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 Board

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

Dominique Gray, CCM

co-founder
Mr. Gray was born in Washington, D.C., but calls Charleston, SC home. A graduate of James Island Charter High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in hotel restaurant and tourism management with a concentration on club management from the University of South Carolina. Something he believes, “would have been unachievable without the assistance of organizations like R4A.” He is looking forward to guiding the youth in achieving their goals through higher education.

Anthony Harley

co-founder
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 Dean of Students and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Valor Preparatory Academy. As a leader in the community, he is continuously striving for excellence, as well as being a parent to two wonderful children. He is involved in various organizations that provide structure, guidance, and assistance to many in the community.

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 currently serves as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, S.C. National Guard and he is a practicing attorney. 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.”
Tywanza head graphic

Tywanza Sanders

Honorary Founder
Race 4 Achievement exists to carry on the legacy of Tywanza Sanders. Tywanza was 26 years old when he was fatally shot during Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME in downtown Charleston, SC. He was the beloved son of Mr. Tyrone and Mrs. Felicia Sanders and a young man just beginning his mark on the world. Tywanza graduated from Allen University in 2014, where he studied business. He considered himself a poet, an artist and a businessman. Indeed he wore those hats but to his family and friends, he was so much more. He was a mentor, an advocate and an inspiration. Most of all, he was a friend. After his passing, Allen University issued a statement describing Tywanza as, “a warm and helpful spirit.” Just hours before he was murdered, Tywanza posted on his Instagram account a quote from Jackie Robinson: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Race 4 Achievement will forever ensure that Tywanza’s impact on the lives of others is remembered, honored and celebrated.

Board Members

Jasmine Blair, M.Ed.
Shenay Dennis
Davon Gillard
Michele Gray
Keonta Ramsey
Kiandra Scott, MD
​Daniel Stern
Jerrica Turner, MBA

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