Board
Board Members
Kentaro D. Johnson, 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.
TyReece Estes, Vice-President
Ty’Reece Estes is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications 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 can not be seen, we cannot adequately provide resources to the south as a whole.”
Jamaal Bryant, Board Member
Jamaal Bryant is a multifaceted leader who holds the roles 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, Board Member
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.
Carlos Rice, Board Member
Carlos Rice is the Vice-President of Education and Workforce Development 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.
