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.

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.

Neema Desai joined Digital Pioneers Academy in 2026 and serves as the Middle School Principal. She brings over a decade of experience in teaching and school leadership, including roles as Senior Director of Schools and Principal at DC Prep, Managing Director of Cohort Leadership Development at All Means All, and Teach For America Corps Member in New York City. Neema holds a Bachelor of Science from George Washington University and a Master’s in Special Education from Bank Street College. As the first-generation daughter of immigrants, she is deeply committed to ensuring every student has access to an excellent education. She believes every child has tremendous potential and is dedicated to building an inclusive school community where all students can thrive.

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.”

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.

Latoya Pearson joined Digital Pioneers Academy in 2026 and serves as Interim Principal of the High School. She brings deep education experience as a principal and school leader, including roles as Principal of Rocketship Infinity Community Prep, Director of MTSS at New Foundations, and Principal of Freedom Prep. She began her career as an English and Special Education teacher. Latoya holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a Master’s in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling from Wilmington University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. She believes that students of all backgrounds deserve access to a high-quality education that empowers them to reach their full potential.

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.