Kevin Upshur, Chairman, Founder, Director – Kevin has worked with young people for many years and has always had a vision to encourage people in his community to read. He is a graduate of Strawberry Mansion High school, and later on attended Cheyney University. For over 13 years Kevin has worked with the troubled youth, and has seen the need for guidance. His mother has always encouraged him to help and guide the young males into the right direction. In her honor he decided to transform the bar once operated and owned by his mother into a Community Learning Center. The Strawberry Mansion Community Learning Center is a positive resource that is dedicated to helping others and making the Strawberry Mansion area a better place.
Matt Hillman, Treasurer – Matt Hillman (26) is originally from Orlando, Florida, where he graduated from Freedom High School. Upon graduation, he matriculated to Florida A&M University where he graduated with honors while earning a B.S. degree in Economics. Matt, who is currently an investments professional for Citizens Bank, has previous work experience with Oppenheimer & Co., Merrill Lynch, PNC Bank, and the First Financial Group. Additionally, he has raised over $100k in sponsorship dollars for various non-profit organizations since 2008.
Matt joined the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center as a volunteer in 2013. His financial and non-profit experiences immediately made him an asset to the leadership team. In 2014, he joined the executive leadership team as Treasurer and an acting board of director’s member. In this role, he handles the banking relationships, expansion planning, and corporate sponsorships.
Eric Yuan, Secretary – Eric is a student at the University of Pennsylvania. He is studying neuroscience, and plans to attend medical school after graduation. Eric has been working with the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center for nearly a year. In the Spring, he led a weekly tutoring program along with other students from U Penn. This summer, he has helped develop the center’s first summer reading program. Eric looks forward to continuing his work with the center during the upcoming Fall semester.
Ayesha Upshur, Policy and Outreach – Ayesha is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy. In the past she has clerked for the DC Superior Court, and has been a fellow of the Philadelphia City Council since 2012.
Craig Smith, M.Ed, Board Member – Craig is the Director of Admissions and Outreach for Year Up Philadelphia and is responsible for coordinating all admissions and outreach activities for the Year Up Philadelphia site. He works as an Adjunct Professor for Esperanza College, Harcum College and Drexel University. He holds a BS in Psychology, Masters in Education and is currently a doctoral candidate with Drexel University in Educational Leadership and Management. He has spent more than 15 years providing access and opportunity to disadvantaged youth in the city of Philadelphia. His work in K-16 sector has afforded him the knowledge and understanding of poverty and the adverse effects it has on communities and more specifically the brain. His work as a counselor, adjunct faculty member, and mental health professional has grounded his professional work in educational counseling. Gifted and passionate to work with youth and young adults, his ability to connect with individuals and build solid relationships has truly been impactful in his work with young adults. He seeks to reach to rescue, teach to transform and impact lives for purpose!
Eric Rahman Lawton, Board Member – Eric was born and raised in the Strawberry Mansion community of Philadelphia. His family purchased their home in 1936 after moving from New York. Educated in the Philadelphia School System, he attended Strawberry Mansion Jr/Sr High School, graduating in the Class of 1981.He is the proud father of three sons and one daughter with an increasing number of grandchildren. For the past 15 years he has worked as a job developer. He has worked with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the past 10 years. He is very proud of what the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center means to the community and is looking forward to help make it the Jewel of Strawberry Mansion and the City.