Sandra D. Harrison is a dedicated educator, community servantand advocate for children. She worked as an educator for 40 years before retiring in 2011, serving as a district administrator, school counselor, teacher, college instructor and principal in various public school districts including Jersey City, Plainfield, and Morristown, New Jersey. She has educated thousands of children and groomed hundreds more high quality educators as a consultant instructor, school leader and mentor in her work to improve education for children in urban communities. Sandra earned and received her Bachelor’s degree at Morgan State University and her Master’s degree from New Jersey City University. She attended the Principal Center of the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. Sandra holds New Jersey state certifications as Teacher K-8, Guidance and Counseling, Supervisor and Principal.

Steve Hockaday began his higher education journey at Delaware State University, majoring in English Education. Intricately involved in campus life, he was a Student Ambassador, a peer writing tutor and a student thespian. After graduation, he taught language arts to 8th grade students and Upward Bound participants in Dover, DE. During this time of service, Mr. Hockaday was inspired to equip himself with tools to serve the community on a larger scale; accordingly, he sought and gained admittance into Rutgers School of Law-Newark.

In law school, Steve was Vice-President of Community Affairs of the Association of Black Law Students and Managing Research Editor of the Computer and Technology Law Journal. Additionally, he worked in the Community Law Clinic, through which he was able to join a delegation of law professors and law students who traveled to Cuba to study its legal system. After graduation from law school, Steve’s career in public service continued during his position as a New Jersey State Bar Fellow that served the legal needs of the homeless and at-risk youth of Covenant House New Jersey. He also worked as a Housing Attorney at Essex-Newark Legal Services and specialized in tenant rights and representation. Steve currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Garden State Bar Association and is now Assistant County Counsel for the County of Union.

Rashleigh Bruce is a certified System Engineer Lead. He is also an Army Non-Commissioned Officer with the New Jersey National Guard. As a civilian, his work includes contributions to the Engineering Research and Development of multiple cutting edge projects. Rashleigh started his engineering career as an applications sales engineer for the Square D Company in Media, PA. He has also served as a Design, Test and Manufacturing engineer. As a dedicated soldier, Rashleigh has served his country at home and abroad. He was the recipient of the Army Commendation and Iraq Campaign Medal in recognition of his service while serving in Iraq. Rashleigh has a passion for training, and leading soldiers by example in his National Guard unit. Rashleigh has dedicated his life to learning and earned a Master’s degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in Electrical Engineering, a Master’s of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology, a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University in Electrical Engineering and he also graduated from the U.S Army Officer Candidate School.

Kimberly Dortch attended Montclair State University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Education and a Child Advocate Certificate. Child advocacy seeks to protect children’s rights and addresses issues of what is in the best interest of children. 

Kimberly is currently employed by the Department of Children and Permanency and has a successful noted 20+ years of service. A devoted professional, she assists in providing permanency for children which could include Guardianship by a relative and/or adoption, staff development by facilitating trainings on New Jersey’s child protection policies and administrative support. Kimberly is honored to bring her experience to the Board of Trustees to aid in development and safety of the future leaders of America. Her educational philosophy includes: Education is the building block and stepping stone to each student becoming a productive, happy, and confident adult.

When Beverley Rolston-Blenman retired, she was working as Vice President of Patient Care Services for Solaris Health Systems. In the position of Nursing Officer and Healthcare Executive, she provided leadership and strategic direction for the Office of Nursing Services, Clinical Services, and the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. & Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Professional Nursing and Therapeutic Sciences.  

Her career spanned over forty years, with responsibilities that ranged across: delivery of direct patient care; structuring the professional and leadership development of managers, directors and other clinical leaders; administering compliance with regulatory mandates and policies; and all ramifications for clinical practices of reimbursement policies. Her work involved adaptation and redesign in deployment of the workforce, including employee engagement programs; and staying abreast of research and practice improvement.

Her active professional life embraced community outreach, as she worked with and served on boards and collaborations with various organizations, both professional and avocational. She currently serves on the Vestry of St. Mark’s Episcopal church of Plainfield, where children’s ministries are one of her areas of focus. Additionally, she is a member of the advisory board for JFK Muhlenberg Schools.

Ms. Rolston Blenman received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Long Island University, then a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration from New York University. She is a Fellow of the Healthcare Advisory Board, Washington DC and also holds a graduate certificate in Healthcare Simulation from Drexel University.

Jacqueline Brathwaite-West brings an expansive portfolio of expertise as an accomplished business professional, published author, and visionary leader across diverse industries. A Parsons School of Design graduate, Jacqueline is the Founder of J. West Design Services. Her prowess in interior design in high-end residential, commercial, and medical facilities has been recognized through features in prestigious publications like The Courier News, The Star-Ledger, The Village Voice, Princeton Packet Magazine, Market Watch, and Design NJ, among others. She has also shared her insights on "Decorate and Design America" radio show with Art the Builder.

With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University, a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Keller School of Management, and a certification as a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute, Jacqueline’s career journey has been with NYC Department of Education, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a Project Management Consultant; Bed, Bath & Beyond leading the Project Management Department; General Dynamics Corporation Senior Software Engineer and other prominent organizations in leadership positions. Jacqueline's career journey reflects her commitment to driving impactful change and fostering collaboration. Her dedication to excellence has garnered accolades, including awards for Business Woman of the Year and Leadership, Barbadian of Distinction in the Arts and Community Service, and Business International Leadership Award highlighting her commitment to both professional and community endeavors.

Jacqueline's commitment to excellence extends beyond professional realms; she co-founded the Cresthaven Academy Charter School, partnered with Kean University to mentor college students, keynote speaker at various colleges and events, Board member of Out-The-Box Math and Science community program, mentored Plainfield High School teens, and founded the track program at St. Helena’s School. She actively engages in volunteering and community service, exemplifying her dedication to societal betterment. Her dynamic leadership, strategic foresight, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset.