STEM Leadership
Board Of Trustees + Executive Director
Board Of Trustees + Executive Director
Dr. Whisenhunt started STEM GED2PhD to provide exposure of STEM professions and professionals to individuals where that exposure is limited or nonexistent. The drive to launch this effort was inspired by his own personal experiences. From birth until 12 years of age Kelvin’s only exposure to a STEM professional was with a physician in the housing project’s clinic and in hospitals, still his goal at that time was to become a physician. By marrying his step-father, his mom provided him with new opportunities by moving him to a military base where he was surrounded by a diverse group of people that he had never experienced. The problem in front of him was that he had no idea of how to become a physician. He had no mentors, no advisors, no guidance for that journey. After years in the military, retiring as an Army Officer and obtaining his PhD, the very nontraditional way, he was finally able to put together a plan and start a nonprofit to help provide boys like him with exposure, mentorship, guidance and inspiration to accomplish doctoral level education in any STEM discipline.
Kelvin is the Founder and Executive Director of STEM GED2PhD and has a passion for philanthropy. He is a U.S. Military War Veteran with an extensive background serving the U.S. military and defense sectors. Expert in program/project management, strategic planning, change management, and data analysis. He has a proven ability in overseeing operations to achieve organizational goals. In-depth experience delivering leadership on multiple non-profit boards. Kelvin is a servant leader and informed decision maker with extensive technical/technology acumen.
Kelvin is the father of four, with three grandchildren. He holds a BS in Biology, an MBA with a concentration in Project Management, and a PhD in Human Services with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.
Kyla Barnwell strives to use her interdisciplinary education to tackle social justice issues and be an advocate for marginalized communities. During her time at Rice University, Kyla was a co-chair of the School of Social Sciences Student Advisory Board, president of the Nocturnal A Cappella group, and volunteer outreach coordinator for the Caribbean Student Society. Kyla was also the president of the Diversity Council and for her leadership, she was awarded the Jones Forever Award which is given to a student who has contributed to building sustainable growth within the Rice community and who executes practical approaches to problems and facilitates involvement from all areas to create a lasting impact.
Kyla has spent her summers interning with various non-profit organizations such as the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, Open Cultural Center, BakerRipley, and the Rice 360 Institute for Global Health. In her role with the Rice 360 Institute for Global Health, Kyla spent 8 weeks in Blantyre, Malawi leading on-site usability projects for engineered global health technology solutions and gave numerous research presentations to involved project stakeholders and donors. She is currently working as a healthcare consultant for Cloudmed, a firm dedicated to helping hospital communities thrive.
Kyla Barnwell is a recent graduate from Rice University in Houston, Texas. She has a B.A. in Cognitive Sciences with minors in Global Health and Poverty, Justice, and Human Rights. Nicole
Nicole Davis holds over 20 years of professional experience in the fields of non-profit business development and management. Following her studies at New York University, she began her career in the non-profit sector at a human services agency, in the capacity of Grants/Contracts Specialist. While in the Program Planning and Development division, Nicole trained and worked closely with New York University and The Hunter College School of Social Work graduate research interns. Nicole’s high level of expertise in non-profit business management comes from her years of experience having oversight of city, state and federal contracts which included multi-year funding from Health Resources and Services Administration, NYC Department of Homeless Services, NYC Department of Children’s Services and the Department of Justice.
In recent years, Nicole was the Director of Business Development and Communications at Damian Family Care Centers, Inc., (DFCCs) a New York City network of community health centers. During her time at DFCCs her strong networking and financial skills contributed to the expansion of their health care system, taking the non-profit organization from 5 to 15 clinics in just four years, thus increasing the agency’s capacity to serve New York state residents. DFCCs provided health care to thousands of underserved residents with limited access to health care. Nicole’s management of local and federal funding, alongside her expert communication skills made it possible for many New Yorkers to receive quality health care regardless of insurance or their ability to pay. Nicole’s passion for serving communities and enhancing the lives of others is evident through her commitment to her Jack and Jill of America membership, her dynamic career path and courageous lifestyle.
Nicole is the co-owner of her family’s HBCU apparel line, where her primary role has been business development and brand expansion. Through collaborations with multiple HBCU alumni, Nicole has fostered the opportunity to partner with a New York City based non-profit for an annual HBCU charitable event. This native New Yorker and her family have resided in Atlanta, Georgia since 2018.
Terence is a recent graduate from Alabama A&M University. He is interested in television sound and visual production. Terence currently works as a (production assistance) for a local network television station in Huntsville. His work with the morning news broadcasts have helped provide the North Central Alabama region with up-to-the-minute and accurate news and entertainment.
While in college Terence worked as in camera operations for college football games. He also worked on the production of the game footage for college football games.
Terence has lived in Huntsville since graduating with a degree with a BS in Communications Media, concentration in Production from Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, Normal, AL.
STEM GED2PhD provides exposure to STEM educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.