Kellie W. Cartwright has over twenty years of experience in nonprofits, education, government and community service. As a native Charlottean who proudly grew up on Charlotte’s East Side, she is personally invested in MeckEd’s mission to support local, public education.

Prior to serving as MeckEd’s Career Pathways Coordinator, Omar spent almost a decade helping young people realize their dreams through his work with ResCare Workforce Services.  As MeckEd’s Career Pathways Director, Omar applies his experience and demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that all Charlotte Mecklenburg high school students find and stay on a path to a bright future.

With over a decade of experience in leadership positions, including his most recent role as a Career Pathways Advisor at MeckEd, Jolon has successfully forged connections between business and education to create valuable opportunities for students. He brings a proven track record of developing and implementing programs that enhance student engagement, including internships and skill-building workshops.  Jolon is committed to enhancing organizational efficiency by assessing and implementing best practices in data management and administrative support.

Ashton Glenn is MeckEd’s Career Pathways Advisor committed to ensuring the success of all students.  Prior to joining MeckEd, Ashton served as an advocate for youth in the region and has worked as an educator, coach, and mentor in Charlotte Mecklenburg and Gaston County Schools.

John comes to MeckEd with over 15 years of working with youth and families as an advocate and educator in Mecklenburg, Richmond, and Union Counties.  He is passionate about seeing that youth excel to their full potential as world changers for a better society. 

Shamika Fletcher has extensive experience in Education and Youth services. Over the past two decades, she has worked primarily in workforce development for states such as Rhode Island, New York, and North Carolina. In addition, she has expanded her youth advocacy into communities in Cameroon Africa. Through her diverse background in education, Shamika strives to help her scholars develop their skills, find meaningful employment, and improve their overall quality of life.

Lillian Jackson is passionate about family, travel, and culinary experiences. Over the past decade, she has worked in the nonprofit sector, focusing on educating, guiding, and creating opportunities for youth to prepare them for their future. She is committed to infusing creativity and innovative ideas into educational spaces, particularly within schools. Lillian is currently pursuing a master's degree in leadership. Her effective listening skills, empathetic support, relationship-building abilities, and servant leadership approach drive her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those around me on a daily basis.

Christel Grissett has dedicated the last two decades to developing others. Her passion for creating environments where people feel safe and are encouraged to grow has led her to work in public education and training nonprofits. With a robust background in supporting underserved communities, extensive experience with first-generation students, and a commitment to promoting equity and inclusion, Christel is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to MeckEd’s mission of empowering and cultivating student career success. In her most recent role as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati, Christel facilitated professional development curriculum and coached diverse students seeking to improve their career outlook. Christel holds a Master’s in Adult Learning from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.