Meet The
Moriah Group

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.

Lakesha McDay is a respected equity-centered leader with over 25 years of experience driving systems change through collaboration and partnerships with community members, government officials, education leaders, grassroots organizations, philanthropy partners, and executive leaders. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President of Programs and Operations at New Hanover Community Endowment, leading initiatives to foster equity and strategic community impact. She has also held key roles, including Executive Director of Governmental and Community Relations at UNC Asheville and Equity Officer at Dogwood Health Trust, and spent over 20 years advancing health outcomes with Mission Health in western North Carolina. Lakesha holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a certificate in Innovation Management, and certification as a National Diversity Professional, complementing her extensive experience in equitable practices and leadership development.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Tamara French, Finance Manager for The Moriah Group, is a seasoned leader with expertise in accounting, education, and advocacy. Her background spans higher education administration, curriculum design, and instruction in business, entrepreneurship, and ministry. She has experience in public and private accounting, specializing in financial and contractual audits in healthcare and music. Tamara holds a BBA in Accounting from Tennessee State University, an MBA in Non-Profit Management from Lipscomb University, an MDiv from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree.

James Jackson is the Social Media Manger for The Moriah Group and its initiatives. 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 board of a 2SLGBTQIA+ organization in Denton, Texas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.