Leadership
The Race 4 Achievement programs were developed to help young people ages 13 to 18 years old in their journey toward making life-impacting decisions about their education and their future.
Race 4 Achievement was founded on the principle of friendship. It is true what they say. There are friends. There is family and then there are friends that become family. Race 4 Achievement represents the amazing results that can happen when relationships are formed and nurtured around a common goal. The leadership behind Race 4 Achievement is committed to living out our mission and striving to realize our vision. Our race is long but we are ready to set the pace for a better future.
Our Founders
Anthony Harley
Mr. Harley (A.J.) is a native of James Island, SC. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2010 from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He resides in Charleston with his wife Breauna, and daughters Ariel and Aurora. A.J. is currently a financial specialist and enjoys spending his free time with family and friends and keeping up with the multiple organizations he is involved with. A.J. wants to ensure that other young scholars in his community have a chance to reach their full potential.
Rashaad Lennen, MBA
co-founder
Mr. Lennen is a native of Charleston, SC with a wealth of knowledge. He received his B.A. in Information Systems Engineering degree from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. Upon graduation, he dedicated his life to helping youth by becoming a educator in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Lennen later obtained his Masters in Business Administration through the Jack Welch management program. Lennen is very well-rounded, having taught math, science, and technology for a total of seven years and recently served as an administrator in his role (School Enrichment Specialist) in 2022. He is currently the assistant principal and basketball coach at a charter school in Concord, NC
Ryon Smalls, Esq.
co-founder
Mr. Smalls was primarily raised in Charleston, SC. He graduated from James Island Charter High School in 2007 and earned his bachelor’s degree in history, with a concentration in education from the University of South Carolina Upstate. He is a U.S. Army Veteran and practicing attorney in Charlotte, NC. Regarding his service to Race 4 Achievement, he shares, “The vision is to not only help guide and mentor as many young scholars as possible but to help the community as a whole through educational-based experiences.”
Board Members
Monika Smalls, MSW
Kamika Rainey-Sloan
Keonta Ramsey
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