Board of Directors
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Board of Directors 〰️
Meet the dedicated leaders who drive our mission forward.
Occupation: Chief Operations Officer, Director of Engagement
Education: 2018, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Bachelor of Arts, Double-Major Psychology and French; 2026, University of Maryland, Graduate Certificate - Nonprofit Management & Leadership.
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
- Nelson Mandela
Founder, Board President
Occupation: Business Management Consultant
Education: 2012, University of Maryland Global Campus, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studie; 2016, American University, Master of Arts in Strategic Communication.
"Lasting prosperity is built through education, opportunity, and connection. By strengthening the bridge between the diaspora and communities across Africa and the Caribbean, we can create pathways for sustainable economic growth and generational impact."
- Elethia Singletary, Vice Chair, The Desk Project
Board Vice-President
Dr. Andrew Kulemeka
Occupation: Retired
Education: 1993, Indiana University, Bloomington, PhD Linguistics
My mother used to say, "The lack of an education is another form of death."
Board Treasurer
Occupation: Inclusion Assistant in German Kindergarten
Education: 2019, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Major: English, Minors: Spanish and Education
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
- John Dewey
Board SecretaryChair - Grant Writing & Research Committee
Occupation: Toxicologist
Education: 2017, St Mary's College of Maryland, 2 Majors: Biology and Environmental Studies, 1 minor: Neuroscience; 2024, PhD in Toxicology from NC State University
"Isn't this the purpose of education, to learn the nature of your own gifts and how to use them for good in the world?"
-Robin Wall Kimmerer
Dr. Emmanuel Oppong
Chair - Event Planning Committee 
Occupation: Pharmacist
Education: 2018 - St. Mary's College of Maryland, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry; 2023 - Howard University College of Pharmacy, Doctorate of Pharmacy
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Evelyn Reynolds
Occupation: Retired English Teacher
Education: 2002 Washington Bible College; 2013 Bowie State University
"People will forget what you've said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
- Maya Angelou
Chair - Fundraising CommitteeOccupation: Director of the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures and Associate.Professor of French, University of Maryland
Education: Kalamazoo College, 1984, French; Univeorsité François Rabelais, Tours, France, 1987, Licence de lettres modernes, Mention Français langue étrangère; Maîtrise MA) Français langue étrangère, 1988; Indiana University, M.A., 1990, joint Ph.D. French & Linguistics, 1993
"There is always light. If only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it."
- Amanda Gorman
Dr. Mary Ellen Scullen
Occupation: Chief Executive Officer
Education: 2015 Towson University B.S. Business Administration; 2025 UMD Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate.
“Speak what you want not what you got. Speak about where you want to be not where you’re at. If you can speak it you can be it.”
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Education: 2020, Wagner College, Business Admin
“My eyes are on my life. They are my private camera. I extend all the experience from my private life into my work, because living is my library.”
- Ralph Lauren
Messages from the Founder
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Messages from the Founder 〰️
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH 2023
Dear supporters and friends,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with the same enthusiasm and joy that I, experienced during my recent visit to Malawi this July. It was a deeply fulfilling journey to witness firsthand the impact of our collective efforts at Chankhanga Primary School and Kalilombe Primary School. The smiles, laughter, and gratitude of the students and teachers were heartwarming. Our mission to provide desks for these schools has not only improved the learning environment but also fostered a sense of hope and empowerment among the students.
During my visit, I also had the privilege of selecting our next project, Magaleta Primary School, a school that is eagerly awaiting our support. I am thrilled to announce that we have already provided this new school with 60 desks, but our work is far from over! The need is vast, and there are countless students in Malawi and beyond who still lack basic resources for a quality education. I am calling upon our generous donors and supporters to join us in this noble cause. Your contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of these young learners, giving them the tools they need to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future. Together, as a community of compassionate individuals, we can continue to spread the joy of learning and make a lasting impact on these communities.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Chikondi Kulemeka
Founder, The Desks Project
