Empowering Young Minds

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Andrea Augustus

Arts Director, PBG

Andrea Augustus is a visionary artist and educator who contributes to NYC’s creative scene. With roots in performance art and a deep connection to visual mediums like painting, sculpture, and collage, she brings an eclectic, hands-on approach to storytelling.

For over seven years, she’s been on the ground, cultivating creativity in classrooms and communities, ensuring that art remains a powerful tool for self-expression. Her work is about more than aesthetics—it’s about impact, legacy, and elevating voices that need to be heard.

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Emilyn Alcantara

Hydroponics + Urban Gardening, Erudite Scholars

Ms. Emilyn Alcantara is a dedicated bilingual educator, mentor, and academic director with over seventeen years of experience teaching in both English and Spanish. Passionate about fostering leadership, creativity, and personal growth, she has committed her career to empowering youth through education, health, and scientific exploration. Her mission is to cultivate critical thinking, academic excellence, healthy relationships, and holistic well-being within urban communities.

With a strong foundation in science and the arts, Ms. Phoenix earned a dual degree from SUNY Purchase, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Playwriting and Screenwriting. This unique combination allows her to integrate creativity and analytical thinking into her teaching approach, creating dynamic learning experiences that inspire curiosity and intellectual development while making learning both engaging and impactful.

Specializing in Hydroponics, urban gardening, and Private Tutoring, she is committed to promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, and hands-on education. She helps students connect with the natural world through innovative growing techniques.

As the Academic Director of Erudite Scholars, she has successfully tutored and mentored over 100 scholars across New York City, specializing in STEM education, creative writing, test prep, ethics, and personal development. She is skilled in assessing individual learning barriers, implementing tailored retention strategies, and fostering productive relationships between students, parents, and educators, all contributing to a 100% success rate in child development.

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David Boone

CFO, Boone Venture Capital

With over 13 years of experience within the Education industry, David Boone Jr. is a certified mathematician, financial specialist, and former adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. David is a founding-partner of the investment group, Creative Kings Holdings, and is a Strategic Growth Advisor for Soca Shores Water.

David is the Founder/CEO of Boone Venture Capital LLC as a means to impact the community and start a new path for generational wealth. David works everyday with the youth of tomorrow, because it is critical that they know and understand what power they possess. David lives by the creed that we must learn from our history in order to define the future we desire.

Quote to live by: The biggest regret stems from inaction not wrong action

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Dr. Monique Y. Wells

Vet Science, Wells International Foundation

Dr. Monique Y. Wells is a visionary, a change-maker, and a steward of legacy. She is a native of Houston, Texas, and a 32-year resident of Paris, France. Through her entrepreneurial work as a veterinary pathologist, toxicologist, travel professional, writer, speaker, and mentor, she embraces and harnesses the power of education to change lives.

Dr. Wells worked for 13 years in the corporate world before combining her passion for life sciences, literacy, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education, the arts, travel/study abroad, and women’s empowerment under the umbrella of her U.S. non-profit organization, the Wells International Foundation (WIF).

Dr. Wells is a four-time book author, freelance journalist, and editor. She co-authored the bestselling book entitled SUCCESS with Jack Canfield, Founder and former CEO of the billion-dollar Chicken Soup for the Soul® empire. She is also the author of the award-winning cookbook, Food for the Soul—A Texas Expatriate Nurtures Her Culinary Roots in Paris, co-author of Paris Reflections: Walks through African-American Paris (Christiann Anderson, co-author), and author/publisher of the Amazon-bestselling book, Black Paris Profiles. She has written articles for publications including the International.

Herald Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, and France Today. A consummate storyteller and presenter of topics ranging from toxicologic pathology to life balance, Dr. Wells has addressed audiences on four continents. Having retired from the field of veterinary pathology and toxicology, Dr. Wells continues to pursue her passion for veterinary medicine through WIF’s Youth Veterinarian Initiative (YVI) – a program designed to expose underrepresented minority youth (ages 9-17) to career opportunities in general veterinary practice, veterinary medical specialties, veterinary technician/technologist/nursing, and other animal-focused professions. Building on the success of YVI’s podcast series, book club & and merit badge program, WIF is now collaborating with two nonprofit organizations – Mindfulness & STEAM Lab, and

Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade: To create a program combining sound bowls' therapeutic power with equine-focused activities to promote mental health and overall well-being among participating youth.

This program, called Mindfulness with the Majestics, leverages mindfulness practices and interaction with horses to foster emotional resilience, mental clarity, and holistic health. These characteristics are particularly important for young people destined for a career in veterinary medicine.

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Jermo Reese

Equine Educator, FCLTC

Jermo Reese is a passionate equine educator, youth advocate, and agricultural leader dedicated to expanding opportunities in the equine industry. As the founder of Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade, Jermo champions access to equestrian education and equine-assisted counseling for youth and historically underrepresented communities. His organization fosters social-emotional growth through horsemanship training, leadership development, and career exploration, aiming to diversify the equine and agricultural industries.

In addition to his work with Frankie’s Corner, Jermo serves as an Animal Science Program Instructor for Michigan State University Extension, where he develops and leads educational programming that enhances youth engagement in agriculture, animal sciences, and 4-H initiatives. He is also the state coordinator of the Proud Equestrian Program. With a deep-rooted background in equine education and a degree in agriculture education, he is committed to fostering meaningful learning experiences that connect young people to careers in agriculture.

Jermo is also one of the driving forces behind the Michigan Heritage Rodeo, a salute to cowgirls and cowboys of color, which provides training, academic support, and leadership opportunities for youth interested in equestrian sports and large-animal veterinary medicine. His work aligns with his long-term vision of becoming a full-time equine educator, using equine-assisted counseling to empower teens and young adults.

A dedicated advocate for agricultural education and community outreach, Jermo continues to develop innovative programs that bridge the gap between traditional agriculture, youth development, and equine-assisted therapy.

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Lamont C. Johnson

Financial Literacy, Supreme Solutions

Lamont C. Johnson, an esteemed financial strategist with a rich educational background, including certifications in Business Management, Security Management, and Financial Licensing, is the visionary Founder and CEO of Supreme Solutions, a financial literacy company.

His tenure as an executive leader at MetroPlus Health Plan, one of New York City's most significant health plans, has endowed him with unparalleled insights into the needs of diverse communities and the importance of strategic partnerships, lending him unique credibility in the education industry.

With over 17 years of experience in business and finance, he has adeptly established comprehensive financial literacy programs tailored to meet the unique needs of educational institutions, non-profits, and community organizations, demonstrating a profound commitment to enhancing financial literacy on a global scale.

His expertise in delivering impactful in-person and online workshops aims to foster financial competence among diverse audiences. Johnson's innovative approach to financial education and seasoned leadership in navigating complex organizational structures and fostering growth underscores his ability to contribute significantly to educational communities.

His leadership and dedication to empowering individuals through knowledge make him an ideal partner for schools and organizations seeking to enrich their offerings with practical financial literacy skills.

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Loyan Mensah

Financial Strategist, Supreme Solutions

Loyan Mensah, with over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and the business sector, is passionate about financial education and empowerment. His journey began in the New York City schools, where he was inspired by his upbringing to pursue a degree in accounting at Marist College, ultimately aiming to help others overcome financial challenges.

His professional path includes significant accounting and investment banking roles, notably at Morgan Stanley, where he helped manage assets for substantial private equity funds. As director of a business management firm, Loyan focuses on creating financial strategies to help individuals and businesses grow and protect their wealth.

His background, expertise, and commitment to assisting people to learn make him an ideal partner for organizations and educational institutions seeking to equip themselves with essential financial knowledge and skills.

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Luisa Mora

Director, Hispanic Financial Education, Supreme Solutions

Luisa Mora is a dedicated financial literacy educator and the Director of Hispanic Financial Education at Supreme Solutions Group. With a B.A. in Business Administration from Lehman College, she brings a robust academic foundation in finance and business principles to her work. Luisa specializes in developing and implementing comprehensive financial literacy programs tailored for diverse audiences, including schools, non-profits, and community organizations.

In her current role, Luisa leads a team of expert educators, delivering engaging workshops—both in-person and online—that empower individuals to make informed financial decisions. Her exceptional ability to simplify complex financial concepts makes financial education accessible to all, while her strategic planning and curriculum design skills ensure content meets the unique needs of her clients. As a bilingual educator fluent in English and Spanish, Luisa excels at engaging Hispanic communities, promoting inclusivity and broadening the reach of her programs.

Luisa’s professional experience in business and finance, combined with her leadership in fostering collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, has advanced financial wellness initiatives for students and families. Passionate about empowerment, she believes that financial literacy is the key to unlocking personal and community potential, "a philosophy that drives her commitment to making financial education impactful and widely available."

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Maria Tejeda

Marketing Lead & Strategist, Supreme Solutions

Maria Tejeda is a bilingual financial literacy expert, marketing professional, and former CEO with over two decades of experience empowering individuals and communities through education and entrepreneurship. As the Director of Hispanic Financial Education at Supreme Solutions Group, she leads the development and implementation of dynamic financial literacy programs across schools, nonprofits, corporations, and faith-based institutions. Maria is known for her ability to simplify complex financial concepts and deliver culturally relevant education tailored to diverse audiences.

In addition to her work in education, Maria is a Financial Strategist. She designs and executes marketing strategies for life and health insurance products, bridging the gap between financial tools and the communities that need them most.

Maria previously owned and operated Brianny’s Beauty Salon and Beauty Supply for over a decade, where she honed her skills in business development, customer experience, and strategic growth. Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for financial empowerment continue to fuel her mission to build stronger, financially confident communities.

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Marisha Kriel

Chief Marketing Officer, MSL

Marisha Kriel is a strategic marketing leader, brand storyteller, and content specialist with over a decade of experience building purpose-driven brands across publishing, education, agriculture, SaaS, and creative industries. As the founder of Anthropology of Copy, a boutique studio rooted in publishing principles, Marisha has helped organizations translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that drive growth and deepen audience connection.

With a foundation in Information Science and Publishing, she brings a rare blend of editorial precision, content creation, and strategic foresight to her marketing leadership. Her expertise spans brand development, internal and external communication strategy, campaign design, and the creation of high-impact content ecosystems that elevate both message and market share.

Marisha’s approach is human-first, insight-led, and built around the belief that great brands don’t just sell — they tell, teach, and inspire.

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Eleni Theodorou

Wellness Specialist, Noko the Knight

Ms. Eleni Theodorou is a speaker, bullying prevention and mental health advocate, Social-Emotional Literacy (SEL) educator, and celebrated children’s author. She holds a bachelor’s and honors degree in psychology from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and an MS in sports psychology from Capella University in the United States.

Born and raised in South Africa, she currently lives in the United States, where she teaches the Art of Compassion through her multi-sensory, culturally rich, and peer-reviewed Noko The Knight® children’s series, wholesome bullying prevention, mental health and wellness school assemblies and workshops, SEL curriculums, professional development training, and parent workshops.

After working with schools for years, Eleni recognized the need for creative staff and parent wellness initiatives and presents captivating workshops that help to cultivate a healthier school and office culture and climate. Eleni has had the pleasure of serving different types of organizations internationally with her enthralling Aromatherapy and Paint Your Purpose™ staff wellness workshops, encouraging employees to be curious about their purposeful paths and how these can transform the work environment, leading to happier, more productive, and committed employees who drive organizational success.