Tyrell Jourdan Adeyemi

President Tyrell Jourdan Adeyemi is a lifelong learner and the Co-Leader of an elementary school within Boston Public Schools. Tyrell attended Hampton University and American International College for undergraduate studies. Furthering his education, Tyrell was awarded the Urban Scholars Fellowship during his time at Harvard University, earning a Master’s in Educational Leadership.

During his time at Harvard, he was the proud President of the Harvard Black Graduate Student Alliance. He is also a commentator on race, culture, inequality, and education through various platforms. He believes that as Black Harvard graduates, we must shepherd, mentor, and uplift present and future Black Harvard students so that, as a collective, we can leverage all that the prestige of being Harvard graduates affords us. Tyrell currently resides in the Greater Boston area with his wife Natasha and their two brilliant children, Ava and Amari. In Service & Gratitude, Ty

Sari Saint-Hilaire, Ed.M

Sari Saint-Hilaire, Ed.M, is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Class of 2023. She earned her master’s in Education Policy and Analysis with a concentration in Higher Education. During her time at Harvard, she was an active member of the Black Student Union and worked at Harvard College as a Graduate Assistant in the Dean of Students Office in Student Engagement. She also served as co-chair of the Alumni of Color Conference at HGSE. She attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Class of 2022, where she earned her bachelor’s in psychology on the neuroscience track, along with a certificate in Social Welfare and Social Work.

Sari has a special interest in first-generation and low-income student success in college. Growing up in Haiti gave her a unique perspective on access to education. She aims to create a centralized space where Harvard Black current students and alumni across the diaspora can stay connected and support one another. When she is not working, Sari can be found reading too many books, listening to and playing music, and writing.

Wensess Raphael

Wensess Raphael has spent over 22 years as an educator, deeply committed to youth empowerment and career development. A proud Black Haitian American woman from Dorchester, Massachusetts, Wensess holds a Master’s in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Northeastern University, where she received the Ujima Scholars Academic Achievement Award and earned two minors in mathematics and Mandarin.

Wensess is the first in her family to graduate from both undergraduate and graduate school. Throughout her career, she has excelled in leadership roles, including work across a variety of nonprofits in the city of Boston. She also gave a year of service with City Year, a national and global AmeriCorps nonprofit, showcasing her love for bringing people together and creating impactful experiences. Wensess continues to drive equitable opportunities for success in education for young people. She is an advisor, mentor, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who loves to dance, eat, travel, visit the spa, and try new things.