Meet The
Moriah Group

Our Mission

The Moriah Group partners in building thriving communities of color. We work to dismantle the complex social inequities rooted in white supremacy that deeply impact young people and their communities.

We are passionate about helping (1) philanthropy to increase their commitment to making focused, equitable investments; (2) youth-serving systems and organizations to refine their practices to cultivate environments in which young people can thrive; and (3) government to advance equitable public policy.

Our Vision

Young people will thrive in protective, well-resourced, and affirming communities where they are free to reach their full creative, intellectual, and emotional potential.

Andrea Amaechi, MSW

Director of Policy and Advocacy, Rooted Change

Andrea Amaechi leads policy advocacy efforts for Rooted Change. Her background includes public policy analysis; qualitative and quantitative research; and direct work with children, youth, and families. Mrs. Amaechi holds a B.S. degree, with a concentration in Environmental Science, from Brown University and a MSW from Howard University.

Andrew Tsoi-A-Fatt

Intern

Andrew Tsoi-A-Fatt is a sophomore at North Carolina Central University who is majoring in Psychology, with the intention of adding a minor in Business. As an intern with TMG’s Communications team, he will utilize his experience with social media campaigns and influencer marketing on projects for TMG and its initiatives. Following graduation, he hopes to one day run his own therapy practice, consulting firm, and nonprofit to help uplift people of color and their communities.

Audree Johnson

Vice President, Strategic Communications

As Vice President of Strategic Communications, Ms. Johnson is honored to uplift the stories of youth of color through TMG’s advocacy work. She is a born storyteller who evolved from a broadcasting student at Oakwood University to General Manager of the university’s WJOU radio station. Ms. Johnson has also worked with youth of color for many years, including volunteering as a church youth director and sports coach. She holds a B.A. in Communications, with an emphasis in Public Relations/Advertising.

Brandon Pierce

Graphic Designer

Brandon Pierce is a Baltimore native and Morgan State graduate with experience in arts and design. Originally a musician, he branched off into photography and design to further explore his creativity. Brandon has been highlighted by many platforms, including the Baltimore Sun, 92Q, and Nikon, for his work with photography. This led to his interest in digital/print editing and designs. His design work includes flyers, posters, billboards and various digital assets and more.

Outside of work, Brandon enjoys traveling, being in nature, and listening and playing music of all genres. He was previously a part of the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band, and looks forward to returning “home” to participate in Morgan State’s alumni band.

Chardinae Roy

Senior Manager, Nafasi Fund

Chardinae Roy is the Senior Manager for Nafasi Fund, coordinating philanthropy services and supports, strategic partnership development projects, and grantmaking strategies. She has previously managed consulting projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in philanthropy and nonprofit sectors. Mrs. Roy graduated from Kent State University with a BS in integrated health studies and a minor in Pan-African studies.

Danielle King, CMP DES

Senior Manager, Events

Danielle King, CMP, DES is the Senior Events Manager for The Moriah Group. She has spent the past 15 years as a visionary leader and events professional who is dedicated to optimizing logistical operations by improving performance, processes, and standards. Ms. King is an experienced curator and key driver of new trends, progressive event design, and impactful communication strategies for conferences, sponsorships, fundraisers, and virtual events. Ms. King holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin, earned multiple Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) awards, and presides as the 2023 Secretary on the PCMA Gulf States Chapter Board of Directors.

Edrita Dawkins

Finance Associate

Since joining The Moriah Group, Edrita Dawkins has served as a Finance Associate and Program Associate. Ms. Dawkins previously worked as an accountant clerk for nearly 12 years at Oakwood University. She received two bachelor’s degrees from Oakwood University, one in English language and literature and another in Spanish language and literature.

Gian Alexis, MBA, M.Acc.

Vice President, Finance

As Vice President of Finance, Mr. Alexis elevates social justice and racial equity through experienced leadership. Prior to joining The Moriah Group, his expertise included financial, operational, and IT audits; SOX 404 testing and evaluation; contract negotiation; and human resources. Mr. Alexis holds a Master of Accountancy from The University of Alabama, a Master of Business Administration from Alabama A&M University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Oakwood University.

James Jackson

Manager, Social Media

James Jackson manages the social media content for The Moriah Group and Forward Promise. He began his career in higher education in administrative and IT roles. After serving as the first communications strategist for a diversity, equity, and inclusion division, he knew he wanted to pursue a larger role in radical communications. Mr. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts  in radio, TV, and film. In his free time, he serves on the boards of two LGBTQIA+ organizations in Denton, Texas.

Jonathan Leon, Ed.D.

Senior Director, Forward Promise

Dr. Jonathan Leon is a nonprofit leader, educator, and civic engagement/DEI specialist. He has served as a teacher in Atlanta Public Schools, is a mentor and coach, and is an active and engaged community member. Dr. Leon is also the Founding Board Chair of Atlanta Thrive, a New Leaders Council–Atlanta 2018 Fellow, and a 2019 GeorgiaForward Young GameChanger recipient. He holds a master’s degree in teaching from Georgia State University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University, and a doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership from American University.

Kaayla Butler

Communications and Marketing Associate

Kaayla Butler is a proud senior at Oakwood University who is majoring in Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. As an intern with TMG’s Communications team, she is working on several projects including developing marketing plans and social media campaigns.

Kaayla is a driven creative with a passion for people and the consistent motivation to excel in life. Following graduation, she hopes to create a positive impact within her community and plans to work on strategic communications in the PR or marketing fields.

Kelli Dulan

Vice President, Administration

As Vice President of Administration, Mrs. Dulan stewards TMG’s human resources, events, and IT programs/departments. She ensures vision and mission alignment—internally and externally—through the embodiment of human- and healing-centered approaches to our work by focusing on justice, liberation, and thriving as the driving force. Mrs. Dulan previously served in various roles with the Forward Promise initiative, most recently as Director of Leadership. She is an Oakwood University graduate and a mom of three teens and one adult bonus child.

Lakesha McDay

President

Lakesha McDay is a deeply respected, equity-centered leader with 25+ years of leadership experience and progressive responsibility in areas of operations, purposeful community engagement, strategic equity practices, inclusive engagement, organizational culture and development, strategic human resource management, government and external affairs, leadership coaching and training, and facilitation. 

She has demonstrated the ability to build trusted relationships, collaboration and partnerships with community members, government officials, education leaders, executive leaders, grass-roots organizations, philanthropy partners, and systems leaders to develop, advance, and guide systems change and strategic impact that foster a culture of thriving equitable practices and engagement.  

Lakesha most recently served as the executive vice president of programs and operations at New Hanover Community Endowment. She also served significant leadership roles including executive director of governmental and community relations at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, and equity officer at Dogwood Health Trust, a private foundation in western North Carolina. She also served the community of western North Carolina while working for Mission Health for more than 20 years. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from UNC Asheville, a post-graduate certificate in innovation management from Western Carolina University. Lakesha holds a certification as a national diversity professional through the Institute for Diversity (IDC).  She is also a trained facilitator in equitable and inclusive organizational practices, leadership coaching, professional development, and organizational communication.

Luisa Trujillo

Project Manager/Research Assistant

Luisa Trujillo is a Project Manager and Research Assistant for The Moriah Group. For the past 13 years, she has worked both professionally and personally with nonprofits that support youth education, art, and environmental justice. She has expertise in GIS (Geographic Information Systems), graphic design, and project management, and she has successfully designed and implemented programs for the Latinx community to engage with nature. Ms. Trujillo holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Louisville and a BA in Integrated Strategic Communication from the University of Kentucky. She is originally from Bogota, Colombia, and enjoys art and yoga.

Maya Pilgrim

Director, Evaluation & Impact

Maya Pilgrim has been a part of collective efforts to build more equitable communities for over 20 years. Her work spans the fields of gender-based violence, reproductive justice, youth development, and forced migration. For the past 10 years, Ms. Pilgrim has also led community-centered learning and evaluation efforts working toward racial justice and well-being. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in International Development and Social Change.

Paul Larkin

Director of Leadership, Forward Promise

Paul Larkin is the Director of Leadership for Forward Promise, an initiative of The Moriah Group. His research interests center on developing cultural best practices in community health for people of color. Mr. Larkin is an active member of Prince Hall Masonry, 100 Black Men of America, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He earned a B.S. from Albany State University and an MPH from Morehouse School of Medicine. He is also a Higher Education Leadership Doctoral Candidate at Clark Atlanta University.

Rainah Davis

Director of Field Building, Forward Promise

Rainah Davis is the Director of Field Building for Forward Promise, an initiative of The Moriah Group. Nicknamed “Champion of the Underdog” by her father at a young age, she has spent the past 15 years uplifting and advocating for people through her work as a brand strategist, content developer, entrepreneur, author, and leadership consultant. Mrs. Davis, a North Carolina native, completed her undergraduate studies at NC Central University and received her master’s degree in Communications from Queens University of Charlotte.

Rebecca Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Vice President, Research & Impact

Dr. Rebecca Rodriguez is Vice President of Research and Impact for The Moriah Group. She is a leader in equity-focused and community-centered research. Dr. Rodriguez has worked with nonprofit, philanthropic, and government agencies that are committed to racial equity to develop research and evaluation strategies that drive innovation and actionable insights. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, a doctorate and master’s degree in Community Psychology, and a certificate in Public Health.

Rhonda Tsoi-A-Fatt, Ed.D.

Founder & CEO

Dr. Rhonda Tsoi-A-Fatt is an internationally recognized researcher, published author and speaker, and social justice advocate. She is also a public policy expert who focuses her research and advocacy on education, youth development, race, and poverty. As the Founder & CEO of The Moriah Group, Dr. Tsoi-A-Fatt partners with philanthropy, government, and nonprofits to build solutions that disrupt the dehumanizing social policies and practices which block progress for young people of color and their communities. She earned a B.S. in Human Services, an M.A. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy, and an Ed.D. in Education Leadership.

Rosalee Blalock

Program Manager, Forward Promise

Rosalee Blalock serves as the Program Manager for Forward Promise. She has experience in program and project management, grants and development, social service outreach, and event planning within the higher education and nonprofit sector. She holds an M.P.H. in Health Behavior and Health Education and an M.S.W. in Interpersonal Practice from the University of Michigan. Rosalee is passionate about personal health literacy, college access, and creating solutions that ensure communities of color thrive.

Tiffany M. Williams

Executive Assistant

Tiffany M. Williams is an Executive Assistant for The Moriah Group’s founder and CEO, Dr. Rhonda Tsoi-A-Fatt. She previously served in Executive Administrative Assistant roles at Oakwood University Church for three years and at Emmanuel-Brinklow Seventh-Day Adventist Church for eight years. Ms. Williams holds a Master of Public Health in maternal and child health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a B.S. in biochemistry from Oakwood University.

Our Team

Lakesha McDay

President

Lakesha McDay is a deeply respected, equity-centered leader with 25+ years of leadership experience and progressive responsibility in areas of operations, purposeful community engagement, strategic equity practices, inclusive engagement, organizational culture and development, strategic human resource management, government and external affairs, leadership coaching and training, and facilitation. 

She has demonstrated the ability to build trusted relationships, collaboration and partnerships with community members, government officials, education leaders, executive leaders, grass-roots organizations, philanthropy partners, and systems leaders to develop, advance, and guide systems change and strategic impact that foster a culture of thriving equitable practices and engagement.  

Lakesha most recently served as the executive vice president of programs and operations at New Hanover Community Endowment. She also served significant leadership roles including executive director of governmental and community relations at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, and equity officer at Dogwood Health Trust, a private foundation in western North Carolina. She also served the community of western North Carolina while working for Mission Health for more than 20 years. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from UNC Asheville, a post-graduate certificate in innovation management from Western Carolina University. Lakesha holds a certification as a national diversity professional through the Institute for Diversity (IDC).  She is also a trained facilitator in equitable and inclusive organizational practices, leadership coaching, professional development, and organizational communication.