Aaron Randolph is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Carolina Youth Coalition. Aaron earned his M. Ed from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2013 and a B.A. from Cornell University in 2011. Having previously worked in youth development through the Boys & Girls Club of Columbia County and the YMCA of Tompkins County, he began his career in education as a City Year AmeriCorps volunteer, tutor, and mentor at Belaire High School in Baton Rouge, LA. 

After teaching middle and high school Social Studies, Aaron joined the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition in 2015 as Director of Sophomore Programs where he played a lead role in program implementation, curriculum design, and special event execution. 

Aaron is driven by a fervent belief in the power of education to create lasting generational change. He is an avid sports fan and relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2017 with his wife, Lizzy.

LaShawn Robertson is the Director of College Programs. LaShawn has worked in college admissions and college access for the last 10 years, assisting under-resourced students while filling their backpacks with resources and knowledge. She earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of Louisiana Lafayette, where she also worked as a Admissions Counselor and Recruiter from 2007-2014, enrolling high-achieving minority students into college. She transitioned from college admissions into college access in 2014 at the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, where she worked hands-on with students, instructing, encouraging, and guiding students in finding best-fit colleges they could attend with as little debt as possible.

LaShawn's passion is and has been to fill the gaps of educational inequality by providing guidance and support to any student who wants to attend college. She is motivated by the belief that all students, regardless of social-economic status, have the right to pursue and be prepared for higher education. LaShawn's free time is spent with family and friends, cooking, watching basketball, and discovering new adventures. 

Maria Diaz serves as the Director of Persistence & Pre-College Programs. Maria earned her MPH from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2019 and a B.A. from Berea College in 2014. She began her career as a Teach for America Corps Member teaching 7th grade science in Charlotte, NC. Through her role as a Health Equity Fellow for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health and Program Manager for the Academy for Research on Community Health, Engagement and Services at UNCC she has played a lead role in program development, implementation, and evaluation.  

As a Mexican immigrant and first-generation student, Maria’s passion and moral responsibility has been educational and health equity. She is motivated by the belief that every student, regardless of background, deserves equal access to reach their fullest potential. During her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her Spanish-speaking GS, Sonia (after Sonia Sotomayor). 

Paulette Purnell is the Director of Development. Paulette developed a strong sense of devotion for the nonprofit sector when she teamed up with Pro- Football player James Farrior to promote his foundation’s mission to stimulate student-athlete success over 12 years ago. She spent many of her childhood years in Virginia, where she attended Virginia State University and Virginia Commonwealth University before earning her bachelor’s from Strayer University. Paulette has an intensive background working in professional sports and nonprofits (2012-2018). She led, developed and executed fundraising events, community initiatives, and outreach programs working for both the Charlotte Hornets and Arizona Diamondbacks. Before joining CYC Paulette, she worked with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, where she was the Senior Community Manager of fundraising events and volunteer engagement.

Paulette has always been intertwined with community involvement and making positive changes in our society. She strongly believes that low-income families, especially young adults, are given equal opportunities.

In her spare time, you can catch Paulette outdoors with her son and yorkiepoo working on DIY projects and spending time with friends and family.

Lindsey Graves serves as the Associate Director for College Programs. Lindsey completed her Master of Social Work at NC State University in 2016 and her Bachelors at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Through her roles with Communities in Schools and within the NC Community College system, Lindsey developed a strong passion and skill set for building academic programs and leadership development opportunities for students.

Lindsey feels passionately that education is meant to be a life-long and enjoyable process that each student has access to regardless of their background. She spent her college years heavily involved in campus programming and believes what happens outside of the classroom is just as important as inside the classroom. She strives to produce the best, equity-focused extracurricular programs for students. Lindsey spends her free time testing out new baking recipes, reading, and going to the beach with friends and family as often as possible.  

Tim graduated from Wingate University with a B.S. in 2018, and will acquire his MBA from Wingate Univeristy in December. Tim began his career in college-access at Wingate University upon finishing undergrad., developing and establishing a college-access program for economically disadvantaged, future first-generation college students in Union County Public Schools, called Wayfind. Through his role as director of the Wayfind program, Tim was able to sharpen his curriculum development, program implementation, and social-emotional support skills -- helping student's forge their journeys to college. 

Tim's passion to serve underserved, underrepresented, low-income communities comes from a combination of his own experiences as a low-income, first-generation college student as well as his experience supporting students/families with college-access at Wingate University. Tim truly believes "it takes a village to raise a child", and strives to be a positive contributor to the villages of any student/family he has the privilege of supporting. When he isn't working in college-access, Tim spends a lot of time with his family, dog, and illustrating children's books.

Katie Weisman serves as Associate Director of Academic Success. Katie completed her Bachelors at the University of Texas in Austin in 2012. For the past four years, Katie has worked with hundreds of students at an academic enrichment and test prep center in New Jersey, where she helped high achieving students earn admission to the top colleges and high schools in the country. She also helped design test prep curriculum and led seminars to parents and students on college admissions, test prep success, and high school preparation.

During her time at this prestigious learning academy, Katie developed a strong desire to share the same expert resources, education, and opportunities to all students, regardless of socio-economic status. She strives to not only help students discover their passions and goals but also give them the tools to achieve those goals. Katie relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2021 and enjoys reading, writing, and bowling poorly.

JaDora Ross serves as the Associate Director of Program Operations. JaDora is passionately committed to serving her community and organizations to develop, implement, and sustain operational success. JaDora earned her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2016 where she studied Public Relations and Political Science. There she also joined the Illustrious Iota Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Through her various roles as a Marketing Assistant in the Family Services Office at UNC Charlotte, Program Lead at the Johnston YMCA and Operations Assistant at KIPP she's developed great listening skills with the ability to take the concerns of others and transform them into tangible results and solutions. She believes that meeting youth/ families where they are educationally, socially, and technology is key to having a choice-filled life. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants and hanging with friends.

Stephanie Suarez serves as our Associate Director of Persistence. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Mass Communication at Florida International University (FIU) in 2012 and her Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina in 2014. She has spent the last ten years working in the higher education realm fostering student development in college through various events and extracurricular programs designed to help students gain leadership skills, expand their interpersonal skills, and assist them with their overall retention and success in college.

Stephanie believes in helping students grow as individuals by creating events and programs that target skills students need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom and encouraging them to go outside of their comfort zone to engage in the world around them. She spends her free time learning how to ice skate, reading fiction, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.

Catherine Jimenez serves as the Operations & Engagement Coordinator. She obtained both her Bachelor's and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte while simultaneously working as CYC’s intern, igniting her passion for college access. As a social worker, Catherine constantly seeks to expand her knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting historically marginalized populations which drives her dedication to serving others. She is a fierce advocate for her clients and works to actively pursue positive change for communities in need.

As the OEC, Catherine seeks to empower underserved students and families within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community by ensuring new and ongoing processes align with CYC’s core values, culture, and vision.

If she’s not in the CYC building, Catherine can be found in the pool, with a book in her hand, playing board games with her family, or taking way too many photos of her cat, Miso!

Mariah Alexander is the Associate Director of STEM, blending her dedication to education with her enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2017. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Mathematics with a specialization in Computational and Engineering Mathematics, Mariah's academic journey remains steadfast.

After completing her bachelor's degree, Mariah embarked on a fulfilling 6-year tenure teaching high school, covering subjects ranging from Mathematics and Financial Planning to College and Career Planning. Mariah's commitment to STEM education is underscored by her unwavering belief that every student can master STEM disciplines with the right tools in front of them. Her commitment to continuous learning shines through as she passionately imparts her knowledge and exemplifies the growth she encourages.

Outside her professional pursuits, Mariah immerses herself in puzzle-solving, with a particular fondness for the Rubik's Cube. Her passion for exploration extends beyond puzzles, as she loves traveling the world with her family. 

Janae Aiken serves as the Associate Director of College Access. Janae earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Education and Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2016 as well as her Master of Arts in Creative Business Leadership from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2024. She spent her 9 year teaching career working in public education with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools as a high school English teacher, as well as coaching high school soccer. Her various leadership roles allowed her to create and facilitate curriculum, foster student engagement throughout community service and partnerships, as well as encourage student success at the college and/or career level. 

Janae is passionate about creating experiences, exposing students to resources and opportunities that will impact their lives for years to come. She spends her time curating music playlists, engaging in film photography, writing poetry, baking, and attending live concerts or sporting events. 

Shekinah Campbell serves as the Associate Director of College Access. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at Claflin University in 2020. Over the past four years, she has gained valuable classroom experience, starting at Wilson High School in Florence, SC, where she taught AVID. She later moved to Charlotte, NC, where she taught English, Honors Leadership and Learning, Yearbook, Journalism, and AVID at Garinger High School. Throughout her career, Shekinah has focused on fostering a college and career readiness mindset in her students, utilizing various classroom tools, events and extracurricular activities to help them develop leadership and interpersonal skills while supporting their overall success and retention in college.

Shekinah is deeply committed to her students' personal growth. She helps design programs and events aimed at equipping them with the skills needed to excel both academically and in life. She strives to inspire her students to embrace challenges and actively participate in new experiences that broaden their perspectives. Beyond her dedication to education, Shekinah enjoys spending her free time listening to a wide variety of music and exploring different genres. She also loves spending time with friends and family, and finding the most relaxing ways to recharge and stay inspired. However, her greatest passion remains her students, as she believes in their potential to achieve greatness both inside and outside the classroom.

Born and raised in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, Melanie is deeply committed to the success of her community's youth. Melanie earned her Bachelor's in English from Johnson C. Smith University in 2013 and a Master's in Curriculum Development and Instruction from Strayer University in 2018. After undergrad, she embarked on a 13-year journey with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As a former English 9-12 teacher, Facilitator, and Learning Coach, Melanie strives to create welcoming and supportive spaces where every student thrives. Melanie is passionate about being a nurturing advocate for aspiring young people and helping them navigate their next steps. In her free time, you'll find Melanie dancing, singing (enthusiastically, but not perfectly) karaoke, or lost in the pages of a captivating biography.

Tara Patterson Hammons is a dedicated advocate for educational equity, youth development, and leadership empowerment. With over 20 years of experience in program development, college access, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a strategic and visionary approach to her role as Deputy Director. A licensed employment attorney and social worker, Tara has led initiatives that support under-resourced youth, create inclusive learning environments, and advance racial and social justice in the U.S. and South Africa. She has worked extensively in leadership development, mentoring, and community engagement, helping young people navigate pathways to higher education and career success. Tara has served as a board member for Freedom School Partners, the Executive Director of STRIVE, Inc., and the Consulting Program Director for the Dorothy Counts-Scoggins Mentoring and Social Justice Program (DCSMSJP)—organizations committed to empowering youth through education, leadership, and social impact. 

At CYC, Tara oversees operations and programming, ensuring that the organization continues to expand its impact by equipping high-achieving, under-resourced students with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. She is passionate about fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and excellence within the organization. Tara holds a Juris Doctorate and a Master’s in Social Work from Howard University, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A lifelong Tar Heel and community leader, she is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and helping students achieve their full potential.

Jaela Agee, born and raised in Charlotte, NC, is a recent University of North Carolina at Greensboro graduate with a B.A. in Communication Studies. Her journey with CYC began in 2019 when she joined as a Fellow during her senior year at Garinger High School. Since then, she has earned notable honors, including the CYC Torch Award, the Smith Opportunity Scholarship, and the Goodwin Meissner Family Foundation Scholarship. 

While at UNCG, Jaela gained valuable experience interning with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, supporting local entrepreneurs, and developing digital marketing strategies. This opportunity sparked her passion for nonprofit work and media management. 

During her postgraduate journey, Jaela is returning to CYC as a Marketing and Communications Fellow, supported by the Goodwin Meissner Alumni Fellowship. She will use her skills to enhance CYC’s storytelling and community engagement across multiple media platforms. In her free time, Jaela enjoys working out, taking trips with friends, and exploring new places around Charlotte. Her favorite quote to live by is "practice being present."

Hazel Whyte is a recent graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, where she earned her BA in Public Policy in May 2024. She currently serves as a Goodwin Messiner Alumni Fellow at CYC, working with the persistence and data team. With valuable experience in both the non-profit and consulting sectors, Hazel’s work is deeply rooted in her passion for higher education access and affordability. She aspires to drive impactful, data-driven solutions that shape education policy and strengthen institutional support systems, ensuring higher education remains accessible and affordable for all. Outside of work, Hazel enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and cheering on the Tar Heels at UNC basketball games (Go Heels!).

As the administrative assistant, Rebecca brings a diverse background in administration, hospitality, and office management. Her experience has honed her ability to manage complex operations, enhance stakeholder experiences, and create structured, efficient environments. With a keen eye for detail and organization, she prioritizes productive collaboration, streamlined workflows, and strategic problem-solving to drive efficiency. 

Rebecca is passionate about applying her organizational expertise to optimize internal processes and support CYC’s mission. As a Charlotte native, she takes pride in contributing to a mission that directly impacts her community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities that keep her mind and body active, such as Latin dance socials, light jogs at the park or along the light rail, and working on DIY projects.

 Kathryn served as the Foundation’s first Chair of the Board. Since relocating to Charlotte in 2016, Kathryn and her husband Luke championed a feasibility study to determine if launching an affiliation of Baton Rouge Youth Coalition in Charlotte was strategic and viable. Later this year, she will join the board of Charlotte Mecklenburg School Foundation.

Originally from Columbia, SC, Dany graduated Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude from the Honor’s College at the University of South Carolina. She also earned her JD from the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was a member of Moot Court and graduated with Honors. 

Dany is active in the community and local school system. She has served on the Children’s Scholarship Fund Board, Myers Park Civic Commission, the Mint Museum Auxiliary, and has been a volunteer instructor with Patriots Path. Dany and her husband Chip enjoy traveling and spending time with their grown children.

LaShonda is a current member and former board member of the CFA Society of Atlanta, and the Atlanta Society of Finance and Investment Professionals Foundation. She previously served as the chair of the Wells Fargo Corporate Banking Diversity & Inclusion Council and the Team Member Outcomes committee of the Wells Fargo Wholesale D&I Council.

Over the last 20 years, LaShonda has supported educational development through volunteerism in multiple schools in New Orleans and Atlanta. She believes that all students should have access to higher education and the support needed to achieve their career goals. The promotion of a highly educated and professional next generation of youth is paramount to the continued advancement of our communities and our society. 

After working as a law clerk in the Federal Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia, she began practicing law in Charlotte at Moore and Van Allen LLC in the firm’s restructuring practice group. She worked in the lending practice group of Robinson Bradshaw and Hinson PA before opting to stay at home with her first child in 2013. Upon leaving law practice, Natalie began a short-lived career in residential real estate and now periodically takes on interior design clients.

Natalie served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Charlotte Community School for Girls – a private school for middle school-aged girls emerging primarily from families experiencing homelessness, poverty, or other similar challenges. She has also served on the board of Communities in Schools –Charlotte Mecklenburg, where she served as Board Chair for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. She currently serves on the board of directors for Novant’s Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation.

Steve has previously led the Enterprise Talent Management System for Bank of America's Intergenerational Employee Network. Steve also formerly led the company’s partnership with The Haitian Project and co-lead the Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee for the company’s Wealth Management Analyst Program.

With Carolina Youth Coalition, Steve has served as an EMPOWERMENTor and served on the organization’s Young Professionals Board.

Steve holds a B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University. Additionally, Steve serves as Director of Operations for Charlotte Young Professionals Group and chair of the Duke Black Alumni Association in Charlotte, as a member of Duke Charlotte Regional Board. Steve is also recognized as a 2023 40 Under 40 winner by the Charlotte Business Journal for his leadership in the professional and civic community.

Steve is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, holding the certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

He spent his last year in Louisiana working closely with his handpicked successor and has remained closely involved with BRYC as a strategic advisor on numerous topics over the past 5 years.

Dan earned his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where he was an Austin Scholar. He attended Harvard University and received his B.A. in Social Studies with Honors.

Molly is a graduate of Davidson College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining Communities In Schools, Molly launched and led The Charlotte Teachers Institute 

(CTI), an initiative designed to strengthen teaching in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She also spent several years at Davidson College serving in various fundraising roles. 

She has served on community boards to support organizations that promote early childhood learning, literacy, youth development, supportive housing, foster care and adoption, workforce development, the arts, and women’s collective giving. Molly has published op-eds and delivered talks locally and nationally on topics including economic mobility, educational trends and solutions, cradle to career success, social capital, trust-based philanthropy, and leadership. 

Molly is married to David Webb and has two children, Max (7) and Kate (5), and two dogs, Chewy and Champ. 

Katie-Rose Austin serves as Vice President at Falfurrias Capital Partners, a Charlotte-based private equity firm specializing in middle-market businesses. In her capacity, she oversees deal sourcing and execution and provides support to portfolio companies, particularly in the business services sector with a focus on education and workforce development. 

Katie-Rose is deeply engaged in her community, having previously served as Board Chair and Treasurer of The Arts Empowerment Project and is currently involved with the Women’s Impact Fund. With a background in education and finance, including collegiate golf experience at Vanderbilt and the University of South Carolina, Katie-Rose is passionate about supporting initiatives like Carolina Youth Coalition (CYC). She believes in CYC's mission to nurture and propel high-achieving, under-resourced students to and through college all while creating and maintaining a community of peers, mentors and advisors to support the Fellows' social and emotional growth! 

She looks forward to leveraging her expertise to further CYC's impact while continually learning from CYC leadership, staff, and Fellows to understand their perspectives and needs.

Melissa Anderson is Albemarle’s Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer.

Anderson joined Albemarle in January 2021 as Chief People Officer. In this role, she is responsible for leading the execution of the Human Resources’ strategic plan and key initiatives with an emphasis on business partnerships, talent acquisition and development, compensation and benefits, inclusion and diversity programs, and HR operations.

Prior to joining Albemarle, Anderson served as Executive Vice President, Administration and Chief Human Resources Officer for Duke Energy. In this role, she was responsible for human resources policy and strategy, talent management and diversity, employee and labor relations, total rewards strategies and programs, and delivery of business partner services. Her administrative responsibilities included the real estate, land services, aviation, and support services organizations.

Previously, she served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, for Domtar Corporation and as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Government Relations for The Pantry, Inc.

Prior to these roles, Anderson spent 17 years with IBM Corporation where she held several progressive leadership positions, including Vice President, Human Resources, of global financing.

Anderson earned a master’s degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University and a bachelor’s

degree in industrial relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Anderson is a member of the board of directors of Vulcan Materials and serves as Chair of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). She is a member of the advisory board for the Center for Executive Succession at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.