Founders Day Awards

Beverly L. Perry – Myrtilla Miner Award for Exceptional Service to Society

Beverly L. Perry is an attorney and adviser with extensive municipal, executive and legislative experience whose public service and civic leadership are closely connected to Washington, D.C. She serves as a strategic adviser to utilities, project developers and municipal stakeholders, helping clients navigate shifting economic conditions, constrained budgets, aging infrastructure and rising utility costs.

Prior to joining Taft, Perry served 10 years as senior adviser to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, overseeing policy initiatives through the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs, the Office of Federal and Regional Affairs and the Office of the Secretary. She played a lead role in securing federal land for the RFK Stadium redevelopment, advancing plans for a mixed-use district and a new 65,000-seat stadium that will return the Washington Commanders to their historic home in 2030.

Perry previously held executive leadership roles at Pepco Holdings Inc., now part of Exelon, serving as senior vice president and special adviser to the chairman. She began her legal career litigating cases in federal and state courts and serving with the U.S. Department of the Interior, including as a law clerk for Judge Marian Blank Horn of the U.S. Claims Court and as an attorney adviser in the Office of the Solicitor.

A civic leader, Perry has served with organizations including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Greater Washington Urban League, Arena Stage and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute. She earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and an undergraduate degree from George Washington University.

Ayanna Kelley-Stephens, Ph.D. – Paul Phillips Cooke Lifetime Achievement Award

Ayanna Kelley-Stephens, Ph.D., is an educator, academic leader and advocate whose work is grounded in the belief that literacy is foundational to learning and educational equity. She serves in leadership roles within educator preparation at the University of the District of Columbia, where she supports faculty, mentors students and advances program quality through accreditation, continuous improvement and alignment with state and national standards.

Kelley-Stephens’ work focuses on preparing culturally responsive educators with strong instructional foundations in literacy and evidence-based practice. Her expertise spans early childhood and elementary education, with particular emphasis on curriculum design, instructional coherence and literacy development across content areas.

In recent academic years, her commitment to student success has expanded to include a strong focus on advising, retention and the removal of structural barriers that affect student persistence and completion. She works closely with first-generation college students and aspiring educators as they navigate academic, financial and institutional challenges, supporting access and long-term success.

In addition to her leadership and service, Kelley-Stephens explores the responsible integration of emerging technologies in teaching and learning. Her work increasingly sits at the intersection of technology and literacy support, with attention to ethical implementation and instructional impact. She has deepened this engagement through participation in national conferences, professional learning communities and specialized workshops, including those hosted by the C+M Center at New York University and the Social Work AI Network.

Kelley-Stephens also participates in BranchEd Community of Practice meetings, which emphasize the thoughtful use of technology to enhance instruction and student learning. Through her teaching, leadership and advocacy, she continues to advance educator preparation, student success and equity-focused practice at UDC.

Raysa Leer‑Gray – Cleveland L. Dennard Distinguished Service Award

Raysa Leer‑Gray is a higher education executive with more than 20 years of progressive leadership in financial management, administration, strategic planning and operational transformation. She serves as deputy chief operating officer for the University of the District of Columbia, where she advises executive leadership and oversees finance and business operations for the institution.

In her role, Leer‑Gray provides strategic oversight of key operational units, including auxiliary enterprises, procurement, facilities and real estate, human resources, information technology and public safety. Her work supports institutional effectiveness, fiscal stewardship and alignment with the university’s mission and long-term priorities.

Leer‑Gray joined UDC in 2009 and has led major initiatives to strengthen governance, operational efficiency and fiscal accountability. She has played a central role in the university’s accreditation efforts, serving as tri-chair of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Self-Study Steering Committee for the 2025 site visit and previously contributing to Standards 2 and 3 for the 2016 review. Both efforts resulted in institutional reaffirmation with commendations and recognition.

Previously, Leer‑Gray served as associate vice president for financial affairs and executive director for business affairs. In those roles, she led the university’s budget development processes, managed multimillion-dollar federal grant portfolios, including HEERF and ARPA, and advanced large-scale operational, technological and procedural improvements across multiple administrative units.

Her career is distinguished by a commitment to innovation, organizational capacity building and data-informed decision-making. Beyond UDC, Leer‑Gray has provided board leadership with the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Wilderness Leadership & Learning nonprofit. She has also contributed to national publications and presentations on financial modeling and organizational innovation.

Leer‑Gray holds an MBA in management from the University of the District of Columbia and dual bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and Spanish from the University of Michigan.

Sandra Jowers-Barber, Ph.D. – Marjorie Holloman Parker Distinguished Educator Award

Sandra Jowers-Barber, Ph.D., is a tenured faculty member at the University of the District of Columbia whose teaching, scholarship and leadership have made a sustained impact on students and the broader community. She has served as a faculty and staff member at UDC since 2004 and is currently director of the Division of Humanities and Criminology at UDC’s Community College, a role she has held since January 2015.

Jowers-Barber earned a Bachelor of Arts in English/Journalism, a Master of Arts in Public History and a doctorate in U.S. history from Howard University. Throughout her tenure at UDC, she has taught a wide range of courses, including U.S. history, public history, African American history and women’s history, using interdisciplinary and experiential approaches to connect students with the practice of history beyond the classroom.

Her academic leadership includes service on the University Assessment Committee and extensive contributions to public scholarship. She is host of UDC Forum on UDC Cable and YouTube and host and co-producer of The Historian’s Lens, a video series she created to provide space for historians to examine the state of history education and promote accuracy in historical teaching and interpretation. She also serves on the D.C. Oral History Committee, the board of the Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University and as chair of the Historian’s Advisory Board for the 51 Steps to Freedom Project.

Jowers-Barber has developed innovative public history initiatives, including courses conducted at local history sites and the New York City Public History Trip for students. Her scholarship includes chapters in “Dear Department Chair: Letters from Black Women Leaders to the Next Generation” and “A Fair Chance in the Race for Life: Gallaudet University’s Role in Deaf History.”

In January 2024, she was selected as a Council of American Overseas Research Centers Fellow in support of her research on deaf schools in Senegal. Her honors include the Community-Based Learning Initiative Award, the East Coast Conference Faculty Appreciation Award, the Civic Engagement Faculty Award and the College of Arts and Sciences Junior Faculty of the Year Award.

Jeannetta Bowman‑Clayton – Ronald H. Brown Distinguished Leadership Award

Jeannetta Bowman‑Clayton is a human resources professional with more than 20 years of dedicated service to the University of the District of Columbia. Her career reflects sustained commitment, adaptability and institutional knowledge developed through years of service across multiple roles within
the university.

Bowman‑Clayton began her tenure at UDC as a receptionist and advanced through increasing levels of responsibility through continuous learning and professional growth. She currently serves as HRIS and payroll manager in the Office of Human Resources, where she supports university operations through oversight of payroll systems, human resources information processes and employee support functions.

A graduate of the University of the District of Columbia’s Class of 2019, Bowman‑Clayton embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development within the institution she serves. Her academic achievement complements her professional experience and reflects her long-standing connection to the university community.

Throughout her career, Bowman‑Clayton has been recognized for her strong work ethic, reliability and approach to service grounded in empathy and respect. She approaches her work with an understanding that supporting employees directly strengthens the academic and student experience. Her philosophy emphasizes the belief that behind every staff and faculty member is a student whose success is shaped by institutional support.

Bowman‑Clayton’s career is defined by longevity, professionalism and genuine care for the university community. Her contributions reflect a lasting commitment to service, people-centered leadership and the mission of the University of the District of Columbia.

Sen. Nicholas P. “Nick” Charles II – Alumni Legacy Award

Sen. Nicholas P. “Nick” Charles II is a Maryland state senator representing District 25. He is a lifelong resident of Prince George’s County and a graduate of Largo High School. He brings a background in military service, public policy and community engagement to his legislative work.

A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, Charles earned two Air Force Achievement Medals for distinguished service before pursuing higher education. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in aviation management from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Business Administration in procurement and public contracting from the University of the District of Columbia.

Charles began his legislative career in the Maryland House of Delegates in 2019 and was appointed to the Maryland State Senate in December 2023. He serves on the Judicial Proceedings Committee and is an active member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. His policy priorities include expanding opportunities for minority business enterprises in state procurement, advancing fatherhood and mentoring initiatives, promoting Black wealth creation, strengthening juvenile justice and education reform, and improving access to quality health care.

His leadership has been recognized with numerous state and community honors, including legislative advocacy, public service and community excellence awards from civic, nonprofit and business organizations.

Beyond his legislative duties, Charles serves on the boards of Greater Baden Medical Services, Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County and the Children’s Rights Fund. He is also a member of American Legion Post 275 and the Prince George’s County Young Democrats. Initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. in 2008 through the Omicron Gamma Chapter at UDC, he has held leadership roles at the chapter and district levels.

Charles remains deeply engaged in constituent service, organizing career, education and community initiatives across District 25.

Sandra Grady Yates, Ed.D. – PathMakers Leadership Award (Professor Emeritus)

Sandra Grady Yates, Ed.D., is a 1970 graduate of Federal City College, where she earned her master’s degree. A professor emeritus, her four-decade career is closely tied to the University of the District of Columbia. She began her affiliation in 1971 as an assistant professor of business education at Federal City College and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the School of Business and Public Administration and the College of Arts and Sciences.

As professor and chair of the Department of Education, Yates oversaw seven academic programs, the university’s Child Development Center, the Institute for Early Childhood Leadership Development, the Institute of Gerontology and the Adult Education Program.

With faculty and staff support, she helped reopen the Child Development Center and strengthened partnerships with District of Columbia public and charter schools. Yates led the department’s initial efforts to secure accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, achieved in 2002. She also held senior leadership roles as acting and associate dean in the College of Business and Public Management and later chaired the Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems. For the 18 months preceding her retirement in September 2015, she served as acting dean of the School of Business and Public Administration.

Her honors include the Provost’s Distinguished Service Award, the Paul Phillips Cooke Lifetime Achievement Award and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Beyond the university, she contributed to boards, advisory bodies and grant-funded education and training initiatives that supported public service and workforce development. Her legacy includes mentoring generations of faculty and students and advancing programs that connect academic excellence with community needs.

Scott T. Krawczyk, Ph.D. – PathMakers Leadership Award (Faculty/Staff)

Scott T. Krawczyk, Ph.D., serves as senior associate chief academic officer for academic programs at the University of the District of Columbia, where his portfolio includes curricular oversight, accreditation, student and faculty support, academic policy development and operational efficiency.

A professor of English and retired Army officer, he joined UDC in 2020. He chairs the Accreditation Task Force, co-chairs the University Assessment Committee and served as a tri-chair of UDC’s Self-Study Steering Committee.

Krawczyk has held teaching and leadership roles at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Georgetown University, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Northern Virginia Community College and Long Island University Brooklyn, where he served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Arts and Communication.

As a dean, he introduced 10 new degree programs, restructured the College of Liberal Arts and  Sciences, led a reduction of the core curriculum, helped secure a $2 million donation and achieved a 15% increase in enrollment among first-time college students. As a senior leader at West Point, he established the academy’s writing center and founded its humanities center.

During a 30-year military career, Krawczyk served in assignments ranging from company commander in the Ranger Regiment to speechwriter at the Pentagon, including two combat deployments. He holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and a bachelor’s degree from West Point.

He is an internationally recognized scholar and the author or editor of multiple publications. His work at UDC focuses on student success, evidence-based assessment and strengthening academic quality through inclusive, data-informed improvement.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund – PathMakers Leadership Award (Corporate)

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community, including publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) and historically Black community colleges (HBCCs). Founded in 1987 and named in honor of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, TMCF was established to ensure that students attending these institutions have equitable access to educational, professional and economic opportunity.

At the heart of TMCF’s mission is a belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Through a comprehensive, outcomes-driven model, TMCF invests in students across the full educational and career continuum, providing scholarships, leadership development, career readiness training and direct connections to employers in high-growth sectors. Each year, TMCF distributes millions of dollars in scholarships that reduce financial barriers, increase persistence and graduation rates, and allow students to focus on academic and professional success.

TMCF is also a national leader in building strategic partnerships with corporate, philanthropic and public-sector partners. Its signature Corporate Scholar Programs integrate financial support with experiential learning, internships, mentoring and workforce exposure, ensuring students graduate not only with degrees but with the skills, networks and confidence required to thrive in competitive careers. In doing so, TMCF serves as a critical connector between higher education and industry, aligning institutional talent with workforce demand.

Beyond direct student support, TMCF plays an influential role in advocacy and thought leadership, advancing policies and investments that strengthen the capacity and sustainability of its member institutions. Over its history, TMCF has delivered more than half a billion dollars in scholarships, programmatic investments and institutional support.

The University of the District of Columbia’s recognition of TMCF as an outstanding philanthropic corporate partner reflects a shared commitment to student success, institutional excellence and long-term community impact. Through this partnership, TMCF continues to help ensure that opportunity is not limited by circumstance but expanded through purpose-driven investment and collaboration.

Makayla Ollivierre – Student Humanitarian and Civic Engagement Award (Lamond-Riggs Campus)

Makayla Ollivierre is a student leader and community advocate whose work reflects a strong commitment to humanitarian service and civic engagement at the University of the District of Columbia. A sophomore majoring in business administration, she advances initiatives that support individuals, strengthen communities and expand equitable access to resources.

At UDC, Ollivierre serves as Miss UDC Community College, a student ambassador, the Firebird Market social media coordinator and a CAUSES volunteer. Through these roles, she promotes awareness of essential resources, encourages student participation in service initiatives and helps foster a culture of care, visibility and collaboration on campus.

Beyond the university, Ollivierre volunteers with Bread for the City, supporting programs that address food insecurity and provide critical assistance to individuals and families in need. She also serves as data and reporting coordinator for Brown Kids Read, contributing to efforts that promote literacy, representation and educational equity among minority youth.

Ollivierre’s service focuses on connecting people to opportunity. She aims to deepen student engagement and inclusive leadership on campus and plans to pursue a career in consulting to work across cultures and use business as a tool for meaningful, sustainable impact. She also collaborates with campus offices and student organizations to design resource drives and peer-led workshops that build community capacity

Khadijah Talib – Student Humanitarian and Civic Engagement Award (Van Ness Campus)

Khadijah Talib is a native Washingtonian and a premedical biomedical engineering student in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia. Her work centers on the intersection of biomedical engineering, emerging technology and health equity, with an emphasis on human-centered solutions for historically underserved communities.

At UDC, Talib founded the Quantum Literacy Club, the first initiative of its kind designed to engage students across disciplines at HBCUs and African institutions. Under her leadership, the organization has built sponsorships and partnerships across the quantum industry and expanded access to quantum education and technological literacy for underrepresented communities.

Talib helped establish a club chapter at the University of The Gambia, organized UDC’s first quantum conference at the Van Ness campus and is planning the second annual conference to be hosted in The Gambia, strengthening international collaboration. She also facilitates quantum literacy workshops in Ward 8 at the Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City to support residents reentering the workforce.

An inventor with pending patents, including the Space BioChip — a subcutaneous quantum and AI-enabled implant designed to support astronaut health — Talib continues to develop biomedical innovations. She is a summer researcher, a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and a resident of LeDroit Park.

Talib’s work reflects a commitment to inclusive innovation and student empowerment at UDC, where she mentors peers, builds cross-campus collaborations and advances equitable access to emerging technologies. She is committed to building pathways that connect classroom learning with industry engagement, and her outreach emphasizes accessibility, collaboration and ethical technology development.

Taylour J. Coleman – Student Humanitarian and Civic Engagement Award (David A. Clarke School of Law)

Taylour J. Coleman is a law student, public health professional and community advocate whose work reflects a sustained commitment to humanitarian service, civic engagement and social responsibility. Coleman holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Public Health, foundations that inform an interdisciplinary approach to advancing equity, access and community well-being across legal and public health systems.

Across roles at UDC and in federal service, Coleman supported high-impact public health initiatives and cross-sector collaboration. As a key contributor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coleman helped coordinate vaccine equity, policy and public health data efforts during the national COVID-19 and mpox responses, with a focus on protecting underserved communities.

Coleman’s academic and research background includes work at Johns Hopkins University on Lyme borreliosis, disability access, public transportation equity and public health data systems. In industry, Coleman supported pandemic response operations at Battelle, including large-scale decontamination of personal protective equipment to safeguard health care workers nationwide.

Coleman is the founder and chief executive officer of The She Rose Foundation USA, an organization dedicated to addressing health disparities and promoting community-centered advocacy and leadership development. Through service-driven leadership and civic participation, Coleman continues to advance equity and collective well-being at UDC and in the broader community.

Coleman has received commendations recognizing frontline public health service, operational readiness and emergency response, and continues to mentor students pursuing public service careers at UDC. Coleman’s current studies in law reflect a continued focus on policy, governance and community impact, aligning legal training with lived public health experience to advance equitable outcomes.