Founding Board members for Fahari Academy Charter School represent a diverse team of New York professionals with the expertise and the commitment necessary to found, govern, and lead a charter school committed to strong and measurable outcomes for every student and operational success at every level. Members of the Founding Board share a commitment to high-quality, accountable public urban education and bring the experience necessary to build and sustain a viable organization. Members bring a commitment to the school’s mission and the capacity to create and govern a strong and viable educational institution.

Ayana M. Brooks, Esq.. is a Corporate Attorney for Arrow Electronics, Inc., and has worked in labor and employment law for the past four years. She was previously an associate at Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C., where she practiced union-side labor law representing civil service employees. She recently served for five years on the board of Hoyas Unlimited, the fundraising body for the sports teams at Georgetown University, where she earned her B.S. in Foreign Service in 2000. Ms. Brooks received her J.D. from Howard University School of Law, and resides in New York City.

Sandra J. DuPree, Ed.D. is a Brooklyn resident and is the Director of Program Quality for The After-School Corporation (TASC). She brings 14 years of experience as an educator, consultant and professor of education. Sandra Dupree, Ed.D has assisted in the development of three charter schools designing curriculum and heading one of the schools. Dr. DuPree developed and served as founding principal in Washington, D.C. and as Director of Admissions Training and Quality Assurance for New Leaders for New Schools program. Dr. DuPree earned a BA in Elementary Education at Howard University, MS in Administration and Supervision at Trinity College and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Policy at Howard University.

Mannix Gordon, M.A. is currently the Director of Economic Development for the Flatbush Development Corporation. He brings extensive experience in architecture and urban planning and expertise development economic, curricular and technological systems. Beyond his experience, Mannix is a well-regarded highly respected advocate for all of Flatbush. Mannix earned his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute.

Matthew Nelessen, B.A. is a currently the Director of Development for the American Diabetes Association. He brings ten years of non-profit and higher education philanthropic fundraising and programmatic experience to the Board. His detailed knowledge of strategic planning, philanthropy, campaign fundraising, community affairs, constituent relationship management and growth, marketing/branding and non-profit leadership will prove effective in the philanthropic development and fiscal oversight of Fahari Academy. Mr. Nelessen earned his BA from Rutgers University.

Courtney Rattenbury, M.A. is a Brooklyn resident, special educator at P.S. 743, and alumnus of the New York City Teaching Fellows Program and is currently in her fourth year as an educator for New York City Department of Education. Ms. Rattenbury brings nearly 10 years in non-profit creation and fund development including her current position as grant writing team leader for P.S. 743. As Assistant Director of Development at Michigan State University, Ms. Rattenbury secured gifts and donations that exceeded one million dollars –Ms Rattenbury earned a BA in Social Relations and MS in Philanthropy and Media from Suffolk University and MS in Special Education from the College of Staten Island.

Andréa Waite, B.A. is a native of New York City, educated in both the Catholic and public school system and currently serves as an Associate Communications Planning Director at an advertising agency where she works on strategic planning and coordinating tactical implementation for Procter & Gamble’s Bounty brands. Ms. Waite has supervised and managed marketing plans for other large corporations such as Cisco Systems and British Telecom. Before taking on her Associate Director role she worked on a variety of accounts including Hershey’s, Astra Zeneca, and American Stock Exchange. Ms. Waite earned her BA in Business Administration from Baruch College and is currently a candidate for a Masters of Science in Integrated Marketing at New York University.