MEET OUR CREW
TAMIKA MCELVEEN, PH.D
YOLANDA BRICKHOUSE, M.ED
ASHLEY MITCHELL,
ESQ.
BETTY GRIFFIN
CO-FOUNDER, BOARD CHAIR
Tamika McElveen is an educational psychologist working as a postdoctoral research associate at Purdue University. She studies the cultural, cognitive, and social factors influencing youth's development and motivation in school and community contexts. Her expertise in communal socialization and belonging-centered instruction is embedded in the organization's programs and policies. In addition, she has over ten years of program management experience working with children and families in schools and community-based mental health organizations.
CO-FOUNDER,
BOARD VICE CHAIR
Yolanda Brickhouse has served as a five-year high school Assistant Principal and a ½ year Assistant Principal in grades k-8 in the Pitt County Public School System. She has over 11 years of experience as a middle school Special Education teacher, Special Education department supervisor, and mentor and clinical teacher 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 her creative mind, her passion for education and at risk youth, her knowledge of curriculum and the ability to plan, extensive years of teaching, and a wide range of administrative experience.
CO-FOUNDER, PRESIDENT
Ashley Mitchell is a movement lawyer and staff attorney at Forward Justice, a nonpartisan center dedicated to racial, social, and economic justice in the United States South. She believes wholeheartedly in leadership and civic engagement and exemplifies this by serving as co-chair of the Pasquotank County Citizens Advisory Committee, a committee in place to provide independent review of policies, procedures, budget, and staffing decisions of the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Department. Additionally, Ashley is a proud member of the Pasquotank County NAACP and serves on the Legal Redress committee. As the youngest member of the board, she brings energy and excitement to the team. She has a passion for education and providing the next generation of leaders with the tools and resources necessary for success.
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.