Meet the Team
Leanna Calvin, LCSW
Founder and Executive Director
Leanna is a creative and free spirited individual. She obtained her BSW from Tuskegee University and MSW from Fordham University. Leanna has a background in the field of mental health and youth development. Some may attribute her success to obtaining her MSW, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and serving in several leadership roles. She identifies her success as the impact she has had on each individual encountered throughout her life. Leanna was given the vision to develop a creative youth program many years ago and has worked hard to make the vision become a reality. She has worked with many youth in several states including California, Alabama, New York and Charlotte. Through her work she noticed a theme of youth having a lack of knowledge on various careers and struggling to understand their uniqueness, hence the birth of Exposure Project. Leanna founded Exposure Project with the hope and belief that the program will have an impact on the world like no other!
Jermile’ Batten
Board Member
Jermile’ Batten is a native of Richmond, VA. She studied Finance at Elon University while also playing on the women’s basketball team at the Division 1 level. Jermile’ currently serves as Vice President, Managing Director for Fidelity Investments in Charlotte, NC. Prior to Fidelity, Jermile’ spent most of her career at Vanguard as a high-net-worth Certified Financial Planner™. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Jermile’ loves to give back to the community. She is passionate about educating and empowering the youth and underprivileged communities
Christina Velasquez, MSW
Board Member
Christina Velasquez is currently a Social Worker for the NYC Department of Education, and a Field Instructor for Columbia University. She has over 11 years of experience in the Social Work arena empowering clients through a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to, child/adolescent individual and/or group therapy, and program development. Christina's experience also includes managing the operational and programming needs for afterschool programs and summer camps funded by the Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD).
Christina studied in New York, earning her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Lehman College, and her Masters Degree of Social Work from Fordham University. She believes in the service to humanity and service to our children. She understands the importance of educating, guiding, and exposing our youth to the numerous opportunities in the world. For Christina, "there is no greater gift than the smile of a child who has found their way."
Chantel Grier
Board Member
Chantel Grier resides as a Charlotte, NC native. She is a Senior Contract Analyst at Duke Energy Corporation, a top performing company in the Energy and Utilities industry. During her time with Duke Energy, Chantel has served as an HR Associate and has served as Chair/Co-Chair for their Employee Resource Group, African American Network Scholarship Committee.
While her talent doesn’t stop short of the Corporate world, Chantel has created many businesses, serving as an Etiquette Consultant, Event Planner, and now bringing those skills to her non-profit, A Princess’s Closet, where teenage girls are empowered through leadership, mentorship, and most importantly, provided opportunity to shop for event attire free of charge. Helping young ladies to realize that beauty isn’t something you buy, it’s something you believe.
When Chantel isn’t working, she is busy running behind her ever so busy teenage daughter, spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and indulging in Latin and African dance.
Jordan Thompson, Esq.
Board Member
Jordan is an NFL Agent and Legal Counsel at Element Sports Group. He utilizes his valuable experiences with NFL Teams, sport agencies and as a practicing attorney to be an effective advocate for his clients.
A former Division I football player, Jordan graduated from Elon University, where he played defensive back. He is also a graduate of the Elon University School of Law. Jordan’s professional experience includes working in the player personnel department of the Detroit Lions and the Washington Football Team’s Salary Cap and Legal Affairs department. Jordan also practiced law at a top international law firm as an associate attorney in the sports law and global litigation groups. Jordan handled some of the most complex cases in the country, representing professional sports leagues and teams, Fortune 500 companies and high net-worth individuals.
Jordan was born in Hickory, NC and currently resides in Atlanta, GA. He credits his career path to his parents exposing him to the business of sports at an early age. He aims to do the same for the next sports industry leaders.
Amber Ellis
Volunteer
Amber is a Charlotte native who has a passion for entrepreneurship and the arts. She combined these two loves for the creation of Juvi Hair Spa, Rejuvination of Hair and Spirit, established in 2007. Amber is also an Art Director and Entrepreneurship Coach. Amber believes that exposure is a vital component to reaching your fullest potential, and sees Exposure Project as a perfect opportunity to help youth broaden their perspective. Amber enjoys Tango and Chicago Two Stepping.
Tiaira Robinson, LCSW
Volunteer
Tiaira is a Chicago native, who has been living in the Charlotte area for 2 years. She is a Clinical Social Worker with a significant background in working with youth and families. She has enjoyed volunteering with Exposure Project and being a positive support for the youth that enter the program. Tiaira most enjoys spending her time playing volleyball or listening to live music.
Janelle Spikes, LCSWA
Volunteer
Janelle is a San Diego native currently residing in Charlotte. Some of her professional background include obtaining her BSW from Tuskegee University and MSW from UNC Charlotte. She is currently a Medical Social Worker. Janelle has always been an active member of her community since middle school; volunteering with youth and other community members. Her favorite aspect of volunteering with EP is interacting with the youth and being a part of a creative driven environment. A fun fact about Janelle is that she’s obsessed with ordering from Amazon!
Alita Sharpe-Dupree
Volunteer
Alita is a native of Charlotte, NC. A graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Human Services from Capella University. Alita's involvement with children started as an Juvenile Court Intern Counselor and a Camp Counselor at the YMCA. Alita has a passion for working with our youth and contributing to their path of success. Alita's favorite part about volunteering with Exposure project is building a rapport with all the participants and seeing them committed to working hard, being their true selves, and their families getting involved in their work. Alita believes every child is different but all need the same support and love from their community.