Ellie Phillips, Executive Director & Founder

Ellie Phillips has been working in youth and adult basic education programs in the District of Columbia since 2001, first as an AmeriCorps volunteer, then as a Lifelong Learning Coach in Mayor Anthony Williams’ Literacy Initiative, and finally as GED Program Director at Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council.

While at Metropolitan/Delta, Phillips’s work increased the number of GED graduates from 5 to 25 in one year. She also and developed innovative approaches and curricula for teaching GED math and writing, called Mathbusters and Essaybusters. Ms. Phillips has presented Mathbusters and Essaybusters training workshops at teachers' conferences nationwide.

In 2003, recognizing the need for transitional support services for graduates of GED and External Diploma Programs, Ms. Phillips founded Beyond Talent, a non-profit organization with a mission to empower non-traditional high school graduates to overcome barriers to higher education and employment so they can succeed, and start cycles of success in their own communities.

As Executive Director of Beyond Talent, Ms. Phillips was selected to participate in two programs that provide non-profit management and capacity-building training at no cost to select non-profit leaders—Fair Chance and the Strategic Partnerships Initiative of the Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development. In 2007, Ms. Phillips became Beyond Talent's first full-time staff member. 

Ms. Phillips has also worked as a consultant in the District of Columbia Public Schools through organizations such as DC WritersCorps and Classroom, Inc. While serving in the Mayor Williams’ Literacy Initiative, Ms. Phillips received a scholarship from the Washington, DC State Education Agency to the attend University of the District of Columbia and earn a graduate certification in adult education, which she completed in 2003. Ms. Phillips also has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Board of Directors

Damian A. Kudelka, Treasurer

Damian Kudelka has more than five years of experience in financial auditing, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and business consulting, as well as a strong commitment to financial governance.  Most recently, Damian served as a business consultant for Weiser LLP in New York City. As a consultant, he assessed management compliance with corporate policy, analyzed client’s financial information, identified long-term risks, and evaluated organizational performance. 

Damian holds a BBA in accounting from Hofstra University in New York and earned his CPA license in 2003. Currently, he is a MPP candidate attending Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, concentrating in social policy.  Dedicated to Beyond Talent’s mission, Damian strives to apply his professional talents to maintain and strengthen the organization for long-term success.
 

Chenniah Randolph, Secretary

Chenniah Randolph is a founding teacher at MEI Futures Academy Public Charter School. Other work experience includes working in the field of Adult Basic Education teaching GED, External Diploma Program (EDP), and English as Second Language (ESL). After completing her undergraduate studies in Communications and Spanish at Mount Saint Mary’s College, Ms. Randolph returned to school to earn a master’s degree in Linguistics at American University. Overall, she truly has a passion for working with adult learners and programs such as Beyond Talent that help them achieve their goals. 

Leslie Hines

Leslie Hines has been a Beyond Talent Peer Mentor since 2005 for students seeking high school credentials through the GED exam or External Diploma Program. Leslie, a GED graduate himself, is currently enrolled at Southeastern University as a Financial Management major with an interest in real estate. In a 12-week real estate seminar at Southeastern University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, Leslie learned property management, real estate exit strategies, and financing for the purchase of real estate. He has also been involved in Southeastern’s certificate program in entrepreneurship.

In addition to volunteering at Catholic Charities Adult Education Program, Leslie works for the Virtual Enterprise adult education program, where he assists students with online GED preparation and performs administrative duties. Leslie has been on the Board of Directors of Beyond Talent for two years, serving as Vice-President in 2007 and launching an ink-cartridge recycling program to raise funds for Beyond Talent. In March 2007 Leslie was the subject of a “Washington Post” feature article about adult learners.

Beyond Talent is actively seeking to expand its Board of Directors. People with experience in non-profit governance, law, accounting, marketing & communications, community development, or education are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are interested in making the commitment to serve on the Beyond Talent board, please send an email with your qualifications to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .