Our Board
Dr. Cherish Williams
Board Chair
Dr. Cherish Williams earned a doctorate in School Psychology, with a clinical concentration, from UNC Chapel Hill. She specializes in providing evidenced-based therapeutic services to individuals across the lifespan who are coping vast life occurrences, including race-related stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, racial identity, gender exploration, sexuality issues, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Williams has a passion for racial identity development, particularly in children and adolescents.
Torri A. Staton, Ph.D.
Board Co-Chair/Secretary
Torri A. Staton, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity at The Raleigh Chamber. Dr. Staton has taught a course entitled Race, Racism, and Racial Equity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to her current role she was the Director of Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC.
She is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity professional and an equity-focused scholar who has used narrative analyses to study the social and cultural intertwining of Racial Identity, American education, and American popular culture. It is her goal that all things lead toward justice. She is also a published author - including researching and co-authoring a peer-reviewed article entitled "Out of Site, Out of Mind", which uncovered the presence and told the story of a freedmen School in Chapel Hill, NC - which is published in the American Educational Research Journal. Prior to her current role at the Chamber, she served her community in a variety of capacities including as a Teacher, Advisor, Retention Counselor, Mentor, Higher Education administrator, DEI Consultant, and Professor.
She has received many awards and acknowledgements, including being a 2023 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives “40 Under 40” Honoree.
She is a daughter, a sister, a friend, a dog mom, a music enthusiast, a researcher, an avid film watcher, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Kelvin bullock
Board Treasurer
Daniel Kelvin Bullock is originally from Wilson, NC and earned his doctorate at North Carolina State University in Curriculum and Instruction. His research interests include culturally responsive teaching, social studies education, project based learning, critical race theory, and anti-racism. Prior to entering his doctoral program, Dr. Bullock earned his B.A. in History and his Master’s in Education at UNC - Chapel Hill before teaching history in Durham, NC. He was also part of the inaugural staff at an innovative, small high school centered on project based learning.
Kelvin is a co-founder of we are. He is also the former Senior Executive Director for Equity and Professional Development for Durham Public Schools and the Executive Director of Maureen Joy Charter School. He is the husband of Dr. Ronda Taylor Bullock and father of son Zion and daughter Zaire.
eric taylor
Eric Taylor is a multi-brand, multi-unit entrepreneur and business developer with a proven track record of success across multiple industries. As a founding partner of Primo Partners, Eric helps lead one of the fastest-growing franchise organizations focused on improving racial and socioeconomic equity in local communities. Under his leadership, Primo Partners operates Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks establishments across nine states and the District of Columbia, including several locations in Florida. The company consistently ranks as a top sales performer within the Ben & Jerry’s system globally.
Before transitioning fully into entrepreneurship, Eric held senior-level electrical engineering positions with Booz Allen Hamilton, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, and Johnson Controls, Inc. In 2019, he stepped away from his corporate engineering career to help drive Primo Partners’ business development and regional expansion efforts.
Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University.
His leadership and impact have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ben & Jerry’s “Big O” 2021 Operator of the Year Award, the 2023 MVP Multi-Unit Franchise Award, the 2025 Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Award, and the 2024 SFBW DEI Advocate in Business Award.
Jasmyn stewart
Jasmyn Stewart is an Assistant Principal who is dedicated to fostering inclusive, equitable, and thriving school communities. With over a decade of experience in education, she has served as a teacher, Dean of ELA and Humanities, and Instructional Coach. Since 2018, Jasmyn has worked with WE ARE, where she continues to grow and lead in advancing anti-racist practices. Her leadership centers on restorative practices, student empowerment, and creating environments where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. She is deeply committed to revealing the power and excellence within marginalized communities while disrupting anti-racial systems. She strives to ensure that all students have access to the highest levels of opportunity and support. A published children’s book author, Jasmyn champions representation and belonging both inside and outside the classroom.