Board Members

Dr. Freeman is CEO, Alliance for Global Education and Leadership Inc. (AGEL), an international education, leadership and policy development organization that integrates best science and technology educational practices for teachers and students. She is a Senior Partner with Scientifica Works, LLC. - an engineering firm that creates market ready engineering and technical solutions for public-private corporations. She served as Associate Administrator for Equal Opportunity Programs, NASA, VP for Science and Technology, Morehouse School of Medicine and Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, Clark Atlanta University among many other notable positions. 

In 2007 she received the Tuskegee University Award of Excellence for enabling the conceptualization of a $10M, NASA Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space enabling Tuskegee University to position the Carver legacy and the hydroponic growth of sweet potatoes as the first food for space. Dr. Freeman is a certified Teacher, Counselor, School and University Administrator and Life Coach. She is an avid speaker and grant writer; partners with and serves on several national science, engineering, and philanthropic boards.

Dr. Markesha McWilliams Henderson is the Assistant Dean of the School of Business at Clark Atlanta University. As the school's development officer, she oversees fundraising and partnership efforts. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Sports and Entertainment concentration, leading academic initiatives in sports and entertainment. Dr. Henderson presents a unique combination of experiences to inform her work at the intersection 

of higher education and athletics. As a practitioner, she has held senior roles in all three divisions of the NCAA, including Director of Communications for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference 

and Assistant Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and Director of Athletics at Agnes Scott College. 

She has extended her leadership and expertise to many organizations including commissioned research for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and currently serves as Dean of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute. Dr. Henderson earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Journalism and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin, where she was an All-American Track and Field Athlete and National Champion. She also holds a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University. She resides in Mableton, GA with her husband Derrick and two children Derrick II, and William III (Deuce and Trey). 

Kyle L. Wachtstetter, PMP is the Network Automation Delivery Leader for Cisco Systems. With 25 years of experience in global technical deployments and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, Kyle has his finger on the pulse of current technology and a strong vision of that on the horizon. This comes with a blend of large service providers, enterprise accounts, and start-up organizations. 

Based out of Atlanta GA, Kyle has a passion for working with aspiring entrepreneurs. Having worked with 4 incubation programs launching 23 companies, providing the partnership and guidance required to achieve business goals. With Degrees in Business Finance and Entrepreneurship, Kyle blends the business requirements for today's network owners with the technology available to achieve valuable outcomes. 

Iris Ivana Grant, Founder and CEO of the Genési Group, Inc, known for her innovative approaches that add depth to the value propositions to the social impact investing, social enterprise, and founders within the for-profit and non-profit arenas. With over 17 years in the industry, Iris facilitates disruptive dialogues in the merging of entrepreneurs, corporate responsibility and the passion work of nonprofits in a way that expose areas of benefit, not readily identified through traditional verticals of giving and business. Iris is a TEDx speaker and award winner who can be seen on TED. She has inspired thousands as a leader in transformative professional trainings, key notes and thought leader panel discussions across a multiple of industries. In 2022 she founded a new platform entitled PHILX (Philanthropy for Every Generation) and launched a new digital experience that connects industry with the lifestyle of philanthropy.  

She is a versatile strategist and futurist with outstanding experience in several industries, both for-profit and not-for-profit. As a highly respected visionary and innovator with a solid record of accomplishment in philanthropic donor advisement and campaign strategies, the Genési Group has impacted over $260M in its cross-functional solutions to both short term and long-term projects to support communities. . She has worked with companies/organizations such as Florida Blue Foundation, Salesforce Global, Andrew Young Foundation, Girl Scouts National, 100 Black Men National, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and United Way of NEFL. Iris has a reputation for developing integrated build ecosystems and provide cross generational trainings for social entrepreneurs that add value propositions not readily identified through traditional models in the industry.

Dee worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 28 years doing everything from office audits to working on the statute task force and identity theft cases. Dee's also worked in manufacturing companies, sold insurance and many other brand name products. Dee had the privilege of square dancing at one of President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration Balls as well as square dancing at a Falcon’s Football game. She's the mother of four wonderful children, the surrogate mom of their spouses and the grandmother of nine precious grandchildren who call her Nana and five great grandchildren. After retiring from the IRS, Dee opened a small and successful tax office where she and her highly competent staff enjoy helping people get back on track with their taxes. Dee is an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service, a member of NAEA, member of ERO with Internal Revenue Service, and a proud board member of Holy Spirit Ranch.

Born and raised in Westland, Pennsylvania. Perry Kemp graduated from Fort Cherry Jr/Sr High School and went on to graduate from California University of Pennsylvania. He was drafted into the U.S.F.L. in 1983 for the 1984 season and played there for two years. In 1986 he entered The NFL as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys and played with the Cleveland Browns in 1987 before joining is final team with the Green Bay Packers for four years. Since his football career he’s worked in the hospitality industry in car rental management. In between he has worked with several no profit ventures and also participating in many fundraisers for college funds, community organizations, hospitals, youth camps and many more. Perry now resides in Duluth, Ga. and is retired but still finds way to give back to the community. 

Commercial Real Estate Expert, CEO, Chairman and U.S. Armed Forces Veteran Brandon Wheeless founded Alux Properties in 2017 with a mission to “enhance the quality of life of everyone in his community” through his construction projects. Since then, Alux Properties has been synonymous with innovative, tech-centric, and green building developments and practices. His latest project, The Bailey, is a progressive medical rehab center hailed as the “future of country clubs” at the intersection of luxury, innovation, tech, and five-star service. A talented NCAA basketball player, Brandon graduated magna cum laude from Norfolk State University while he was a part of their 2012 championship basketball team. He has since exchanged his Air Jordan Melo M9’s for steel toe boots, but the “Sledgehammer Soldier” is still scoring the money shot for his clients in commercial real estate.  Following his PMP accreditation and acquisition certifications, the Army appointed Brandon to execute several infrastructure building projects for local and international bases. These ground-up, large-scale developments ranged in budget size from $2 million to over $2.7 billion. 

With over 20 years of experience in education, Stacy Madison is a seasoned educator recognized as Teacher of the Year and has earned leadership and coach/NC endorsements. She continues to inspire and empower the next generation of students every day. Beyond her impactful work in the classroom, Stacy is also an accomplished real estate investor and the founder and owner of the nonprofit organization Girl in the Know Foundation, Inc., where she is dedicated to mentoring and empowering young girls to reach their full potential. Additionally, she serves on the board of STEM Africa, contributing to the mission of increasing African students' exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math. Stacy enjoys traveling and diving into a great novel in her spare time. She is actively involved in her church and is a proud member of numerous organizations empowering the community and beyond.

As the Creative Marketing Director of Swing Into Their Dreams, Nina Alexis Simmons brings her visionary design expertise and passion for meaningful storytelling to help advance the organization's mission. With over fifteen years of experience in branding and digital marketing, Nina is dedicated to crafting compelling campaigns that inspire and engage audiences. Her approach combines strategic thinking with a bold, creative flair, ensuring that every initiative not only resonates but drives impact. Nina's commitment to empowering youth and creating community shines through in her work, making her an integral part of Swing Into Their Dreams’ vision for expanding educational opportunities and giving back.