people &places 1
2
3
4
5
DCI Rise Annual Breakfast BY HANNAH LEE
hosted its virtual Rise Annual Breakfast on May 12. The hourlong event featured speeches by various community, government and educational leaders, including heads of major local businesses and financial institutions, who came together to empower Durham youth. “All kids are deserving of greatness,” DCI Manager of Workforce Development Carlton Koonce said. Attendees raised more than $128,000 to assist the nonprofit in its mission to help children in low-income households prepare for college or a career by the time they graduate from high school. Durham Children’s Initiative
14
|
durhammag.com
|
august 2021
6
1 Carlton Koonce. 2 Chamiya Edwards, DCI graduate and owner of Knicknack Cupcakes. 3 Julie Wells, DCI vice president of strategy. 4 Rebecca Rees, Eastway Elementary School teacher of the year and academic coach. 5 Minnie Forte-Brown, DCI founding board member. 6 Kevin Kay, DCI director of academic success.