Board of Directors

The Umoja Community Education Foundation is led by a board of directors. These directors represent a variety of stakeholders and skill sets. Each director is uniquely passionate about the success of African American students.

The Board of Directors meets four times a year (in-person) and on an as-needed basis throughout the year. Agendas and meeting minutes can be found here.

    Dr. Darla Cooper
    President
    Dr. Darla M. Cooper is an educational leader and expert in research and evaluation dedicated to using inquiry, data, and evidence to improve the lives of all community college students. After serving for the past several years as the Director of Research and Evaluation for the Research and Planning Group for the California Community Colleges (RP Group), Dr.... READ MORE
    Laurin Williams
    Student Board Member
    Laurin Williams was born in Kansas City, Kansas, and raised in the Bay Area. She is currently pursuing a business degree at American River College and plans to graduate with a 3.4 grade point average. In the summer of 2022, she received a Business Administration Certificate from the University of California, Santa Cruz. While she has endured many hardships, she is determined to not allow those... READ MORE
    Kenyon Callahan
    Secretary
    He serves as an adjunct faculty member at Cerritos College, Chaffey College, Chafton Hills College, and Ventura County Community College District. Kenyon earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government and a master's in public administration from California Baptist University.
    Dr. Ernie Bridges
    Umoja Elders Council
    Ernest L Bridges is a long-time educator of African-American Studies at Fullerton College and California State University Fullerton. He also functions as Faculty Advisor, and Mentor to students belonging to several campus organizations such as The Black Student Union (BSU), and the Fullerton College Umoja Community. Additionally, his background includes working a number of years as a human... READ MORE
    Crystal Gitonga
    Student Board Member
    Crystal Gitonga stands as one of the two Umoja Student Board Members, proudly representing Southern California. Hailing from Kenya, she spent her first 15 years immersed in the vibrant culture of her home country. Upon relocating to the United States, Crystal commenced her college journey at Norco Community College, where her passion for Psychology began to blossom. During her time at Norco... READ MORE
    Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins
    Dr. Cooper Wilkins was appointed the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at City College of San Francisco in 2020 with administrative oversight for Enrollment Services, Outreach and Community Partnerships (Admissions and Records, Assessment, Outreach, Community Partnerships, and the Bridget to Success Program); Student Success (Counseling Services, Retention, and the Completion Center; Financial... READ MORE
    Ray Green
    Ray Green serves as the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Sacramento Community Coordinator for The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, a nonprofit in Sacramento, California, that believes every person in California should have the opportunity to live a healthy life and strives to eradicate health inequities across the state.  In his role, Ray focuses on addressing violence prevention and intervention, as... READ MORE
    Dr. Brenda Thames
    Brenda Thames has over 24 years of experience in instruction, student services, and administration in the California community college system. She has served in a broad range of roles, including adjunct faculty, tenured faculty, faculty coordinator, department chair, program director, dean, vice president of student services, and vice president of instruction. Thames presently serves as the... READ MORE
    Marilyn Woods
    As the CFO of the Neighborhood Wellness Foundation in Sacramento, California, Marilyn manages corporate development, assists with strategic development and executive management, and serves on the board.  Previously, Marilyn served as the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, andCo-Owner of The Institute for Fiduciary Education.
    Dr. Damon L. Tull
    Dr. Damon Tull is the director for industry alliances at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management and the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Special Advisor on Equity and Inclusion Accountability at the University of California Office of the President. His research focuses on U.S. global competitiveness and capital flows of our national innovation ecosystems... READ MORE
    Dr. John Hamilton
    Dr. John Hamilton serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships and Student Success Initiatives at the California State University Chancellor's Office.  Dr. Hamilton's impact has been transformative, leaving an indelible mark on both the institutions he has served and the lives of the students he has supported. Dr. Hamilton played a pivotal role in the growth and success of... READ MORE
    Dr. John Parker
    As a collaborative, solutions-focused leader, Dr. Parker has 18 years of higher education experience. John joined San Diego City College in August of 2020 as the Vice President of Administrative Services. Before joining City College, he served as CFO at Rivier University, President of Brown Mackie College, and has worked in Managerial Finance for Warner Bros. and the Hertz Corporation. As a first... READ MORE
    Maurice Goodman
    Maurice Goodman comes to the Umoja Community Education Foundation with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most recently, serving as Vice Mayor of the city of Millbrae and Acting President of the San Mateo NAACP. As a member of the A.S.T.E.P. (African American Success Through Excellence and Persistence) college learning community, Maurice brings a unique and valuable skillset and lived... READ MORE