The Fishing School

Leo joined TFS in September of 2007, following over 25 years of senior executive experience with local, national, and international nonprofit organizations. During his time with TFS, the organization has more than doubled the number of students served and nearly tripled its operating budget. Immediately prior to joining TFS, he served as Deputy Executive Director of Membership Mobilization for Amnesty International USA. He was a member of the organization’s senior management team that was responsible for guiding its work and managing a $45 million budget. He provided direct leadership to several national business units focused on youth membership development, advocacy, public education, volunteer recruitment, training, and membership mobilization. His responsibilities also included leading national field operations and national program development in support of the organization’s 700,000 members and over 1,700 student and local chapters. Earlier in his career he served as a founding Deputy Director of the Doug Williams Foundation where he created and managed five city-wide youth programs that reached several thousand students in DC public schools. Leo received a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Howard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television from Grambling State University where he was a member of the famed Tiger football team coached by the legendary educator Eddie Robinson.

Quinci joined The Fishing School in August of 2011. Her work experience includes building capacity in organizations working to strengthen vulnerable or underserved communities, and developing nonprofit leaders of color. Quinci holds a Master’s of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida A&M University. Her past employment includes the Center for Minority Studies, where she launched her career in capacity building by creating and implementing successful fundraising, human resources, and board development infrastructures for the upstart organization and Fair Chance where she successfully led outreach and capacity building efforts in Washington, DC’s Wards 5 and 6. Quinci is also the founder of the Women Achieving Visionary Excellence Scholarship Fund, a scholarship fund for African American girls from Washington, DC.

Jocquelyn is a New York City native and a proud graduate of Johnson C. Smith University (Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism) and Howard University (Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing).  She is deeply committed to advancing the education and social emotional development of students from underserved communities, Jocquelyn has devoted over 15 years of her career to advocating for equitable arts and educational opportunities in low-performing schools and/or nonprofits dedicated to serving students attending low-performing schools.  Most recently, Jocquelyn served as the Regional Director for Writopia Lab, a national organization that fosters joy, literacy, and critical thinking in children and teens through creative writing.  While at Writopia she launched impactful literacy programs that served over 600 students in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.  Prior to joining Writopia, and after gaining several valuable years of educational experience as a classroom teacher at a charter school in North Carolina, Jocquelyn served as the Supervisor of the Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program’s Peer Educator Program at Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc.  In addition to her experience in the arts education and youth development fields, Jocquelyn has an extensive background in creating literacy arts initiatives, developing curriculum for audiences ranging from elementary school to college students, and extensive staff development and training expertise.

Kent joined TFS in August 2018. His professional experience includes serving as the Director of Partnerships and Development at Junior Achievement of Greater Washington for the past two years. Prior to Junior Achievement, Kent served as the Corporate Relations Manager at Truman National Security Project and District Director with the National Capital Area Council Boy Scouts of America. Kent has extensive experience helping organizations sustain their mission and programs through fundraising, community engagement, advocacy, and public relations. Kent has a passion for children, families, education, and athletics. He volunteers his time as a mentor with Capital Partners for Education. Kent received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ohio Northern University and is currently pursuing a Graduate’s degree in International Commerce and Public Policy from George Mason University.

Gozi joined TFS in July of 2018. Her professional experience includes copywriting and editing work for the ecommerce fashion, education, and psychology industries. In addition, Gozi has supported senior development specialists with fundraising, grants and prospect research, donor relations, event coordination, and database management. Previously, Gozi served as the Advancement Specialist at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), where she spearheaded event partnerships with southern California organizations like Knott’s Berry Farm, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gozi has also served as a Behavior Therapist at Verdugo Hills Autism Project, a Content Coordinator and a Lead Copywriter at BCBG Max Azria Group, LLC, and an e-commerce Copywriter for HauteLook, a Nordstrom Company. Gozi is actively involved with National Community Church as a member of the children’s ministry team and is passionate about working to eliminate the educational and resource disparities among youth from low socioeconomic status families and communities. Gozi received her Master of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine GSEP, Master of Science in Medical Humanities and Bioethics from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Washington and Lee University (W & L). At W & L, Gozi participated in Volunteer Venture as a co-coordinator and co-leader, Pi Beta Phi Sorority as a Pledge Class President and a Rho Gamma, theater as an actress, and both student-run newspapers as a weekly contributor.

Anyae joined TFS in August of 2016. Her professional experience includes working with youth in Wards 7 and 8 to prevent Teen Pregnancy and increase how involved the youth are in civic engagement. Previously she has served as the Site Director at Kid Power Inc., where she increased attendance and participants’ reading levels. Anyae also served as a full time facilitator for Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program and Group Leader for The Carrera Teen Pregnancy Prevention program. Anyae is actively involved with mentoring youth she comes into contact with on a daily basis and is passionate about the Balanced and Restorative justice framework for Juveniles. Anyae is currently a student at the University of Maryland in College Park pursuing a degree in Sociology.

Marinda joined TFS in November of 2016.  Her professional experience includes Child Care and After School Programs. Previously she served as a Child Care Associate at The Boys & Girls Club, where she implemented activities that were designed to enhance the participant’s knowledge of healthy living and academic success. Marinda has also served as a Child Care Assistant at HB Child Care and a Front Desk Assistant for the office of Student Involvement and Residential Housing at Washington State University. Marinda is passionate about providing her services to enhance and encourage the lives of those who need assistance the most. Marinda received her Bachelor’s in Sociology from Washington State University. At WSU, Marinda participated in clubs such as Black Student Union, Black Women’s Caucus, God’s Harmony Gospel Choir and the annual VIBES Conference.

Ashley joined TFS in December of 2015. Her professional experience includes child care, culinary services, and administrative work. Previously she served as Lead Afterschool Instructor at The Fishing School at Turner Elementary. Ashley has also served as School-Age Teacher at Antioch Childcare Center, where she conducted daily activities for children in a safe environment, including learning activities and art projects. In this role, Ashley prepared the educational materials required to implement the daily lesson plans. Ashley is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Prince George’s Community College. Ashley is passionate about youth empowerment.

Taquasha joined TFS in March of 2015. Taquasha’s professional experience includes serving as a Residential Coordinator at Volunteers of America for 5 years, where she worked with patients who required assistance from day to day. She was responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of one of the elderly group homes. She also supervised employees and events that took place at the facility. Taquasha has also served as a Family Care Manager at Helping Children Grow, Behavior Specialist at Center for Mental Health, and Residential Supervisor at Terrific Inc. Taquasha is very passionate about working with people, especially children with special needs and the elderly. She has 20 years of experience in early child care and has been devoted to working with children since her first summer job as a tutor in 1993. Taquasha received her Child Development associate degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of the District of Columbia in 2003 and is currently enrolled in Simmons School of Social Work for her bachelor’s.

Myeisha joined TFS in July of 2016. Her professional experience includes her career with the YMCA as a Bus Attendant. Previously, she served as a Before and Aftercare Instructor at Sela Public Charter School, where she received a promotion to Lead Instructor. Myeisha has also served as a Leader at The Arts and Technology Academy. She is actively involved with her local recreation center as a volunteer and is passionate about introducing underserved kids to new opportunities and experiences.

Candice joined TFS in June of 2018. Her professional experience includes an AmeriCorps tour of duty at Garfield Elementary School in Southeast DC. Candice served at Garfield in the capacity of Literacy Interventionist, where she assisted and tutored students in English Language Arts. In her prior professional roles, Candice assisted in the front office at Mississippi State University and also led her dorm as a Resident Advisor. Candice is also actively involved with Higher Achievement as a mentor for middle school age youth in the DC Metro area. She has a passion for serving inner-city youth and underserved communities and spends her time giving back. Candice is an alum of Mississippi State University, where she graduated with a BS in Human Sciences. While a student, she participated in roles such as Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion and a Peer Mentor in their Cultural Diversity office.