Our Team
Dr. David J. Williams, Jr.
Founder and Executive Director
Dr. David J. Williams, Jr. is an esteemed educator based in Orangeburg, SC, renowned for his unwavering commitment to nurturing student success. Originating from Bennettsville, SC, David has devoted his career to advancing the achievements of students facing educational disparities while advocating for equitable access to high-quality education. His academic journey commenced at Marlboro County High School, culminating in acquiring a Bachelor's and Master's degree from South Carolina State University. In Fall 2023, David achieved the pinnacle of his educational pursuit by successfully defending his dissertation in Curriculum and Instruction, earning a Doctorate from Liberty University.
Throughout his professional trajectory, David has held diverse leadership roles, channeling his passion into serving the community through impactful educational and social justice initiatives. He takes pride in his affiliations with esteemed organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Golden Key Honor Society, and Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society. Widely recognized as a public speaker in the community, David has been honored as an Orangeburg County Juneteenth 40 under 40 recipient and has received acclaim as a former Teacher of the Year. In addition, he was recently announced as a South Carolina State University 40 Under 40 Recipient. Actively contributing his expertise, he furthers the mission of the Orangeburg County First Steps Board of Directors to enrich educational opportunities.
Beyond his noteworthy contributions to education, David is the visionary founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Why Not Young Lives (WNYL). Established in July 2020, WNYL is resolutely dedicated to catalyzing positive change through a multifaceted approach encompassing education, mentoring, community service, and mental health awareness. At the heart of WNYL's mission lies the empowerment of young adolescents, instilling the belief that their aspirations are within reach through perseverance. The organization is committed to sparking transformative change across South Carolina by providing educational resources and nurturing scholastic growth. WNYL's initiatives encompass a spectrum of impactful programs, including a summer academy for local youth, community drives, scholarships, college student care packages, mentoring groups, and monthly community events.
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/david.williamsjr.3?ref=bookmarks
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/david-williams-m-ed-378a50189
David J. Williams, Sr.
Senior Advisor
Mr. David J Williams Sr., U.S. Army Retired...I served in the U.S. Army from Sept 14, 1988- July 01, 2014. Over my 25 year career, my assignments include Fulda, Germany (11TH ACR), Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo (B/3-10Th Inf Regt), Heidelberg, Germany (43RD Sig BN), Ft. Benning, Ga ( B/ 2-47TH Inf Regt), Ft. Lee, Va. (49TH QM Grp), Camp Jackson, Korea (8TH Army NCO Academy), Ft. Bragg, NC (16TH MP BDE). Military achievements include, Graduate of the U.S. Army Logistics Management College, the U.S. Army Basic and Advanced NCO Courses, the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy, the U.S. Army Master Fitness School, the U.S. Army Equal Opportunity Representative Course, the U.S. Army Contracting Officers Course and the Marine Coros NCO Basic Nonresident Program. Awards and Decorations include the Meritorious Service Medel (3 ea), the Army Commendation Medal (6ea), the Army Achievement Medal (10ea), Good Conduct Medal (8ea), the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Badge, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Over my 25 year career, I've deployed six times, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom (2 tours) and Operation Enduring Freedom/Afghanistan (3 tours). Since my retirement in 2014, I've dedicated my time and I've made it my mission to support and give back to the community through volunteering and mentorship.
Corderia Grant M.ED
Mr. Corderia Grant is a native of Allendale, SC. He is currently a 3rd grade Language Arts/Social Studies teacher at Brookdale Elementary in Orangeburg, SC. He’s a graduate of Allendale-Fairfax High School Class of 2006. He furthered his education at South Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Business concentrating in Child Development and a master’s degree in Elementary Education. He’s a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Dr. Shalonda Moss
Dr. Shalonda Moss, a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a fifth-grade teacher in Richland County School District One. She earned a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University , a Master of Education from Claflin University, and a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University. As a proud member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Incorporated, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Moss actively contributes to community service and leadership initiatives. She is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, empowering students, and making a meaningful impact in both her school and community, believing firmly that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Touray Beaton, Jr. MA
Mental Health Coordinator
Being born and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina has been rewarding. It’s taught me to cherish my roots, heritage, family, friends, and last but not least, my mental health. Being reared in Ridgeland in Jasper County, SC, I’m a graduate of Ridgeland High School Class of 2011. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a graduate of South Carolina State University two times! I have a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Masters of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling. I’ve always had a passion for being a listening ear and making individuals feel comfortable about being able to express themselves to help reframe their mindset. I’m currently employed with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health in Orangeburg, South Carolina where I’m a Human Service Coordinator/Mental Health Professional working in the department of Child, Adolescent and Family services. Working with our youth as a School Based Therapist and exploring ways to support them in their recovery with mental illness is an ongoing challenge that I look forward to conquering every day when I step through those days. I’m a firm believe that we all deserve to be at peace with ourselves and it’s been a blessing to be able to work in the field. I enjoy spending time with my family, my friends, as well as fishing and crabbing like the Lowcountry boy I am. As you can see I’m very proud of where I’m from. I eat, breath and sleep Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. God’s speed to you all and remember that improving your mental health is wealth.
Tianna Murray
Tianna Murray is a dedicated teacher at Brookdale Elementary School. She is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that help every child grow academically and personally. Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Tianna earned her Bachelor’s Degree from South Carolina State University in May 2023, where she proudly participated in collegiate cheerleading. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at South Carolina State University to further strengthen her impact in education.
Sydney Reid, MBA
Community Liaison
Sydney Keith is the Director of Education, Innovation, & Support (EIS) and the Agriculture Innovation Scholarship Program at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. In her role, she leads College and Career Readiness programs, oversees the Agriculture Innovation Scholarship Program, and serves as an advisor for the SC State Chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. Keith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration in Agribusiness, both from South Carolina State University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration with a focus on Educational Leadership at Liberty University.
A committed community leader, Keith is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Orangeburg County, a 2020 graduate of Leadership South Carolina, and a 2021 graduate of the Extension Emerging Leaders nstitute. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and serves as the Community Liaison for Why Not Young Lives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational resources and opportunities to youth in South Carolina.
Paul J. Martin II
A proud native of the CSRA, he is the son of Dr. V. Alica Butler-Williams and Paul J. Martin, Sr., and the oldest of four boys. A devoted and proud father, he carries forward a legacy of leadership, service, and excellence.
A distinguished scholar, he graduated in the Top 10 of his class from McCormick High School in 2017 and earned his Associate of Arts degree from Piedmont Technical College that same year, also ranking in the Top 10. He is a member of the Greater Augusta Alumni Chapter and 101 Black Men of SCSU. Continuing his academic journey, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from South Carolina State University in 2024, becoming a third-generation legacy. During his time at SCSU, he was an active member of the NAACP.
Professionally, he serves in the Construction Management field as a Quality Compliance Inspector, working as part of the team assigned to the I-26 Widening Project. He also serves as a University Recruiter for RK&K, a full-service engineering firm based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, he is a Private Security Contractor with six years of experience and counting.
His professional and civic affiliations include Alpha Kappa Psi (Spring 2018 Alum), NSBE, ASCE, CMAA, NSLS, and Prince Hall Freemasonry. He is also a first responder, a member of Why Not Young Lives, and a commissioned Notary Public.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a photographer, writer, and poet; a creative director and visionary; a peer mentor and dedicated community volunteer. He is a passionate advocate for the advancement, procurement, and development of African American culture and education.
A statistic turned standard, he represents resilience, leadership, and purpose in motion.