THE BLACK SWAN ACADEMY TEAM

 
 

Charis Goff,

Co-Executive Director of Operations

Charis A. Goff (she/her) is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and social justice, having spent her career fostering transformative opportunities and creating pathways for communities to lead the charge for equitable change.

Through her work with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, YWCA and the National Urban League, she has cultivated a strong background in program management, strategic operations, and community engagement. Prior to joining BSA, she led a resource development team for a national food justice organization. She also is a long-time Black Swan Academy community member, having served on the board of directors from 2014-2021.

Charis operates with Black joy as a priority, recognizing the importance of celebrating and uplifting Black culture and identity in all aspects of her work. She understands that joy is not just an outcome but a revolutionary act that fuels resilience and collective power. In her role as Co-Executive Director of Operations, Charis focuses on enhancing organizational systems, driving efficiency, and expanding our reach to lead with even more youth.

Charis, hailing from DC, is a graduate of Hampton University (BA) and Old Dominion University (MA) and completed the Nonprofit Management graduate executive program at Georgetown University.


Naïké Savain, Co-Executive Director of Programs

Naïké Savain (she/her) is a movement builder and advocate based in Washington, DC, who is committed to removing barriers so directly impacted people can effectively advocate for equity and justice in all areas of their lives. Throughout her career, Naïké has centered the experiences of the District's Black youth and families as she worked to co-create a community in which we all have a meaningful opportunity to thrive, not just survive.

Naïké spent seven years as a best interest lawyer for children in foster care in the District, served as a commissioner for the DC Police Reform Commission, then spent three years as the Director of Policy at a Black-led policy advocacy organization in Washington, DC. Through those roles, she witnessed firsthand the consequences of harmful public policy, forged strong relationships with community stakeholders, connected directly impacted people of all ages with the tools and information they needed to transform the District’s approach to public safety, and zealously fought to improve the lives of Washingtonians who had experienced state violence. Naïké is focused on creating new systems that welcome, rather than tolerate, meaningful participation from those who are directly impacted, especially the District's young people.

Naïké earned her JD from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA in Political Science and French from Amherst College.

 

Rachelle Downs

High School Program Manager
Pronouns: she/her

Irene Jacobs

Policy Manager
Pronouns: she/her

Ceon Dubose

Lead Organizer
Pronouns: all pronouns

Tykirah Ellis

Middle School Program Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her

Kierstin Oliver

High School Program Coordinator
Pronouns: she/they

Sol Michelle

Youth & Community Outreach Coordinator; Pronouns: All

Brandon Tatum

Mutual Aid Coordinator

Pronouns: he/him

Angel Cheeks

Middle School Cohort Lead
Pronouns: she/her

Samaria Short

Middle School Cohort Lead
Pronouns: sher/her

Carla Portillo

Middle School Cohort Lead
Pronouns: she/her

Valentine Lynch

Middle School Cohort Lead
Pronouns: they/them