Staff

Southern Opportunity Foundation Staff

Office of the President & CEO

Kentaro D. Johnson, Interim CEO & Board President

Kentaro Johnson, a proud native of Jackson, Mississippi, embarked on his educational journey at Forest Hill and Murrah High Schools before achieving his high school diploma from Natchez High School in Natchez, Mississippi. Kentaro pursued his post-secondary education at Delta State University, where he majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with a dual focus on Education and Social Studies. Building on this foundation, he then dedicated himself to furthering his expertise, earning a master’s degree in teaching from Delta State University.

Kentaro’s commitment to education doesn’t stop there. He has been granted admission to the prestigious Doctor of Educational Leadership Program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he will commence his studies in August.

Kentaro’s dedication to service and education is evident through his role as an Americorps FoodCorps Service member in the Hollandale and Leland School Districts. During his tenure as an Americorps member, Kentaro played a crucial role in the Service Member Action Committee (SMAC), where he provided leadership and guidance for the entire National Americorps Service Member Cohort in Foodcorps.

In addition to his service, Kentaro is the visionary founder and CEO of The Better Mississippi Coalition, a nonprofit organization deeply committed to enhancing education and healthcare while addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in Mississippi. Kentaro’s heart belongs to the South, and his unwavering passion drives him to make a difference in his community and beyond.

Not Pictured, Ashely King, Chief of Staff

Jakaiya Exson, Board Secretary

Jakaiya Exson is a native of Grenada, MS, and a graduate of Grenada High School. She currently serves as the Executive Assistant to the Board Chair for the Southern Opportunity Foundation . She plays an important role in helping lead the organization and support its goals. Jakaiya brings experience in child welfare, education, and community service, along with strong organizational and communication skills that help her excel in her role. Her passion for nonprofit work stems from a deep desire to uplift communities and provide support where it’s needed most. Jakaiya is dedicated to creating positive change and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Dominique Killens, Chief Financial Officer

Dominique Killens is from Jacksonville, FL where he graduated from Trinity Christian Academy. To further his education, Mr. Killens obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Delta State University. Compounding the knowledge he gained in undergraduate studies, Dominique is getting his MBA in Healthcare Administration. Dominique has always been passionate about making a big impact on the South, especially socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Joining The Foundation for Southern Opportunity gives him the platform to give back to the community that he calls home.

Ashley Spearman, Vice-President of Diversity & Organizational Development

Ashley Spearman operates as our Vice-President of Diversity & Organizational Development. A Rome, MS native, Ashley witnessed first hand public school hardships while attending The West Tallahatchie and Coahoma County School Districts. After receiving her high school diploma, Ashley continued to strive for academic excellence while attending Delta State University. Ms. Spearman’s impact expands beyond the academic realm. Ashley is also a member of the United States Army Reserve. Outside of academics and working, she enjoys working out, spending time with her family, writing poems, and encouraging others. Ms. Spearman joined The Southern Opportunity Foundation to help and empower communities. She aims to be a real difference in the lives of others while aligning her work with her values and passions. Ms. Spearman is honored to work with an organization dedicated to creating positive change in the world. Her favorite quote is, “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful.” 

Mickaeya Spencer, Quality Improvement Facilitator

Mickaeya Spencer is a native of Grenada, MS where she graduated from Grenada High School. Ms. Spencer has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and is currently furthering her education in physical therapy. Her focus is to bring change to the South and build with socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Ms. Spencer aims to bring communities together with the Southern Opportunity Foundation. By spreading positivity and bonding with people of all backgrounds, Mickaeya Spencer’s goal is to empower the South. Her passion is to demonstrate to others that the South can become a better and safe place for all residents.

Office of Development

Jamaal Bryant, Vice-President of Internal Development

Jamaal Bryant is a multifaceted leader who holds the role of Co-founder at the Foundation for Southern Opportunity, a nonprofit organization deeply dedicated to the creation of opportunities and the enhancement of the quality of life in underserved communities. His journey of learning and leadership takes place at Delta State University, where he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice. This academic pursuit has not only enriched his understanding of the complexities within our justice system but has also ignited his passion for crafting a more equitable society.

At the heart of Jamaal’s mission lies a profound vision—to create a world where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has unrestricted access to education, inspiration, and opportunities. He firmly believes that by merging his scholarly knowledge, adept leadership skills, and unyielding dedication, he can drive a significant and lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most. This vision is not just an aspiration; it is a guiding principle that fuels his every endeavor in service to his community and society at large.

Treyveon Chatman, Vice-President of External Partnerships

Treyveon Chatman is the Vice President and co-founder of The Foundation for Southern Opportunity. He specializes in Business and Aviation. A native of the South, Treyveon has witnessed the disparities spread throughout the region. Particularly in rural, undeveloped, and neglected areas. His aspiration is to make sure citizens of the South are afforded the right set of circumstances to have flourishing and prosperous lives. Regardless of their background. He believes that the United States has the potential to live up to its nickname as ‘ The Land of Opportunity’. He wishes to aid it by making the South; the foundation of that opportunity.

Programming Department

Dontavius Brookins, Chief Programming Officer

Dontavius Brookins, Chief Programming Officer, is from Greenwood, MS where he graduated from Amanda Elzy High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in HPER with a concentration in Exercise Science. He is currently continuing his education in Sports and Human Performance. Being from a small city in Mississippi, he has seen firsthand the effects of lacking additional needed resources to the youth and community so he wants to give similar communities the opportunity to receive help and flourish. 

Carlos Rice, Vice-President of Education

Carlos Rice is the Vice-President of Education Programming and co-founder of The Foundation for Southern Opportunity. His expertise is engineering and technology. As a native to Mississippi he has seen the effects of poverty and how it has led to violence in the communities around him. Especially among minority groups. He envisions bringing positivity to these areas to help curtail these circumstances that are damaging these communities. Mr. Rice wants the South to become the template of how societies should strive to emulate.

Icysis Sanders, Vice-President of Health and Community Programming

Icysis Sanders is the Vice-President of Health and Community Programming.  She is a dynamic individual with a deep passion for sports and a strong commitment to social change. Not only does she immerse herself in the world of athletics, but she also strives to transform the landscape for women in the workforce. With a vision to make a significant economic impact in the community, Icysis is dedicated to advocating for equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Jakalyn Brown, Executive Director of Health and Community Programming

Jakalyn Brown, Executive Director of Health and Community Programming, is from Grenada, MS where she graduated from Grenada High School. After getting a high school diploma, she attended Delta State University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Jakalyn is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science degree in Sports and Human performance. She understands challenges faced daily and wants to give back to communities, especially in the South. With the Southern Opportunity Foundation, Jakalyn has the opportunity to address historical inequalities and support the areas that have faced systemic challenges. 

Jah’Daelynn Smith, HerHealth Program Coordinator

Jah’Daelynn Smith, an Indianola, MS native, operates as the Coordinator of the HerHealth Program for The Southern Opportunity Foundation. Ms. Smith recognizes the importance of education and is a proud graduate of Mississippi Delta Community College. She witnessed the impact of poverty and a struggling school system in her hometown. Motivated by the challenges and violence she observed, Ms. Smith is dedicated to reshaping the communities she calls home. Her mission is to collaborate with socioeconomically disadvantaged communities and provide resources to support the youth and local businesses. Her goal is to shape a more positive life for the current generation and contribute to a better future for generations to come.

Mariya Jackson, Director of Special Programs

Mariya Jackson, a native of Greenville, MS, serves as the Director of Special Programs. Mariya is actively engaged in three campus organizations, where she plays a key role in fostering leadership and collaboration among her peers.

Outside of her academic and professional commitments, she enjoys makeup artistry, fitness, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Mariya  joined The Southern Opportunity Foundation, continuing her dedication to community service. She is passionate about working with an organization that shares her commitment to positive change and making a difference in the world.

Her favorite quote is, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Office of Communications, Marketing, Advocacy, and Policy

TyReece Estes, Chief Marketing Officer

Ty’Reece Estes is the Chief Marketing Officer for the Foundation for Southern Opportunity. Specializing in the visual arts, Ty’Reece is proficient in communication and advertising through visual means. He is also dedicated to the community, and this is evident by the fact that Ty’Reece has been a part of initiatives in the past that give back to the community. Above all else, he really cares about the impact this organization will have on areas that are socioeconomically disadvantaged in the south. The part of the job that Ty’Reece loves the most is that he is able to use his skills to spread awareness and positive change throughout the South. “My goal is to become known nation-wide as an organization that helps southerners in need. If we cannot be seen, we cannot adequately provide resources to the south as a whole.”

Jamesa Phillips, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing, Advocacy, and Policy

Jamesa Phillips is a native of Grenada, MS. Jamesa is the daughter of James and Jusqulynn Phillips. She is a member of Open Door Abundant Life Church of Apostolic Faith in Charleston, MS where her father is the pastor. During Jamesa childhood she attended Grenada School District but graduated from New Summit in Jackson, MS in 2017. After receiving her high school diploma she attended Holmes Community College in Grenada, MS where she received an Associates Degree in 2019. Jamesa continued her educational journey and attended Delta State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management in 2021. After receiving her bachelors Jamesa received the opportunity to intern for Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, leader of the Mississippi 2nd Congressional District and also the Chairman of Homeland Security. After the internship, she received a full time position as the Field Representative and Caseworker in the Congressman Thompson Greenwood District Office covering Carroll, Grenada, Leflore, and Montgomery county. Jamesa enjoys spending time with her family, encouraging others, and also helping others. Jamesa’s motto is: “It’s okay to fall as long as you get back up.”

Chandler Rogers, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications

Fa’Darryl Cooper, Policy Director

Fa’Darryl Terell Cooper, a native of Belzoni, MS, graduated from Humphrey County High School where he served as the class Vice President. He continued his education at Mississippi Delta Community College, earning induction into the Hall of Fame. Fa’Darryl then earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing at Delta State University.

Throughout his academic career, Fa’Darryl developed and published research spanning topics from accounting procedures to educational structural policies. His passion for education and policy led him to travel abroad, where he established rapport with foreign leaders in educational policies. Serving as the Policy Director with the Southern Opportunity Foundation, he is dedicated to promoting and enhancing community structures through his work. Fa’Darryl is deeply committed to the wellness and development of his community.