Mrs. Deanna Beason received a Associate of Arts Degree from Kansas City, Kansas Community College, with additional studies at UMKC in Administration of Justice. She is currently employed by the renowned infrastructure solutions firm HNTB Corporation as a Administrative Supervisor and Office Coordinator. Mrs. Beason currently is a board member or involved with Sarah’s Daughters, Princess Power, Sunshine Band and Kendall’s Kampaign. She is committed to MCRC and states, “I have a heart for MCRC as evidenced by my previous work with the organization. I have a deep commitment to demonstrating the love of God through service to those in our community”.

Maria Porta received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Centro America. Maria is a Community Development Specialist for Capitol Federal Savings Bank where she has served the community since 1994. She is also involved with the Community Housing of Wyandotte County organization helping guide their Homeownership and Finance Committee. Maria has a true passion to further develop the Kansas City, Kansas community.

Mr. White received a bachelors degree in Education from Texas College in Tyler, Texas and a Masters degree in Administration from the University of Kansas. Mr. White has 35 years of career experience in education with the Kansas City, Kansas school district accross several positions to include; Elementary School Teacher, District Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent. After retiring from the KCK school district, Mr. White joined the Law Firm of McAnany Van Cleave & Phillips for 11 years as their Director of Government & Community Relations. Mr. White has also been involved with a multitude of community organizations.

Shelia is a native of the Kansas City, Kansas area. She attended elementary school at Lowell and Hawthorne, Junior High School at Northeast Junior High School, graduated from Sumner High School and went on to attend the University of Kansas. She has experience as a Human Resource Director and is currently employed with the Kansas City, Kansas School District in the role of Administrative Assistant. Shelia has a strong passion in helping with the redevelopment of the area to ensure it’s a great place to live and raise a family.

Dr. Strickland has served young people for more than three decades in a number of instrumental roles and capacities. He began his career working in his family’s preschool business. this valuable experience instilled a love for education while cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit. He has described himself as an “edu-preneurial:, a passionate educational leader with an entrepreneurial mode of operation.

Dr. Jayson Strickland received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education and Teaching in 1994 from Kansas State University. In 1997, Dr. Strickland received his Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from UMKC. He then went on to become an Educational Specialist in 2002 and achieved a Doctorate degree in Education in 2013 also from UMKC. Dr. Strickland has extensive educational experience in the Kansas City, Kansas public school arena as well as holding leadership positions as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Executive Director, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, Deputy Superintendent, Leadership and Innovation Fellow and currently Superintendent at Hogan Preparatory Academy.

A true educational advocate for our youth, guiding and encouraging them to a bright future for over 3 decades. Dr. Strickland has a passion for the growth and success of all young people. His mission is to cultivate and mobilize leadership that creates ideal educational environments for all stakeholders and ultimately results in young people being prepared for an evolving future.