Solace Rose Innovation Academy
Founding Board of Directors
The Founding Board of Directors of Solace Rose Innovation Academy brings together dedicated leaders whose collective expertise, vision, and commitment are shaping the foundation of our school. Together, they are establishing the governance, partnerships, and institutional structures necessary to create a transformative educational experience for girls.
A shared foundation
Leadership in service
of possibility.
Our directors bring experience across education, finance, health, technology, workforce development, and community partnerships.
Karyn Pleasant
Acting Board Chair & Vice Chair
Managing Director, Local Programs & Career Acceleration
Teach For America, North Carolina
Karyn Pleasant brings nearly two decades of experience as an educator and program leader. She is Managing Director of Local Programs and Career Acceleration for Teach For America’s North Carolina region.
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Beginning her career as a middle school science teacher, Karyn has served in classroom and leadership roles. Her work focuses on teacher sustainability, student outcomes, and developing leadership within and beyond classrooms.
Chéla S. Wallace
Founder & Board Secretary
Founder & Executive Director
Solace Rose Innovation Academy
Chéla S. Wallace is an education leader and STEM strategist with 20 years of experience across K–12 schools, district initiatives, and community programs.
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She has led STEM and project-based learning initiatives serving thousands of students, supported educators and school leaders, and secured resources for innovative programming. Chéla is the founder of Seeds of Faith Educational Services and a Great Schools North Carolina Founder’s Fellow supporting the development of Solace Rose Innovation Academy.
Anthony Burrell, Jr.
Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer, KIPP North Carolina
Anthony Burrell, Jr. is Chief Financial Officer of KIPP North Carolina, leading financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, and long-term planning for the organization.
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With more than 15 years of experience across public accounting, corporate finance, nonprofit finance, and executive leadership, Anthony has also helped launch a charter school. He holds a Master of Public Education Management from Yale School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of New Orleans.
Ryan Johnson
Finance Committee Chair
Managing Director
MINTs for Trust Neighborhoods
Ryan Johnson brings 20 years of experience in real estate, community development, and entrepreneurship. He serves as Managing Director of MINTs for Trust Neighborhoods and is a principal of AAO Property Group.
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Ryan has held roles with New Jersey Community Capital, Madison International Realty, and MetLife. He earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a concentration in finance from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce.
Dr. Dawn O. Hicks Tafari
Academic Excellence Committee Co-Chair
Willie Blue Bradsher Distinguished Professor in Education
Elementary Education Program Coordinator, Winston-Salem State University
Dr. Dawn O. Hicks Tafari is a scholar-activist, author, and distinguished professor in education at Winston-Salem State University, where she also coordinates the Elementary Education Program.
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Her work spans educational studies, cultural studies, women’s and gender studies, and advocacy. Dr. Tafari has authored a book along with journal articles and book chapters, and her teaching and community leadership have earned recognition including the UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award.
Quentin Washington
Community Engagement & Development Committee Co-Chair
Chief Product Officer
Religion News Service
Quentin Washington is an award-winning engineer and digital strategist. As Chief Product Officer of Religion News Service, he leads product vision and digital strategy.
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Previously, Quentin held product leadership roles at Dotdash Meredith and ESSENCE, and helped launch digital experiences at Comcast. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in engineering management from The George Washington University.
Dr. Vallie Pearson
Community Engagement & Development Committee Co-Chair
Pharmacist Coordinator, Oncology
UNC Health
Dr. Vallie Pearson is a pharmacist coordinator in oncology at UNC Health. A service-driven healthcare leader, she brings experience in patient care, research, and community organizing.
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Dr. Pearson graduated cum laude from Bennett College and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Long Island University. Her community work includes helping lead Gibsonville’s inaugural Juneteenth celebration and serving in regional volunteer leadership.
Melissa Smith
Board Member
Director of Workforce Development Solutions
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Melissa Smith leads Workforce Development Solutions at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. She brings employers, educators, and community partners together to expand career access and strengthen the regional talent pipeline.
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Her work connects students and families with career pathways, work-based learning, apprenticeships, and emerging industries. She helped grow STEMFest into a hands-on career exploration event that has welcomed more than 10,000 attendees over two years.
A lasting contribution
Founding Leadership & Legacy
Dr. Jessalyn Woods
Founding Board Chair Emerita
Solace Rose Innovation Academy proudly recognizes Dr. Jessalyn Woods for her service as our inaugural Board Chair. Her leadership, commitment, and contributions during the school's formative years helped establish the foundation upon which our vision continues to grow. We honor her role in the founding of SRIA and celebrate her place in our school's legacy.
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