the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kingmakers of Oakland (KOO) where he leads a dedicated team in improving the educational outcomes for all students, with a specific focus on Black boys. Under his leadership, KOO has become a national model for transforming systems and structures to ensure that every "King" has the support, mentorship, and cultural identity needed to thrive.

In 2026, Chris was selected as a recipient of The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. This prestigious honor recognizes leaders who are driving breakthrough solutions to California’s most critical challenges. As part of this recognition, Kingmakers of Oakland was awarded a $350,000 grant to further its mission of shaping positive youth futures through cultural identity, mentorship, and leadership pathways.

Previously, Chris served as the Executive Director of African American Male Achievement for the Oakland Unified School District, the first program of its kind in the United States. His career has been dedicated to "kingmaking"—the process of recognizing the greatness in every child and building the institutional capacity to support that excellence.

Chris’s work has been featured in numerous national publications and he continues to serve as a thought leader on equity, inclusion, and systemic change within the education sector.

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 Operations and Communications Director 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 Program Director 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 Creative Director for Kingmakers of Oakland, Obasi 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.

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 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.

a Program Director 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 Jegna Early Literacy Ambassador for Kingmakers of Oakland, providing in-classroom support focused on reading, writing, and literacy development. A senior at San Francisco State University majoring in Child and Adolescent Development, Jordon is preparing to become an elementary school teacher. He works with students at MLK Elementary in West Oakland and East Oakland Pride Elementary, supporting early learners and fostering a love for literacy and learning.

a Jegna Early Literacy Ambassador with Kingmakers of Oakland and an aspiring educator committed to empowering youth. Passionate about mentorship, James believes young people are the future and draws inspiration from their resilience, creativity, and potential. His work with students motivates him to continuously grow, lead with purpose, and pursue excellence as he works toward becoming a teacher and uplifting the next generation.

the summer Animation Instructor for Kingmakers of Oakland. Otto began his professional career in New York as a modeler on MTV’s Celebrity Death Match and then as an animator on Nickelodeon’s Little Bill. Since moving to California, he joined Legend 3D to do Stereoscopic Compositing on Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland. As Head Comp Trainer he helped prepare over 200 artists for Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, Smurfs, Shrek 1,2,3 and other titles. Having gradually transitioned from industry artist to full time educator, Otto is firm believer in culturally responsive teaching and equitable learning spaces. He currently teaches Dual Enrollment classes to high school students at Madison Park Academy and Oakland Tech.

the Music Academy Instructor for Kingmakers of Oakland. multi-instrumentalist, producer, audio engineer, and educator empowering Oakland’s next generation of creatives. As Music Educator at Kingmakers of Oakland’s Media Academy, he teaches music production, recording, and sound design. Bear also owns Reef Studios and has contributed audio production and scoring for YR Media, Empire, Western Digital, and HBO’s Insecure, blending technical expertise with culturally grounded mentorship.

As the Sankofa King's Lead Facilitator, Yakpasua brings a deep commitment to community empowerment, educational equity, and the holistic development of our youth. With a background as an entrepreneur and community leader in East Oakland, Yakpasua has spent years championing initiatives that prioritize the voices and potential of Oakland families. Through his work with Sydewayz Cafe, he has been a consistent advocate for technology access, economic development, and public safety. Ro is dedicated to cultivating spaces where young men are empowered to reclaim their narratives, leverage their brilliance, and lead with purpose. He believes that by bridging the gap between legacy and innovation, we can engineer a future that honors our past while securing a thriving community for the next generation.

the Summer Intern for Kingmakers of Oakland. Dallas Alcorn is a proud product of the Kingmakers of Oakland vision, having been involved with the organization since the fourth grade at Piedmont Avenue Elementary. Currently a student at Sacramento State University majoring in Health Science, Dallas’s long-term commitment to Kingmakers has included participating in the Student Leadership Council, attending Man Up conferences, and serving as a teaching assistant at Oakland Tech. A passionate advocate for Black excellence, he aspires to become a nurse to inspire future generations and ensure they know they can thrive in any space. This summer, Dallas is excited to return to Kingmakers of Oakland as an intern, where he is supporting the organization’s executive operations.

As a Quest Academy Instructor, Gary Alexander III brings a blend of academic rigor, professional development expertise, and a deep-rooted passion for youth empowerment in Oakland. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Puget Sound, Gary is a dedicated Posse Foundation Scholar who balances his studies with a commitment to creating equitable learning environments. Having served as a Teaching Assistant at Aim High, he understands the power of mentorship and the importance of culturally responsive teaching in helping young scholars reach their full potential. Gary is committed to the Kingmakers of Oakland mission of "upsetting the setup," leveraging his background in marketing, development, and strategic planning to help students build the creative and professional skills necessary to thrive in their future careers.

the fall Animation Instructor for Kingmakers of Oakland. Tam is an illustrator residing in the Bay Area, he previously worked at Big Fish Games and then Product Madness. In his down time he enjoys watching movies and shows with his wife Jenn and cat Kashii!

Founder and CEO of Kingmakers of Oakland, is a visionary educator dedicated to Black boys’ brilliance. He launched OUSD’s AAMA, earned national recognition for his leadership, and has spent his career building pathways for youth across Oakland and the Bay. A former principal, YMCA leader, and teacher, Chris brings decades of community-rooted experience and a lifelong commitment to liberation.

Co-Chair of the Board, Rickey Jackson, is an Oakland native and proud Oakland Tech alum. Rickey is currently pursuing a Business Administration degree at CSU East Bay, focused on finance and accounting. He volunteers with organizations like AAMA and 100 Black Men, giving back to the village that raised him. He currently serves as an Assistant Manager at Men’s Wearhouse and is preparing for a finance career through a treasury internship.

Co-Chair of the Board, Dr. Johns is a nationally respected educator, policy leader, and advocate for Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities. He leads the National Black Justice Coalition and previously served as the first executive director of President Obama’s White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. A former teacher and seasoned Capitol Hill advisor, Dr. Johns is widely recognized for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to our collective liberation.

Board Member, Eliza Greenberg, is Co-President of New Profit and a seasoned leader in systems change, equity, and social impact. She oversees key organizational functions, partnerships, and strategy, and has supported numerous national grantees. Before New Profit, Eliza held senior roles in Boston city government and began her career counseling youth navigating broken systems. She is a graduate of Hamilton College and Harvard’s Kennedy School.

Board Member, Shrim Bathey is the Founder and Chief Consultant ofBathey Consulting Group, where she specializes in building operational infrastructure, leading organizations through critical transitions, and turning strategic vision into action. As the foundational first employee atKingmakers of Oakland, Shrim spent nearly seven years shaping its trajectory—successfully transitioning the organization out of fiscal sponsorship into an independent, multi-million dollar nonprofit and scaling the team from one to over 40. A champion of systems-building and equitable change management, she also lends her expertise to her local community as a board member for the Oakland Literacy Coalition. Shrim brings deep operational excellence and a passion for organizational development to our board to help drive sustainable, long-term impact.

Board Member, Dr. Joaquín Noguera is a scholar, educator, and former social worker whose work centers racial equity, healing, and systems transformation. With a Ph.D. from UCLA, he has taught in Black Studies, led youth programs in NYC, and coached schools nationwide. His research explores how race, culture, and power shape education and how communities—especially Black, Latinx, and Indigenous—can build liberatory, holistic learning spaces.

Board Member, Tsadiku Obolu,is a technologist, educator, and lifelong advocate for student success. An Oakland-raised leader, he launched equity-focused programs in high school and at UC Berkeley, expanding opportunities for Black students. Now an Associate Product Manager at Google, he also co-founded The Obolu Blueprint, an initiative teaching youth to “hustle school” and navigate systems for economic mobility and liberation.

Board Member , Kevin Tolliver brings an extensive background in distributed systems, fintech innovation, and blockchain infrastructure to Kingmakers of Oakland. As a Senior Software Engineer and two-time patent co-inventor at PayPal, Kevin leads high-impact technical strategies and cross-functional collaborations that transform how digital assets move at scale. A cum laude computer science graduate of Morehouse College, he combines rigorous technical sharp-wittedness with a deeply rooted passion for mentorship, equity, and building inclusive platforms where the next generation of Black scholars can thrive.

Board Member, David Roach, is a dedicated community builder, author, and entrepreneur focused on sustainable, intergenerational empowerment. A proud graduate of Morehouse College with a B.B.A. in Business Finance, David is the Co-Founder of the Oakland Film Society and the Oakland International Film Festival. He also co-founded The Familyhood Connection and its "Mo' Better Food" program, connecting African American farmers with food-insecure communities. Through his "Familyhood" framework, David passionately champions utilizing schools as the epicenter for community wellness, leadership, and long-term equity.

Board Member, Cheo Tyehimba Taylor, leverages his extensive background in impact storytelling to drive narrative change across education, philanthropy, and social justice. As the Principal of Forward Ever Media, Cheo partners with leading organizations and foundations—including Kaiser Permanente, Stanford Medicine, and The Ford Foundation—to blend powerful media production with strategic communications and data-driven equity goals. A former journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker, he is deeply committed to ensuring that historically marginalized communities are seen, heard, and empowered to lead.

Board Member, Jared Joiner brings a deep expertise in philanthropy, stakeholder engagement, and the learning sciences to Kingmakers of Oakland. Over his decade-long career in education and philanthropy, Jared has held impactful roles at Boston Public Schools, San Francisco Unified School District, and Sokikom, always advocating for youth and families to have a bidirectional voice in policy design. A Nexus Fellow with The Equity Lab, he is dedicated to dismantling isolation for Black and brown scholars and building powerful, equity-centered communities of resistance in education.