Founder & Executive Director

With a deep passion for service, Lisa McMillan has committed her life to advocating for individuals, children, and families through education, mentorship, and community engagement. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Public Relations from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Lisa utilizes her life experiences to guide the work of T.E.A, by implementing strategies that have been instrumental in her own development into a thriving adult.

Her leadership extends beyond the nonprofit sector, with experience in business ownership including childcare facilities, a transportation company, and a food service business. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others continues to drive her mission at T.E.A, ensuring that every individual has access to the resources and support they need to reach their fullest potential.

Sociologist

Phillip Carey, better known as the real "Dr. Phil," is a retired professor of Sociology and Social Work. Dr. Phil has additionally served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at NC A&T State University. He has advanced degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Labor Economics.

His professional and academic career experiences include the public, private, and corporate sectors as a researcher, administrator, and university professor. Dr. Phil's research and teaching interests include social psychology, social stratification, minority groups, organizational behavior, and marriage & family relations.

Small Business Owner

Sheletta McCalston is a NC licensed esthetician, graduate of Millinium Trade Academy, Feb. 17th 2021 going on to pass both her initial written and practical exams and receiving her official license on April 1, 2021. She is passionate about helping people achieve healthy skin and making them feel beautiful inside and out. It brings joy to her heart and soul. She has a career background in the medical, dental, and Worker’s Compensation fields, with 20 years of experience. She is also an alumnus of the Greensboro City Academy. In her leisure, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, listening to music, indulging in self-care, and taking time to experience nature (She loves to listen to the birds chirping).

Clergy

Jeffrey Surgeon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from NC A & T State University, is a Dean of Students in Jamestown, coaches the girls’ basketball team, and also serves the Guilford County Community as an Associate Minister at Greater New Hope Baptist Church in High Point, NC.

Ashlyn N. Bradshaw is a Diversity Talent Acquisition Consultant with a focus on connecting people of color with the role of their dreams. She's enthusiastic about promoting the importance of an inclusive and engaging work environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging.

Ashlyn loves giving back to her community where she volunteers with outreach and service organizations. She serves with non-profit organizations, an active member of the Junior League, as well as her local church. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

When she's not working or volunteering, you'll find her traveling, visiting museums and exhibits, taking nature photos, and hanging out with her furry buddy, Chaka.

Educator

Felton Foushee was born and raised in Greensboro and a proud graduate of James B. Dudley High School. Felton entered the world of higher learning as an adult. He holds a BA in Media Studies from UNCG and an MA in History from NCCU. Currently he is a Doctoral Candidate in History at UNCG, where he also teaches undergraduate History courses. He also hosts a weekly talk show focused on social and community issues (Grown Folks Business).

Attorney

Justin Outling was born in Buffalo, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 2005 and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2008. Justin is currently an attorney in Greensboro, practicing in business litigation and arbitration as a partner at the Brooks Pierce Law Firm. Justin served as Greensboro City Councilman, representing District 3 from 2015-2022. He has represented clients in a wide range of matters, including, commercial financing, unfair trade practices, breach of contract, and insider trading. Prior to joining Brooks Pierce, Justin was a lawyer at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton L.L.P. in New York City, where he represented financial institutions and multi-national corporations in securities and other complex litigation, as well as in criminal and regulatory matters.

County Commissioner

Guilford County Commissioner Frankie T. Jones is currently a Vice President & Managing Director in the Investments Department at Lincoln Financial. Prior to his current role, he was a partner in the Greensboro office of Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP, where he focused his practice on real estate and business law. An Alamance County native, Jones earned his B.A. in History (Minor in Economics) from Davidson College as a James B. Duke scholar and starter on the football team. He earned his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Program Director for AFSC North Carolina

Cecile "CC" Crawford is the Program Director for AFSC North Carolina, a housing justice advocate, and a community organizer in Greensboro, NC. A Greensboro native, she holds degrees in History (NC A&T) and Archaeology (UNCG).

CC works to disrupt cycles of poverty through housing, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. She leads the Keep Gate City Housed campaign, expanding tenant rights and eviction protections, and serves on the Parks and Recreation Commission, advocating for equitable public spaces.

 She also helped launch Turning Everything Around’s "What’s In Your Hands" initiative, identifying key community issues and resources to address poverty’s root causes. She regularly assists in designing community programming and facilitates discussions to empower residents.