BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DR. JOE RUSH
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Joe Rush is a proven technology leader with over 10 years of Information Technology experience. He is employed at the Boeing Company and as well a Dissertation Coach. Dr. Rush received his Doctorate in Information Technology from Capella University. His research focused on the adoption of cloud computing platform architectures within IT organizations. Additionally, he has a Masters in Transportation Engineering from South Carolina State University, and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the prestigious Claflin University. Dr. Rush is the Founder and CEO of Cultivating Leaders which is a non-profit organization that educates, activates, empowers, and inspires youth from underserved communities to obtain leadership and educational skills to become next generation leaders. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. Dr. Rush enjoys volunteering in the community, mentoring youth, and those who are interested in IT.
BIANCA PARLER
Chief Financial Officer
Bianca Nicole Parler is a native of Elloree, Sc. She is the daughter Marie and the late Reginald Parler. Bianca is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering. During her tenure at South Carolina State she served as Treasure of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). In Bianca's spare time she enjoys playing softball, spending time with her daughter Oliva, and helping the youth within her community. Bianca lives by " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path" Proverbs 3:4-5
TORIAN NUNN
Chief of Programs & Innovation
Torian Nunn is a native of Durham, NC. Torian is a 2010 graduate of Hillside High School. He later graduated from the South Carolina State University, with a B.S in Biology Education. Torian has served the last for years as an educator for the Orangeburg County School District. He currently serves as a General Science teacher, Forensics teacher, and S.T.E.A.M. Coordinator for William J. Clark Middle. Torian also serves on the curriculum writing team for the Orangeburg County School District.
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Torian is also employed by Claflin University, as a professional counselor for high school students in the TRIO program. This program is geared towards encouraging and assisting low-income, first generation college students get accepted, and earn scholarships for post-secondary education. Torian is also currently employed by Glover’s funeral home, where he serves the community, by helping provide sincere professional service to those in need during their difficult times.
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Torian spends the fall and winter as a basketball official. He has been certified for the past 7 years by SCHSL, and assists new officials in the area with training. As a basketball official, Torian enjoys traveling the state, meeting up and coming superstars. Torian also enjoys coaching during the baseball seasons, teaching young athletes, the fundamentals of the game.
Torian is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where he is an active member of the Orangeburg Alumni Chapter. As a member of this organization, Torian has served as Polemarch and various committee chairs. Torian enjoys working with organizations that uplift and empower the youth in the community.
“Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.”
-Nelson Mandela
ANTHONY HALLMON
Chief of Communications & Marketing
Anthony Hallmon is a native of Orangeburg, S.C. He is a 2008 graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. He earned his Associates Degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Claflin University. For the last three years Anthony has served the citizens of Orangeburg County as an Estate Clerk for the Orangeburg County Probate Court. He also has over 10 years of experience in Funeral Service where he is currently working for Glovers Funeral Home serving the citizens of Orangeburg, S.C. during their most difficult times of losing a loved one. Anthony is also employed with Bamberg Legal, LLC. as the firms Deputy Director of Community Outreach. Anthony is tasked with extending the firm’s grassroot support of community-oriented initiatives, including monitoring of community events on behalf of the firm in support of those hosting them and working on youth development strategies.
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Anthony is an active member of Good Shepherd Community Ministries where he serves as the Director of Ushers. He is also an active member of the Delta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha where he serves as the Recording Secretary. Furthermore, Hallmon is an active member of the Olive Grove Masonic Lodge #477. He is an Advisory Board member for the Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five Technology Center Business Department. He also serves as an Advisory Board member for the 1890 Grant entitled “Financial Literate Entrepreneurship for Rural Youth and Families” at South Carolina State University. Lastly, Anthony is very active with the Orangeburg County Democratic Party where is serves as the Chair Person for the Young Democrats.
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DR. NISHIKA EDWARDS
Chief of Outreach
Dr. Nishika Edwards is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. She has committed herself to giving back to her hometown, an underserved area, through education, social work, ministry, and most importantly through her leadership. As a transformational leader, she is committed to maximizing individual student performance, impacting the lives of learners, being a lifelong educator, and instilling a sense of pride among all. She is passionate about inspiring others and building a sense of confidence in academia and enabling youth to grow and succeed as learners. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, two Master’s in Education, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Higher Specialization. She is also an author, Sole Proprietor of Kingdom Learning Interventions, and is currently working on manifesting her tutorial service into a private spiritual school.
D'ONTRE GILLIARD
Youth Advisor & Stem Advocate
D’Ontre Gilliard is a graduate of Lake Marion High School and Technology Center. While at Lake Marion was a part of the debate team, robotics engineering club, and played basketball and football for four years. After graduating, he attended Horry-Georgetown Technical College, located in Conway, S.C. and received his associate degree in General Education in 2019. Mr. Gilliard is currently a Junior at Saint Augustine’s University located in Raleigh, N.C. where he is majoring in Computer and Information Systems with a minor in Mathematics Engineering. He was named Team captain on the University Football team, after earning all-conference honors and a G.P.A. of 3.5/4.0.