OUR TEAM
We create inclusive spaces and provide high-quality programs, events, and resources to foster belonging, empowerment, and self-efficacy.
Together, we're building a more equitable future. Interested in learning more about our team or contributing to the mission?
Email us at info@projectsankof.org
Dr. Maisha Beasley (she/her)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ed.D International and Multicultural Education | Univ. of San Francisco
M.A. Higher Education Administration | Univ. of the Pacific
B.A. Communication | San Diego State Univ.
Tyrone Cutkelvin (he/him)
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
M.B.A. Global Technology Management | American InterContinental University
B.S. Accounting | University of Belize
Dr. Samarah Blackmon (she/her)
DIRECTOR, CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING, SOCIAL JUSTICE TRAINING INSTITUTE (SJLI)
Ph.D. in Education, UCLA School of Education & Information Studies
MPP (Master's in Public Policy), UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
B.A. in Journalism, University of Washington
Dr. John Edwards (he/him)
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL INITIATIVES & PROGRAMS
EdD Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Higher Ed Administration, Grand Canyon University
Nicole Varveris (she/her)
PROGRAM MANAGER, NEXT BLACK EDUCATOR WORKFORCE
M.A. Educational Counseling, National University
B.S. Sociology, University of Oregon
Deonna Smith (she/her)
PROGRAM MANAGER (EDUCATION & CURRICULUM)
EdD. Educational Leadership & Social Justice, Loyola Marymount University
M.A. Education Emphasis in Mathematics & Urban Education, University of Notre Dame
B.A. in Political Science, International Relations, Spanish, Minor- Women’s & Gender Studies, Philosophy, Gonzaga University
Trisden Shaw (he/him)
CURRICULUM DESIGNER
M.A. in African American Studies, UCLA
B.A. in Political Science, Minor Journalism & Women/Gender Studies University of Nevada, Reno
Dashee Rose (she/her)
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
A.A. Social Sciences, Las Positas College
Kaiya Farmer (she/her)
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
B.A. Political Science & B.A. Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles
Mel deVivar (she/her)
COMMUINCATIONS MANAGER
M.Ed. Student Development Administration, Seattle University
B.S. Design Studies and Advertising, Minor in Asian American Studies, San Jose State University
B.S. in Social Sciences, San Jose State University