directors of the nonprofit
George Charles III
President
George W. Charles III, was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina to Tina Beatty and George Charles Jr., and is a PROUD graduate of North Carolina A&T where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies in 2015. As a young child, George experienced his first reality with heartbreak with the passing of his father at the age of 8. Throughout his years, George battled with anger issues that were suppressed due to the loss of his dad until he finally went to visit his dad in 2014 and realize how much strength he’s gained by just taking that step. George moved to Arizona in July 2015 following graduation as a Family Support Specialist at a social work/behavioral health agency. George, who also is an advocate for people, found his footing in Arizona and not long after began networking. As a result of connections George found himself working as a Youth Center Coordinator, mentor program advisor, mentor, and a host of other titles.
George is a member of the ICE COLD Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated & is the chairperson for their local Project Alpha program for the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter. George also is the chairperson & leader of the HBCU Tour that has taken over 200 students to different HBCUs across the country & has seen at least 55% of seniors go on to attend HBCUs in the 4 years he’s led the tours. George completed his Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in March 2020 and is currently pursuing a PHD in Clinical Psychology program where he plans to open up his own practice. George is an entrepreneur with his own life coaching program, works full time as a consultant, mentor, motivational speaker, youth advocate, event planner, writer, Chairman/President of a nonprofit, and full-time PhD student. George’s greatest accomplishment is none of his titles, but being able to pour into lives and honoring the legacy of his father.
J. Elijah Bratton
J. Elijah Bratton is first and foremost a proud father of three incredible and gifted children who embody the joy and brilliance that motivates him to live a life of servant leadership for students across the globe. He is the grandson of Great Migration South Carolinians who settled in Ocean City, NJ. Mr. Bratton is currently a third-year Ph.D. student in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program at Howard University where he also serves as a Program Manager for the Humanities and Social Sciences Scholars Program and supports the Karsh STEM Scholars Program. His commitment to increasing the number of Black students with PhDs through holistically developing them during undergraduate studies is the culmination of almost two decades of experience in student development. In addition to this, Mr. Bratton serves as a Graduate Fellow with the HBCU Center for Research, Leadership and Policy at Howard University.
He is a dedicated educator and administrator whose vocation began in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This calling into the vineyard of Education has allowed him to serve communities in Charlotte, NC; Charleston, SC; Orlando, FL; Chandler, AZ and most recently Washington, DC. As an 18-year veteran educator in both the private Christian and urban charter school sectors, he has effectively taught various subjects within the humanities, social sciences, theology and Spanish language with joy and rigor. While serving these schools as an instructor, he also supported the operations of college readiness efforts including college fairs, college tours and direct family assistance with the college admission process. In addition to this, Mr. Bratton serves on the ministerial staff of his local church which is affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated where he has served chapters in both Phoenix, Arizona and Washington, DC. In his free time, Mr. Bratton enjoys documentaries, hiking, travel, philosophy, Black-owned bookstores, and vegan cuisine of the African diaspora. With a fierce commitment to the strengthening of Black institutions, namely historically Black colleges and universities, Mr. Bratton embodies a true dedication to truth and service.
Germaine Randolph
Treasurer
Germaine Randolph is a results-driven leader with 10+ years in the banking industry. His passion for financial literacy, volunteerism, and education led him to Class Act Federal Credit Union; a financial institution dedicated to serving and supporting the education community.Germaine is a Louisville, KY native and huge advocate for HBCUs. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Maryland (UC) and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Briana Gholston
Briana Gholston more affectionately know as “Ms. Bree” is a unique talent. Grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. Briana knew from an early age she wanted to leave an impact on next generation. While in high school she worked as a mentor to younger children through her church. She took her talent to the New Mexico where she received a degree in Exercise Science while playing college basketball. Ms. Gholston continue her education by earning a Master Degree from Concordia University of Irvine. Ms. Gholston is currently working on her PH.D from North Carolina Central University. Briana is making an impact on the next generation by chaperone a HBCU Legacy Tour in Phoenix, Az in which she is Co-Chair while continuing to coach at a local high school.
Ms. Gholston is committed to touching as many on students and seeing them be successful in college and beyond.