OUR
TEAM
From the Community.
For the Community.
Portia Richardson
Founder + Executive Director + Curriculum Developer
Portia Richardson is a dynamic leader and changemaker from Southeast Washington, DC, committed to transforming communities and education locally and globally. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Tumaini DC, Inc., an innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and healing-centered Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through bold, community-rooted programming. To date, Tumaini DC has impacted 35,000+ students across the United States and Ghana, expanding access, opportunity, and pathways to purpose.
Beyond youth impact, Portia is a sought-after strategist and facilitator who has trained thousands of educators and youth-serving professionals, equipping them with practical tools in design thinking, restorative practices, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed leadership. Her work empowers leaders to build sustainable systems, cultivate wellbeing, and drive transformational change that lasts.
With over a decade of experience as an educator in DC public and charter schools, Portia Richardson witnessed firsthand the systemic gaps that limited student success. Rather than accepting the status quo, she responded with innovation—launching bold, community-centered solutions rooted in equity, healing, and social entrepreneurship.
In addition to leading Tumaini DC, Portia is a former franchise owner of Sky Zone Trampoline Park and the Founder of the Impact Institute Accelerator, a global initiative that has supported 3,000+ entrepreneurs and organizations in launching and scaling sustainable nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses. With a 100% success rate, her work equips leaders to align meaningful impact with profitable, mission-driven income. Portia is committed to guiding 500 additional IMPACTpreneurs each year toward building legacy-focused organizations.
A powerful and authentic thought leader, Portia is a highly sought-after speaker who has reached 30,000+ individuals worldwide through conferences, keynotes, and leadership convenings. She is also a prolific author with 14 Amazon-published works, including the internationally recognized Tumaini Way Social and Emotional Learning curriculum and culturally responsive children’s books centered on SEL and identity.
Portia holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from North Carolina A&T State University, a Master of Science in Public Policy from Drexel University, and a Master of Science in Special Education from George Mason University. A passionate traveler and cultural enthusiast, she enjoys exploring global traditions and cuisines with her husband and children. Whether designing transformative systems or standing in community with leaders and youth, Portia embodies what it means to lead with purpose, vision, and global impact.
Lorice Young
Operations Manager + HR Strategist
Lorice Young, a proud Washington, DC native, brings over 15 years of experience in operations management, human resources, and sustainable systems to her role as Operations Manager and HR Strategist at Tumaini DC. A graduate of Winston-Salem State University, she holds a dual Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and Business Administration.
Lorice is deeply committed to building efficient, compliant, and sustainable organizational systems that support long-term growth. Her expertise includes streamlining workflows, ensuring HR and regulatory compliance, overseeing onboarding and credentialing processes, managing data systems, and administering payroll and financial infrastructure. Through her leadership, Tumaini DC continues to operate with clarity, accountability, and operational excellence.
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In her role at Tumaini DC, Lorice’s attention to detail, compassion, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in advancing the organization’s vision and mission. She is dedicated to fostering sustainable systems that enhance efficiency while supporting the well-being of both staff and stakeholders.
Lorice’s deep understanding of compliance, Grant Management, data-management, employee performance development, and policy implementation makes her an invaluable asset to the Tumaini DC team. Her ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on problem-solving ensures that the organization operates at its highest potential.
Currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, Lorice is excited to contribute her skills and expertise to Tumaini DC’s mission of transforming communities and creating lasting impact. With her unwavering dedication to sustainable systems and operational excellence, Lorice is helping to shape the future of Tumaini DC and the communities it serves.
Tearra Walker
Senior Impact Manager
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Tearra Walker, affectionately known to youth as “Ms. T,” is a visionary youth development leader and community advocate serving as Senior Impact Manager at Tumaini DC. With deep expertise in program management, youth development, and professional development, Tearra plays a pivotal role in designing and leading high-impact initiatives that support the holistic growth of young people and the adults who serve them.
Tearra specializes in healing-centered, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches to youth development and education. She creates spaces rooted in emotional safety, belonging, accountability, and empowerment—ensuring youth are not only engaged, but deeply supported in their identity, leadership, and personal growth. Her work intentionally bridges social-emotional learning (SEL), academic engagement, and workforce readiness, equipping youth with the confidence and resilience to thrive.
As a seasoned program leader, Tearra excels in curriculum design, facilitation, and staff development, equipping educators, teaching artists, and community leaders with culturally responsive, restorative tools that drive meaningful impact. A gifted spoken word artist and creative facilitator, she weaves artistry into education and healing, using creative expression as a vehicle for voice, reflection, and transformation—helping youth turn lived experience into leadership.
Regina Cannon
Program Support + Solutions Specialist
Regina Cannon is a seasoned public service professional and trusted operations leader, serving as Program Support and Solutions Specialist at Tumaini DC. A proud native of Washington, DC, Regina brings more than 41 years of distinguished service with the U.S. Department of Education, where she built a legacy of excellence in federal program oversight, data management, and institutional accountability.
Throughout her federal career, Regina served as a Management and Program Analyst, providing oversight for higher education institutions across the country. Her work included managing complex data systems, supporting audits, monitoring compliance, and ensuring colleges and universities met eligibility requirements for federal funding. Regina also served as a critical liaison between the U.S. Department of Education and higher education institutions, translating policy into practice while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and accountability.
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At Tumaini DC, Regina’s deep administrative expertise has seamlessly translated into strong program infrastructure and operational excellence.
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She plays a vital role in ensuring accurate program tracking, data management, and reporting, while also leading parent and family outreach, enrollment support, and systems coordination. Regina supports program development from planning through implementation, helping Tumaini DC operate with clarity, consistency, and strategic alignment.
Known for her attention to detail, calm leadership, and commitment to service, Regina is a cornerstone of Tumaini DC’s work—ensuring programs are not only impactful, but well-managed, compliant, and positioned for long-term sustainability. Her decades of experience strengthen Tumaini DC’s ability to serve youth and families with excellence, accountability, and care.
Mary Afful
Executive Assistant + Marketing Strategist
Mary Afful serves as Executive Assistant and Marketing Strategist at Tumaini DC, where she plays a key role in strengthening organizational operations, communications, and brand visibility. Based in Kumasi, Ghana, Mary brings a global perspective and a systems-driven approach to supporting Tumaini DC’s growing impact across the U.S. and Ghana.
Mary specializes in administrative operations, process streamlining, and digital marketing strategy, ensuring that leadership, programs, and communications run efficiently and with clarity. She supports executive-level coordination while also leading content organization, outreach strategy, and marketing execution that amplifies Tumaini DC’s mission and programs to families, partners, and stakeholders.​
With a strong passion for helping organizations operate with excellence, Mary is known for her attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and ability to bring structure to complex workflows. Her work strengthens internal systems while ensuring Tumaini DC’s storytelling and engagement remain consistent, timely, and mission-aligned.
Audrey Bradley
Bookkeeper
Audrey Bradley serves as Bookkeeper for Tumaini DC, providing trusted financial oversight and strategic support to ensure the organization’s fiscal health, compliance, and sustainability. With specialized expertise in nonprofit bookkeeping and financial management, Audrey brings clarity, accuracy, and confidence to Tumaini DC’s financial operations.
Audrey is highly skilled in grant and fund tracking, financial reporting, reconciliations, payroll coordination, and budget monitoring, ensuring that restricted funds and program expenses are managed with integrity and precision. Her work supports strong internal controls, transparent reporting, and informed decision-making as Tumaini DC continues to grow its impact locally and globally.
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Known for her detail-oriented approach and collaborative style, Audrey partners closely with leadership to strengthen financial systems, improve efficiency, and provide hands-on guidance during periods of growth and transition.
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Her commitment to accountability and excellence allows Tumaini DC to steward resources responsibly while remaining mission-focused. Audrey’s expertise and reliability make her an invaluable member of the Tumaini DC team, helping ensure financial stability, compliance, and long-term organizational sustainability.
Kariatu Jalloh
Mental Health Practitioner + Licensed Therapist
Kariatu Jalloh is a compassionate and highly skilled licensed therapist and Lead Mental Health Clinician at Tumaini DC, serving as a Senior Impact Manager who anchors the organization’s healing-centered and wellness-driven work. A proud native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, Kariatu is a double alumna of North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned a B.S. in Journalism and a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
As one of Tumaini DC’s lead clinicians, Kariatu provides therapeutic and clinical insight that informs program design, facilitation, and continuous improvement. She plays a key role in program development, ensuring that social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and mental health best practices are thoughtfully integrated across youth programming, family engagement, and professional development initiatives.
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Kariatu leads wellness-centered trainings and supports educators, youth-serving professionals, and community leaders in creating emotionally safe, responsive, and restorative environments. Her work centers healing-centered practices, emotional intelligence, and resilience-building—bridging clinical expertise with community-based impact to strengthen the holistic wellbeing of youth, families, and the systems that serve them.
Christine Montague
Director of Strategic Impact & Sustainability
Christine Montague serves as Director of Strategic Impact & Sustainability at Tumaini DC, where she leads the organization’s efforts to secure funding, strengthen long-term sustainability, and expand mission-aligned impact. With a strong background in grant strategy, proposal development, and impact communications, Christine plays a critical role in positioning Tumaini DC for growth and resilience.
Christine brings extensive experience as a top-rated proposal strategist, having successfully led and supported hundreds of complex projects across sectors. Her expertise includes grant writing, RFP development, funding strategy, compliance, reporting, and systems building—all essential to sustaining high-quality, community-centered programming.
In her role at Tumaini DC, Christine partners closely with executive leadership to identify funding opportunities, manage grant lifecycles, and align resources with strategic priorities. She supports the organization in telling a compelling impact story grounded in data, outcomes, and lived experience—ensuring funders clearly understand both the heart and the results of Tumaini’s work.
Christine’s strategic lens, attention to detail, and commitment to mission-driven sustainability make her a key driver of Tumaini DC’s ability to scale impact, deepen partnerships, and continue serving youth and families with excellence.
Dr. Timmesha Davis
Director of Program Assessment & Evaluation
Dr. Timmesha Davis serves as Tumaini DC’s Director of Program Assessment & Evaluation, leading the integration of mental health expertise, therapeutic guidance, and data-driven evaluation to ensure the effectiveness and impact of all Tumaini DC programs. Dr. Davis is a licensed Psychotherapist and Assistant Professor with over ten years of experience working with adolescents and adults. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and supports individuals navigating stress, change, and life transitions. She earned her Master of Social Work from Howard University and her Ph.D. in Social Work from The Catholic University of America.
In her role at Tumaini DC, Dr. Davis provides mental health and wellness guidance that informs program design, facilitator support, and student care, while also overseeing assessment, data collection, and program evaluation. She ensures Tumaini’s SEL and wellness programs are measurable, responsive, and continuously improving—supporting strong outcomes, meaningful impact, and clear reporting for partners and funders. Dr. Davis believes that with the right support, reflection, and data-informed practice, individuals and communities can navigate change with resilience and confidence.
Sharneise Allen
Mind Over Major Program Strategist + Senior Hope Leader
Sharneise Allen is a leadership development facilitator, educator, and strategist with deep expertise in executive decision-making, project management, and organizational leadership. She supports nonprofit, education, and public-sector leaders in navigating complexity, strengthening strategic thinking, and leading with clarity, confidence, and accountability.
At Tumaini DC, Sharneise designs and facilitates high-impact leadership trainings focused on executive decision-making, team effectiveness, and capacity building. Her approach blends practical tools with reflective practice, helping leaders move from intention to implementation while balancing results-driven leadership with emotional intelligence.
Known for her structured, systems-oriented lens and human-centered facilitation style, Sharneise equips leaders to build sustainable systems, strengthen team performance, and lead with integrity in evolving environments.
Andrea Smith
Photography and Videography Teaching Artist + Hope Leader
Andrea Smith is an advanced photographer, videographer, and content specialist dedicated to capturing the heart and soul of the Tumaini DC mission. As our lead visual storyteller, Andrea ensures our most impactful moments and memories are preserved with intention and artistry.
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Beyond the lens, Andrea is a transformative educator who shares her technical gifts with our students, equipping them with the skills to craft captivating stories of their own. By integrating Social Emotional Leadership into her teaching, she helps youth use photography and videography as tools for self-expression and community restoration.
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In recognition of her deep commitment and excellence, Andrea was honored as the 2025 Teaching Artist and Hope Leader of the Year. Her stellar work continues to empower our students to see themselves as creators, leaders, and keepers of their own narratives.
Anita Galloway
Board Secretary
DC Public Schools
Dr. Timmesha Butler
Ramapo College of NJ Data, Assessment, and Evaluation Consultant