OUR TEAM
Meet the team dedicated to dismantling the cradle-to-prison pipeline.
Regina Walter
Founder
Pioneering Equitable Justice through Community Engagement
Embodying the spirit of service, Judge Regina Walter (retired) has dedicated her life to making a difference. With an illustrious judicial career spanning over three decades, she held esteemed positions as a juvenile magistrate, county court judge, and deputy public defender.
It was during her time on the bench that Judge Walter confronted unsettling data highlighting the disproportionate and harsh prosecution of children of color. Driven by self-reflection, she founded the Minority Overrepresentation Committee and Educating Children of Color, fostering community unity and awareness about prevailing biases and unjust judgments.
Dr. Marissa Prince
Executive Director
Nurturing Growth and Healing Paths to Success
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Dr. Marissa Prince is a Colorado native and spent the majority of her youth in Fountain, Colorado. She is a first-generation American, as well as, a first-generation college graduate. She was a teen mother and acted out violently throughout her youth. As an adult Marissa recognized the gap in culturally inclusive programming. Therefore, her mission became to be the person she needed when she was young.
Marissa has spent her career working in higher education, inpatient facilities, and providing mental health services for foster care children. She is excited to continue her work with Leadership Academy, and hopes to assist our youth and college mentors in their growth, ultimately dismantling the cradle-to-prison pipeline.
Collette Ochoa
Program and Analysis Manager
supporting youth through creativity and impactful outreach
Collette Ochoa is a public sector leader in training with a strong foundation in sociology and diversity studies. After earning her AA from Pikes Peak State College and her BS and Diversity Studies certificate from CSU-Pueblo, she transitioned into advanced leadership studies at Adams State University. Collette is currently pursuing her MPA and a Public Sector Leadership certificate (exp. Dec 2026). Combining three years of educational experience with a passion for systemic improvement, she focuses on the intersection of social equity and efficient public governance.
Azzy Hampton
Outreach and Operations Coordinator
Creating Connections, Expanding possibilities
Azzy is a recent Colorado College graduate with a background in Business, Economics, and Society and a passion for nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and educational equity. During her time at Colorado College, she became deeply involved in student leadership and community-based work, serving as a co-chair of Black Student Union and Black Women @ CC and working with Mobile Arts, a local arts nonprofit focused on expanding access to creative opportunities.
Through her work in the nonprofit sector, Azzy has developed experience in program coordination, event planning, communications, and building relationships across community organizations. She is excited to bring these experiences to Educating Children of Color and support programs that create opportunities for young people to learn, lead, and see themselves as an important part of their communities.
Board Members
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Cynthia Jacquet
President
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AP Sierra HS | B.A. in Biology minor in Sociology University of Rhode Island | Received Principal Licensure and master's in Educational Leadership Program at UCCS
Kriselda Craven
Director of Development
BA in Anthropology @ UT San Antonio | MS in Curriculum & Instruction @ WGU | PhD in Educational Leadership Research & Policy @ UCCS (expected May 2025) | Bilingual K-5 Educator of 10 years in TX, WA, and CO | Federal Grant Manager at Colorado Department of Education's Schools of Choice Unit
Michelle Guinto
Secretary
Originally from Ohio, I have called Colorado home since 2006. For the past 12 years, I’ve served as a secondary English teacher in Colorado Springs. I am deeply committed to helping young people recognize their potential and reach their goals, with a particular passion for supporting children of color.
Charmaine Lloyd-Skinner
Treasurer
10+ years working in Social Services | El Paso County Dept. of Human Services employee | Caseworker Supervisor in Child Youth Family Services| Enrolled in Masters of Human Services Program at Purdue University Global
Tianna Smith
Scholarship Development
Tianna serves as a high school teacher and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for The Haven School in Widefield School District 3. Tianna Smith is a dedicated, enthusiastic, and outgoing educator with more than 27 years of experience serving students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Walat Gozeh
College Representative
Political Science Student at University of Colorado Colorado Springs | President-Elect, UCCS Student Government Association | CS World Affairs Council Intern | Committed to Public Policy, International Relations & Community Impact
WaKiem Brock
Board Member
WaKiem Brock serves on the Board of Directors for ECOC. With over 20 years of experience in adult and juvenile corrections following a military career, WaKiem brings a deep understanding of systemic challenges and a commitment to equity-driven solutions. His work centers on creating community-based interventions that reduce incarceration and promote long-term wellness for BIPOC youth and families.
Keesha Lewis
Board Member
Keesha Lewis is a professional truck driver manager. She has served on the parents and students board advisory communities for Peak Education and will be a candidate for the board of education for Harrison School District 2 for this school year.
William Sanders Sr.
Board Member
William Sanders Sr. is a dedicated education leader and advocate with over 22 years of experience in special education, behavioral support, and community development. William Sanders is the CEO of ADWO Behavioral Services (ADWOcares.com) and the owner of Icing on the Cake in Colorado Springs (iotcfan.com)
Carla Brown
Board Member
Carla Brown is a U.S. Army veteran, Director of Culture & Care at On-Site Medical Care, Founder and Artistic Director of Hue & Who LLC, and a theatre artist and educator. A parent of two young artists and MFA Theatre candidate at Randolph College, Carla is passionate about creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Stephanie Méndez
Board Member
Stephanie Méndez is a Latina professional who is passionate about giving back to her community and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need support and opportunities. Through her background in Talent Acquisition, she has developed strong skills in building relationships, connecting with people from different backgrounds, and creating meaningful professional connections. She is passionate about creating opportunities, supporting underserved communities, and helping others feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Equity
Fueling the fire of justice and closing opportunity gaps for all people.
Empowerment
Igniting resilience, courage, and endless possibilities.
Education
Illuminating minds, unlocking potential, and paving brighter pathways.
Our Impact
With the help of the partners, donors, volunteers, and more
we have been reaching new heights as an organization. It is important we practice maximum transparency as we expand our horizons to reach more students, educators, and other professionals across Colorado's education landscape.
While it is challenging to measure the actual, intrinsic impact we are making on the lives of our participants, we are proud to report these metrics:
44
Major Sponsors in 2026
We pride ourselves in the partnerships we make with corporate entities and foundations across the state. With their help our fight to dismantle the cradle-to-prison pipeline through education becomes more attainable.
$786k
Awarded Scholarship Funds
Our scholarship fund continues to grow year after year, and, to date, we've granted close to $786,000 in scholarship funds to students who attend our Annual Summit Conference.
1,000+
2026 Summit Participants
Between the 100+ volunteers, 80+ speakers, and over 1,000 participants (big and small) our Summit was comprised of more than 1,000 people — learning about our mission and how to accomplish our vision.
