Our Team

OUR
TEAM

From the Community.
For the Community.

Portia Richardson

Founder + Executive Director

Portia Richardson is a dynamic trailblazer from Southeast Washington, DC, dedicated to transforming communities and schools both locally and globally. As the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Tumaini DC, Inc., a pioneering 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Portia has driven transformative change through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and healing-centered Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula and programming. To date, Tumaini DC has touched the lives of over 35,000 students in the US and Ghana.

Portia’s commitment extends beyond students, as she has also provided professional development to thousands of educators and youth-serving professionals. Her expertise in design thinking, restorative practices, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed leadership equips leaders with tools to create impactful and sustainable change.

With a decade of experience as an educator in DC public and charter schools, Portia witnessed systemic gaps that hindered progress. Refusing to accept the status quo, she launched innovative solutions to bridge those gaps through transformative programming and a steadfast commitment to social entrepreneurship.

In addition to leading Tumaini DC, Portia is the former franchise owner of Sky Zone Trampoline Park and the Founder of the Impact Institute Accelerator, an initiative that has helped over 3,000 clients globally develop, launch, and scale sustainable nonprofit organizations and purpose-driven businesses. With a 100% success rate, Portia empowers entrepreneurs to align profitable purpose with impactful income. Her mission is to inspire and guide an additional 500 IMPACTpreneurs each year toward building legacy-driven organizations.

Portia’s thought leadership and authenticity make her a highly sought-after speaker, having captivated audiences of over 30,000 individuals at conferences and events worldwide. She is also a prolific author, with 14 Amazon-published works, including the internationally acclaimed "Tumaini Way Social and Emotional Learning" curriculum and culturally responsive children’s books that center on SEL.

Her academic journey began at North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Public Policy from Drexel University and a second Master of Science in Special Education from George Mason University. A passionate traveler and cultural enthusiast, Portia loves exploring diverse traditions and cuisines alongside her husband and children. Whether immersing herself in vibrant cultural festivals or creating life-changing programs, Portia epitomizes a global impact catalyst, empowering individuals and transforming communities on a global scale.

Lorice Young

Operations Manager + HR Strategist

Lorice Young, a proud native of Washington, DC, brings over 15 years of expertise in operations management, human resources, and sustainable systems to her role as Tumaini DC’s Operations Manager and HR Strategist. A graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Lorice earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Business Administration, laying the foundation for her extensive career in building streamlined and effective organizational systems.

Lorice is passionate about creating sustainable operations and optimizing organizational processes to support long-term growth and success. Her areas of expertise include:

Streamlined Systems: Designing efficient workflows that enhance productivity and organizational impact.
Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensuring adherence to federal and local HR regulations, monitoring policy compliance, and maintaining organizational standards.
HR Onboarding and Credentialing: Overseeing clearance processes, onboarding, and employee credentialing to support seamless transitions and workforce alignment.
Data Management: Implementing systems for accurate tracking and analysis to drive informed decision-making.
Payroll and Financial Infrastructure: Administering payroll systems, timekeeping processes, and financial documentation to ensure operational accuracy.

In her role at Tumaini DC, Lorice’s attention to detail, compassion, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in advancing the organization’s vision and mission. She is dedicated to fostering sustainable systems that enhance efficiency while supporting the well-being of both staff and stakeholders.

Lorice’s deep understanding of compliance, employee performance development, and policy implementation makes her an invaluable asset to the Tumaini DC team. Her ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on problem-solving ensures that the organization operates at its highest potential.

Currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, Lorice is excited to contribute her skills and expertise to Tumaini DC’s mission of transforming communities and creating lasting impact. With her unwavering dedication to sustainable systems and operational excellence, Lorice is helping to shape the future of Tumaini DC and the communities it serves.

Tearra Walker

Senior Impact Manager

Tearra Walker is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community transformation, serving as the Senior Impact Manager for Tumaini DC. With extensive experience in program development, inclusive environments, and creative arts, Tearra brings a dynamic and innovative approach to fostering growth and connection in underserved communities.

Tearra is highly skilled in designing and managing impact-driven programming that addresses personal development, educational advancement, and career readiness for youth. She has a keen ability to connect with diverse communities, creating inclusive and supportive environments that celebrate individuality and promote equity.

An exceptional creative artist, Tearra leverages her talents in spoken word and other artistic mediums to inspire and empower those she serves. Her artistry is deeply woven into her approach to programming, using creativity as a tool to engage youth, amplify their voices, and drive positive change.

Her expertise extends to career advising, case management for individuals with disabilities, and effectively navigating emergency situations. Tearra’s exceptional organizational skills, coupled with her strong verbal and written communication, enable her to prioritize tasks and execute them with precision.

Tearra studied Early Childhood Education and Development at Prince George's Community College in Largo, MD, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations from Trinity Washington University in Washington, DC. Her academic background and hands-on experience uniquely position her to address the holistic needs of youth and communities, ensuring they are equipped to thrive.

In her role at Tumaini DC, Tearra is dedicated to creating transformative experiences that uplift and inspire. Her commitment to empowering underserved communities, coupled with her creativity and expertise, continues to make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Kariatu Jalloh

Senior Impact Manager

Kariatu Jalloh is a dynamic and compassionate licensed therapist and Senior Impact Manager at Tumaini DC, bringing a wealth of expertise from the mental health field into our innovative programming spaces. A proud native of Prince George's County, Maryland, Kariatu is a double alumna of North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned a B.S. in Journalism and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

With her background as a licensed therapist, Kariatu leads Tumaini DC’s wellness-focused professional development initiatives, equipping educators, youth-serving professionals, and community leaders with the tools to prioritize emotional and mental well-being in their work. She is dedicated to creating healing-centered spaces that foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and a sense of belonging.