobbies include camping, fishing, and hunting, as well as working with his hands in auto mechanics and tinkering and restoring items back to working condition.
Kameelah Guthridge
Fellowship Placement: Columbus City Schools
Kameelah Guthridge (she/her/hers) is a seasoned professional with a passion for servant-leadership and creating solutions for complex problems.
Kameelah has an extensive academic background. She is graduate prepared in business administration and entrepreneurship and has training and certifications in many disciplines including, Lean Six Sigma, Design Thinking, Change Management, Performance Excellence, and Entrepreneurial Mindset.
As the founder of a small business with multiple brands, Kameelah dedicates herself to contributing to the community and creating positive change. Her diverse professional experiences have greatly informed her career trajectory. Prior to pivoting into entrepreneurship, she served as a policy author for the largest state-operated insurance system in the United States, writing administrative policy and leading process improvement projects. She further applies her expertise through her service on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), where she helps to identify tax issues that are important to taxpayers and provide a taxpayer’s perspective to the IRS on key programs, products, and services. Additionally, she serves on a local non-profit board that exists to deliver quality support that improves employment, health, education, housing, and overall wellness in the community.
Through Bright, Kameelah aims to empower students and educators in high-poverty schools by providing them with transformative opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. Her commitment to service and leadership is commendable, and she is a valuable asset to the communities and organizations that she serves.
In her personal life, Kameelah enjoys traveling, dining out, and creating inspirational and educational social media content.
Shayla Ivezzy
Fellowship Placement: Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District
Shayla Ivezzy (she/her/hers) is an educator and equity advocate with experience in facilitation and outreach, and she is motivated to address inequalities by building coalition and addressing systemic racism in structural and relational ways.
Shayla holds a B.A. in Philosophy (Pre-law) from Spelman College and a M.S. in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University. As a first-generation college graduate, Shayla is committed to being a continuous learner and demonstrating to inner-city youth that success is possible, no matter their circumstances.
Shayla’s professional experience began as a Louis Stokes Scholar at the Cleveland Municipal Court, where she collaborated on juvenile diversion programming and was motivated to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline in her community. Shayla later began her work in Cleveland schools as a mentor, tutor, and substitute teacher in 2017 and soon recognized the gross educational disparities and inequities, fueling her decision to go into the classroom full-time. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Shayla joined Teach for America as a 2019 Cleveland Corp Member, and since then, she has taught Special Education in Cleveland schools. Shayla was recently rated as an “Accomplished” teacher and nominated for the Ohio Educator Standards Board for her commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and educator quality.
Shayla is motivated to continue her work in educational equity and systems change and believes that school transformation is possible when a diverse coalition of leaders pursues educational equity for all children. Through BRIGHT, Shayla plans to build her capacity as an educational leader, and she is committed to helping others understand their unique gifts and potential to achieve great things.
On a personal level, Shayla loves to travel, write poetry, and indulge in all the activities of being a sports mom.
Jamel Johnson
Fellowship Placement: Bexley City Schools
Jamel Johnson (he/him/his) is an accomplished educator with a strong commitment to community development and a proven track record of success in the classroom. He brings his passion for education to the forefront, leveraging his experience to make a positive impact in his community.
Jamel earned his B.A. in History from Ohio University, and then began his career at Cincinnati Public Schools as a teacher’s aide and later as a substitute teacher. Most recently, Jamel held a position as a high school teacher and varsity football coach through which he truly proved his commitment to growth in the field of urban education and development.
In 2014, Jamel and his late friend started the Urban Valley Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provided educational support, including college scholarships, school uniform vouchers, and supply and backpack giveaways. The foundation served the community for seven years, and provided an opportunity for much bonding, listening, and learning. As a BRIGHT Fellow, Jamel’s personal motivation is to develop into a strong leader and leave a legacy of making an impact through education and developing the next generation in his community.
In his free time, Jamel enjoys training and competing in 5K races, traveling abroad to experience global cultures, and cheering for the Cincinnati Bengals and Buckeyes during fall weekends.
Kayla King
Fellowship Placement: United Schools Network
Kayla King (she/her/hers) is a passionate and dedicated educator who is driven to make a difference in her community.
With a B.A. in Early Childhood Education (PK-3) and a 4th-5th Generalist Endorsement, Kayla has served as a teacher at an elementary charter school since its inception in 2017. As a founding member, she played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and mission of the school and was able to gain experience in leadership by joining various committees and assuming leadership roles.
Kayla’s commitment to education and her leadership skills have brought her the opportunity to now serve as Dean of Family and Community Engagement at the same school where she started her career. Through her work, Kayla has been able to cultivate joyful and rigorous learning environments for her scholars and believes that education is a powerful tool in transforming lives. She believes that being an administrator is the best way to bring about change and is committed to designing and implementing programs that impact systems.
Through BRIGHT, Kayla strives to further her career in education as an administrator and pursue her passion for transforming the lives of scholars.
During her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her niece in Cleveland. She also loves being in nature, whether it’s hiking in local parks or fishing on Lake Erie.
Brian T. Lowery
Fellowship Placement: Bexley City Schools
Brian T. Lowery (he/him/his) believes that schools are a reflection of the surrounding communities, and he strives to foster a mindset in youth that reflects a culture of trust, learning, and achievement.
Brian holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from Wright State University and a M.S. in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy.
In the early years of his career, Brian worked as a Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher at a charter school in Dayton, OH. He later took on the position of a Teacher and Vocational Specialist for the Life Skills Center. Through this role, he assisted at-risk youth, ages 16-22, with career development and guidance to achieve their educational and vocational goals. Additionally, Brian completed an internship at Central State University as a graduate assistant in their athletics department, which provided experience in event management, collection and distribution of statistics, and media and communication efforts. Most recently, Brian served as the Athletic Director for Columbus City Schools and Southwestern City Schools, through which he has gained much experience in hiring and training, managing a budget, operations management of facilities and teams, and most importantly, working directly with students, staff, families, and the larger community. This gained him recognition when he won Athletic Director of the Year in 2013 and 2022. Brian has also fueled his passion for sports through coaching high school and club basketball and football.
Through his own leadership journey in Bright, Brian will continue honing his leadership skills and learning how to create pathways to empower youth to become leaders in their communities. His breadth of knowledge and experience in helping students reach their goals will support his success in pursuing his own goals as a K-12 administrator.
In his free time, Brian enjoys collecting comic books and listening to music.
Shannon Mathie
Fellowship Placement: Copley-Fairlawn City Schools
Shannon Mathie (she/her/hers) is a highly experienced professional who strives to bring widespread impact to educational systems.
Shannon has a B.A. in Business Administration from Mount Union College and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Kaplan University. She is also a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt and proud Malcolm H. Kerr Scholar.
Shannon’s educational experiences align with her professional background, as she has held many leadership roles at various medical practices and healthcare systems. She most recently served as Director of Strategic Initiatives for Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health. Shannon’s experience gained in strategic partnership and resource provision from this role will help her gain trust and confidence of key stakeholders within the education realm, including teachers, students, and families. She has also learned the value of mental and behavioral health programming for students and plans to incorporate this into the programs and services offered within the schools she serves.
Through BRIGHT, Shannon is interested in learning how to use data to demonstrate the positive impact her leadership can bring through cost savings, increased revenue, staff retention, and community partnerships, which further yield change to school systems and the students they serve. Shannon hopes to create a safe space for students to develop academically, socially, and emotionally, as well as promote professional development and collaboration among teachers and staff.
On a personal level, Shannon enjoys traveling with her family and exploring new areas. She is also an avid reader, and once read 532 books in one year!
Damita L. Peery
Fellowship Placement: Whitehall City Schools
Damita L. Peery (she/her/hers) strives to utilize her expertise to positively impact the lives of Ohio’s citizens.
Damita earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Kent State University and M.A. in Justice Administration from Tiffin University.
She has extensive experience in child welfare and criminal justice and has held a variety of positions, such as Parole Officer, Bureau Chief of Parole, Agency Assistant Director, and Human Services Program Consultant, as well as served in the capacity as a Parole Board Member and Parole Board Chairperson. Over 37 years, Damita served in state leadership roles that became progressively greater in scope, through which she was tasked with managing a multi-million-dollar budget and over three thousand staff. Damita has always had a heart for children, and these experiences gained her the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Ohio’s children and families in both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.
Through her work, Damita has learned the importance of incremental change to make meaningful progress, gaining teacher and community support through frequent two-way communication, and road mapping. With her training from BRIGHT, she aims to become a successful principal who understands the nuances of teaching and working towards engaging parents and teachers.
Outside of her professional life, Damita loves interacting with people and traveling to new and interesting places. Her passion for meeting new people has allowed her to expand her perspective and grow both personally and professionally
Richara M. Richardson
Fellowship Placement: Cincinnati Public Schools
Richara M. Richardson (she/her/hers) strives to better understand the challenges in urban education and diversify approaches to help students excel.
Richara carries many degrees, including B.A.’s in English Literature & African American Studies, an M.Ed in Educational Administration, and an Ed.D. in Urban Educational Leadership, which have supported her passion for educational research, such as her work on high school retention rates among African American males. As a leader in K-12 schools, Richara plans to incorporate her findings into educational strategies and work to produce, mentor, and coach an effective and high-quality staff that will help students excel academically.
Through her professional experiences, Richara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of education. Richara has served as a Resource Coordinator for Families FORWARD, Extended Learning Specialist for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, Teacher for Cincinnati Public Schools, Assistant Director for GEAR UP, and HR Business Partner for Dayton Public Schools. She also serves as a mentor for Ladies of Leadership and Board Vice President for Mustard Seed Faith Outreach Services. In recognition of her contributions to her field, Richara has received the Black & Latino Achiever’s Award and the STRIVE Award for Excellence in Service. Through her experience in Bright, Richara is eager to share new ideas and experiences that will help guide her development as an effective leader in urban education.
When she’s not working, Richara loves to travel and learn about different places, communities, and cultures. She also stays active as a member of an adult Double Dutch team. She holds important her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa. With her expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence, Richara is an excellent fit for any educational organization seeking to make a difference in the lives of students.
Samuel L. Robinson Jr.
Fellowship Placement: Washington Local Schools
Samuel L. Robinson Jr. (he/him/his) is a seasoned professional who focuses on the achievement and retention of the student populations he serves.
He earned his B.A. in History from the University of Toledo and a M.Ed. from American Intercontinental University.
Samuel has experience in leadership, academic planning, and advisement of first-generation college students from lowincome households and historically underrepresented racial groups. He has served as a Program Coordinator for the Young Scholars Program with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at The Ohio State University and as a Youth Advocate/Facilitator for the YWCA of Northwest Ohio. Samuel’s passion for helping others is evident in his work as a former Committee Chair for the City of Toledo Youth Commission, and he has also partnered with Toledo area public schools to provide FAFSA, Common App, ACT, and SAT workshops for high school students. Additionally, he has served as an advisor for the Young Men of Excellence Rogers High School chapter, providing guidance and support to young men who are striving to make a positive impact in their community.
Through his experience in BRIGHT, Samuel plans to continue honing his leadership skills and his pursuit to foster genuine relationships with students, families, school districts, and the community. Samuel also demonstrates a passion for his personal interests. He is an avid sports fan and loves nothing more than attending or watching sporting events. He enjoys working out and staying fit. Samuel values spending quality time with his family and friends, whether a simple dinner or fun outing, he makes the most of every opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones.
Isaiah E. Terrell
Fellowship Placement: Columbus City Schools
Isaiah E. Terrell (he/him/his) is a dedicated educational leader with a passion for building strong collaborations between parents, students, and teachers.
Isaiah has attained a B.S. in Business Management and completed graduate-level work in School Psychology and Educational Leadership.
He began his career as an Assistant Program Director at a Charter School in Detroit and went on to serve as a Dean in Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Isaiah believes that strong, trustworthy relationships are the foundation of a successful school community. As a BRIGHT fellow, he is committed to leading the charge in building positive relationships and creating a village of support and accountability for children. Isaiah’s leadership philosophy centers on servantship and helping people work through their challengesto achieve their goals.
In his free time, Isaiah enjoys playing music, watching movies, keeping up with fashion trends, and traveling to new places. He also loves spending quality time with his friends and family while indulging in delicious food. Isaiah’s passion for helping people extends beyond his professional life. He has served as a youth leader in his church and has been a leader in various other organizations and activities. Isaiah knows that leadership is about serving others, and he brings this philosophy to all aspects of his life.
LeRoy S. Thornton II
Fellowship Placement: Canal Winchester City Schools
LeRoy S. Thornton II (he/him/his) is a passionate visionary who strives to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged and at-risk youth.
He holds a B.S. in business from Urbana University, as well as a M.S. from Central Michigan University.
LeRoy has held many leadership roles in K-12 education, including Dean of Students, Coordinator of Student Services, Transportation Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Co-Principal. His most recent role at Columbus City Schools was as a Title I Instructional Aide. Within each of these roles, LeRoy has been an integral part of establishing a positive student culture. Most recently, LeRoy served as the PBIS Coordinator for his school district to provide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports that are tried and necessary to create a safe and effective learning environment for all students as they begin to embark on their future dreams and goals.
Through his own educational journey, LeRoy recognized the disconnect between educational systems and underprivileged students, who are often overlooked or not given the opportunity to succeed. His work in K-12 education works to provide the necessary support, resources, and guidance to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to reach their academic and career goals. Further, LeRoy’s experience in education also inspired him to start a non-profit organization, Innovate Success, that helps young African American boys, ages 6-12, who are struggling. As the founder of Innovate Success, LeRoy has demonstrated business and entrepreneurial skills, as well as a dedication to the development and success of at-risk youth.
LeRoy joined BRIGHT to help aspiring students who, like himself, may have been disregarded and overlooked. He is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of youth and those in his community.
Outside of work, LeRoy coaches high school wrestling, track, and soccer which are sports he has also participated in at some point in his life. He enjoys family time, exercising, and golfing, but his true joy comes from watching his three boys grow up and excel in school and extracurricular activities, including sports.
La’Rez Wilson
Fellowship Placement: Metro Schools
La’Rez Wilson (he/him/his) is a lifelong learner who is dedicated to fostering spaces of community and belonging.
La’Rez holds a B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Chemistry, which allowed him to nurture his analytical interests while also connecting with the world. He later pursued his master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, where he built on his value of service and the importance of fostering civic engagement.
La’Rez’s professional experiences have focused greatly on leadership, instruction, and community-based work in higher education settings. He has advised and led students in direct and indirect service projects, fostering skills in reflection and civic agency. He has recently worked with City Year Columbus to train and guide young professionals as they assist students in math and ELA classrooms in K-12 settings. La’Rez continues to seek opportunities, such as BRIGHT, to further mold his understanding of leadership and equity in building supportive learning communities.
Through BRIGHT, La’Rez is answering a moral calling to elevate his leadership and desire to engage students and parents in discovering meaning, inspiration, and hope in education. He hopes to provide an authentic environment for students to find joy in learning.
Outside of work, La’Rez enjoys all types of art, including listening to music, sketching and drawing, and any form of performing arts. He is also passionate about comics and animation and welcomes any opportunity to connect with others who share his interests.
