Dr. Curtis L. Lewis is a nationally and globally recognized leader in education reform, equity, and innovation. His transformative work spans over 25 years across classrooms, districts, and international landscapes. As the Founder and President of the Boldly Moving Education Ahead (BMEA), Dr. Lewis has redefined educational equity through pioneering frameworks, systemic policy reform, and the development of next-generation educators. His leadership has catalyzed change in schools across the United States and abroad, making him a driving force in shaping the future of education. ​ Dr. Lewis began his career in Lansing, Michigan, serving as an elementary, middle, high school, and alternative education teacher before moving into district leadership. His early work laid the foundation for his expertise in equity-centered teaching and restorative practices, leading him to serve as a turnaround principal in Detroit, where he transformed struggling schools into models of success. Under his leadership, schools saw a 95% graduation rate, 100% college acceptance, and a 75% reduction in suspensions through restorative practices. As Chief Academic Officer of a 10-school network, he scaled this impact, implementing an equity-driven instructional framework that improved teacher retention and student outcomes. new-doc-headshot-600.jpg Curtis L. Lewis, Ph. D. Founder / President At Michigan State University, where he serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) program, Dr. Lewis prepares future educators from across the country and internationally. He developed groundbreaking courses in restorative practices and trauma-informed pedagogy, embedding equity, innovation, and student engagement into teacher preparation. His leadership also extends to the creation of a new teacher induction program, designed to support first-year teachers and improve retention in the profession. ​ Through BMEA, Dr. Lewis has amplified his impact nationally and internationally. The Liberating Learners framework, which he independently designed, is a revolutionary model for whole-school transformation that integrates culturally responsive teaching, restorative practices, and trauma-informed care with cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence and project-based learning. This framework has been successfully implemented in school partnerships across New York City, Chicago, Detroit, and beyond, with measurable outcomes such as a 22% increase in math proficiency and a 6% rise in literacy within a year at partner schools in the Bronx. ​ BMEA’s Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) exemplifies Dr. Lewis’ commitment to building a pipeline of future educators and STEM professionals. This intergenerational mentorship model has achieved remarkable results, including a 157% growth in critical math skills, a 92% reduction in disciplinary conflicts, and a 77% increase in participants expressing interest in teaching or STEM careers. Complementing this work, BMEA’s Teacher and Principal Wellness Fellowships provide educators and leaders nationwide with professional development, one-on-one coaching, and wellness support, empowering them to create equitable, innovative, and sustainable learning environments. ​ Dr. Lewis’ influence extends to education policy, where he has been a disruptor of traditional approaches. He serves on national and state advisory boards, including Michigan’s Diversity and Equity in the Workforce Advisory Group and the Michigan Department of Education’s Teacher Evaluation and Professional Standards committees. His international policy research further informs his work, bringing global best practices to the United States to drive systemic change. ​ Recognized with numerous national awards, Dr. Lewis has garnered philanthropic support and partnerships with major organizations to scale his mission. His expertise has positioned him as a sought-after thought leader, keynote speaker, and consultant in education reform, equity, and leadership development. ​ A devoted father and passionate advocate for underserved communities, Dr. Curtis L. Lewis continues to champion education as a tool for liberation, ensuring that every student, teacher, and leader has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to equity make him an indispensable figure in the global movement for educational transformation.

Anton Horton serves as Executive Director at BMEA. He leads the organization's Michigan based staff and daily programming, drives fundraising strategy, and serves as a strategic thought partner to the President. Anton's career in education leadership began as a middle school dean, where he first developed the instincts for building culture and holding high expectations that would define his future leadership. He went on to serve as Assistant Principal, and before joining BMEA in his current role, he led a middle and high school as Principal, where he restored a robust school culture and built systems to close achievement gaps for students. Anton holds a Bachelor of Science from Adrian College and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, also from Adrian College, and is currently pursuing his Ed.D at Wayne State University. Reflecting his ongoing commitment to sharpening his own leadership as he builds the leadership of others, Anton is a K-12 Certified Administrator and a RELAY Graduate School Certified Educator. Anton also served in the United States Army National Guard, including during its Capitol Support mission, an experience that shaped his discipline, composure under pressure, and commitment to service long before he entered education leadership. His work has been recognized with the Spirit of Detroit Award and the Martin Luther King Service Award. Beyond his professional work, Anton is a devoted husband and proud father to one son. He and his wife share a commitment to building a world worthy of their son, and of every child who comes after him, a conviction that quietly shapes the urgency and care he brings to his work at BMEA.

Staci L. Williams is BMEA's Chief of Operations & External Affairs. She is a strategic leader in organizational systems and narrative-driven resource development. With over 20 years of experience across education, nonprofit leadership, government, and media, she has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, systems, and sustainable impact. Staci began her professional journey in broadcast media and public relations in Detroit, where she developed a deep understanding of audience engagement, messaging, and civic influence. She later transitioned into education and public service, holding leadership positions within traditional public school districts and charter management organizations in Metro Detroit, as well as serving in municipal government, where she supported youth-focused policy initiatives and community advocacy efforts. At BMEA, Staci ensures the organization's operational systems run with excellence while strengthening its external presence and partnerships. She oversees grants management and compliance, leads major organizational events, and supports media relationships and external visibility that advance BMEA's growth and reputation. Staci holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Theater Arts from Eastern Michigan University. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A purpose-driven executive and community leader, Staci remains committed to strengthening the systems that create lasting opportunity for communities.

Joe Bush is the Chief Director of Youth & Family Engagement at BMEA. With years of experience as a dedicated leader in Black male development and youth mentorship, he has built a career around a simple conviction: student leadership and workforce readiness are built through instruction that reflects who students actually are. Bush began his career as a middle school educator in Detroit, where he developed a passion for empowering students through mentorship and instruction rooted in their lived experience. He stewards BMEA's Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP), the organization's flagship educator pipeline. Under his leadership, YLDP guides high school young men through a structured, multi-year progression, from paid academic mentor to Site Coordinator Intern to certified classroom teacher, closing the gap in the national teaching workforce, where fewer than 1.3% of educators are Black males. This is the direct mechanism through which BMEA diversifies and strengthens the educator pipeline for the most resilient communities. Bush holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education from Wayne State University, where he remains a proud Warrior and a committed advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment. He is dedicated to developing the next generation of educators, leaders, and changemakers. Above all, he takes immense pride in being a devoted father to his daughter, embracing fatherhood with the same passion and dedication he brings to his work in education and mentorship.

Michael C. Payne, Jr. is Senior Advisor to BMEA's President & Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. With over 15 years of experience in K to 12 education, he has made a lasting impact on mathematics instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and school leadership. Payne began his career as a teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools, where he developed a passion for mathematics instruction. He has since served as a teacher, instructional coach, and educational strategist, advancing equity-driven initiatives that improve student outcomes and support educator sustainability. At BMEA, Payne strengthens school partnerships, professional development, and educator coaching across Michigan and New York, including BMEA's Liberating Learners School Partnerships and a strategic partnership with the New York City Department of Education. Through his leadership, partner schools have strengthened instructional practice, improved teacher retention, and deepened student engagement. Payne holds dual master's degrees in Secondary Math Education and Special Education from Lesley University and a bachelor's degree in Economics from Morehouse College. Beyond his professional work, he is a devoted father, volunteers as a coach and mentor, and is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In 2024, he received Degree Forward's Community Impact Hero Award for his dedication to educational equity and community empowerment.

Richard E. Griffin III is the BMEA Independent School Lead. He is a committed educator focused on culturally responsive instruction and innovative learning design. With over a decade of experience across classroom instruction and school leadership, Griffin has made a lasting impact in advancing academic rigor, restorative practices, and equitable learning environments for students in Metro Detroit. Griffin began his career as a classroom teacher, where he developed a passion for empowering students through engaging, standards-aligned instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy. He later served as Assistant School Director and Principal across traditional public and public charter school districts in Metro Detroit. These positions afforded him the opportunity to strengthen instructional practices, implement data-driven decision making systems, and cultivate inclusive school cultures rooted in student-centered learning. At BMEA, Griffin leads the BMEA Independent School, elevating academic rigor through culturally responsive, project-based, and AI-infused learning experiences. He holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with K-12 Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University.