Meet Our Sisterly Team
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Dr. Avina I. Ross, PhD, MS
Visionary Officer/CEO, Co-Founder
Dr. Avina I. Ross is a proud Black woman, mother, and equity strategist with a lifelong commitment to justice. At LC , she brings her gifts as an educator, thought partner, and advocate for culturally affirming learning spaces. With more than 18 years of experience across nonprofits, academia, and government, including Avalon Center, Princeton University, and the U.S. Department of Justice, Dr. Ross grounds her work in values of love, liberation, and learning.
Her expertise spans culturally responsive education, trauma-informed approaches, gender-based violence prevention, and strategic program design and evaluation. She is the Founder of AIR Consulting LLC and formerly served as Vice President of Strategy and Education at A Call To Men. In every role, Dr. Ross centers the well-being and brilliance of Black and Brown communities.
Dr. Ross holds a PhD in Social Work and an M.S. in Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University, where her scholarship explored the representation of gender violence against Black women in Tyler Perry films. She earned her B.A. in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the College of William & Mary.
At LC , Dr. Ross supports our vision of holistic, identity-affirming education that uplifts both core academic learning and cultural exploration. For joy and self-care, she loves adventuring with her son, Langston Rise, savoring cold brew coffee, and soaking in the energy of live music shows.
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Ms. Avencia I. Ross, M.S.Ed. SpEd., M.A.Ed.
Co-Founder/Academic Director/Educator
Avencia I. Ross, M.Ed., M.A.Ed. is the Co-Founder and Academic Director of Love + Choice Learning Collective, a microschool rooted in liberation, joy, and belonging. With over 13 years of teaching experience in Virginia public schools, including Gloucester, Newport News, and Williamsburg-James City County, Ms. Ross brings both depth and heart to her leadership. She currently teaches 8th grade at Peasley Middle School in Gloucester County, where she continues to champion student-centered, inclusive learning.
Ms. Ross holds a Master of Education in Special Education, a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Reading, and a Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Students and Education. She is currently pursuing her third graduate degree, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University. She holds a Provisional Special Education License (valid through 2026) and a Postgraduate Professional License (valid through 2032) in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
At LC , Ms. Ross leads curriculum design, instructional strategy, and educator support, grounding every decision in love, equity, and the belief that all children deserve to be seen, supported, and challenged. Her work centers the needs of neurodiverse, twice-exceptional, and marginalized learners, with a focus on trauma-informed practices, family collaboration, and personalized academic growth. She also offers homeschool progress evaluations, curriculum consultations, and personalized learning plans for families seeking alternative or supplemental education paths.
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Our Board of Directors
Aleshia Johnson, M.A.Ed. serves as the Treasurer and Secretary of Love + Choice Learning Collective, bringing over a decade of experience in public education and a deep commitment to student-centered learning and community service. Ms. Johnson currently teaches as a 6th Grade Master Teacher, Certified in Reading and Language Arts, grades 4th through 8th in south-Texas.
Ms. Johnson holds a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Teacher Leadership and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is a certified educator in Texas, with credentials in English Language Arts and Reading for Grades 4-8, and holds House Bill 3 Reading Academy and CPR/First Aid certifications. As an educator, Ms. Johnson is known for her strengths in curriculum development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. She brings these same talents to our operations, ensuring smooth communication, accurate record-keeping, and responsible stewardship of the organization’s financial and administrative functions.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Johnson is a lifelong community servant, having led PTA chapters, supported military and veteran causes, and participated in environmental and humanitarian service projects nationwide. Her leadership reflects her belief in the power of nurturing relationships, honoring student voice, and advancing equity through education.
Donn Kirkland, ABD is the Board Chair for LC and is a strategic communication professional with expertise in marketing, branding, strategic planning, and social media content creation. With a rich background spanning video production, advertising, and editing, Donn brings over a decade of experience to every project.
Having working with prestigious organizations and companies like the Miss America Organization, withPIPER, Samuel Hubbard Shoe Company, Ruby's Place, and more, Donn is dedicated to crafting captivating content and strategies that exceeds communication objectives.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Donn is a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness, striving to make affordable insulin and comprehensive diabetes care accessible to all. Additionally, Donn is committed to empowering men of color by providing essential resources and unwavering support to foster their success. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, he actively contributes to initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering communities of color. Moreover, he is deeply invested in providing support and assistance to those in need, recognizing the importance of mental health and well-being in every individual's journey.
As a natural storyteller, Donn loves writing and creating stories through visuals, leveraging his skills to engage and inspire audiences. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Media, Donn explores crucial research areas, including the underreported issue of trafficking among men of color, with a commitment to communication excellence, advocacy, and academic exploration.
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Kenneth 'Kenny' Williams, Jr. is a multifaceted cultural commentator and visual storyteller, proudly representing the vibrant city of Detroit. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Master of Arts degree in Public Relations from Michigan State University, Kenneth is dedicated to amplifying the narratives and experiences of the Black community. Currently, Kenneth showcases his exceptional talents as a freelance writer for Business Insider, UPTOWN Magazine, and a valued contributor to Forbes through ForbesBLK. With a passion for pop culture and a knack for impactful writing, he utilizes his platform to uplift Black voices and celebrate Black culture.
In his previous role as Press Manager at Color Of Change, Kenneth demonstrated his prowess in managing press events and interviews while also coordinating media responses during critical moments. His keen eye for identifying press needs and crafting compelling narratives contributed to the success of various campaigns. Prior to that, as Communications Director for For Our Future MI, Kenneth spearheaded comprehensive earned media and digital plans, securing positive coverage for issue campaigns, and endorsed candidates. His strategic approach to messaging and digital integration played a pivotal role in advancing organizational goals.
During his tenure at Detroit Action, Kenneth made significant strides in enhancing the organization's brand exposure and community engagement. His strategic communication plans garnered recognition from Time Magazine, while his innovative initiatives, such as the launch of Detroit Action's Service and Mutual Aid Department, addressed critical needs within the community. Before his advocacy work, Kenneth served as Communications Manager at Michigan State University, where he demonstrated exceptional proficiency in social media management and web development. His data-driven approach to communication and fundraising efforts resulted in tangible successes for the university's initiatives. With a track record of excellence in communication strategy and a commitment to social justice, Kenneth continues to make a profound impact in both professional and community spheres.
