The Uplift Educate Advisory Board brings together experienced leaders committed to helping Black and Latino boys take ownership of their education, believe in their potential, and pursue success despite any obstacles they may face. The guidance of our Advisory Board will help us strengthen our programs, expand our impact, and ensure that every young man understands that his education and future are worth fighting for.
Shawn Dove – Advisory Board Member
Founder, Corporation for Black Male Achievement
Shawn Dove is the founder of the Corporation for Black Male Achievement and a nationally recognized leader, author, keynote speaker, and advocate committed to advancing Black male achievement. Through inspirational speaking, professional development, coaching, and publishing, he helps educational, nonprofit, and community organizations develop leaders, strengthen communities, and create meaningful social impact.
Dove’s leadership has earned him numerous national honors, including the Charles H. Revson Fellowship at Columbia University, the 2014 Prime Movers Fellowship for social movement leaders, recognition as a 2015 Ebony Magazine Power 100 Honoree, the 2017 Black Enterprise Magazine Modern Man of the Year Award, and the 2024 Wesleyan University Distinguished Alumni Award.
Dove’s leadership has earned him numerous national honors, including the Charles H. Revson Fellowship at Columbia University, the 2014 Prime Movers Fellowship for social movement leaders, recognition as a 2015 Ebony Magazine Power 100 Honoree, the 2017 Black Enterprise Magazine Modern Man of the Year Award, and the 2024 Wesleyan University Distinguished Alumni Award.
Roland Kennedy Jr. – Advisory Board Member
Executive Director, Executive Alliance for Boys and Men of Color – Schott Foundation
Roland Kennedy Jr. is the Executive Director of the Executive Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, a national philanthropic initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for boys and men of color. He leads grantmaking, donor engagement, and partnerships focused on education, health, and economic opportunity.
Roland Kennedy Jr. is the Executive Director of the Executive Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, a national philanthropic initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for boys and men of color. He leads grantmaking, donor engagement, and partnerships focused on education, health, and economic opportunity.
Roland earned his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. His expertise in philanthropy, partnerships, and improving outcomes for boys and men of color makes him a valuable addition to the UpliftEducate Advisory Board.
Dr. Jonathan A. Brown-Advisory Board Member
Chief Academic Officer, Catalyst Education
Dr. Jonathan A. Brown is an educational leader with more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, principal, professor, and district administrator. As Assistant Superintendent for Philadelphia’s Learning Network 13, he oversaw 12 high schools serving nearly 8,000 students and helped improve literacy, attendance, graduation rates, and academic performance.
Dr. Jonathan A. Brown is an educational leader with more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, principal, professor, and district administrator. As Assistant Superintendent for Philadelphia’s Learning Network 13, he oversaw 12 high schools serving nearly 8,000 students and helped improve literacy, attendance, graduation rates, and academic performance.
Hector Calderón – Advisory Board Member
Equity-Centered Leadership Coach and Community Strategist
Hector Calderón is an equity-centered leadership coach, educator, and community strategist with more than 25 years of experience helping school leaders develop transformational strategies that strengthen their leadership and impact. He is a co-founder of El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, recognized as the nation’s first human-rights high school.
Throughout his career, Calderón has worked to improve educational opportunities for Black and Latino students, particularly boys and young men of color. He previously served as Director of Organizational Learning for the New York City Department of Education’s Expanded Success Initiative, where he helped schools identify and share effective strategies for preparing Black and Latino young men for college and careers. He has also served as National Director of Teacher Development for Great Oaks and as a member of New York State’s Blue Ribbon Committee supporting the My Brother’s Keeper initiative. NYC Young Men’s Initiative
Calderón brings extensive experience in school leadership, teacher development, racial justice, community-centered education, and leadership coaching. He is commitment to educational equity and developing the potential of historically underserved young people makes him a valuable addition to the UpliftEducate Advisory Board.
Dr. Dramaine Freeman- Advisory Board Member
Assistant Professor of School Administration, Appalachian State University
Dr. Dramaine Freeman is an equity-centered educator and Assistant Professor of School Administration at Appalachian State University. He has more than 20 years of experience in education, including serving as an elementary and middle school educator, counselor, administrator, and middle school principal.
Throughout his career, Dr. Freeman has led initiatives focused on educational equity, curriculum improvement, and positive school culture. His work and research center on K–12 leadership and the educational experiences of Black male students.
Dr. Freeman earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Appalachian State University. His extensive K–12 and higher-education experience makes him a valuable addition to the UpliftEducate Advisory Board.