BOARD OF DIRECTORS

   Brayden Cook joined the board of directors for the PEARSON Foundation in 2024. His partnership started as a volunteer in his youth as a tutor over the years and later joined the board after graduating from Mississippi State University with a bachelors in Civil Engineering.

Brayden was born in Tallulah, Mississippi but was raised in the Pearl and Brandon area for almost all of his life. He is currently working in Structural Engineering at Benchmark Engineers and Surveyors, LLC. He enjoys spending time with the people he cares about and making sure that every moment of his life is used to it’s fullest capacity for God’s glory.

  ShaRhonda Gipson – Educator, Mentor, and Community Advocate

ShaRhonda Gipson is a proud native of Gautier, Mississippi, and currently resides in Pearl, Mississippi. With a deep passion for education and community service, she is an active member of House 2 House Church and a proud, dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Professionally, Mrs. Gipson serves in the Pearl Public School District, where she not only supports students academically but also coaches girls’ basketball, instilling discipline, teamwork, and leadership in her athletes. Her educational journey reflects her commitment to lifelong learning: she holds a Bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University, a Master’s degree from Alcorn State University, and an Educational Specialist degree from Mississippi College.

Mrs. Gipson has devoted much of her life to mentoring youth, consistently serving as a role model and guide for young people across various settings — in her school, community, and through her sorority. Her compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication have earned her a respected place among those she serves.

She is also a devoted wife and the proud mother of two amazing children. Her son is an active participant in Pearson’s school and summer programs, reflecting the family’s strong commitment to educational excellence.

ShaRhonda Gipson is honored and excited to be a part of an organization that is deeply rooted in supporting youth and strengthening communities. Her drive to uplift others and create lasting impact continues to shape every aspect of her personal and professional journey.

Jasmine Wells is a 2012 graduate of Pearl High School. She graduated from Jackson State University in the Fall of 2016 with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She also received her master’s degree of Science in Education with a School Counseling from Jackson State in the Fall of 2022. She began her career as a School Counselor and is now a mental health crisis counselor for adolescents in the community. She has been married for 8 years to Stephon Wells. They have 4 children together, Quintin, Charli, Cayden, and Carter Wells, with Carter and Charli being involved with after-school tutoring and Summer Leadership Learning at PEARSON. Jasmine volunteered as a tutor with PEARSON Foundation in 2016 and is enjoying restarting her volunteer commitments to PEARSON as a Parent Volunteer. She has also volunteered as a Mental Health Counselor Intern at Henley Young Juvenile Justice Court and Rankin County Youth Justice Court. Jasmine and her family have recently joined The Bridge Church of Jackson in Pearl, MS. In her free time, Jasmine likes to spend time with her family and friends, listen to all different genres of music, and dance. She also likes to read fiction books, such as thrillers, mysteries, and any books of a series. Her favorite movie types are musicals because she loves to sing. Jasmine enjoys working with children of all ages and helping them grow mentally, socially, and emotionally.

More info on Titus Dillard to come!