DRAFT – This page is still under construction.
Executive Director
Dr. Jeanne-Hélène (Néna) Roy – An Associate Professor Emerita of French at the University of Akron, Néna Roy is currently the executive director of Akron Promise, a nonprofit promoting upward economic mobility for Akron Public School students through barrier-free educational attainment. Throughout her professional career, Néna specialized in and authored works on the French Enlightenment, contemporary French fiction, and cinema studies. With undergraduate diplomas from both France and the United states, she holds both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University, and is a 500-hour RYT certified yoga instructor. She has guest-lectured and taught throughout the United States, as well as in France and Italy. Néna currently lives in Akron, Ohio with her two teens and a smattering of cats.
Board of Directors
Nicole Farrell
Daralee “Dee” Ghinder, Co-Founder – After 13 years as a banker, Dee retired to raise two kids (now adults), while volunteering for scouts, sports teams, music groups, PTA, school & church activities & events. The hard work and success of Tom & Dee’s children came through good support systems and great opportunities, which inspires her to advocate for this for EVERY child.
Tom Ghinder, Founder – Tom and his wife founded Akron Promise in 2016 after years of study and participation in the educational community in Akron. They’ve been Akron residents since 1994. Their children attended and graduated from Akron Public Schools before both going on to earn degrees at public universities in Ohio. Tom retired from his 30 year career in systems and data analysis to bring a Promise program to the City of Akron. In 2021, when Akron Promise hired our Executive Director, Tom returned to his IT career. He continues to devote his off work time to Akron Promise.
Emery Leuchtag – Emery is part owner and Managing Director of North American operations for Ravizza Packaging USA, in Akron. As an attorney, Emery lends his legal expertise to the board. Emery is a long-time Akron resident, community volunteer and education advocate.
Greg Milo -Mr. Milo teaches Social Studies courses at Akron Early College High School. He is the author of Rebooting Social Studies (2017), a book that highlights the importance of a collaboration between schools and businesses. Greg believes that elevating education to the top of a community’s to-do list is vital for creating a vibrant and sturdy future.
Dr. Pam Schulze
Dr. Stephanie Sutton – Dr. Sutton has over 30 years of higher education experience with responsibility for enrollment management and advancing student services and success initiatives. She is the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Stark State College (North Canton, OH). She previously served as Associate Provost of Enrollment Management & Student Success at Lorain County Community College (Elyria, OH). Stephanie prides herself on providing student-centered leadership for enrollment management and student success.
Key Metrics
(the documentation below is still under construction)
APS Students served last school year
Scholarships awarded by year
Students completing first year of post secondary education successfully
Students completing post secondary education within 3 years (AA), or 6 years (Bachelors)
Federal 990 Filings – All filed as 990N as required from 2016 – 2021
Federaal Final Determination Letter recognizing 501(c)3 Status