Our Board of Directors are experts in their fields. Below is our Board of Directors for 2026-2027:
Courtney Jeffries is our President, Founder, and Chief Advisor for Adult Education and International Relations. He holds a B.A. in International Relations, MA in Education, and EdS in Education. As an education professional, he helps our organization create programming that teaches adults new skills that can help them in their careers and daily life. Additionally, his knowledge in international relations helps us to create partnerships with individuals from various countries and backgrounds come together to advance our mission. He has worked as an educator for 12 years. He is also a public servant, having worked positions at local libraries, the manager of a successful passport facility, assisted veterans with their benefits at the VA, and manages operations that advance science at The National Science Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, watching The Amazing Race and Traitors with friends, and spending time with his dog, Lassie.
Cody Stallworth is our Vice President and Chief Advisor for Health & Wellness. He holds a B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. As a medical professional, he is able help our team create programming that leads to the improvement of the health & wellness of the people we serve. He currently serves as a Lab Supervisor at UAB Hospital. In his free time he enjoys traveling, watching television, and playing with his dog, Sparky.
Pam Parson is our Secretary-Treasurer and Chief Advisor of Literacy Initiatives. She studied Nursing at Birmingham Southern before pursuing a career working in public libraries. Her many years of experience in the realms of accounting and finance helps us to manage the funds of our nonprofit. Her 30+ years working at Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest also helps us to provide wonderful literacy initiatives. She currently serves as the Acquisition Manager and Circulation Department Head at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. In her free time, she enjoys attending cultural events and working out to maintain good health.
Ana de Souza is our Chief Advisor of K-12 Education. She holds multiple degrees in Education. She is a teacher, instructional coach, and published author with more than 30 years of teaching experience. As an educational professional with vast experience, she is able to help our team create programming that educates children of all ages. Originally from Brazil, she also brings a diverse perspective to our planning and decision making. She currently serves as a teacher in Birmingham City Schools. In her free time, she enjoys planning engaging lessons for her ESL students.
Qasim Tajuddin is our Chief Advisor of Arts & Culture. He holds a bachelors degree in B.S. in Finance. He is a film director, producer, playwright, actor, author, motivational speaker, and finance professional. As an award-winning film director and producer, he is able to help us create programming that aids in spreading arts & culture awareness and educate people pursuing careers in this field. He currently works as a Finance Analyst for Deloitte. In his free time, he enjoys writing, going to various public events, and listening to music.
