School Leader and Founder

Dr. Christine Keck is a visionary PK–12 educator and school leader with over a decade of experience in school turnarounds and innovative model design. A Teach For America alumna and graduate of Vanderbilt, Columbia University, and the University of Rochester, she is the founder of The Meliora School, a proposed 6th–12th grade charter in Gwinnett County. Her career includes achieving 100% teacher retention at Harbins Prep, coaching leaders at Columbia University, and contributing research on AI in education, positioning her as a thought leader committed to schools where students and educators thrive.

Board Chair

Polly Flinch, Esq., is a highly accomplished legal professional with a diverse background in both law, psychology, and marketing. She graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she developed a deep understanding of legal principles and a commitment to excellence. Polly also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Rochester, which has provided her with a unique understanding of human behavior, communication, and decision-making. Drawing on her strong academic foundation, Polly has built a successful career as in-house counsel, providing strategic legal advice to a global organization and navigating complex legal and business matters with precision. Prior to her legal career, Polly spent eight years in the marketing field, where she developed expertise in strategy, communication, and problem-solving. This unique blend of legal acumen and marketing experience equips Polly with a well-rounded skill set that allows her to approach challenges from both a legal and business-minded perspective. 

Vice Chair

A proud graduate of Spelman College (B.A. in Psychology) and Columbia University’s Teachers College (M.A. in Organizational Leadership), Lakeesha is deeply committed to community impact and educational equity. She is a LEAD Atlanta Class of 2020 alum and a former Miles Family Fellow. Lakeesha was named Assistant Principal of the Year for Atlanta Public Schools and continues to champion excellence and innovation across the K–12 pipeline. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her family and attending local festivals.

Treasurer

Lydia Hollon is the Senior Associate Director of Research & Policy at Waypoint Education Partners, where she helps states, school systems, and nonprofits design family-centered tools, conduct family and student-oriented research, and craft communications that make student learning clearer and more actionable. Her recent work includes partnering with organizations such as Learning Heroes, National PTA, Charter School Growth Fund, and state education agencies such as Virginia Department of Education to improve how families understand academic progress, school quality, and student well-being. In addition to her consulting work, Lydia serves as a senior college advisor, supporting high school students across the country as they navigate selective admissions, financial aid, and the transition to college and career. She began her career as a classroom teacher in elementary and high school settings, an experience that grounds her belief that every policy and innovation must make sense to the students and families it is meant to serve. Lydia also serves on the board of Free to Be Collective, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on literacy, community, and belonging for Black women. She holds a B.A. in Politics from New York University and an M.A. in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Lydia lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and daughter (as well as a dog and two cats that she considers her bonus kids) and is passionate about mastery-based learning, college and career readiness, and meaningful family engagement that extends beyond the bell.

Board Member

Laila Hooda is the founder of Vision Beyond Horizons and author of Teaching with Intention, a book that empowers educators to lead with clarity, equity, and purpose. She brings together an MBA in HR, dual master’s degrees in Teaching and Education from UCL-IOE, and certifications from Emory University to blend academic rigor with visionary practice. Her career spans Pakistan, the UAE, Australia, Uganda and the U.S., where she has led restructuring initiatives, mentored educators, and advised nonprofits on organizational change. Known for translating abstract principles into actionable strategies, Laila seeks to inspire clarity and purpose in education and leadership.

Board Member

Zenat is a dedicated community outreach and health educator holding a Master’s in Public Health from Chamberlain University in Illinois. With a background that includes a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Bangladesh, she has worked in both profit and non-profit organizations, championing the needs of vulnerable and displaced populations. Her passion for community involvement drives her participation in various events, while her personal time is devoted to family, gardening, movies, and arts and crafts with her daughter.

Board Member

Dr. Darleny Cepin serves as Senior Associate Dean of Campus Life and Chief Student Affairs Officer at Oxford College of Emory University. Her work focuses on student development, belonging, and holistic wellbeing, with an emphasis on creating environments where students thrive academically and personally. She brings extensive leadership experience in higher education, strategic planning, and student engagement, and is passionate about building strong educational partnerships that bridge secondary and higher education. Dr. Cepin is recognized for her student-centered approach, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to cultivating community and purpose through education.