Antwan E. King

Antwan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Science and later obtained a Master’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics. He had the amazing opportunity to do a cross-country adventure which aired on public television and focused on Cyber Security Professionals. It was during this adventure, that he had an opportunity to meet and interview some of the trailblazers and innovators in the field of cybersecurity. 

As he continues to perfect his craft, he’s on a mission to share his knowledge and educate kids who grew up with similar backgrounds as him. Antwan wants everyone to know that he too overcame certain struggles, but never gave up.  Currently, Antwan is an infosec Analyst with an interest in cybersecurity, forensics, and pentesting.

Dedrie Boykin

Dedrie Boykin, LCSW-C  is a licensed clinician with over  with 15+ years serving communities of color. She’s motivated by the mission of Friends of Zyion to provide accessibility of services and raise awareness.  She currently serves as Regional Director of Enrollment at Year Up Inc and is adjunct Professor at Howard University School of Social Work. 

Shawn Adolphus

With over 10 years of experience in compliance and financial management, Shawn C. Adolphus Jr. currently serves as a grants manager at the National Institutes of Health, managing a portfolio of research grants for the National Eye Institute. In addition to research grants experience, he has previously served at the US Department of Agriculture working on a block grant program supporting local growers and producers.

Prior to public health service Shawn worked for Job Corps, assisting and advising young adults with career placement services. With additional experience teaching in Baltimore City as well as suburban Atlanta, his interests have long included youth services, supporting research and engaging diverse communities. A native of rural Georgia, Shawn graduated from Morehouse College and holds a Master of Public Administration from Kennesaw State University. 

Amanda Young

Amanda is thrilled to serve on the board of FOZ. Her background is in nonprofit program management and recruitment. She’s currently the Senior Project Manager for the Diversify by Design, an coalition to break down racial inequities across the design industry. After living in DC for many years, she now lives in Baltimore with her husband Patrick and young son Miles along with their dog Pepper. 

Leon Thomas III, Ed.D

As a Drexel University’s higher education administration and policy program graduate, Dr.
Thomas is an experienced education professional, student retention expert, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) champion. Dr. Thomas’ research contributes to the training,
teaching, and advocacy for students and their families who are limited-income, minority, and
face other barriers. With a career that expands across 15 years of implementing, developing,
and assessing programs for “historically forgotten” populations, Dr. Thomas is committed to elevating the voices of children of color diagnosed with autism (and other neurodivergent disorders) and providing resources for families.

Martika Futrell

Martika Futrell is lifelong educator and advocate for the underserved. She holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education and has taught in the public school system for over a decade on both the East and the West Coast. She has also worked at several non-profits in capacities serving primarily youth and young adults. She currently serves on the Foster Care Review Board for the State of Maryland and is the proud mother of two wonderful teenage boys.