CEO/FOUNDER

Rolanda has dedicated over 20 years to shaping young minds as a Special Education Teacher and is also a certified principal. Her journey began in journalism, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with a minor in Finance from Baruch College before transitioning to education—a field where her passion for advocacy and leadership flourished. While raising two daughters, Rolanda pursued her professional goals, earning a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Brooklyn College, a Principal Certification from Bank Street College, and a certificate in educational leadership. During her college years, she ran a business called 4 Corners, selling global artifacts, while also tutoring students.

Her leadership extended beyond the classroom as she served as Vice President of the Mount Morris Park Community Association, advocating for her community and championing causes that made a difference. As a Director of daycares, she reinforced her belief in the power of early education. Inspired by her own experience growing up in poverty and witnessing her parents’ struggles, Rolanda is deeply committed to breaking generational cycles of financial hardship.

This commitment led to the creation of Rise of the Phoenix Academy After-School Program, an initiative focused on equipping children with entrepreneurial skills to build generational wealth. Rolanda believes that investing in children today is the key to securing a stable future in an ever-changing economic landscape. Through Rise of the Phoenix Academy, she aims to change the trajectory of the future—one child at a time.

Vice President

Dr. Dale G. Caldwell is a visionary leader and advocate for Black excellence. As Co-Founder of the Black Excellence Alliance, professor, and Executive Director of the Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, he has dedicated his career to empowering communities. An accomplished author, his groundbreaking book Intelligent Influence: The 4 Steps of Highly Successful Leaders and Organizations has transformed leadership strategies worldwide.

Dr. Caldwell founded several impactful organizations, including the Dale Caldwell Foundation, Black Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame, and Black Executives Hall of Fame, to honor and inspire Black excellence. With degrees from Princeton, Wharton, and Seton Hall, and certifications in leadership coaching, his purposeful drive for change has inspired him to join Ms. Blanc in her mission at the Rise of the Phoenix Academy After-School Program, empowering the next generation through education and financial literacy.

Dr. Caldwell believes that transformative change starts with equipping children with the tools they need to succeed. By collaborating with Rise of the Phoenix Academy, he is committed to helping shape a future where young leaders overcome systemic challenges and build sustainable legacies for their families and communities.

Board Of Directors

Dr. Lois Jeremy-Greene is a visionary educator and transformational leader with a career rooted in equity, excellence, and innovation. She began her teaching journey in Antigua and Barbuda as a mathematics and science teacher, laying the foundation for her lifelong dedication to education. Currently an Assistant Principal, she has served in various roles, including math coach, instructional supervisor, special education supervisor, and teacher mentor, always striving to create rigorous and engaging learning environments tailored to the needs of all students.

Holding a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership, Dr. Jeremy-Greene champions research-based strategies that foster equity and inclusion while empowering students to reach their full potential. As a leader in innovative mathematics instruction, she emphasizes problem-solving and resilience through mathematical modeling. Her initiatives, such as developing a five-year secondary school program, reflect her commitment to reimagining traditional education to better prepare students for college, careers, and global citizenship.

Dr. Jeremy-Greene is also the founder of The Teaching Tree Network, a professional learning community that equips educators with tools and strategies to enhance their practice. Inspired by her drive for purposeful change, she has joined Ms. Blanc and Dr. Dale G. Caldwell in their mission at the Rise of the Phoenix Academy After-School Program, where she continues to advocate for transformative educational opportunities that empower students to overcome challenges and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Board Of Directors

Chrystal Phipps, a proud native of Harlem, New York, has dedicated the past 14 years to serving her community as an educator in various capacities. Passionate about mentoring youth and driving positive change, she views education as a cornerstone for empowering the next generation. As a mother of two young boys, Chrystal prioritizes the quality of education children receive and actively advocates for excellence in teaching and learning.

Over the past three years, her focus has shifted toward developing new teachers, ensuring that those tasked with guiding students are thoroughly equipped to foster success. Chrystal’s commitment to educational leadership extends to her role as a Director on the Board of the Rising of the Phoenix Empowerment Network. This position allows her to create a broader impact, a responsibility she approaches with enthusiasm and determination to make meaningful change.