Our Team
Tawana Twitty
Founder | Executive Director
Tawana Twitty is a native of Washington D.C. She is an ordained Minister, Youth Advocate and Motivational Speaker. She has taught various workshops at several Women’s Conferences, Youth Summits and Retreats. Tawana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies from the University of Maryland, University College. Tawana’s presence and involvement is felt throughout the community. She volunteers her time and talents through encouraging and empowering youth, young adults and families. Tawana currently sits on the board of Directors for the Palmer Park boys and Girls club. Having raised two children while being a single parent, Tawana knows the importance of supporting, mentoring and providing positive programs for the community. She firmly believes in the quote “If you give a man a fish he will eat for a day, if you teach him how to fish he will eat for a lifetime.” She has a heartfelt passion that drives her to encourage and empower others and firmly believes that no one should be left behind because of race, color, education, or lack. It is our desire to make a powerful impact in the community by helping to produce successful people who will therefore make a peaceful and purposeful impact on society.
Mitrell Sanders, Chairperson | Board of Directors
Mitrell Sanders is a Human Resources specialist with over ten years of successful experience in hiring and employee management with TJX Companies-Marshalls. Mitrell is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking in the workplace. He regularly assist employees with effective mental health techniques. Mitrell earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Jackson State University in Jackson, MS. Mitrell is also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity and was also a member in the Jackaon State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band.
Dr. LaKeyetta C. Reed, Vice Chairperson | Board of Directors
Dr. LaKeyetta Reed earned her Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the American School of Professional Psychology, District of Columbia campus. She completed undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Reed currently provides therapeutic, assessment and consultation services at a public charter school in the District of Columbia. She enjoys working with high risk, under-served, and marginalized populations. Dr. Reed’s experience includes providing therapeutic and assessment services in school settings, early intervention services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, home-based therapy, clinical and educational assessments, bariatric psychological assessments, and community-based mental health services for all ages. Dr. Reed is an Adjunct Professor at Bowie State University, where she teaches Infancy and Toddlerhood Development, Childhood Disorders, Ethics for Helping Professions, and Family and Domestic Violence courses. She is passionate about participating in psychoeducational opportunities in the community to help others gain insight about mental and emotional wellness, issues among special populations, and disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Reed’s volunteer work within the metro area community includes serving as Vice Chair of the board of directors of Healing Empowering and Restoring (HEAR) a non-profit organization based in Maryland. She also served as a member of the Governance and Academic Committees on the board of directors at Sela Public Charter School in Washington D.C.
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Rodney Griffin, Member | Board of Directors
Rodney Griffin is a Wealth Management Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual. He has had his own financial practice for over 4 years and serves his community with business and personal financial planning. His experience includes over 15 years of financial consulting experience.
Originally from Nashville, TN he moved to the DMV in 2001 where he attended Howard University and later received his master’s degree at Georgetown University. Rodney Currently lives in Bowie, MD with his wife Jennifer and daughter Kennedy.
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Wanda Russell, Chief Operating Officer
Wanda Russell is a native of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area and resident of Prince George's County, Maryland. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from South Carolina State University, a Masters with honors in Business Management from Strayer University and an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Pedagogy (Art of Education). Mrs. Russell is a seasoned business professional with over 25 years of experience as a Financial Analyst, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of a Financial Education Consulting Enterprise, a former financial columnist for a weekly newspaper and owner of a clothing & product line promoting high achievement which she founded in partnership with her son. In Real Estate, she is an acclaimed, award-winning Realtor® with a top-ranked brokerage in the D.C, Maryland and Virginia Metropolitan Area and a long-time member of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR), the Prince George’s County Association of Realtors® (PGCAR) and the Women’s Council of Realtors® - Greater Capital Area and holds an active real estate license in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware for Residential and Commercial Sales.
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Aaron C. Butler, Advisor
Aaron C. Butler has been a professional services industry leader, entrepreneur, consultant, success coach and trusted advisor, applying extensive business consulting expertise with deep management and planning skills to deliver innovative and transformational solutions to global companies, middle-market challengers and small firms, as well as, mission-driven and non-profit associations for over 25 years. Aaron holds multiple degrees from University of Maryland.
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Aaron is known as a recruiter, leader, teacher, organizer, and motivator of people. Honing his skills during his 15 year tenure as an innovative, service-focused operations executive with extensive management experience and a strong track record for achievement in operations planning and management, leadership development, change management implementation, strategic planning, performance management, and cost-reduction strategies, Aaron now owns multiple businesses, sits on various Boards and provides consulting and coaching services to solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, managers and individuals desiring growth and development. His experience spans industries, including:
• advertising and marketing
• clothing
• coaching and consulting
• customer service
• due diligence
• entertainment
• food service
• home healthcare
• home improvement
• legal information
• non-profits
• religious organizations
• retail
• sales
• travel