MEET THE TEAM
We are a collective of educators, organizers, researchers, and cultural workers committed to building a liberated future through education. Our team is intergenerational and rooted in the traditions of
community organizing and Black feminist leadership.
Dr. Rema Vassar is an educator, organizer, and advocate for educational justice, teaching Educational Leadership at Wayne State University. A former teacher, counselor, and administrator, she founded Centering Black Children in Education (CBCE)—a movement rooted in wellness, advocacy, and radical love.
Dr. Rema’s work empowers educators, parents, and students to transform systems from within. Her message is clear: education is liberation—and freedom begins when we center love, community, and the brilliance of Black children.
Board of Directors
ENID MOORE
BOARD CHAIRWOMAN
Enid Moore is a seasoned financial professional and community advocate with over a decade of experience in banking, lending, and tax services. A former Field Auditor at Huntington Bank and experienced loan officer, Enid has built her career on financial empowerment and accessibility for families and small businesses. With a background in business administration and a passion for economic justice, she brings strategic insight to Sankofa’s mission—bridging fiscal stewardship with educational liberation. Enid’s work embodies Sankofa’s commitment to building pathways to prosperity by ensuring that Black children, families, and communities have the financial and educational tools to thrive.
DR. CARMEN M. MCCALLUM MOTLEY
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Carmen M. McCallum Motley is an Associate Dean in the College of Education at Eastern Michigan University. Dr. McCallum Motley has served as assistant professor, associate professor, academic advisor and lecturer at various institutions. Her research interests include access and retention within graduate education; Black students and faculty; programmatic assessment and evaluation; graduate students; and mentoring experiences. She is particularly interested in understanding how race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status influence students’ graduate school experiences.
Youth Facilitators
IMANI FOSTER
LEAD YOUTH FACILITATOR
KING BETHEL
LEAD YOUTH FACILITATOR
Imani Foster is one of the Lead Co-Facilitators of the Youth Policy work. She got her start in youth organizing at the age of 15 years old, and has worked in youth advocacy since graduating from Northwestern University in 2022. Her work focuses on empowering and investing in young Black girls across the city’s east side, and she also leads narrative work at a non-profit focusing on education justice in Detroit. Imani’s commitment to Sankofa is rooted in the theory of Ubuntu, “I am because we are.” She believes her success means nothing if it can’t contribute to the growth and empowerment of her community.
King Bethel, a facilitator in guiding the student’s policy, is driven by the idea that the life he lives is not just for him. It’s for those that came long before and who come after.
GENISE SHELTON
BOARD MEMBER
Genise Shelton is a mother of six and wife to the love of her life, Dr. Courtney Shelton. Best known as the newest addition to season four of BRAVO’s Married to Medicine, she has become a sought-after media, fitness, and social impact personality. As a voice for social change and awareness, Genise is deeply passionate about issues that affect the foundation of our communities—homelessness, child abuse, and sex trafficking of minors. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of abuse and neglect, she draws inspiration from her grandmother, who fostered abused children for over three decades, as well as from personal loss within her circle that underscored the urgent need for protection and advocacy. In 2017, she founded Our Children’s Keeper Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to eradicating modern-day slavery through prevention, recovery, and restoration, helping to combat child sex trafficking, recover missing children in the Atlanta area, and support victims as they rebuild their confidence and stability. Expanding her impact, Genise is currently pursuing her law degree at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, with a focus on advocacy, justice reform, and child protection law—merging her platform, compassion, and legal training to strengthen laws and amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. Adding author to her list of accomplishments, her debut book Married to Fitness chronicles her personal fitness journey and the powerful lessons learned from her mother’s experience with a stroke at 48, caused by untreated hypertension, inspiring others—especially women and people of color—to prioritize physical and mental wellness. As a business owner, producer, actress, and model, Genise has educated, entertained, and empowered audiences for over two decades. In addition to her national media presence, she owns Genesis Realty Group, LLC and Flawless Bikini and Apparel Collection. Her success as a business leader, advocate, and philanthropist continues to solidify her reputation as a respected and admired figure in media, wellness, and community empowerment.
JORDAN ROEBUCK
LEAD YOUTH FACILITATOR
Jordan Roebuck serves as Development Associate at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, where he supports advancing research and policy solutions that uplift Black communities. He previously worked with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation as a State Farm Communications Intern, helping amplify policy priorities and community impact. A lifelong advocate for Black empowerment, Jordan is passionate about giving back to his community and mentoring the next generation through his work with the Sankofa Scholarship Collective. His commitment to equity and systemic change drives his dedication to bridging research, advocacy, and community empowerment.
DR. DONYA ODOM
PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Dr. Donya Odom is a native of Detroit and a proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Wayne State University and recently received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
With 26 years of experience as a teacher and high school administrator, Dr. Odom retired in 2022 after twelve years as principal of Communication and Media Arts High School. Her research and consulting focus on helping school leaders confront anti-Black racism and develop equitable practices that foster Black student joy, resilience, and success.
In addition to her educational leadership, Dr. Odom is an entrepreneur and owner of a Detroit-based coffee shop that reflects her deep love for her community and commitment to creating affirming spaces for Black excellence and connection.