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WHO ARE WE?

The Knowledge Exchange is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in Fredericksburg, Virginia on April 30th, 2020. We are a diverse team of passionate professionals who realize that quality education is oftentimes unattainable for the majority of Americans. Our mission is that quality education is a right, not a privilege– we strive to teach our community about life! We have a holistic and evidence-based approach to education.

OUR APPROACH

TKE’s Evidence Based structure

THE BOARD

ERIN BLAKLEY
BOARD MEMBER
I stand behind TKE’s mission of providing equitable educational opportunities for all. Communities succeed when organizations like TKE seek to intimately understand and provide necessary resources that cannot be fulfilled by larger institutions. As a federal consultant, I have learned that powerful cultural change comes from the bottom up, and I am honored to provide guidance and leadership to this passionate group of change agents.”
JANENE ONYANGO
Board Member
“Education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. I am passionate about contributing to this cause and eager to serve with a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals at the Knowledge Exchange (TKE). I am dedicated to doing my best when assisting with our mission of bridging the gap in educational opportunities and empowering individuals.”
JONATHAN WILLIAMSON
BOARD MEMBER
“I decided to join TKE as I felt that it would be an opportunity to better help serve Fredericksburg City and the diverse community that we are a part of. I also wanted to better interact and provide resources for the students that I work with. As a board member I hope that I will be present with the means to be more proactive and be more able to share support for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and levels.”

DUAA AMEER
BOARD MEMBER
“I am interested in joining TKE because I believe it is an organization that values innovation, collaboration, and leadership. I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to TKE and help the organization achieve its goals.”
BECKY WAGNER
BOARD MEMBER
My desire to join the Board of TKE came from following Maija on social media.  Her passion showed through when expressing things the group was involved in.  Educating the generations after mine is very important to me, so when I have the opportunity to assist in any way, I’m normally there to volunteer.  Following a face to face meeting with Maija about TKE and it’s mission, I told her I would help in any way I can.  I believe the way I teach finances can benefit those wanting to learn how money really works.

TAISHA MATHIEU
BOARD MEMBER
“I want to be part of an organization that fosters education, advocacy, equity, and cultural diversity. For youth to grow and aspire to become humble and courageous citizens, we must be leaders and advocates of health, and social, financial, and cultural awareness so that the impact of our lives is recognized with unity and solidarity. I wanted to be able to strengthen my skills and also learn about the dynamics of leadership and the groundings of teamwork. More importantly, execute and address the challenges that youth and families encounter when it comes to daily living and success. Finally, offering resources and guidance for the needs of families, youth, and caregivers so that they can reach the highest level of empowerment and healthy living.”

OUR TEAM

MAIJA PENN
Co-founder & CEO
“I want to reinvent education for our community! I worked in the public school system and behavior therapy services for 4 years with children with disabilities. I loved helping the families improve their home situation and watch the children’s improvements. However, our current education system is flawed due to teachers required to teach to a test which leads to parents forced to seek tutoring for their child they cannot afford. So I was excited to be asked by Jim (founder of TKE) to help build up the vision for affordable educational services, so anyone can have access to quality education in their community!”
MIIKE SYKES
Chief Operations Officer
“Joining TKE was a natural decision for me as I recognized the profound impact I could have on young minds. With a longstanding passion for aiding those in need, this opportunity aligned perfectly with my personal mission of identifying and addressing needs. Having previously taught in a low-income area, I witnessed firsthand the educational inequities that persist. Being part of TKE empowers me to make a meaningful difference where such needs are most pronounced..”
KATE ROSE
Chief Marketing Officer
I was drawn to The Knowledge Exchange because of its steadfast commitment to ensuring that quality education is accessible to all individuals. The belief that education should be a universal right deeply resonates with me and reflects my own values. Joining TKE presents an incredible opportunity for me to use my background in marketing to contribute to a cause that I am truly passionate about. I am enthusiastic about the chance to work alongside like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating positive change in the world through education.

CHRIS POON
Program Director of Enrichments
JEAN ESPERANCE
Interim Treasurer
A huge part of my experience has been with non-profit organizations. Even after I moved here to the US and
worked in the private sector, I was always thinking about opportunities to work for non-profit and helping
others. I wanted a place where I could use my knowledge and experience to bring light and hope to others.
There is a personal satisfaction for me, by observing others’ happiness or just by being able to help someone
you know who needs your help.
As someone who observes and analyses things around me and in society, I always said that, if we need a
better society tomorrow, we need to start with the children today. So, for me, joining TKE to help kids and
young people is like “parched ground waiting for the rainfall ”.
CANDACE PENN
Program Coordinator (Dungeons and Dragons)