Meet the UASC International Team
“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go FAR, go together.”
-African Proverb
Carrie “Yeye” Washington
Founder/COO/Director of Operations
Yeye is the Queen Mother of the institution. The concept of Hands-On/Minds-On is anchored in her deep Gullah Geechee roots.
“My mother’s name is Alma Gathers. We were not allowed to sit around while Alma (or any adult) was working. She would say “Get your hands on something.” Her words echo so loudly in my head that now I am the one saying them! Our youth learn and retain more of what they can explore through doing; making UASC International an institution of observation, then questioning, followed by research, all leading to executing. May the work I do speak for me.”
Iya Kiauntae Washington Infinite
Founder/CEO/Director of Institutional Advancement
Iya Kiauntae is a Warrior Queen who brings a unique element to the institution. She sees the divinity in all living beings and helps us all remember to remember.
“Everything in life is training, and consistency is key. I am here to assist the young warrior scholars in achieving their highest heights sooner and with less pain than previous generations. The goal is to become self-actualized individuals, and they do not need to wait until they are adults to do so. At UASC International, we are Educators pulling out the natural genius that lies within. The Bonus: in educating them we are also educating ourselves. Ubuntu!”
Umuntu, Ngamuntu, Ngabantu
A person is a person through other people.
Ubuntu
Lashia Carelle Washington
Assistant Director of Operations
As the Assistant Director at the UASC International Learning Center, Lashia embodies the pillar of Transformation. Through her efficiency, we are all bringing out the very best versions of ourselves.
Like the youth, I am transforming at the center. I believe our children are a reflection of their influences. It is paramount that we continually grow as Self-Determined individuals. Imagine a million self-determined individuals building together for the GREATER GOOD!!
Dr. Abd’Allah Kollie-Adesanya
Director of A-STEAM/Professor Emeritus
Dr. Adesanya is an independent African centered educator with over 40 years of experience. Our resident “elephant”, he is the keeper of our story. He shares his wealth of knowledge openly and with great enthusiasm with all scholars at UASC International.
“I believe that educating our children is a sacred trust. At UASC International our evolving African Centered – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math curriculum (A-STEAM) is designed to produce African destiny focused scientists and engineers, who will use their skills to build the African community. These students will help create a wonderous future for African people. Our motto is “Education for Liberation”, building a new world for our people.”
Individually we are one drop. Together, we are an OCEAN!
-RYUNOSUKE SATORO
Baba Amin Imamu Ojuok
Director of African Studies
Baba Amin was born to do exactly what he is doing! As the Director of Afrikan Studies for UASC International, he brings 29 years of Afrikan-Centered education experience to the table. With Baba Amin’s direction, the young warrior scholars are able to recall elements of our story with a precision similar to adult historians and anthropologists.
I am determined to do my best in ensuring that our students stay connected to our past while being propelled into the future.
Danielle Whaley
Educator of Bi Nka Bi
Danielle’s focus is community building and outreach. She identifies donors and funding opportunities in line with the mission and vision of the Learning Center. She also works directly with UASC Bi Nka Bi scholars on a daily basis, helping them recognize the truest and best versions of themselves.
“Our children deserve an education that teaches them beyond the books. Learning true life skills, financial knowledge, and understanding of OUR/THEIR history is just the beginning of the educational experience at UASC International Learning Center.”
Catch the Fire…and LIVE!
-SONIA SANCHEZ
Quadyrah Muhmmad
Director of Omoluwabi
As the Director of Omoluwabi “Omo”, our wise and precious young ones, Mama Quadyrah thrives in her element. She is teaching the Omo Class to be self-actualizing beings who are self-directed. With the help of awesome parents to support her leadership and bolster her efforts at home, she is grateful to be a part of such a phenomenal learning institution.
“Working with Omo’s Class is peace to my soul. Educating them through Kujichagulia (Montessori) Instruction brings energy, love, and inspiration to our children, giving them with the confidence and skills to learn on their own.”
Aisha Lake
Educator of Omoluwabi
As the Educator of Omoluwabi “Omo”, our wise and precious young ones, Aisha shines effortlessly. She knows that the only limitations are the ones we place on ourselves, so there is no such thing as a UASC Scholar being too young. She simply exposes them to new experiences and allows them to choose which ones speak to their individual spirits.
“The Universe reveals its secrets to those who dare to follow their hearts.”
-INFINITE WATERS
Venecia Rickenbacker
Educator of The Healing Arts & Sciences
Venecia is a walking, talking Work of ART! She vibrates on 432Hz, the Frequency of Nature, and she radiates healing earth tones to all she encounters. Her love of music and instruments are inspired by rhythms and melodies from all over the World, and the youth at UASC International get to go along for the fantastic voyage.
“The Universe breathes in rhythm creating natural melodies that move through us and into everything else. My goal is to deeper connect our scholars to their natural rhythm and the rhythms of the world around us. This understanding will further their appreciation and development as musicians and music lovers.”
Kendra Washington-Sutton
Education Consultant/Bursar
As the Accountant/Bursar, Kendra provides leadership and direction for tuition and fee structure, financial aid resources, billing and receivables, and payments. Working in concert with the founders, she is the custodian of institutional funds.
As the Education Consultant, Kendra advises the educators, parents, and administrators; assesses education standards, classroom policies, grades and test scores, and assists in implementing changes to curriculum based on the data collected.
“I believe strongly in education and consider myself a lifelong learner. It is my hope to inspire the staff and students at UASC International to keep learning and thirsting for knowledge.”
“Many hands make light work.”
-African Proverb