Board of Trustees
Founder, President, and
Chief Executive Officer
Educational Leadership and Institutional Development
Joseph Jeffries-EL
Guided in part by President Richard Nixon’s Executive Order 11458, which established arrangements for developing and coordinating a national program for minority business enterprise, MR EL founded
FES Sports Academy, now Minority Enterprise Career Schools, as an accredited four-year, private, co-educational, non-sectarian high school. Chartered by the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York on September 23, 1983, the school was created to help
minority and urban youth develop positive self-images through a curriculum that integrated sport management, athletic philosophy, organization, and educational achievement.
Co-Founder & Board Secretary
Education Administrator
Linda Pearson
Founding Member, and Secretary of Minority Enterprise Career Schools’ Board of Trustees. Linda boasts a robust educational background as a retired Licensed Teacher and Librarian of the New York City Department of Education after 26 years and extensive certifications, making her a highly qualified professional in the field of media and educational services.
Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Medgar Evers College and furthered her education earning a Master of Library Science Degree in Secondary Education from Queens College. Linda’s educational achievements and professional certifications reflect her dedication to the field and her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional media and educational services.
Trustee
Chief Operating Officer
Administrative Education Officer & Analyst
Joanne Rodriguez
Experienced and mission-driven leader with over 30 years in human services and organizational leadership, now transitioning into school administration.
Adept at managing staff, driving regulatory compliance, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and fostering safe, inclusive learning environments. Proven record of improving program outcomes, developing staff potential, and building strong relationships with families, stakeholders, and oversight bodies.
Trustee
Chief Legal Counsel
Dr. Sharon Hedrington
Dr. Sharon Hedrington is a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement professional with over 20 years of applicable hands-on experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Major Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Major Criminology, and a Ph.D. in Criminal Law from Upper State New York University in New York City. Dr. Hedrington stands as a shining example that determination, hard work, and perseverance are the keys to overcoming any obstacle.
Trustee
Chief Marketing Manager
Melvyn (Mel) J. Davis
Seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the sports industry. Mel has demonstrated exceptional leadership in business development, strategic alliances, and marketing initiatives. Career highlights include increasing revenue and membership significantly through strategic partnerships. Mel holds advanced degrees in Counseling and Psychology, Business and Marketing, complemented by a certificate in Career Planning.
Trustee at Large
Chief Financial Officer
Yusef J. Ali
Trustee Emerita
Delores Miles
