The Louise W. Pilgrim Life Academy
LWP Life Academy is your village of support that strives to help you achieve success.
Our Mission
The LWP Life Academy bridges the gap between home and school by providing a safe environment for adolescents to obtain financial literacy and practical self sufficiency. We offer education for LIFE that is currently not being taught in school curriculums (i.e. how to change a tire, basic financial literacy, home economics, and social etiquette, etc.) LWP strives to educate participants through our virtual community where we strive to innovate new ways to deliver information. The goal is to enable the youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring, successful and responsible citizens.
Our Approach
Applying Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our team’s diverse professional backgrounds inform our approach. We draw on expertise in Finance, Psychology, Science, educational leadership, advocacy and community development, and racial justice.
Balancing Guidance and Responsiveness: Our team is committed to improving community growth and engagement through evidence-based and culturally responsive practice. We promote the use and appropriate adaption of research-based frameworks and programs to address complex social problems.
Advancing Financial Literacy: Even though underrepresented ethnic groups make a significant economic contribution in the United states, their financial wellness lags behind that of the rest of the country. Numerous economic indicators highlight this disparity, such as median household income, net worth, and the likelihood of carrying student-loan debt. We support authentic community engagement, elevation of cultural expertise, and the use of community-defined effective practices and participatory approaches. We lift up youth, family, and consumer voice and financial literacy through free courses being developed by TEAL Business Services in-kind.
Fostering Community and Peer Networks: We create multiple and ongoing opportunities for peer learning and knowledge transfer. We foster dynamic learning and practice communities among funding recipients, collaborators, and leaders. We are developing a mentoring program MirrorMatch to connect youth with mentors who “mirror” them in terms of gender, race, ethnicity and career goal.
Who is Louise W Pilgrim?
The LWP Life Academy is modeled after the values and character of Louise W Pilgrim—grandmother to the President and Director of our non-profit. Louise was strong, non-judgmental, valued education, and believed in lifting communities up. She believes it takes a village to raise a child. Discover more on Louise in this video.
The Life and Times of Louise W. Pilgrim
Meet the Team
LWP Life Academy is inspired by Tennille’s—the President of the LWP board—grandmother Louise W Pilgrim. As many have experienced, it truly takes a village to raise a child. Louise played a pivotal role & foundation for Tennille. This inspired Tennille to continue sharing lived-experiences and the lessons learned, to create a space advancing the education of the youth outside of the classroom. Especially those who need that support of a village, towards success and self sustainability.
The Board
Tennille Paredes (she, her, hers)
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m Possible!’” – Audrey Hepburn
Tennille is the Director and President of the board of LWP Life Academy and the CEO of Teal Business Services. She contributes over 10 years in Financial background and Administrative experience to several companies. She has a DBA in Forensic accounting and certification in DCAA compliance. She continues to break barriers by infiltrating the corporate world and empowering others to follow in her footsteps by chasing their dreams.
She is also a member of the Change Matrix team as the Director of Finance and Administration. She is responsible for the back-end office and day-to-day accounting.
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Auris Paredes (he, him, his)
Auris Paredes was born and raised in Harlem NYC. In addition to his love and passion for STEM areas of study, Auris serves as Vice President of the board and Program Director for LWP Life Academy. Auris is currently spearheading the development of a Diversity in STEM program which aims to combat the lack of diversity in areas such as Artificial Intelligence technology and others.
Tyreeque Isaac (he, him, his)
Tyreeque Isaac is the great-grandson of Louise Pilgrim and the eldest child of Tennille Paredes. Tyreeque was raised to believe in giving back. Spending his early childhood living in Brooklyn, NY and then moving as an adolescent to Henderson, NV. Tyreeque is currently studying Accounting and Finance to follow in his Mother’s footsteps. He is also developing a male mentor program to match teens with adults in the specific career or industry they are pursuing. Tyreeque serves as Treasurer of the Board.
Patricia Cox (she, her, hers)
“Be the person you needed when you were younger!” – Dave Delaney
Patricia Cox serves as Secretary for the Board and Volunteer Services Director. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Patricia is a firm believer in being the village for the next generation to ensure they succeed in life and know their worth. She promotes individualization and goal orientation.
Na’im Beckett (he, him, his)
Na’im Beckett is the youngest grandson of Louise and baby brother to Tennille. Na’im was born and raised in New York City, and later chose to move to Henderson, NV with his sister and family. Na’im spearheaded this initiative and continued the legacy of his family—all while helping to improve the racial injustices faced in the world today. Na’im is a non-managing board member.
Jocelyn B. Mann (she, her, hers)
Jocelyn B. Mann is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where she obtained a M.Div. She serves as an associate pastor on staff at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY where she was also ordained. In addition to her role as associate pastor, she also serves as the Director, Virtual Ministry, and Local & Global Outreach. With a background in children, youth, & young adult programming, Jocelyn’s passion is in ministry for the marginalized and underserved— primarily for youth & young adults that have been involved in the justice system and/or formerly incarcerated. Jocelyn hopes to be able to further serve God by enhancing the programs she currently works with, supporting positive youth and young adult programming, and creating new programs designed to mentor young people.
The Staff
Destini’ Carrington (She/Her/Hers)
Destini’ is Associate Director and Program Manager at LWP Life Academy. She aids in building the brand and driving success at LWP. In addition, Destini’ adds her unique perspective to creating and operating programs, events, and initiatives at LWP Life Academy. She believes in the power and importance of creating safe spaces for students nationwide with diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Destini’ is a Clara Luper Scholar and graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Advocacy.
Throughout her education and career, Destini’ has received many awards for her outstanding leadership skills and impact on her community’s promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, she is an experienced mentor, administrative assistant, and manager.
Driven by her bold, radical, and revolutionary leadership style, she prides herself on going beyond expectations and norms to create necessary outcomes for actual change. In the future, she hopes to continue her education to become a professional who aids in the healing of diverse communities facing trauma.
Jennifer Ratliff (She/Her/Hers)
Jennifer is LWP Life Academy’s Director of Operations. Her skills and knowledge of softwares, digital user experience, and streamline of vast data optimizes LWP Life Academy.