GOVERNANCE TEAM

Rise East partners have developed a governance structure to create shared accountability for the initiative, ensure effective implementation oversight, and advance the success, scalability, and sustainability of Rise East.

Specifically, the role of the Rise East Governance Team, is to:

  • Review and approve annual budgets and scopes of work for Rise East partners

  • Review quarterly Rise East progress reports about strategy, implementation, and financial standing

  • Review annual independent evaluation reports

Rise East is a collective impact partnership where power and decision-making are shared equally across stakeholders with diverse experiences and skill sets, including resident, nonprofit, and system leaders.

The Rise East Governance Team brings together the public systems, philanthropic, and business expertise of Oakland Thrives’ existing Executive Team with the deep community resident and lived experience of Rise East’s Steering Committee to make strategy and investment decisions. The Governance Team makes decisions using a consensus approval process, requiring discussion and collaboration across all members.

The Rise East Governance Team

Co-Founder and Director of Parent Liberators, The Oakland REACH

  • I’m Keta Brown, Co-Founder and Director of Parent Liberator/Family Success Coaches at The Oakland REACH, where we are committed to empowering parents to lead change. I have the honor of leading a team of incredible coaches who support both student academic success and the well-being of parents. I believe true change must be driven by the people who live in the community.

    East Oakland has shaped me in every way—personally and professionally. I’ve lived through and witnessed the challenges our families, especially Black families, face every day. But I also draw strength from our resilience, from the struggles and the triumphs that have brought us this far. As a mother, my family is my greatest pride and joy, and they fuel my commitment to this work.

    My personal call to action is clear: families must be seen as partners. Their voices matter—and they must be heard. I’m focused on building strong partnerships with other organizations and using data not just for tracking progress, but for accountability. I know that real collaboration is what it takes to create lasting, meaningful change in East Oakland. My power lies in making thoughtful recommendations that truly improve the lives of Oakland families.

Adjunct Professor of African American Studies, Merritt College; Community Organizer

  • My name is Nehanda Imara and I have been an Oakland resident for more than forty years, living in Deep East Oakland for half of that time. I am an activist, organizer, educator teaching African American and Environmental Studies at Merritt College, where I created the first Environmental Racism/Justice course at the Peralta Community College District.  East Oakland has sharpened me as an organizer – it’s where I’ve built relationships and critical community networks. I worked with organizations like Communities for a Better Environment, East Oakland Building Health Communities and the East Oakland Black Cultural Zone.

    My activism is based within the notion of power building through liberation education. I believe the people, residents and community leaders have the power to change systems that harm us – from environmental racism, disinvestment in our schools and economic harms in terms of housing and the general well-being of our neighborhoods.

    In 2014, I ran for Oakland City Council, opening doors for more progressive women to lead. I walked into this undertaking, not because I wanted to, but because I was asked to by resident leaders, community members, and grassroot organizations. My work inside and outside of Oakland and the classroom is rooted in the belief that when some of our most marginalized communities are uplifted, we are all uplifted. A fund fact about me: I love to cook for family and friends, and I’ve traveled to over 10 African countries, as well as parts of the Caribbean and Central America. I plan to travel to all places in the world that our people live, thrive and make positive change.

Superintendent Emeritus, OUSD

  • I have been your Superintendent since the 2017-18 school year and I look forward to working with our staff and families to ensure a joyful educational experience for our students.

    Oakland is home to me.

    I was born and raised in East Oakland, attended Montclair Elementary and Montera Middle schools, and have spent almost my entire professional career working at OUSD.

    For more than 25 years, I have developed my skills as both an educator and administrator and served students in several capacities including: elementary school teacher; middle school assistant principal; elementary school principal; Director of Talent Development; Associate Superintendent for Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction; Network Superintendent and, most recently, as Interim Deputy Superintendent. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead OUSD educators in service of young people right here in my hometown.

    I know we have work to do before every student in the District reaches their full potential. As an Oakland native, I have seen firsthand the strength of this community and the dedication of our educators. The time is now to turn our good intentions into strong results. Together, we can transform OUSD from a school district showing areas of improvement and pockets of success to one that is known for consistent excellence and equity, transparent and honest communication, and quality schools in every neighborhood.

Oakland Educator and Native

  • I am Lamar Hancock and I serve as an Ethnic Studies teacher at Coliseum College Preparatory

    Academy in East Oakland. Looking back on my East Oakland high school journey, It was filled with invested teachers and support staff who were focused on ensuring that I grew both personally and academically. From this, I was able to develop rapport with stakeholders and community members which carry over into the community I currently serve. And too, to return to East Oakland with the opportunity to teach young people and interact with alumni that are now colleagues further enhances my growth and development as an educator. It’s a full-circle experience. I walk this walk and talk like a lion. I work to make our children not afraid of anyone when it comes word to word. I, (along with others) train them in the art of the gift of gab so they have a seat at table. I’ll gab with the best of them just so I can chill and be me. And that’s why I love this art of teaching, because I appreciate every practitioner of it. Whether I agree with them or not, I know where they’re coming from. The children want to be heard, they have something to say, there’s something they noticed, they just want to be understood. I love this brand. As I move further into the future, celebrating the future of Oakland, I ask others who wish to celebrate them to make one incredible memory for themselves, and/or somebody else.

    Fun fact!

    In my spare time, I love to do street photography.

Network Superintendent, OUSD

  • I am Dr. Sabrina "Bri" Moore, born and raised in Oakland, where I experienced firsthand how the educational system failed Black students like me. Today, I serve as a Network Superintendent for Oakland Unified School District, overseeing 16 TK-8 schools and working every day to ensure no child faces the barriers I once did. East Oakland shaped my purpose—it’s where my roots and passion for educational justice took hold. In response to the literacy inequity I faced, I founded 3Ls The Academy: Literacy, Leadership, and Liberation.

    Our work starts “one neighborhood at a time,” beginning in Deep East Oakland, where we are transforming outcomes for Black children through culturally grounded literacy programs. What I love most about Oakland is our legacy of resistance—from the Black Panthers to today’s fierce community advocates who refuse to let our youth be left behind. I’m proud of our city’s enduring resilience and unwavering fight for justice.

    My personal call to action is simple but urgent: close the literacy gap for Black students by using proven strategies like my Radical Literacy Framework, which has shown a 91% success rate in literacy mastery. I believe I have the power to disrupt systems that have historically failed our children and build new ones that affirm their brilliance. This work is deeply personal to me because the same challenges still exist decades later—and I’m determined to be part of the change.

    A fun fact: My work has received national attention, including an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show!

Mayor, City of Oakland

  • Barbara Lee was elected Mayor of Oakland in a historic Special Election conducted on April 15, 2025.

    ​Prior to her election, Mayor Lee represented the people of Oakland as the community’s award-winning California State Assembly Member, California State Senator, and U.S. Congressional representative for over three decades.

    As Oakland’s Congresswoman, Mayor Lee secured billions of dollars to improve Oakland’s neighborhoods and quality of life -- including funding for local police officers, firefighters, and community safety programs; money for safer and greener streets; resources to uplift small businesses; and hundreds of millions to expand and green the Port of Oakland. She is the first Black woman to be elected Mayor of Oakland.

    Mayor Lee has historically been a strong advocate for ethics reform and budget accountability, creating good paying union jobs, common sense gun reform, the expansion of home ownership opportunities, and effective solutions to homelessness -- experience she will use in her executive position as Oakland’s Mayor.

    During her years as a graduate student, Mayor Lee founded the Community Health Alliance for Neighborhood Growth and Education (CHANGE), a community-based mental health center and is also a former small business owner. A clinical social worker by profession, Mayor Lee received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mills College and her Masters in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley.

Regional Vice President of External and Community Affairs, Kaiser Permanente

  • As the Regional Vice President for External and Community Affairs at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, Yvette Radford is accountable for the organization’s Community Relations Program, Regional Government Relations, and $1.2 billion Community Benefit/Community Health portfolio.

    In this capacity, Yvette’ leads Kaiser Permanente’s community-based efforts to address health inequities by improving the conditions of health in underserved communities. This includes addressing some of the most pressing needs facing Northern California communities including: COVID-19 response and recovery, the affordable housing and homelessness crisis, health and behavioral health care access, building a diverse health care workforce, and expanding economic opportunity for all.

    She also co-leads Kaiser Permanente’s national community health equity initiative to leverage the organization’s resources, partnerships, and influence to help end discriminatory institutional systems and public policies that perpetuate racial inequities. Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, Yvette spent many years working for the California State Legislature.

    Yvette represents Kaiser Permanente on several boards and commissions. Governor Jerry Brown appointed her to the California Volunteers Commission in 2014, where she was re-appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom and is currently the Commission’s Vice Chair. Yvette is also a member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Foundation, one of the country’s largest community foundations, and the Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat Learn Play Foundation. She also serves on the board of California Women Lead and is an advisory committee member on Kaiser Permanente’s Center for Gun Violence Research and Education.

Councilmember, City of Oakland

  • Kevin was elected to represent Oakland City Council District 6 in November of 2022. Kevin was born and raised in East Oakland, California as the son of two Oakland Unified School District employees. He graduated from Oakland High School and attended Laney College and College of Alameda. Kevin then transferred to San Francisco State University where he earned a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning. After graduating from San Francisco State, Kevin attended California State University, East Bay, earning a Master’s in Public Administration.

    In November 2020, Kevin was elected to represent Area 2 for the Peralta Community College District, which includes all of East Oakland. While on the Peralta Board of Trustees, Kevin advocated for funding for student housing and worked closely with his colleagues to ensure that the district navigated the global pandemic. During his tenure with Peralta, Kevin orchestrated cross-sector partnerships with Peralta Community College and Oakland community-based organizations to enhance educational opportunities

    Kevin served as a commissioner for the Alameda County Public Health Commission for over three years. In his role, he worked with the health department to address emerging health needs and reduce homelessness. Previously Kevin served as the Director of Housing for an anti-poverty organization, working directly with community members to explore creative ways to address the rising rent and build affordable housing. Kevin continues to partner with non-profits to address illegal dumping and blight in Oakland. Kevin served as the President of the California Association of Black School Educators. He is also a proud father to his son Elijah, a second-generation Oaklander.

CEO, Tipping Point Community

  • Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Sam Cobbs moved to the Bay Area in 1991 and has been fighting poverty by working to create economic opportunities for individuals ever since. In January 2020, Sam became CEO of Tipping Point Community, a leading philanthropic organization that finds, funds, and strengthens the most promising poverty-fighting solutions in the Bay Area. Since being at the helm, Sam has expanded Tipping Point’s approach by pairing effective direct service grantmaking with policy work to disrupt the conditions that hold poverty in place.

    Having experienced poverty first-hand, Sam understands the combination of resilience, resourcefulness, and support that is required to live in a region that has become known worldwide for its high cost of living. When Sam speaks about his personal story, he is quick to acknowledge that it wasn’t only grit that led him to where he is now, but also a healthy dose of luck. Sam has made it a lifelong quest to help take “luck” out the equation so everyone has an opportunity to prosper.

    Over the past 25 years in the nonprofit sector, Sam has built a track record of designing and implementing programs with clear outcomes for California’s most vulnerable populations. Prior to joining Tipping Point, Sam served as Chief Executive Officer of First Place for Youth, where he helped grow the organization from a budget of $1.9 million to $28 million. Under his leadership, the organization’s impact increased significantly—from serving approximately 600 youth in one location in 2006 to being a national program operating throughout the state of California and four other states.

    Previous to his tenure at First Place for Youth, Sam served as Director of Program Services at Larkin Street Youth Services where he opened San Francisco’s first emergency shelter for young adults, and assisted in the design and implementation of two of the nation’s most innovative housing programs for youth. He also served in leadership positions at Juma Ventures and the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland.

    Today, Sam is a member of the Board of Directors for SPUR, Stupski Foundation, and New Profit. He was a recipient of the Annie E. Casey Foundation Children and Family Fellowship from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award, and was named a Social Innovator of the Year by the Ballard Center at Brigham Young University. A seasoned thought leader, Sam has published articles in publications ranging from the San Francisco Chronicle, to the San Francisco Business Journal, and the LEAP Ambassador network.

    Sam started his college career at Laney College before transferring to and graduating from California State University, East Bay, with a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in organizational development.

    In his free time, he enjoys cooking for family and friends and rarely hitting a golf ball straight.

The Rise East Steering Committee

  • I am Tracey Bell-Borden, also known as Sekhmet—an artist, healer, cultural educator, and community organizer from East Oakland. I founded Exotic Linx & Body Essentials, a brand that blends African and Native American traditions through handcrafted jewelry, natural body care products, and cultural wellness offerings. My work weaves together art, healing, and activism; each piece I create tells a story, honors my ancestors, and serves as a form of medicine and resistance. East Oakland shaped who I am—it taught me resilience, creativity, and the power of community. The city’s rhythm, color, and spirit continue to inspire me to turn pain into purpose and celebrate beauty even in the midst of struggle. I carry Oakland’s legacy of creativity and rebellion in everything I do, striving to keep that revolutionary spirit alive through my art and healing work. I’m proud to represent my community and to mentor youth who are now creating their own paths of empowerment and expression. My call to action is to heal through culture—to help people remember who they are, where they come from, and to reclaim their power through love and connection. I believe that art has the power to awaken memory, shift energy, and rebuild community. My purpose is to use creativity as a tool for transformation, reminding people that culture itself is medicine. A fun fact about me is that my father was a martial artist who mastered Kendo, and his discipline and grace deeply influenced how I approach life and art. Like him, I move with intention, using my craft as both spiritual training and a practice of balance, strength, and purpose.

  • Hello, my name is Kevin Butler. I am a passionate, community-oriented entrepreneur. I’ve spent the last seven years pursuing a career that allows me to give the best of my talent and skill set to Oakland-based nonprofit organizations like the Brotherhood of Elders Network and East Oakland Youth Development Center. Growing up in East Oakland provided me with a quality education, developed my communication skills, and instilled in me culture-informed wisdom. 

    I am in love with Oakland's historical impact on the national Black community and greater pan-African diaspora. I'm driven by the wisdom of the ancestors who came before me, such as Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale of the Black Panther Party. I am proud to embody and carry on their legacy. I'm dedicated to creating new systems that empower all Black folks in Deep East Oakland. I empathize with my neighbors who may feel hopeless or succumb to despair. I am confident that my resilience and problem-solving abilities will continue to reshape the narrative and empower the people. I’m committed to leveraging wisdom based on African-centered principles, community collaboration, and effective communication strategies to improve the lives of Black folks in my city. I feel excited to make my mentors proud by carrying the torch they’ve been holding as leaders fighting for change. Outside of work, I’m an artist who loves music and creating visual storytelling. Stay tuned for my first album dropping in 2025. 

  • Hello, my name is Solomon Mba, a proud East Oakland resident and dedicated youth mentor at the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), located at 82nd and International. My work is centered on empowering young people and helping them see their potential as future leaders of our community. Every day, I’m inspired by the belief that the children of today are the leaders of tomorrow—and that our responsibility is to guide, nurture, and equip them to build a fair and safe world. At EOYDC, I’m committed to creating spaces where youth feel supported, seen, and motivated to reach higher. Beyond my work, I’m part of Peer Forward, a nonprofit that helps high school seniors navigate the path to college while promoting college readiness for younger students. Through this program, I’ve learned the power of mentorship and collective effort in shaping brighter futures. I care deeply about community development and the long-term well-being of East Oakland’s youth. My goal is to grow as a leader who not only uplifts others but also models the values of service, integrity, and commitment. I want to keep learning how to connect with people and organizations that share my vision for change. Ultimately, I hope my work helps build a generation of young leaders ready to transform our city and carry its spirit forward.

  • Hi, I’m Ms. Sherry, a proud community elder, organizer, and advocate rooted in East Oakland’s long tradition of faith, justice, and collective power. I currently serve as a member of Faith in Action East Bay, a respected Elder with the Black Cultural Zone, and an active member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with organizations such as East Oakland Building Healthy Communities, Just Cause, Oakland United Coalition, Our Beloved Community Action Network, and the Fair Chance Housing Coalition. My journey in community work has always been about uplifting voices, protecting rights, and ensuring that Oakland’s Black residents are seen, heard, and valued. I’ve contributed to landmark efforts such as the Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, the Healthy Development Guidelines, and the Just Cause Housing Ordinance, all designed to create a more just and equitable city. Through every campaign and coalition, I’ve remained committed to the belief that housing, health, and dignity are fundamental human rights. My faith grounds my work and reminds me that change begins with compassion, courage, and consistency. I’m proud to stand alongside neighbors and organizations who continue to build a better East Oakland for generations to come. For me, this work isn’t just service—it’s a calling rooted in love, justice, and the belief that our community’s strength lies in its people.

  • My name is LaShante Scott, and I’m deeply committed to serving my community through education, leadership, and meaningful connection. My work is rooted in supporting students, families, and educators to build strong, thriving school communities. I’m passionate about making sure that all voices are valued and that our young people have the tools and opportunities they need to grow and lead.

    East Oakland has shaped me in countless ways. It’s where I’ve learned the power of resilience, the beauty of cultural pride, and the importance of showing up for one another. This community has sharpened my leadership, grounded my values, and reminded me that real change starts at home.I love Oakland’s rich history — from its legacy of resistance and activism to its deep sense of pride and unity. Today, I’m proud to see that spirit still alive in the way our community continues to lift each other up, fight for justice, and celebrate its unique culture. My personal call to action is to be part of building a more equitable future — to empower youth, strengthen families, and open doors for others the way doors were opened for me. I believe I have the power to bring people together, to listen deeply, and to create spaces where everyone can thrive. One fun fact about me is that I love to travel — exploring new places and cultures gives me energy and inspiration. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to inspire me, and I’m excited to contribute to its future.

  • My name is Linda Grant, a proud mother of six, grandmother of five, and lifelong daughter of East Oakland. I serve as a Founding Board Member of the Black Cultural Zone, Vice Chair of the City of Oakland Cannabis Commission, and a member of the Rise East Steering Committee, dedicated to uplifting my community through advocacy, innovation, and real change. East Oakland is where I was born, built, broken, and reborn — this city raised me, killed me, brought me back alive again, and made me who I am today. Its people, its pain, and its power have shaped my strength, my leadership, and my love for community. What I love most about Oakland’s past is its spirit of rebellion, culture, and unity — we’ve always found a way to turn struggle into survival and pain into progress. What I love about today’s Oakland is the new generation carrying that same fire, demanding better for our blocks and our babies. I am proud of Oakland’s soul — our rhythm, our resilience, and our relentless fight to stay rooted while we rise. My personal call to action is to build pathways for healing, wealth, and opportunity right here in East Oakland, where the world too often looks away. I believe I have the power to help transform despair into development and turn forgotten corners into flourishing communities. One fun fact about me: I can outdance almost anyone at a block party — because joy, like Oakland, lives in my bones.

  • I’m Ariel Benavides, and I’m an educator in OUSD. I’m currently exploring the world of Work-Based Learning at Life Academy, a 6-12 school on the Calvin Simmons campus. However, I’ve spent the past twelve years supporting Restorative Justice and Community Schools work at Elmhurst United Middle School. Throughout my life, I’ve had the good fortune of landing in innovative spaces based in East Oakland, which have allowed me to grow my knowledge and strengthen my purpose. I have always felt my most fed and inspired by the communal commitment to care and growth I’ve found in Oakland communities. Like many others, I’m so proud to walk the same streets as our change makers of years past and beside our current healers and leaders of today. Oakland is rich in history, culture, possibility, and a determination to preserve it all. I feel called to continue to lend my time and skills to contribute to Oakland’s present and future. Through my work, I have the power to help build thoughtful and powerful community resources. A fun fact about me is that I will always have a good podcast recommendation!

  • Hi there! My name is Staci Ross-Morrison, a proud Oakland native, lifelong educator, and high school principal who has served the Oakland community since 1996. I’m also the mother of two beautiful, independent daughters who I raised right here in Oakland—a city that continues to shape who we are. Growing up in East Oakland taught me to live boldly and with purpose. I remember when children could play freely in the streets and ride bikes across the neighborhood, learning independence and teamwork along the way. Those experiences taught me to trust myself, take risks, and lean on community—a lesson that still guides me as a leader and educator. I carry a deep love for the Oakland I grew up in, where adults looked out for every child, and the community truly meant family. I’m proud of our city’s diversity and how it has allowed me to learn from so many cultures through food, art, and music. Oaklanders have a spirit that’s bold, creative, and unbreakable, and I’m honored to be part of that legacy. My personal call to action is to help people recognize the transformative power of education and to expand opportunities for transitional-aged youth, especially those with disabilities, to access safe and supportive housing. Beyond my professional work, I find peace and joy in gardening, where I’m reminded that growth—like community—takes time, care, and love.

  • Greetings, my nameGreetings, my name is Nicholas Ringo, a proud African American man born and raised in East Oakland. Growing up here shaped my perspective on resilience, struggle, and the need for change—I’ve lost friends and peers to violence, which drives my passion to make a difference. Over the past six months, I’ve shared my voice through poetry and public speaking, using my story to inspire youth and shed light on the challenges our community faces. I’m currently studying American Government and Political Science at Berkeley City College, where I’m learning how systems of power operate and how they impact communities like mine. For the past year, I’ve worked at EOYDC, engaging with youth who, like me, are navigating what it means to grow up Black in Oakland. I’ve also participated in programs such as the OK Program and Thug Therapy led by Mr. Fab, which have helped me explore different perspectives on healing, identity, and leadership. I’m passionate about addressing the lack of cultural representation in mental health care—especially knowing that only 2% of psychiatrists are African American. I believe our city must invest more deeply in public education to break cycles of poverty and homelessness. I see the imbalance every day—vacant buildings while people sleep on the streets, smoke shops and liquor stores where grocery stores should be, and check-cashing places instead of banks. My goal is to bring open-mindedness, critical thinking, and action-oriented solutions to the issues that affect us most. I’m committed to learning, growing, and finding new ways to uplift youth and strengthen our community from the inside out. man born and raised in East Oakland. Growing up here shaped my perspective on resilience, struggle, and the need for change—I’ve lost friends and peers to violence, which drives my passion to make a difference. Over the past six months, I’ve shared my voice through poetry and public speaking, using my story to inspire youth and shed light on the challenges our community faces. I’m currently studying American Government and Political Science at Berkeley City College, where I’m learning how systems of power operate and how they impact communities like mine. For the past year, I’ve worked at EOYDC, engaging with youth who, like me, are navigating what it means to grow up Black in Oakland. I’ve also participated in programs such as the OK Program and Thug Therapy led by Mr. Fab, which have helped me explore different perspectives on healing, identity, and leadership. I’m passionate about addressing the lack of cultural representation in mental health care—especially knowing that only 2% of psychiatrists are African American. I believe our city must invest more deeply in public education to break cycles of poverty and homelessness. I see the imbalance every day—vacant buildings while people sleep on the streets, smoke shops and liquor stores where grocery stores should be, and check-cashing places instead of banks. My goal is to bring open-mindedness, critical thinking, and action-oriented solutions to the issues that affect us most. I’m committed to learning, growing, and finding new ways to uplift youth and strengthen our community from the inside out.

  • I am Rahniya Jenkins, a proud Oakland native who has spent my whole life growing, learning, and connecting through this city. Oakland is more than just home—it’s a community that has shaped who I am and taught me the power of unity, resilience, and love. From an early age, I’ve been involved in church, school, recreation centers, and community programs, all of which helped me build strong relationships and a deep sense of purpose. Through these experiences, I’ve learned how important it is to show up for my community and create spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. My involvement in CCPA, Black Student Union, and class government has helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that I bring into every space I enter. I’m passionate about education and health because I’ve seen how deeply they affect young people’s futures in Oakland. Too many students face barriers to opportunity, and I believe that with more resources and support, we can change that story. I also care about improving community health—ensuring that families have access to care, wellness education, and safe environments that enable them to thrive. I want to use my voice to represent young people from Oakland and contribute fresh perspectives and positive energy to the work being done here. My goal is to continue learning from others, growing as a leader, and contributing to the development of a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. No matter where life takes me, Oakland’s spirit will always be at the heart of who I am.