As an African American History professor at Pensacola State College, Latricia Brown's deep connection to the mission began during her own college experience as a Servant Leader Intern (SLI) with Freedom Schools. This formative experience influenced her academic career, and her dedication continues as she now has witnessed her own children participate in years of SLI service.

Rev. Rachel Iversen brings a passion for educational equity to her role as Co-President. Her childhood experiences with school moves underscored how educational environments can either foster or hinder a young person's potential. As an ordained leader, she has chosen to focus on providing leadership to our local Freedom Schools, ensuring all young people have the opportunity to excel.

After a distinguished career serving as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist for the State of Florida Department of Children and Families, Della Denny-Abbott retired to pursue her passion for community education. Her firsthand experience developing Gulf Coast Freedom Schools led her to earn a degree in the field from the University of West Florida, and she now dedicates her expertise to her role as Vice President.

Inspired by a childhood environment that supported her success, Dr. Taheesha Quarells is a strong advocate for youth development. Her doctoral research reinforces the essential need for the program's focus on developing critical consciousness, a belief she has witnessed firsthand through the positive impact of the Freedom Schools Servant Leader internship on her own college-age children.

A first-generation college student, Dr. William Crawley is deeply committed to the profound impact of education and mentorship. With over 25 years of experience in the field, he has worked to extend access to education in support of social and economic mobility. His commitment is rooted in his recognition of the crucial third-grade milestone, where a child's ability to transition from learning to read to reading to learn is key to their future potential.

With more than 30 years of experience as a local professional educator, Dr. Sally Crenshaw's heart was captured by Gulf Coast Freedom Schools. She witnessed the value of its holistic approach to helping children overcome barriers to success and is dedicated to leveraging her decades of educational insight to serve the community.

As an educational therapist, Kanika Blankenship has a keen understanding of the community's needs and the program's critical role in meeting them. Dedicated to empowering young minds and strengthening the community, she works to ensure more children have the hope and promising future she envisions for her own young adult child.