Board of Directors
Stacy Deck, PhD., Spalding University (Board Chair)
Sara Butryn, JCPS (Board Vice Chair)
Zion Smith, Louisville Metro Youth Cabinet (Board Secretary)
Dan Heekin, KPMG LLP (Board Treasurer)
Heather Dearing, Office of Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
Melissa Banks, State Capacity Building Center
Jo Greer, Cabbage Patch
Stephanie Stone, Passport by Molina
Ashley Brandt, Metro United Way
Roan Head, Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison
Our Team
Nigel Blackburn
Education Advocate
Nigel is deeply committed to improving his community. He has worked with the University of Louisville Youth Violence Prevention Research Center, served on the Mayor’s Youth Implementation Team, and coordinated services for middle school students.
Elizabeth Senn-Alvey
Executive Director
Elizabeth has worked to create programs and partnerships that build equitable opportunities for all of Louisville’s youth and young adults for more than 20 years. She earned an MPA from the University of Louisville, with an emphasis on nonprofit management.
Nick Marshall
Education Advocate
Nick attributes his successes to the support of his foster parents, mentors, and teachers. He earned a degree in communications from UofL and has contributed his skills to a variety of non-profit and political roles. Nick is committed to helping kids in or leaving state care at the local, state, and federal levels.
Teja Hill
Education Advocate
Committed to civil service and child welfare, Teja works to ensure the voices and needs of children are represented and amplified. She is passionate about applying over a decade’s worth of experience in research and juvenile justice.
Immaya Hughes
Program Coordinator
Immaya earned her Masters in Public Administration and Policy from American University. She aspires to use her background in sociological research to amplify the voices of the unheard and seek social justice on a systemic level.
Emily Swartz
Education Coordinator
Emily earned Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Campbellsville University, where she was a First Generation Scholar Mentor. She is passionate about working with youth of all backgrounds and is pursuing an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Sydney Givens
Education Advocate
Sydney is passionate about working with and advocating for youth, believing strongly in their potential to create positive change. Sydney is committed to empowering young people by providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth.
Ysa Leon
Education Advocate
Ysa is a 2024 graduate of Transylvania University with degrees in Communications and Social Change. They have experience in grassroots organizing and direct social services, with the ultimate goal of making Kentucky a better place for the most vulnerable populations.
Denice Wallace
Youth Services Coordinator
Denice brings her extensive skills as an upbeat and authentic communicator with young people to this new role. She has worked with young people as a community center director, classroom teacher, and at Job Corps. Dencie is working toward a masters degree in mental health.
Gail Hooper
Intake Specialist
Gail has worked learners with reading as an AmeriCorps member and is using their skills to support learners and families referred for education advocacy services.
Sophia Harris
AmeriCorps Specialist
Sophia recently completed a year of service with AmeriCorps, assisting young adults with the transition to college. He is using his data analysis degree to help the organization understand and expand its impact.
Jess Dauster
Project Director
Jess holds a MA in Social Justice and Human Rights from ASU, and has built her career on research, policy, and advocacy work for vulnerable populations with a specific focus on women and children’s rights.
Stephanie Cox
Education Access Fellow
Stephanie recently earned a degree in global studies and public health from the University of Tennessee. She is deeply committed to inspriring young people to be their best and reach their education goals.
Kendrick Johnson
Education Access Fellow
Kendrick is currently persuing his Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Analytics from Bellarmine University. His ambitions are to use his critical and analytical business expertise to further promote change in helping others while being an asset.
Taylor Strain
Education Access Fellow
Taylor earned her bachelor’s in social work from Spalding University and is pursuing her master’s in social work at the University of Louisville. She aspires to become a dedicated social worker committed to helping others.