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Board of Trustees
President
Dr. Akil A. Boucaud
Dr. Akil A. Boucaud has 13 years of experience in urban education, where he served as a teacher, instructional coach, athletic coach, mentor, and school administrator.
Treasurer
Makeda A. Boucaud
Makeda Boucaud is a motivated leader with an extensive career in financial services and a track record of team development, driving results and successfully leading a large team. As a leader in the financial industry she strives to drive results through effective team management, coaching, performance management and talent development. Her professional career has also cultivated and shaped her love for teaching financial literacy with a special focus on personal and business banking (I.e. loans and credit management).
As a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Mrs. Boucaud’s also provides consulting services to individuals, small businesses, and large organizations. In addition to coaching, Mrs. Boucaud provides mentoring to young girls and women.
Secretary
Melissa A. Boucaud
Born and raised in Orange, NJ, Melissa Boucaud went on to received her Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health from Rutgers University and her Masters in Public Health from New York Medical College. Ms. Boucaud has experience with community outreach, community health education for underrepresented minorities and she is currently working at a university incorporating public health principles within the pediatric dental curriculum.
Trustee
Christopher L. Cosmillo
Mr. Christopher Cosmillo has been working in urban education for the past 11 years. He has provided services to students from preschool to high school. During his career, he has served as an art teacher, school administrator, athletic coach, and mentor. He prides himself on providing children with tools and skills they need to be successful in the future.
Trustee
Dr. Dorothy C. Handfield
Dr. Dorothy Handfield has served as an educator for twenty-two years. She earned a Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Temple University. She currently works within the Newark Board of Education school district as a principal. Dr. Handfield enjoys working within her community and investing in the development of the children and youth because they are the future of the community.
Trustee
Dr. Carletta M. Skipworth
Dr. Carletta Skipworth’s background is in Human Services, Public Administration & Nonprofit Management. She specializes in operations management and event planning/coordinating. Dr. Skipworth has also always had a passion for mentoring and encouraging others through self-reflection and awareness. Wholeheartedly, Dr. Skipworth is a self-care advocate that believes self-care is the BEST care!
Trustee
Vacant
Since 2018, we have contributed to the development of children in the Essex County area through our wide range of programs. Our programming is centered on instilling strong values into our youth and provides a space for them to expand their mind while meeting new and interesting individuals.
