Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is dedicated to transforming educational opportunities for students in Washington State as part of a larger solution for educational equity and access for all students.

Over the 2019-20 school year, Green Dot Washington transitioned its oversight and on-the-ground operations to support RVLA as a community-centered, standalone school. As such, it is adding greater representation, voice, and expertise from the Seattle community to its Board ensure more local school governance.

As of June 2020, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy is an independent, standalone school to reflect this change.

To access our board meeting agendas and minutes from November 1, 2019 on, please visit our board meeting platform.
Translated documents available upon request. Email [email protected].

If you would like to communicate with the Board of Directors you can email them individually to their emails listed below.
If you have questions about the Board Meetings please email [email protected]

Elijah Forde-secretary

[email protected]
Attorney
Atlas Law

Elijah Forde's Bio

Elijah Forde is the managing partner at Atlas Law, PS. where he represents injured workers in worker’s compensation and social security matters. He also performs services pro bono for immigration clients. Prior to owning his own firm, Elijah worked for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and Lane Powell, primarily doing workers’ compensation litigation.

Elijah is a former Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Governor for the 9th district, past co-chair for WSBA’s Diversity Committee, and past member of NW Lawyer’s editorial board. He also served as the Loren Miller Bar Association president and vice president prior to serving on the WSBA Board of Governors. Elijah has been admitted to practice law in Washington since 2006.
In his spare time, Elijah enjoys playing music including the drums and the banjo. Elijah is also a certified SCUBA diver, motorcycle enthusiast, and aspiring writer.

Elijah is also a proud parent of an RVLA scholar. This makes RLVA one of the only Washington State Charter schools with a family on the Board of Directors.

Troy Hayman-Board of Director

[email protected]

DESC Case Manager
Compassionate Mental Health Case Manager with DESC, specializing in comprehensive case management and behavioral evaluation. Demonstrated expertise in developing individualized treatment plans and coordinating community resources to enhance client well-being. Proficient in crisis intervention and strategic planning, ensuring clients achieve their goals effectively. Committed to fostering positive outcomes for diverse populations.

Jesse Rhodes Jr.-Vice chair

[email protected]

Jesse is an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in the professional and Big Four industries. He has held executive-level positions at major companies like Target, Walmart, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young. Jesse has directed internal audit processes, including risk assessment exercises, risk-based audit plans, and an overall model to govern Internal Audit. His engagement allowed two global organizations to proactively address changes in consumer buying behavior triggered by e-commerce. Jesse's clients at Deloitte and Ernest & Young were mainly in the manufacturing and consumer product services sectors. However, his internal audit experience spanned across various enterprise processes, including cybersecurity, financial and investment services, supply chain, and overall risk management. Currently, Jesse is the Head of Affinity Group Strategy at Amazon, where he utilizes his skills to engage diverse perspectives and build highly effective strategies that identify potential areas of risk and exposure.

Professional Experience
Jesse's professional background showcases his exceptional leadership qualities in dynamic business and regulatory environments. He is a self-motivated and result-driven risk management executive with an extensive range of expertise in crafting and executing effective risk management strategies, coordinating governance initiatives, and streamlining processes for global organizations. Jesse has a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked for over 13 years with the Big 4, where he managed risks and addressed changes in consumer buying behavior triggered by e-commerce.

Furthermore, Jesse is a fervent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is well-versed in advising business leaders and developing programs to foster an inclusive culture and attract talent. Jesse has held leadership positions at renowned companies such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart, where he oversaw risk management, internal audit, and IT functions while also serving as a diversity, equity & inclusion champion.

Boards
Jesse successfully completed the Herndon Directors Institute in Atlanta in July 2021. This is a board-ready program sponsored by Atlanta Life Insurance Company and Nasdaq. Jesse is an active member of various boards, including serving as Chair of the Puget Sound Chapter of After-School All-Stars, and Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors of Columbia Tower Club. He is also a lifetime member of NABA, Inc., where he has served as National Director, board treasurer, and member of the audit and finance committees. Jesse earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting and Management Information Systems.

Jesse is an avid philanthropist and humanitarian. He has been actively involved with Love Orphanage in Haiti through his partnership with We The Village Organization. Jesse also volunteers with Wonder of Women International, an organization that aims to serve Black women and girls. In addition to his philanthropic work, Jesse is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Michael Brown

[email protected]

Black Street, LLC
General Contracting | Full-Service Residential Renovation & Restoration

About the Founder, President & CEO – Michael Brown
Michael Brown brings over four decades of hands-on experience to the field of general contracting, beginning in 1984 with the purchase and renovation of residential properties. From expanding living spaces with new bathrooms and bedrooms, to sanding real hardwood floors and crafting custom banisters, Mr. Brown has always upheld a deep commitment to precision, quality, and legacy craftsmanship.
What began with traditional tools and old-school techniques has evolved into a full-service operation that integrates modern technology and compliance with today’s codes and protocols, while preserving the artistry of earlier eras. His early expertise in asbestos ceiling and wall replacement, alongside maintaining highly polished wood finishes, remains a signature element of the meticulous restoration work provided by Black Street, LLC.

At the heart of Mr. Brown’s philosophy is a simple, honest motto:
"Good. Fast. Cheap. Choose Two."
If you want it fast and cheap, it won’t be good.
If you want it fast and good, it won’t be cheap.
If you want it good and cheap, it won’t be fast.
This philosophy defines the company’s integrity and transparency across every project. At Black Street, LLC, we don’t just build—we problem-solve. We understand that restoration and remodeling require a different skill set than new builds: one that relies on innovation, experience, and vision.

Company Overview
Black Street LLC is a full-service general contracting firm, specializing in residential and light commercial renovations. We bring together decades of experience, top-tier craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding results—from initial design to final walk-through.

Whether you’re restoring a historic property or modernizing your current space, Black Street, LLC stands ready to deliver integrity, innovation, and excellence—every step of the way.
Welcome to Black Street, LLC
General Contracting | Full-Service Residential Renovation & Restoration
Transforming spaces with integrity, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge solutions since 1984.

About Us
About the Founder, President & CEO – Michael Brown
Michael Brown brings over four decades of hands-on experience to the field of general contracting, beginning in 1984 with the purchase and renovation of residential properties. From expanding living spaces with new bathrooms and bedrooms to sanding real hardwood floors and crafting custom banisters, Mr. Brown has always upheld a deep commitment to precision, quality, and legacy craftsmanship.
What began with traditional tools and old-school techniques has evolved into a full-service operation that integrates modern technology and compliance with today’s codes and protocols, while preserving the artistry of earlier eras. His early expertise in asbestos ceiling and wall replacement, alongside maintaining highly polished wood finishes, remains a signature element of the meticulous restoration work provided by Black Street, LLC.

Our Motto:
"Good. Fast. Cheap. Choose Two."
This philosophy defines our transparent, client-first approach. We don't just build—we solve problems. We understand that restoration and remodeling require innovation, experience, and vision.

Tai Moultrie

[email protected]

Accounting Transformation Leader| Founder of HTM CONSULTING LLC and G-FORCE Seattle| NABA Seattle Immediate-Past President| Amazon alum

Tai L. Moultrie is an accomplished business professional and entrepreneur with over 25 years of
experience in accounting, finance, and program management across various industries, including
government, investment banking, start-ups, and large tech companies. She is a licensed Certified Public
Accountant (CPA) in the states of WA and FL and holds an MBA from Webster University. Currently, she
owns and operates two successful businesses: HTM Consulting LLC and G-FORCE Parking Lot Striping
of Seattle.

Tai has extensive expertise in managing complex cross-functional transformation projects, leading
programs spanning multiple organizations and geographies, and advising on significant business
objectives related to accounting pronouncements, employee experience, and diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As a dedicated leader within the National Association of Black Accountants
(NABA Inc.) for over 15 years, she is the Immediate-Past President of the NABA Seattle Chapter and has
been a Technical Reviewer of NABA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs for the past two
years, focusing on emerging technologies for both National and Regional conventions.
In her role at Upwork as Senior Program Manager of Accounting Transformation, Tai developed
comprehensive program and project management best practices, ensuring the design and build of
relevant platform capabilities for long-term strategic roadmaps. During her tenure at Amazon as Senior
Business Program Manager of Global Accounting, she spearheaded full-cycle automation project
launches and led the successful implementation of multiple accounting standards including ASC606,
ASC842, ASC460, and EU VAT compliance requirements.

Tai's commitment to community development and education is evident in her achievements at Amazon,
where she designed and executed a dynamic 10-day educational program for high school students,
managing a $50k budget and coordinating with over 100 volunteers. She also pioneered a signature
partnership with Junior Achievement U.S.A., creating opportunities for employees to teach financial
literacy to K-12 students. Her dedication to DEI initiatives included serving as a ghost advisor to BEN
Seattle and BEN@FGBS, where she organized impactful events featuring prominent speakers
addressing socioeconomic disparities.

At the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, Tai demonstrated her expertise in complex financial management,
overseeing airline agreements, rates and charges, and providing crucial support for the Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Operating Budget Management process. She also played a
key role in managing CAPEX projects and supervising finance staff.
Throughout her career, Tai has held leadership positions at reputable organizations including Deutsche
Bank and the Internal Revenue Service, where she has overseen financial reporting, regulatory
compliance, risk mitigation, and audit processes.

Tai remains dedicated to fostering economic empowerment and has actively collaborated with non-profit
organizations to provide opportunities for students and employees to develop financial literacy skills and
showcase their entrepreneurial stories. Her long-standing leadership within NABA Inc. exemplifies her
commitment to advancing Black professionals in accounting and finance while creating pathways for the
next generation. She is a mother and stepmother to six boys (ranging in age from 25 to 17) and is happily
married to her business partner and friend, Henry Moultrie. She currently sits on the board for Friends of
the Children – Tacoma and is excited to take this journey with RVLA.

Shyla Martinez

[email protected]

Inclusive Experiences & Technology, Global Inclusive Tech Community Impact Leader, Nonprofit Partner and Employee Engagement Strategist

Bio: Experienced and goal-focused Community Engagement Leader and Senior Business Manager with experience in both the public and private sectors. Proven expertise in driving efficiency and productivity within global business & legal teams large and small. Efficient external collaborator with excellent communication skills, outstanding time management, problem-solving and decision-making ability. Talented professional that is highly skilled and capable of supporting the achievement of corporate overall goals and objectives. Core competencies include:

Community Partnerships
Social Impact
Program and Project Management
Contracts Life Cycle
Sales Deal Support
Legal Support

Dr. Debra Sullivan

[email protected]

Author, Executive Director Praxis Institute and Founder Ashe Early Learning Center

Dr. Debra Ren-Etta Sullivan is Past President of the Seattle Black Child Development Institute where the primary focus of her work has been implementing appropriate learning environments for Black children and working with families and communities to increase their advocacy for their children. Her third book, Cultivating the Genius of Black Children, guides teachers in creating classrooms that support the learning needs of Black children and many other children with similar learning needs.

She is Founder and Executive Director of Ashé Preparatory Academy, a P-12 inclusion school model based on cultivating genius for community action and co-founder of the Praxis Institute for Early Childhood Education – a diverse organization providing education and professional development. She has worked in higher education for forty years as a teacher, researcher, curriculum developer, and administrator and has provided training, facilitation, and professional development to families and family service providers around leadership, family development, and cross-cultural interactions. Dr. Sullivan earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from Seattle University, and a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Washington. She was recently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Champlain College in Vermont.

Board Meetings

All Board meetings are open to the public. Download agendas and meeting minutes here.

All RVLA Board meetings are accessible virtually except for retreats.
Please find more info about attending a meeting and meeting agendas and links here.

Board Meetings are currently being held virtually. Please use the lnk on the agenda to attend virtually:

There is an in person option for the monthly Board Meetings @ RVLA: 6020 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118
All Board Retreats are in person @ RVLA: 6020 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118

If you need translation services at a Board Meeting please email us two or more days in advance at leah.reisberg@myrvla.org

2025 Upcoming Meetings/Retreats:

January 24th 10-2:00pm PST (Retreat)
February 24th 4:30-5:30pm PST
March 31st 4:30am-5:30pm PST
April 28th 4:30-5:30pm PST
May 26th 4:30-5;30pm PST
June 23rd 4:30-5:30am PST

July 25th 10:00-2:00pm PST (retreat)
August 25th 4:30-5:30pm PST
September 29th 4:30-5:30pm PST
October 27th 4:30pm-5:30pm PST
November 18th 4:30-5:30pm PST
December 29th 4:30-5:30pm PST

*Times subject to be extended to accommodate annual board retreat. Updated times, dates and location will be posted according to WA OPMA.

To access our board meeting agendas and minutes from November 1, 2019 on, please visit our board meeting platform.

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: 2015-2016

August 11, 2015: Teleconference Call (Tuesday) - 12:00pm

September 15, 2015 (Tuesday) - 10:45am -12:00pm - TAC

October 22, 2015 (Thursday) - 4:00-6:00pm - SEA

December 16, 2015 (Wednesday) - 9:00-11:00am - TAC

February 12, 2016: Teleconference Call (Friday) - 4:30-5:00pm

May 25, 2016 (Wednesday) - 9:00-11:00am - TAC

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: 2016-2017

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: 2017-2018

August 29, 2017 (Tuesday) 3:30-4:00 PM

September 14, 2017 (Thursday)– 9:00-1:00 PM (TAC)

October 26, 2017 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (KEN)

December 14, 2017 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (SEA)

February 26, 2018 (Monday)– 2:30-3:00 PM (SEA)

March 29, 2018 (Thursday)– 9:00-11:00 AM (TAC)

May 23, 2018 (Wednesday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (KEN)

June 28, 2018 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (RVLA, 3900 S Holly Park Drive, Seattle, WA 98118)

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: 2018-2019

August 23, 2018 (Thursday)– 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (STA)

October 25, 2018 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM; (SEA)

November 28, 2018 (Wednesday)–4:00-4:30 PM (teleconference)

December 13, 2018 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (KEN)

January 25, 2019 (Friday)– 12:00-4:00 PM (McKinstry Innovation Center - 210 S Hudson St, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98134)

February 21, 2019 (Thursday)– 4:00-4:30 PM (teleconference)

March 28, 2019 (Thursday) – 2:00-4:00 PM (TAC)

April 25, 2019 (Thursday) –4:00-4:30 PM (teleconference)

May 30, 2019 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (teleconference)

June 6, 2019 (Thursday)– 5:00 - 7:00 PM (STA)

June 27, 2019 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (SEA)

July 30, 2019 (Thursday)– 4:00-6:00 PM (SEA)

NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ONGOING LITIGATION

The Washington State Charter Schools Act requires charter schools to inform you of any ongoing litigation challenging the constitutionality of charters schools, or litigation that could require charter schools to cease operations. You are, therefore, placed on notice that:

There currently no ongoing litigation challenging the constitutionality of charter schools or that might require charter schools to cease operating;

The case captioned LWV v. State, King County Superior Court Cause No. 13-2-24977-4, is still pending. This is the case that resulted in the Supreme Court’s ruling that provisions of the previous Charter Schools Act violated some constitutional provisions. Judgment has not yet been entered in that case;

List other ongoing litigation _______________.

According to Chapter 28A.505.040 RCW, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy is providing notice that the budget and summary of the four-year budget plan
have been completed and copies are available for public review. Requests can be made by emailing [email protected].