Kyler Young
Kyler Young was born and raised in Baltimore City, graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. She later graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Health Education and Promotion from Towson University, making her a first generation college student and a graduate of the first cohort for the College Completion Program here at the CollegeBound Foundation. During her time at Towson, she gained valuable experiences such as studying abroad in Ecuador, joining Eta Sigma Gamma National Honors Society, becoming a member of NCNW, mentoring for different programs, and more. Since graduating, Kyler has been spending her time travelling, volunteering, and gaining experience in non-profit work at various levels. As a CollegeBound Alumni, She is very excited to work with the same organization that has helped her and give back to the youth what she has learned throughout the years.
Paige Artis
Paige Artis is a proud native of Baltimore City. Paige obtained both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Human Services Administration from the University of Baltimore. It has been Paige’s passion and service to identify and address barriers impacting student success. Paige continued this focus and became a school counselor after obtaining her Masters of Education degree from Loyola University, Maryland in 2019. Through Paige’s school counseling experiences and working with over 600 elementary students, she provided students with opportunities of leadership and advocacy through workshops and small groups.
Paige has over ten years of combined experience in providing preventative and proactive services to individuals and families within surrounding communities. Paige continues to lead with passion, creativity, and engagement to reach students and families throughout Baltimore City.
In Paige’s leisure time, she enjoys road trips, bike rides, Marvel movies, and spending time with her family.
Tawanda Clark
Tawanda Clark is a true Baltimorean who loves to eat Maryland Blue Crabs with family and friends. She has two brilliant sons who attended Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS). Tawanda understands in a very personal way the benefits of being a CollegeBound scholar; her eldest son was a CollegeBound Foundation scholarship recipient in 2017. Tawanda has a passion for the BCPSS students, believing they can soar and become successful college graduates with the proper guidance from someone who has “been there and done that.” Tawanda is a graduate of the BCPSS, and she has acquired an Associate of Arts in Business Management from The Community College of Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Baltimore. Tawanda spent two years in the Baltimore City school system as a long‐term substitute teacher for various schools, while there she developed a love for teaching students phonics and reading comprehension. Tawanda believes that her experience with CollegeBound, her passion to see the Baltimore City students soar, and her life journey are the keys she needs to serve our scholars well.
443-863-8470
tclark@collegeboundfoundation.org
E’Tona Ford
E’Tona, a Baltimore native, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University. During her time at Penn State, she was a varsity student-athlete on the Women’s Gymnastics Team and followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. After graduating from college, E’Tona returned to Baltimore with a desire to be a beacon of light to others through acts of service. She pursued work in education, athletics, and research—teaching and empowering students with diverse learning abilities at Kennedy Krieger High School, inspiring and coaching gymnasts to build confidence and achieve maximum performance outcomes at several gymnastics clubs, and coordinating adult and pediatric research studies within the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Johns Hopkins. Prior to joining CollegeBound Foundation, E’Tona spent six years valuing the arts as a conduit to transformation and inspiration in the lives of students to improve achievement outcomes at Arts for Learning Maryland. In 2021, she was promoted to Director, After School Arts for Learning Academy (ASALA), where she took a people-centric approach to leadership and strove with a team of dedicated individuals to bridge the opportunity gap within the city of Baltimore through the organization’s free after-school program. Through mentorship and guidance from both leaders and peers at Arts for Learning Maryland, she developed an interest and passion for becoming a change agent for equity. E’Tona is proud to be joining an organization committed to advocacy by disrupting historically inequitable systems to connect future leaders with opportunities, and she is elated to help push the work forward!
eford@collegeboundfoundation.org
Brandon Griffin
Brandon Griffin is a Baltimore native who attended Morgan State University (c/o 2018). While at Morgan State he was a part of the 2014 MEAC championship football team that earned a trip to the FCS playoffs. After getting his degree in business administration, his love for developing young adults led him to coach football at Mississippi State University for the 2019 season. After a season at Mississippi State Brandon held a position as the safeties coach and video coordinator at Gannon University. After a short stint with Gannon he went on to be a graduate assistant at Old Dominion University working with the defensive line. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Journalism from Morgan State University.
443-756-4244
bgriffin@collegeboundfoundation.org
Rufus Horton, III
Rufus Horton is from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, a father of three sons, a husband, a Howard University alumni and an avid nature lover. Throughout Rufus’ journey, he’s had the professional fortune to live several careers, all with a common thread of community service.
Rufus started his career in the Family Mediation Office at the D.C. Superior Court. He first served as a family mediator and later as the program manager for nearly ten years.
After his tenure at the D.C. Superior Court, Rufus left to become the lead singer and producer of his internationally renowned Reggae band, where his message/lyrics focused on inspiring, empowering and educating its listeners. Using his music, Rufus answered his call to activism by speaking to and performing for inmates at maximum-security prisons, drug rehabilitation centers, schools and churches. He also started the Chance To Grow program to help artists understand the power and impact of their words.
In 2009, Rufus returned to St. Thomas and shortly thereafter, became a social studies teacher at his alma mater, Charlotte Amalie H.S. He became the assistant girls basketball coach and later assumed the position as head coach. Rufus then created a girls basketball college prep program at the school, which he expanded territory-wide as the VI College Prospects Foundation. The foundation provided professional basketball training for girls in grades 5–12; taught life-skills; facilitated career workshops; provided opportunities for college scholarships; and trained students in college readiness.
In joining the CollegeBound Foundation’s team, Rufus looks forward to making a great impact with youths in Baltimore City and becoming a greater force in empowering youth.