We prioritize enriching the needs of the urban community.
Our Board of Directors
Kevin McIntyre, MBA Board Chair
Kevin is a proud native of Baltimore, MD where he was educated in the Baltimore City public school system. While he is grateful for the educational opportunities he was given, Kevin understands that, most unfortunately, wide disparities continue to exist in the availability of high-quality educational opportunities for African-American youth.
After graduating high school and earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park, Kevin moved to Lynchburg, VA where he was the founding member and then board chair of Lynchburg’s local affiliate of the YMCA Black Achievers Program, an organization that provides support, mentoring and role models for at-risk youth, encourages high school graduation, and helps with planning for college and/or choosing a career.
Kevin has over 30 years of professional experience in both the private and public sectors in a range of areas that include manufacturing engineering, technology management, business development, technical standards development and use, government accounting and compliance, and finance management. Along the way, Kevin also earned an Executive MBA from George Washington University. Currently, Kevin is the Finance Management and Center Operations Division Chief in the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program at the National Institute of and Technology (NIST), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Kevin is a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden where he was ordained a deacon in 2020. For leisure, Kevin enjoys reading non-fiction books, traveling, and playing golf.
Vanessa Tyson, MS, SHRM-SCP, Board Vice Chair
Vanessa Tyson is a proud, life-long resident of Prince George’s County. She is a goal-driven,
dedicated, and resourceful professional with a passion for excellence and integrity.
Vanessa has more than 20 years of Human Resources experience in the healthcare, non-profit,
airline, and information technology industries. She currently serves as the Senior Director of HR
Partnership & Strategy at Earthjustice. Prior to joining Earthjustice, she served as a Senior
Strategic HR Business Partner at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Vanessa holds a BA in Speech Communication & Rhetoric from the University of Maryland at
College Park and an MS in Human Resources Management from Walden University.
Additionally, she holds a Senior HR Certification through the Society of Human Resource
Management.
Leonard Upson, M.Ed., Board Treasurer
Leonard Upson is an education consultant for leadership development with more than 40 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator in urban school settings. Mr. Upson brings insights and skills in instructional leadership and organizational change and has received numerous awards for his endeavors including Junior High School Principal of the Year by D.C Public Schools in 1983, Principal of the Year by the District of Columbia Association of Secondary Schools in 1989, and was identified as a Principal of Excellence by the Washington Post in 1997. His work as a faculty member, for 13 years, at Harvard University’s Principals’ Center spurred his development as a trainer and coach of school leaders.
A native of Washington, D.C., Mr. Upson earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Learning at George Washington University. His professional memberships include The School Club of Washington, National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He currently serves as Director for Leadership Development with Capstone Institute at Howard University. Most recently in 2018 Mr. Upson was certified by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and as a Mentor and Coach for elementary and secondary principals. It should also be noted that Mr. Upson is certified as a GALLUP Strengths Coach for school leaders and business managers. Additionally, in 2018, Mr. Upson established his non-profit (501C3) under the title Right Beginnings, Inc. His non-profit has a mission to provide Jobs for Women who are victims of Domestic Violence to enable them to free themselves from their abusers.
Gabriela Gomez, B.S., Board Secretary
Growing up in the southern part of Prince George’s county, Gabriela became aware of the many social, economic and environmental injustices that disproportionately affect her community. Gabriela is a natural leader who isn’t afraid to share power, resources, and tools to empower others. She has been a resident of Prince George's County for 36 years.
She believes change needs to come within a community by providing the knowledge and resources their members need. Gabriela is an innovative and outside the box thinker. A persuasive communicator who actively works to form new partnerships with community members and city officials to bring resources to wherever she goes. She has worked for Prince Geoge’s County Public Schools for the past 8 years. She works with parents to enable them to become advocates for their students, family and community.
Gabriela is starting a Master of social work degree from Walden University and holds a Bachelor of Science from James Clark school of Engineering at the University of Maryland at College Park as well as an associate degree from Prince George’s Community College. As an undergraduate at the University of Maryland College Park, she became involved in multiple advocacy groups such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Student Program Board where she advocated leadership skills for their student leaders.
Monique McIntyre, LMSW Board Member
As a proud resident of PG Country, Maryland, Monique McIntyre is incredibly driven to serve her community. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Family Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. She then went on to achieve a Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work. Shortly before graduating with her MSW, Monique obtained her license to practice therapy in the state of Maryland as a masters level clinical social worker.
Over the course of her education and career, Monique has worked in several different capacities at various mental health settings. She has worked as a behavioral therapist with children on the autism spectrum, as an outreach social worker for The Maryland School For The Blind, she has run social skills groups and practiced therapy in multiple middle and high schools, and has conducted therapy for two outpatient mental health clinics. Additionally, in 2019 Monique spent 15 months in Houston, Texas working and living with children impacted by the foster care system.
Monique currently works for a private practice based in College Park, MD serving individuals across the lifespan dealing with various mental health and life challenges. Monique has a heart for working with children and a strong passion for battling the stigma against mental health. Monique’s proudest volunteer work includes serving child with critical illnesses and their families as a wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In her free time, Monique enjoys practicing daily yoga, reading, and any activity that allows her to spend time outside in nature.
Eddie Scott, M.Ed., Board Member
Eddie is a lifelong educator with over 30 years of experience. His passion for serving underrepresented student groups was inspired by his upbringing and education in Western New York, which he describes as profoundly affirming and informs his daily work.
Eddie has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal and mentor principal. He has contributed to improving educational, social, and emotional learning outcomes for students in Prince George's County Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and the Niagara Falls City School District. Eddie is a High School Principal Leadership Coach in Prince George's County Public Schools. Additionally, he works as a College Supervisor at McDaniel College for aspiring school administrators.
Eddie is a certified mentor for the National Association of Elementary School Principal Leadership program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo and a Masters of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational leadership at the American College of Education. Eddie, who has been a youth pastor, considers his work in education a calling.