BARRY BATES
Barry Bates was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a Walnut Hills High School alumni who graduated in the top 10 percentile of his class. A proud University of Dayton alumni, as an intercollegiate athlete, he walked onto the Dayton Flyers football team and was a member of the Flyer track and field team.
He spent 20 years in store management with the Kroger Company, working in & contributing to the vibrancy of 13 different communities. As a claims resolution specialist of seven years, Bates led as a mentor and managed high complexity claims, and interpreted insurance policy language and endorsements.
His love has been my 14 years of experience as a realtor (6.5 years at Sibcy Cline Realtors and 7.5 and counting at Coldwell Banker Realty.
At B-Squared Homes, he transcends the ordinary while curating a real estate journey that defies convention. His unwavering commitment to excellence is rooted in a rich tapestry of experiences, meticulously woven over decades.
DR. MICHELLE SCOTT TAYLOR
Dr. Michele Scott Taylor is the President and CEO of College Now Greater Cleveland, the nation’s first and largest college access organization. Founded in 1967, College Now serves more than 38,000 individuals annually, providing comprehensive college access and success programs, scholarships, and strategic support for Cleveland’s promise program.
Under Dr. Taylor’s leadership, the organization remains at the forefront of research and innovation in the college access and success field, ensuring its programs reflect best-in-class strategies. With more than 13 years as College Now’s Chief Program Officer, Dr. Taylor spearheaded critical initiatives, including school- and community-based advising programs and federally funded efforts such as Talent Search, GEAR UP, and Upward Bound. Her extensive experience in higher education includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at John Carroll University and Cleveland State University, as well as previous roles at Baldwin Wallace University and Walsh University.
DR. LASHELLE JEFFERSON
Dr. Lashelle Jefferson, MSW, DHL, is a seasoned social service professional, bringing over a decade of dedicated experience to her impactful work supporting individuals and families. At Say Yes to Education-Cleveland, she excels as a Family Support Specialist-Supervisor, orchestrating comprehensive service plans that empower student success.
Her leadership extends to mentoring 8th-grade students, coordinating wraparound services, and cultivating strong community partnerships. Dr. Jefferson’s expertise ensures students access critical resources for both academic and personal growth. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of diverse populations is evident in her collaborative approach, working closely with families, school administrators, and service providers. This dedication to holistic support fosters thriving, successful students, creating lasting positive change.
KIERRA COTTON
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Kierra Cotton is a 3-time Emmy Award-winning media professional and host. After graduating from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, she returned to her hometown with a determination to make her broadcasting dreams a reality. She began her professional career at WKYC Channel 3, serving in various roles, including digital content producer, reporter, and even hosting her own show, We the People.
In 2021, looking to broaden her impact, Cotton joined the Cleveland Cavaliers organization as an in-game host. Most recently, she transitioned from TV broadcasting to corporate communications and now serves as the Marketing & Communications Manager for the Port of Cleveland, while also continuing her role as an in-game host for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Charge.
