Mashea Ashton is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA), a charter middle and high school in Southeast Washington, D.C. focused on empowering students with essential skills for the future.

A dedicated advocate for educational equity, Mashea has spent her career advancing opportunities for young people. Her deep roots in Washington, D.C.—where her family has lived for six generations—fuel her commitment to the community. Mashea began her journey in education as a special education teacher at Anne Beers Elementary in Ward 7 of Washington, DC.

She previously served as the CEO of the Newark Charter School Fund, leading a $48 million initiative to enhance the quality of charter schools in the area. She also held senior leadership roles at New Leaders for New Schools, the New York City Department of Education, and the KIPP Foundation.

In 2023, she was appointed to the Virginia Board of Education. Additionally, she serves on the boards of the William & Mary Foundation, Black Girls Code, the Center for Learning Equity, and Washington Leadership Academy.

She is a graduate of William and Mary in Virginia. Mashea and her husband are the proud parents of twins currently in middle school.

Chelsea is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Digital Pioneers Academy high school. Chelsea joined DPA in 2021 and has led in multiple roles. Before DPA, Chelsea taught at high school Collegiate Academies. Chelsea has a passion for developing a curriculum that is both challenging and engaging for students. She is also the proud mother of a one-year-old daughter.

Sarah Hanson is the Director of Operations at DPA’s middle school. Sarah joined DPA in 2022 with over 15 years of experience in education and recently received a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. She began her career teaching 9th-grade English and 9th-12th-grade special education on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Before working at DPA, most of her career was spent in charter schools in Minnesota. Sarah is extremely passionate about ensuring that every child receives an excellent education and loves contributing to this work specifically through the operations lens.

Coach Harris joined DPA as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach in July 2023 after a successful tenure at his alma mater, Archbishop Carroll. He comes to DPA with over 25 years of coaching, teaching, and leadership experience. He earned a B.S.E. in Elementary Education from Central State University and a M.Ed. in Adult and General Education, and also holds a Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) certificate for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). Coach Harris is a native Washingtonian and a proud husband, father, and grandfather. His motto is “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.”

Divinda Willis joined Digital Pioneers Academy in 2020 and is currently the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Divinda began her journey in education by way of NYC Teaching Fellows, and continued her leadership development with the New Leaders National Aspiring Principals Fellowships. During her time in NYC and DC, she served as a middle school math teacher as well as holding multiple leadership positions in district and charter schools.

Alfred Mason is the Director of Culture at Digital Pioneers Academy high school in SE DC. Alfred joined DPA in October of 2021 as the Associate Director of Operations. Before DPA, Alfred worked for United States Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. During his time working for the Senate, Alfred worked on Healthcare and Education Projects and outreach in the State of New Jersey. Alfred holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science & Economics from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia PA.

Aliss Williams is DPA’s Director of Culture for the Network. She first joined DPA in 2019, as Dean of Social Emotional Learning at the middle school. Before DPA she taught for over 17 years and worked with youth in Baltimore’s inner city for over 30 years. Aliss believes the key to an effective teaching environment is to create a culture for learning. She believes in being the example for brown and black scholars by showing up each and every day as a representative for them.

Olivia Martino joined DPA in 2022 and is Assistant Principal of STEM at the middle school. She further supports the girls’ middle school basketball team and is an Assistant Coach for the high school boys’ basketball team. She started her career at DPA as a STEM teacher and later coached 7th-grade instructional teams. Olivia also brings research experience from Purdue University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and an MBA in Innovation Management from Sacred Heart University.

Joshua Roe joined Digital Pioneers Academy in 2021 and is currently the Assistant Principal of Humanities at our high school. Josh began his career in education as a Teacher in Residence at Achievement First Bridgeport Academy. After two years of teaching 8th-grade ELA, he joined Teach For America’s 2016 Corps in Hartford, CT, where he taught 6th and 7th-grade English. Josh then moved to DC in 2018, teaching middle school English at KIPP DC KEY Academy. Josh was the grade level lead for 8th grade and Teacher of the Year at KIPP DC KEY Academy in 2020.

Malaika Brewer joined Digital Pioneers Academy in 2025 and serves as Principal of the middle school. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in instruction and school leadership, including roles as Dean of Students, ELA teacher, and Principal Intern in North Carolina. A three-time Educator of the Year, Malaika holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a School Administration credential from UNC Charlotte. She is committed to building a school where every scholar is Known, Loved, and Respected.

DeVante Caldwell joined DPA in 2019 and currently serves as Assistant Principal of Computer Science, Community, & Enrichment at the middle school. He brings over a decade of experience in STEM education and youth development, including work with the Washington Nationals to expand academic opportunities. DeVante holds a BS in Computer Science from Lincoln University and a Master of Education in Policy and Leadership from American University.

Derrick Williams joined Digital Pioneers Academy in 2023 and serves as the Dean of Social Emotional Learning at the middle school. Derrick has served youth in education since 2016 and has focused on creating supportive school cultures and fostering student well-being. He brings deep experience in relationship-building and youth development. Derrick holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Richmond and is dedicated to helping students grow both socially and emotionally.

Sabrina Marion joined DPA in 2024 and serves as Assistant Principal of STEM at the high school. She began her career in 2014 and has held teaching and leadership roles focused on rigorous instruction and student achievement. Sabrina holds a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Allen University and is pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership at Virginia State University. She is passionate about expanding access to STEM learning for all scholars.

Romance Simpson joined DPA in 2024 and serves as Assistant Principal of Special Populations at the high school. She leads special education and support services to ensure all scholars receive equitable, high-quality instruction. Romance has a strong background in curriculum, coaching, and inclusive practices that promote academic and social growth. She holds a BA in Political Science and History from Virginia Union University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bowie State University.

Marcus Washington joined Digital Pioneers Academy in 2024 and serves as the high school’s 9th Grade Lead and Principal Fellow. He began his career as a classroom teacher and later held roles as instructional coach, assistant principal, and most recently Vice Principal at KIPP DC. At DPA, Marcus is focused on cultivating a strong freshman foundation, leading grade-level systems, and supporting school-wide initiatives through his Principal Fellow role. He is passionate about culturally responsive teaching and building environments where students see themselves, grow, and thrive. Marcus holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Prairie View A&M and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy from Howard University.

Leaunteen Barnes joined DPA high school in 2023 and serves as Interim Director of Operations at the high school. She oversees daily operations, technology, facilities, and major events like College Signing Day and Summer Youth Employment. Leaunteen brings a people-centered leadership style and is pursuing her MBA in Human Resource Management at the University of Bridgeport. Her work supports a safe, joyful learning environment for scholars and staff alike.

Aaron Mitchem joined DPA in 2024 and serves as Assistant Principal of Computer Science, Community and Enrichment at the high school. He has worked in education since 2008, including as Director of School Culture at Capital City PCS, where he was recognized for consistent leadership and trusted relationships with families. Aaron holds a B.A. in Sociology and Education from Morehouse College and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Math and Special Education from Lesley University.