Rose is a talent strategist and program practitioner having dedicated her entire career to the academic and professional growth and development of people and communities. By finding and focusing on the intersectionality between intellect, intentionality, and integrity she has led lasting change in the education, nonprofit, and social services sectors for over 15 years. Rose earned a B.S. in Health Promotion at Texas Woman’s University and then went on to earn her MBA with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. Prior to joining Education Opens Doors, she led the DFW market as Site Director of a national social impact nonprofit and directed the creation of allied health workforce educational pathways and programs, developed curriculum and training platforms for faculty and students, and drove student-centered success and equity strategy at a local community college, Dallas College.

In her spare time, she mentors West Dallas youth through her budding nonprofit, SEA of Possibilities, enjoys playing with dinosaurs and sea animals with her grandson, and reads every single book related to joy, wellness, and industrial-organizational psychology.

James Jesse currently serves as Managing Director of Growth & Development for Education Opens Doors. For over 15 years, James has been a leader in the college access space. In his prior work, he co-founded an educational nonprofit organization, building multiple programs from the ground up, and leading high-achieving teams. James has been honored with multiple awards from community organizations and, most recently, from his alma mater for his contributions to the community. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hardin-Simmons University in English and Philosophy, and he will finish his Master of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in Nonprofit Leadership this year.

Both a first-generation high school graduate and first-generation college graduate, James has dedicated his life to helping low-income youth and adults achieve a college education. He is a passionate advocate for equity for people of color and for LGBT individuals, and he thrives in building relationships with others, advocating for partnerships, and coaching people for growth.

When he is not volunteering at his church, you can find James enjoying Korean food with his wife Mary and three children, or planning his next family vacation.

When I was in middle school, I wanted to be…

an author.

A Texas native, Ramon experienced social challenges and barriers living in low socioeconomic communities during his adolescence.  During this period, Ramon was able to access community resources and social programs that played an instrumental role in helping him overcome these social disparities.  This lived experience galvanized him to give back to his community through his work, just as his community gave to him.  He has dedicated his career to serving alongside organizations that work to rebuild, nourish, and provide equal access to underserved communities.  Before joining Education Opens Doors, Ramon worked with organizations to create social impact by fighting against hunger insecurities, providing social programs, and supporting social justice movements. Ramon works to ensure the influential social programs that supported his development as a youth continue to be present and profound with today’s youth and future generations.

Ramon is the son of a proud immigrant family.  He will find any excuse to eat and cookout with family and friends.  He enjoys all outdoor adventures, including hiking, camping, biking, and time travel.

When I was in middle school, I wanted to be…

A music producer

Nia is excited to continue to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth community as our Senior Implementation Manager to help provide educational access to all students and empower the next generation of leaders. Prior to joining the EOD team, Nia professionally worked as a single-gender educator in Dallas, Tx. In 2016, she began her career in education as a DFW Teach for America corps member teaching 8th grade English language arts and reading for 2 years.  Upon leaving 8th grade she continued teaching scholars reading and language arts from grades 5 to first. Through her experiences working with students from diverse backgrounds and populations, one thing has remained evident: education opens the door for opportunities for others to live out their purpose. She whole-heartedly believes that the gift of knowledge and understanding of opportunities and one’s own potential, ignites their ability to walk in their God-given purpose. Nia has experience developing student-centered curriculum, creating and leading adult professional development, as well as mentoring new teachers.

Maxi Bratcher currently serves as Senior Advancement Associate at Education Opens Doors. Before joining Education Opens Doors, Maxi worked at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in the resource development department. She worked as a corporate relations manager. She developed and managed account strategies for multiple corporate partners increasing revenue through employee-giving campaigns, volunteer engagement, sponsorships, and significant, mid-level, and corporate gifts.

Maxi received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship, Venture Management, and Marketing from The University of Oklahoma. Her minor areas of study focused on nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations, and African-American Studies. Maxi is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Drexel University. She is a Texas native and has multiple lifelong educators in her family. She enjoys traveling and exploring the globe (visited all seven continents) to help understand and bridge cultures. To live her life as a reflection of her passion, Maxi loves assisting others in reaching their full potential.

Alexzandria Ijeh is honored and delighted to join Education Opens Doors as an Implementation Manager. She is excited to continue to collaborate with the great teachers of the DFW metroplex. It is her hope, that by providing students with enriching, strategic, and data proven road maps to success, then many will pursue the
postsecondary choices that are best for them and their future.

With over 12 years experience as a general elementary education teacher in public education, specifically in Title I schools, Alex truly understands the value of the role in our community. This experience led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Affairs
from the University of Texas at Dallas where she was able to enhance her passion for education policy. From there, she continued her career serving as a Dean of Academics overseeing all best teaching practices and strategies for teachers in grades 3-5 with a specific focus in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. As a
product of public schools, her desire to research and interpret long-term goals for education in urban areas, to be at the helm of creating new policies and procedures for our students is what she knows that she is here to do. She believes her educational background and research project experience has instilled in her to meet the rigor of this demanding profession.

When I was in middle school, I wanted to be…

a fantasy writer or ballet dancer.

Phil Ward is excited to continue to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth community as the Manager of Learning & Development with Education Opens Doors, supporting teachers in equipping their students with the awareness, knowledge, and skills they need to become the next generation of leaders and world changers.

Prior to joining the team at EOD, Phil worked as an facilitator and program manager, equipping and training young adults on soft skill development and life skills, while empowering them to walk boldly into Fortune 500 companies through internships that led to gainful employment. While his experiences working with students from different backgrounds and socio-economic populations has varied, he has held firm to the belief that elevation and empowerment isn’t just tied to purpose, it’s tied to perspective. He aspires to not just “open doors”, but open the eyes of as many people as possible, encouraging them that while opportunity is not always created equally, determination and will are, and they never have to settle for being defined by the situations or circumstances they may have been born in. For over a decade, Phil’s life mission has allowed him countless opportunities in the areas of curriculum development, facilitation, people empowerment and life coaching and has resulted in creating a ripple effect that will profoundly impact this community and beyond for generations to come.

when i was in middle school, i wanted to be…

The starting Point Guard for the Los Angeles Lakers!

Lisa Carrillo serves as the Manager of Operations for Education Opens Doors. Lisa began her path in education as a teacher’s assistant, where she gained extensive love for educators and student support. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Lisa saw first hand the disadvantages in lower-income communities and communities of color. With a life goal to make a measurable difference in the lives of our future leaders, this led Lisa to shift her career out of the classroom but still offer her support in education in a different capacity. With nearly 10 years of administration experience, Lisa served as the Executive Assistant in a Post-Secondary and Early College department. She understands the importance and focus that all students deserve the opportunity to have access and exposure to the college-going process, attain a postsecondary degree, and be able to secure a meaningful career. She has had the opportunity to serve and assist campus leadership staff, develop and maintain positive relations with a variety of stakeholders, as well as developed  knowledge of operational strategy and financial account management. Lisa wholeheartedly believes that all students deserve the opportunity to pursue their limitless potential, regardless of their race, gender-identity, ability or background.

When I was in middle school, I wanted to be…

A photographer – “Photography is an austere and blazing poetry of the real.” – Ansel Adams.

Tianna François serves as the Manager of Human Resources at Education Opens Doors. She is responsible for coordinating all HR administrative activities including talent acquisition and employee relations. She also leads culture, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for the organization.

Prior to joining Education Opens Doors, Tianna, who is originally from California, worked for the State of California as a HR Professional. She led the Employee Recognition and Engagement program as a part of the Corporate HR Culture department. She also was integral in supporting the Employee Assistance Program, the Corporate Social Responsibility team and was a lead member for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. She is driven by her passion for creating and cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. She believes that diversity empowers people to bring forth their best ideas which leads the way towards innovation.

Tianna received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial- Organizational Psychology from CSU Sacramento and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

When I was in middle school, I wanted to be…

The President or a CEO

Christine Vu serves as the Senior Manager of Partnerships at Education Opens Doors. She is a first-generation college graduate and received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Masters in Marketing from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Christine has always had a passion for education and the opportunities it provides. After starting her career in the private sector, Christine decided to dedicate her efforts toward combating social disparities and focused on education. She is an AmeriCorps alum and served in Title I schools, leading literacy programs for underserved students and communities in Dallas. She continued her work in Title I schools managing education programs for multiple schools across the Dallas metroplex focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Christine believes in the power of community and in the ability we all have to transform lives. She enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, and taking road trips with her dogs and husband.

WHEN I WAS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL, I WANTED TO BE…

an entrepreneur

Devon Lockard, M.Ed., is the Data Manager at Education Opens Doors. Devon’s education background started out with a position as a physics and math teacher in a high-needs school in Wichita, Kansas where he conducted a mentorship program targeting Black male students and coached Track and Field. He later became a program director for a TRIO college access program that targets low-income and first generation students before he relocated to Dallas and taught math in Dallas Public Schools. Devon gained experiences in education research as an assistant data scientist at the University of Oklahoma finding ways to improve campus policies to increase retention, as well as being a research assistant at Southern Methodist University delving into student debt and teachers of color in the labor market. Devon holds a passion for youth development and mentorship as a previous board member and program advisor for a non-profit focused on college access for Black male students.

Devon Lockard received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education: Physics from Wichita State University and also completed a Master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education: Institutional Research from the University of Oklahoma. Devon is currently a Ph.D. student in Education at Southern Methodist University with research focuses in econometrics and access, retention, and success of underrepresented populations.

when i was in middle school, i wanted to be…

An astronomer.

Jayda Batchelder is the founder and former CEO of Education Opens Doors. Jayda was inspired to create Education Opens Doors in 2012 while working as a Teach For America corps member at a high need middle school in Dallas, TX. It was through her work as an award-winning science teacher that she realized content mastery alone did not adequately prepare her students for success. She searched for a resource or program to meet this need, and when she realized one did not exist, she developed the Roadmap to Success student manual. In 2012 she left the classroom to launch Education Opens Doors to expand student access to the Roadmap to Success.

Jayda’s work in the college access sphere has garnered her a number of accolades. In 2015, Jayda was named a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Dallas Business Journal. In 2016, she was selected as a Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Entrepreneur and in 2017 was selected as a Marshall Memorial Fellow. Most recently she was honored as an inaugural recipient of the I Stand for Parkland Community First Award.

When I was in middle school, I wanted to be…

I wanted to be a marine biologist (funny because I lived in a landlocked state) or a veterinarian!