Lorenza Wilkins, DBA
Dr. Lorenza Wilkins is an equity-driven servant leader and inductee into the National Society of Leadership and Success. As a 2018 participant in the National Opportunity Youth Forum hosted by the Aspen Institute (Aspen, CO), Dr. Wilkins is forever committed to philanthropy and service to the common good of all humanity. As a former Consultant with Clemson University’s South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics & Science, Dr. Wilkins fully supports raising student achievement and advocating for STEM literacy as a means of preparing our young people to compete in an evolving 21st Century global marketplace. Dr. Wilkins previously served as Executive Director at Rebound, Alternatives for Youth, Senior Director of Programs and Operations at Made in Durham, Program Manager at the Triangle Literacy Council, and Talent Advisor at CSX. Dr. Wilkins credits projects with NCCU BRITE/Fab Lab, Duke University’s Design Thinking Team, and Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship with solidifying and validating the programmatic infrastructure at Compass Youth Center. As a graduate of Leadership Triangle, Dr. Wilkins is one of 950 Goodmon Fellow Alumni across the Triangle. Leadership Triangle is a nonprofit organization established in 1992 to educate and promote regionalism across the separate communities of the Triangle. As a former student-athlete at North Carolina Central University, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. Dr. Wilkins is a native of Lake Gaston, N.C., and enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, and family. His hobbies include volunteering, gardening, weight training, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Lorenza Wilkins, DBA
Dr. Lorenza Wilkins is an equity-driven servant leader and inductee into the National Society of Leadership and Success. As a 2018 participant in the National Opportunity Youth Forum hosted by the Aspen Institute (Aspen, CO), Dr. Wilkins is forever committed to philanthropy and service to the common good of all humanity. As a former Consultant with Clemson University’s South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics & Science, Dr. Wilkins fully supports raising student achievement and advocating for STEM literacy as a means of preparing our young people to compete in an evolving 21st Century global marketplace. Dr. Wilkins previously served as Executive Director at Rebound, Alternatives for Youth, Senior Director of Programs and Operations at Made in Durham, Program Manager at the Triangle Literacy Council, and Talent Advisor at CSX. Dr. Wilkins credits projects with NCCU BRITE/Fab Lab, Duke University’s Design Thinking Team, and Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship with solidifying and validating the programmatic infrastructure at Compass Youth Center. As a graduate of Leadership Triangle, Dr. Wilkins is one of 950 Goodmon Fellow Alumni across the Triangle. Leadership Triangle is a nonprofit organization established in 1992 to educate and promote regionalism across the separate communities of the Triangle. As a former student-athlete at North Carolina Central University, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. Dr. Wilkins is a native of Lake Gaston, N.C., and enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, and family. His hobbies include volunteering, gardening, weight training, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Ms. Patryce Rispress, CPA
Ms. Patryce Rispress, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), is the founder and CEO of PAK Enterprises, a company specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits grow into profitable, successful companies by providing financial, managerial & strategic expertise. Patryce believes in the promotion and growth of small businesses and nonprofits by identifying and solving problems, listening to the needs of her clients, and managing their firm ethically and professionally. Her passion is to encourage small business owners and develop accounting and communication practices to help others grow professionally and financially in their business endeavors.
Patryce has over 20 years of experience in Accounting and Tax preparation. She has held positions that include CFO; Director of Finance; Credit and Collections; Financial, Payroll, Corporate, Real Estate, and Project Accounting. Patryce serves as a board member and Treasurer of both the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association and Compass Youth Center. She is also an active member of the Wake County Community Advisory Committee.
Patryce was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and relocated to North Carolina as a teenager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Accounting with a minor in Information Systems from Strayer University and Ohio State University. When Patryce is not working, she enjoys spending time with her children and family, traveling, cooking (including the lost art of canning), and serving as her family’s unofficial historian.
Ms. Patryce Rispress, CPA
Ms. Patryce Rispress, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), is the founder and CEO of PAK Enterprises, a company specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits grow into profitable, successful companies by providing financial, managerial & strategic expertise. Patryce believes in the promotion and growth of small businesses and nonprofits by identifying and solving problems, listening to the needs of her clients, and managing their firm ethically and professionally. Her passion is to encourage small business owners and develop accounting and communication practices to help others grow professionally and financially in their business endeavors.
Patryce has over 20 years of experience in Accounting and Tax preparation. She has held positions that include CFO; Director of Finance; Credit and Collections; Financial, Payroll, Corporate, Real Estate, and Project Accounting. Patryce serves as a board member and Treasurer of both the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association and Compass Youth Center. She is also an active member of the Wake County Community Advisory Committee.
Patryce was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and relocated to North Carolina as a teenager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Accounting with a minor in Information Systems from Strayer University and Ohio State University. When Patryce is not working, she enjoys spending time with her children and family, traveling, cooking (including the lost art of canning), and serving as her family’s unofficial historian.
Mr. Matthew Dawson
Mr. Matthew Dawson grew up in rural Eastover, NC, and developed a great respect for education thanks to his mother, Sue, a longtime teacher. He took her message to heart and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. During his time at the University, Matthew began to understand how fortunate he was to be able to pursue higher education and that not all individuals have the resources to do so. He was introduced to Compass Youth while working in the supply chain for an international health advocacy nonprofit in Durham. He was immediately impressed by their vision to create opportunities for learning and empowerment. It has been a privilege for him to be involved with Compass Youth and their work advocating for access to STEM education for all talented young students.
Mr. Matthew Dawson
Mr. Matthew Dawson grew up in rural Eastover, NC, and developed a great respect for education thanks to his mother, Sue, a longtime teacher. He took her message to heart and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. During his time at the University, Matthew began to understand how fortunate he was to be able to pursue higher education and that not all individuals have the resources to do so. He was introduced to Compass Youth while working in the supply chain for an international health advocacy nonprofit in Durham. He was immediately impressed by their vision to create opportunities for learning and empowerment. It has been a privilege for him to be involved with Compass Youth and their work advocating for access to STEM education for all talented young students.
Ms. Yenashi Castillo Tristani
Ms. Yenashi Castillo Tristani is a rising senior at Duke University studying psychology and global health. Yenashi is particularly interested in the psychology of identity and diversity. On the campus of Duke University, she is often involved in service-learning classes and performing arts events. Yenashi also enjoys playing the piano and reading. She has loved getting to know the Durham community and desires to stay involved. Yenashi’s volunteering, tutoring, interning, and mentoring is an asset to youth and their families and is evident in her time spent with Church World Service, Durham Health Department, GANO, Rebound, Alternatives for Youth, Partners for Success, and Student U. Yenashi’s native language is Spanish.
Ms. Yenashi Castillo Tristani
Ms. Yenashi Castillo Tristani is a rising senior at Duke University studying psychology and global health. Yenashi is particularly interested in the psychology of identity and diversity. On the campus of Duke University, she is often involved in service-learning classes and performing arts events. Yenashi also enjoys playing the piano and reading. She has loved getting to know the Durham community and desires to stay involved. Yenashi’s volunteering, tutoring, interning, and mentoring is an asset to youth and their families and is evident in her time spent with Church World Service, Durham Health Department, GANO, Rebound, Alternatives for Youth, Partners for Success, and Student U. Yenashi’s native language is Spanish.
Mr. Cav Martin
Mr. Cav Martin is a lifelong resident of Rocky Mount, N.C. Educated in Rocky Mount City Schools, Cav received his post-secondary/undergraduate education at N.C. State University attaining a Bachelor of Art in Business Management and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Campbell University.
In Raleigh, Cav pledged into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at St. Augustine’s College (now Saint Augustine’s University). As a student at N.C. State, Cav was a founder of the undergraduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Also, at N.C. State, Cav was a founding member of The LaVerne Players, one of the first Black Dramatic Groups in N.C.
After N.C. State, Cav returned home to Rocky Mount. Cav enrolled in basic real estate training at Edgecombe Community College and obtained a real estate brokerage license. Cav began in real estate as a broker with Mentor Ken Moorefield, who owned two Century 21 offices. Later, he was employed at Nash Technical Institute (which morphed to become Nash Community College) as Learning Lab Coordinator and finally as an Instructor in the Business Department. Additionally, Cav served for four years as a Financial Consultant for the Clara Abbott Foundation.
Cav is one of the founding board members at Compass Youth Center and has served on several boards, including Rocky Mount Area United Way, Eastern Carolina Mediation Centers, Rocky Mount Area Association of Realtors, The Synergy Center, and also served as a member and Chair of The Rocky Mount Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.
Mr. Cav Martin
Mr. Cav Martin is a lifelong resident of Rocky Mount, N.C. Educated in Rocky Mount City Schools, Cav received his post-secondary/undergraduate education at N.C. State University attaining a Bachelor of Art in Business Management and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Campbell University.
In Raleigh, Cav pledged into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at St. Augustine’s College (now Saint Augustine’s University). As a student at N.C. State, Cav was a founder of the undergraduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Also, at N.C. State, Cav was a founding member of The LaVerne Players, one of the first Black Dramatic Groups in N.C.
After N.C. State, Cav returned home to Rocky Mount. Cav enrolled in basic real estate training at Edgecombe Community College and obtained a real estate brokerage license. Cav began in real estate as a broker with Mentor Ken Moorefield, who owned two Century 21 offices. Later, he was employed at Nash Technical Institute (which morphed to become Nash Community College) as Learning Lab Coordinator and finally as an Instructor in the Business Department. Additionally, Cav served for four years as a Financial Consultant for the Clara Abbott Foundation.
Cav is one of the founding board members at Compass Youth Center and has served on several boards, including Rocky Mount Area United Way, Eastern Carolina Mediation Centers, Rocky Mount Area Association of Realtors, The Synergy Center, and also served as a member and Chair of The Rocky Mount Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.
Ms. Shawndria McCoy
Attorney, Ms. Shawndria McCoy, is a native of Elizabeth City, N.C. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2002, serving as a member of Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society. Shawndria began her legal career as a Deputy Law Clerk with the United States Tax Court in Washington, D.C., in 2006. Deciding she did not particularly enjoy the “big city” life but wanting to continue in the legal field, she attended Norfolk State University’s Paralegal program. Subsequently, she was employed as a Paralegal at the Twiford Law Firm, P.C. in Moyock, North Carolina, under the direction of Senior Partners John S. Morrison and Courtney S. Hull. In this position, she had the opportunity to work in civil litigation, personal injury, local government, and social security law.
Shawndria was accepted into the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2009 and graduated in 2012 with a Juris Doctor degree. Shawndria founded the Law Firm of Shawndria McCoy, PLLC in Raleigh, which focused on criminal, traffic, contracts, estate planning, and personal injury.
Thriving for knowledge and opting to expand her career portfolio, Shawndria became a Real Estate Broker in September 2020 under the leadership of Fonville Morisey Realty. She boasts a passion for luxury residential homes throughout the Triangle and surrounding areas. She operates by the maxim: “Excellence is a better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound and original insights are to be found only in studying the exemplary.” ~ Warren Bennis
Shawndria is a Carolina girl at heart and currently resides in the Raleigh-Durham area. In her spare time, Shawndria enjoys traveling, reading, the beach, and trying new cuisines. Shawndria attributes her successes to God and her values to her role models – her mother, sister, and grandparents – who taught her to be persistent, strive to be the best, and put God first in her life. She finds inspiration in the work of the late Johnnie L. Cochran and credits him as influencing her decision to pursue a legal career.
Ms. Shawndria McCoy
Attorney, Ms. Shawndria McCoy, is a native of Elizabeth City, N.C. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2002, serving as a member of Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society. Shawndria began her legal career as a Deputy Law Clerk with the United States Tax Court in Washington, D.C., in 2006. Deciding she did not particularly enjoy the “big city” life but wanting to continue in the legal field, she attended Norfolk State University’s Paralegal program. Subsequently, she was employed as a Paralegal at the Twiford Law Firm, P.C. in Moyock, North Carolina, under the direction of Senior Partners John S. Morrison and Courtney S. Hull. In this position, she had the opportunity to work in civil litigation, personal injury, local government, and social security law.
Shawndria was accepted into the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2009 and graduated in 2012 with a Juris Doctor degree. Shawndria founded the Law Firm of Shawndria McCoy, PLLC in Raleigh, which focused on criminal, traffic, contracts, estate planning, and personal injury.
Thriving for knowledge and opting to expand her career portfolio, Shawndria became a Real Estate Broker in September 2020 under the leadership of Fonville Morisey Realty. She boasts a passion for luxury residential homes throughout the Triangle and surrounding areas. She operates by the maxim: “Excellence is a better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound and original insights are to be found only in studying the exemplary.” ~ Warren Bennis
Shawndria is a Carolina girl at heart and currently resides in the Raleigh-Durham area. In her spare time, Shawndria enjoys traveling, reading, the beach, and trying new cuisines. Shawndria attributes her successes to God and her values to her role models – her mother, sister, and grandparents – who taught her to be persistent, strive to be the best, and put God first in her life. She finds inspiration in the work of the late Johnnie L. Cochran and credits him as influencing her decision to pursue a legal career.
Mr. Leonard Bullock
Mr. Leonard Bullock inherently mines for the seeds of opportunity within people, conditions and nurtures them jointly into a coherent whole, helping others extend their thinking and drive substantive growth. An extraordinary educator, Leonard stimulates ideas and interests with lessons that inspire transformation while simultaneously being responsive to learner desire for engagement. Acknowledged as a creative voice in learning architecture, public education, and technology, Leonard earns a seat at the table wherever he serves.
Currently, as an instructional designer at Grifols Therapeutics, a publicly held, global biopharmaceutical manufacturer, Leonard works to enhance employees’ operational knowledge and skills by developing methods and processes to advance training architecture, ensure state of the art learning environments, and design innovative training solutions to meet the business objectives for education across the organization. He is now at the vanguard of developing a model for integrating SCORM compliant mixed reality E-Learning into collaborative workspace platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, enabling the business to better leverage the social aspects of traditional learning scenarios over a considerable distance.
Previously, as a classroom teacher, Leonard coordinated the founding of the Game Art and Design Academy for Wake County Public Schools System at Heritage High School after teaching its Scientific and Technical Visualization and Computer Programming courses. As the academy Director, he developed authentic, real-world learning experiences such as Heritage Records, Bison Software, and Alpha Pack Games for students to realize the connection between their interests and industry through simulations designed to foster business development through entrepreneurship.
Leonard is a North Carolina State University graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology, Engineering, and Design Education.
Mr. Leonard Bullock
Mr. Leonard Bullock inherently mines for the seeds of opportunity within people, conditions and nurtures them jointly into a coherent whole, helping others extend their thinking and drive substantive growth. An extraordinary educator, Leonard stimulates ideas and interests with lessons that inspire transformation while simultaneously being responsive to learner desire for engagement. Acknowledged as a creative voice in learning architecture, public education, and technology, Leonard earns a seat at the table wherever he serves.
Currently, as an instructional designer at Grifols Therapeutics, a publicly held, global biopharmaceutical manufacturer, Leonard works to enhance employees’ operational knowledge and skills by developing methods and processes to advance training architecture, ensure state of the art learning environments, and design innovative training solutions to meet the business objectives for education across the organization. He is now at the vanguard of developing a model for integrating SCORM compliant mixed reality E-Learning into collaborative workspace platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, enabling the business to better leverage the social aspects of traditional learning scenarios over a considerable distance.
Previously, as a classroom teacher, Leonard coordinated the founding of the Game Art and Design Academy for Wake County Public Schools System at Heritage High School after teaching its Scientific and Technical Visualization and Computer Programming courses. As the academy Director, he developed authentic, real-world learning experiences such as Heritage Records, Bison Software, and Alpha Pack Games for students to realize the connection between their interests and industry through simulations designed to foster business development through entrepreneurship.
Leonard is a North Carolina State University graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology, Engineering, and Design Education.
Mrs. Sheneka Brightwell
Mrs. Sheneka Brightwell is the Chief Administrator of Computer Science & Technology Education for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. She works alongside Dr. Hemphill-Joseph to cultivate community partnerships that position North Carolina’s students and leaders for success. Sheneka is a certified Academic Coach, Tutor, and Tutor Trainer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education, concentration in Information Technology/middle grades education. Before joining the K-12 Computer Science Initiative, Sheneka managed various education, workforce development, legislation, and small business development projects. She has a genuine love for innovation and creating avenues where development gaps exist.
Sheneka is also the owner of Innovative Perspectives, Inc., a small business that assists with tutoring services for K-8th grade students, career path coaching for 9-12th grade students, and apprenticeship opportunities for youth ages 15-24. During these endeavors, Sheneka can instill in young people that it is possible to become more than what others deem you to be; the key is to rise above the noise, take the pursuit of your passion, and never look back. Sheneka is a native of Battleboro, N. C. She resides in Raleigh, N. C., with her husband, Jean-Pierre, and her two children Kameron & Lauryn.
Mrs. Sheneka Brightwell
Mrs. Sheneka Brightwell is the Chief Administrator of Computer Science & Technology Education for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. She works alongside Dr. Hemphill-Joseph to cultivate community partnerships that position North Carolina’s students and leaders for success. Sheneka is a certified Academic Coach, Tutor, and Tutor Trainer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education, concentration in Information Technology/middle grades education. Before joining the K-12 Computer Science Initiative, Sheneka managed various education, workforce development, legislation, and small business development projects. She has a genuine love for innovation and creating avenues where development gaps exist.
Sheneka is also the owner of Innovative Perspectives, Inc., a small business that assists with tutoring services for K-8th grade students, career path coaching for 9-12th grade students, and apprenticeship opportunities for youth ages 15-24. During these endeavors, Sheneka can instill in young people that it is possible to become more than what others deem you to be; the key is to rise above the noise, take the pursuit of your passion, and never look back. Sheneka is a native of Battleboro, N. C. She resides in Raleigh, N. C., with her husband, Jean-Pierre, and her two children Kameron & Lauryn.
Community Contributor
Ms. Terra McKee
Ms. Terra McKee is a doctoral student in Applied Science and Technology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCATSU). Her interdisciplinary research interests include GIS, discipline-specific educational research, geospatial data visualization and analysis, community-level participatory research, and public health. Terra obtained her Bachelor of Science in geography and Master of Science in earth science at North Carolina Central University. She is a 2019 NCATSU Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellow and 2020 NCATSU Rising Graduate Scholar for the College of Science and Technology. Additional awards include being a member of the inaugural class of Gates Foundation Millennium Scholars and a Theodore R. Speigner Award recipient. Terra is a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the American Association of University Women (AAUW – Greensboro). Lastly, Terra is a mother to three dynamic young leaders, Queen, Empress, and King William.
Ms. Terra McKee
Ms. Terra McKee is a doctoral student in Applied Science and Technology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCATSU). Her interdisciplinary research interests include GIS, discipline-specific educational research, geospatial data visualization and analysis, community-level participatory research, and public health. Terra obtained her Bachelor of Science in geography and Master of Science in earth science at North Carolina Central University. She is a 2019 NCATSU Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellow and 2020 NCATSU Rising Graduate Scholar for the College of Science and Technology. Additional awards include being a member of the inaugural class of Gates Foundation Millennium Scholars and a Theodore R. Speigner Award recipient. Terra is a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the American Association of University Women (AAUW – Greensboro). Lastly, Terra is a mother to three dynamic young leaders, Queen, Empress, and King William.
