FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shaundranetta has been a lifelong learner and mathematics educator in urban education for over 15 years. Her passion and love for mathematics stem from how mathematics has served her life and inspired her to start Math Speaks. Shaundra is a Mathematics Education Doctoral student at Morgan State University. When Shaundra is not working with Math Speaks, she enjoys supporting and spending time with her husband and two sons.

BOARD CHAIR

Dr. Collins is a lifelong educator, community activist, and student advocate who is keenly focused on the importance of education, health, and safe communities for marginalized families and communities. He has taught German, Spanish, Latin, and French at the secondary level in Virginia public schools, and has served as a secondary Vice Principal at the high school level. As a former Division I scholarship athlete he has actively supported secondary student athletes having coached a combined 18 competitive teams across football, wrestling, and track. He firmly believes the most important aspects of a student athlete’s journey involve academic focus, citizenship, and leadership. He currently holds a BA in German Studies from Duke University, and Masters in Business Administration from Strayer University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is an experienced educator who also has an extensive law enforcement background which includes work with INTERPOL, and DOD JSOC. Additionally, he has domestic experience working within the Virginia Department of Corrections as an Administrator, Inspector, and Hostage Negotiator.

BOARD MEMBER

Larry is a native Washingtonian and local entrepreneur. He is currently the owner of Larry’s World Fitness, KAAOS Fitness Center. He has over 25 years of experience in the health and fitness field. He has won numerous awards as a state, regional, national, and world powerlifter. Larry’s passion and dedication to fitness, as well as his focus on individuals’ needs, has created extreme loyalty among his clients. Larry is excited to bring his marketing and advertising experience to Math Speaks!

BOARD MEMBER

Ashli is an experienced social justice educator who has taught in DC for 17 years. She graduated from Spelman College and Tufts University but is originally from Prince George’s County, MD. Ashli’s core values are equity, creativity, and legacy; she has lived them out through many years as a Special Education teacher and now as a School Administrator. When she is not doing important work in schools, Ashli enjoys leading with her husband as a Children’s Pastor and mentor. She also enjoys time outdoors with her daughter and son.

INTERIM BOARD SECRETARY

Cecilia Rubiera is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor in the State of Maryland. She is currently working in a telehealth role but has work experience in a diverse set of roles and environments. She has been working with children/teens most of her life in different capacities. Cecilia is excited to bring networking, fundraising, and community outreach skills to the team and strengthen existing skills!

BOARD CO-TREASURER

Emily McCann is an social entrepreneur and executive leader devoted to helping organizations drive impact and generate stakeholder returns. She most recently worked at Curriculum Associates, an education technology company, as the SVP of Marketing and State Markets. In this role, Emily led a team of marketing and strategy professionals to align sales strategies with state policies, build brand awareness for the company’s products and services, and develop resources to support company growth. Prior to this role, Emily spent 18 years at Citizen Schools, a national non-profit devoted to opportunity and access for middle school youth. She served as the organization's Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President and CEO and played an instrumental role in the organization's vision-setting, fundraising, program design, and operating model development. Under Emily's leadership, Citizen Schools, in partnership with a network of districts and community based organizations, reached over 200,000 students and engaged 10,000+ mentors annually with sector-leading impact on students’ identity development, academic growth, high school completion, and post-secondary matriculation. Earlier in her career, Emily worked as an Associate in Business Planning and Development for the Walt Disney Corporation, engaging in the design of new cruise ships, resorts and attractions for Disney's leading theme park, Walt Disney World. Emily also served as an Associate in J.P. Morgan’s North American Chemicals Mergers & Acquisitions Department, where she supported the analysis and closure of multiple deals. Currently, Emily serves on the Boards of Teach Plus, Fiduciary Trust Charitable Foundation, and Math Speaks. Emily graduated cum laude with a degree in English Language and Literature from Harvard University in 1994 and earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1999. She lives in Needham, MA with her husband Sean, a secondary school administrator, and their four children.

BOARD CO-TREASURER

Shaka is an experienced educator with more than twenty years in the field of education. Originally from Memphis, TN, Shaka is a deliberate educator who has received numerous awards and recognitions for his creative and innovative teaching methodology. He has lived and worked in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area for the past fifteen years, and currently serves as the Founder & Executive Director of Bravo Zulu Chess Academy, a nationally recognized and highly decorated chess hub for children and young adults. Shaka is licensed and certified to teach all K-8 content areas, he holds a Reading Specialist endorsement, as well as a K-12 Administrator’s license. He is currently in the process of completing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

BOARD MEMBER