BS Applied Computer Science, MA Educational Leadership
Doctoral Research: Educational Legislation and Disenfranchised Communities
Samuel Agyarko Jr. is the founder and executive director of operations & programs for the A-Team! Samuel has served as a teacher in Chicago and the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. He is currently an Advanced Placed Computer Science Principles instructor in the South Suburbs. He teaches students with zero background in S.T.E.A.M how to use computational thinking and the tools of S.T.E.A.M to create products that could change their lives. Samuel authored and published “The Simplicity of Greatness” ripe with maxims for young people to promote self-advocacy.
The A Team! board members consists of students, STEM educators, potential Community Partners and select Mentors who have identified themselves as education ambassadors. Together they work to promote the development of students through quality STEM workshops, while also providing mentoring programs and resources that equip students with the confidence and skills essential for exploration, technology and life-long learning. This team is creating an impact in both their own lives, as well as in the positive growth of the students throughout their journey.
Khadijah is a seasoned educator who was born and raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago. With over 13 years of work in the public-school system, Khadijah works for Chicago Public Schools as a school counselor. With a focus on Adlerian counseling, Khadijah works with students in three domains of education; academic planning, college/career readiness and social emotional learning.
Riley is a seasoned educator who was born and raised in the city of Chicago. Having started her educational practice in Hunts Point, the Bronx and East Harlem, she has over 13 years of work in the public-school system. She has spearheaded teacher research projects and professional development surrounding critical race theory in the classroom and curricular choices that work at dismantling deficit model education. Riley has continued her doctoral research focusing on the inequities within the school curriculum.
Markena is an adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Law where she teaches Secured Transactions and The Law of Financial Institutions. She has worked extensively in the area of banking compliance and on litigation matters as outside counsel for various financial institutions. She earned her J.D. in 2012 from DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, IL and her B.A. in 2003 from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio.
Once you make it to your point of making it,
you'll appreciate
the struggle."
- Nas
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