Executive Director
Danielle Verbiest
Danielle Verbiest is an experienced nonprofit executive who believes that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. A firm believer in the power of education, Danielle believes that all young people should have the equal opportunity to attend college and follow their dreams, and that providing equal educational opportunities can be a catalyst to bringing about societal change that will improve the lives of all. Read More
Board of Directors
Our Board is comprised of members of the District of Columbia’s legal, business, nonprofit, and other professional communities. We support all aspects of the Foundation’s operations and often serve as mentors to Abramson Scholars.
Leah J. Tulin, President
Maryland Office of the Attorney General
Aaron Jenkins, Vice President
The Expectations Project
Elizabeth Wilkins, Secretary
Office of the Attorney General of the District of Columbia
James McClelland, Treasurer
Fannie Mae
Michael Aniton
District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Carmen Banerjee
U.S. Department of Justice
Deborah Blackhurst Doddy
Duke Ellington School of the Arts (volunteer)
Linda Fienberg
Retired Attorney
Elizabeth Sarah Gere
Retired Attorney
Hon. Gladys Kessler (Ret.)
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Jamie Lee Kiles
Aviv Foundation
Mitchell Lerner
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Hon. Richard Levie (Ret.)
JAMS ADR
Walter McEwen
Retired Attorney
Reginald B. McKnight
Waymo
Irvin Nathan
Retired Attorney
John F. Olson
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Hon. Richard W. Roberts (Ret.)
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Diane Robertson
Peterson Wilmarth and Robertson LLP
Brian L. Schwalb
Venable LLP
Amy Schwartz
Moment Magazine
Hon. Emmet G. Sullivan
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Jie Wang
Fintech Startup
Volunteer / Student Liaison
Linda McKoy