LaMarr Darnell Shields is the co-founder and president of the Urban Leadership Insitute, an international educational consulting firm, and the founder of the PRAISE College Readiness Program.
With an unparalleled ability to inspire thought and motivate change, LaMarr Darnell Shields is a man who believes in the power of our future generation of leaders, thus; they should be empowered in every aspect of life. He has an ability to motivate youth and adults unlike any other.
His passion, excellence and messages for successful living have stimulated the minds, hearts, and actions of men, women and youth to cope with adversity and create success in their personal, professional and spiritual lives
His passion, excellence and messages for successful living have stimulated the minds, hearts, and actions of men, women and youth to cope with adversity and create success in their personal, professional and spiritual lives
MESHELLE is a wife, mother, and sought after comedienne whose appearances include: Nickelodeon's Search for the Funniest Mom in America 3 (Hosted by Roseanne Barr), Martin Lawrence Presents: THE FIRST AMENDMENT STAND UP (STARz), THE BLACKLIST: 20 Most Notable and Notorious Moments of 2009 & 2010 (TV-ONE); BET News Presents; Obama: Journey to the White House, as well as BET's Comic View, The WORD Network (Soulaughable Comedy Series) (NBC, syndicated Documentary) Walk a Mile In My Shoes: 90 Year Look at The NAACP MESHELLE pioneered the role of "Michelle" (portrayed by Kimberly Elise in the film adaptation) in the hit Stage Play "Woman Thou Art Loosed" written by TD Jakes and Terry McFadden.
A graduate of Bowie State University and a former Temple University Doctoral level student; MESHELLE opted for an extended leave-of-absence after 3 years of matriculation in the Department of School Psychology to pursue her comedic career. MESHELLE is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and currently a 2010 Open Society Institute Community Fellow. As a Fellow of this noted Social Justice Organization funding programing/initiatives in 57 international countries and the United States founded by George Soros; MESHELLE will implement GoalDIGGERS: The Sankofa Project www.goaldiggers.us , introducing 18 African American girls from Baltimore City; to the study of their ancestry, heritage and lineage utilizing Anthropology, technology and DNA testing with a culminating voyage to Ghana, West Africa.
Monique “MoStrong” Armstrong is a communications professional and entrepreneur, with more than 10 years of experience developing public relations, volunteer management, and leadership development initiatives for corporate and educational organizations. She currently serves as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist for Baltimore City Public Schools. She also works with the Urban Leadership Institute as an educational consultant and advisor for the Globe Trekers language immersion and service experience. Monique joined the “Race for Education” because of her passion for people (especially young people). She often quotes the phrase that “Kids don’t care what you know, until they know that you care,” as a mantra for how to approach the work of encouraging and inspiring youth to achieve their full potential. By pushing her body to the limit and stepping outside of her comfort zone through running her longest race to date, she hopes to demonstrate to the youth involved in the PRAISE Academy and GOALDiggers: The Sankofa Project that there are a host of caring adults committed to helping them achieve, while motivating others to LIVE BOLD and STRONG!
Olubusola Romell Moon has lived in Baltimore for over 20 years. He is a committed father, husband and community member. He leads a very fulfilling and busy life in his many roles as a Telecommunications Engineer for the University of Maryland Medical System, Chairman of the only Baltimore based Neo-Ngolo Martial Arts Society, MFSI, Board Member of PRAISE Academy, and most recently as a founding member of a new independent school, Nsoroma Academy for Holistic Thought, created with his wife, Kenyatta. When asked how he found time to train and participate in the marathon, he simply stated, “My family believes in and appreciates what L. Darnell and MeShelle are doing for our children. I want to give back in any way I can.”
The Winning Team
