Board of Directors
Director & Founder: Mr. Pleasant
Mr. Pleasant brings more than three decades of dedicated service to the advancement and empowerment of underprivileged and underserved youth and young adults. His professional journey began as a mentor in the P.A.L.S. program, where he served as a Big Brother, providing guidance, advocacy, and support to help young people overcome adversity, develop self-confidence, cultivate self-worth, and strengthen positive mental health. Throughout his career, he has consistently guided individuals toward constructive life paths, encouraging academic achievement, personal growth, leadership development, and responsible citizenship within their schools and communities.
With over 20 years of combined experience in education and administration, Mr. Pleasant has served in a wide range of roles, including Educator, Special Education Department Chair, Administrator, Physical Education Director, Curriculum Specialist, and Behavior Specialist. His professional background also includes work in higher education in student advisement, counseling, and as an adjunct instructor. He has supported a broad spectrum of learners—from at-risk and behaviorally challenged students to gifted and talented populations—across secondary and postsecondary settings. Mr. Pleasant is widely recognized for his commitment to advocacy, particularly for students who are frequently overlooked or marginalized within the educational system, including culturally diverse youth and those often considered “underdogs.”
Mr. Pleasant is extensively trained in evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, including Restorative Justice Discipline, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Abuse Identification and Prevention Awareness, Community Building and Data Planning, AIR H&HC Certification, Victim Advocacy, the Texas Behavior Support Initiative (TBSI), and Satori Alternatives to Managing Aggression (S.A.M.A.), among other support strategies.
He holds academic degrees in Arts and Sciences from Houston City College, as well as degrees in Administration of Criminal Justice, Public Affairs, and Music from Texas Southern University. He also completed graduate-level studies in Educational Leadership at the University of Houston. In addition to his educational career, Mr. Pleasant has more than 40 years of experience in the fine arts, including work as a singer, songwriter, performer, music producer, playwright, poet, author, actor, journalist, photographer, and filmmaker. His creative work has included collaborations with both local and nationally recognized artists.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Mr. Pleasant enjoys exploring diverse musical genres, gardening, cooking, writing, photography, web and graphic design, traveling, and spending quality time with family.
Director & Founder: Mrs. Pleasant
Mrs. Pleasant is a visionary director who has dedicated her life to helping at-risk youth and marginalized communities. Drawing from her own traumatic experiences, she has spent over three decades using creative and expressive arts as a tool for education and healing. Her work in acting, producing, singing, and writing serves as a powerful catalyst for others to overcome their own adversities and become resilient game changers.
Mrs. Pleasant utilizes holistic intelligence to aspire and elevate others, and she has spoken on various platforms both locally and internationally, including the Women History Month panel with the TSU Graduate Student Associate and the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute, The One Africa Forum, and Black Girl Initiatives.
Mrs. Pleasant holds a master’s degree in Business Administration, along with degrees in Public Policy and African and African American Ethnic Studies. She also maintains her Mental Health First Aid certification and is committed to staying current on behavioral health and restorative justice. Mrs. Pleasant has over 20 years of experience working for the federal government, and is currently an Educational Consultant Specialist. She also has extensive experience in program and project management.
Additionally, Mrs. Pleasant has been featured on media outlets like Next Chapter with Dr. Reeves on CW39, ShoutOut Houston, and Bold Journey magazines.
When she isn't working to uplift others, Mrs. Pleasant enjoys a wide range of activities, including exploring various art forms, cooking, following sports, researching genealogy, and spending time in nature with her family.
Director: Mrs. Sneed
Mrs. Sneed is a dedicated professional with a lifelong commitment to serving her community. With over 30 years of experience in the banking sector and an additional 25 years in the medical field, she brings a unique blend of financial and healthcare expertise to her work.
Known for her caring and generous spirit, Mrs. Sneed has spent more than 45 years providing community service, which includes everything from providing clothing to cooking hot meals for those in need. She is an alumna of the infamous and historical Original O.L.C. Anderson in Austin, Texas.
A certified medical assistant, Mrs. Sneed studied Medical Administration/Billing and Coding at the National Institute of Technology Nursing & Medicine. Her passion for helping others is further demonstrated by her five years as a foster parent, during which she provided a safe and nurturing home for children in need.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, crossword puzzles, and spending time with her loved ones.
