Leadership

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 Catisha Toney is the Founder and Executive Director of Coates, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to educational equity and providing college and career strategies to young adults. She has more than 15 years of experience working in education and education consulting.  She spent 6 years as a College Transitions Director developing, coordinating and implementing a comprehensive college and career readiness program. She is Naviance trained, and experienced with customizing College and Career Readiness (CCR) curriculum.

Catisha earned a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University, where she participated in the Washington Leadership Program and was named a Twenty First Century Scholar; and a Masters in Public Administration and Management from Indiana University Northwest. She is a first generation college student and knows firsthand the support students need for college and career success. Catisha is an advocate for equity in education and an inclusive educator who is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved students and young adults, so that they can pursue their dreams and positively impact their families and communities.

BOARD MEMBER

Jeremiah King is a native of Gary, IN and the founder of Building Leaders Advancing Community Knowledge ( B.L.A.C.K.). He is an educator and is also the a Commissioner on the Gary Redevelopment Commission. He is a graduate of Central State University and prides himself on the importance of an HBCU education. In addition , jeremiah is advocate for inspiring civic engagement and the importance of politics in the community, he does that through his online newsletter called the BLACK Print.

BOARD MEMBER

Giavonni Nickson, Director of Communications & External Affairs for the Village of Dolton, is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in corporate, non-profit, and government sectors to build campaigns and deliver brand marketing solutions internationally. Giavonni cultivates partnerships and implements strategic plans for program development and community outreach in Chicago's south suburbs. Giavonni is a trusted communications executive skilled in strategic management, media relations, drafting written deliverables, media production, and rapid response crisis communication. Giavonni holds a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University. Her spiritual development and faith are the foundation for her success. When she is not working Giavonni spends time exercising, traveling, and writing. She is a poet, contributing writer for the SouthLand Journal, and editor for the Devotional Writing Ministry at Trinity United Church of Christ, where she actively serves.

BOARD MEMBER

Karma Smith, People & Culture Business Partner for Roche Diagnostics, has worked for more than a decade in Human Resources. Karma actively works sponsoring, leading, and reinforcing her companies People Agenda by applying broad P&C skills in the areas of talent management, organization design and development, change management, workforce planning, coaching, program/project management, facilitation, and communication at the local and global level. Karma holds a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University, where she met her husband of 14 years. When she's not working, her focus is on her family. She has three children, two girls, and a boy. Karma's faith in God has been instrumental in helping her through life's many challenges. She is a member of Eastern Star Church where she is a faithful contributor to the Marriage Ministry. 

BOARD MEMBER

Samuel Coates is a lead technician and head union rep and contract negotiator for PPG/Texstars aerospace.  He is a parent of four children, two who have graduated high school and two currently in K-12 schools, so he knows first-hand the importance of  understanding your educational path.  He is an advocate for helping members of the community succeed and increase educational awareness. He has seen firsthand what can happen when young people in low income communities don't have the college and career support they need.  He plans  to honor the memories of these very youth by giving back to an organization in with his namesake and supporting the very community that he grew up in.

STUDENT BOARD MEMBER

Makayla Booker is a native of Gary, Indiana and is currently a sophomore attending Indiana University Bloomington. She is currently pursuing a dual degree in Tourism and Hospitality and Human Resources and is currently a resident assistant on campus. Her long term career goal is to own her own event planning company. Makayla is  excited to be a part of this amazing board so that she help her fellow young adults become ready for life after high school, whether it be college or career!