Dr. Maya Bugg Faison
Dr. Maya Bugg Faison has deep roots in the education sector – from beginning as a classroom educator in North Carolina to working with the United States Department of Education as a policy consultant. Now, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Tennessee Charter School Center, her more than a decade of experience launching, scaling, and leading high-impact initiatives throughout the education sector are poised to lead charter school growth and success here in Tennessee.
Prior to joining the Center, Maya served as the founding State Director for Education Pioneers Tennessee, where she was charged with overseeing strategic growth, financial stability, and partner development throughout the region. She has also worked in capacities to support evaluation and strategy for teacher preparation programs; lead school and district-level leaders in advancing school turnaround efforts; and found a national resource dedicated to training educators in the use of culturally responsive education.
Maya earned a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, is National Board Certified as a teacher, and completed her Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership & Policy at the Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University.
Tizgel High
Tizgel High is the proud mom of three Williamson County School students. She is a dedicated education advocate and believes in the power and impact of great teachers on the lives of children. Her mother and many family members are active or retired educators who instilled in her a respect for the teaching profession. She understood early the high value of a great education and the opportunities that follow education. Tizgel lives in Brentwood with her husband, three kids, mother in law, and two dogs. She works as a healthcare executive for a Brentwood based company. She received her bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology and a certificate in African-American studies from Princeton University. Tizgel is a licensed attorney, although she is not currently practicing. Tizgel received her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. Tizgel considers herself a lifelong learner. She learned to swim at the age of 40 so that she could become a triathlete and complete an Ironman. She loves to read, listen to music, and travel.
Kate Keese
Kate Keese has recently started her third career and is thrilled to have found a home in social work focusing on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH). She received her BA in English from Sewanee many years ago and is now a Licensed Master of Social Work having graduated from UT School of Social Work in May 2023. Throughout her varied professional experiences, Kate has been interested in increasing knowledge to bring about healing.
Born in Nashville, Kate grew up in Durham, NC, in a more racially diverse environment than most of TN has to offer. Her forebears, many of whom were clergy and political leaders, have been in the South for hundreds of years. This history has led to a fascination with the capacity of human nature to harm and to forgive, and the stories we tell ourselves to justify our actions. She has witnessed the healing that can occur with exposure to diverse perspectives and is committed to engaging in the community to increase knowledge and understanding.
Kate is the proud mom of one recent and one soon-to-be graduate of Brentwood High. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her kids.
Revida Rahman
Revida Rahman, the Co-Founder of One WillCo, is a native of Mississippi and Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Tennessee State University. Revida currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for A Step Ahead Foundation of Middle Tennessee where they assist in preventing unplanned pregnancies with free 99% effective birth control, LARC’s.
In 2017, Revida and 4 other families sought change in Williamson County Schools where those efforts continue today. Through this grassroots organizing, One WillCo was formed in October of 2020 with Co-Founder, Jennifer Cortez. One WillCo works to educate our community and advocate for racial equity for students and staff in Williamson County, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville. One WillCo’s message of justice and equity has been shared on CNN, PBS, NPR, Christian Science Monitor to name a few.
Revida was recognized as Community Service Person of the Year from Phi Beta Sigma. She is a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta and has received the Presidential Spirit Award from the Nashville Alumnae Chapter. Revida and her husband recently celebrated 19 years of marriage. She and Yusuf have been actively involved in the change they want to see in their community. They proudly stand before their two teenage sons, Amir & Taj.
Yusuf Rahman
Meet Yusuf Rahman, a dedicated professional hailing from Birmingham, AL. He is a proud graduate of the Respiratory Therapy program at Tennessee State University, showcasing his commitment to healthcare which has remained one of his passions. With a remarkable career spanning 23 years, Yusuf has excelled as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, demonstrating expertise and passion to educate others about the effects of diabetes and heart disease.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Yusuf is a trailblazer in the community. He chartered a chapter of the National Sales Network and served as the esteemed President of the Nashville Chapter, showcasing leadership and organizational prowess. He finds joy in staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, often dedicating time to fitness.
On the personal front, Yusuf has been happily married to Revida Rahman, since 2004. Together, they are proud parents to two wonderful teenage sons Amir & Taj, fostering a loving and supportive family environment.
With his diverse background, wealth of experience, and passion for equality, Yusuf brings a unique perspective to the board, making him an invaluable asset.
Jeff Stewart
Originally from Canada, Jeff has lived in the United States since 2011 and in Franklin since 2021. He moved here with his wife and two children to join the ongoing struggle for racial justice, advocating for equity in education, housing, economics, and criminal justice. He joined the One WillCo community within weeks of moving to Franklin in early 2021, officially joining the board soon thereafter.
The son of pastors and missionaries, Jeff believes firmly in the inherent value and dignity of all people, and in the universal responsibility to pursue justice for the oppressed. And though the systemic barriers faced by people of color may seem immovable by one person, he is inspired by the impact that committed individuals can have on the world when they are unwilling to accept the status quo – especially when they find others who share the same convictions and push against those barriers together.
“Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly” – Micah 6:8
Anthony Thomas
Anthony C. Thomas is a Management Consultant with over 25 years of global experience in financial, operational and compliance auditing, risk management, project management, business process evaluation and design and complex fraud investigations for Fortune 500 and start-up companies in the automotive, fast food and healthcare industries. He also has experience in managing the P&L for a multi- unit retail organization including Finance, HR, Marketing and inventory management. He is recognized for his ethics, integrity, professionalism, and leadership.
Anthony retired from Bridgestone Americas, Inc. in 2019 after 25 years of service. During his career he progressed through the organization in the key areas of Audit, Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Operations and special projects. In his final role as Director of Internal Audit, he managed the activities of the Field Audit function in North America comprised of 35 auditors and the Corporate Audit function in Latin America comprised of 9 auditors.
Anthony began consulting in 2019 and has worked in the entertainment, healthcare, non-profit and service sectors. In 2020, he was instrumental in leading the logistical efforts to open the drive-thru COVID test facility at Meharry Medical College.
Anthony is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a BBA in Marketing. He is also a graduate of the Belmont University Leadership Program. He serves on the Board for Community Child Care Center of Franklin. He is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. where he currently serves as Area Director.
Anthony has been married for 29 years to his beautiful wife Crystal and is the proud father of two children (Jordan & Corryn). His special interests include golfing, traveling and spending quality time with his family.