Meet our Board
Our Board of Directors is a powerful collective of visionary leaders committed to protecting, strengthening, and advancing Sankofa. Through strategic leadership, courageous stewardship, and a shared belief in what is possible for our students and community, they help ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our organization.
Christena Wilkerson
Board Chair
"Christena Wilkerson, MSEd, LMHC I am a native of Charlotte, NC but a resident of Indiana for 19 years. I was given the assignment as a counselor at the early age of 16 providing a safe space for family and friends to talk. I received my Master of Science in Education and Allied Professions with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. During the support staff who provide behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and adults; in addition to providing direct care for various populations.
Edward Rogers
Board Member
Edward has worked in community outreach roles for several organizations, including Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Indiana University Health, and Indiana State University. He has a
Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration from Indiana State University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Edward has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Catch the Stars Foundation, Inc. He is currently enrolled in Rise Indy’s Circle City Leaders program and is set to graduate on January 31st. This program has
helped him develop his skills and knowledge in educational leadership advocacy efforts aimed
at improving educational resources and enhancing the quality of schools within the Indianapolis
community.
Mosopefoluwa Ladapo
Board Member
Mosopefoluwa (So-pay Lah-do-po) is an Indianapolis-based attorney and community advocate shaped by a life lived between London, Lagos, and the Midwest. After nearly a decade in Indianapolis and as a proud graduate of both IUPUI and the IU McKinney School of Law he’s deeply invested in the city’s future and passionate about expanding what’s possible for young people. A lifelong sports enthusiast with a strong interest in exercise science, he believes in the power of movement, discipline, and teamwork to build confident, resilient students. As he joins the board of the Sankofa School of Success, he brings a global perspective, a commitment to equity, and a genuine excitement for creating learning environments where creativity, curiosity, and whole-person development thrive.
Haley Nagila
Board Member
Haley Nagila is a dedicated fundraising professional with experience across nonprofit and public sectors. She is currently a Grants Officer at IU Health Foundation, securing foundation and corporate funds and cultivating key funding partnerships to support impactful community initiatives across Indiana. She approaches her work through the lens of community-centric fundraising, prioritizing equity, collaboration, and accountability to the communities she serves.
She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Manchester University. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and has been a member of the Grant Professionals Association and its local Indiana chapter since 2020.
Dr. Michelle Brittain-Watts
Education Chair
Dr. Michelle Brittain-Watts is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer for Edison School of
the Arts, Inc. Edison School of the Arts, Inc. is just one of the in-network innovation schools partnered
with Indianapolis Public Schools. Edison is a visual and performing arts integration model where there is a commitment to integrating arts into the core curriculum, fostering creativity and a lifelong
appreciation for the arts.
Dr. Michelle holds two master’s degrees in Education Administration and Community Psychology and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Superintendency.
Deneen Guess
Board Member
Intrinsically motivated Sr. Human Resources leader with 20+ years of experience delivering results on a diverse range of human resources business goals; adept at identifying motivated associates and providing professional development for advancement; lead as a developer of programs to enhance corporate culture and employee engagement; skilled at processing technical / business information and advising business leaders on decision making.
Cristen Moore
Board Member
Cristen has over a decade of experience in public policy and community engagement. She provides strategic guidance across stakeholder groups to advance impact through equitable policies for communities of color with an expertise in increasing educational attainment. A trusted thought partner and committed collaborator, Cristen works to bridge the gap between public policy and the communities it effects, prioritizing an intentional commitment to social justice, diversity, racial equity and inclusion.
A proud graduate and advocate of a historical black college, Cristen received her Bachelor’s from Howard University and also earned her Master’s of Public Administration from George Washington University. Cristen is an Indianapolis, Indiana native, a dog mom and an aunt to four nephews and one niece. She currently resides in Indianapolis’ St.Clair Place neighborhood and enjoys patronizing the local restaurants and shops.
Shannon Mitchell
Board Member
Chef Shannon Mitchell brings more than 30 years of culinary leadership across large-scale banquet production, hospitality, and school food service.
As Culinary Director at A Longer Table, she oversees the design and implementation of scratch-made, culturally relevant menus that balance nutrition, student appeal, and compliance.
Shannon leads staff training and culinary development for the Next Course Cafeterias
program, building systems that elevate both kitchen operations and community impact. She holds an A.S. in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from the Florida Culinary Institute and has completed continuing education at the Culinary Institute of America with concentrations in Global Cuisine and Menu Messaging and Design.
Karen Anillo
Fundraising Chair
Ms. Anillo was born in St. Louis, MO, but raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Following graduation from the University of Georgia with a BBA degree, she has spent her entire professional career in banking.
Most recently, Ms. Anillo joined Old National Bank’s Financial Empowerment group that goes into schools to help students understand the importance of how to manage money; banking; setting goals, and budgets. Ms. Anillo is married with three children and adapting to being an empty nester. Ms. Anillo earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The University of Georgia and a Law Degree from Georgia State University College of Law.
Keely Hughes
Board Member
Keely Hughes currently serves as the Clean Energy Director Workforce Development for The JPI Group. She started her career in manufacturing Renewable Energy, battery & mobile storage systems, where she served as Executive Assistant, president, CEO, while maintaining her HR responsibilities.
Additionally, Keely served as the Women’s Resource Group Membership Chair, established the African American Resource Group as well as the Young Professional Group. Keely has been an active supporter, volunteer and member of both the national and local Indiana American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) chapters since 2014. She served as AABE Indiana Chapter President from 2017-2019.
Dr. Kirsten McGowan
Board Member
Dr. Kirsten McGowan is a healthcare professional, strategic leader, and advocate for educational and community advancement. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and currently serves in Eli Lilly and Company’s Clinical Employee Rotational Program within Clinical Design, Delivery & Analytics.
Originally from Chicago, Dr. McGowan has dedicated her academic and professional
career to advancing health equity, improving access to care, and empowering underserved communities through education and advocacy. Her experience includes clinical research, public health outreach, and leadership roles focused on financial
stewardship, organizational strategy, and program development.
We model integrity and kindness every day. By teaching our children to be honest, respectful, and resilient, we help them build a strong foundation for a successful future.
Character
Our Staff Philosophy
Sankofa is a village. We partner closely with families and neighbors, creating an inclusive environment where every adult and child feels they truly belong and are supported.
Community
We strive for excellence in everything we do. From our intentional coaching to our innovative classroom practices, we ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve.
Quality
Our staff lives out these values to prepare our students to be influential, contributing members of their neighborhoods and communities.