Our Movers and Shakers
CORTNEY RICHARDSON
Chief Executive Officer
DR. SARA BENSON
Lead People and Program Officer
DANIEL LEE
Business Operations Manager
SYDNEY OLOJO
Director of Storytelling
ANDREW PASLAY
Director of Marketing
TENEDRA SHANE
Manager of Academic Initatives
CALEB SUGGS
Digital Marketing Manager
DANIELLE NELSON
Lead Program Director
MARLON ROSS
Workforce Development Director
LE MARQUEE LA FLORA
Program Director
NERIDA HUBBARD
Program Director
JOHN LOPEZ
Program Director
JALEN WASHINGTON
Program Director
MAHENDRA AARUMALLA
Data Fellow
LAMA ALBONNI
Communications & Project Coordinator
SYLVIA BARNES
Administrative Associate, Peer Power Institute
KATHRYN FASCIO
Data Systems Associate
ALIYANNA HILL
Graduate Assistant
KAYLA JOHNSON
Graduate Assistant
Board of Directors
William Sehnert, Executive Director
Katherine Kaelin, Chair of the Board
Dow McVean, Co-Chair of the Board
Jim Barton, Treasurer
Anne Freeman
D. John Jackson
Dan Williams
Darrell Cobbins
Josh Lackie
Lance Cowles
Reginald Porter, Jr.
Sally Parrish
Susan Plunkett
Stay Connected
Reach out, call or join our email list
Peer Power Foundation
850 Ridge Lake Blvd Suite One, Memphis, TN 38120
(901) 734-4311
Cortney Richardson, a multifaceted leader, is dedicated to transforming lives and communities through education and mentorship. As a founding tutor at Peer Power, he was handpicked by the founder and played a key role in building the infrastructure for the expansion, restructuring, and implementation of Peer Power’s educational programs. Cortney is known for his ability to build and bridge relationships. He has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining a three-way partnership between Memphis public schools, the University of Memphis, and Peer Power. In September 2022, Cortney became the CEO of Peer Power, and under his leadership, he has developed a more streamlined operation, increased organizational capacity, led the launch of an out-of-state location, and implemented a new workforce development model. As CEO, he is committed to building the organization’s leadership pipeline. Notably, all of Peer Power’s full-time staff members began as Success Coaches and currently lead and create programs within their schools that serve the unique needs of their communities.
Cortney is also the driving force behind Peer Power’s ACT Prep University, a tuition-free initiative that empowers students to excel academically. This program has achieved remarkable results, with an average 3-point increase in ACT scores for attendees. Moreover, scholars who participate in multiple iterations of the program experience a compounding impact, setting the stage for their academic success. Since 2004, Peer Power has hired 2200 inner-city youth to be role models for other youth, administered 1,500,000 tutoring and mentoring hours, and has invested 20 million dollars in its workforce.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cortney is a single family man with 8 godchildren, a staff pastor, and a renowned international gospel singer. His unwavering commitment to mentorship, leadership development, and educational support has earned him the distinction of being a “Weapon of Mass Inspiration,” making a positive impact locally and internationally.
cortneyinspires@peerpowerfoundation.org
901-734-4311
Dr. Sara L. Benson is a dynamic educational leader and youth advocate who serves as the Lead People & Program Officer at Peer Power Foundation Inc., an educational nonprofit organization. With nearly a decade of dedicated service at Peer Power since 2015, Dr. Benson has been instrumental in transforming educational outcomes across Tennessee.
A native of Horn Lake, Mississippi, Dr. Benson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Jackson State University (2012), followed by both a Master of Science (2016) and Ph.D. (2019) in Educational Psychology from the University of Memphis. She currently shares her expertise as an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis, teaching human development courses.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Benson serves as Youth Pastor at New Life of Memphis and works as a college-readiness consultant, helping students and families navigate the transition to higher education. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., demonstrating her commitment to service and community engagement.
At 35, Dr. Benson lives by the philosophy that “your greatness should bring out the greatness of everyone around you” – a principle she implements daily through her work in education, youth development, and community service. Her comprehensive approach to educational leadership combines academic expertise, practical experience, and a passionate commitment to student success.
As the Lead Operations Officer for The Peer Power Foundation, Kelly oversees strategic operations to enhance program efficiency and impact. With a strong background in education leadership, and organizational management, he ensures the implementation of Peer Power’s mission to empower students through mentorship and academic support in our Core Program. His expertise in situational leadership and data-driven decision-making helps to drive innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth within the organization. He’s a Proud Husband, Father, and Pet Parent, and loves everything Memphis!
Drew Paslay is an award-winning filmmaker and innovative marketing leader who serves as the Director of Marketing for Peer Power Foundation. Paslay has revolutionized the organization’s marketing approach by establishing and leading an in-house marketing team that includes student interns from the University of Memphis, creating a unique model for nonprofit marketing and storytelling.
Drawing from his 18-year career in visual storytelling and documentary filmmaking, Paslay has transformed Peer Power’s brand presence and donor engagement through compelling multimedia content. His experience working with prestigious clients such as The GRAMMYs, JBL, and Gibson Guitars, along with his Gold Telly Award-winning work on the Slash Concert Documentary “4” and features in Rolling Stone Magazine, has enabled him to bring professional-grade production values to Peer Power’s messaging.
Under Paslay’s leadership, Peer Power has experienced significant growth in both social media engagement and donor participation. His data-driven marketing strategies and campaigns have helped elevate the organization’s national profile, supporting its mission to provide high-quality tutoring and mentoring services across Memphis. By implementing a unique internal marketing structure, Paslay has created a sustainable model that combines professional expertise with student development, reflecting Peer Power’s core values of empowerment and education.
Tenedra Shane brings a wealth of educational experience and organizational knowledge to her role as Manager of Academic Initiatives at Peer Power Foundation. Having previously served as Administrative Associate within the organization, she possesses a deep understanding of Peer Power’s mission, values, and daily operations that continues to fuel her commitment to transformative educational work.
As a 2015 Teach For America Memphis alum, Tenedra’s eight-year journey in education encompasses roles as a Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Dean of Academics which provides her with unique insights into the educational landscape and the transformative impact of programs like Peer Power on both students and educators.
Tenedra’s dedication to educational excellence and student achievement continues to strengthen Peer Power’s mission of creating better students, better teachers, and better schools. She takes pride in contributing to an organization that fosters academic success, leadership development, and community empowerment, inspiring positive change in Memphis education every day.
Kayla Johnson serves as a Graduate Assistant at the Peer Power Foundation through the Peer Power Institute, where she enhances ACT Prep and college readiness programs through innovative approaches. She also plays a key role in hiring new team members and providing ongoing support for success coaches.
Currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at the University of Memphis, Kayla previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, graduating magna cum laude. Her passion for innovation, curriculum development, and project management has been instrumental in advancing Peer Power’s mission of improving educational outcomes.
Since joining Peer Power, she has excelled in multiple roles, first as a Team Lead, then as an Assistant Program Director, where she implemented school-based projects and guided teams in executing ACT and EOC prep initiatives. After graduating, she transitioned to a full-time role as Operations Associate, streamlining organizational processes and leading talent acquisition efforts. Now, as a graduate assistant, she continues to strengthen programs while supporting hiring and development initiatives.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF ST. BENEDICT
John Lopez is a young professional who serves as a Program Director at the Peer Power Foundation, where he leads initiatives that strengthen academic support programs and enhance student achievement across partner schools. He oversees daily program operations, coordinates with school administrators, and mentors a diverse team of success coaches dedicated to improving educational outcomes.
A graduate of the University of Memphis, John earned his Bachelor of Arts in English, graduating magna cum laude with a concentration in Professional Writing. His background enables him to communicate effectively and tactfully with a broad audience, fostering collaboration among students and educators alike.
John began his journey with Peer Power in 2021 as a Success Coach. Through dedication and leadership, he advanced to Team Lead, then Assistant Program Director, where he implemented school-based initiatives and supported coaches in delivering ACT preparation. Now, as Program Director, John seeks to continue using his skills and experience to help enable scholars to become the best versions of themselves.
Aliyanna Hill is a driven young professional from Johnson City, TN, with a bachelor’s degree in International Business and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Management. Aliyanna’s journey at Peer Power began in 2022 as a Success Coach, where she supported students in the classroom in achieving their academic and career goals. Her dedication and interest in project management led to a transition into a Project Management internship at the Peer Power Institute, and ultimately, she advanced to her current role as a Graduate Assistant.
Throughout her time at Peer Power, Aliyanna has been deeply committed to improving and enhancing programs by innovating and adapting both new and existing initiatives. In her roles as an intern and Graduate Assistant, she has made significant contributions to the development of programs that better serve students. Aliyanna’s career is a testament to her commitment to leadership, continuous growth, and the development of both herself and the teams she works with.
As Data Systems Associate at Peer Power Foundation, Kathryn Fascio manages the comprehensive technological infrastructure that powers the organization’s mission. Leveraging her expertise in database management, system integration, and data visualization, she ensures the seamless operation of Peer Power’s systems. Her notable achievements include standardizing data collection processes and implementing key automation solutions that have streamlined operations. Through her technical skills and system improvements, she has significantly enhanced the organization’s efficiency. Driven by a passion for meaningful work, Kathryn finds fulfillment in optimizing systems that enable her colleagues to work more effectively, ultimately helping Peer Power create a greater impact in the communities it serves.
Caleb Suggs is an award-winning filmmaker, journalist, mentor, and actor who serves as Peer Power’s Digital Marketing Manager. With nearly a decade’s worth of professional experience in most forms of media including broadcast television, radio, and print, Caleb captures and creates engaging photo and video content that shapes Peer Power’s story. He also manages the group of high-performing media professionals known as the Peer Power Marketing Team and mentors Memphis youth in filmmaking and media storytelling. Caleb graduated from the University of Memphis with degrees in Journalism and Film & Video Production. He started with Peer Power as a marketing intern in 2020 and has worked in media for other organizations such as PBS, NPR, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Caleb enjoys creating fun and exciting work, learning the stories of other people, and making jokes with the Peer Power team.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF KIPP COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL
Danielle Nelson is a dedicated and results-driven nonprofit leader with over eight years of experience in educational program development, nonprofit management, and team leadership. As the Lead Program Director at Peer Power Foundation, she works alongside the Lead Operations Officer to create strategic planning and program execution across multiple schools, ensuring alignment with district goals and improving student outcomes.
A passionate advocate for equitable education, Danielle has spearheaded initiatives such as targeted ACT Bootcamps and data-driven instructional approaches, leading to measurable improvements in student performance. Her leadership in program design, staff development, and community outreach has strengthened partnerships and expanded the foundation’s impact.
Danielle’s contributions to the nonprofit sector have earned her prestigious recognition, including the 2021 Catalyst Nonprofit Professional of the Year award. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Memphis, where she graduated Cum Laude with minors in African and African American Studies and English. Certified in Mastery Prep ACT instruction, she continues to drive innovation in education and mentorship.
Committed to fostering academic success, Danielle empowers students and educators alike, ensuring lasting positive change in the communities she serves.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF MASE MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
Marlon Ross is a dynamic education and workforce development leader with over a decade of experience transforming the lives of youth through innovative programming and mentorship initiatives in his hometown of Memphis, TN. As the Director of Workforce Development at Peer Power Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, he created and spearheads a groundbreaking program that uses a holistic approach that focuses on personal development, professional development, financial literacy, and socio-emotional wellness for youth with the ultimate goal of supporting youth to achieve upward economic mobility.
Marlon Ross also serves as Program Director at Peer Power Foundation, where he orchestrated a remarkable transformation at Hamilton High School, elevating its performance from Level 1 to Level 4 within just one year. Marlon has also served as Program Director at Melrose High School and Booker T. Washington High School, where those schools saw amazing academic growth in Peer Power-supported classrooms under his leadership. His revitalization of the UMConnect program has resulted in an increase in the University of Memphis enrollment rates among partner schools.
Marlon Ross’s career began in education at Grad Academy Charter School, where he distinguished himself as an innovative history teacher and mentor. Marlon has become a compelling public speaker and thought leader in youth development. Marlon has presented at national workforce development conferences and Pathways to Adult Success Solutions Forums sharing his expertise and insights with industry professionals, educators, and nonprofit leaders. Marlon Ross continues to demonstrate his commitment to leadership development and youth empowerment through building strategic partnerships with community stakeholders, government officials, educational institutions, and industry leaders to create meaningful opportunities for young people in Memphis.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF PCA
A proud Memphis native, Nerida Hubbard has dedicated her career to the transformative power of education in her hometown. Her journey began with a deep-seated passion for student success, serving as a classroom teacher for over seven years. This hands-on experience provided her with an intimate understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Memphis students, forming the foundation of her advocacy for innovative support systems.
Nerida’s academic background bridges the gap between human behavior and pedagogical excellence. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Christian Brothers University and a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed) from Union University. This dual expertise allows her to approach leadership with a holistic perspective, prioritizing both academic growth and the social-emotional well-being of the students and mentors she serves.
Her relationship with the Peer Power Foundation began four years ago as a vocal advocate for integrating Success Coaches within the classroom. Recognizing the foundation’s profound impact, she transitioned into a pivotal role shaping the content and training modules used to prepare Success Coaches during intensive summer sessions. Her commitment to refining the Peer Power model ensured that coaches were equipped with high-quality tools to drive student outcomes.
Today, Nerida serves as a Program Director at Peer Power Foundation. In this leadership role, she leverages her instructional expertise and organizational history to oversee programming that empowers Memphis youth. She remains a steadfast champion for her community, driven by the belief that every student deserves a support system that inspires them to reach their full potential.
Communications & Project Coordinator
Lama Albonni is a passionate advocate for educational equity and transformative leadership, bringing a dynamic approach to fostering growth in both individuals and communities. Her foundation in English Language and Literature from The University of Memphis has shaped her ability to communicate effectively and build meaningful connections across diverse groups.
Albonni values the principles of servant leadership, believing that true impact comes from empowering others to reach their full potential. Her leadership style is rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to lifting others as they climb together. Through intentional mentorship and strategic guidance, she creates environments where innovation thrives and teams excel.
Her journey in education and leadership is driven by a deep-seated belief that every individual has the capacity to create positive change. By combining her communication expertise with a heart for service, Albonni works to bridge gaps and create opportunities that extend beyond traditional boundaries. Whether developing programs or mentoring others, she remains dedicated to fostering spaces where growth, learning, and community impact intersect.
Sylvia Barnes is a dynamic education professional and scholar who masterfully combines administrative leadership with academic excellence. As the Administrative Associate for the Peer Power Institute, she plays a pivotal role in coordinating and facilitating comprehensive non-core educational programs that enhance student success across Memphis.
Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in African American Literature at the University of Memphis, Sylvia brings scholarly depth and practical expertise to her administrative work. In her role, she orchestrates vital educational initiatives including ACT Prep University, Fall Break programs, Spring Break programs, and Summer Camp experiences. Her work extends to crucial University of Memphis partnerships, where she helps facilitate important transition programs such as Tiger Prep Academy and One Step Closer.
Since joining Peer Power Foundation in 2018, Sylvia has served in various capacities, including Success Coach, English Team Leader, and Program Director, before advancing to her current role. This progression has given her a comprehensive understanding of educational program development and implementation at multiple levels.
Her academic contributions include published work in *Writing Memphis* (3rd ed.), where she co-authored a chapter on “African American Rhetorical Traditions.” She has presented at numerous academic conferences, including the College Language Association Panel and the Symposium on World Languages Education, exploring topics ranging from Afrofuturism to critical literacy.
Sylvia holds an M.A. in English from the University of Memphis (2022) and a B.A. in English from Earlham College (2017), where she distinguished herself as both a McNair Scholar and a Scholar-Athlete. Her academic excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Fred and Eugenia Gattas Scholarship Award and the African American Concentration Literature Award.
As an administrator and scholar, Sylvia remains dedicated to creating and managing educational opportunities that bridge the gap between high school and higher education. Her work continues to impact students’ academic journeys through innovative program development and strategic educational planning.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF MASE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS
Rudolph “Rudy” Gray III is a dedicated leader, mentor, and community advocate committed to empowering others through education and service. As Program Director at Peer Power Foundation, he oversees a team at the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE). Rooted in his Christian faith, Rudy lives by the belief that he can do all things through Christ, using his spiritual foundation to guide his leadership and service. His passion for mentorship extends beyond his professional role into his involvement with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A Spring 2021 initiate of the Kappa Eta Chapter at the University of Memphis, he served as Chapter President (2022-2023) and Assistant Area Director of West Tennessee, earning the distinguished Lewis O. Swingler Brother of the Year award.
Rudy’s experience spans across nonprofit leadership, stakeholder engagement, and operational management. Before becoming Program Director, he served as Assistant Program Director at Peer Power, ensuring smooth school-level operations and fostering collaboration among key partners. His background also includes an internship at ALSAC/St. Jude, where he honed relationship management and customer service skills, and an early leadership role as Assistant Manager at Domino’s Pizza, where he thrived in a fast-paced environment. A proud University of Memphis alumnus, Rudy earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in May 2023. His college career was marked by active leadership, serving as a Student Government Association Senator (2019-2022) and an Executive Board Member of Rotaract (2020-2022). His dedication to leadership and service was recognized when he was named a “20 Under 30” honoree by the University of Memphis in 2022. Most recently, Rudy completed the New Memphis Embark Program, further strengthening his expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder relationship management, and data analysis. A dynamic speaker and mentor, he excels in presentation, training, problem-solving, and decision-making—all skills that fuel his impact in the education and nonprofit sectors. Through his faith, fraternity, and professional journey, Rudy remains committed to leading with purpose, empowering others, and driving meaningful change in his community.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS
Le Marquee La Flora is a multifaceted native Memphian whose impact spans education, art, and mentorship. As a dedicated educator for the past decade, he became a member of The Peer Power Foundation family in 2015 before becoming a teacher. During that time, he taught History and Visual Art across various Memphis high schools before returning as Program Director at University Schools. In this role, he has successfully implemented vital educational programs such as ACT Prep and Algebra I tutoring programs.
Beyond the classroom, Le Marquee is an accomplished visual artist whose provocative installation series “Counting the Cost” garnered significant attention & meaningful dialogue. His work has been showcased in prestigious venues including the National Civil Rights Museum and earned a place in the esteemed Perry Art Collection.
Le Marquee demonstrates his commitment to community building by mentoring fatherless young men, equipping them with essential life skills with his organization Kings of Distinction. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Memphis and a Masters in Urban Education from Union University. A TEDx speaker, he continues to share his expertise by coaching other mentors, creating a ripple effect of positive influence throughout his community.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF POWER CENTER ACADEMY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS
Jalen began his journey with Peer Power in a dual role as a Marketing and Community Engagement Intern and Success Coach, where he gained hands-on experience in both student mentorship and community outreach. He worked directly in the classroom while also shadowing Cortney Richardson (now CEO), learning the intricacies of developing student-focused programs and cultivating strategic partnerships with organizations. His dedication and leadership quickly set him apart, leading to his promotion to Program Director in 2022. In this role, Jalen oversees a team of Success Coaches at assigned school sites, manages daily operations, and coordinates impactful programming to support student achievement.
As he has continued to grow in leadership, Jalen has ignited new partnerships, such as the Howard University Alternative Spring Break Initiative, where students engage in meaningful service experiences. He has also taken on leadership in Peer Power’s partnership with ALSAC St. Jude, facilitating programs that equip students with real-world skills such as budgeting, financing, and networking. Over the last two fiscal years, Jalen has strengthened his skills and impact in development and fundraising, playing a key role in securing resources that advance the organization’s mission.
Beyond his work with Peer Power, Jalen remains deeply committed to ministry and community impact. He is honored to serve as Youth Pastor at Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church, where he leads and nurtures young believers under the guidance of Dr. Zedric Clayton, II. Through both his professional and pastoral roles, Jalen is dedicated to empowering the next generation, fostering leadership, and creating transformative opportunities for youth.
Mahendra Aarumalla serves as a Data Scientist at Peer Power, where he leverages data analytics to drive organizational impact, optimize resource allocation, and support strategic decision-making initiatives. Since joining the organization as an intern in July, he has made significant contributions to streamlining operations through database organization and development of performance tracking dashboards for Success Coaches.
In his role, Mahendra manages crucial educational data, including ACT Prep and TCAP metrics, while monitoring the progress of both Success Coaches and students. His expertise has been instrumental in various key projects, including internal audit management and data analysis for Peer Power’s 20th Anniversary celebration. Notably, he provided valuable data insights for the YEP event, which was attended by Governor Bill.
Through his analytical approach, Mahendra helps Peer Power enhance its fundraising strategies, forecast trends, and evaluate program effectiveness, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for students and educators in the community.
Daniel Lee serves as Business Operations Manager at Peer Power Foundation, where he supports the organization’s mission by establishing and managing efficient systems for data collection, reporting, and analysis. In his role, Daniel works closely with school leaders and partners to build strong, trust-based relationships, set clear data submission cadences, and ensure information flows smoothly in support of program goals. He also plays a key role in ensuring organizational operations align with the standards and expectations of Peer Power’s partners.
Daniel brings a diverse background that spans education, nonprofit leadership, and data-informed work. His experience includes management roles in retail, serving as an area director for a nonprofit youth ministry, working within the school system as a teacher and administrative staff member, and supporting early childhood education through data analytics. Most recently, he served as a data governance lead on a civic data project designed to improve outcomes at the city level. Together, these experiences shape his systems-oriented yet people-centered approach to operations.
Guided by values of stewardship, relationships, trust, and service, Daniel is deeply committed to creating environments where individuals and organizations can grow with clarity and purpose. Outside of his professional work, he leads a life group within his church and is known for bringing people together to cultivate spaces rooted in transparency, accountability, and mutual growth. He believes meaningful change happens through consistent care for both systems and people, and he is honored to support Peer Power Foundation’s work one student, one school, and one community at a time.
