Press Release

For Immediate Release – December 14, 2015

The Asia SiVon Cottom Memorial Foundation (ASC), is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kenae Black as its new Executive Director effective immediately. The selection was made after a regional search and selection process, during which Dr. Black served as a volunteer for the organization.

Dr. Black comes to ASC with a wealth of knowledge of educating youth and serving those of the at-risk population. Additionally, Dr. Black’s resume includes over 15 years of small business administration, volunteerism and experience in the nonprofit sector. She is masters prepared in public administration and obtained her doctorate in the area of Management in Organizational Leadership.

Dr. Black is a published scholarly author, speaker, small business owner, and trainer in the fields of Leadership, Motivation theories, Business, Gender Studies, Organizational Leadership and Management. She will bring leadership and creativity to the ASC and a deep sense of commitment to the students we serve. Dr. Black has served nonprofits at program and leadership levels, and has a breadth of perspective and experience; specifically related to having an affinity to those pursuing higher education.

Dr. Black is also the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Reach Back Spring Forward, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting at-risk youth and young adults with social, educational, and environmental resources for a healthy transition into adulthood. Dr. Black’s involvement with her non-profit, has afforded her the opportunity to serve youth and young adults in various capacities.

“I am humbled and find it a privilege to serve alongside the amazing and dedicated leadership of the ASC founders and board members” says, Black. “Additionally, helping students achieve their educational goals through providing financial support is something I only dreamed I could do, “Black, added.

“We are indeed fortunate to have Dr. Black serve as our Executive Director, says Co-Founder Michelle Cottom. Her education and experience will be beneficial to ASC as we move forward in the 21st century in our pursuits of working with and supporting college students.”

The ASC was established in 2002 by Clifton and Michelle Cotton in honor of their 11 year old daughter, Asia SiVon Cottom. Asia was a student at Bertie Backus Middle School in Washington, DC and was one of three District of Columbia Public School students aboard American Airline Flight #77, when it tragically crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. The ASC Memorial Scholarship Fund was founded to provide Scholarship awards to deserving students who have excelled academically, with special consideration given to students interested in math, science, and information technology. Since 2002, the ASC has awarded over $250,000 in scholarship awards.
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Contact: Dr. Herbert H. Jackson, Jr.
202-276-3256

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