Meet the Team


Dr. Crystal Morton
Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Crystal Morton is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Urban Teacher Education at IUPUI School of Education. Currently, she serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and Director of Research for the Great Lakes Equity Center. She is Past-President of the Benjamin Banneker Association and serves on the Tech Point Foundation for Youth board.


Marva Renee Barlow
Assistant Director
Director of Family Engagement
Marva is passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic about students' growth and achievement in academics and social and emotional development. She has committed approximately ten years in the education arena.

Dr. Demetrice Smith-Mutegi
Director of Science Engagement
Research Collaborator
Dr. Demetrice Smith-Mutegi is the Director of Science Engagement and a research collaborator for G.S.I. She is an assistant professor of science education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She teaches K-12 foundation courses and secondary science and math methods to preservice teachers.


Saba-Na'Imah Berhane
Director of Curriculum Development
An IUPUI alumna with a B.S. in Elementary Education & Middle School Math, Na'imah is a math educator passionate about developing an integrated, research-driven STEM curriculum.



Chanae Palmer-Azikiwe
Director of Community Partnerships
Chanae serves as the Director of Community Partnerships for G.S.I. She has over six years of experience in fundraising, prospect research, event planning and program development across diverse nonprofits, including education, health, social services and civic advocacy organizations.


Sheramie Velazquez
Executive Administrative Assistant
Digital Media Specialist
Sheramie Velazquez is an alumna from IUPUI who earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish Literature and a concentration in STEM Education.