Board of Directors, Executive Committee

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Angel Richards is a dynamic entrepreneur with a diverse background as an educator. For nearly four years, she has dedicated herself to shaping young minds as an educator, Angel honed her abilities in creative communication, critical thinking, and collaboration Angel's transition into entrepreneurship is a natural progression, leveraging her comprehensive skill set to identify opportunities. Her experience across multiple disciplines enables her to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective, fostering innovation and resilience.

Angel's adventurous spirit and energetic approach are evident in every endeavor she undertakes. Her outgoing nature allows her to connect authentically with students, understanding their unique needs and aspirations. As a caring mother, she values the importance of academics

Beyond her professional life, Angel is an active member of her community, participating in local events and initiatives that enrich the lives of those around her. Her commitment to excellence and genuine concern for others make her not just an educator, but a trusted advisor and friend.

Since 1995, Pastor James Alberts has had years of service to his local community, he has served in various capacities and positions and brings all the knowledge and experience he has gained together for the betterment of the people. 

James is a graduate of St Cloud State University with a degree in Computer Science with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence. He is a current graduate student of Metropolitan State University studying Nonprofit and Public Administration so that he can bring more to this and other organizations where he serves.

 Bio: Demetria Poe is a licensed educator, entrepreneur, and equity advocate with over a decade of experience in culturally responsive teaching and educational leadership. As the founder and CEO of Scholar School LLC, she leads a team of licensed educators dedicated to providing exceptional academic support to marginalized and underserved communities. Demetria currently serves as a 5th-grade teacher in Saint Paul Public Schools, where she implements developmentally appropriate, student-centered, and data-driven instruction that significantly boosts student achievement and self-confidence.

Demetria holds two Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a minor in Child Psychology, and she is currently completing her Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership at the University of Minnesota. She also has her principal licensure pending, further solidifying her commitment to transformative leadership in education. Her educational philosophy centers on the belief that “all children are scholars,” and her work consistently affirms the brilliance, potential, and resilience of Black and Brown youth.

Beyond the classroom, Demetria serves as a board member and youth program lead for the Black Entrepreneur State Fair and is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the BESF Educating Higher Award and the Osseo Area Schools Spotlight Educator Award. Her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to equity continue to impact students, families, and communities across Minnesota.

My name is Maurice Duncan, and my journey begins in the classrooms of Chicago, where I attended school and quickly discovered I was an eager learner. I had a natural talent for math and looked forward to my law class in high school. I was a consistent honor roll student throughout grade school, earning awards for perfect attendance and Student of the Year multiple times.

But I wasn’t all business—I was also the class clown. I would finish my work early, then spend the rest of class distracting my classmates, trying to get a laugh. I had the potential, but I lacked the discipline to match it. After freshman year in high school, I started to lose interest in my education. I began spiraling and failed to make the necessary adjustments. That’s when I hit a turning point, one I now refer to as the next chapter of my life: Realit. To me, life is defined by the relationships I’ve built—family and friends I can trust, and who trust me in return. Today, I’m living a life rooted in happiness and gratitude, but that hasn’t always been the case. I’ve faced rough terrain—days when the path seemed too dark to follow. I made choices that led to what I call a “grown person time-out,” a season of life filled with consequences and hard truths.

During that time, I was doubted, whispered about, and often met with fake smiles. That’s why trust has become a foundational value in my life. I worked through those dark days thanks in large part to my wife of 21 years. Her unwavering love and faith helped me break through barriers I couldn’t even see. My life today has purpose—a constant reminder of the struggles I created and overcame.