Street Disciple University
Exploring Questioning, and Seeking Truth
MEET THE BOARD
Jeffrey “Jay” Cuttino
Founder and President
Meet our visionary founder, Jay Cuttino. A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason, Jay Cuttino is deeply involved in community outreach, weaving connections that strengthen the social fabric. Jay's passions stretch far and wide, from the exhilarating spin of cycling pedals to the serene stretches of yoga, from the adrenaline-fueled world of boxing to the immersive cultural travel experiences. In the quiet moments, he finds solace in the pages of books and in the embrace of his beautiful wife, Shannon, and loving son, “JC”.
With a robust academic background, Jay holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a Master's degree in Engineering Management from Purdue University. His 16 years of expertise supporting the Department of the Navy (DON) showcase his technical prowess, evidenced by certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP). In his role as the Service Delivery and Operations Principal Assistant Program Manager (PAPM), he oversees the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, driving operational efficiency and federal adherence.
Yet, Jay's journey doesn't stop here. He is a dedicated scholar pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Howard University School of Divinity (HUSD). His creativity knows no bounds, as seen in Street Disciple Clothing, a faith-inspired urban clothing brand, and Street Disciple University, our non-profit organization fostering religious diversity and facilitating spiritual growth, healing, and holistic well-being. Jay's vision extends to mentoring programs nurturing young boys into positive black men, empowering them for success in their communities. His transformative initiatives aim to instill a strong sense of self, achievement, and responsibility, envisioning a nation of noble black men making impactful contributions to their communities.
In addition to his other ventures, Jay Cuttino is also one of the founders and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Southern Diplomats, a non-profit organization committed to building bridges, promoting holistic well-being, and fostering a nurturing environment that celebrates each individual’s unique contributions while echoing the timeless values of southern warmth and unity. At the heart of Southern Diplomats' ethos is the essence of Southern warmth and hospitality. They create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and at home, even if they’re miles away from their native soil.
Through his multifaceted pursuits, Jay Cuttino emerges as a beacon of inspiration, weaving spirituality, education, and community empowerment into the fabric of his purposeful life.
MEET THE BOARD
Kevin R. Hollingsworth, M.S.
Vice President of the Board (VP)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Fayetteville State University; Master of Science in International Transportation & Supply Chain Management, SUNY Maritime College
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Recognized as a dynamic leader, mentor, and wellness coach. Career expertise including Foreign Military Sales, International Logistics, and Defense Transportation
Chain Management. Passion to teach others how to effectively communicate and be problem solvers while refining their managerial, administrative and client relations skills. With a mission to build goal oriented, detailed, dependable, diverse, and enthusiastic communities of individuals while nurturing their ability to lead teams and motivate others. Create productive and efficient social system applications. That enables others’ ability to develop, organize, improve, execute, and prioritize multiple projects in high stress atmospheres.
“My purpose in life is to Inform, Empower and Impact. I strive to Encourage and Inspire everyone that I can.”
MEET THE BOARD
SHANNON R. CUTTINO
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Mrs Shannon Cuttino's has earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Bowie State University (BSU) and a Master's degree in Information Systems from the University of Baltimore County (UMBC). Throughout her professional journey, she’s obtained certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), SCRUM, and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) professional. In 2022, she graduated from a government sponsored Executive Leadership Program, receiving a certification from Graduate School of USA. The 9-month intensive program provided educational tools for individual and professional growth and core competencies to be a highly effective leader. Currently Shannon serves as an Executive Officer for a DHS Federal Government agency, overseeing programs and leadership initiatives within the Office of Information and Technology. She has over a decade of experience in the technology sector, and her diverse background includes project management, consulting, strategic communication, software development, website design, customer support and leadership. Prior to her current role, she has had the privilege of working at NASA as an IT Project Manager, lent her expertise to Capitol Hill as an IT Consultant, focusing on a proprietary software solution that provided strategic outreach approaches to constituents within their respective districts and elected officials.
Beyond her professional commitments, Shannon’s favorite roles are being the wife to Founder and President of Street Disciple University, Jay Cuttino and mother to their loving son, JC. She is an active member of the Top Ladies of Distinction Incorporated Prince George's County Chapter, NAACP, and NCNW. Shannon is also a charismatic corporate speaker and emcee. Over the past decade, she had multiple opportunities to lend her voice during public and virtual events that bring people together for candid conversations and an overall entertaining atmosphere. She firmly believes that the key to life is a genuine smile, infectious laughter, fantastic energy. In everything Shannon does, she strives to bring people together, foster positivity, and contribute to the success of those around her.
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Waymon Tyson
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
Mr. Waymon D. Tyson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the University of South Carolina (USC). In addition, he earned his Master's degree in Public Administration from USC Graduate School. Mr. Tyson has certifications in project management, government contracting, leadership, public management, and training development.
Mr. Tyson is currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) where he has been gainfully employed for over 13 years. During his time with the VA, he has taken on exceedingly important leadership roles, serving as supervisor for the department for six years. Mr. Tyson is currently the Chief Training Officer for Pension and Fiduciary Services at the Veteran Benefits Administration located in Washington, DC at VA Central Office Headquarters. In his role as Chief Training Officer, he supervises a team of 14 Management and Program Analysts that has the responsibility of developing, creating, and managing a training curriculum of over 425 courses for approximately 3,600 VA claims processors located geographically across the nation.
Mr. Tyson is an avid sports fan (football, basketball, and track) and loves spending time with his family. He is a gym enthusiast who focuses on both mental and physical health. Mr. Tyson loves to travel to experience and explore other countries throughout the world as he has traveled to 13 different countries with plans to travel to more.
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Bracy Hunt
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
W. Bracy Hunt is a Director of Audit at United Community with over 15 years of experience helping financial institutions with risk mitigation and independent assurance of processes. Specializing in financial reporting and risk management, Bracy uses that experience to lead a team responsible for completing a portfolio of audits at the bank each year.
By focusing on providing reasonable assurance while creating value, Bracy has been able to put the degrees he earned at the University of South Carolina to good use. Over the years, Bracy’s strengths at multiple employers have garnered quarterly and annual employee recognition. Bracy may spend his days at United Community, but it’s the desire to cultivate relationships and quest to learn more that gets him up in the morning.
When he’s not at United Community, Bracy is an avid sports fan and loves spending time with his family.
MEET THE BOARD
Dr. Joseph Bonivel
Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Dr. Joseph T. Bonivel Jr. is a Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Defense, where he leads disruptive technologies incubation and maturation for the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s Journal of DoD Research & Engineering. He is also a Nonresident Senior Fellow for the GeoTech Center at the Atlantic Council where he provides science policy guidance on emerging technologies and development of strategies to ensure the use of “technology for good” among individuals, societies, and the international community. Joe is a diversity advisory board member for NASA’s Translational Research Institute for Space Health, which focuses on solving the challenges of human deep space exploration. He is a former AAAS Big Data and Analytics Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In his NSF fellowship role, he fostered entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology commercialization of research that was previously funded by the federal government. Joe’s role at USAID was twofold in helping to understand how digital technology can stop the spread of health epidemics (Ebola) and designing and developing predictive algorithms to measure USAID’s influence on their bilateral donors and partners. Prior to his AAAS fellowships, Joe was a Senior Research Engineer for United Technologies Research Center (UTRC). At UTRC he was responsible for developing, identifying, and implementing protocols to evaluate the mechanical performance of novel materials and structures within the various businesses of United Technologies Corporation.
Dr. Bonivel holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Materials Science Engineering from the University of South Florida. He earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, and a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering at the University of South Carolina.
Joe was awarded Technologist of the Year by the Southern New England Association of Technical Professionals and was profiled by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of its 100 Modern Men. He has been awarded top 40 under 40 and top 100 innovators of 2022 by Top 100 Magazine. Bonivel has also spent time teaching engineering and physics at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. In his free time he is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and cyclist.
MEET THE BOARD
Otis Stroud II
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Otis Stroud, II is a results-focused leader with classical Consumer Packaged Goods
(CPG) training and deep experience in brand strategy, positioning, activation/engagement, the hospitality industry, and now banking and fintech. He has worked in challenging marketing and strategy roles across companies such as Frito Lay (PepsiCo) and Choice Hotels. He has led marketing efforts across iconic brands such as Cheetos, Tostitos, Walmart, NFL partnership, KFC partnership, Comfort Inn & Suites, and now Capital One. Otis has a proven history of outperforming expectations for major brands and a track record of delivering new revenue through breakthrough innovation and ideas.
Prior to his marketing career, Otis worked in nonprofit for a small United Way agency, Right Moves for Youth, as a Program Director serving underserved and underrepresented communities in the Charlotte, NC public school system.
Otis earned hisBachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and later earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School focusing on strategic marketing.
Otis, a Charlotte, NC native, now resides in Maryland with his wife, Nakeva, and his 10 month old son, Lennox. He’s a music lover, a foodie, a Marvel enthusiast, and a firm believer that movie quotes or Outkast lyrics can solve almost any problem.
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Russel Cox
Chief Program Officer (CPO)
Russell Cox is a Manager at Ernst & Young in the Government and Public Sector space of the Business Consulting Practice. Russell has 8 years of experience in a federal financial management, with expertise in audit support, reconciliations, and business process improvements. As a leader in the government consulting space, he’s provided support to domestic and international engagements, from private sector agricultural development to federal advisory and financial management. Additionally, Russell has 5 years of leadership experience as a career Firefighter (Acting Officer) and EMT-B with the City of Richmond Fire Department and Prince William County Fire Department.
Russell is of Grenadian ancestry but was born and raised in Harlem, NY. He attended Hunter College High School, State University at Buffalo for undergrad and American University (D.C.) for graduate school. Russell is also a husband, father of 2 (boys), and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
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Damion Robbs, Esq
Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
A native of South Carolina, He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina and Juris Doctorate from the Charleston School of Law.
Resilient in helping organizations flourish, Damion Robbs has held positions with the South Carolina Legislature, Apollo Group, UPS, and UpLight. As his variety of leadership skills spans across business development, sales, marketing, international trade & compliance, constituent services, congressional awareness, and consultant roles, Robbs has thrived in both the public and private sectors.
Damion was raised to have a selfless disposition and he’s done so by volunteering his time and resources as a little league sports coach, mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Columbia Urban League, Habitat for Humanity, senior advisor to nonprofit platform, MyVoluntier, and Miracle Hill Homeless Shelters. Damion believes “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”- Mahatma Gundi
In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time
with his family and friends.
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Kadiatou Cesaire
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO)
Kadiatou Cesaire is the Vice President of Global HR & Talent Development at the Atlantic Council. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of their organizational talent strategy and ensuring that human resources are aligned with the Council’s strategic objectives and culture. Kadiatou is a thought leader and focuses on creating people-centric strategies and infrastructures that support the rapid growth of global organizations. She has a background in executive management coaching and specializes in transformational leadership, intercultural communication, and change management.
Before joining the Atlantic Council, Kadiatou served as the Regional Human Resource Business Partner for the Inter-America and Pacific Region within the U.S. Peace Corps. Throughout her career, Kadiatou has championed diversity recruitment and talent development for industry-leading organizations, providing strategic HR programmatic support and consultation for the growth and enhancement of nonprofits, federal contractors, and leading industry organizations.
Kadiatou is passionate about the people who bring organizations to life and is known for turning complex organizational strategic objectives into comprehensive, measurable, and attainable goals and solutions. She holds a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Central Florida.
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Mike Utaegbulam
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Mike Utaegbulam is the Founder & CEO of Black Digital, an award-winning digital creative agency based in Washington DC. He founded the firm in 2018 to address the widespread need for mission- based organizations to craft tailored digital marketing that optimally inspires their key audiences to act. He has consulted on digital marketing strategies for some of the biggest organizations in the country. His wealth of insights from 16 years of leading nonprofit and higher-education organizations has made Black Digital a thriving, change-making organization.
Mike Utaegbulam is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, The Southern Diplomats, and Men of Color in Communications.
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Olander Wilson
Chief Creative Officer (CCO)
Olander “Big O” Wilson. Actor, Director, Acting Coach, and CEO (Olander Wilson Acting Studio) is from the small town of Lake City, South Carolina. Despite being from such a small town in rural S.C. he’s been seen on National Commercials for Dr. Pepper, Yahoo Finance, and ADT just to name a few. He grew up on a dirt road, on a farm in the woods, the opposite of New York City. He's often compared to a young Jamie Foxx meets Michael B. Jordan.
O made a life-changing, humbling decision to take his talents to New York City post-graduation. He took a leap of faith and moved to New York City in 2014. He packed up all his belongings in a Uhaul and drove from South Carolina to New York. When he arrived in New York, he had $50 in his pocket and a dream.
When he's not on set filming, you can find him in a class teaching Theatre, On-Camera Acting, and Tv/Film Productions. You can also find him facilitating a “Boys 2 Men” mentoring program in many schools throughout NYC. With no doubt in mind - you can most certainly find him in a kitchen whipping up some of the world’s tastiest meals. The type of meals he coins, "will make you slap yo' daddy". Check out his hilarious but informative YouTube channel, "Big O's Cooking 101".