Board of Directors
Educators for Quality Alternatives (EQA) was formed in 2008 by teachers and community members in New Orleans who were concerned about the lack of opportunities for students who were unsuccessful in a traditional school environment. After multiple years of research locally and nationally, the group decided to address the problem by designing and opening a charter school, The NET Charter High School, specifically tailored to these students. The organization has now grown to multiple schools and programs all with the mission of supporting young people who struggle in traditional education. EQA is a 501(c)(3) which holds the schools' charter and functions as its school board.
EQA is recruiting New Board Members!
Click here for the Position Description.
Parents, Alumni, and Parents of Alumni are encouraged to join EQA's Board! Click here for more information.
To Learn more or Apply, contact Tim Gray [email protected]
Tim GrayBoard President Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP
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A phi beta kappa graduate of Millsaps College, Mr. Gray received his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 1995. He is now a partner in the law firm of Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP. Tim’s prior non-profit experience includes serving as a member and chair of the boards of Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle Orleans and of Goodwill Industries in Jackson, Mississippi. Tim and his wife Robin have five children. Tim can be reached at [email protected].
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Dr. Ivan GillBoard Vice President Associate Professor
University of New Orleans
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Dr. Gill is Science Education Coordinator in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education at the University of New Orleans. In addition to teaching at the collegiate level in Geology Departments, he has taught in New Orleans public schools and is certified to teach all science subjects. Dr. Gill has coordinated the Shell/UNO Energy Camp, the Minority Geology Field Camp, and the Shell STEM Showdown. His PhD work was supported by an Alumni Federation Fellowship at Louisiana State University. |
Trey RaganBoard Treasurer Senior Manager, Tax ServicesLaPorte CPAs and Business Advisors
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A New Orleans native, Mr. Ragan graduated from Loyola University with a BBA in Economics and Finance. He is a Certified Public Accountant who began his career at the public accounting firm of Ernst & Young, LLP. He is currently a tax senior manager at LaPorte CPAs, where he works in a wide variety of industries including banking and manufacturing.
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Cecelia GillamBoard Secretary Science TeacherHahnville High School |
Ms. Gillam is a proud graduate of Southern University A&M of Baton Rouge and Southeastern Louisiana University. She has taught science at Hahnville High school since 2005 and has served as the Science department chair. She has presented at numerous educational conferences and been recognized as a finalist for the finalists for the Louisiana Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at Southeastern Louisiana University. |
Julio BermudezBoard Member Operations CoordinatorSon of a Saint
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Mr. Bermudez is an Operations Coordinator at Son of a Saint, a mentoring program for fatherless boys in New Orleans. Julio's prior non-profit works includes organizations like Reaching for the Stars, Daughters of Incarcerated Fathers, and Groundwork New Orleans. He graduated from The NET: Central City in 2015. |
Shakari FraserBoard Member Senior Project MangerJobs for the Future
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Ms. Fraser is a NOLA native and senior project manager at Jobs for the Future (JFF). She is a former educator and administrator at ReNEW Accelerated High School. Her areas of experience include initiatives that drive change across the postsecondary system—reconnecting opportunity youth to career pathways, technical skills training, industry-based certifications, career coaching, and wraparound supports. She is a graduate of LSU and has an advance degree from SUNO. She is the proud mother of a bold and dynamic daughter. |
Janine GuzzoBoard Member Jewelry Artist |
Ms. Guzzo is a jewelry artist who has called New Orleans home for the past 20 years. Post-Katrina, she served on the board of Abeona House to address the lack of affordable childcare options in the city. She believes strongly in the power of experiential, non-traditional learning and is excited to serve on EQA’s board.
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Nelly LopezBoard Member |
Nelly Lopez is a parent of a NET alumnus. She is excited to join EQA's board. |
Donna ParamoreBoard Member Executive DirectorTravelers Aid Society
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Ms. Paramore has a wealth of experience overseeing programs ranging from social services and family counseling to adult day care and senior living services in New Orleans. As Executive Director of Travelers Aid Society, Ms. Paramore oversees the operations and upper management of the organization. Ms. Paramore earned her bachelor’s degree at Dillard University, her Master of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, and an additional Master of Management and Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Ms. Paramore is also the proud mother of one NET alumnus and the aunt of another. |