the 2024-25 fellows

  • Atlanta, GA

    Chase Bethea is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a sophomore English major at Morehouse College, specializing in African American Literature, with minors in educational studies. Driven by a deep passion for education, Chase aspires to become a Head of School or Dean of a college in the future. Currently, he is gearing up to explore leadership and school structures in his upcoming spring semester.

  • Baltimore, MD

    Jainson, a first-generation Ecuadorian American college student, is dedicated to joining the new wave of educators, offering a fresh perspective as a Hispanic queer individual. Transitioning from a past marked by delinquency and disciplinary challenges, Jainson is now thriving in his junior year of college. With a family background lacking collegiate experience, Jainson aspires to become an educator and make a difference through his art. He actively participates in LEO (Latinx Educator Organization) and recently joined "We Will All Rise," finding kinship with like-minded individuals sharing similar experiences and ideals.

  • Atlanta, GA

    Demetrius Dove is a senior majoring in Elementary Education at Clark Atlanta University. Upon graduation, he aims to teach 4th grade and pursue a Master's degree in Education Policy. Currently, Demetrius holds the position of President in the Georgia Association of Educators Aspiring Educator Program and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Education Association.

  • Atlanta, GA

    Jordan Freeman is an aspiring early childhood educator who utilizes the art of storytelling, knowledge of child development, explorations of children's literature and media, and professional experience in elementary schools and other educational facilities to guide his passion for working with children. Currently enrolled at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, Jordan focuses his studies on Early Childhood Education. Upon completing his bachelor's degree, he plans to embark on his journey as a teacher and children's book author. Jordan's long-term aspirations include pursuing a PhD or EdD in education, child development, or cultural studies.

  • Atlanta, GA

    Jacarie, a 20-year-old from Milwaukee, WI, is passionate about working with children and aspires to establish his own school in the future. Currently in his second year as a Leading Men Fellow in Atlanta, he is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Atlanta Technical College.

  • Baltimore, MD

    Gary is from Hyattsville, Maryland, and is a senior at Towson University, pursuing a four-year degree in History with a concentration in Secondary Education. As the son of immigrant parents and a first-generation college student, Gary is deeply committed to his passion for teaching and strives to be a positive role model for his future students.

  • Atlanta, GA

    Anthony King is from Compton, CA, and is a junior at Clark Atlanta University. Anthony enjoys working with young learners, majoring in elementary education. Anthony is proud of his progress at Clark Atlanta and hopes to set an example for his brothers to pursue higher education as a pathway to succeed in life. Anthony graduates in 2025 and plans to teach English and work in higher education someday.

  • Baltimore, MD

    Anthony, the son of Salvadoran immigrant parents, is pursuing a major in Early Childhood and Special Education at Towson University. As a first-generation student, Anthony is deeply passionate about supporting students in special education and ESOL. They are actively involved in various organizations on the Towson University campus and have founded the Latinx Educators Organization (LEO). In 2024, Anthony intends to collaborate with the United States Department of Education on policy initiatives aimed at enhancing support for future educators and students in the classroom.

  • Atlanta, GA

    Marcellis McQueen, a sophomore at Morehouse College, is pursuing a major in Education Studies and a minor in Communication Studies. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, he aims to empower his future students through his passion for reading and writing, seeing education as a journey that starts within oneself.

  • Baltimore, MD

    Jaylin Pringle, a senior at Morgan State University, is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Originally from Charlotte, NC, Jaylin split his upbringing between there and the DMV area. From a young age, Jaylin has been fascinated by the transformative power of education, especially for Black and Latino boys in upper elementary grades. His passion lies in instilling principles of manhood and responsibility while creating a positive and affirming environment for all students. Jaylin is a staunch advocate for representation and mentorship, particularly for marginalized communities.

  • Atlanta, GA

    Dayshon is a country guy from Meridian, Mississippi, attending Atlanta Technical College, where he is majoring in Early Childhood Care and Education. He is also a member of an organization that empowers young Black men to become educators and teaches literacy to children in classrooms. During his free time, Dayshon enjoys cooking and spending quality time with his family.

  • Baltimore, MD

    Jamaun Tatum, a Senior majoring in Elementary Education, is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently studying at Morgan State University. Raised in the community of Owings Mills, Maryland, Jamaun navigated challenges including low economic mobility and violence alongside his two younger brothers. Despite these obstacles, Jamaun overcame them with determination, hard work, and love.

  • Baltimore, MD

    Dominique Washington is from Columbia, Maryland, and is a third-year African-American college student majoring in Special Education at Towson University. With a passion for community engagement, Dominique actively participates in various outreach initiatives. Teaching learners of all ages and collaborating with community organizations remain top priorities for Dominique as he continues his journey in the education field, now approaching his eighth year since starting at age 16.

  • Atlanta, GA

    Zachary, a versatile educator from Atlanta, Georgia, brings valuable experience in classroom management, professional development, and project planning. With a background in various education settings, he excels as a student-focused instructor and academic facilitator. Zachary is adept at working independently or as part of a team and is knowledgeable in using technology tools to enhance student learning.

  • Baltimore, MD

    Darius Woods, a Junior at Morgan State University, is majoring in Physical Education - Sports Administration. from Baltimore, Maryland, Darius is passionate about sharing his journey with other youth from his city. He aims to inspire them to pursue higher education and become college graduates, regardless of the challenges they may face along the way. Additionally, Darius is an engaged member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., actively participating in various campus events and leading service initiatives.