The Minds

Dr. David J. Wallace is the founder and principal consultant of Awakening Minds Consulting, bringing justice and transformation to organizations through equity-centered strategy and evaluation. A former elementary teacher, instructional leader, Assistant Professor, and Campus Dean at Relay Graduate School of Education, he bridges classroom experience with systems-level change.

Driven by his commitment to wellness and community, Dr. Wallace founded Dream House Lounge, a wellness space in New Orleans' Central Business District that champions occupational well-being and cultural vitality.

Dr. Wallace holds a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College, a Master's in the Art of Teaching from Relay GSE, and an Ed.D. from St. Thomas University, where his research focused on teacher self-efficacy.

Aileen Tejeda was born and raised in the South Bronx and discovered her passion for education and social justice during her years as a teacher and coach at her alma mater, Aquinas High School.  She received a BA from Georgetown University in English with a minor in Theology and Theater and an Ed.M in the Education Policy and Management Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  She is proud of being a first-generation college graduate and was most inspired by the strong women in her family, fantastic city schools, and education organizations where she has worked.  Aileen brings 12 years of experience working in and with schools as a teacher, leader, and coach. 
 
Currently, Aileen works as a consultant, DEI coach, and adjunct professor supporting K-12 and higher education organizations.  She has experience teaching general pedagogy courses with a focus on Exploring Teacher Identity, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Teacher Mindsets, and Restorative Justice.  
 
Aileen is driven by social justice, learning from and empowering young people, and the intersection of wellness, technology, and education in service of Black and Latinx communities.

Tirrell Barronette brings Wall Street rigor to education operations. A former Goldman Sachs Investment Banker, he applies financial analysis and strategic decision-making to optimize educational institutions. His career spans co-founding and exiting a consumer products startup, operations work at Apple, and leadership roles at Uncommon Schools and Relay Graduate School of Education, where he drove efficiency and growth through data-driven strategies.

Currently, Tirrell consults with educational institutions and supports education technology startups, bridging operations and innovation. His work is defined by adaptability, problem-solving, and a commitment to strengthening mission-driven organizations at the intersection of education and technology.

A Louisiana native, Dr. Brandi Johnson began her career as an elementary teacher in New Orleans before advancing to instructional coach in Dallas. She returned to New Orleans as Program Director and Professor for an online graduate school, overseeing educator certification programs. Currently, she consults with district and school leaders on instructional strategy and curriculum development. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from USC, where her dissertation focused on early childhood teachers' well-being. Brandi advocates for system-wide changes prioritizing teacher well-being, especially in marginalized communities with high turnover rates.