MEET OUR CREW
TAMIKA MCELVEEN
YOLANDA BRICKHOUSE
ASHLEY MITCHELL
BETTY GRIFFIN
CO-FOUNDER, BOARD CHAIR
Tamika McElveen is a third-year doctoral student at North Carolina State University. She is a member of The SMART Collaborative, a research team that empowers students to substantively contribute to the improvement of the social and physical conditions in which they live through grant-funded professional development for teachers and STEM projects for students within NC schools. In addition, she has over ten years of supervisory and program coordination experience working with children and families in schools and community-based mental health organizations.
CO-FOUNDER,
BOARD VICE CHAIR
Yolanda Brickhouse is a second-year high school Assistant Principal in the Pitt County Public School System. She has over 10 years of experience as a middle school Special Education teacher, Special Education department supervisor, and mentor for new teachers. In addition, she was the special education liaison between her school (E.B. Aycock Middle School) and the county. She was known by her middle school students as being the fun and innovative teacher by bringing forth new ideas such as the Lady Jags step team and the Ladies of Distinction club. She brings to iEmpower curriculum planning, teaching, and administrative experience to the organization.
CO-FOUNDER, PRESIDENT
Ashley Mitchell is a third-year law student at North Carolina Central University School of Law. She spent the summer of 2017 as a AmeriCorps Vista and student leader for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools in Winston Salem, NC. In the summer of 2018, she interned in the Elizabeth City Public Defender’s Office. As the youngest member of the board, she brings energy and excitement to the team. Her summer leadership experiences have strengthened her passion for working with underrepresented youth to build their commitment in pursuing their educations and becoming involved in their community through leadership and service.
BOARD TREASURER
Betty Griffin is a retired laboratory medical technologist, the first African American to hold this position at Albemarle Hospital. She worked in this position for over thirty years and was known for her reliability, problem solving skills, and charisma. She is a current member of Lambs Grove Missionary Baptist Church and serves on the Board of Trustees. She leads the financial management and reporting within the church.