As a charter school, we rely on our committees to assist our school in its many functions. Our Governing Board also has committees that are in need of participants. We welcome parents and staff to join one of these committees that fits your area of interest or expertise. If you are interested and able to join one of our committees please email the committee chair at the email address below so that you may obtain further details.
Current Governing Board
Jamilia Smith, President, jsmith@brightenacademy.com
Jamilia Smith is an experienced Business Consultant and Career Coach with over 13 years of experience in talent recruiting, selection and development experience. Throughout her professional career, Jamilia has created and executed strategies which addressed gaps in talent management for several Fortune 500companies, and small businesses.
Jamilia currently serves full-time in the quick-service restaurant industry as a Consultant and leads her own career coaching business. Prior to her current professional role, Jamilia served as a Talent Partner with CarMax, Inc. Jamilia has spent the last 13 years of her career in the Talent space and has a wealth of knowledge and experience with talent strategies. Her extensive work experience, coupled with her unique ability to build and sustain mutually beneficial relationships will support the larger vision of the Governing Board and the Brighten community.
In addition to professional growth, Jamilia is passionate about mentoring and serving underserved youth, young women, and recent college graduates. She has served in several capacities that support these passions. Jamilia has built and executed programs supporting high school athletes with collegiate athletic aspiration, job readiness for high school and college students, and countless other programs supporting the sustainability of future generations, from a gainful employment and entrepreneurship perspective.
Jamilia is a first-generation college graduate, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management, from Alabama State University. She is both grateful and very excited to share her time, talent, and heart to support the mission of the Governing Board and the growth of the Brighten community.
Jamilia Smith is an experienced Business Consultant and Career Coach with over 13 years of experience in talent recruiting, selection and development experience. Throughout her professional career, Jamilia has created and executed strategies which addressed gaps in talent management for several Fortune 500companies, and small businesses.
Jamilia currently serves full-time in the quick-service restaurant industry as a Consultant and leads her own career coaching business. Prior to her current professional role, Jamilia served as a Talent Partner with CarMax, Inc. Jamilia has spent the last 13 years of her career in the Talent space and has a wealth of knowledge and experience with talent strategies. Her extensive work experience, coupled with her unique ability to build and sustain mutually beneficial relationships will support the larger vision of the Governing Board and the Brighten community.
In addition to professional growth, Jamilia is passionate about mentoring and serving underserved youth, young women, and recent college graduates. She has served in several capacities that support these passions. Jamilia has built and executed programs supporting high school athletes with collegiate athletic aspiration, job readiness for high school and college students, and countless other programs supporting the sustainability of future generations, from a gainful employment and entrepreneurship perspective.
Jamilia is a first-generation college graduate, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management, from Alabama State University. She is both grateful and very excited to share her time, talent, and heart to support the mission of the Governing Board and the growth of the Brighten community.
Dr. Deona Carter, Vice President dcarter@brightenacademy.com
Dr. Deona Carter serves as the eCampus Director for the Technical College System of Georgia where she supports the expansion of online education access to citizens across the state and beyond. She has also been an undergraduate faculty member for Southern New Hampshire University since 2014. She has been working in the field of higher education expressly for over thirteen years. Dr. Carter has experience with the student life cycle from enrollment through to graduation at all levels. Her specialties include, higher education leadership, academic advising management, policy, procedure, and curriculum development, as well as student support services.
Dr. Carter understands the challenges of managing a full-time job and contributing to family while seeking to engage with the community at large through service. Personally, Deona shares life with her husband of over a decade, bonus teenage son, rising 2nd grader son and 2020 born baby girl. In her professional role as an undergraduate instructor, she teaches adults how to balance responsibilities, improve their time management, and become fiscally responsible all while maintaining a positive attitude. Dr. Carter has served as a community liaison charged with building and maintaining community partnerships.
Dr. Carter is a passionate leader in education with vast knowledge of student development. She has experience with successfully completing regional accreditation reviews having participated in multiple audits. Dr. Carter has helped to author strategic plans and execute initiatives to improve student success outcomes tenfold. Dr. Carter has conducted extensive research on the motivations of students and uses this knowledge to improve student outcomes in every educational setting she has been part of. As an institutional leader, Dr. Carter also has experience with budget management and review. Dr. Carter seeks to improve student outcomes in every organization she aligns with. She understands what it takes to support student success at every level of the educational journey.
Dr. Carter holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University, a Master of Arts in Post-Secondary Education from Argosy University and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies from Berea College.
Dr. Deona Carter serves as the eCampus Director for the Technical College System of Georgia where she supports the expansion of online education access to citizens across the state and beyond. She has also been an undergraduate faculty member for Southern New Hampshire University since 2014. She has been working in the field of higher education expressly for over thirteen years. Dr. Carter has experience with the student life cycle from enrollment through to graduation at all levels. Her specialties include, higher education leadership, academic advising management, policy, procedure, and curriculum development, as well as student support services.
Dr. Carter understands the challenges of managing a full-time job and contributing to family while seeking to engage with the community at large through service. Personally, Deona shares life with her husband of over a decade, bonus teenage son, rising 2nd grader son and 2020 born baby girl. In her professional role as an undergraduate instructor, she teaches adults how to balance responsibilities, improve their time management, and become fiscally responsible all while maintaining a positive attitude. Dr. Carter has served as a community liaison charged with building and maintaining community partnerships.
Dr. Carter is a passionate leader in education with vast knowledge of student development. She has experience with successfully completing regional accreditation reviews having participated in multiple audits. Dr. Carter has helped to author strategic plans and execute initiatives to improve student success outcomes tenfold. Dr. Carter has conducted extensive research on the motivations of students and uses this knowledge to improve student outcomes in every educational setting she has been part of. As an institutional leader, Dr. Carter also has experience with budget management and review. Dr. Carter seeks to improve student outcomes in every organization she aligns with. She understands what it takes to support student success at every level of the educational journey.
Dr. Carter holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University, a Master of Arts in Post-Secondary Education from Argosy University and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies from Berea College.
Kristen Moses, Secretary kmoses@brightenacademy.com
Kristen Moses has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism and Interpersonal Communications. She is a published Journalist, writing for various magazines and media outlets. She has worked with nonprofit organizations and young adult programs providing services such as resume building, interview coaching, and mentorship.
She is also a Marketing Specialist with over 10 years' experience working with various Fortune 500 companies. She has served on the Brighten Academy PTO board as Membership Chair assisting with organizing both school events and fundraising events. She has a strong passion for community uplift, community outreach, as well as children's education. She is married with two sons, and a dog mom to Winston. Her family enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and community service.
She is also a Marketing Specialist with over 10 years' experience working with various Fortune 500 companies. She has served on the Brighten Academy PTO board as Membership Chair assisting with organizing both school events and fundraising events. She has a strong passion for community uplift, community outreach, as well as children's education. She is married with two sons, and a dog mom to Winston. Her family enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and community service.
Reginald Zackery, Treasurer rzackery@brightenacademy.com
Reginald Zackery has an array of experience in finance, business management, trend analysis, forecasting, process improvement, and reporting which I have used to help make strategic decisions within an organization. Additionally, he has 12+ years of customer service experience that enables me to build relationships for leading the organization.
Mr. Zackery is a Senior Financial Analyst with Deluxe Corporation. In this role, he manages over $20M in revenue which adds to the broader payments business of $600M in annual revenue. He utilizes historical data to build future forecasts that allow proper decision making within the organization.
Mr. Zackery recently completed his MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport and he believes the skills learned during this program has equipped him to lead an organization into a strong financial position. Additionally, Mr. Zackery has a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in Finance
Reginald Zackery has an array of experience in finance, business management, trend analysis, forecasting, process improvement, and reporting which I have used to help make strategic decisions within an organization. Additionally, he has 12+ years of customer service experience that enables me to build relationships for leading the organization.
Mr. Zackery is a Senior Financial Analyst with Deluxe Corporation. In this role, he manages over $20M in revenue which adds to the broader payments business of $600M in annual revenue. He utilizes historical data to build future forecasts that allow proper decision making within the organization.
Mr. Zackery recently completed his MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport and he believes the skills learned during this program has equipped him to lead an organization into a strong financial position. Additionally, Mr. Zackery has a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in Finance
Shawn Denton, sdenton@brightenacademy.com
Shawn Denton is from the Bronx, NYC. He has been married for 10 years and has 2 sons. Mr Denton has signature skills in public service such as communication, social perceptiveness, culture, and management.
He displays great passion for helping others. He is devoted to work out in the community where there is a need.
Shawn has background in Mental Health as a Qualified Mental Health Professional. Mr Denton has formulated assessments with therapist, created service plans, and conducted individual/group therapy sessions to provide interventions to students who suffer with mental health disorders.
Mr Denton has been a Barber for over 20 years and currently he manages the Barberzone in Douglasville. He is a self published Author of 3 books on the Inner-Self, Esoteric spirituality, depression and suicide awareness.
Mr Denton holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work From Virginia State University. Mr Denton is dedicated to using his experience in both public and private sectors to serve on the Board at Brighten Academy.
Shawn Denton is from the Bronx, NYC. He has been married for 10 years and has 2 sons. Mr Denton has signature skills in public service such as communication, social perceptiveness, culture, and management.
He displays great passion for helping others. He is devoted to work out in the community where there is a need.
Shawn has background in Mental Health as a Qualified Mental Health Professional. Mr Denton has formulated assessments with therapist, created service plans, and conducted individual/group therapy sessions to provide interventions to students who suffer with mental health disorders.
Mr Denton has been a Barber for over 20 years and currently he manages the Barberzone in Douglasville. He is a self published Author of 3 books on the Inner-Self, Esoteric spirituality, depression and suicide awareness.
Mr Denton holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work From Virginia State University. Mr Denton is dedicated to using his experience in both public and private sectors to serve on the Board at Brighten Academy.
Shauncey Battle-Williams,
Shauncey Battle-Williams is a passionate individual who wears many hats in life. First andforemost, she is the proud mother of a wonderful daughter named Ryann. In her professional life, she serves as aTransportation Director in the Public sector.
She has a diverse background in Communications, Urban Planning, andLaw, which brings a unique perspective to her work.Her primary focus revolves around ensuring safe and accessible public infrastructure for people of all abilities. Shestrives to create city streets and sidewalks that are welcoming and functional for everyone. Exceptional customer
service is at the core of her approach, as she believes in providing the best experience for all users.
Beyond her role as a Transportation Director, she is an active member of the Diversity, Equity, and InclusionCommittee for the American Public Works Association (APWA). This involvement allows her to contribute to initiativesthat promote inclusivity within our communities. She has also held various other leadership positions over the years that work to create opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
When Shauncey is not working, she loves engaging in outdoor activities that allow her to connect with nature.Whether it's running, swimming, camping, or exploring new hiking trails, being in the great outdoors brings her joy and rejuvenation. Overall, Shauncey is driven by a genuine passion for connecting and advocating for people. Shefinds it an honor to contribute to this vital work and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
She has a diverse background in Communications, Urban Planning, andLaw, which brings a unique perspective to her work.Her primary focus revolves around ensuring safe and accessible public infrastructure for people of all abilities. Shestrives to create city streets and sidewalks that are welcoming and functional for everyone. Exceptional customer
service is at the core of her approach, as she believes in providing the best experience for all users.
Beyond her role as a Transportation Director, she is an active member of the Diversity, Equity, and InclusionCommittee for the American Public Works Association (APWA). This involvement allows her to contribute to initiativesthat promote inclusivity within our communities. She has also held various other leadership positions over the years that work to create opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
When Shauncey is not working, she loves engaging in outdoor activities that allow her to connect with nature.Whether it's running, swimming, camping, or exploring new hiking trails, being in the great outdoors brings her joy and rejuvenation. Overall, Shauncey is driven by a genuine passion for connecting and advocating for people. Shefinds it an honor to contribute to this vital work and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Dr. Asantewa Sunni-Ali, asunni-ali@brightenacademy.com
Dr. Asantewa Sunni-Ali is is a scholar, educator, performing artist, director, and playwright. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies at Kent State University, she teaches courses such as Black Experience, Black Images and Black Childhood. Dr. Sunni-Ali is the author of various publications and plays which explore her research interests: intersections of Black childhood, performance, agency, identity and liberation.
Her educational background includes an AAS in Theatre Management, a BA in Africana Studies, an MA in African American Studies, and a PhD in Theatre for Youth. Dr. Sunni-Ali produces and directs research and documentary film series, Seedz of Revolution. She endeavors to utilize Seedz as a platform to document and share cultural practices and revolutionary strategies as tools for constructing a liberated future for African descended and other marginalized populations.
Her educational background includes an AAS in Theatre Management, a BA in Africana Studies, an MA in African American Studies, and a PhD in Theatre for Youth. Dr. Sunni-Ali produces and directs research and documentary film series, Seedz of Revolution. She endeavors to utilize Seedz as a platform to document and share cultural practices and revolutionary strategies as tools for constructing a liberated future for African descended and other marginalized populations.
Cary Claiborne, cclaiborne@brightenacademy.com
Cary Claiborne is Chief Program Officer for College Advising Corps where he is responsible for overseeing the portfolio of partnerships university and funding partners, including traditional in-school advising, hybrid and virtual advising, and advising performed by artificial intelligence.
Cary has led strategic student success initiatives for over a decade. He brings experience developing, implementing, and scaling student success programs at two- and four-year collegiate levels. At Georgia State University, he served various roles, from serving students as an academic advisor to leading the university’s first-year strategy for over 8,000 students. Most recently, Cary served as Director of Diagnostic and Implementation Services at the National Institute for Student Success, where he partnered with institutions nationwide to improve student success outcomes. Cary’s storied path through Georgia State University and his passion for the work of student success is well documented in “Won’t Lose This Dream: How an Upstart Urban University Rewrote the Rules of a Broken System” by Andrew Gumbel.
Cary is pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University, where he earned an MBA in Business Analysis and a BS in Economics. When he’s not enthralled with Student Success, Cary collects vinyl records and retro technology or travels with his wife, Danielle, and two children.
Cary has led strategic student success initiatives for over a decade. He brings experience developing, implementing, and scaling student success programs at two- and four-year collegiate levels. At Georgia State University, he served various roles, from serving students as an academic advisor to leading the university’s first-year strategy for over 8,000 students. Most recently, Cary served as Director of Diagnostic and Implementation Services at the National Institute for Student Success, where he partnered with institutions nationwide to improve student success outcomes. Cary’s storied path through Georgia State University and his passion for the work of student success is well documented in “Won’t Lose This Dream: How an Upstart Urban University Rewrote the Rules of a Broken System” by Andrew Gumbel.
Cary is pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University, where he earned an MBA in Business Analysis and a BS in Economics. When he’s not enthralled with Student Success, Cary collects vinyl records and retro technology or travels with his wife, Danielle, and two children.
2005 Brighten Academy Founding Board
Kelly Cadman - Founding board president, educator, parent
Lisa McDonald - Founding board vice president, gifted educator, parent
Tonya Pittman - Founding board secretary, pathologist
Dana Pace - Founding board treasurer, gifted educator
Kali Boatright - Founding board member, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce, parent
Wynette Dato - Founding board member, fundraising, parent
Teresa Myers - Founding board member, marketing chair, parent
Polly Wallace - Founding board member, fundraising chair, parent
John King - Founding board member, C&M Bank
Kelly Cadman - Founding board president, educator, parent
Lisa McDonald - Founding board vice president, gifted educator, parent
Tonya Pittman - Founding board secretary, pathologist
Dana Pace - Founding board treasurer, gifted educator
Kali Boatright - Founding board member, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce, parent
Wynette Dato - Founding board member, fundraising, parent
Teresa Myers - Founding board member, marketing chair, parent
Polly Wallace - Founding board member, fundraising chair, parent
John King - Founding board member, C&M Bank
