Our Leadership

Ashley Robinson-Spann is the Founder of Still Rising Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth and families through academic support, enrichment programming, and community engagement. With a background in education policy, data strategy, and nonprofit leadership, Ashley brings a deep commitment to equity and innovation in learning. She has led initiatives that connect schools, families, and communities to meaningful opportunities for growth, and she continues to champion programs that foster student success, cultural pride, and future-focused planning.

Dr. Akilah Swinton Nelson serves as an Education Research Scientist at the Institute of Education Sciences, where she leads initiatives focused on special education research, postsecondary transitions, and family engagement for children with disabilities. With a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology and a concentration in quantitative methods from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Nelson brings deep expertise in educational policy, program evaluation, and equity-driven research. Her career spans roles as a federal policy fellow, evaluation specialist, and program officer, all dedicated to improving outcomes for diverse learners and shaping evidence-based practices that inform national education policy.

Dr. Zaneta Brown-Ingles is a seasoned education leader and strategic program innovator with over two decades of experience in school reform, higher education administration, and global empowerment initiatives. She is the Strategic Program Leader for Female Wave of Change and CEO of Premier Learning Solutions, where she designs transformative programs that advance equity and leadership in education. Holding an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Morgan State University, Dr. Ingles has served as a principal, adjunct faculty member, and consultant for organizations committed to instructional excellence and student success. Her work emphasizes data-driven strategies, inclusive learning environments, and empowering women and youth worldwide.

Dr. Shunverie Rushing is the founder of Rushing 4 Success, a consulting firm dedicated to closing equity gaps and fostering student achievement through innovative STEM programs and inclusive excellence strategies. With nearly 20 years in higher education leadership, she has advanced diversity recruitment, managed NSF-funded initiatives, and developed academic empowerment programs at institutions such as Georgia Tech and the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Rushing’s expertise spans program development, strategic planning, and student success frameworks that empower first-generation and underrepresented students. Her mission is to transform education by dismantling barriers and creating pathways for all learners to thrive.