Board of Directors
Troy Spencer Grant, Ph.D. Founder/President
Troy Spencer Grant, Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, received a BA in History (magna cum laude) from the City University of New York (CUNY), a MA in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy and Culture from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). His dissertation focused on subjugated and dominant Discourse(s) in the "reform" narrative. A NBCT in his twenty-first year of teaching,Troy first taught in the Baltimore City Public School System, and now with the Prince George's County Public School System. Besides teaching full-time, he is an adjunct professor at Howard Community College, teaching Intro to Criminal Justice. To get a sense of Troy Spencer Grant, read this New York Times interview when he was a second-year teacher, watch this WUSA9 (2023) news clip where he highlights a student, listen to his Storycorps Interview with his former student, or listen to an interview with Les Raymond from the Mindful Movement. Troy was on probation before he was a teenager.
Khaalis Hall, Vice President
Experienced Information Technology Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry. Skilled in Government, Strategic Planning, Microsoft Office, CompTIA Network+, and Management. Strong program and project management professional with a Master of Education - MEd focused in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix. Mr. Hall retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2021 and now works at Amazon Web Services.
Montia Medley, Secretary
Montia Medley is a licensed clinical social worker born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Her years of professional experience include providing mental health services to youth and adults with mental and intellectual disabilities in outpatient, therapeutic foster care, school and residential settings. As an enthusiast and advocate for mental health, she strives to impart in the lives of others by giving back to local communities in any way possible. This includes participation in community outreach events and clothing and food drives. When she’s not saving the world, Montia is a creative who loves cooking, photography, the arts, traveling, and of course her tortoise, named Ninja.
Marcellus Clement, Director
With a B.S. in Exercise Science/Physical Education and a M.S. in Middle School Mathematics, which includes his current role as a Principal within the Prince George's County Public School System, Mr. Clement brings over 13 years of educational experience to Beyond Rhetoric. A native of Prince George's County, MD, his dedication to young people extends past the schoolhouse, as he has always found joy in coaching, teaching and mentoring the youth to reach their full potential. He sees his role as a member on the Board of Directors as an extension of his life’s work--pushing children past their struggles so they can reach their full capacities and achieve success.
Peyton "PT" Tomblin, Director
CEO, R.E.A.L Training Solutions | President, Turn’Em Loose Corporation | Air Force Veteran
Peyton "PT" Tomblin is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and Air Force veteran with 21 years of honorable service as a Senior Noncommissioned Officer. After retiring from the military, PT founded R.E.A.L Training Solutions, a Veteran-Owned Small Business transforming organizations through leadership, workforce development, and Agile strategies. As President of Turn’Em Loose Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved communities, PT combines passion and expertise to equip individuals with life skills, knowledge, and confidence to build meaningful careers and brighter futures.
Jacqueline "Jackie" Akinpelu, Treasurer
Mathematically Gifted & Black, Dr. Akinpelu, had been working with Beyond Rhetoric on the Grant Writing team for a year before joining the Board of Directors.
At Duke University Dr. Jackie Akinpelu's graduated in 1975 magna cum laude with a BA in mathematics. It was in graduate school in the Mathematical Sciences Department at the Johns Hopkins University that she got her first real exposure to “applied mathematics,” and she completed a doctoral thesis on a topic in inventory systems management (1980).
Jackie Akinpelu was an Assistant Branch Supervisor at the JHU Applied Physics Laboratory with over 30 years of experience modeling and developing computer systems for telecommunication networks and service operations in a highly competitive corporate environment. Prior to APL, she had a long career at AT&T and has experience in university teaching. Dr. Akinpelu has been a long-time active member of the Johns Hopkins alumni community.
Daisha Thomas-Duffin, Director (D.C. Liaison)
Daisha Thomas-Duffin, a San Francisco native, graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with a dual degree in psychology and sociology. Currently a Youth Development Representative at a Washington, DC juvenile detention center, she is committed to empowering system-impacted youth.
Her passion stems from personal experience as a system-impacted youth, driving her to create pathways for others to overcome similar challenges. Daisha has volunteered extensively with nonprofits focused on trauma-informed care and supporting incarcerated youth, including the Omega Boys Club and United Playaz in San Francisco, the Petey Greene Program in Washington, DC, and the Youth Justice Advocates at Howard University.
In addition to opening a transitional housing facility for formerly incarcerated youth, Daisha plans to continue her education and pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to deepen her impact in the field. Her vision is to foster hope and resilience, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
With gratitude. . .
We are grateful for Nancy Canales, our founding treasurer. (2020-2024)
We are grateful for Rose Evans, who temporarily stood in the gap as treasurer. (summer 2024)
Public Documents
Articles of Incorporation
These documents are the Beyond Rhetoric Corporation's documents of incorporation. For the privacy of our Directors, private addresses have been redacted from the document.
Beyond Rhetoric as a Trade Name
This document allows Beyond Rhetoric to legally operate under said name.
Beyond Rhetoric Corporation Bylaws
The following bylaws (click to view) is public information and, as such, available to the public. A hard copy is kept in our corporate office and available upon request.
IRS 1023 EZ
In accordance with the Beyond Rhetoric Corporation's Bylaws and good governance, the Organization's filing document is viewable here.
For the privacy of our Directors, private addresses have been redacted from the document.
Conflict of Interest Policy
This Conflict of Interest Policy is adapted from the Standards of Excellence Institute. All signed, hard copies are in our corporate office and available upon request.
IRS Determination Letter
This document shows Beyond Rhetoric Corporation's Nonprofit and Public Charity status. Please donate.
Maryland's Public Fundraising Notice
In accordance with the State of Maryland's Charitable Solicitations Act, entities raising funds must report their activities. Beyond Rhetoric Corporation's compliance. For the privacy of our Directors, private addresses have been redacted from the document.Please Donate.