About Wise Educators
Founded in 2025 by Solar Supreme in the heart of Ypsilanti, MI — we exist to ensure that every inner-city child has access to the literacy, community, and confidence they need to thrive.
2025
Year Wise Educators was Founded
Born from a belief that literacy is a right — not a privilege
Wise Educators was founded in 2025 in Ypsilanti, Michigan by Solar Supreme — a community leader with a fierce conviction that the literacy gap destroying opportunities for inner-city youth was not inevitable. It was solvable.
What started as a vision quickly became a movement. Seeing children in Ypsilanti's neighborhoods fall behind in reading — not for lack of intelligence, but for lack of access, resources, and support — Solar Supreme gathered a team of dedicated community members and built something real.
Today, Wise Educators runs free reading programs, community gardening initiatives, and youth engagement events that meet kids where they are. We don't wait for the system to catch up — we show up, every week, for every child who walks through our doors.
Our organization is guided by a board of passionate directors who give their time, talent, and hearts to this community. Together, we are closing the literacy gap — one young reader at a time.
Our Core Values
Literacy First
Reading is the gateway to every opportunity. We place literacy at the center of everything we do.
Community Rooted
We are from this community. We serve this community. Everything we build, we build together.
Whole-Child Growth
We nurture minds, bodies, and spirits — developing confident, capable young leaders.
Radical Inclusion
No child is turned away. Our programs are free, welcoming, and built for everyone.
From Vision to Movement
Founded
Wise Educators established in Ypsilanti, MI by Solar Supreme
First Programs
Launched after-school reading circles and youth engagement programs
Community Garden
Broke ground on our urban garden program for youth learning
Growing Strong
200+ youth served, 50+ volunteers, and a full community events calendar
Board of Directors
The dedicated individuals who guide Wise Educators' mission, uphold our values, and show up every day for the youth of Ypsilanti.
Javon Hurston
Javon Hurston leads Wise Educators with a deep passion for community uplift and youth development. As President, he drives the organization's strategic vision, partnerships, and day-to-day mission to bring literacy and opportunity to inner-city youth in Ypsilanti.
javon@wise-educators.orgJesse Hurston
Jesse Hurston is committed to creating pathways for inner-city youth to discover their potential. As Vice President, he supports strategic programming, volunteer coordination, and keeps the organization grounded in its founding values.
Jesse@wise-educators.org
Sandra Payne
Sandra Payne keeps Wise Educators organized, accountable, and on track. As Secretary, she manages meeting minutes, official communications, and ensures every voice in the organization is heard and recorded.
spayne@wise-educators.org
Marquise Kincaid
Marquise Kincaid oversees the financial health of Wise Educators, managing budgets, grants, and stewardship of donor resources. His fiscal leadership ensures every dollar serves the youth and families who need it most.
Marquis@wise-educators.orgKaila Radcliffe
Kaila Radcliffe brings creative energy and program expertise to the Wise Educators board. As Director, she champions youth-centered programming and ensures every initiative is designed with the community's real needs in mind.
kaila@wise-educators.orgKelishia Burks
Kelishia Burks is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community service. Her hands-on involvement in Ypsilanti's neighborhoods ensures Wise Educators stays deeply connected to the families it serves.
Kelishia@wise-educators.orgSunsea Hurston
Sunsea Hurston brings warmth, vision, and dedication to the board. As Director, she focuses on community outreach and building meaningful bridges between Wise Educators and the broader Ypsilanti community.
sunsea@wise-educators.orgJoin Our Community
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, enroll a child, or partner with us — there is a place for you in the Wise Educators family.