MASSA NUNI, ED.D., FOUNDER & CO-DIRECTOR

Dr. Massa Nuni is an educator and leader committed to fostering equity and inclusion through differentiated teaching and literacy. As an Assistant Professor of English and English Department Chair at Community College of Philadelphia, she champions pedagogical practices that support diverse learners, ensuring accessibility and academic success for all students. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Nuni is a dedicated advocate for institutional change and faculty development. Her leadership extends to faculty training and mentorship, where she has facilitated programs on differentiation, reading across disciplines, and supporting students with invisible disabilities.

Dr. Nuni has conducted research on inclusive teaching strategies and literacy development, with her scholarship featured at several national conferences. In 2025, she was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists Educator of the Year Award.

Dr. Nuni earned a B.A. in English from Lincoln University, an M.A. in English Literature from West Chester University, an M.Ed. in English Education from Arcadia University, and an Ed.D. in Reading and Literacy from Capella University. Her doctoral research explored how urban educators can access resources to implement effective vocabulary instruction aligned with Common Core Standards.

With more than a decade of experience in higher education and K–12 instruction, she has also served as a curriculum designer, instructional coach, and mentor to emerging educators. Her collaborations with institutions such as Johns Hopkins University have supported the development of innovative literacy initiatives.

Outside of academia, Dr. Nuni finds joy and balance in gardening and journaling, two practices that nurture her creativity, mindfulness, and belief in the healing power of growth and reflection.

COACH GIZELLE CLARKE, CO-DIRECTOR

With over a decade of experience as a tennis, beach tennis, and pickleball coach, Gizelle Clarke has worked with students, hotel guests, and athletes of all ages and skill levels. Her professional background includes leading programs in partnership with resort organizations, collaborating with a national Ministry of Sports to deliver instruction across multiple primary and secondary schools, and serving as a Tennis, Pickleball, and Beach Tennis Coach and Consultant with Unstoppable Steadfast, her business, since 2010.

In addition to her coaching roles, Gizelle has designed and facilitated youth development initiatives, including summer camps for Montessori Academy students and private coaching programs. These experiences highlight her leadership, adaptability, and commitment to fostering confidence, discipline, and personal growth through sport. Her dedication to empowering others, both on and off the court, continues to guide her professional journey.

She is currently pursuing a degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services with a specialization in Drug and Alcohol Counseling, reflecting her deep commitment to supporting individual and community well-being through both physical activity and holistic care.

Ferris Clare, LPC

Ferris Clare, LPC, is a writer, healer, and Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut and Maryland. Born and raised in Connecticut and now based in Maryland, Ferris brings over 17 years of experience in public service, leadership, and community care. Her background includes extensive work with the Department of Social Services, where she served in frontline and supervisory roles supporting individuals and families through complex life transitions.

Ferris is the Owner and Founder of The Harvest Counseling & Wellness, LLC, a practice and creative space rooted in the belief that healing unfolds through reflection, connection, and cultivation—both on the page and in the soil. Her work integrates writing, wellness, and agricultural metaphors to support growth, restoration, and personal transformation.

Warm, compassionate, and grounded, Ferris creates spaces where people can slow down, process life’s experiences, and reconnect with their inner wisdom and strengths. Her approach honors healing as a natural, seasonal process—one that requires patience, care, and intention.

KADIJAH TURAY-SENGOVA, ESQ.

 Kadijah Turay-Sengova joined Best & Associates, LLP as an Associate Attorney in 2018. Her practice area includes family-based immigration as well as humanitarian relief cases and removal defense. Kadijah is also an Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law at Charles Widger School of Law, Villanova University. She has been a speaker at numerous community outreach seminars on Immigration related topics. Kadijah is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Philadelphia Chapter and has served on the Advocacy, National Day of Action and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committees.

Kadijah held the position of Secretary of the Pennsylvania Bar Association-Minority Bar Committee (MBC), Community Outreach Subcommittee from 2009 to 2014.  In May of 2012 at the meeting of its House of Delegates, the PBA honored Kadijah with its Special Achievement Award for her role in the “You and the Law'' programs. She was named the MBC rising star in July of 2012.

Kadijah has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, (Morgan State University) a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology, (Temple University) and a Juris Doctor, (Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware).

ME’AIRA NUNI

Me’Aira Nuni is a public health professional dedicated to advancing equitable health opportunities through research, policy, and community engagement. A graduate of Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, Me’Aira Nuni earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with minors in Law and Africana Studies.

Her senior thesis, Solutions for Health Inequities among African Americans: An Examination of Medical History, Healthcare, and Health and Human Rights Policies, highlights a strong commitment to addressing systemic inequities and advocating for justice-centered health solutions.

During her time at Drexel, Me’Aira completed rigorous coursework in Health and Human Rights, Public Health Leadership, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Science Writing, Developmental Psychology, Health Care Ethics, Community Health, Legal Systems, and Common Law. This interdisciplinary training strengthened her ability to analyze health challenges through historical, social, legal, and ethical perspectives.

With demonstrated experience in leadership, research, collaboration, and advocacy, Me’ Aira remains committed to driving impactful change within the public health sector. Her work continues to focus on uplifting communities and developing solutions that promote lasting health equity.

Me’Aira currently works as an Infectious Disease Specialist with a citywide Department of Public Health.

IKE CLARKE

Ike Clarke is a Grenadian, born and raised in the village of La Borie in the parish of St. George. Humble beginnings marked Ike’s early life, but by the grace of God, he was able to pursue primary, secondary, and tertiary education. During secondary school at Grenada Boys’ Secondary School, Ike Clarke received awards for academic excellence, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies with high honors from St. George’s University (SGU) in True Blue, Grenada.

For over nine years, Ike has served as a primary school educator, inspiring and guiding students with passion and commitment. Through life experiences, education, and professional work, Ike has developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of learning. He believes that education is a vehicle that can open doors, create opportunities, and take individuals anywhere they aspire to go.

Ike Clarke continues to dedicate himself to empowering others and making a meaningful impact in the lives of students and the broader community.

Aaliyah Thomas, M.Ed., M.A.

Aaliyah Thomas is a dedicated educational leader currently serving as an Assistant Principal within the School District of Philadelphia. With a career spanning over 15 years, Aaliyah is committed to fostering academic excellence through instructional coaching, social-emotional support, and strategic school improvement planning.

A lifelong learner and advocate for literacy, she has held diverse roles including School-Based Teacher Leader, Curriculum Writer for major publishers like McGraw Hill, and Adjunct Professor at the Community College of Philadelphia. Her leadership is defined by a data-driven approach to student achievement and a passion for mentoring both novice and veteran educators.

Aaliyah holds a Master of Educational Leadership and Policy from Temple University, a Master of Education from Arcadia University, a Master of Arts in Writing Studies from St. Joseph’s University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Lincoln University.