Board of Directors
April Brown, M.Ed.
Ms. Brown is the Founder and CEO of The Elysium Compact. Ms. Brown founded The Elysium Compact after her collegial studies and teaching career illuminated inequalities in student achievement and educational attainment. She is a dedicated action researcher who has created and implemented city-wide programs to meet specific goals. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership to further her research on these issues. Ms. Brown is personally committed to closing the achievement gap and increasing high school graduation rates nationally.
Danny E. Brown, Jr.
An entrepreneur and manager of a successful local business, with over twenty years of experience in business. His
expertise includes: finance, human resources, and venture startup. Mr. Brown served on the Board of Directors at
Santiago County Water District. During this time, Mr. Brown served on the finance and human resource committees. He
maintained vital documents and procedures for local, state, and federal regulations. He managed and trained personnel
within his various enterprises. Mr. Brown is dedicated to supporting local community services and programs.
Elena Medo, MBA
She has over twenty-five years experience in business management throughout all phases of development. Mrs. Medo is an
inventor, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. She has raised more than 30 million dollars for past and present ventures. Mrs.
Medo is an advocate and pioneer for causes concerning women and children. She played an instrumental role in developing
community programs that provide services to women and children in need. As a mother of a child who received special
education services, she is aware of the issues and concerns that a parent may experience while advocating for their
child. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our board.
Jennifer Alford
An experienced executive who has returned to school to pursue a nursing career. She was previously managing a district
loan center at Wachovia Bank. During her management career at Wachovia, she was responsible for managing and training
financial sales professionals as well as integrating two companies during a major merger. In addition to managing
financial professionals, Jennifer was responsible for developing the curriculum and training of a three-month training
university for new sales employees. She also founded a public speaking group for sales professionals called
Toastmasters. Ms. Alford is committed to fostering the growth of individuals throughout her career. She is an active
member of the ASPCA and dedicates her free time to working at an animal hospital. She lives in Orange County with her
husband and her rescued dog and cats.
Shannon Bell
An Instructional Assistant in a Special Education classroom serving students in Orange County. Ms. Bell is an active
member of the PTA and serving as the treasurer on their board. As a mother, she is committed to providing her sons with
the best education and recognizes the importance of parent involvement. Her experience and dedication as a parent with
school-aged children, provides TEC with a unique perspective. She is devoted to parental empowerment and increasing
parental involvement.
Advisory Board Members
Jennifer Lamkins
Educational Technology Professor at California State University Long Beach
Lainie McGann
Educational Technology Coordinator at Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Dr.Robert Reyes
Educator at Santa Ana Unified School District
Tricia Evans
Dean of Career Education at Santiago Canyon College
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