the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kingmakers of Oakland (KOO). Before launching KOO, he served as the first Executive Director of the African American Male Achievement (AAMA) Office within the Oakland Unified School District—the nation’s first district-level initiative focused on improving outcomes for Black boys. A lifelong educator and advocate, Chatmon’s work centers love, leadership, and liberation as tools for transforming education. His vision and commitment have inspired equity-driven programs nationwide. He holds an M.A. in Education from Brown University and a B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University.

Chief Program Officer at Kingmakers of Oakland, bringing nearly thirty years of equity-centered educational leadership in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). As a teacher, principal and district executive, he championed access, rigor and culturally responsive systems for Black and Brown scholars. At OUSD he led the High School Network, founded a “No D” grading policy and drove increased A-G completion rates. In his current role, Matin ensures district partners receive best-in-class services aligned with our mission. He holds a B.A. from Stockton State University and an M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.

the Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO at Kingmakers of Oakland, where he leads with a people-centered approach that turns vision into action. He has strengthened executive operations, streamlined systems, and fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence. With over a decade of experience supporting C-suite leaders, Kevin is known for his strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and calm professionalism. He is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing workplaces where people and ideas thrive.

the Managing Director of Finance & Technology at Kingmakers of Oakland, where he leads efforts to expand access to education, skill development, and career success for underserved communities. A mission-driven leader, he integrates expertise across education, journalism, multimedia production, and workforce development to help students of color realize their potential. Brenden holds a Master’s in Educational Technology from the University of San Francisco and is committed to creating innovative, equity-centered solutions that close opportunity gaps.

the Operations & Finance Manager for Kingmakers of Oakland. Inspired by a high school teacher who recognized her financial acumen, she pursued a career in finance across private, government, education, and nonprofit sectors. At Kingmakers, Makisha has stepped more fully into her purpose—working alongside others who share her passion for empowering youth. A true servant leader, she is guided by kindness, grace, and love, and is dedicated to uplifting others as she was once uplifted.

the Media & Technology Manager for Kingmakers of Oakland, where he leverages his expertise in audio and visual production to bring powerful stories to life. With a versatile skill set spanning live events, studio recording, film, and post-production editing, Damari ensures that every project communicates with clarity and impact. His passion for media as a tool for connection drives his work across education, culture, and community storytelling.

the Director of Research and Impact at Kingmakers of Oakland, where he leads the design and evaluation of strategies that measure and strengthen the organization’s effectiveness across schools and communities. Bridging data, storytelling, and systems learning, Aman ensures that Kingmakers’ programs advance the well-being and success of Black boys and men. He partners with educators and community leaders to align practice with evidence and foster continuous improvement grounded in accountability and community voice.

the Director of Digital Media and Strategic Growth at Kingmakers of Oakland, where he leads digital marketing, media, and sales initiatives. A former Pixar animation producer, Theo brings his passion for storytelling to design programs that train and uplift the next generation of Black creatives. Through projects like Roots & Renaissanceand Read Like a King, he blends animation, documentary, and culture-driven narratives to center joy, identity, and liberation in every story he tells.

the Director of The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) at Kingmakers of Oakland, where he leads a college access program supporting Black and Latino high school males in their academic, personal, and professional growth. An Oakland educator and advocate, Kahlil holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Sacramento State and has represented youth voices at national platforms like the White House Youth Summit. He also empowers young people creatively through initiatives such as the Kingmakers Music project.

the Director of Black Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Training at Kingmakers of Oakland, where he leads efforts to build and sustain a thriving pipeline of Black educators. Formerly the founding Program Manager of Seattle Public Schools’ Academy for Rising Educators (ARE), he supported over 250 aspiring teachers of color with a 90% retention rate. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Wilson holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington Tacoma, an M.S. in Educational Policy, and a B.S. in Economics and Math.

the Graphic Designer for Kingmakers of Oakland, where he uses design to celebrate culture, amplify youth voices, and drive social impact. A multidisciplinary artist and educator, Obasi holds an MFA in Design from the School of Visual Arts and a B.S. in Apparel Design from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His work bridges storytelling and strategy, drawing from his experience leading creative education programs and community-centered design initiatives across Oakland.

the KOO Labs Community Programs Manager for Kingmakers of Oakland, dedicated to building spaces where creativity, leadership, and community thrive. A lifelong advocate for community development, Adrian has spent over three decades mentoring others and organizing initiatives that uplift underserved neighborhoods. As an entrepreneur and connector, he brings thought leaders together to design programs and summits that inspire transformation and empower those seeking direction and purpose.

a TFI Instructor with Kingmakers of Oakland, where he teaches math and mentors Black and Brown boys through the Fellowship Initiative. A dedicated educator, he began his journey with KOO at CCPA in Oakland, supporting young men in their academic and personal growth. Tyjun holds a B.A. and M.A. in English from CSU East Bay, along with multiple A.A. and A.S. degrees in History and Math, reflecting his passion for lifelong learning and empowerment.

a TFI Instructor with Kingmakers of Oakland and an equity-driven educator with over 20 years of experience across public, private, and charter schools. As an English teacher, she centers stories from historically marginalized voices, using literature to amplify and celebrate diverse experiences. Tracey holds a B.A. in English from the University of Central Florida and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Lesley University.

the TFI Co-Facilitator for Kingmakers of Oakland, as well as an educator, artist, and A&R for Kingmakers Music. Through his dual passions for music and mentorship, he empowers young men to pursue higher education and self-discovery. Alonzo centers his work in truth, creativity, and community—embodying KOO’s core values of love and liberation. He views Kingmakers’ mission as legacy work that forges pathways toward collective freedom and lasting impact.

the TFI Academic Advisor for Kingmakers of Oakland, where he supports young Black and Brown men in achieving their academic and personal goals. A first-generation college graduate, Wentrelle understands the transformative power of guidance and representation. Since 2015, he has served as a dedicated school counselor, helping students move from uncertainty to action. Wentrelle holds degrees from CSU San Bernardino and the University of Redlands and is deeply committed to empowering first-generation scholars.

the Facilities Director at Kingmakers of Oakland and a proud graduate of the UC Berkeley School of Architecture. He oversees daily operations and space management for KOO’s 8,000-square-foot facility, supporting staff, after-school programs, and The Fellowship Initiative. With over 15 years of experience in capital planning and design—including as Director of Capital and Planning for the City of San Francisco—Toks now leads KOO’s upcoming capital improvement project launching in 2025.

the TFI Translator for Kingmakers of Oakland and a fifth-generation East Oakland resident dedicated to education and community stewardship. A UC Berkeley graduate, he uses his bilingual English-Spanish skills to bridge communication and strengthen connections within the Fellowship Initiative. Passionate about nature and restoration, Robert spends his time outside of KOO tending to the land—restoring streams, planting gardens, and lighting prescribed fires to nurture ecological balance.

the Head Engineer and Studio Manager for Kingmakers of Oakland, bringing over two decades of experience in music production and engineering. A Grammy Award–winning recording engineer and vocal producer for Alphabet Rockers’ The Movement (2023), Kevin has worked with artists including Blackalicious, Pep Love, Ledisi, and Malik Yusef. His expertise spans hip-hop, R&B, pop, and experimental music, blending technical mastery with creative vision to craft powerful, authentic soundscapes.

a Curriculum Designer for Kingmakers of Oakland and a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Oakland. A graduate of Spelman College, she specializes in English Language Arts, creative writing, Black history, social-emotional learning, and the origins of Black American music. Nia has developed culturally empowering curricula and evaluation tools for organizations including Youth Speaks, SFJAZZ, Global Citizen Year, Flourish Agenda, and the National CARES Mentoring Movement.

the Fashion Lab Program Manager for Kingmakers of Oakland and the founder of Futurisme Studios, a multidisciplinary creative studio he established in 2015. A West Oakland native, Senay’s work centers intergenerational healing through art, design, and deep community engagement. Through mediums such as fashion, photography, film, electronic music, and exhibition, he creates immersive experiences that empower communities, celebrate identity, and inspire collective transformation.

the Communications and Marketing Specialist at Kingmakers of Oakland, where she combines storytelling and strategy to strengthen community connection. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College of California with a degree in Communications and an emphasis in Advertising, Leah is committed to uplifting narratives rooted in authenticity and collaboration. She believes meaningful engagement and partnership are essential to healing, empowering, and uniting communities.

a TFI Teaching Assistant with Kingmakers of Oakland, where he supports and mentors young Kings through education, brotherhood, and leadership development. A longtime participant in Kingmakers’ programs, Fiyah understands the power of meeting young men where they are and guiding them toward their goals. His work embodies the mission of uplifting the next generation by leading with empathy, example, and a deep commitment to community growth.

Clinical Case Manager

Jegna Early Literacy Ambassador

Jenna Early Literacy Ambassador

TFI Teachers Assistant