Man Up Team

Dr. Patrick Washington

Founder & CEO

Dr. Washington is a fifth generation educator, inspired by his great-great grandfather Richard Adkins, who was born into slavery in 1860. Richard became literate and taught other slaves to read. This family history lives through Dr. Washington, his mother and several family members who pursued a career in public education. Dr. Washington is a cohort 4 member of New Leaders, Inc. and in 2008 became the first African-American Superintendent of Benton County Mississippi schools. Dr. Washington is the founding principal of Promise Academy Springhill located in Memphis, TN that opened in 2014. The urgency to launch Man Up Teacher Fellowship was realized as he began to recruit teachers for Promise Academy Spring Hill. “This is a movement, not a program that is aimed to change the world by placing highly effective men of color in classrooms throughout our nation.” Dr. Washington is a graduate of Mississippi State University, Union University and Ole Miss. He and his wife Vicki have two daughters Olivia and Emily.

Mrs. Erica Gray

Human Resources Director

[email protected]

Erica has worked in the charter schools arena for over ten years. In addition to working as the Human Resources Director for Man Up Teacher Fellowship, Erica works as a Data Manager and Analyst for a Memphis-based charter network. A collegiate softball player at Crichton College, Erica enjoys outdoor recreational sports and spending time with her husband Terry, son Case and two Great Danes, Venus and Nyx.

Ms. Nicole Lytle

Community Relations Director

[email protected]

Nicole has worked with a Memphis-based charter network as an Office Manager for over three years. Nicole worked in the business management sector prior to joining the charter schools movement. As the Community Relations Director for Man Up Teacher Fellowship, she works with partnering colleges and universities to identify and enroll MUTF Residents. A Middle Tennessee State University graduate, Nicole enjoys making memories with her wonderful children, Noah, Isaiah and Skylar.

Ms. Carmenseda Fondren

Chief Finance Officer

cfondren@manupteach.org

Carmen has worked in the charter schools arena for over 3 years. In addition to working as the Chief Finance Officer for Man Up Teacher Fellowship, Carmen works as the Accounting Assistant for a Memphis-based charter school/network. Carmen also worked in Finance in the medical/business sector prior to joining the charter schools. Carmen has a Sanford-Brown College graduate and is also pursuing another degree in Accounting. Carmen enjoys spending time with her 3 daughters, Brittany, Terri, Victoria, family and her pitbull Grady.

Mr. Vaughn Thompson

Director of Content Development

[email protected]

Vaughn Thompson has been a champion for educational equity from his roots in Brooklyn, NY.
After graduating from Clark University he
returned to NYC and began a career in finance. After working for several Wall Street firms
he decided to pursue his dream as a teacher and mentor in Brooklyn, NY.
Vaughn later joined New Leaders for New Schools (Cohort 4) as a principal resident. After serving as principal and founding school leader in NYC, Vaughn continued his career in educational leadership as a consultant to schools. Vaughn humbly served as the founding principal of Eagle Academy for Young Men of Newark, the first all-boys public school in the state of New Jersey.
He joined ANET 6 years ago as Executive Director
of Tennessee. He has since taken on the role of Executive Director,
Partnership Development with ANET for the Southern Region. As a champion for equity especially
for men of color, Vaughn continues to support grassroots initiatives like Man Up towards
success.
As a married father of three boys with Tichanda Thompson, Vaughn remains focused on
improving the lives of students and families through supporting and developing instructional
leaders, teachers, coaches, and district personnel.