Staff Bio
Trelawney McLaurin, Director
Trelawney served as the Chief Administrator for the Center for Applied Mathematics (CAM) and the Director of the Career Development Program (CDP), a faith-based organization. Her teaching career spans thirty years in secondary education for large urban school districts. She is an active member of the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists.
As a tween, she suffered from scoliosis and had to wear a full-body cast. During this same period, her father was charged, convicted, and sent to prison for a serious crime. Despite the odds, she excelled and loves to share her experiences with youth and young adults. Am I my brother’s keeper? The answer is a resounding, “Yes I am.”
Genevieve Richards, Instructional Strategist
Ms. Richards is an urban education specialist and student advocate. She received a Juris Doctorate in 2008 from Loyola Law School and serves as an educational consultant for local school districts. She is the founder of the Real Talk™ Leadership Academy, a tri-part supplemental education program for youth. Ms. Richards’ life experience uniquely qualifies her to work with the underserved and less privileged.
Rich Bella aka "Mr. Focus", Instructor
Director / Producer of Music and Film
Best Selling Co-Author with Wayne Dyer, Mark Victor Hansen, John Assaraf, Steven E. and friends in "Wake Up...Live the Life You Love."
Award Winning Poet - "The Desire of a New Love" Editor's Choice for The International Library of Congress and Poetry.com.
From poetry to emceeing, filming to writing, Rich Bella is Focused on the Beauty of Expression. As an Artist Educator, he has had the opportunity to work with Young People of all levels. From the Dream Project, the United Nations Project, and servicing incarcerated youth, Rich Bella inspires the greatness in each individual he encounters.
Sharon Cruse, Coordinator - Life Skills
Sharon Cruse is Founder and CEO of Purple Reign Life Skills Center, LLC and Purple Reign Education Center, Inc., a 501 ( c) (3) non-profit organization. Her mission and passion are to help those who have a personal committment to having a better quality of life. She provides real "life skills" training which allows for sustained self-sufficiency. "Making a Difference, One Life At A Time!"