The Team Behind the Mission
Meet Us
“We are a small team united by a single goal. We’re guided by commitment,
compassion, and community service.”
What We Do
The People Behind the Work
Founder, Executive Director
LaTanya Sherman
“Homelessness is nothing short of a Human Tragedy — and I refuse to look away.”
LaTanya is a fierce advocate for the underserved in her community drawing from personal experiences with homelessness, a passion for change, and an educational background in social and behavioral sciences into her humanitarian work. She recognized her desire to make a difference early on in life, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science from CSUDH, a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Loyola Marymount University, and two Associate Degrees from Compton College in Criminal Justice and Social Studies. Through her lifelong commitment to helping others and her passion for the homeless, Project EDUCATE was born in 2018. Since founding the organization, LaTanya has been recognized with two presidential awards received for exemplary community service, she also received a EFDI Humanitarian Award, and she has also been featured on the cover of Playa Vista Magazine’s non-profit edition. Beyond being a philanthropist and non-profit founder, she is also an author, mentor for young women, proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and she has extensive business and financial management experience which she utilizes for the organization’s growth.
Above all, she is an inspiration to the community around her and is a well respected leader. As a native of Los Angeles, born and raised in Compton, she has seen the exponential increase in LA county’s homeless population and how the needs of underserved communities in the area often go unaddressed. As a mother of three who raised all three solo, she is no stranger to sacrifice and the necessity for it in order to contribute to a larger cause. She dedicates hours to her work and is the heartbeat of Project EDUCATE. Beyond giving back to and helping others, in her free time she enjoys good food, friends and family, and a good vacation to balance the stressful and sacrificial nature of being a non-profit Executive Director.
Executive Assistant
Orlance “Lance” Shirley
“Every person we serve deserves to be treated with dignity and respect — no exceptions.”
Lance serves as the executive assistant for the organization and is responsible for handling several operational and administrative duties. These duties include, but are not limited to, creating grant proposals, managing a range of program operations, keeping the website up to date, and engaging with stakeholders. He played an instrumental role in the foundation of the organization, and his contributions include the name and meaning of Project EDUCATE, creating promotional content, and designing the website. Lance attended two Historically Black Universities, Howard and North Carolina A&T State University, and received his Bachelor’s in Health and Human science graduating with high honors and magna cum laude status. He currently works in national security, and is looking to pursue a Master’s Degree in Intelligence Studies.
In his free time, he enjoys creating YouTube videos on topics he’s passionate about, traveling, attending live music shows, and studying holistic wellness modalities. He’s an aspiring Babaláwo, which is a high priest and traditional healer, and an initiate of a West African spiritual tradition known as “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe”. He has a passion for service and a knack for coming up with creative ideas for the organization. As a Los Angeles native and humanitarian, he is especially invested in seeing the homeless population decrease in the county. He also takes pride in wearing many hats in life and being a supportive figure in the lives of others. Lance is also a small business owner and has a website: omoawo.com.
Program Coordinator
Nymiah “Miah” Garrett
“Change doesn’t happen in boardrooms — it happens in the streets, with the people.”
Miah first began supporting Project EDUCATE’s mission during our Eaton fire response event. As the program coordinator, she is boots on the ground for our flagship events ensuring we have the proper inventory and set up to serve and offer a quality experience to our community. Miah is a vital piece of Project EDUCATE’s puzzle, and her dedication, enthusiasm, and expertise has revolutionized what Project EDUCATE has to offer. Miah is a Los Angeles native and graduated from Locke High School. She is a mother and small cosmetology business owner, and also enjoys teaching dance in her free time which she’s been doing for several years. Miah states that her favorite part about being the program coordinator is “the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate” . For Miah, this is the greatest blessing there is!
Advisor
Kim Jackson-Matthews
Kim Jackson-Matthews is a member of the Board as an Advisor of Project EDUCATE’S FED (Fitness Education and Diet) program. Professionally, she is the Director of DEIA for a rare disease non-profit and advocate for accessibility and gender equality in healthcare. Her background in radio, TV, and fitness has been utilized in the work done with Project Educate since 2019 when she first started volunteering. She credits her parents who were both excellent examples of community leaders. Her father, the late Harold M. Jackson, was VP of a Los Angeles YMCA working on Urban Development, and her mother, the late Bernice V. Jackson, was an outstanding dance/P.E. teacher for Dorsey High School in Los Angeles. Kim was born in Jacksonville, Florida. As a young girl in the early 70’s, she traveled from Florida to Los Angeles with her family so her father could pursue job opportunities. Her dedication, leadership, and advocacy are pillars that were fostered by her family’s values. She is a graduate of UC San Diego where she was on the collegiate Women’s Tennis Team, and a member and Secretary of the Black Student Union. Kim is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Los Angeles Alumni Chapter and was initiated in Spring 2018. She is a second-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo (Lima Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy). A diagnosis of a rare disease called Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in 2021 would be the fueling force that keeps her moving forward.
Advisor
Trenece Crawford
Trenece Crawford serves as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, where she supports prospective students and families through the enrollment process and works to expand access to higher education opportunities. She is also the Owner and Travel Advisor of I Treasure Travel, LLC, a boutique travel agency specializing in curated group experiences, milestone celebrations, and luxury vacations designed to create lasting memories. Trenece holds a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Brenau University, reflecting her commitment to leadership, service, and lifelong learning. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is actively involved with Project EDUCATE, an organization whose mission aligns with her personal values. She believes that when individuals and communities do their part collectively, meaningful change is possible, including efforts to eradicate homelessness in the Greater Los Angeles area and throughout the world.
Advisor
LaTonya Reliford
LaTonya Reliford is an Assistant Principal, and entrepreneur. With over two decades of experience in educational leadership and student advocacy, she is deeply committed to advancing equity and expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities. LaTonya became involved with Project EDUCATE through her passion for service and her desire to address the systemic challenges impacting individuals experiencing homelessness. She believes education, dignity, and access to essential resources are transformative tools for long-term stability. In addition to her work in education, she is the founder of LuxeLace Hair & Co., a beauty brand centered on confidence and empowerment. Through both her professional and entrepreneurial endeavors, LaTonya strives to create meaningful impact, strengthen community partnerships, and uplift individuals through service, leadership, and purpose.
Advisor
Evynn A. Davis
Evynn A. Davis has been with Project EDUCATE since it was founded in 2018. Evynn
believes that being of service to others is the highest calling that one can have, and she
currently serves as a board member. She is a criminal defense attorney, handling some
of the most complex felony cases in Los Angeles County. In her free time, Evynn enjoys
brunching, lunching, all things food; Disneyland trips, and watching and discussing
films. A classically trained musician, Evynn also loves going to concerts, and just
listening to music. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Advisor
Shilana Williams
Shilana decided to join Project EDUCATE’s advisor team because it aligns with her belief that real change begins with action. Shilana believes in being the change she wants to see in the world, and Project EDUCATE embodies that principle by serving underserved communities with compassion, dignity, and purpose. Project EDUCATE’s commitment to providing resources, hope, and humanity to those who need it most inspired her to be part of something greater than herself. Project EDUCATE goes directly to the people, providing essential resources and restoring a sense of dignity and humanity to underserved individuals. The organization not only delivers hope, but also extends kindness and humility while remaining deeply committed to its mission. By meeting people where they are, Project EDUCATE removes barriers and creates real access to opportunity, reminding individuals that their circumstances do not define their potential. Shilana loves being an extension of this work.
Advisor
Sherrie Thomas
Sherrie Thomas has worked in the banking industry since 2019 and is passionate about financial literacy and community empowerment. She began her career at a national bank and later transitioned to a credit union in 2025, expanding her experience in member-focused financial services and community-centered banking. She is currently pursuing her second bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration. Sherrie joined Project EDUCATE as a volunteer in 2021 and became an advisor in 2022. She is committed to increasing access to education, resources, and financial knowledge within the community and believes informed decisions create long-term stability and growth.
Expert Guidance
Our Advisors
Kim Jackson-Matthews
Health & Wellness Advisor
Kim brings deep expertise in health and wellness to Project
EDUCATE, guiding the organization’s FED and BLOOM
programs. She is also the inspiration behind the Kim
Jackson-Matthews RISE Scholarship, which reinvests in
students’ education and expands the organization’s impact
beyond immediate relief.
Sherrie Thomas
Business Development Advisor
Sherrie provides strategic business development guidance
to Project EDUCATE, helping the organization build
sustainable partnerships, expand its funding base, and
grow its operational capacity to serve more individuals in
the LA County unhoused community.
Orlance Shirley
Executive Assistant
Orlance advises on the design and development of Project
EDUCATE’s flagship programs, ensuring they are evidence-
informed, community-centered, and effectively structured
to deliver meaningful, measurable impact for the
individuals and families they serve.
Governance
Board of Directors
LaTanya Sherman
Chief Executive Officer
LaTonya Reliford
President
Evynn Davis
Vice President
Trenece Crawford-Bridgett
Secretary
Kim Jackson-Matthews
Advisor — Health & Wellness
Sherrie Thomas
Advisor — Business Development