kara brunson - managing director

Kara Brunson serves as Managing Director for Learning Through a Lens, bringing expertise in strategic development, management consulting, and mission-driven leadership. With a background spanning federal service, nonprofit strategy, and education, she leads the operationalization of the organization’s vision to expand access to arts-based learning and authentic self-expression for underserved youth..

Kara previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where she advanced workforce development and training initiatives for the nation’s disaster workforce. Her experience also includes serving as Communications Manager at Islamic Relief USA and advising nonprofit leadership teams on governance and community engagement.

An educator at heart, Kara has taught cross-cultural communication at the college level and continues to champion programs that empower youth to see themselves and their world through their own lens. She is also a clinical herbalist and founder of Rihla Wellness and Tayyib Herbal, supporting holistic health and community well-being.

John Wyche - senior advisor

John Wyche brings a wealth of leadership, strategy, and mentorship experience to Learning Through A Lens. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University in 1980 and his MBA from Incarnate Word College in 1990.

John began his distinguished career in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Commander and serving with distinction for 23 years. Following his military service, he applied his leadership skills in the business and nonprofit sectors, including a role as Relaunch Director of the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce in 2016. Since 2018, he has been Managing Partner at Pragmatic Solutions Consulting Group, guiding organizations with strategic insight and operational expertise.

At Learning Through A Lens, John leverages his extensive background to mentor students, advise on program development, and help shape the initiative’s strategic growth, ensuring every young participant has the tools, guidance, and support to thrive through creative expression.

Dr. donald brown - advisory committee member

Dr. Donald Brown is the President of Juma Academy, a leadership-focused school in Likpe Nkwanta, Oti Region, Ghana, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Juma Academy offers a unique curriculum emphasizing business, finance, and entrepreneurship, preparing young people to become self-reliant and socially conscious leaders.

At Learning Through A Lens, Dr. Brown brings his extensive experience in education and youth development to guide program strategy, mentorship, and global initiatives. His work focuses on cultivating knowledge, fostering practical skills, and inspiring students to leverage their talents and resources for personal growth and community impact. Through his leadership, he helps ensure that Learning Through A Lens empowers students with creative, entrepreneurial, and critical thinking skills that can shape a brighter future for Africa and beyond.

tobius simmonS - advisory committee member

Tobius Simmons has enjoyed a distinguished three-decade career as an art professional. He has curated exhibitions and participated in art festivals along the Atlantic coast and abroad, while also coordinating numerous art fundraisers. Artwork from the Simmons Gallery has been exhibited at esteemed cultural institutions including The National Black Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Harlem School of the Arts, and the Harlem Hellfighters 369th Regiment Armory, among others throughout New York City.

Beyond his artistic contributions, Mr. Simmons is deeply committed to education and community engagement. He has managed the Grassroots Farmers Market, the first farmer’s market above 125thstreet in Harlem, for 21 years. He has gifted thousands of books and learning tools to children locally, nationally, and globally—planting seeds of curiosity and self-discovery in young minds. He believes that by exposing young people to history and the rich cultural amenities of New York City, they can gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.