Darrell Grant, Atlanta Educator

Born and raised in Houston Texas, Darrell gained his passion for education during his involvement with Texas Southern University’s “Upward Bound” program. An organization that focuses on challenging and empowering teens to seek higher education. Living this message, Grant hails from Stephen F. Austin State University where he was classically trained with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance and minor in Communications and appeared in numerous productions both on stage and behind the scenes. After graduating in 2007, he performed as a professional actor with venues in Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Atlanta collaborating with FoxxTale Productions, LLC to bring written works to the stage. Last year, Darrell relocated to Minnesota to partner with non-profit organization CLIMB Theater. As a touring Actor-Educator, he touched thousands of young students and infused powerful messages of hope, strength of mind, and also equipped them to set and achieve aspiring goals.

Darrell is proud to be a member of the Alliance for Climate Education team and believes it's important to educate youth on the world's climate crisis because they are our future.

Lonna Dawson, Atlanta Educator

Lonna is a Bronx, New York native. After earning her B.S. in Communications Management and Design from Ithaca College in upstate New York, Lonna joined Teach for America in 2007. Lonna was compelled to be a part of eliminating the educational achievement gap in this country and ensuring that all children have access to quality teachers and an equitable education, just as she did. Lonna was placed in Houston, Texas where she taught first grade for 2 years in the city’s historic Fifth Ward. Lonna absolutely enjoys teaching and inspiring young people to take action in meaningful causes and  be a part of positive change in their communities and ultimately, the world. After her tenure with Teach For America, Lonna relocated to Atlanta where she joined the ACE team. Lonna loves reading spiritual metaphysics books and writing her children’s book. She looks forward to teaching internationally one day and starting a business out of one of her many colorful (read: crazy!) ideas!