Elissa Russell is a student in the College of Education and Human Development, earning an MA in Literacy Education with a focus on Families, Communities and Culture, on par to graduate in May 2020. Elissa earned Bachelors in Political Science at Spelman College, she journeyed to SE Asia-Taiwan, where she spent ten years teaching and engaged in educational consulting within the private and political sectors.
After nearly ten years abroad, Elissa returned to the U.S. and began working with international students seeking academic opportunities at U.S.-based colleges and universities. She spent several years managing a University Placement program at Oglethorpe University.
Recognizing the language literacy gap for these international students, Elissa began to explore gaps in literacy for other learners, which led her to adult education within the non-profit sector. After nearly three years as Director of Programming at Literacy Action, Elissa launched READI in an effort to close the gap in access to necessary literacy training for underemployed adults.
Elissa’s personal mission is to Upskill, Advance, and Be the Change that You Want to See in the Community.
Follow READI on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Chef Andrew Chambers, with Pink’s Barbecue, has a degree in Entrepreneurship from Georgia State University and has completed a year of private study with the culinary program at Johnson & Wales University. However, he would tell you that cooking, and hosting have been a part of him since childhood. He also travels extensively, internationally and domestically always learning and growing in his craft.
Over his 15+ year career, he has held a multitude of roles that span the culinary and hospitality industries. Currently, he is the Chef and Nutrition Services Manager for a local hospital that is owned by a nationally branded and publicly traded healthcare company.
Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn.
Yazdan Navabi, Food Upcycles.
Connect with Yazdan on LinkedIn.
