Douglas Pearsall is the CEO and founder of Jay Mack Community Foundations. A graduate of NCA&T with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, he has over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, 10 years in health insurance, and 20 years of customer service experience. He has also dedicated numerous years to working in communities with families and children.

Lakeshia Pearsall holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in child and family relationships from East Carolina University. Originally from Grantsboro, NC, Lakeshia brings over 20 years of experience in health insurance leadership and administration, project management, and event coordination to her role as Executive Director of the Jay Mack Community Foundation. She is also the owner of Jay Mack Brand Studio, a dynamic graphic design agency located in Greensboro, NC. Additionally, Lakeshia has earned a certificate in Project Management from Louisiana State University. Currently, she works as a Compliance Analyst Professional at Humana. In her free time, Lakeshia enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and writing poetry.

Michael has 20+ years experience in the business industry with Syndicated Television, National Broadcast Television, Local Broadcast Television, Local Broadcast Radio, Out-Of-Home Local (Billboards) and Out-Of-Home Regional (Billboards). Michael works with clients to handle their media buys across numerous markets and business channels. He has worked and has experience and relationships in the following markets: Tampa, FL, Greensboro NC, Atlanta GA, and Charlotte NC.

Wali Salaam is originally from Wilmington, DE. Graduated from NC A&T with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. Wali has over 20 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, and is currently an Agile Certified Product Manager at American Express. When he is not working Wali enjoys attending sporting events, listening and creating music, poetry, and spoken word. Wali is an aspiring Inspirational Speaker and also enjoys learning as much as he can about financial literacy, and helping to share the information with others.

Taja Tatum is a dedicated Special Education Pre-K Teacher with four years of experience. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Family and Community Services with a concentration in Child Development and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in School Counseling, expected in 2026. Taja is also CPR certified, ensuring the safety and well-being of her students. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys watching movies and spending time with family and friends.

Corbie Hill is a staff writer with Duke University's alumni magazine. A prolific journalist and writer, his work has appeared in numerous outlets, including News & Observer, INDY Week, No Depression and the official Star Trek website. He writes and releases instrumental electronica and other types of music under the name land is.

Marvin Williamson is one of the founders and managing partners of Rodriguez & Williamson, PLLC. Marvin is a native of the Eastern region in North Carolina and is a graduate of the number 1 ranked Historically Black University in America, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Marvin knew early in his career that he wanted to enter a profession where he could help people. For a decade and a half, Marvin worked as a revenue agent. In this position he was able to relate and connect to people of diverse backgrounds. Marvin decided to put these skills to use and obtained his Juris Doctor (JD) from Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School. During his tenure at WMU, Marvin sought opportunities and participated in several organizations, including the Mock Trial Board, Moot Court Competitions, Florida Young Lawyer's Division, Sports and Entertainment Law Society, Trial Skills competitions, and Bankruptcy clinics where he assisted underserved clients to obtain bankruptcy relief in the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg areas. Through these trainings and interactions Marvin built a noteworthy rapport with the school's student body who nominated him for the Leadership Achievement, Distinguished Student, and Valedictorian Speaker awards.

Marvin along with his wife and children reside in Tampa, Florida where they participate with numerous organizations to help give back to the community.

LTeisha Thompson Curtis has 21 years of dedicated experience in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support. LTeisha holds a Master of Education Degree in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support, with a focus on Diversity and Equity. She began her career with a strong foundation in education, teaching Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. This early teaching experience fueled her passion for working with young children and their families, leading her to transition into a role as a therapist in early intervention, focusing on children with special needs. In this capacity, LTeisha specialized in developmental support, providing critical services to help young children reach their full potential.

Over the past 14 years, LTeisha has expanded her impact by managing a variety of early childhood programs. Her leadership and expertise have been focused on shaping and improving these programs to better serve children and families.

Currently, LTeisha serves as the Deputy Executive Director for Save the Children. In this role, she oversees Head Start program management across five states, ensuring that children from underserved communities receive the comprehensive early childhood education and support they need. Her work with Save the Children highlights her passion of promoting equitable access to early education and fostering a foundation for lifelong learning and success for marginalized groups.

Two unique facts about me:

-My favorite place in the world is the beach, any beach

- I'm allergic to shellfish, but eat it anyway with benadryl :).

My name is Candis Green and I have been in the Education field for over 12 years. Education is my passion and I love what I do. I am a Curriculum Specialist at ABG Childcare, and a former Education Director for Headstart.

I come with a lot of knowledge and experience. I am a train CLASS observer and I am also CLASS train the trainer and certified. I have also been a part of strategic planning, grant writing and ongoing monitoring systems.

I am a graduate of NCA&TSU where I have my BA in English. I also attended GTCC where I received my certificate in Early Childhood Education.

Education is my passion, and what I love to do.

The children are our future, and I want to help be the best that they can be.

I graduated in 2002 from NC Agriculture & Technical St. University, with a BA in Psychology. (AGGIEPRIDE) Unsure of what I wanted to do next, I began working in the human service field mostly with adults, but eventually found my niche working with children who have autism spectrum disorder. I gained certification as a registered behavior technician in 2015 and I am currently licensed through the state of Va. As a Board-Certified assistant Behavior Analyst. I am now studying to earn my master’s in applied Behavior Analysis (through Capella Univ.) and plan to apply for licensure as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst upon completion.

My goal is to provide education, support, training, and consultation to families and organizations about autism spectrum disorder and applied behavior analysis.