Rev. Al Cockfield is a visionary leader dedicated to educational innovation, community empowerment, and ministry. As the founder and CEO of Lamad Academy Charter School, he has championed the mission of providing high-quality, equitable education to students in underserved communities. With a deep-rooted commitment to holistic development, Rev. Al has transformed Lamad into a beacon of academic excellence, emphasizing STEAM education, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive teaching. Rev. Al’s career spans decades of impactful leadership in ministry, politics, and education. He is renowned for his ability to bridge community needs with actionable strategies, serving as an advisor to local and national leaders on education and social justice. As the Executive Director of Lamad, Rev. Al continues to drive initiatives that not only uplift students but also foster systemic change. Under his leadership, Lamad is expanding its reach with the launch of Lamad Arverne Academy in 2025, which will further the school’s mission of empowering students to thrive academically and socially. Rev. Al holds degrees from Nyack College, combining academic expertise with practical leadership to serve as a renaissance figure in charter school education. His unwavering dedication ensures that every student under his care is prepared to lead, innovate, and excel.

Devin Del Palacio's journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to community and education. A proud lifelong resident of Arizona, he overcame early life challenges, including financial hardships and attending eight public schools, to emerge as a leader in his community. His dedication to civic engagement was prominently displayed in 2012 when he successfully registered 34,000 minority voters in South and West Phoenix. This achievement began his profound impact on community organization and leadership. In 2014, Devin made history by being elected to the Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board, becoming the first African American to serve in this role in the district's century-long history. During his tenure, he held the positions of Vice President and President of the Board, where he advocated for equitable education and safe neighborhoods. Several prestigious institutions, including the Greater Phoenix Urban League, the Cesar Chavez Foundation, The City of Phoenix, NASA-JPL, and the Arizona School Board Association, have recognized Devin's efforts and leadership. His commitment to public service and education is widely acknowledged and celebrated. Beyond his terrestrial endeavors, Devin's passion for space exploration led him to become a Solar System Ambassador for eight years. His journey in this realm peaked with his acceptance into the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, training for suborbital space flight, showcasing his diverse interests and pursuit of knowledge. Devin served in the Arizona State House of Representatives until 2023, advocating for transformative policies that benefited his community. He also held significant roles as the former Chairman of the National Black Council of School Board Members and a former National School Board Association board member. Until recently, he was the Executive Director of the Arizona School Board Association, where he continued his dedication to educational leadership. Devin Del Palacio is currently the co-founder of Insight Strategies, a public relations and government affairs firm. In this role, he leverages his extensive experience and insights to influence and shape public policy, community engagement, and strategic communication. His journey, marked by a steadfast commitment to service, leadership, and advocacy, continues to inspire and impact communities, particularly in Arizona.

Judge Elaissia Sears is the Justice of the Peace for the West Mesa Justice Court. In 2018, she became the youngest person elected into office and one of just three African American women in Arizona history to hold the position.

The Honorable Joshua B. Butler, IV East Point City Councilman Honor, integrity, ambition, balance, and uplift are the principles that guide East Point native and lifelong resident Joshua B. Butler, IV. This Morehouse College graduate declined a scholarship to MIT School of Engineering to learn the altruistic lessons of Benjamin Mays and Martin Luther King, Jr. East Point residents first elected Councilmember Butler to serve as their Ward D At-Large representative in 2017. With the belief that each of his projects should “uplift mankind,” he works with projects that benefit communities throughout metropolitan Atlanta and communities across the country. Smart City Initiatives and Public Safety are chief priorities for Councilmember Butler. Recognizing the digital divide well before the Pandemic, Councilmember Butler is working to making the internet available for every household. He also initiated the first Atlanta Dream Ride and Concours for Kids, an annual fundraiser providing essential financial support to terminally ill children with cancer. Councilmember Butler’s professional career started at Bank of America as the number one Small Business Administrator (SBA) Banker for the State of Georgia. He later emerged as a renaissance entrepreneur through the utilization of his keen analytical abilities, intrinsic leadership skills, trailblazing spirit, and compassionate nature. Councilmember Butler has also bought and sold companies in several industries including transportation, logistics, and entertainment. His experiences also include real estate development and political consulting.

Profesional Social, Especialista en Dirección y Gestión de proyectos y Magister en Relaciones Internacionales, comprometida con el desarrollo local y las ASG (Medio ambiente, Sociedad y Gobernanza), promoviendo escenarios para políticas de diversidad e inclusión en el sector educativo.