DIARA WASHINGTON
Diara Washington is a dedicated 7th-grade science teacher entering her fourth year in the classroom. Known for her passion for student success and engaging teaching style, she was honored as the Outstanding Educator of the Year during her second year—a testament to her impact and commitment to excellence in education. Beyond the classroom, she serves as the Varsity Track and Field Coach and Cheer Coach, where she motivates and mentors student-athletes to reach their fullest potential.
A proud alumna of the University of Akron, she continues to lead and serve through her involvement in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Inc., both of which reflect her lifelong dedication to education, service, sisterhood, and social action.
In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing by the lake, where she finds balance and inspiration in the simple joys of life. Her enthusiasm for science, commitment to student growth, and love for community make her a well-respected and admired educator and role model.
AARON EATMAN
Aaron Eatman, a lifelong Cleveland native, brings two decades of dedication to education, student development, and community engagement. He earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, where he double majored, and later pursued graduate studies, earning a Master of Education from Notre Dame College and a Master of Educational Leadership from Cleveland State University. He will begin his Ph.D this spring.
Eatman began his professional journey in public relations but soon found his true calling in education. In 2005, he transitioned into the field, starting at a private institution on Cleveland’s east side. Today, he serves as an Intervention Specialist and Chairman of the Department of Exceptional Children for Warrensville Heights City Schools, where he champions student success and inclusive learning environments.
His leadership extends beyond the classroom. Eatman is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, the NAACP, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). He also serves on the board of The HELP Foundation, where he is currently the secretary.
Through these roles, Eatman remains deeply committed to advocacy, equity, and community development—continuing to make a lasting impact in education and beyond.
DAOOD THORTON
Daood Thornton was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College and Case Western Reserve University-Weatherhead School of Management.
He is an IT Manager with KeyBank and has owned a tax preparation business that has provided personalized service in the Greater Cleveland area since 1988.
A life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Daood is active with the Akron Alumni Chapter of the fraternity, where he serves on the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee for the chapter.
thorton is also an active member of the First Cleveland Mosque, where he is a member of the Finance and Foodbank committees.
“Education is the key to progress in order to change the future.”
