Board of Directors
Julius Benford
Year Up
I have experienced firsthand how amazing, necessary, and impactful Freedom School is for children and the communities that support it.
Julius Benford
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: Julius was introduced to Freedom School fifteen years ago. After moving to Charlotte, he met an incredible woman named Doris Boyd. Mrs. Boyd, a key advocate for bringing Freedom School to CN Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church, where both she and Julius attended, inspired him deeply. Her advocacy became Julius’s “why.” Over time, Julius experienced firsthand how amazing, necessary, and impactful Freedom School is for children and the communities that support it.
Born and raised in the “Mile High City” of Denver, CO, Julius graduated from high school and began his higher education journey at Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University), pursuing a degree in education. In 2014, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Pfeiffer University. Since 2005, Charlotte, NC, has been his home.
Julius has dedicated much of his career to education. His first job in Charlotte was teaching 3rd and 5th grades at Sugar Creek Charter School. His experience as an educator ignited his interest in becoming a therapist. After completing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health in 2022, he now serves as a Career Counselor for a nonprofit organization focused on bridging the economic gap in low-income, predominantly minority communities.
Julius is passionate about counseling and specializes in working with adolescents, families, couples, and young adults. His methodologies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness Counseling, and Motivational Interviewing.
He attributes his success and fulfillment to the unwavering love and support of his amazing wife and four outstanding children, for which he is forever humbled and grateful. His favorite book is Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.
Bhavana Bartholf
Compass Group
I’m committed to Freedom School Partners because I’ve seen how their joyful, literacy‑rich
experiences spark confidence and curiosity — and every child deserves that chance to thrive.
Bhavana Bartholf
A visionary executive and trailblazer in digital transformation, Bhavana Bartholf brings over 25 years of leadership across global corporations. At Compass Group, she leads commercial sales and strategy, responsible for enabling our ability to drive growth at scale through AI empowered ecosystems and solutions to elevate client experience and operational excellence.
Previously, Bhavana served as Bank of America’s first Chief Analytics & Innovation Officer, where she built a centralized data and personalization strategy to transform customer engagement through AI and machine learning. Her 20-year tenure at Microsoft included roles such as Global Head of Digital & Sales Strategy, where she influenced a $101B division and championed inclusive innovation.
Her leadership philosophy—rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and empathy—has inspired thousands. From challenging gender norms in engineering to redefining corporate transformation, Bhavana continues to set new standards for impactful leadership and innovation.
Bhavana and her husband, Matt Bartholf, reside in Charlotte, North Carolina, with their three children. Her favorite book series has been Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan and growing up she loved the author Enid Blyton.
Kimberly Boulware Perry
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
I am passionate about educational equity and believe all children in Charlotte deserve the opportunity to develop their full academic and social potential.
Kimberly Boulware-Perry
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I am passionate about educational equity and believe all children in Charlotte deserve the opportunity to develop their full academic and social potential.
Kimberly Boulware-Perry, a native Charlottean, jumped into volunteering with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) as a literacy tutor when she returned to her hometown in 2014. A dedicated community volunteer, she has continued to serve with various Charlotte non-profits to meet the needs of under resourced families and to provide children the educational foundation necessary to learn, thrive and create a better future for themselves.
Professionally, Kimberly has practiced for over twenty years in the area of intellectual property as a Trademark Attorney with the U.S Patent Office. An avid reader, she also enjoys travel, attending the theater and spending time in Charlotte’s beautiful parks and greenways. Kimberly and her husband, McCoy, live in Charlotte, where they share their home with their energetic Labrador retriever, Sampson, and their friendly Siamese cat, Blue. Kimberly’s favorite book is Oh the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss.
Ann Cho Taggert
Community Volunteer
I believe that literacy is a cornerstone of education and a fundamental right that every child must have to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Ann Cho-Taggart
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I believe that literacy is a cornerstone of education and a fundamental right that every child must have to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Ann Taggert is an experienced professional with a proven track record at leading companies including American Express, Bain & Company, and JP Morgan Chase. She specializes in developing growth strategies, new revenue streams, and customer driven solutions.
Since leaving corporate America, Ann has focused on raising her family and making a positive impact in her local Charlotte community. She also serves as an independent consultant to organizations seeking to maximize productivity and improve performance outcomes. Ann lives in Charlotte with her husband and two children. The family enjoys skiing and hiking together. Ann is also an avid reader and gardener.
Hendrick Ellis
Community Volunteer
I am committed to Freedom School Partners because early literacy is critical to ensuring children will meet or exceed their full potential academically, personally, and professionally.
Hendrick Ellis, Member
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School Partners because early literacy is critical to ensuring children will meet or exceed their full potential academically, personally, and professionally.
Hendrick is the head of Enterprise Services and Business Management & Controls within the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) at Bank of America. His Enterprise Services team delivers services globally to Bank of America teammates, such as office supplies; and postal, print, and food services. The Business Management & Controls teams provide the CAO with the framework for governance, oversight, and adherence to key bank programs. Hendrick holds several advisory roles across Bank of America and is the market sponsor for Columbia, South Carolina, providing mentorship and advocacy to ensure the market fulfills its core responsibilities.
He is a native of Charlotte, having grown up in the Hidden Valley neighborhood. Hendrick relocated to South Carolina for a time but is currently based in Charlotte. Hendrick holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hendrick serves on the boards of The Market at 7th Street and United Way of Central Carolinas. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife Diane and daughter, Kendall.
Mary N. Hall
Community Volunteer
The future of our country is dependent on an educated and diverse work force: one that is enriched with a love of reading and dedication to lifelong learning.
Mary Hall
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: The future of our country is dependent on an educated and diverse work force: one that is enriched with a love of reading and dedication to lifelong learning.
Mary Hall, MD has spent her career focused on the development of our health care workforce. She is a family physician who has worked in medical student, medical resident, and health care professional education and research. She believes that equitable health care is best delivered by a diverse and inclusive workforce. The best hope to achieve that workforce is in the development of children at an early age.
Dr. Hall has been a leader in Medical Education at Atrium Health and more recently a Professor Emeritus with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine with a focus on the campus in Charlotte. Throughout her career she has worked with under resourced communities and in building the health care workforce to care for those communities.
Mary is from NY, but since she met her husband, Dr. David Hall, in Family Medicine residency in Charleston 40 years ago, they moved to Charlotte and have never looked back. Their daughter Katherine is an Occupational Therapist and their son Andrew a psychologist and consultant. Mary and her family enjoy traveling, exercising, and eating great food.
Tara Agnew Harris
Community Volunteer
Board Chair
I have seen firsthand the impact of Freedom School on scholars’ reading and, more importantly, their confidence.
Tara Agnew Harris
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I have seen firsthand the impact of Freedom School on scholars’ reading and, more importantly, their confidence.
Tara Harris is an experienced attorney and a community leader working for change, progress, and opportunity for all. Throughout her career, Tara has helped a wide variety of nonprofits and companies. She has served as a trusted and valued attorney, business partner, and advisor to companies and nonprofits based not only in Charlotte but all around the U.S. and beyond.
Tara earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with a minor in physics, from Erskine College in Due West, SC. She graduated cum laude from University of South Carolina School of Law. She lives in Charlotte with her husband and daughters, who inspire her to work to help make their community better for everyone.
Tara first got involved with Freedom School Partners in the early 2010’s as a volunteer. She fell in love with all the work including projects like chaperoning field trips, reading at Harambee!, and delivering backpacks filled with food for scholars and their families to enjoy on the weekends. Tara believes deeply in Freedom School Partners’ mission and vision and works to embrace, elevate, and educate all children.
Gigi Harris
Community Volunteer
I am committed to Freedom School because every child in our community has a right to a strong and equitable education.
Gigi Harris
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School because every child in our community has a right to a strong and equitable education; has the right to be known, cherished and loved; has the right to grow up in a community who values him/her and encourages him to be the best he can be. I believe Freedom School’s program staff and Servant Leaders Interns have these ideals at the forefront of their every day.
Gigi is currently working in the Charlotte community as a contractor in the non-profit world. Her most recent assignments include coordinating a college fellowship program at Queens University, implementing an annual campaign strategy at The Ivey; and currently assisting a start-up development office with processes and implementation at Carolina Youth Coalition. Prior to taking on contracts and a brief COVID retirement, Gigi served as the Stewardship Coordinator at Queens University; major gifts and donor relations coordinator at Freedom School Partners; and served as Director of the Annual Fund at Charlotte Country Day School.
Gigi began her career in development in Charlottesville, VA as Director of Alumni Relations at the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia while her husband, William, was at UVA law school. Gigi lives in Charlotte with her husband and Golden Retriever COVID puppy, Gus. The Harrises have 3 young adult children who live and work in Nashville and New York City. Gigi has either been employed by or volunteered with Freedom School Partners since 2011 and is thrilled to continue to serve in this new capacity. When not working she enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, reading her book club assignments (new favorite is The Color of Water by James McBride) and visiting her children.
Lisa Stockton Howell
Community Volunteer
My commitment to Freedom School Partners (FSP) is based on the belief that children in our community belong to us all and that FSP is a way for us to provide education, build relationships, and have fun together with all our children.
Lisa Stockton Howell
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: My commitment to Freedom School Partners (FSP) is based on the belief that children in our community belong to us all and that FSP is a way for us to provide education, build relationships, and have fun together with all our children.
Lisa Stockton Howell is a native of Charlotte who was raised in Asheville, NC during her teenage years. After graduate school in New Orleans, she returned to Charlotte to work as a social worker at Presbyterian Hospital and has lived in Mecklenburg County ever since.
Through her experiences as a social worker at the hospital, then with Hospice, and later with family homelessness at Charlotte Family Housing, she has had an opportunity to engage with diverse groups of people and to hear their stories. This has been the best learning experience for her.
Currently Lisa spends her time as a photographer and sometimes is paid for it! Lisa shares a photography studio at the VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Center with a fellow photographer and has enjoyed the opportunity to meet all kinds of artists there.
She also spends a lot of time at Brookhill Village affordable housing community and at the adjacent South Tryon Community United Methodist Church which serves the surrounding communities. Lisa helps support outreach there. In addition, she is involved at Myers Park United Methodist Church where she serves on the Affordable Housing Committee as well as the Immigration and Refugee Committee.
Lisa and her husband James live in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood and have 3 adult children. She enjoys running, walking, yoga, hiking, traveling, photography, reading, and spending time in the mountains.
Janaka Bowman Lewis
UNC Charlotte
Board Co-Chair
I am committed to Freedom School Partners because of the organization’s commitment to educating young scholars through creativity and imagination.
Janaka Bowman Lewis, Board Vice-Chair
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School Partners because of the organization’s commitment to educating young scholars through creativity and imagination.
Janaka Bowman Lewis, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of English and Interim Chair of Writing, Rhetoric & Digital Studies at UNC Charlotte. A Tedx 2021 speaker (UNC Charlotte), she is author of Freedom Narratives of African American Women, Light and Legacies: Black Girlhood and Stories of Liberation, and three children’s books (Brown All Over, Bold Nia Marie Passes the Test, and Dr. King is Tired, Too!!)
A committed educator to children and families in addition to college students, Janaka joined the Freedom School Partners Board in 2022 and now serves as Vice Chair. She is active in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library activities and has been a featured reader with the African American Read-In for several years. She was recognized in Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” 2020 class. Janaka lives in Concord with her husband and two children, who inspire many of her stories. She loves to read fiction and memoir and spend time in beautiful outdoor spaces.
William Maxwell
Colony Commercial
I wholeheartedly believe in investing in our youth and view literacy as the cornerstone of personal growth and success.
William Maxwell
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I wholeheartedly believe in investing in our youth and view literacy as the cornerstone of personal growth and success. I think it is vital that we ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to equitable literacy development opportunities. In my profession in the commercial real estate industry, communication and relationships are critical, I believe those skills are first developed in the early stages of reading and general literacy development. I am honored to be a part of Freedom School Partners’ mission to empower young minds and shape a brighter future for our community.
William brings a diverse skill set and depth of commercial real estate leadership to Colony Commercial. As a partner at Colony Commercial, William is charged with helping grow the company’s specialty commercial services platform while delivering best-in-class client centric solutions. William’s brokerage specialties include commercial property acquisitions and dispositions on behalf of operating companies and investment firms as well as land assemblage expertise assisting local and national real estate developers.
Additionally, William regularly performs tenant representation and landlord representation services, 1031 tax deferred exchange sales, lease negotiations and market analysis services for his clients. William has been a regular recipient of CRCBR annual deal makers awards including having earned the industry organization’s highest award designation multiple times. William’s client centric focus and diverse management and brokerage background yields clients an unmatched commercial advisory service experience. William is a dedicated family man and loves exploring the world through travel, enjoys the outdoors, NC State athletics and Georgia football.
Renia McCauley
Community Volunteer
I am committed to Freedom School because I believe in the transformative power of reading.
Renia McCauley
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: Renia McCauley is a passionate advocate for literacy and equitable opportunities for all. Her commitment to Freedom Schools stems from her belief in the transformative power of reading. Renia has witnessed firsthand how a love for literacy improves the lives of children in Charlotte, enhancing their access to upward mobility. Through Freedom Schools, she supports an intergenerational movement dedicated to closing the equity gap through the power of education.
Born in Liberia, West Africa, Renia has lived in Charlotte for over 15 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from UNC Charlotte and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Queens University. Renia spent five years teaching in underserved schools within Charlotte-Mecklenburg and then dedicated another five years to coaching educators to improve student success.
Currently, Renia works at a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults. In this role, she helps build learning systems that promote mental health education across the nation.
Renia lives in Charlotte with her husband and two young children. She enjoys traveling with her family, growing in her faith, savoring comfort food, and embracing new experiences. Her favorite book is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Cove and reflects her dedication to growth and leadership.
Kimberly Moore-Wright
Truist
I am committed to Freedom School because our scholars are the future of the Charlotte community.
Kimberly Moore-Wright
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School because our scholars are the future of the Charlotte community. By providing them with the confidence and literacy skills to succeed, we are investing in the growth and improvement of our community’s future.
Kimberly Moore-Wright is the Chief Teammate Officer and Head of Enterprise Diversity at Truist Financial Corporation, a purpose-driven organization dedicated to building better lives and communities. She oversees all aspects of human resource management, including talent acquisition, development, enterprise diversity, and the Truist Leadership Institute. Kimberly has held multiple roles at Truist, including Director of Marketing and Digital Sales, and has risen through the ranks after joining the company’s Leadership Development Program. Her diverse career includes leadership in retail services, credit training, and marketing strategy.
Kimberly holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from UNC-Charlotte and an MBA from North Carolina State University. She is active in several organizations including the Truist Foundation, Freedom School Partners, and the National Urban League. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys travel, concerts and live sports events. Her favorite book is Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant.
Kevin Morgan
Carmel Christian School
I am committed to Freedom School Partners because every student deserves an opportunity to maximize their learning potential, and I have witnessed first-hand the positive and lasting impact Freedom School provides for each scholar it serves.
Kevin Morgan
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School Partners because every student deserves an opportunity to maximize their learning potential, and I have witnessed first-hand the positive and lasting impact Freedom School provides for each scholar it serves.
Kevin Morgan is a technology teacher and support specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. He provides technology instruction to elementary age students, building a technical foundation of skills for students to use in the classroom and beyond. He also provides technical support for all technology devices to all staff and students at a CMS elementary school.
Prior to teaching technology, Kevin was a 3rd grade classroom teacher for five years. Through that experience, he built an understanding of the vital importance of literacy learning and instruction as the foundation for both learning and life beyond the classroom. Before teaching, Kevin served in various substitute and volunteer capacities in schools in Charlotte, NC, Wilmington, DE, and New York, NY.
Kevin began his career as an Audit Officer and later a Technology Specialist at Bank of America. He continued his technology career as a Technology Manager for a chemical manufacturer before family moves led him to Delaware and New York City.
Kevin has a BS in Business Administration from Charlotte and more recently earned a Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching from Queens University. He and his wife live in Charlotte and have two children in college. His favorite book is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.
Nicole Pilo
Consolidated Planning
I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I am dedicated to equity in our schools, and I believe every child in Charlotte should experience excellence in education.
Nicole Pilo
Why I am committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I am dedicated to equity in our schools, and I believe every child in Charlotte should experience excellence in education.
Nicole has been serving clients for over a decade as a part of Consolidated Planning, where a team-based approach fosters innovation and creativity when it comes to solving complex planning problems. Nicole brings the same strategic thinking and advocacy to her Board service. Her community engagement stems from a desire to help promote and foster equity in education.
Her past involvement in the Charlotte community stems from her participation in helping students visiting as part of the Duke Engage program. She helped to provide enrichment activities and deepen their connection with Charlotte as they served as summer volunteers with Freedom School Partners and the Council for Children’s Rights. Nicole has served as a volunteer for Junior Achievement as well.
Nicole received her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her most recent service was on the National Alumni Board of her beloved alma mater. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys traveling, reading, racquet sports and spending time with her husband and their 3 college-aged children, all of whom proudly graduated from CMS high schools. Nicole is also an avid sports fan and March Madness is her favorite time of year.
Bill Schmitt
PwC
I am committed to Freedom School Partners because every child deserves an opportunity to discover the joy and power of reading in a supportive educational environment, and the Servant Leader Intern model presents a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the classroom to learn and grow together.
Bill Schmitt
Bill Schmitt is a partner with PwC, where he supports his clients in areas including strategic financial function evolution and mergers, divestments, and acquisitions. He has expertise in identifying, managing, and growing organizational talent and building and leading high-performing teams. As a trusted advisor to top-tier global organizations, Bill has repeatedly led critical negotiations and separation, integration, and strategy development projects on complex, global transactions for corporate and private equity clients.
Bill is a native of New York, but moved to North Carolina to attend UNC and fell in love with the state. He and his wife Jenna have loved living in Charlotte for over twenty years and have two school aged children, who in turn have one cute but challenging puppy. He is a member of the North Carolina Association of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs, and the CFA Institute.
He has always enjoyed teaching and coaching, so after graduating from Chapel Hill, Bill was a math teacher and coached various sports at the junior varsity and varsity levels in Wilmington before departing to attend graduate school locally at UNC-Wilmington. He remains active in developing and leading learning and development programs at his firm and often lectures at the university level on topics like negotiation, careers in accounting and M&A, and how technology is impacting the consulting industry.
His favorite book growing up was Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss, a terrific story about the importance of resilience, creativity, and family.
Anthony Shelborne
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I believe that reading and learning are
essential to the development of young minds—and, indeed, to lifelong learning for people of all ages.
Anthony Shelborne
I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I believe that reading and learning are essential to the development of young minds—and, indeed, to lifelong learning for people of all ages. Reading set me on a path of knowledge at a very early age, when expectations were low, and opportunities were limited in the neighborhood where I was raised. But my family encouraged reading and education.
Gaining an education—reading, learning to think critically, and to explore ideas beyond my immediate surroundings—opened the world to me. It allowed me to discover possibilities and helped shape my understanding of what was achievable. By reading, I grew intellectually and personally, ultimately enabling me to pursue opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
Supporting summer literacy programs like those offered by Freedom School Partners is, for me, both personal and purposeful. These programs help ensure that young people have access to the same transformative power of reading and learning that made such a profound difference in my own life.
Anthony Shelborne joined the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) in May 2020 as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Development. In this capacity, he drives the organization’s financial strategy, overseeing comprehensive financial management, accounting, budgeting, and forecasting efforts. He also leads the Research and Business Analytics departments, manages risk, and directs the Information Technology department to ensure seamless operational integrity and efficiency. Beyond his financial responsibilities, Anthony plays a pivotal role in cultivating strategic partnerships between the CRVA and its community partners, advancing key initiatives that support the organization’s mission.
Anthony is a proud alumnus of Leadership Charlotte Class 44. He actively contributes to the Charlotte community, serving on the Finance Committee for Freedom School Partners and on the board of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation.
With nearly 20 years of expertise in financial management, accounting, and budgeting, Anthony is recognized for his strategic insight, leadership, and ability to align economic and business metrics to drive organizational success. He is highly regarded for his collaborative approach, building consensus across all levels of an organization.
Anthony holds a master’s degree in public policy and public finance from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Talladega College.
Before relocating to Charlotte, he was deeply involved in his community, tutoring students and serving over 15 years on the Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Investment Committee at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Arlington, VA. His favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. Shelborne read it when he was young, and while it had many themes, it spoke to him for many reasons. He feels it is one of the best books of all time.
John Stevenson
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Freedom School clearly creates a uniquely fun environment for learning, with the potential to have a lifelong impact for our scholars.
John Stevenson
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: Freedom School clearly creates a uniquely fun environment for learning, with the potential to have a lifelong impact for our scholars.
John Stevenson is a Multi-Family Office Relationship Manager at Brown Brothers Harriman, where he advises families and privately held businesses on investment portfolios and other financial matters. Previously, John worked as an Analyst on the Business Enhancement Strategies Team at Clemson University.
John earned a B.S. in Financial Management from Clemson University and is a CFA charter holder. In his spare time, John enjoys golf, fishing and spending time with his family. His favorite book is Dune by Frank Herbert.
Raquishela Stewart
City of Charlotte
I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I believe the programming provided will help to build the future for today’s youth.
Raquishela Stewart
Why I’m committed to Freedom School Partners: I am committed to Freedom School Partners because I believe the programming provided will help to build the future for today’s youth.
Raquishela Stewart has always had a passion for youth and their future as she was able to see first hand the benefit of such programming. As a youth raised in a single parent household in some of the most underserved communities in California, she has brought that passion with her to Charlotte and wants to continue to demonstrate her commitment to youth education.
Raquishela serves as the Deputy Director of Housing and Neighborhood Services for the City of Charlotte where a portion of her scope of work is around Youth Programming. Raquishela resides in Charlotte and has served on the board since 2023.