Commander Pierre Russell – Community Development & Outreach

Commander Pierre Russell is a retired U.S. Naval Officer with over 30 years of distinguished service in aviation. His leadership roles included Flight Deck Officer aboard the USS Enterprise, Commanding Officer at Navy Firefighting Centers, and service on the Admiral’s staff in Norfolk, VA.

For the past 14 years, Commander Russell has led the NJROTC program at Sun Valley High School in Monroe, NC, where he serves as Senior Naval Science instructor. Under his guidance, the unit earned multiple honors, including North Carolina’s Outstanding High School Award and the historic distinction of representing the state in the Pearl Harbor Parade. He was named Sun Valley’s Teacher of the Year in 2022.

Committed to service beyond the classroom, he supports food drives, youth programs, small businesses, and leadership camps in Charlotte, Matthews, and Indian Trail communities.

Commander Russell holds a degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Mary Elizabeth Hamilton Cuthbertson – Programs

Mary Elizabeth Hamilton Cuthbertson is a passionate educator and youth advocate with a strong commitment to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. She spent over 20 years at Johnson C. Smith University before joining Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where she launched the district’s first middle school chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and founded the highly recognized “Wall Street Kidz” stock market program.

Her students have earned top honors at local, state, and national competitions, and have been featured in the Charlotte Observer and Charlotte Post and on PBS. Mary Elizabeth is also the founder of Youth Business Connections, a program that equips youth ages 12 to 17 with real-world skills in entrepreneurship, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and leadership.

A frequent speaker and workshop facilitator, she actively volunteers in her community and is a member of Rock Hill AME Zion Church. She has served with the Military Officers Association of America and the International Optimist Club. She is a proud graduate of Johnson C. Smith University.

Melanie Ravenel – Programs

Melanie Ravenel is a passionate educator with over 12 years of experience teaching and tutoring students from kindergarten through 12th grade. As an English teacher and reading specialist, she focuses on supporting middle and high school students with learning disabilities—helping them build reading comprehension, confidence, and critical thinking skills.

Melanie’s teaching approach is rooted in patience, creativity, and celebrating small wins. Her goal is to ensure every student not only reaches grade-level reading but also develops a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

In addition to her classroom work, Melanie offers individualized tutoring across a range of learning needs. She is deeply committed to closing literacy gaps and empowering youth to succeed both academically and personally.

She brings valuable insight into the reading challenges facing today’s students—and the potential that can be unlocked with the right support.

Melanie is a graduate of Francis Marion University in South Carolina.

Diarra Butler – Marketing & Public Relations

Diarra Butler is a creative strategist and community advocate who brings a passion for youth empowerment and artistic expression. With a strong background in marketing, she has led initiatives in pricing, promotions, analytics, and sponsorships across the retail sector.

She currently serves as Manager of Programs & Partnerships for North America at a leading printing and design company, where she oversees collaborations that spark creativity and connection in communities nationwide.

Outside of her corporate role, Diarra contributes to her family’s agriculture business and works professionally as a model.

Diarra is especially committed to creating spaces where young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, can explore confidence and leadership through the fine arts. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Sheldyn Merrell – Planning & Strategy

Sheldyn Merrell is an architectural designer and community advocate passionate about creating spaces that reflect and uplift the people they serve. Her work spans innovative workplaces, medical facilities, and community-centered developments, with a focus on inclusive designs that tell stories and drive impact.

Sheldyn has contributed to projects with RSP Architects and Neighboring Concepts in Charlotte, always bringing a people-first approach to the built environment. While in Minnesota, she co-developed a program introducing minority youth to architecture through hands-on, creative learning. She continues this work through the ACE Mentorship Program, encouraging students to explore careers in architecture, construction, and engineering.

She is especially passionate about helping youth—particularly students of color—discover confidence, creativity, and purpose through both design and literacy.

Sheldyn holds a Master of Architecture from Hampton University and a Master of Science in Research Practices in Architecture from the University of Minnesota.