top of page
Liberatory Creative Foundation Board
Scott Faris
Board Director: Education
Scott Faris is a director and editor based in Los Angeles. He is a co-founder of Universe Creative, a video production company focused on creating documentaries and short content for conscientious brands. Scott has roots in film, education and advertising. He grew up in West Virginia and graduated with a B.F.A. from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. After teaching fifth grade on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, he joined Teach For America’s award-winning marketing team as a video producer in Colorado. He continued to pursue the intersection of education and video storytelling at a Los Angeles marketing agency before founding Universe Creative in 2017.
Scott Faris is a director and editor based in Los Angeles. He is a co-founder of Universe Creative, a video production company focused on creating documentaries and short content for conscientious brands. Scott has roots in film, education and advertising. He grew up in West Virginia and graduated with a B.F.A. from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. After teaching fifth grade on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, he joined Teach For America’s award-winning marketing team as a video producer in Colorado. He continued to pursue the intersection of education and video storytelling at a Los Angeles marketing agency before founding Universe Creative in 2017.
Meagan Turner, Esq.
Board Director: Productions
Meagan is a Senior Consultant and Program Lead in the legal services industry. Having a passion for people-centered work, she brings together strategic thinking and project leadership. Raised in Southern California, she earned her degrees in Psychology and Black Studies from UC Santa Barbara, and later completed both her JD and MBA at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While there, she served as Treasurer of the Black Law Students Association and was part of the inaugural cohort of the Innovation Immersion Program, bridging business and legal innovation.
Outside of work, Meagan serves on the executive board of Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity and regularly volunteers with other community organizations. In addition, she’s especially interested in the evolving role of AI in education, law, and everyday life. In her free time, you can find her hiking, traveling, discovering new music, or getting lost in a good book.
Meagan is a Senior Consultant and Program Lead in the legal services industry. Having a passion for people-centered work, she brings together strategic thinking and project leadership. Raised in Southern California, she earned her degrees in Psychology and Black Studies from UC Santa Barbara, and later completed both her JD and MBA at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While there, she served as Treasurer of the Black Law Students Association and was part of the inaugural cohort of the Innovation Immersion Program, bridging business and legal innovation.
Outside of work, Meagan serves on the executive board of Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity and regularly volunteers with other community organizations. In addition, she’s especially interested in the evolving role of AI in education, law, and everyday life. In her free time, you can find her hiking, traveling, discovering new music, or getting lost in a good book.
Anthony Grant
Founder Steward | Board Director: Architecture
Anthony is the Founder of the Liberatory Creative model, framework, and organization. Born and raised in south Los Angeles, Anthony is a third-generation college graduate, and liberatory creative educator. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he earned degrees in sociology and Black studies. Anthony also attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned his masters in education administration and supervision of curriculum. He is a Teach For America Tulsa alumni. As a corps member and Alumni he has led and coached new and seasoned teachers at the Phoenix and Tulsa Institutes for six years. He was also the regional Executive Director of the African American Affinity organization.
Anthony utilizes his national experience serving and co-creating with communities such as North Tulsa (Greenwood Black Wall Street), Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles and New York City (Harlem). He has served in various capacities from school teacher, literacy director, special education director, director of school culture and family engagement, regional diversity equity and inclusion director, district administrator, and school principal. He is a servant leader and a community organizer committed to dismantling oppressive mindsets and systems.
Anthony works to co-create spaces and places where communities can live, lead and learn as their authentic selves. He believes in disrupting and dismantling oppression, instilling critical thinking, culturally relevant pedagogy, financial literacy, and self expression through the creative arts in schools. Anthony leads through a lens of love ethic, liberation, community co-creation, and creative innovation. Anthony loves to hike, spend time on the beach, and cook with family and friends.
Anthony is the Founder of the Liberatory Creative model, framework, and organization. Born and raised in south Los Angeles, Anthony is a third-generation college graduate, and liberatory creative educator. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he earned degrees in sociology and Black studies. Anthony also attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned his masters in education administration and supervision of curriculum. He is a Teach For America Tulsa alumni. As a corps member and Alumni he has led and coached new and seasoned teachers at the Phoenix and Tulsa Institutes for six years. He was also the regional Executive Director of the African American Affinity organization.
Anthony utilizes his national experience serving and co-creating with communities such as North Tulsa (Greenwood Black Wall Street), Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles and New York City (Harlem). He has served in various capacities from school teacher, literacy director, special education director, director of school culture and family engagement, regional diversity equity and inclusion director, district administrator, and school principal. He is a servant leader and a community organizer committed to dismantling oppressive mindsets and systems.
Anthony works to co-create spaces and places where communities can live, lead and learn as their authentic selves. He believes in disrupting and dismantling oppression, instilling critical thinking, culturally relevant pedagogy, financial literacy, and self expression through the creative arts in schools. Anthony leads through a lens of love ethic, liberation, community co-creation, and creative innovation. Anthony loves to hike, spend time on the beach, and cook with family and friends.
Dr. Letitia Davis-Johnson
Board Director: Humanity
Letitia Johnson-Davis, Ed.D. is a seasoned educator, instructional leader, and advocate for Black educational excellence with over two decades of experience serving historically marginalized communities across California. She is the Founder and VisionKeeper of Nia Knowledge Network, where she partners with school leaders and communities to affirm Black brilliance and cultivate culturally responsive, liberatory learning environments. Dr. Johnson-Davis has served as a principal within Los Angeles Unified School District, leading an award-winning, predominantly Black elementary school recognized for closing the achievement gap, and currently coaches aspiring and practicing administrators through UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute. Her career spans classroom teaching, district leadership, higher education, and national consulting, with a consistent focus on culturally responsive pedagogy, leadership development, and systemic equity.
As a native of California public schools and an educated Black woman, Dr. Johnson-Davis brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work. She is deeply aligned with the Liberatory Creative Foundation’s commitment to liberation, love ethic, co-creation, and creative innovation, and believes wholeheartedly in the necessity of spaces where Black children are free to show up as their full, authentic selves. A passionate believer in the power of performing arts and culturally grounded learning, she views Liberatory Creative Schools as a critical intervention and a generational opportunity to “do right” by Black children and families. Dr. Johnson-Davis is honored to serve on the Liberatory Creative Foundation Board, where she champions visionary, love-centered educational ecosystems that prepare young people to engage critically, creatively, and courageously with the world.
Letitia Johnson-Davis, Ed.D. is a seasoned educator, instructional leader, and advocate for Black educational excellence with over two decades of experience serving historically marginalized communities across California. She is the Founder and VisionKeeper of Nia Knowledge Network, where she partners with school leaders and communities to affirm Black brilliance and cultivate culturally responsive, liberatory learning environments. Dr. Johnson-Davis has served as a principal within Los Angeles Unified School District, leading an award-winning, predominantly Black elementary school recognized for closing the achievement gap, and currently coaches aspiring and practicing administrators through UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute. Her career spans classroom teaching, district leadership, higher education, and national consulting, with a consistent focus on culturally responsive pedagogy, leadership development, and systemic equity.
As a native of California public schools and an educated Black woman, Dr. Johnson-Davis brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work. She is deeply aligned with the Liberatory Creative Foundation’s commitment to liberation, love ethic, co-creation, and creative innovation, and believes wholeheartedly in the necessity of spaces where Black children are free to show up as their full, authentic selves. A passionate believer in the power of performing arts and culturally grounded learning, she views Liberatory Creative Schools as a critical intervention and a generational opportunity to “do right” by Black children and families. Dr. Johnson-Davis is honored to serve on the Liberatory Creative Foundation Board, where she champions visionary, love-centered educational ecosystems that prepare young people to engage critically, creatively, and courageously with the world.
Liberatory Creative Schools Advisory Board
Dr. Letitia Johnson-Davis
L.C. Schools Producer | Chairman
Dr. Letitia Johnson-Davis is an esteemed educator and instructional leader deeply committed to serving traditionally underserved communities. With extensive experience and advanced degrees, Dr. Johnson-Davis is renowned for her expertise in developing and implementing culturally responsive pedagogy to support marginalized students of color.
As the Founder and VisionKeeper of Nia Knowledge Network, Dr. Johnson-Davis serves as a thought partner and collaborator, reflecting Black educational excellence and supporting school communities. Her leadership roles include Director of Education Services at the Center for Powerful Public Schools and serving as an LSP Coach at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies.
Previously, Dr. Johnson-Davis excelled as a distinguished Principal at Baldwin Hills Elementary, recognized as a California Distinguished Award School for closing the achievement gap. She has also contributed significantly as a Senior Consultant and Freedom School Site Coordinator, leveraging culturally responsive curricula and instructional practices to meet underserved student needs.
Dr. Johnson-Davis's teaching experience spans various educational settings, from elementary to university levels. She holds advanced degrees, including an Ed.D. from the University of Southern California, focusing on literacy for a diverse culture. Dr. Johnson-Davis's dedication to social justice and inclusive education continues to inspire positive change in the field of education.
Dr. Letitia Johnson-Davis is an esteemed educator and instructional leader deeply committed to serving traditionally underserved communities. With extensive experience and advanced degrees, Dr. Johnson-Davis is renowned for her expertise in developing and implementing culturally responsive pedagogy to support marginalized students of color.
As the Founder and VisionKeeper of Nia Knowledge Network, Dr. Johnson-Davis serves as a thought partner and collaborator, reflecting Black educational excellence and supporting school communities. Her leadership roles include Director of Education Services at the Center for Powerful Public Schools and serving as an LSP Coach at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies.
Previously, Dr. Johnson-Davis excelled as a distinguished Principal at Baldwin Hills Elementary, recognized as a California Distinguished Award School for closing the achievement gap. She has also contributed significantly as a Senior Consultant and Freedom School Site Coordinator, leveraging culturally responsive curricula and instructional practices to meet underserved student needs.
Dr. Johnson-Davis's teaching experience spans various educational settings, from elementary to university levels. She holds advanced degrees, including an Ed.D. from the University of Southern California, focusing on literacy for a diverse culture. Dr. Johnson-Davis's dedication to social justice and inclusive education continues to inspire positive change in the field of education.
Makiah Green
Board Chair: Productions
Makiah Green is an accomplished entertainment industry professional known for her diverse expertise in content development and community engagement. As Senior Vice President at LizzoBangers, Makiah led the production of the Emmy Award-winning series, "Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls," and developed original programming sold to Amazon and Apple. At Netflix, Makiah served as a Manager of Original Series, overseeing acclaimed comedy series and spearheading strategies to improve content offerings for diverse audiences. Previously, at MACRO, she provided development support for notable film and TV projects and managed the MACRO Episodic Lab. Starting as an Executive Assistant at MACRO, Makiah played a vital role in daily operations and project evaluation. In addition to her professional roles, Makiah founded Black Book LA, curating content highlighting events and Black-owned businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Makiah holds a Master of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California, with a concentration in Screenwriting and Non-Fiction, and earned a B.A. in English-Creative Writing with a Screenwriting Minor. Makiah's multifaceted experiences and commitment to diversity and inclusion continue to shape her impactful contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond.
Makiah Green is an accomplished entertainment industry professional known for her diverse expertise in content development and community engagement. As Senior Vice President at LizzoBangers, Makiah led the production of the Emmy Award-winning series, "Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls," and developed original programming sold to Amazon and Apple. At Netflix, Makiah served as a Manager of Original Series, overseeing acclaimed comedy series and spearheading strategies to improve content offerings for diverse audiences. Previously, at MACRO, she provided development support for notable film and TV projects and managed the MACRO Episodic Lab. Starting as an Executive Assistant at MACRO, Makiah played a vital role in daily operations and project evaluation. In addition to her professional roles, Makiah founded Black Book LA, curating content highlighting events and Black-owned businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Makiah holds a Master of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California, with a concentration in Screenwriting and Non-Fiction, and earned a B.A. in English-Creative Writing with a Screenwriting Minor. Makiah's multifaceted experiences and commitment to diversity and inclusion continue to shape her impactful contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond.
Denzel Henderson
Board Chair: Education
Denzel Henderson is a person who was born and brought through adolescence in the city of Los Angeles, CA. He is currently committed to sharing valuable knowledge and experiences with the community that nurtured his development. His immediate interest consists of fostering generational success by sharing educational information to compete with historical disinvestment that has led to a wide diversity of inequitable life outcomes.
Denzel Henderson is a person who was born and brought through adolescence in the city of Los Angeles, CA. He is currently committed to sharing valuable knowledge and experiences with the community that nurtured his development. His immediate interest consists of fostering generational success by sharing educational information to compete with historical disinvestment that has led to a wide diversity of inequitable life outcomes.
Dr. Chris Martin
Board Chair: Humanity
Chris is a lawyer, community organizer, singer and songwriter. He grew up in South Central, Los Angeles, where he graduated from Dorsey High School in 2006. He then attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a double major in English and History, and holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. At UC Hastings, Chris served as Co-President of the Black Law Students' Association.
In 2018, Chris became the Director of the Legal Team for Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles. Through his work with BLM-LA, Chris helped organize a team of over 700 lawyers to reach out to 900 protestors who were arrested for protesting the killing of George Floyd, and successfully negotiated with LA City Attorney and District Attorney to drop all charges against most of them.
In 2020, Chris co-founded the Reimagine Child Safety Coalition, which is dedicated to community organizing for families who are trying to either stay together or get back together after they become entangled with the foster care system.
In his spare time, Chris loves to sing. He is the lead singer of the band, Brownsuede, and their debut EP has nearly surpassed a quarter of a million streams on Spotify. He has performed in venues all across California, and is also a former member of the Los Angeles Lawyers’ Philharmonic.
Chris is a lawyer, community organizer, singer and songwriter. He grew up in South Central, Los Angeles, where he graduated from Dorsey High School in 2006. He then attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a double major in English and History, and holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. At UC Hastings, Chris served as Co-President of the Black Law Students' Association.
In 2018, Chris became the Director of the Legal Team for Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles. Through his work with BLM-LA, Chris helped organize a team of over 700 lawyers to reach out to 900 protestors who were arrested for protesting the killing of George Floyd, and successfully negotiated with LA City Attorney and District Attorney to drop all charges against most of them.
In 2020, Chris co-founded the Reimagine Child Safety Coalition, which is dedicated to community organizing for families who are trying to either stay together or get back together after they become entangled with the foster care system.
In his spare time, Chris loves to sing. He is the lead singer of the band, Brownsuede, and their debut EP has nearly surpassed a quarter of a million streams on Spotify. He has performed in venues all across California, and is also a former member of the Los Angeles Lawyers’ Philharmonic.
Liberatory Creative Holdings Advisory Board
Dr. Katya Armistead
Board Director: Education
A student-focused administrator with 30 years of experience—currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Student Life (AVC/DOS) at UC Santa Barbara. As an executive manager in the Division of Student Affairs, Katya serves as the control point for 10 Student Affairs departments. In her campus leadership role, Katya demonstrates broad concern for issues that pertain to the quality of student life of UCSB students (especially outside of the classroom); facilitates problem-solving and crisis response; promotes inclusion in the campus community and equitable access to UC Santa Barbara learning environment by students of all identities and liaises between students and University administration by listening broadly to student input and representing student perspectives and interests. Katya completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, her Master’s in Education from Azusa Pacific University, and her doctorate (Ed.D) in educational leadership from a joint program between UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She is a trained facilitator for The Leadership Challenge Workshop®, teaches a leadership course in the UC Santa Barbara Gervitz Graduate School of Education, and works on special projects, especially around campus climate and diversity.
A student-focused administrator with 30 years of experience—currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Student Life (AVC/DOS) at UC Santa Barbara. As an executive manager in the Division of Student Affairs, Katya serves as the control point for 10 Student Affairs departments. In her campus leadership role, Katya demonstrates broad concern for issues that pertain to the quality of student life of UCSB students (especially outside of the classroom); facilitates problem-solving and crisis response; promotes inclusion in the campus community and equitable access to UC Santa Barbara learning environment by students of all identities and liaises between students and University administration by listening broadly to student input and representing student perspectives and interests. Katya completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, her Master’s in Education from Azusa Pacific University, and her doctorate (Ed.D) in educational leadership from a joint program between UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She is a trained facilitator for The Leadership Challenge Workshop®, teaches a leadership course in the UC Santa Barbara Gervitz Graduate School of Education, and works on special projects, especially around campus climate and diversity.
Daniel Choi
Board Director: Productions
Daniel Choi was born and raised in Los Angeles. He attended California State University, Fullerton. Daniel is the founder and CEO of Dream Bridge recruitment consultancy. Dream Bridge was established with one thing in mind, to help bridge the gap on talent! We are committed to connecting first- class talent to our amazing clients to help build successful teams. We are dedicated individuals who are passionate about providing a red-carpet experience to both our clients and candidates. Our goal is to deliver results and ensure that the recruiting process is a smooth and positive experience, where everyone is thoroughly supported from beginning to end.
Every single day Daniel has an opportunity to connect with people to help them land their dream job, or partner with them in furthering their careers. Filling an open position with talented, passionate and candidates excited about the mission of Dream Bridge is such a satisfying experience that he can't get enough of it!
Daniel Choi was born and raised in Los Angeles. He attended California State University, Fullerton. Daniel is the founder and CEO of Dream Bridge recruitment consultancy. Dream Bridge was established with one thing in mind, to help bridge the gap on talent! We are committed to connecting first- class talent to our amazing clients to help build successful teams. We are dedicated individuals who are passionate about providing a red-carpet experience to both our clients and candidates. Our goal is to deliver results and ensure that the recruiting process is a smooth and positive experience, where everyone is thoroughly supported from beginning to end.
Every single day Daniel has an opportunity to connect with people to help them land their dream job, or partner with them in furthering their careers. Filling an open position with talented, passionate and candidates excited about the mission of Dream Bridge is such a satisfying experience that he can't get enough of it!
Anthony Grant
Founder | CEO | Board Director: Architecture
Anthony is the Founder of the Liberatory Creative model, framework, and organization. Born and raised in south Los Angeles, Anthony is a third-generation college graduate, and liberatory creative educator. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he earned degrees in sociology and Black studies. Anthony also attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned his masters in education administration and supervision of curriculum. He is a Teach For America Tulsa alumni. As a corps member and Alumni he has led and coached new and seasoned teachers at the Phoenix and Tulsa Institutes for six years. He was also the regional Executive Director of the African American Affinity organization.
Anthony utilizes his national experience serving and co-creating with communities such as North Tulsa (Greenwood Black Wall Street), Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles and New York City (Harlem). He has served in various capacities from school teacher, literacy director, special education director, director of school culture and family engagement, regional diversity equity and inclusion director, district administrator, and school principal. He is a servant leader and a community organizer committed to dismantling oppressive mindsets and systems.
Anthony works to co-create spaces and places where communities can live, lead and learn as their authentic selves. He believes in disrupting and dismantling oppression, instilling critical thinking, culturally relevant pedagogy, financial literacy, and self expression through the creative arts in schools. Anthony leads through a lens of love ethic, liberation, community co-creation, and creative innovation. Anthony loves to hike, spend time on the beach, and cook with family and friends.
Anthony is the Founder of the Liberatory Creative model, framework, and organization. Born and raised in south Los Angeles, Anthony is a third-generation college graduate, and liberatory creative educator. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he earned degrees in sociology and Black studies. Anthony also attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned his masters in education administration and supervision of curriculum. He is a Teach For America Tulsa alumni. As a corps member and Alumni he has led and coached new and seasoned teachers at the Phoenix and Tulsa Institutes for six years. He was also the regional Executive Director of the African American Affinity organization.
Anthony utilizes his national experience serving and co-creating with communities such as North Tulsa (Greenwood Black Wall Street), Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles and New York City (Harlem). He has served in various capacities from school teacher, literacy director, special education director, director of school culture and family engagement, regional diversity equity and inclusion director, district administrator, and school principal. He is a servant leader and a community organizer committed to dismantling oppressive mindsets and systems.
Anthony works to co-create spaces and places where communities can live, lead and learn as their authentic selves. He believes in disrupting and dismantling oppression, instilling critical thinking, culturally relevant pedagogy, financial literacy, and self expression through the creative arts in schools. Anthony leads through a lens of love ethic, liberation, community co-creation, and creative innovation. Anthony loves to hike, spend time on the beach, and cook with family and friends.
Dr. Chris Martin
Board Director: Productions
Chris is a lawyer, community organizer, singer and songwriter. He grew up in South Central, Los Angeles, where he graduated from Dorsey High School in 2006. He then attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a double major in English and History, and holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. At UC Hastings, Chris served as Co-President of the Black Law Students' Association.
In 2018, Chris became the Director of the Legal Team for Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles. Through his work with BLM-LA, Chris helped organize a team of over 700 lawyers to reach out to 900 protestors who were arrested for protesting the killing of George Floyd, and successfully negotiated with LA City Attorney and District Attorney to drop all charges against most of them.
In 2020, Chris co-founded the Reimagine Child Safety Coalition, which is dedicated to community organizing for families who are trying to either stay together or get back together after they become entangled with the foster care system.
In his spare time, Chris loves to sing. He is the lead singer of the band, Brownsuede, and their debut EP has nearly surpassed a quarter of a million streams on Spotify. He has performed in venues all across California, and is also a former member of the Los Angeles Lawyers’ Philharmonic.
Chris is a lawyer, community organizer, singer and songwriter. He grew up in South Central, Los Angeles, where he graduated from Dorsey High School in 2006. He then attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a double major in English and History, and holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. At UC Hastings, Chris served as Co-President of the Black Law Students' Association.
In 2018, Chris became the Director of the Legal Team for Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles. Through his work with BLM-LA, Chris helped organize a team of over 700 lawyers to reach out to 900 protestors who were arrested for protesting the killing of George Floyd, and successfully negotiated with LA City Attorney and District Attorney to drop all charges against most of them.
In 2020, Chris co-founded the Reimagine Child Safety Coalition, which is dedicated to community organizing for families who are trying to either stay together or get back together after they become entangled with the foster care system.
In his spare time, Chris loves to sing. He is the lead singer of the band, Brownsuede, and their debut EP has nearly surpassed a quarter of a million streams on Spotify. He has performed in venues all across California, and is also a former member of the Los Angeles Lawyers’ Philharmonic.
Liberatory Creative Foundation Advisory Panel
Ruben Rene Orozco
Advisory Panel
Born in south Los Angeles and raised in Durango, Mexico Rene is a community centered activist and educator. He is an advocate for the rights of all students and families. Rene earned his Bachelor's from Anderson University in Biology. He also earned Master's degrees from Marian University Indianapolis in Educational Leadership and Teaching, and recently was admitted to the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Rene is a Teach For America Indianapolis alumni, and a MIT School Access and Quality Fellow. He has served across the country in various school leadership roles, including founding an elementary school, instructional coach, diversity, equity, inclusion and liberation facilitator, school administrator, and statewide district program specialist,.
Rene is a strong operational leader who honors the humanity of everyone he engages with. He is an organized project manager with the ability to manage cross-functional projects. Rene’s specialties include team project management, training & development, and strategic advising. He is able to develop, establish, and influence meaningful partnerships through various communication channels.
Excellence, integrity, relationships, and justice are critical lenses Rene leads through and with others daily. In his spare time he is an avid rock climber, marathon runner, and financial investor who loves good food and people.
Born in south Los Angeles and raised in Durango, Mexico Rene is a community centered activist and educator. He is an advocate for the rights of all students and families. Rene earned his Bachelor's from Anderson University in Biology. He also earned Master's degrees from Marian University Indianapolis in Educational Leadership and Teaching, and recently was admitted to the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Rene is a Teach For America Indianapolis alumni, and a MIT School Access and Quality Fellow. He has served across the country in various school leadership roles, including founding an elementary school, instructional coach, diversity, equity, inclusion and liberation facilitator, school administrator, and statewide district program specialist,.
Rene is a strong operational leader who honors the humanity of everyone he engages with. He is an organized project manager with the ability to manage cross-functional projects. Rene’s specialties include team project management, training & development, and strategic advising. He is able to develop, establish, and influence meaningful partnerships through various communication channels.
Excellence, integrity, relationships, and justice are critical lenses Rene leads through and with others daily. In his spare time he is an avid rock climber, marathon runner, and financial investor who loves good food and people.
Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu
Advisory Panel
Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu is the founder and CEO at Educate our Community. She is passionate about helping women be their best and is currently writing a book about the skills and strategies women of color use to become the highest and truest version of themselves.
Previously a Professor of Education, Lindsay researched how teachers used equity pedagogy to facilitate rigorous learning experiences for lower income, high potential youth. At the University of Southern California, she developed and published a Grade 3-8 problem solving curriculum that was implemented across after school programs in Compton and East Los Angeles.
Lindsay received a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and a masters' degree in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University. She earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California on a full tuition scholarship.
Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu is the founder and CEO at Educate our Community. She is passionate about helping women be their best and is currently writing a book about the skills and strategies women of color use to become the highest and truest version of themselves.
Previously a Professor of Education, Lindsay researched how teachers used equity pedagogy to facilitate rigorous learning experiences for lower income, high potential youth. At the University of Southern California, she developed and published a Grade 3-8 problem solving curriculum that was implemented across after school programs in Compton and East Los Angeles.
Lindsay received a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and a masters' degree in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University. She earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California on a full tuition scholarship.
Darlington Ahaiwe
Advisory Panel
Darlington Ahaiwe, a South Los Angeles native and UC Santa Barbara alum, is a seasoned finance professional with a focus on education. Leveraging his expertise in finance, Darlington has consulted and managed finances for numerous schools across California, addressing budgetary challenges and optimizing resource allocation. Passionate about equitable education, he advocates for access to quality resources for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds. Beyond his professional roles, Darlington volunteers his time to support educational initiatives and community organizations. His dedication to finance and education has made him a respected leader, committed to creating positive change in schools and communities statewide.
Darlington Ahaiwe, a South Los Angeles native and UC Santa Barbara alum, is a seasoned finance professional with a focus on education. Leveraging his expertise in finance, Darlington has consulted and managed finances for numerous schools across California, addressing budgetary challenges and optimizing resource allocation. Passionate about equitable education, he advocates for access to quality resources for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds. Beyond his professional roles, Darlington volunteers his time to support educational initiatives and community organizations. His dedication to finance and education has made him a respected leader, committed to creating positive change in schools and communities statewide.
Kiah Lewis
Advisory Panel
A passionate educator who believes in creating a therapeutic experience that is uniquely catered towards people's individual needs. Kiah believes that people already have the strength within them to overcome any obstacle that life may bring. As a therapist, her goal is to create a validating space to normalize my client's experiences, helping them to create a life of balance and fulfillment. She has experience teaching, counseling students, and is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas.
Kiah earned her Bachelor's in Government from the University of Texas at Austin, and her Master’s in Secondary School Counseling at the University of Texas at Dallas. She has been helping adolescents and families for over 5 years as an LPC in schools. Through her own journey in parenthood, she has shifted her focus to supporting women and families through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Through collaboration and partnerships with her clients to know the best and most challenging parts of themselves to be empowered. They work on skills to navigate stress and create positive human centered solutions.
A passionate educator who believes in creating a therapeutic experience that is uniquely catered towards people's individual needs. Kiah believes that people already have the strength within them to overcome any obstacle that life may bring. As a therapist, her goal is to create a validating space to normalize my client's experiences, helping them to create a life of balance and fulfillment. She has experience teaching, counseling students, and is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas.
Kiah earned her Bachelor's in Government from the University of Texas at Austin, and her Master’s in Secondary School Counseling at the University of Texas at Dallas. She has been helping adolescents and families for over 5 years as an LPC in schools. Through her own journey in parenthood, she has shifted her focus to supporting women and families through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Through collaboration and partnerships with her clients to know the best and most challenging parts of themselves to be empowered. They work on skills to navigate stress and create positive human centered solutions.
Ryan Matthew Graber
Advisory Panel
Ryan Matthew Graber has been a progressive educator for 20 years. His career began in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised, and has spanned the globe, including South Korea, China, and the Middle East. Ryan’s teaching practice is centered on the social/emotional development and well-being of children. He is adept with connecting with students, building meaningful relationships, and creating thriving classroom cultures. Ryan has taught in both the public and private sector, serving diverse populations of students in elementary and middle school. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are cornerstones of his teaching practice. Ryan is experienced in developing curriculum centered on identity, social justice and anti-bias pedagogy. Ryan has a master’s degree in curriculum instruction, and assessment and is currently completing his Educational Therapy certification.
Ryan Matthew Graber has been a progressive educator for 20 years. His career began in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised, and has spanned the globe, including South Korea, China, and the Middle East. Ryan’s teaching practice is centered on the social/emotional development and well-being of children. He is adept with connecting with students, building meaningful relationships, and creating thriving classroom cultures. Ryan has taught in both the public and private sector, serving diverse populations of students in elementary and middle school. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are cornerstones of his teaching practice. Ryan is experienced in developing curriculum centered on identity, social justice and anti-bias pedagogy. Ryan has a master’s degree in curriculum instruction, and assessment and is currently completing his Educational Therapy certification.
JD Johnson
Advisory Panel
Previous Liberatory Creative Board Chair: Productions
J.D. Johnson is native of Petersburg, Virginia. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University for her undergraduate studies where she majored in Psychology, African American Studies, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women Studies. It was here that JD cultivated her passion for justice and refined how to will her deep care for all. Through her work with integrating poetry into therapy, JD realized that rehabilitation was addressing the symptom(s) instead of the root cause(s). Therefore, JD’s journey led her to Teach For America where she accepted her 2014 corps admission to teach in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Through this experience, JD’s natural leadership became refined and unlocked her strengths in coaching and integrating empathy into structural decisions to create new narratives of how to lead. Thus, leading JD to join TFA staff. During JD’s tenure, she has coached and developed novice teachers from summer programming intensives to yearlong development in pursuit of licensure. More recently, she sits in the role of Director, Teacher Leadership Development in Tulsa. In addition, JD obtained her Master of Education from Johns Hopkins University. Within TFA, JD served as a former Black Summit Co-Chair and currently serves as the National Black Women’s Resource Group Leader. She is also a board member of Young Lyfe- North Tulsa, and partners with District Management Group as a performance coach. Of all the roles and titles, she has held, the most precious titles are being a daughter, sister, niece, godmother, and friend. Her family’s motto is, “If I can help someone along the way then my living shall not be in vain.” This motto is both her guider and grounder in pursuing liberation for all people and generations to come.
Previous Liberatory Creative Board Chair: Productions
J.D. Johnson is native of Petersburg, Virginia. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University for her undergraduate studies where she majored in Psychology, African American Studies, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women Studies. It was here that JD cultivated her passion for justice and refined how to will her deep care for all. Through her work with integrating poetry into therapy, JD realized that rehabilitation was addressing the symptom(s) instead of the root cause(s). Therefore, JD’s journey led her to Teach For America where she accepted her 2014 corps admission to teach in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Through this experience, JD’s natural leadership became refined and unlocked her strengths in coaching and integrating empathy into structural decisions to create new narratives of how to lead. Thus, leading JD to join TFA staff. During JD’s tenure, she has coached and developed novice teachers from summer programming intensives to yearlong development in pursuit of licensure. More recently, she sits in the role of Director, Teacher Leadership Development in Tulsa. In addition, JD obtained her Master of Education from Johns Hopkins University. Within TFA, JD served as a former Black Summit Co-Chair and currently serves as the National Black Women’s Resource Group Leader. She is also a board member of Young Lyfe- North Tulsa, and partners with District Management Group as a performance coach. Of all the roles and titles, she has held, the most precious titles are being a daughter, sister, niece, godmother, and friend. Her family’s motto is, “If I can help someone along the way then my living shall not be in vain.” This motto is both her guider and grounder in pursuing liberation for all people and generations to come.
Danny Gibson
Board Chair: Humanity
Experienced Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry. Developing and maintaining Big Data applications written in JS, Go, and Java. Bachelor of Science focused in Mathematics and Computer Science from Loyola Marymount University, and a. diverse background that includes teaching high school math, and competing in NCAA D1 distance running
Experienced Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry. Developing and maintaining Big Data applications written in JS, Go, and Java. Bachelor of Science focused in Mathematics and Computer Science from Loyola Marymount University, and a. diverse background that includes teaching high school math, and competing in NCAA D1 distance running
Ruben Rene Orozco
Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu
Darlington Ahaiwe
Kiah Lewis
Ryan Matthew Graber
JD Johnson
Danny Gibson
Denzel Henderson
Liberatory Creative Foundation Advisory Panel
bottom of page