TTER FR E FOUN
W E L C O M E
Welcome Message from the Founder
Dear Attendees,
On behalf of the Teachers Festival 501c3 organization, I welcome you to our 4th Annual Awards Night Fundraiser at the prestigious Georgetown University in Washington, DC! We are thrilled to have you with us this evening as we recognize distinguished members of the community. Your presence and support mean the world to us and are crucial in helping us achieve our mission to celebrate and honor educators.
We have an exciting evening planned, filled with inspiring stories, special performances, distinguished guests, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion. We trust that you will enjoy the evening, take lots of photos, and make unforgettable memories.
Together, we can make a significant impact! Thank you for joining us and for your generous support. After all, as our motto reminds us, what would the world be without teachers?
With warm regards, Soyini Ayanna Richards, PhD
The purpose and vision of Teachers Festival 501c3 is to celebrate, uplift, recognize and honor educators, education students & retired educators worldwide.
We unite with partners and supporters to provide memorable experiences for educators to express appreciation for their hard work.
Our mission is to empower communities to provide teachers with meaningful affirmation, public tributes, and resources. OUR
M I S S I O N
P R O G R A M
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Georgetown University Washington, DC
RED CARPET EVENT
6:00 PM
AWARDS CEREMONY
Color Guards
“Star Spangle Banner”
Performed by Derrick Rutledge
Educator Awards
Live Song Selection Performed by Derrick Rutledge
Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards
Announce the Teachers Festival 2024
Teacher of the Year Award
GALA
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM 7:00 PM - 7:50 PM
Dinner
Music & Dancing
Fashion Installation
Teacher Cash Award Presentation
Silent Auction
HOST & MC
Asia Chandler, Radio Personality
A P P E T I Z E R S
Dinner Rolls & Butter
Caesar Salad
Peruvian Chicken Skewers
Vegetable Spring Roll
P A S S E D
H O R S D ' O E U V R E S
Peruvian Chicken Skewers
Vegetable Spring Roll
E N T R E E S
Chicken in Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce
Teriyaki Salmon
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus
D E S S E R T S
Cookies
D R I N K S
Open Bar
M E N U
BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEACHERSFESTIVAL
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
TOURAINE LYNCH
RON COOKE
PAUL BLAKE
ROBERT PARKER
PHILLIP M. CHURN SR. ALEXANDRA SEALS
Columbia University Professor Major General USA Retired
President & Chief Executive Officer
Chase Your Dreams Academy
Georgetown University Associate Vice President of Benefits and Wellness Chief Benefits Officer
CHARLESDESANTIS
SONIACHASE
PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREES
PIERANGELI MORRISON
SEIU Local 500 Pres Philanthropist
JOELLE BAILEY Philanthropist
DOROTHYPINKSTON School Administrator President/CEO of Lewis Strategic
KELLYLEWIS
TEACHER AWARD NOMINEES AND FINALISTS
3rdGradeTeacher
RobertR.GrayElementary CapitolHeights,MD
3rdGradeEducator
BaldwinHillsElementary LosAngelesCA
DanceInstructor Director,Producer,Choreographer EchoDreamsProduction
FILIAULT
EnglishLanguageDev.Teacher RockCreekForestElementary SilverSpring,MD
EducationalDirector ItTakesaCommunitytoRaiseaChild NewYork,NY
KindergartenTeacher
BarackObamaElementary UpperMarlboro,MD
Educator&ITDirector Kibera,Nairobi,Kenya
REEMA KAPANI
VATESHA BOULER
DR. CASHANA MORRISON
FREDRICK MUTWOTA
SUSAN SAMUEL
MALINDA JACKSON JACQUELINE
TEACHER AWARD NOMINEES AND FINALISTS
JASON GORDON
AthleticDirector
Dr.HenryA.WiseJr.HighSchool UpperMarlboro,MD
DR. DONOVAN BLAKE
ProgramCoordinator BowieStateUniversity Bowie,MD
JENIFER BORJAS DR. ASHLEY HUDERSON
Paraeducator
WheatonWoodsElementary Rockville,MD
SeniorDirectorofStudent& EarlyCareerProgramsASME NewYork,NY
LISA HARPER
Professor MorganStateUniversity Baltimore,MD
DR. ERICA WALLER
Professor HowardCommunityCollege Columbia,MD
VINCENT AND STACEY COBB
CoupleinEducation NewYork
WES MOORE
Maryland Governor
MAJOR GENERAL DEBORAH KOTULICH
Deputy Chief of Army Reserve
BRANNDON JACKSON
Elected Prince George’s County Public Schools Board
Best Selling Author, Producer & Coach
DR. KELLY OTTER
Dean of Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
WINTER HARRIS
Actress, Author & Recording Artist
DR. SEAN COLEMAN
Associate Dean College of Education
Bowie State University
Superintendent Calvert County Public Schools
MAYOR CASHENA CROSS TAMIKA TREMAGLIO
City of Glenarden Mayor Former NBPA Executive Director
Strategy Consultant, Transformational Coach, Speaker & Author
VIA ISON
Comedienne Impressionist
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Dr. Alexandra Seals!
Dr. Alexandra Seals is a criminal justice and anti-poverty reform advocate, researcher, and author. She is currently a Professor at Columbia University School of Social Work. She has overseen and consulted on advocacy efforts, ranging from systemic change and social justice issues nationally and globally. She has worked as a consultant for numerous nonprofit startups and organizations. Alexandra spearheaded a program at the Westchester County Jail to provide incarcerated youth with prerelease training and coordinated planning to support their transition into the community. In 1996 Alexandra served as an original Board member of Dress for Success, which today is a global entity.
Dr. Seals has served as an Advisory Board member of Hudson Link and has served on the Westchester Ban the Box Task Force. She is featured in a documentary released by the New York State Council on Community Re-Entry and Reintegration. In 2021 Alexandra was a recipient of the National Association of Social Work Diamond Award for her outstanding contribution and service in the fields of mass incarceration and re-entry. She holds a Doctoral degree, an MSW, and MBA. Her research extends to the patterns and causes of intergenerational poverty and crime within the United States as well as the increasing criminalization of mothers.
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Sonia Chase!
Sonia is the President & CEO of Chase Your Dreams Academy (CYDA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing out-of-school-time programs and activities for underserved youth. With over 12 years of experience, she has volunteered as a Youth Advisor at the University of Maryland College Park and is a licensed basketball coach. Previously, Sonia worked at Deloitte as a Manager for U.S. Sponsorships Operations, where she managed a sports sponsorship portfolio worth billions of dollars and served as the main point of contact for national client accounts.
Sonia has also played a significant role in building HR and Diversity Equity & Inclusion divisions for federal government agencies. Sonia's background includes a successful basketball career in the WNBA and international leagues, and she holds a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature with a Certificate in Women's Studies. Her expertise in strategic vision, fundraising, project management, and relationship building contributes to CYDA's success in empowering and educating youth.
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree,
Major General Phillip Churn Sr!
Retired U.S. Army Major General Phillip M. Churn was born in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. He commanded the 200th Military Police Command, which commands and controls more than 14,000 Soldiers in 44 states; provide trained and ready Soldiers and units with the critical combat support and combat service support capabilities necessary to support the national military strategy during peacetime, contingencies, and war and support the Army multi-component unit force, training with Active and National Guard units to ensure all three components work as a fully integrated team. … Churn’s operational assignments included deployments to Kabul and Bagram, Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Major General Churn is a graduate from: Senior Service College, Command and General Staff College, the DoD Professional Comptrollers Course, the Combined Arms Service Staff School, and the Field Artillery Officers Basic and Advance Courses. He has a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Mount Saint Mary’s College.
Major General USA, (Retired) Phillip M. Churn Sr. is the Founder, CEO and President of Syzygy International, LLC, a security risk management consulting company in Virginia. He retired as a Major General from the military after 37 years of service. He served as the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, advising on all matters affecting manning, training, equipping and mobilization of the military Reserve Forces.
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Charles DeSantis!
Charles DeSantis jumps into action each day for three specific reasons; His Family and Friends, The Community he lives and works, and Those in the greatest need. He is Georgetown University’s Chief Benefits Officer and Associate Vice President for University Benefits and Wellness. Leading University Benefits and Wellness, creating a culture at Georgetown as a place that people want to work by providing the benefits that will attract and retain employees through a mission of providing Choice, Access and Service.
Charles’s passion for serving others manifest itself in the workplace through being the founder of GUWellness, Georgetown University’s wellness program for Faculty and Staff. He also service on boards that influence how we serve our community through the TIAA Client Advisory Council and MetLife Client Advisory Board and his former board seat on the regional American Heart Association Board and the Fidelity Client Advisory Board.
Charles is heavily committed to giving back to the humanitarian sector serving children and refugees in the greatest need worldwide. He also sits of the board of The Washington Ballet as it strives to perfect its art form as the ballet of the Nation’s Capital and the Sitar Art Center providing underprivileged children access to art education. In 2022, Charles founded the San Francisco Art Institute Legacy Foundation and Archive to ensure that the 150-year legacy and archive of one of the world’s most prominent art schools lives on in perpetuity.
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Joelle Bailey!
Joelle Valbrun-Bailey, a Haitian American Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Marketing Guru, embodies a blend of professional excellence and altruism. With a mantra of "do it GRAND or go home," she infuses every project with her passion for making a difference, staying true to her roots. Originating from Hollis, Queens, Joelle's journey from Manhattan Community College to Pace University reflects resilience and determination, fueled by her love for hospitality sparked at Essence Magazine. Over four decades, she has honed her expertise in catering, event planning, and marketing, leaving a mark at prestigious establishments like the Vista Hilton, Marriott, and Plaza Hotels, as well as institutions like Morgan State University and Johns Hopkins.
Beyond her professional success, Joelle champions etiquette and manners, instilled by her mother, Olga, through initiatives like Etiquette Divas Inc. and Basic Table Manners for children. Her philanthropic efforts, initiated in her twenties, extend nationwide, teaching etiquette to communities in need and sharing culinary skills. Balancing her culinary artistry with a passion for etiquette, Joelle, when not captivating guests, finds solace in Pennsylvania, cherishing moments with her son Isaiah and finding joy in photography, capturing life's grace and elegance. Joelle Valbrun-Bailey stands as a beacon of kindness, generosity, and grace, reminding us that true greatness lies in uplifting and inspiring others through hospitality and philanthropy.
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Dorothy Pinkston!
Dorothy Pinkston is a dedicated School Administrator with over 26 years of experience in academic administration, primarily with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Skilled in creating high-expectation academic environments, she excels in staff development, schedule oversight, and maintaining positive learning atmospheres. Dorothy holds an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership and a Master of Science in Reading from Nova Southeastern University. Her extensive experience includes administering school programs in alignment with institutional visions and goals, supporting hiring processes, and overseeing disciplinary actions. Dorothy is known for her ability to foster team collaboration and manage external communications effectively, making her a pivotal figure in educational leadership.
Dorothy’s philanthropic endeavors began early in life where she volunteered at numerous non-profits and local churches. She has dedicated her life to helping children become empowered. She volunteered as a speech pathologist to kids with disabilities. She has cochaired many start-up community organizations and assisted displaced families with housing and food security. Mrs. Pinkston has opened her home to support children in need during transition or displacement. She has mentored youth throughout her career and private life. She and her husband Gilbert recently adopted a son. Her life has been a testament of growth and service to her family and everyone she comes in contact with.
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Kelly Lewis!
KellyLewisis a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in cost savingsconsulting, government relations, sports law, real estate, corporate law, and nonprofitlaw.As the President and CEO of Lewis Strategic, he co-foundeda leading costsavingsconsultancy, specializing in various sectors. Kelly hasalso served as a registeredPennsylvania Sports Agent for NILAgreements and has extensive experience as a lobbyist.
Witha successfulcareer as an attorney, Kelly has handled a wide rangeoflegal matters, including real estate,corporate transactions, sports law, and nonprofit law. Hispolitical experienceincludes serving in thePennsylvania Houseof Representatives, wherekeylegislativeinitiatives wereintroduced and passed. Notably, Kelly has made significant contributions to education and financial reforms.
Kelly'sinvolvement in thecommunity extends to musicand philanthropy, having producedanacclaimed jazz albumthat raised funds for a local charity. With a Bachelor ofSciencein Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate/Master of Business Administration,Kelly has a solid educational foundation.
Inaddition toprofessional achievements, Kelly has held positions on variousboards, demonstratinga commitment to community service. With a unique combination oflegal expertise, business acumen, and a passion for positive change, Kelly Lewis continuesto make a significant impact in multiplefields.
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Gregory Lockman!
Gregory P. Lockman is the Founder and Chairman of Purposeful Living and Giving Inc., a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Greg's dedication to serving underprivileged families in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) and Camden, NJ, is truly noteworthy. The organization tackles critical unmet needs, including aid for seniors in assisted living, food-insecure individuals, students struggling with math and science, and low-income families during the Christmas holidays.
Since its inception in 2017, Purposeful Living and Giving Inc. has uplifted more than 5000 families through partnerships with Prince George's County District 9, United Communities Against Poverty, Volunteers of America (Chesapeake & Carolinas), and numerous other community-based organizations. PL&G's primary goal is to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families, which often means providing financial assistance for shelter, toiletries and associated staples for the homeless, laptops and school supplies for students, and most notably, support for our often-overlooked senior saints.
Greg's extensive 30-year career as a healthcare executive in the medical device sector includes becoming the first black male "Director" in the medical device healthcare policy arena, paving the way for minority representation in the device and pharma industries. Also, his exceptional service as a combat veteran in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm was awarded with a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious combat service, which underscores his steadfast dedication and leadership. The recognition of his efforts on behalf of Purposeful Living and Giving Inc. is a testimonial to his commitment to advocating for less privileged communities.
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Pia Morrison!
Pia Morrison, the new president of SEIU Local 500 has been an active member leader in Local 500 for over 10 years. She served as a trustee, secretary and treasurer on the SEIU Local 500 executive board. While serving as an active member leader, she was also an IT Systems Specialist at MCPS for 17 years. As a member leader she was actively engaged in the COPE committee and testified before elected officials, campaigned, doorknocked, phone banked and interviewed candidates to ensure that their political agendas were aligned with those of working families and Local 500.
In addition, Pia lobbied for multiple bills to support Local 500’s broader goal to unionize more workers and for other worker benefits. Further, she has served on labor management committees and worked on other Local 500 strategic initiatives. Pia sees herself as a servant leader and steward of Local 500. She is passionate about advocating for members and working families, engaging member leaders, growing Local 500 and positively impacting the lives of working families through advocacy and legislation.
Presenting the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award to SEIU Local 500
President PierAngeli Morrison
Wes Moore
Maryland Governor
to Major General Phillip Churn Sr.
Major General Deborah L. Kotulich Deputy Chief of Army Reserve
MajorGeneralDeborahL.KotulichcurrentlyservesastheDeputyChiefofArmy ReserveatFortBelvoir,Virginia,wheresheadvisestheChiefofArmyReserveon policies,plans,andprograms.Previously,sheheldvariousleadershiproles,including DirectoroftheArmyRecruitingandRetentionTaskForce,ChiefofStaffforthe NamingCommission,andDirectorforSupply,Production,andDistributionfor COVID-19VaccineandTherapeuticsfortheCountermeasuresAccelerationGroup.
MajorGeneralKotulichhascommandedseveralunits,includingthe143rdSustainment Command(Expeditionary),the77thSustainmentBrigade,andthe655thRegional SupportGroup.Duringhercommandofthe143rdSustainmentCommand (Expeditionary),shewasdual-hattedastheDeputyCommandingGeneralofthe1st TheaterSustainmentCommandandwasresponsibleforover10,000personnel.
MajorGeneralKotulichreceivedhercommissionfromtheUnitedStatesMilitary AcademyatWestPointin1990andholdsamaster'sdegreefromtheNationalDefense University.Sheismarriedandhastwodaughters.
Tamika Tremaglio Former Executive Director
National Basketball Players Association
TamikaTremaglioisanaccomplishedfinanceprofessionalwithadistinguishedcareer spanningvariousleadershiproles.Forover30years,shehasbeeninstrumentalin drivingsuccessandgrowthinprofessionalservicesintheareasofstrategydevelopment, operationsmanagement,riskmanagement,talentdevelopment,forensicaccounting, andregulatorycompliance.
Tamika,theFormerExecutiveDirectoroftheNBPAsinceJanuary2022,hasovertwo decadesofexperienceinlitigationandbusinessconsulting.Herexpertiseincludes forensicaccountinginareaslikebreachofcontractandintellectualpropertydisputes. Priortohercurrentrole,sheheldleadershippositionsatDeloitte,HuronConsulting Group,andKPMGLLP.
TamikahasbeenhonoredwithawardssuchastheCoraT.WalkerLegacyAwa rdandhasbeenrecognizedforherachievementsbyvariousprestigiousorganizations andpublications,includingtheNationalBarAssociation,EssenceMagazine,and WorkingMotherMagazine.
Thank you to the Founder & Chairman of Purposeful Living & Giving and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Gregory Lockman!
Live Award Ceremony
Performance by the Legendary errick Rutledge!
Fashion Installation Producer
Honor Roll Student
Girl Scouts Since Kindergarten
I-tech Student
On Track to Earn an Associate's Degree Along with a High School Diploma in 2027
Track Team
JV Volleyball Team Captain
Rising 10th Grader
Thank you, Pastors Ishmael & Rochelle Wilson, for the prayers, blessings, and support!
thank YOu for the NEWS COVERAGE
Corinna Delgado
@CorinnaDelgado
Thank You For the Product Donation!
Frederick Baxter is a retired NFL player and philanthropist. Throughout his career as a tight end in the national football league, he played for the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots where he played an integral role in bringing home a Super Bowl win.
Fred has a plethora of political connections in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area; and has great relationships with the executives and owners of the NFL. These connections led to PLUSH Vodka being showcased at The 2017 NFL Super Bowl. Additionally, PLUSH has been featured at events such as the NFL Annual Alumni Golf Outing, and the Jersey Man Magazine Annual Celebration.
Fred's connections have helped PLUSH get into several country club chains sporting arenas, liquor store chains, and more. Fred also has connections with athletes in the NBA, as well as some of today's top performing musical artists. This partnership is helping PLUSH reach the next level of Sophistication.
Thank you to our Host for the 3rd Year in a Row!
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Charles DeSantis, and Family!
Presidential Lifetime Achieve
Major General Phillip Chu
Congratulati
Congratulations to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Dr. Alexandra Seals, and Family!
Thank you to our Partner & Sponsor!
Victor P. Holt is the founder, President, and CEO of V- Tech Solutions, Inc. (V-Tech). A native Washingtonian, he received his early education from DC Public Schools K-12. He was first introduced to Health and Information Technology while serving in the United States Air Force. He has over 35 years of experience in Public and Population Health, Information Technology and Business Development. Mr. Holt’s previous contracting experience includes Federal, DOD and Local/State governments. He has held management and lead positions with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, EDS and small 8(a) companies. Never one to run in a pack, he incorporated V-Tech in Washington DC, in 2000 as a Health, Technology and Professional Services company.
Mr. Holt will tell you; he literally started the company on an elevator by interrupting a conversation and asking for a contract. He competed and V-Tech was awarded the contract.
As President and CEO, Mr. Holt's primary responsibilities are in the areas of corporate development, business development and client relations. His leadership experience encompasses an array of disciplines. V-Tech has grown from a 1- person company to 150+ employee company.
V-Tech's corporate slogan “Excellence at Work” exemplifies his philosophy and transcends into his everyday life and relationships. “At V-Tech, Excellence at Work is the state or quality of excelling. It is at the core of all we do. This equates to delivering our best every day to our clients-being better tomorrow than we were yesterday”. Thus, Excellence at Work matches our practices with our potential.
Through his guidance V-Tech was successfully certified as a Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) and HUBZone Enterprise. In addition, V- Tech is also certified by the District of Columbia as a Local Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE). Mr. Holt serves as the Vice-Chair of the National HUBZone Council. He is also on the board of the DC Infrastructure Academy.
AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON
The Teachers Festival Team is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and contributions from everyone who helped make our mission and event a resounding success. Your dedication and generosity are truly appreciated.
Thank you!
The Board of Directors
The Advisory Board
Julia Guerrero, Office Manager
Joel Richards of Boston
Attorney Scott Bolden of Washington, DC
Marcella Barnes of Maryland
Dr. Gloria Crosslin, Ms. Virginia Senior World & Founder of Mr. DC Foundation
Christopher Williams of Georgia
Photographers & Videographers
Volunteers
Attendees
Sponsors
Donors
TH A
N K Y O U
