Dr. Robert K. Payne is a dynamic K-12 instructional leader, adjunct professor, and

professional speaker with over 25 years of experience in education, business, and

telecommunications. As an Assistant Principal, he leads school-wide initiatives focused

on equity, restorative practices, student support, and professional learning. He is known

for building inclusive, high-performing teams and creating collaborative, student-

centered school cultures. As an adjunct professor, he prepares future educators and

professionals by connecting real-world leadership practices with academic growth. Dr.

Payne proudly serves on the boards of the St. Louis Voices Academy, the YMCA of

Greater St. Louis, and the Guide Right Foundation of St. Louis, and is a member of

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

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Sheldon Jackson is a business transformation and product strategy leader who partners with CEOs and executive teams to drive revenue growth, operational efficiency, and customer impact through full-cycle product management and innovative technology solutions. With deep expertise in enterprise software, SaaS, and HR tech, Sheldon aligns strategic objectives with user needs, leading cross-functional Agile teams and scaling award-winning platforms recognized for industry excellence.

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​Diamond is a distinguished leadership professional and a cornerstone of the St. Louis Voices Academy Board of Directors, where she lends her extensive expertise to the Finance Committee. A true "servant leader," she brings a treasure trove of experience in quality analysis, auditing, and performance management to ensure the Academy’s operations remain transparent and efficient. Known for her ability to navigate complex workflows with precision and adapt quickly to change, Diamond provides the high-level oversight and quality feedback necessary to safeguard the school’s resources. Her dedication to excellence and strategic mindset makes her an invaluable asset in guiding the Academy’s fiscal health and long-term sustainability.

Mahlik G. is a social worker, entrepreneur, and community leader with over 13 years of entrepreneurial experience and more than three and a half years working in education and youth-serving systems. He brings a strong background in program development, youth advocacy, and culturally responsive practice to his role on the board of St. Louis Voices Academy.

Mahlik is deeply committed to the academic success, social-emotional wellness, and economic mobility of Black youth—particularly Black boys and young men. His work centers on addressing systemic barriers through community-based initiatives, mentorship, and intentional support that affirms identity, builds resilience, and expands opportunity. Guided by both lived experience and professional training, Mahlik is dedicated to ensuring educational spaces are safe, empowering, and equipped to meet the holistic needs of Black students and their families.

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​Bethany is a Compliance Lawyer at Norton Rose Fulbright, where she manages global conflicts of interest, legal ethics, and regulatory compliance across the firm’s international offices. Drawing on her background in family law and tax consulting, she provides strategic guidance to firm leadership, using sound judgment to navigate complex ethical "gray areas" and mitigate risk. A graduate of Texas Southern University and an alumna of the Missouri Bar Leadership Academy, Bethany also serves as an adjunct professor and mentor dedicated to lawyer well-being and professional development. When she’s not solving high-stakes puzzles at work, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and discovering new restaurants.

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Danielle Mullins is a seasoned finance and investment executive with deep expertise in New Markets Tax Credits, community development finance, and complex multi‑tier investment structures. As an NMTC Project Manager, she leads high‑stakes transactions, investor engagement, and risk‑management strategies that enable catalytic economic development in underserved communities. Danielle’s leadership spans oversight of syndicated funds, portfolio performance, regulatory compliance, and cross‑functional execution across U.S. Bank’s affordable housing, and renewable energy platforms. She brings a strong foundation in financial assurance from PwC and holds an MBA that reinforces her strategic, analytical, and operational rigor. Recognized for her ability to translate complex financial insights into clear, mission‑aligned decisions, Danielle is committed to advancing equitable investment, organizational stewardship, and long‑term value creation at the board level.

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Keisa is an award-winning corporate transactions attorney and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience in health law, regulatory compliance, and complex contract negotiation. Currently serving as Associate General Counsel at Elevance Health, she provides critical legal guidance on provider contracting and federal regulations, including the No Surprises Act. A dedicated leader and educator, Keisa teaches transactional drafting at her alma mater, Saint Louis University School of Law, and serves the wider community through her roles with the Missouri Supreme Court Advisory Committee, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her career is defined by her commitment to delivering innovative legal solutions while mentoring the next generation of healthcare attorneys.

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Demetrius is a commercial still-life photographer with extensive experience producing high-end imagery for luxury footwear, accessories, and apparel brands. His work focuses on translating brand vision into compelling visual stories, collaborating closely with agencies and professional organizations to curate commercial product imagery and oversee the full production of visual assets used across advertising and digital media platforms.

As a board member of St. Louis Voices Academy, Demetrius applies this creative and strategic expertise to support the school’s mission of amplifying student voice through storytelling, media arts, and whole-child education. His professional background informs the development of high-impact marketing, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives that help position the school with clarity, credibility, and confidence.

Through his work on the board, Demetrius helps bridge creative education with real-world application, exposing students to how visual literacy, communication, and storytelling can shape opportunity and future career pathways. His contribution supports both the school’s immediate goals of enrollment growth and donor engagement, as well as its long-term vision of empowering students to find and use their voices

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