Jason B. Lockett Sr.
Executive Director
Jason is the founder and Executive Director of Breadwinners Academy. Jason started Breadwinners Academy to address the need for financial literacy in the (LMI) low to moderate communities. As a proud CMSD alumni, Jason strives to give back to the same communities that raised him. As the Executive Director, Jason leads his team in and outside the classroom. Jason provides strategic direction, curriculum development, in-class instruction, community engagement, and execution for the Academy.
Alongside devoting his life to this mission, Jason also is the founder of “The Breadwinners,” which is a financial planning firm. Jason is the creator of “Slice of Pie,” which is a masterclass on personal finance that highlights trailblazing local entrepreneurs.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Science, Marketing c/o 2010 Notre Dame College
Master of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship & Finance c/o 2012 Ashland University
Certificate Financial Planning, c/o 2022 Howard University
Jason’s favorite quote:
“I’d rather suffer defeat than live with regret.”
Milan Martin
Program Director (Financial Literacy)
Milan is currently in her senior year as a full-time student at Notre Dame College of Ohio. Milan is pursuing three majors: Business Administration, Business Marketing, and recently added Accounting. Her projected graduation is in December of 2024.
Milan has a range of special interests and skills reflecting her diverse pursuits and professional aspirations. She aspires to make a significant impact on people in underserved communities by promoting financial literacy. Milan is also the newly appointed Site Coordinator of The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition Tax Site, an initiative hosted at Notre Dame College.
In addition, Milan is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and holds the position of fiscal officer.
Milan’s favorite quote:
“The world is yours, believe this and seize it!”
Jason Lockett Jr.
Bookkeeper
Jason’s primary role is to record, track and provide data for each executed contract. As the bookkeeper, Jason is responsible for assisting our CPA in remaining compliant as a non-profit organization. Jason manages payroll, fundraising, and other various accounting duties for the Academy.
Jason is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in finance at Kent State University.
Jason’s favorite quote
“At the end of the day, no excuses, no explanations, no regrets.”
Kayla Thomas
Director of Student Engagement
Kayla Thomas, (she/her), is a recent graduate of Notre Dame College, where she pursued a double major in Strategic Communication & Public Relations, with a focus on business administration. Over the previous years, she has developed a passion for advocacy, relationship building, leadership, and community for those around her. As she's spent her recent years in a variety of community volunteer roles exceeding 600 hours of community service, Kayla has found a passion for non-profits and community outreach. These skills, among personal experience, have led Kayla to Breadwinners Academy as the director of Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Kayla provides services as an outreach coordinator to surrounding educational programs and institutions that mirror the mission and values of Breadwinners. Her resilience in this role is vital to the exposure, awareness, and engagement that Breadwinners aims to encompass. Kayla's goal is to ensure the community is able to achieve self-sufficiency through education in the face of life's dilemmas!
Kayla’s favorite quote
“He only sends his strongest soldiers into battle”
Taylor Evans
Program Leader
Taylor is entering her sophomore year as a full-time Ohio State University student. Taylor is majoring in Middle Childhood Education and minoring in Business. Taylor is pursuing being an educator in middle childhood education; however, she has other endeavors, including singing, leadership in sisterhood, and advocating for her Faith. She’s the owner of She’s Lovely, which is a Faith-based and girl-empowering business. She hopes to encourage others through her Faith in Christ!
Jared’s favorite quote:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28 KJV
David Hall
Creative Director
David Hall is the Creative Director for the Breadwinners Academy.
David is a multidisciplinary award-winning creative that has helped grow many small businesses all throughout northeast Ohio. David is responsible for positioning Breadwinners Academy as a household name that tells the visual story across a diverse array of media outlets of many young adults that are on their journey to becoming financially sound.
Educational background
Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design with a concentration in Public Relations,
c/o 2013 Notre Dame College
Certified part 107 drone pilot.
David’s favorite quote
“Remind yourself, nobody’s built like you. You design yourself.” - Jay-Z