The People Behind the Work

Sankore is built on the conviction that the right people in the right roles make the work possible. Our team brings together expertise in strategic partnerships, community development, social innovation, digital operations, and courageous leadership practice.

Dr. Lanise Block Founder & Principal Consultant

Dr. Naomi Taylor Senior Practitioner & Co-Author

Dr. Naomi Taylor is a social justice and racial equity educator, researcher, writer, and qualified IDI Administrator with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Hamline University. As co-author of Cultivating Courage and a senior practitioner in the Sankore methodology, Dr. Taylor brings deep expertise in intercultural competency, culturally relevant pedagogy, and equity leadership identity development. She co-facilitates full-arc engagements and contributes to curriculum development across the Sankore Simple ABCs methodology.

Ronald Belvin Director of Strategic Partnership

Ronald Belvin brings two decades of partnership development, revenue growth, and community engagement experience to Sankore. His background spans digital media where he managed a $700K+ advertising portfolio and grew revenue 40% annually to national development work with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, where he expanded strategic partnerships across 47 HBCUs with corporations, government agencies, and foundations. Currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Luther Seminary with a focus on community leadership, ethics, and justice, Ronald brings a rare combination of business acumen and mission alignment to Sankore's strategic work. He manages speaking inquiries, partnership relationships, and strategic collaborations across both Sankore and Lift.ED.

Shakira Onwuachi Collaborating Practitioner — Community Development & Social Innovation

Shakira Onwuachi is a licensed social worker, community development leader, and founder of Kuumba Collective a creative enterprise at the intersection of culture, community, and social impact. With a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and more than a decade of work in youth development, cross-sector collaboration, and organizational leadership, Shakira brings deep practical experience to Sankore's Build and Champion phase work. As former Minneapolis Beacons Network Director, she led a collaborative of four major Twin Cities organizations YMCA of the North, YWCA Minneapolis, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Minneapolis Public Schools transforming schools into community hubs. She collaborates with Sankore on select engagements where her expertise in community-centered design and youth development strengthens the work.

Emaniel Block Digital Operations & Social Media

Emaniel is a multitalented digital creator, musician, and tech specialist who ensures Sankore's communications and online presence reflect our commitment to access and innovation. With expertise in Canva, Adobe Express, and Google Workspace, he supports both our internal systems and outward impact.

A Note on Our Practitioner Network

Sankore is building a certified practitioner ecosystem trained and licensed facilitators who carry the Sankore Simple ABCs methodology into organizations across sectors. Interested in becoming a certified Sankore practitioner?