Meet the SDK Foundation Board of Directors
Shay Hopkins
Shay Hopkins is an accomplished educator and community leader, known for her dedication to empowering young people and making a positive impact in her community. She graduated from Midwestern State University with a Bachelor's of Education degree, and began her teaching career at Webb Middle School in Garland ISD.
Currently in her 9th year of teaching, Shay is currently serving as an 8th grade ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading) teacher in Duncanville Independent School District. Her passion for education and commitment to her students has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and parents alike.
Outside of the classroom, Shay is actively involved in her church and community. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and enjoys leading and being a part of the Praise Dance Ministry at Friendship West Baptist Church. She is also committed to mentoring youth and serving in her community, and is always looking for ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Shay Hopkins is a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated educator and community leader, and her passion for teaching and service continue to inspire those around her.
Alta Mauro
Alta Mauro currently serves as the Associate Dean for Inclusion & Belonging at Harvard College, guiding divisional efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under her direction, the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural & Race Relations, the Harvard College Women’s Center, and the Office of BGLTQ Student Life converge to leverage Harvard’s great diversity to cultivate inclusive community where all students can thrive.
Previously, I served as the founding director of Spiritual Life & Intercultural Education at New York University Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s cosmopolitan diversity provided an exciting backdrop to consider what it meant to educate from the intersection of Black diasporic, critical, womanist perspectives rooted in cultural humility, social justice, and equity.
I earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. My dissertation, Identity (re)Determination Among Upwardly-Mobile Black Women, focuses on shifting notions of self, identity, and belonging among African-American women who have been acculturated in sociocultural spaces which are markedly different from their home communities. Other areas of my professional expertise include sustained dialogue and engaging culturally-relevant pedagogy across academic disciplines. I have co-authored three refereed book chapters, additional articles related to DEI and global education issues, and published poetry in a recent higher education anthology.
Working and mothering claim most of my attention but as of late, I am walking/jogging early mornings, and listening to audible books along the way. I'm a decent baker, and I love a game of Spades or chess. Listening/talking to smart people about the world around us is my absolute favorite thing to do. Now that it is safer to do so, I am getting back to both solo travel and showing my kids far reaches of the world.
Janay Kelly-Grant
Janay Kelly-Grant is a highly accomplished individual who has made a significant impact in the field of psychology and counseling. She graduated from the illustrious Howard University with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, where she honed her skills in understanding the complexities of human behavior.
Janay's passion for helping others led her to pursue a Masters in Professional Counseling, where she gained in-depth knowledge and expertise in mental health and counseling. With her strong academic background and practical experience, Janay has become a sought-after expert in her field, helping individuals overcome various psychological challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
Janay is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, which emphasizes community involvement and scholarship. She strongly believes in giving back to her community and has been actively involved in various charitable organizations and social initiatives. As a 2nd generation college graduate and only child, Janay understands the value of education and has been committed to helping others achieve their academic goals.
With her combination of academic excellence, community involvement, and a passion for helping others, Janay Kelly-Grant has established herself as a role model and inspiration to many. She continues to work tirelessly towards making a positive impact in the world, both in her professional and personal life.
Carrie L. Singleton
Carrie L. Singleton, Esq. was born in Baton Rouge but grew up in New Orleans, LA. She attended Oakwood University (HBCU), where she received a B.B.A. in Business Administration and a minor in Political Science. She was a member of the Pre-Alumni Council, United Student Movement, and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
Carrie attended Florida Coastal School of Law, where she received a Doctorate of Jurisprudence. She is licensed to practice in Florida and Texas. While in law school, she served on the board of the Southern Regional Black Law Student Law Journal and Treasurer of the National Black Law Students Association. She participated in the Pro Bono Clinic and received Pro Bono Honors upon graduation. She served as an Assistant Public Defender for the 20th Judicial Circuit in Florida and currently serves as an Assistant Public Defender for Dallas County in the felony division. Carrie is a motivated professional with the tenacity to perform and deliver under demanding circumstances and has developed a commitment to public service.
Carrie volunteers for the County Criminal Court 11 Intercepted Diversion Program, Dallas County Expunction Expo, and voter registration events. She also volunteers with her church Hydration Ministry serving the homeless. Carrie recently became a licensed realtor serving the DFW Metroplex. She is a sports enthusiast and a diehard Saints fan! She is a lover of food and a beast in the kitchen! She enjoys working out at Orange Theory Fitness, traveling, true crime documentaries and podcasts, and spending time with family and friends.
Marty M. Corley
Marty is the son of the late Reverend Iva Corley and Cora Cambridge. He was born and raised in Michigan City, IN and graduated from the Michigan City Area Schools. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Saint Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, IN) and then went on to work in the criminal justice field. Currently, employed with the Michigan City Police Department since October of 2000 and currently serves as the Chief of Operations (appointed August 2021). He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in March 2001 (Class 129). While working at MCPD, he has worked in various capacities with 12 years in the investigative division, 17 years on the MCPD Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.), over 10 years as a Drug Recognition Expert and Indiana Law Enforcement Certified Instructor, Director of the MCPD Youth Leadership Academy, and Lead Instructor for the MCPD Police Explorers Post #75.
His passion is to serve the community and he is actively involved with several commissions and boards that include: Michigan City Human Rights Commission; Salvation Army of Michigan City; Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City; PACT, Inc.; Holistic Evolution, Inc.; and elected official to the Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees, since 2013, and currently serves as Board President.
He holds membership with Rotary Club International (Michigan City Chapter President 2017-2019), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Indiana Black Expo, Michigan City Moose Lodge #980, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 75, and Freemasons (Indiana Harbor Masonic Lodge #686). Marty has three beautiful children (Eileen, Malik and Maya) and non-biological children (Ciara, Kimora and Aubrey) and a supportive family consisting of a mother, siblings, uncles, aunts, nephews, and cousins. Marty believes the world can be changed by positive and dedicated human beings, five people at a time.
Latesia Smoot
Latesia Smoot is the CFO of Bulletproof Capital, a single-family office that provides a comprehensive suite of wealth management services including tax planning, philanthropic management, estate planning and investment oversight across public markets, private funds and direct investments.
Latesia has over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, including working with financial institutions and public accounting firms. Her expertise includes tax planning and compliance, estate planning, charitable and philanthropic planning, and business owner and corporate executive planning.
Latesia earned her Bachelors and MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in Bloomington, Indiana. In addition to being a CPA, she is also an AICPA member and part of the Chicago Estate Planning Council.
Latesia lives in Michigan City, Indiana, with her husband, mom and very active three children.