Dr. D’Andrea L. Williams (DeeDee) is honored to serve as Executive Director of Elevate Louisville, where she leads with passion, creativity, and a heart for empowering young people. A seasoned education professional with more than 20 years of experience across diverse academic settings, she is dedicated to fostering collaborative and inclusive environments where every voice and contribution is valued.

Her career has been defined by supporting students’ holistic development, with a particular focus on helping first-year college students transition successfully and guiding young people as they navigate life after high school. Her doctoral research highlights the powerful impact of mentoring on student engagement, persistence, and degree completion—especially among minoritized and marginalized student populations. Dr. Williams earned her PhD in Educational Administration (Higher Education Leadership) from Indiana State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business (Human Resources Management) and a Master of Science in Education (School Counseling) from Indiana University Southeast, as well as P–12 school counseling certification in both Kentucky and Indiana.

Beyond her professional work, Dr. Williams is deeply committed to advancing equity and compassion within her community. She treasures time with her husband and two sons, and she enjoys cooking, baking, and creating meaningful memories each day.

David Thomas serves as a Teacher Mentor & Community Outreach Lead, where he is dedicated to guiding and empowering young people. He firmly believes in the potential of every student and is committed to helping them unlock their talents, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.

Known for his approachable personality and empathetic nature, David builds strong connections with youth, serving as both a role model and a trusted confidant. His passion for mentorship was shaped by his own high school experiences and challenges, which he often shares as examples of “what to do and what not to do.” Through these lessons, he seeks to make a lasting impact—helping young people discover their strengths, develop resilience, and grow into confident and successful contributors to society.

Beyond his role with Elevate Louisville, David is also an ordained Pastor with more than 10 years of ministry experience. He remains deeply engaged in community outreach, partnering with schools, organizations, and local leaders to advocate for youth, nurture their spiritual growth, and provide guidance as they navigate life’s challenges.

Lauryn A McWhorter is excited to serve as Teacher Mentor with Elevate Louisville. She is a passionate advocate for equity, social justice, and community development. With a deep belief in the importance of a holistic approach to education, she strives to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the support and resources necessary to thrive.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Lauryn has been dedicated to addressing systemic barriers and fostering environments where diversity is celebrated. She is particularly focused on supporting disadvantaged students and equipping them with the tools they need to navigate educational and professional challenges. Lauryn believes that relationship-building is a critical component of this process, and she strives to connect with students in ways that are meaningful and impactful.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville and is set to graduate in the summer of 2025 with a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Diversity Management and Leadership.

Beyond her role as a Teacher Mentor, she is an active member of her church where she serves as an associate minister, youth worker, and choir member. She is excited about the future and she is eager to contribute her skills and passion to improving the lives of students and families in her community.

Jazman Branche is passionate about working with urban youth and believes that education, paired with consistent guidance, equips young people with the tools to make meaningful impacts in their lives and communities. She advocates for youth through a holistic and restorative approach—empowering them to exceed expectations and reach their fullest potential. With a positive mindset and innovative strategies for engagement, she is excited to bring her energy and commitment to Elevate Louisville.

Jazman is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Diversity Management and Leadership at the University of Louisville, where she will graduate in Fall 2025. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville. Her prior work as a youth probation officer deepened her understanding of systemic barriers faced by young adults and reinforced her commitment to expanding access to resources, mentorship, and education in urban communities. Through both academic and professional experiences, she has developed strong leadership and community engagement skills that she looks forward to applying in her role with Elevate Louisville.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jazman finds joy in adventure and the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, and traveling. Time in nature keeps her grounded, offering space for reflection and gratitude, and she seeks to inspire youth to explore new experiences that broaden their interests and contribute to their overall well-being.