The SOAR Institute

Not every student lacks potential, many just lack access, guidance, and clarity.

At the SOAR Institute, we’re changing that.

We’re helping students move from uncertainty to real, actionable plans for college, careers, and life, equipping them with the confidence and skills to lead their own futures.

Your support doesn’t just “help”, it creates opportunity.

Scan the code. Invest in a student. Be part of what comes next.

We’re officially live.

The SOAR Institute website is now up. You can explore our work, our programming, and what we’re building for students.

This is just the start.

Visit the link in our bio.

We’re proud to welcome Dr. Brittany Chambers as Board Chair of the SOAR Institute.

Dr. Chambers is an education research scientist and Research Consultant with the Morehouse College HBCU STEM-US Research Center, bringing over a decade of experience driving impact across K–12 and higher education.

Her work spans teaching, research, strategic planning, and leadership development where she has consistently been recognized for advancing inclusive learning environments and empowering diverse teams.

As Board Chair, Dr. Chambers will help guide SOAR’s vision and strategy as we continue building pathways for students to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

Please join us in welcoming her to the SOAR Board of Directors.

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We’re proud to welcome Cyrus Brown as Vice Chair of the SOAR Institute Board of Directors.

Cyrus is a senior Biology major at Morehouse College and a student leader deeply committed to youth development and community empowerment. From founding the Morehouse Transfer Student Association to leading across multiple cultural organizations, he has built a strong track record of leadership and service.

He brings hands-on experience working with students ages 3–18, including roles in college readiness, mentorship, and national HBCU tours.

As a future pediatrician, Cyrus is dedicated to serving Black women and children in underrepresented communities bringing both vision and lived commitment to SOAR’s mission.

Please join us in welcoming him to the board.

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We’re proud to welcome Kannette King to the SOAR Institute Board of Directors.

Kannette is a Movement Policy Associate at the Southern Center for Human Rights, where she works to advance justice and challenge the criminalization of race and poverty across the Deep South.

A native of Southeast Georgia, she is deeply committed to uplifting the voices and lived experiences of Black Southern communities—especially young people whose stories are often overlooked.

Her work spans youth justice advocacy, organizing, and global policy. In 2025, she presented testimony before the United Nations on behalf of young Black women and girls across the diaspora—contributing to recommendations now being implemented internationally.

Kannette joins SOAR with a powerful commitment to youth leadership, storytelling, and building systems rooted in justice and community.

Please join us in welcoming her to the board.

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We’re proud to welcome Davan’te Jennings to the SOAR Institute Board of Directors.

Davan’te is a Georgia-based community organizer and Youth Organizing Director with a deep commitment to expanding civic participation and developing the next generation of leaders.

As a father and blue-collar advocate, his work focuses on rebuilding local civic infrastructure, launching training programs, and creating real pathways into public service—especially in underrepresented and rural communities.

Through initiatives like Blue Roots, he is helping ensure that every community has the opportunity to grow its own leaders.

Davan’te joins SOAR with a focus on leadership development, community engagement, and building systems that last beyond a single moment.

Please join us in welcoming him to the board.

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We’re excited to welcome Joshua Pryor to the SOAR Institute Board of Directors.

Joshua is an Account Executive at Orion Worldwide and a professional strategist and entrepreneur with a passion for building brands and bringing ideas to life.

With experience across music, media, and culture, he specializes in turning insight into campaigns that resonate and connect with diverse audiences.

Joshua joins SOAR with a focus on strengthening our brand, expanding our reach, and helping us tell our story in ways that truly connect.

Please join us in welcoming him to the board.

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We’re proud to welcome Dr. Cristy Jones to the SOAR Institute Board of Directors.

Dr. Jones is a scholar-practitioner with expertise in organizational development, education policy, and workforce development across K–12, higher education, and nonprofit sectors.

She brings extensive experience leading large-scale initiatives focused on leadership development, employee engagement, and building effective, high-impact organizations.

Her work centers on equity, organizational culture, and expanding opportunities for historically underrepresented communities.

Dr. Jones joins SOAR with a commitment to strengthening systems, advancing inclusive leadership, and helping us build for long-term impact.

Please join us in welcoming her to the board.

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We’re proud to welcome Mercedes Tiggs to the SOAR Institute Board of Directors.

Mercedes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), educator, professor, and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing mental health, holistic healing, and community empowerment.

As a proud former foster youth, she has transformed her lived experience into a powerful platform for advocacy and innovation—most notably through her work in culinary therapy.

Mercedes joins SOAR with a deep commitment to supporting the whole student, ensuring young people are equipped not just academically, but emotionally and mentally as they navigate their futures.

Please join us in welcoming her to the board.

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We’re excited to welcome Mercedes Tiggs to the SOAR Institute Board of Directors!

Mercedes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), educator, and social entrepreneur who is deeply committed to mental health, healing, and community empowerment.

As a former foster youth, she has turned her lived experience into a powerful force for change—advocating for others and creating innovative approaches to healing, including her work in culinary therapy.

Her passion for supporting people holistically aligns closely with SOAR’s mission to prepare students not just academically, but for life.

Join us in welcoming Mercedes to the SOAR family!

We’re excited to welcome Kenton McNeal to the SOAR Institute Board of Directors!

Kenton is a hospitality strategist and MBA candidate at The Wharton School with experience in consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship. He has worked with organizations like Airbnb and Deloitte, helping teams think through growth, strategy, and large-scale operations.

He is also the founder of As You Are, a hospitality start-up that has hosted thousands of guests across major cities and built a strong, growing community.

Kenton is passionate about building innovative systems and experiences, and he brings that same energy to SOAR as we continue expanding our work with students.

Join us in welcoming Kenton to the SOAR family!

We're continuing to build something powerful, and we need your support.

At the SOAR Institute, we're helping high school students turn uncertainty into clear, intentional plans for college, careers, and life. Through our programming, students aren't just thinking about their future; they're actively building it.

Your support can help cover program materials, student resources, and the foundational costs to grow SOAR.

Every dollar helps us move closer to impact.

If you believe in preparing students for life after high school, we invite you to support us using the link below.

https://linktr.ee/SOARINSTITUTE