Thomas Jefferson, Ph.D., Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Jefferson currently serves as the Education Program Liaison at Akron Children’s Hospital. He oversees the hospital’s partnership with Akron Public Schools, specifically with North High School, to enhance the experiences of students in the Akron Children’s Hospital Academy of Health and Human Services.

Prior this role, Dr. Jefferson worked with TRIO Upward Bound at Kent State University for nearly 10 years serving first-generation and low-income college-bound high school students. Dr. Jefferson was active in statewide and regional leadership organizations serving as Ohio TRIO president and founding chair/organizer of the EOA Men of Excellence Conference.

Dr. Jefferson earned his bachelor's from Mount Union College (2003). His Master's degree (2005) and doctorate (2020) are both from Kent State. He lives in Ohio with his wife and two children.

 
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Tara Pringle Jefferson, MA, Chief Marketing Officer

Since 2010, Tara has helmed a boutique communications consultancy, with a focus on social media strategy, writing, and editing. Some of her clients have included the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center, Createspace, and the Higher Education Alliance for Advocates of Students with Children. She has also served as Senior Copy Editor for CL magazine.

She has also served as a public relations associate at the Cleveland Foundation, responsible for the daily oversight and management of the foundation’s website, intranet and social media presence. She also provided communications support for the foundation’s responsive grantmaking and affiliated programs.

Tara has received two degrees from Kent State University, earning a bachelor’s in magazine journalism and her master’s in human development and family studies. In 2016, the university recognized her as a distinguished alumna for her work in the community with young mothers and women.

Board of Directors

  • Kimesha Flornoy, Junior Achievement

    I joined the foundation because I believe in it's mission and it aligns with my personal values. With my connections and experience, I believe that I can help execute change and help first-generation students succeed. I believe in the power of education and I believe it should be accessible for all.

  • Sonya Williams, Kent State University

    I am the first person in my family to graduate from college; I am duty-bound to reach back to other first generation students and organizations. Dr. Jefferson is a shining star that I will follow as he leads the work of educating our first generation students!

  • Mike Mitchum, University of Cincinnati

    I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of young people who are leading the way for their families by way of example. As one of the first people to go to college in my family, I know the challenges that come along with those trailblazing activities and not having a village behind you with sufficient experience to help you avoid pitfalls and navigate this new realm.

  • Bobby W. Jefferson Jr., MGI Computers

    My advice to students is to take the time to listen to people that have been on the path you're getting ready to take! Most of us are trying to save you from mistakes that we made.

  • Elizabeth Sinclair, Kent State University

    My advice to students is that YOU must be your primary focus. Never let anyone or anything dissuade you from moving forward and upward, and, never lose sight of the prize - your college degree. And, advocate for yourself with emotional intelligence.

  • Ameeca Holmes, ConexusNEO

    A passion of mine is youth development. I enjoy providing supports to students embarking on their new life journey of entering college. I value education and wish to see everyone succeed.

  • Tasha Ledrich, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

    I joined the Board for the Jefferson Family Foundation because I believe in supporting youth in their journey to be the best that they can be. The opportunity to learn through the formal processes of high school and secondary education is unfortunately not afforded to all students equally. I hope that by being on the board, I can first learn from my fellow board members and secondly provide support to students who are seeking to continue their education beyond high school.