is a harmony of music and education. We prepare youth for college and career through a four-pronged approach

Music Instruction

Middle and High school students receive college-level music instruction from college faculty and professional musicians to build the next generation of musicians and increase their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

Academic Support

Students receive weekly instruction in STEM subjects, while also improving language skills. FAME’s music and educational components meet national standards and help students to excel in school and achieve advanced academic placement.

College Preparation

Students prepare for college education through academic tutoring, study skills development, SAT preparation, identifying college majors and requirements, and learning about the admissions and financial aid processes.

Career Readiness

Students develop technical skills for music industry-related occupations as well as soft skills such as organization, time management, goal setting, and networking necessary for employment in any industry.

FAME challenges students to set high expectations for their academic and life achievements by expanding students’ experiences to demonstrate that they are not defined by their current conditions or surroundings.

MISSION

FAME’s Mission Is To Give Every Young Musician The Best Opportunity To Succeed In Life By Providing Music Training And Academic Support. 

VISION

Every Young Musician Is Prepared For College, Career, And Lifelong Learning.

VALUES

We believe that children, teens, and young adults, regardless of social and economic need, should have access to quality music and music education as part of their journey to adulthood. We believe that if given the tools, including the power of music, program participants will become young adults of a well-rounded character, and part of the next generation of leaders for our community and our nation. 

E

Work Ethic

Strengthen character through discipline, determination, commitment to mastering your craft, and staying motivated to get the job done.

E

Learning

Optimize opportunities to acquire new knowledge in and out of the classroom through active listening and fully engaged participation over a lifetime.

E

Integrity

Uncompromising adherence to strong moral principles, being honest, consistent and true to self, and doing the right thing even if no one is watching.

E

Respect

Exhibit care, concern, and consideration for self and others; treat people as we want to be treated.

E

Commitment

Demonstrate dedication to your lessons, your craft, your instrument, and the organization.

E

Caring

Provide a nurturing environment in which students consistently encourage and uplift each other and feel valued.

E

Cultivating Relationships

Establish and maintain relationships with persons and organizations that share our values and commitment to FAME’s mission.

HISTORY

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  • 2004

    The Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education was founded as Prince George’s County Foundation for Music and Education.
  • 2004

    Formed a partnership with Prince George’s County Community College
  • 2004-2008

    With the support of professional musicians and the Prince George’s Community College, FAME hosts a series of concerts and performances to raise funds for its scholarship.
  • 2005

    FAME received its first major grant from the Prince George’s County Council.
  • 2005

    FAME awards its first scholarships to three college bound students.
  • 2005

    Began annual sponsorship of two local Spelling Bees in Prince’s George’s County and Washington, DC. that continues today.
  • 2008

    FAME received its first donated instrument—a baby grand piano, still being used by FAME students today.
  • 2008

    Launched the Music is Central program at Central High School in Capitol Heights, MD to provide professional musicians to support music teachers, tutoring, workshops, speakers, instruments, materials, and supplies.
  • 2009

    Music is Central expanded to include six additional Prince George’s County schools and 900 youth
  • 2009

    Approved for participation in Combined Federal Campaign.
  • 2010

    Approved for participation in United Way.
  • 2011

    Launched Summer Technology Program in partnership with the University of Maryland College Park School of Music for 17 students.
  • 2011

    Hosted Happy Hearts to promote literacy through music for the young children at United Communities Against Poverty’s (UCAP) homeless shelter, Shepherd’s Cove.
  • 2011-2015

    FAME is named Outstanding Nonprofit from the Maryland State Senate, Maryland Delegates, Prince George’s County Executive and Prince George’s County Council Members.
  • 2012

    Expanded the Summer Music Program to two additional locations in partnership with the Prince George’s County Public School System and Bowie State University.
  • 2012

    FAME and Arena entered the Guinness Book of Records for hosting 370 trombonist from the U.S. and Canada to perform “76 Trombones” simultaneously at the Washington Nationals baseball field.
  • 2012

    Hosted Bridging the Musical Spectrum fundraiser, recreating the James Brown and Pavarotti duet of This is a Man’s World at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of MD College Park.
  • 2012

    FAME student Asa DeShields performed the National Anthem at Bowie Baysox baseball game.
  • 2012

    Co-sponsored ‘A Conversation with Civil Rights Icon John Lewis’ featuring his book, Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement.
  • 2014

    Received Innovative Achievement in Arts & Humanities Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  • 2014

    Received Influencer Award from The Washington Informer
  • 2015

    Established the FAME Jazz Band Program (FJBP) a year-round, community-based program for 14 youth under the inaugural Artistic Director, Nat Adderley, Jr.
  • 2015

    Received Congressional Recognition for Quality Music & Academic Programming.
  • 2015

    Received Shirley Chisholm Memorial Trailblazers Award from the National Congress of Black Women.
  • 2018

    Selected by Venture Philanthropy Partners for its three year Ready for Work Nonprofit Capacity Building Program.
  • 2018

    The Summer Music Program expanded beyond technology to include voice instruction, and songwriting for 150 students at two locations.
  • 2019

    Released 1st FAME Jazz Band Program CD, Yesterday Is Today.
  • 2019

    The Summer Music Program continues to expand offering music technology, voice instruction, songwriting and instrumental intensive workshops for 200 students.
  • 2020

    The year-round FAME Jazz Band Program grows to 31 Prince George’s County students attending public, private, and home schools up from 21 students the previous year.
  • 2020

    The Music is Central program supports upwards of 1500 youth in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Alexandria VA.
  • 2020

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, launches distance learning program, FAME Online Learning.
  • 2020

    Received the Lewis Prize for Music COVID-19 Community Response Fund Grant.
  • 2020

    Accepted in the Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the best nonprofits.
  • 2020

    Launched FAME Online Learning Platform.
  • 2021

    Completed the Venture Philanthropy Partners Ready for Work Nonprofit Capacity Building Program.
  • 2021

    Executive Director completed the Leadership Greater Washington’s Signature Program.
  • 2022

    Satellite space & Technology Lab Opened - Wise High School
  • 2023

    Satellite space & Technology Lab Opened - Harmony Hall
  • 2024

    Satellite space & Technology Lab Opened – Andrew Jackson Academy

 

STAFF & FACULTY

  • A. Toni Lewis

    FAME Founder & CEO

A. Toni Lewis

FAME Founder & CEO

A. Toni Lewis is Founder and Executive Director of The Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education, Inc. (FAME).  FAME, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, was organized in June 2004 to advance the value of music, music making and educational study and to create opportunities for youth to experience the joys of music and provide them gifts that last a lifetime. FAME provides support primarily through training, workshops, scholarships and instrument donations. FAME was established on the principal that all children, teens, and young adults, regardless of social and economic need, should have access to quality education as part of their lifelong journey to adulthood.

Before joining FAME, Toni held a number of key executive level positions at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).  As Deputy Chief of Staff, Toni served as a principal in the day to day operation of the nationwide agency.  She also served as Chief of Staff for the offices of Electronic Government and Government-wide Policy, and held several other key leadership positions in acquisition, management policy, and human resources.  GSA coordinates federal policy and provides services to other Federal agencies in the areas of real estate and construction, supply and service procurement, telecommunications and information technology and motor vehicle and travel management.

Another key assignment was serving as Chief Operating Officer of the GSA Presidential Inaugural Committee.  This involved the management, direction and support to The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and Transition Team.   She led a staff of professionals from the various functional areas, including acquisition, information technology, telecommunications, physical and personnel security, construction, facilities management, and budget. She provided overall coordination with the PIC and other support arms to the inaugural committee:  Armed Forces, District of Columbia, and National Park Service. This assignment was completed in the shortest timeframe (33 days) in the history of presidential inaugurals due to the contested election.

Toni Lewis is an experienced events manager with more than 20 years of experience in special events, public relations, marketing and fundraising.  She serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perfect Plan of Greater Washington, a special events and entertainment company.

Toni received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the District of Columbia Teachers College and Master’s studies at George Washington University.

She has been presented with awards and recognition from numerous Federal, humanitarian and philanthropic entities and is a member of the Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2021.

  • Mark Copeland

    Advisor

  • Tracey Cutler

    FAME Jazz Band Artistic Director

  • Dr. Kenneth Dickerson

    Instructor

  • William Evans

    Program Advisor

  • Zsatique Ferrell

    Education Program Assistant

  • DuPort Georges

    Trombone

  • Allyn Johnson

    Master Class Instructor

  • Jordan Johnson

    Instructor

  • Alphonso Jiles

    Associate Director & Instructor

  • Clarence Knight

    FJB Emeritus

  • Tiffany Lloyd

    Instructor

  • Mike Maddox

    Music Technology

  • Gevon Madrid

    Music Is Central Program Lead

  • Eric McMillan

    Instructor

  • Julian Wilson

    FAME Jazz Ensemble Director & Music Production

Mark Copeland

Advisor

Mark Copeland serves as an advisor to FAME’s CEO and program managers; and he conducts workshops.

Mark is a Pianist, Organist, Keyboardist, Music Producer, Composer, Arranger, Songwriter, and Educator. He is versatile in all forms of Contemporary music. He graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts and Graduate with a Contemporary Writing, and a Production Degree from Berklee College of Music. Mark is also a professor in the Ensemble Department at Berklee College of Music.  Mark has played for and shared the stage with numerous artist such as Patti Labelle, Regina Belle, Al Jarreau, Brian McKnight, Jeffrey Osborn, Kenny Lattimore, Yolanda Adams, Walter Beasley, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and Elan Trotman just to name a few…

Tracey Cutler

FAME Jazz Band Artistic Director

Passionate, stirring, reflective, soulful…these words and many others describe the music of Tracey Cutler. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Tracey is a highly respected and requested saxophonist and educator. Tracey’s start in the District of Columbia Public Schools on clarinet has evolved into a musical path as a multi-instrumentalist, clinician, producer, arranger, and educator/administrator. Tracey is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), under the tutelage of Calvin Jones. After serving as the Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator at the Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy in the Prince George’s County, Maryland School System, Tracey has returned to his alma mater, UDC, to serves as Assistant Professor: Instrumental Music and Applied Woodwinds.

Tracey has shared the stage with many jazz, gospel, and R&B artists in the music industry including Stanley Turrentine, Jackie McLean, Yolanda Adams, Lalah Hathaway, Johnnie Gill, Spyro Gyra, Peabo Bryson, Pieces Of A Dream, the BlackByrds, Tom Browne, Jeanne Carne, and the late great Phyllis Hyman. Tracey’s discography includes recordings with internationally recognized Vocalist Lori Williams (The Island, Don’t Ask My Neighbors, Body & Soul, My Funny Valentine), and with the Washington DC based group Collaboration. Tracey’s solo CD, “The Path” – a collection of jazz grooves based on the people and places of his life – is available on Amazon, and iTunes, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Dr. Kenneth Dickerson

Instructor

Highly qualified Senior Administrator and Music Educator with more than 30 years of experience teaching secondary courses in a wide range of environments as well as serving in the role of Assistant Principal for 10 years. Devoted to student success through the effective management of faculty and financial resources, as well as the implementation of student-centered practices. Experienced in developing and managing budgets of $6M+ and teams of over 110 employees. Bringing a multi-award winning career as a musical instructor, showcasing a drive to continuously improve and commitment to promoting a multicultural and accepting learning environment. With an ongoing education in counseling and mentoring skills, demonstrating the applications of stress and conflict management techniques into the classroom.

William Evans

Program Advisor

Bill Evans specializes in music technology applications, recording studio techniques and choral music. At the University of Maryland, he teaches Elements of Music Composition for Non-majors in the Honors College. He is the Director of the Music Technology Lab.

He has also taught courses in music technology as well as the College Park Scholars “Science, Technology and Service” course which combined music technology with community service. Evans’ expertise in music technology is sought after as he serves in an advisory capacity to music software and hardware companies and presents workshops in music applications for music associations.

Evans retired from Sherwood High School where he served as choral director and music technology instructor. He has served as a guest conductor and choral clinician in Quebec, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and Maryland. He has served as guest conductor of the Towson University Vocal Jazz Ensemble and as a guest lecturer in music technology at the Catholic University of America.

His professional vocal experience includes performances in local opera and musical comedy companies as well as concert performances. These companies include Wolf Trap Opera, Cedar Lane Stage, Pennsylvania Opera Festival, Laurel Oratorio Society and the Annapolis Chorale.

Evans has received numerous honors and awards over the years, including the University of Maryland Outstanding Teachers Award from the Center for Teaching Excellence and Maryland State Computer Educator of the Year from the Maryland Instructional Computer Coordinators Association. Evans was awarded 2010-2011 Wolf Trap Grant for Performing Arts for Montgomery County.

Zsatique Ferrell

Education Program Assistant

DuPort Georges

Trombone

DuPort Georges holds a M.A in performance and arranging from Queens College in New York and a B.M from the William Patterson University in New Jersey. He has taught in the NJ school system and is currently on the faculty of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. He also teaches trombone at the University of District of Columbia. He has extensive performance experience nationally and internationally with a number of bands, including the Ray Charles Orchestra, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra, Illinois Jacquet Big Band, Jimmy Heath Big Band, Charles Mingus Big Band, Cab Calloway, and the Black & Blue Broadway European Tour. In addition, Mr. Georges has performed as a recording artist on Verve Records, Candid Records, and Jive Records.

Allyn Johnson

Master Class Instructor

Allyn Johnson serves as Master Class Piano Instructor for all FAME Jazz Band Program pianists and provides one-on-one musical training and performance guidance.  Allyn is the Jazz Studies Director at the University of the District of Columbia. The Jazz Studies Program at the University of the District of Columbia where premier collegiate jazz ensembles are produced.

Allyn Johnson is a native multi-talented musician, composer, arranger and producer whose trademark sound gives brilliance and fortitude to the art of jazz improvisation.  In 2019, he saluted the women and men behind the Apollo 11 mission with an ensemble debuting a new suite – written in honor of the moon landing.    The suite, commissioned by NEWorks Productions, explored the intense emotion of the experience and its aftermath for the astronauts.  It also foregrounds behind the scenes contributors who helped to put the first humans on the moon the “hidden figures”.

Jordan Johnson

Instructor

Violinist Jordan Johnson has freelanced in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Metro areas since 2010. He has performed and recorded with many of the area’s talented organizations including the UMD Symphony Orchestra, Peabody Youth Orchestra, Avanti Orchestra, DC Strings, and CAAPA. A frequent collaborator with Howard University, Jordan has performed under the baton of Dr. Eric Poole, conductor of the Howard University Choir. From George Frederic Handel’s Messiah to contemporary composer Tony Small’s operetta Qadar, Jordan has played a variety of musical styles across genres and cultures. Most recently, he made his Kennedy Center debut in the stage production of Dr. Terri Allen’s Figaro Meets Frederick Douglass in February 2020.

Jordan is also a private instructor. Additionally, he has taught masterclasses and chamber coaching in several institutions, including Johns Hopkins University Peabody Conservatory, University of Maryland College Park, Oxon Hill High School, Parkdale High School, and Maya Angelou French Immersion.

No stranger to historical settings, Jordan has performed in many of the Nation’s landmarks such as the Kennedy Center, the Oprah Winfrey Theater at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Metropolitan A.M.E. church, Alfred Street Baptist Church, and Universalist National Memorial Church.

Originally from Glen Burnie, MD, Jordan is a 2014 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance. His principal instructors have included Dr. Gerald Fischbach, Dr. James Stern, orchestral excerpts with Dr. Elisabeth Adkins, and chamber music with David Salness, Evelyn Elsing, and violinist Greg Luce of the Aeolus Quartet.

Outside of music Jordan is an avid practitioner of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian languages, explorer of the Smithsonian museums, and enjoys connecting with people from different cultures who have a passion for life, and a vision to work toward their dreams.

Alphonso Jiles

Associate Director & Instructor

Alphonso Jiles, ED. S. helped the founder of FAME-Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education, Inc. a tax-exempt nonprofit, establish the structure for the FAME Jazz Band in the Spring of 2015. He serves as an Associate Director for the Band. In addition, he is the Director of Instrumental Music at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Prior, Mr. Jiles was the Director of Bands at Frederick Douglass High School, Upper Marlboro for sixteen years. Former Minister of Music at the Temple of Praise Ministries in Washington, D.C., Jiles responsible for all music operations. Currently, he is enrolled in an Ed.D. program at Argosy University, Jiles holds several degrees, including M.S. in Organizational Leadership (Nyack College), B. M. in Music Education (Berklee College of Music), and A.A., Jazz Studies (Wisconsin Conservatory of Music).

A retired 1st Lt. in the United States Army Reserves, he is a percussion player skilled in both drums and piano. In addition, to his many musical activities, Mr. Jiles serves as the Japan Student Exchange Coordinator; for the past seven years, he has accompanied students to Japan as part of this high school exchange program. Mr. Jiles holds membership in the following professional organizations: National Association for Music Education (NAfME); American Band Directors Association (ABA); Maryland State Teachers Association (MSTA); Maryland Band Directors Association (MBDA); Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA); Maryland Orchestra Directors Association (MODA) National Education Association (NEA); and Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA).

Clarence Knight

FJB Emeritus

Clarence E. Knight, Jr., former Chair and Professor of Music, Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Bowie State University. His tenure at Bowie State included such contributions as: The father of the now “Symphony of Soul” Band Program; Starting the Music Technology program through a Title III Grant; Providing the vision and direction for the “NEW” Fine and Performing Arts Building that was completed in January 2012 and the redesigning of the Fine and Performing Arts Department into its present configuration. Dr. Knight is also a professional musician that has a wealth of experience in musical theater, recordings, and performances with a number of luminaries such as Gladys Knight, Lena Horne, Pearl Bailey, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, and many others. He is also the leader of his own band and orchestra that has performed at the Congressional Black Caucus Awards Dinner (over 10 years), Presidential Inaugurations’ (5), Weddings, Dances, and many other engagements.

His experience spans over five decades. His initial experience started while attending The School of Music at Howard University where he performed as the lead alto saxophone player under the direction of “Rick” Henderson at the famed Howard Theater in Washington DC.

Mr. Knight is also the owner of CLARENCE E KNIGHT PRODUCTIONS, a musical contracting business that has contracted musicians throughout the United States backing up some of the leading Acts in the Country. His contracting also included Musical Theater at The Warner Theater in Washington DC and other theaters in Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and Boston; He was the first African American leader of a Jazz Band in the National Football League (Leader of the Jazz Band for the Washington Redskins for 15 years) and other major venues both locally and nationally.

He holds the Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music Education degrees from Howard University and the Ed. D. in Educational Administration Degree from The George Washington University.

Tiffany Lloyd

Instructor

TiffsBass® the Artist is an accomplished musician who began piano as a young child, and has been in love with music ever since. She later began formal musical training at 11 years old, and shortly after started her primary instrument, bass guitar. After continued education, she later obtained her MBA from American Intercontinental University. 

TiffsBass is a member of the Grammy Award Recording Academy, Washington, D.C. Chapter, which is the premier outlet for honoring achievements in the recording arts and supporting the music community. She is also a bass clinician, bass instructor, and speaker for music conferences and schools for students wanting to pursue careers in music.  

On stage, she has been privileged to work with National and International Recording Artists Yolanda AdamsKenny LattimoreLisa RayeTodd DulaneyChris WoodsKeKe Wyatt, Lynn WhitfieldMaysa LeakAvery SunshineSasha AllenPaula ChampionMrs. Kristen Scott of Basketball Wives of L.A. and more. She currently has two music singles published called “Viscosity” and “Paradise.”  

Among Tiffany’s many accomplishments, she is the first black female bass guitarist to endorse the custom, hand-crafted Elrick Bass Guitars. She is also the first USA-based endorsee of GRBass amps! Tiffany’s most recent endorsements are with Bartolini Pickups & ElectronicsLK Straps and also with her favorite string brand, Elixir Strings

Tiffsbass is partnered with Collabrio Studio, which she endorses and where she now runs private bass guitar lessons for students. 

Among TiffsBass’ multiple magazine, radio & podcast interviews, and music videos, she was featured in Bass Musician’s Magazine in the February 2021 issue. She was also afforded the amazing opportunity to play bass for the Off-Broadway play, “For Colored Girls” by Ntozake in Manhattan, New York in the fall and winter of 2019. 

Mike Maddox

Music Technology

Mike Maddox has been teaching at FAME’s Summer Music Technology Program since its inception, and has been teaching secondary choral/general music in Maryland public schools for 13 years. He completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education at the University of Maryland in College Park. For the past 9 years, he has taught choir, guitar, and AP music theory at Sherwood High School in Montgomery County, and directed/produced the school’s annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival show. Mr. Maddox’s choirs have toured internationally in Canada, The Czech Republic, and Austria, and performed in various events around Maryland and DC. Previous teaching experience includes Roberto Clemente Middle School in Montgomery County, Central High School in Prince George’s County, and UMD’s Summer Youth Music Camp. In addition to directing a broad range of bands and choirs, Mr. Maddox has taught jazz, marching band, percussion ensemble, composition/songwriting, movie music, and electronic music on Mac, PC, and cloud-based software.

Prior to his public school career, Mike studied both vocal and instrumental music education, focusing on classical baritone voice and jazz saxophone. Mr. Maddox also studied music technology and composition, taught private saxophone lessons, toured England and Wales with the University of Maryland Chamber Singers, and gigged as a freelance vocalist.

Gevon Madrid

Music Is Central Program Lead

Eric McMillan

Instructor

Eric McMillan joined FAME as music advisor on the 2019 FAME Jazz Band CD, Yesterday Is Today. Later he served as an instructor in the Instrument Intensive Summer Program at the University of Maryland College Park.  Currently, Eric serves as the trumpet instructor for the FAME Jazz Band Program.

Eric taught trumpet at Morgan State University and The District of Columbia Youth Orchestra.  He also served as band director and trumpet instructor at the Duke Ellington School of The Arts in Washington, DC.  Currently, Mr. McMillan is a music teacher in the DC Public School System.

Eric graduated from Howard University with a B.M in Music Education and a M.M in Trumpet Performance.

Julian Wilson

FAME Jazz Ensemble Director & Music Production

Julian Wilson is a gifted artist, keyboardist, producer, and arranger. Originally from the Washington D.C. area, Julian is currently a student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he is in active pursuit of a degree in Contemporary Writing and Production.  He takes inspiration from RnB, Jazz, Contemporary Gospel & Funk, and is ever-expanding as he continues to work in both freelance and contracted capacities.  Since June of 2019, Julian has worked alongside the Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education and began serving as their production and media specialist in May of 2020.  He also continues to run a production suite that offers recording, arranging and mastering services to clients nationwide.

Board of Directors

  • Ingrid Valentine

    Board Chair

  • Wayne Ferguson

    Vice Chair

  • Gregory K. Wells

    Vice Chair

  • Reginald Weaver

    Vice Chair

  • Cecelia Davis

    Treasurer

  • Karen S. Jackson

    Secretary

  • Leslie Echols

    Director

  • Sam Hutchinson

    Director

  • Winona Mold

    Director

  • Jerome Navies

    Director

  • Gregory “Trey” Proctor

    Director

  • Carl Shazor, Jr.

    Director

  • Cassandra “Sandi” White

    Director

Ingrid Valentine

Board Chair

Ms. Valentine began her career in higher education in 1977 and developed her knowledge and management skills in various roles at Student Loan Express, the University of Maryland, College Park, Salem State College in Salem Massachusetts, Barry University in Miami, Florida, American University in Washington, DC, Anne Arundel Community College near Annapolis Maryland and Laureate International Education in Baltimore Maryland.  Ms. Valentine has a longstanding interest in legislative and governmental issues. Ingrid is currently the Deputy Director for Partner Eligibility and Oversight for Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education.

Ms. Valentine received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and her Jurists Doctorate from the University of Maryland.

Ingrid is also a certified spin instructor and enjoys creating motivational playlist for her classes that she teaches at her local YMCA.

Wayne Ferguson

Vice Chair

Wayne Ferguson, a native of Prince George’s County Maryland, serves as Vice Chair of the FAME Board of Directors. He started his career at the United Parcel Service in 1988 and currently serves as a Division Manager. “UPS encourages us to get out into the communities and make a difference, therefore I have an extensive history in volunteering my time but an even longer history encouraging employees to support United Way sponsored organizations”.

An active member of the Board, Mr. Ferguson, chairs one of FAME’s most successful fundraising events – the Race for FAME Scavenger Hunt. The event was created in 2016 by United Parcel Service (UPS) management and employees in the DC Region to provide a family-friendly event that supports FAME’s academic and cultural programs for youth in the Greater Washington Region.

Mr. Ferguson has two children, Janelle, who attends Morgan State University; and Chester, who attends Bowie State University.

Gregory K. Wells

Vice Chair

Gregory K. Wells, a trial lawyer, focuses on Plaintiff’s medical malpractice, serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. He is also a highly sought-after Mediator. Greg is listed in Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Product Liability and Professional Malpractice Law; the Maryland Lawyers and Washington, D.C. “Super Lawyers” and in Washingtonian Magazine’s “Washington D.C.’s Top Lawyers “Hall of Fame”. Greg has been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in numerous occasions in the area of Professional Malpractice by Best Lawyers in America.

Greg is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, where he currently serves as the Regent for Washington, D.C. and Maryland, and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has maintained the coveted “AV” rating, the rating for the highest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards, from the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell publication.

A Board member of FAME – Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education, Greg, a life-long music lover, is an avid guitar-player whose ability to gig has been, unfortunately, been curtailed by his busy law practice.

Reginald Weaver

Vice Chair

Reginald ‘Reg’ Weaver is past president of the National Education Association (NEA); at then 3.2 million-members, it is the nation’s largest professional employee organization committed to advancing public education.  He continues being a staunch public education advocate.

Weaver also served as vice president of Education International (EI), a federation of approximately 400 associations and unions in over 170 countries, representing over 30 million members in global education institutions from early childhood to university.  Mr. Weaver has traveled domestically and internationally, being an ambassador for public education, equity,  access, social justice, human rights, and the preservation of civil liberties.

He has served on numerous Boards, has testified before Congress on federal education policy, and has frequently provided a critical voice on public education for nationally recognized publications, televised and broadcast media. He has received countless awards and recognition both domestically and globally.

Mr. Weaver delivered a landmark speech at the Lincoln Cathedral in England—home to a rare copy of the Magna Carta—that was met with widespread acclaim. In recognition of his commitment to democracy and fundamental freedoms, a stone column was unveiled in Mr. Weaver’s name along with the granting of an honorary doctorate.

Mr. Weaver is also the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from North Carolina’s Shaw University, and a Doctor of Public Service from South Carolina State University.

Mr. Weaver earned his B.A. degree in special education from Illinois State University and his master’s degree in Public School Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois.

Cecelia Davis

Treasurer

Cecelia has been actively involved with FAME since its founding in 2004.  She currently serves as the treasurer and is responsible for maintaining all pertinent financial records and files for the Foundation, which includes developing the annual budget and completing financial reports as required by law.

Cecelia retired from the General Services Administration (GSA) with over 36 years of Federal service.  During her career at GSA, she served as a senior procurement analyst responsible for Government-wide policy, a contracting officer, an acquisition trainer (including development), and a contract specialist.  She demonstrated her vast experience in operational contract management.

Prior to her employment at GSA, she worked in international trade at the Department of Commerce.  In that role, she was responsible for analyzing and processing export licenses.

She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the College of Charleston, Charleston, SC and a Master of Public Administration from American University, Washington, DC. Over the years, Cecelia received various awards recognizing her outstanding performance within the Federal Government and for her public service contributions. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Federally Employed Women, Blacks in Government, and the National Contract Management Association.

Karen S. Jackson

Secretary

Karen Stamper Jackson served as a Federal senior executive with an accomplished career spanning over thirty-eight years and many organizations within the federal sector. She began her career at the General Services Administration in 1973 and focused her efforts in the budget and financial management areas. She broaden her areas of interests and expertise when moving to the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1994 as the Director of Administrative Expenses Budget within the Chief Financial Office, where she responsibly managed a billion dollar budget dedicated to the Department’s Salaries and Expenses. She represented the Department before Congressional Committees, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Government Accounting Office (GAO) and Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Under her leadership the Division was transformed into a high performing organization that received recognition from Secretary Andrew Cuomo for “The Best HUD Budget.” Her innovative management style of including all members of her staff in the decision-making process and equipping them with the resources to respond to the challenge of a perpetual changing Government, increased the morale, productivity, and the financial position of the Department.

Mrs. Jackson’s reputation for results and high performance gained her nationwide recognition and led to her subsequent appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) and numerous executive level positions. Over a span of seventeen years, she was responsible for various agency operations to include:

  • Director of the Office of Administrative and Management Services where she was responsible for overseeing the Operations of the Headquarters Building and policy oversight for HUD’s field offices. She managed a broad portfolio to include space, furniture, equipment, mail, communications services, parking, transit subsidy, motor vehicles, records management, safety and health, printing, and visual arts;
  • General Deputy, Chief Information Officer with a portfolio that included human capital planning and development, employee recruitment, IT Reform, Capital Planning and Investment Management, eGovernment, Security and Enterprise Architecture;
  • Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget and Management Support responsible for financial and administrative support services for the Office of Administration, executive correspondence management and the Departmental Grants program;
  • Deputy Associate General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration where she managed and led the Department’s entire administrative operation. She retired as the Associate General Deputy Assistant Secretary/Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer with a broad portfolio of human capital services.

During her years of service, she was recognized with outstanding achievement awards, Distinguished Service Award and is a graduate and award recipient from the John F. Kennedy Harvard School of Government and Council for Excellence in Government Alumnae. She is a graduate of Harvard University’s Senior Managers in Government Program and Federal Executive Institute. Mrs. Jackson graduated magna cum laude from Grambling State University and holds a Masters of Arts from George Washington University. She serves on several boards and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She and her husband Donzell are natives of Louisiana; they have three adult children and seven grandchildren. Her love for kids, music and education drives her passion to serve in any capacity for FAME.

Leslie Echols

Director

Leslie Echols is the Senior Homeland Security Business Development Manager for a Tribally owned company based in Northern Virginia. With 23 years of diverse experience in the industry, Leslie has been instrumental in securing over a billion dollars in new and recompeted contracts for major systems integrators. Her strategic vision and deep understanding of teamwork and collaboration make her an asset both within her organization and among strategic partners.

Leslie’s journey in supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission began with the agency’s inception in 2003. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with federal agencies such as Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Defense (DOD) and other agencies including commercial business, playing a key role in the success of her companies across the DMV region.

She holds a Master of Science degree in Business Management and Public Relations from the University of Maryland, blending her academic insights with practical experience to craft impactful strategies.

A proud native Washingtonian, Leslie leads a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes fitness and family. She enjoys staying active and loves cheering on her favorite teams at professional sporting events, where the thrill of the game creates lasting memories with her loved ones. Leslie is passionate about her community and aspires to inspire others through her commitment to collaboration, resilience, and dedication in both her professional endeavors and personal life.

Sam Hutchinson

Director

Sam Hutchinson has a distinguished national reputation and has had an outstanding career in federal service. He was a member of the government’s Senior Executive Service (SES) at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from August 1994 through January 2010. During this period he was the highest ranking African-American career executive in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) nationwide. He served as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of HUD; Deputy General Counsel for Operations (Acting); and Associate General Counsel for Human Resources Law. As Deputy General Counsel, he oversaw a $93 million annual budget and directed operations covering over 700 employees in HUD’s Washington, DC and ten (10) Regional Offices across the country. During his tenure at HUD, Mr. Hutchinson was also a key legal advisor to several former HUD Secretaries, including Jack Kemp, Henry Cisneros, Andrew Cuomo, Mel Martinez and Alphonso Jackson. As the Associate General Counsel, he supervised three highly specialized legal divisions in ethics law, public integrity, compliance with federal criminal statutes, employment law, and federal procurement and contracts law. He was also an advisor to a number of Presidentially appointed sub-cabinet level officials in preparation for Senate confirmation on housing and community development issues, HUD policy matters, conflicts of interest, transition issues, divestitures, and financial disclosure requirements. He served as Director of Personnel overseeing a national workforce of 10,000 employees. He supervised payroll and budget operations, collective bargaining and, he managed a successful nationwide downsizing initiative that resulted in substantial savings to HUD and incorporated program consolidation, buyouts, and employee re-training.

Mr. Hutchinson has considerable expertise in managing large organizations, directing legal and administrative operations, establishing public policy and addressing major issues related to housing, public housing, fair housing and community planning and development. He was also legal counsel to the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Throughout his career at HUD, he counseled Assistant Secretaries in a number of Administrations and high level Regional Officials having oversight of HUD’s (10) Regional Offices and (61) Field Offices across the nation. Mr. Hutchinson was HUD’s key senior legal official on matters pertaining to intergovernmental relations, contract awards, procurement integrity and the Agency’s initiatives for restoring accountability and transparency in the annual disbursement of over $42 billion dollars in federal programs and housing assistance.

In August of 2000, Mr. Hutchinson was awarded the coveted Presidential Rank Award for outstanding leadership and achievement from former President Bill Clinton. This award is among the highest bestowed for civilian government service. During the administration of President Barack Obama, Mr. Hutchinson served as Senior Advisor to Ron Sims, current Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He was also an advisor to the interim Provost at Howard University and a lecturer on fair housing and fair lending at the Howard University School of Law. Mr. Hutchinson holds a Bachelor of Science and a Juris Doctorate from Howard and completed the Senior Managers in Government (SMG) program at Harvard. He is a member of the bar in the state of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Hutchinson was also Deputy Executive Director of the National African American Drug Policy Coalition (NAADPC) in Washington, D.C. NAADPC is a collaborative of twenty five of the Nation’s most preeminent national organizations involved in promoting health and justice policies affecting African-American families and youth. Member organizations include the National Bar Association, National Medical Association, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Black Psychiatrists of America, National Police Chiefs Association, and the substance abuse consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. NAADPC organizations are represented in 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mr. Hutchinson is currently in private practice and active in a number of civic and community organizations.

Winona Mold

Director

With a strong commitment to community impact and a proven track record of strategic leadership, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the FAME Board of Directors. With 10 years of experience at The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), I have grown as a business leader, a mentor, and a cultural architect. In my current role, I lead Portfolio Management for the Global Research & Development organization, overseeing the allocation of 200formulators across 20 brands, and developing 3-year strategies to drive product innovation and process optimization, including the integration of AI platforms.

In partnership with ELC’s Inclusion, Diversity & Equity division, I also lead the GenerationalEmployee Resource Group. This initiative focuses on strengthening connections across diverse generations and accelerating growth for employees early in their careers. What started as a small group of millennials several years ago has evolved into a global network, spanning four countries and a dozen sites, engaging hundreds of employees. The group is sustained by three core pillars: Professional Development, Innovation & Business, and Sustainability & Philanthropy, with multiple activations and events throughout the year to unite and empower the company’s young talent.

I am eager to leverage my skills and experiences to help propel FAME into its next stage of growth and continue to advance FAME’s mission of driving evolution through both music and education for future generations of students.

Jerome Navies

Director

Jerome Navies has been a business owner in the Washington DC, suburb prince George’s County, Maryland for 33 years. He is a McDonald’s franchise owner with seven restaurants and more than 500 employees. Jerome is a member of the National Black McDonald’s Owners Association. Four restaurants are around Joint Base Andrews, home to Air Force One. Navies has resided in the county for more than 40 years. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Los Angeles, California. He attended Los Angeles public schools, graduating from Dorsey High School. He attended San Jose State University, graduating in four years with a B.A. Degree in Journalism.

Navies earned a four-year scholarship and played on the 1968 and 1969 Spartans football team. As he pursued his Journalism degree he leaned towardsBroadcast Journalism. He was elected News Director of the San Jose State Radio/Television News Center. An honor bestowed by a vote of classmates. A highlight of our coverage was providing updates on the Angela Davis Trial, which was held near campus. Our broadcasts were featured on KSJS and the ABC TV affiliate and Education Channel 54. He won a San Jose State prize for writing. It was the Phelan Award for Short Stories.

Navies began his journalism career as a News Writer with KNX Radio, the CBS station in Los Angeles, and became an Editor and Producer. After ten years with KNX, he met his future wife, Mary Hopkins. This encounter lead to a desire to move east. During that period, he received an offers at CBS News, in New York and the CBS News Washington Bureau. He accepted the position, in Washington, as Executive Producer of CBS Radio Stations News Service. Three years later he became Bureau Director. Among his favorite assignments were organizing news coverage of eight Presidential Nominating Conventions and four Presidential Inaugurations. His team assisted CBS Radio reporters from affiliate radio stations with Credentials, Workspace, logistics and convention coverage. Navies spent 26 years at CBS. Before retiring, Navies moved from the CBSRadio Division to the CBS News Division to handle Washington Radio News coverage and Affiliate Relations.

Navies is a former member of the Boot Group, LLC, which owns the Comfort Suites Hotel in Goodyear, Arizona, which opened the last day of 2007.He is a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he serves as a Deacon. He was in charge of the New Members Program for 26 years. Also, he served as president of the Church Tennis Club. Navies and his wife Mary, reside in FortWashington, Maryland. They have two children, Omari Hopkins-Navies and Imani Ford, and eight grandchildren.

Gregory “Trey” Proctor

Director

Gregory “Trey” Proctor III is the Vice President of G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc. Trey has been with G.S. Proctor since June 2014. In that time, he has emerged as a real asset in local, state, and federal government areas, particularly in energy, utilities, transportation and infrastructure, healthcare, zoning and permitting, and many other areas of interest for our clients. Trey can quickly grasp new concepts and has strong problem-solving and communication skills, making for a thoughtful and efficient leadership character.

Trey graduated from Elon University in 2008 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a Marketing concentration and dual minors in Economics and International Studies. He immediately began his career as a Credit Analyst at Old Line Bank. Before being promoted to an Assistant Vice President position, Trey assisted the credit department in analyzing potential clients and loans and assisting with the real property valuation process. Trey also helped manage all of the accounts receivable lines and letters of credit customers for the Bank.

Trey has a strong commitment to community involvement and, in addition to contributing countless hours to community service efforts with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Heart of America, and the Alice Ferguson Foundation, he serves on the Board of Directors for the College of Southern Maryland Foundation, Historic Sotterley and Leadership Prince George’s.

He often says that “no two things can be more important than exposure to new things and perspective.” With this mantra, Trey is a regular at elementary and middle school career days helping the next generation to start thinking about financial literacy and their future, and how to place their personal and professional well-being in the context of their families and communities.

Trey is a consummate family man. He lives in Accokeek with his wife, Charlita, and their two daughters, Zauriel and Simile.

Gregory “Trey” Proctor III

Carl Shazor, Jr.

Director

Carl Shazor, Jr, is the current Business Manager for United Parcel Services (UPS) in Landover, MD. Prior to serving in this position, Carl started his career with UPS as a driver and was quickly promoted to an On-Road Supervisor. Having spent more than two decades in the Logistics field, his ability to navigate challenges and identify opportunities benefitting the organization, both internally and externally, is unmatched. Previously Carl served as a Private Contract Business Owner with FedEx Home Delivery where he owned and operated over fifteen routes in the DMV area.   Carl was born and raised in Detroit, MI and now resides in Maryland with his wife and daughter (who loves to travel and read like her dad) while his son is away in college.

Cassandra “Sandi” White

Director

  • Develop strategies to meet Departmental Budget Challenges and Objectives.
  • Ensure compliance with all SOX related controls
  • Participate in Benchmarking exercises.
  • Responsible for communicating all corporate and departmental information; procedures/practices, and company programs and services.
  • Plan and establish- budgets to anticipate future staffing, training, technology and organizational requirements.
  • Handle escalated appeals in writing and verbally.
  • Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives to increase performance, encourage success and decrease turnover.
  • Approve security access for IEE, UIQ, Corporate forms, Manual Bills, AT Work requests, exempt online time and segregation of Duty requests.
  • Develop process improvements to impact First Contact Resolution goals.
  • Discuss and reinforce safety messages and practices in team meetings.
  • Complete Business Continuity Plan for Pepco and ACE/DPL Billing.
  • Represent the company as an Ambassador for Government and External Affairs for Wards 2C and 8.
  • Manage invoice processing,  expense reports, manual adjustment, daily rate changes and AGS requests.
  • Collaborate on the planning and achievement of KPIs consistent with Exelon’s mission and philosophy.
  • Conduct annual performance reviews and  recommend performance increases and areas for improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with all OSHA and Company Safety policies and procedures.
  • Manage process improvements across business lines including Engineering,  Meter Services and Call

Center.

  • Work with AT to resolve billing issues  caused by technology.
  • Manage investigations involving customer complaints/issues, energy diversion and payment administration.
  • Provide direction to Account Investigators on issues involving the recovery of revenue from consumers of Unauthorized Use of Electricity.
  • Analyze operational needs and coordinate staffing resources.
  • Represent company for speaking engagements to provide on-site conservation tips, address billing concerns with customers and promote the Pepco/Exelon brand.
  • Perform all necessary storm duty assignments and activities.
  • Ensure timely and accurate billing, manual production of complex bills, timely processing of bill exceptions, and adjustments, and correction

ACADEMIC TUTORING

Innovative Study Techniques (IST), Inc. provides academic tutoring, college preparation, and career readiness workshops for FAME students. IST was founded in 2003 by Riche Holmes Grant, Esq., an Ivy League-educated attorney who has dedicated her professional career to building academic environments that motivate and challenge students to resist the status quo. Under Riche’s direction, IST has grown to become a multi-dimensional educational services authority sought after by parents and organizations for its novel approach to learning and progressive vision for education.  IST is headquartered in Largo, MD.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Gwendolyn Hubbard Lewis

Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria

Ernest Trammel

United Parcel Service

Barbara Schmidt Vance

Speakers Unlimited, Inc.

Jacquie Gales Webb

Gales Webb Productions

Everett Williams, Jr

Maestros Productions

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