Our Team

A woman with styled shoulder-length dreadlocks, dark brown skin, smiling, wearing a colorful, graffiti-printed blazer over a dark green top, accessorized with a statement necklace and earrings against a plain light background.

Brooke Thompson

CEO & Co-Founder

  • Professor Thompson, co-founder of Entitled Learning, is an accomplished educator with over a decade of experience teaching students from 1st grade through high school. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Missouri, as well as a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Currently, she is pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

    Education is her passion, and teaching is her purpose. In her role as an instructional coach, Professor Thompson leverages her extensive expertise in curriculum development and instructional design to support educators in achieving excellence. Known for her innovative classroom strategies, she is deeply committed to empowering teachers to inspire their students and fostering a love of learning in every educational setting.

Kevin Thompson

CFO & Co-Founder

A smiling man with glasses, a beard, and dreadlocks, wearing a yellow shirt and a silver necklace.

  • Kevin Thompson is an experienced professional in the construction industry, currently serving at Turner Construction in Dallas, Texas. With a strong background in financial management and operational efficiency, Kevin has built a reputation for delivering results in high-pressure environments. His expertise in project oversight, budgeting, and team leadership has made him a valuable asset in the construction sector. As someone deeply passionate about creating opportunities for growth and development, Kevin brings his skills to every project he undertakes.

    In addition to his work at Turner Construction, Kevin is the co-founder and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Entitled Learning. In this role, he oversees the organization’s financial strategy, ensuring its resources are managed responsibly to support its mission of empowering scholars. Kevin is dedicated to fostering a culture of accountability and innovation within the organization, helping to sustain and expand its programs. His commitment to education and his belief in its transformative power drive his efforts to create a lasting impact on scholars and their communities.

Tope Daramola

Technology

Headshot of a smiling African American man with a beard, wearing a gray suit and white shirt against a blue background.

  • Tope Daramola is a Software Engineer who is currently employed by Microsoft as a Full-Stack Software Engineer. Tope has been working for the company for two years developing and delivering a variety of software solutions. Having worked professionally in this field for more than eight years, he is an expert in the field. One of Tope's greatest accomplishments is being able to contribute to the development of high-profile systems used by one of the most respected technology companies. Additionally, he has taken pride in mentoring and coaching junior developers throughout his career and watching them succeed.

    As a dedicated volunteer for Entitled Learning, Tope applies his talents to advance the organization’s mission. He has contributed by designing features for the Entitled Learning website and developing a comprehensive dashboard to host and manage the organization’s database. Tope’s work ensures seamless access to critical data, supporting the team’s efforts to track progress, analyze outcomes, and expand their reach. His dedication to combining technology with education reflects his belief in empowering communities through innovation and knowledge sharing.

Ashley Davis

Research Analyst

A smiling woman wearing glasses, hoop earrings, a yellow shirt with text, and a necklace, against a light background.

  • Ashley is an accomplished Industrial Engineer with a diverse background spanning both the construction and entertainment industries. Her expertise lies in problem-solving and optimizing systems, skills she has brought to her work with Entitled Learning for the past two years. As an Administration Analyst, Ashley plays a crucial role in managing and analyzing data across multiple platforms to support the organization’s growth and effectiveness. She is dedicated to ensuring Entitled Learning operates with precision and efficiency, enabling the team to better serve scholars and the community.

    In her role, Ashley focuses on expanding Entitled Learning’s reach by identifying key areas for improvement and innovation. She is instrumental in streamlining processes, tracking impact metrics, and supporting grant applications, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to advance the organization’s mission. Ashley’s commitment to detail and her passion for educational equity align perfectly with Entitled Learning’s vision to empower scholars to transform their communities through self-belief, learning, and advocacy.

    Education is her passion, and teaching is her purpose. In her role as an instructional coach, Professor Thompson leverages her extensive expertise in curriculum development and instructional design to support educators in achieving excellence. Known for her innovative classroom strategies, she is deeply committed to empowering teachers to inspire their students and fostering a love of learning in every educational setting.

A smiling man with dreadlocks wearing a yellow shirt, posing against a plain gray background.

Denzel Mayo

Professional Coordinator

  • Denzel is a Computing Architect and Product Owner of Data Migration at Boeing, specializing in transitioning airplane data from ENOVIA/CATIA V5 to 3D Experience. Bringing his expertise in technology and innovation, Denzel has been a vital part of Entitled Learning since 2020, serving as the Professional Facilitator.

    In this role, he is instrumental in preparing professionals for impactful classroom experiences. His responsibilities include developing and implementing effective training strategies, managing and distributing learning materials, scheduling professional training sessions, and contributing to STEM curriculum development. Denzel's commitment ensures that professional volunteers are well-equipped to inspire, empower, and uplift scholars, fostering an engaging and enriching learning environment.

Smiling man with short dark hair and a yellow shirt standing in front of a plain white background.

Gerald Nelson

Resource Procurement

  • Gerald Nelson is a dedicated Resource Analyst and IT Technician with deep roots in the Kansas City metropolitan area. A graduate of Raytown South High School, Gerald went on to attend Park University while simultaneously serving in the Missouri Army National Guard, a commitment that reflects his dedication to service and leadership.

    Known in his community for his impactful work as a Recruiter with the Missouri National Guard, Gerald has also made significant contributions to minority adolescents through various volunteer efforts. Passionate about educating and empowering youth, Gerald brings this same commitment to his role at Entitled Learning. He takes pride in ensuring the organization is equipped with the best resources to support its mission, helping to create transformative opportunities for scholars.

Lauren Thompson

Marketing

Close-up of a smiling woman with curly reddish hair, gold earrings, multiple layered necklaces, and a yellow shirt against a neutral background.

  • Lauren Thompson, a proud Kansas City, Missouri native, is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she earned her BFA in Dance. She has had the privilege of working with esteemed choreographers such as Kishema Pendu and Cleo Parker Robinson, experiences that have enriched her artistry and deepened her connection to the world of dance. Currently, Lauren serves as an Artist in Residence at Paseo Performing Arts, where she passionately shares the joy and history of dance with her community.

    In addition to her work as a dancer and educator, Lauren thrives as the Marketing Specialist for Entitled Learning. She enjoys capturing the vibrant moments of the organization, ensuring its mission and impact are shared with a broader audience. Lauren’s dedication to her craft and her community reflects her belief in the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and transform lives.

Robert Thompson

Resource Manager

Close-up portrait of an elderly Black man with a bald head and a full white beard, wearing a black shirt, against a plain white background.

  • Robert Thompson is a dedicated professional with over 40 years of combined service in the United States Army and the Kansas City Parks & Recreation Department. A natural leader and problem-solver, he retired with a legacy of discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to community service. Throughout his career, Robert developed a reputation for his reliability, organizational skills, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.

    In his retirement, Robert continues to serve his community by supporting Entitled Learning. He plays a vital role in preparing curriculum resources for classrooms during the school year, ensuring educators have the tools they need to foster student success. Additionally, he assists with the logistical operations of the summer program, expertly moving and organizing resources to create a seamless and enriching experience for scholars. Robert’s dedication to education and community building reflects his lifelong commitment to empowering others and making a difference.

Meet Our Board.

Lusette Walker

Murrell Homes Real Estate Group, LLC

Portrait of a smiling woman with long black hair, wearing a maroon blazer over a black top with lace detail, posing with her arms crossed against a dark background.

  • Lusette Walker is a dedicated entrepreneur and seasoned business professional, deeply rooted in the Kansas City community. She is the owner of a salon in Downtown Kansas City, Beauty Salon Suites in South Kansas City, and Curator of a collective of salon suites located in Midtown Kansas City. Beyond her ventures in the beauty industry, Lusette is also a licensed real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri, specializing in residential and commercial retail property sales and leasing, and has sold millions in real estate all over the Kansas City Metro.

    With over 15 years of experience as a business owner, Lusette is passionate about entrepreneurship and committed to helping others reach their full potential. Lusette has also held impactful roles with the federal government, government contractor, and as a Business Development Manager for a prominent local engineering firm. Her involvement in Kansas City spans many years, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to community engagement and professional growth.

    She is an alumna of Paseo High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Central Missouri and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Webster University. Additionally, Lusette earned her Cosmetology license and Cosmetology Instructor’s license from Ea La Mars Cosmetology and Barber College, where she refined her expertise in the beauty field. Outside of her professional life, Lusette is a dedicated mom and wife. She enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with family and friends, shopping for home decor, and trying new restaurants in her spare time, always embracing new experiences with enthusiasm.

    Lusette believes that true success lies not only in building yourself but in uplifting others along the way. She believes in the power of community, resilience, and continually reaching for new goals, both personally and professionally.

Aaron Plump

Port KC

A smiling man with a beard and a close-cropped haircut, wearing a brown suit, white shirt, and dark tie, against a plain white background.

  • Aaron Plump is a Development Manager at Port KC, specializing in financial modeling, public-private partnerships, and land development. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas and began his career as a Project Engineer at JEDunn Construction Company.

    In 2023, Aaron was selected for the KC Emerging Leadership program, where he honed his skills in community engagement and leadership. His passion for exposing students to real estate opportunities, combined with his expertise in public-private partnerships, has made a significant impact at Entitled Learning. Aaron is committed to empowering the next generation through education and innovative development strategies.

Alicia Wallace

UMKC

Close-up of a smiling Black woman with shoulder-length black hair, sitting on a black chair against a brown background.

  • Alicia Wallace is an adjunct instructor, field supervisor, Academic Unit Mentor, and New Teacher Coach with the Department of Education at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). Over her 34-year career in public education, she has held various roles, including kindergarten teacher, Teaching and Learning Coach, District English Language Arts Coordinator, and Mentor Coordinator.

    She has also presented at numerous professional conferences, such as the National Conference on Co-Teaching, the Show-Me Curriculum Administrators Association Conference, the Missouri ACT State Organization Conference, the Annual Conference on the Young Years, and the Regional Professional Development Center on Early Literacy.

Justin Bivens

Burns & McDonnell

Close-up of a smiling African American man with dreadlocks, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and tie, against a blue background.

  • Mr. Bivins is an accomplished Electrical Engineer for the Transmission & Distribution division of Burns & McDonnell, where he specializes in the Networks, Integration, and Automation department for Substations. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics from Morehouse College through the AUC dual-degree program and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

    Since 2020, Mr. Bivins has been a dedicated supporter of Entitled Learning, where he shares his passion for teaching and STEM education with the community. His commitment to empowering the next generation is reflected in his efforts to inspire and mentor students, providing them with valuable opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Kevin Thompson (Non Voting)

Turner Construction

A smiling man with a beard, glasses, and a yellow shirt, wearing a necklace, against a light background.

Marcus Walker

JE Dunn Construction

A man with a shaved head and a goatee, smiling, wearing a light blue striped button-up shirt, standing outdoors in front of a blurred background.

  • Marcus Walker is a Senior Engineering Services Manager at JE Dunn Construction Company, where he leverages his expertise to drive innovative solutions in the construction industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Xavier University of Louisiana.

    Passionate about community engagement, Marcus is a founding member and current President of JE Dunn’s Black Employee Resource Group, BUILD. He actively advocates for equity and inclusion in the workplace. Additionally, he volunteers with Entitled Learning, dedicating his time to classroom exploration initiatives in both the Kansas City and Hickman Mills School Districts throughout the school year. Marcus is committed to making a positive impact in education and empowering the next generation.