Freedom Academy Board of Directors

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Buddy King was born in Kansas City, Missouri, moved and found his new home in Saint Cloud, Minnesota in 2002. Mr. King found a passion for Youth Development Buddy’s passion and charisma quickly led him to connect and advocate for Youth. Mr. King's powerful messages mixed with humor and clarity share thoughtful reflections with all Ages. His Musical background explores the spectrum of endless combinations. Connecting the interweaving threads of life that we commonly share in rhythm.  In 2017, Mr. King Co-Founded Higher Works Collaborative. HWC was responding to the need for resources to help in the community. Mr. King's continued work and efforts to cultivate valuable community partnerships and contribute to creating a healthier more vibrant community. 

Ms. Ashley Easley is the Founder and President of Brenda’s Helping Hands NFP. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, she is the youngest of six children. In 2002, following the passing of her father, Ms. Easley moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota with her older sister and brother to pursue her education and personal growth. At the age of 17, Ms. Easley demonstrated her independence by living on her own and working part-time while attending Tech High School, from which she graduated in 2006 with numerous scholarships. In 2013, after the loss of her mother, she returned to Illinois and joined Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 as a Building Secretary. She was subsequently promoted to Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. Ms. Easley continued her academic journey at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois, earning an Associate degree in General Studies in 2017. She further advanced her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University in 2022. In 2023, Ms. Easley returned to St. Cloud to embark on her entrepreneurial journey, with the mission of empowering communities and transforming lives. Her favorite quote, "Excellence Without Excuses," encapsulates her dedication to achieving and inspiring excellence in all endeavors.

Ms. Gerdes was born and raised in the St. Cloud area and I love our city. She is a mother of 3 amazing kids who are my world. She graduated from Tech High School and earned a bachelor's in Biomedical Science from SCSU. I have many years of experience in the business industry and currently teach Business full-time. Freedom Academy is important to me, as a mother, teacher, and community member." 

Dr. Jarrod Hall has lived in St. Cloud for over 33 years. He completed his first degree at St. Cloud State University with a Master's in Multicultural Education & Leadership and his doctoral work at St. Mary’s University and Phoenix University. Dr. Hall worked at St. Cloud State University as a professor in the Education Department, specializing in Human Relations and African-American studies, for 13 years.

Dr. Hall has been a pioneer in the St. Cloud community, bringing awareness to African American history and promoting the significance of Freedom Day (Emancipation Proclamation) on June 19, 1865, in the St. Cloud area. He ran his own business, Changing Faces Multicultural Child Care, along with his wife, for 12 years. Additionally, Dr. Hall created and designed the Rise Up Gifted Youth Program at Stride Academy, which he has been leading for the last 3 years.

Mr. Carver was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. He came to St. Cloud in 2015 to attend St. Cloud State University. Upon graduation, Anthony started a financial planning practice with Northwestern Mutual in St. Cloud, and has been here ever since. He is an active member in his community and industry, participating in a number of different philanthropic groups, community events, and enjoys spending time teaching young individuals, families, and entrepreneurs the importance of financial literacy.  Anthony will bring his expertise in finance to the Freedom Academy board, acting as the Treasurer. 

 Mr. Duckworth graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor’s in Community Health and a Master’s in Public Administration. I earned the St. Cloud State Excellence in Leadership award and competed for the Athletic Department during my time at SCSU. Throughout my time in the School of Public Affairs at Saint Cloud State University I have taken courses in the Core Competency Areas of: 1) Leading and Managing in Public Governance/Non-Profit, 2) participating and contributing to the policy process, 3) analyzing, synthesizing, thinking critically, solving problems, and making decisions, 4) communicating and interacting productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry, and 5) articulating and applying a public service perspective to local government/non-profit management. By taking courses in the core areas of competency I was able to increase knowledge and skills in implementation of administrative processes, organizational frameworks & perspectives, and human services. I am proficient in the skill areas of: decision making, communication, leadership, orientations and recruitment, performance management, professional writing, applying praxis, research, and critical thinking and analysis skills. 

I currently work as the Adult Services Unit Supervisor within the Human Services Gateway Division at Stearns County.  I am self-motivated, organized, and eager to grow as a professional. I have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working within the public. Creating and implementing programs and training for Metro Bus, The City of St. Cloud, and The St. Cloud Human Service Council has given me the ability to develop strategies for continuous quality improvement using organized detailed processing to identify problems and solutions. I have over seven years of administrative experience and over four years of planning & leadership experience. I lead with a new public service management perspective, valuing serving the public and citizenry as a whole!