We Are Hiring!!
Executive Director
Mahlik Good, MSW, CSPO
Mr. Good brings over a decade of entrepreneurial leadership and extensive experience across youth development, education, and nonprofit work. Grounded in clinical practice and strategic operations, Mahlik applies an agile, human-centered approach to building empowering learning environments, dismantling systemic barriers, and advancing student success. He is dedicated to fostering community wellness, unlocking student potential, and equipping the next generation to heal, grow, and build lasting legacies.
Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Mahlik served as the SLVA Board Secretary.
Founder
Dr. Hollie Russell-West
Dr. Hollie Russell-West has served more than 20 years in urban education. Her dedication to serving children and families is anchored in her belief that children are the future, and we can only expect from our future what we have invested today. Dr. West started her career as a substitute teacher and subsequently became a special education teacher, high school assistant principal, and elementary school principal in St. Louis. She recently joined The Opportunity Trust as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and is currently the founder of St. Louis Voices Academy.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a Masters’ Degrees in Special Education from Fontbonne University and Education Administration from Lindenwood University. Dr. West entered the New Leaders Program that trains successful teachers to become successful principals and earned an Education Specialist Degree in Education Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia. To complete her academic journey, she completed her Doctor of Education in Education Leadership from Maryville University.
Every day, she remains committed to creating a culture of excellence for students and teachers and raising the standards for underserved students and the individuals who serve them.
Our Board of Directors
Robert Payne
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.
Sheldon Jackson
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.
Danielle Mullins
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.
Keisa Johnson-Monroe
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.
Ways to Get Involved!
