Our Team
Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated community leaders who bring a range of professional backgrounds and lived experiences to our work. This diversity of perspective helps us make thoughtful, well-rounded decisions and ensures our scholarship program remains fair, transparent, and grounded in the real needs of Kalamazoo students.
Executive Board Members
Zonterio Weekley
Zonterio “Zonnie” Weekley is the Founder of The Weekley Legacy Project, a nonprofit born out of his deep roots in Kalamazoo and his belief that every student deserves a fair chance to succeed. A proud Kalamazoo Central alumnus, Zonnie’s life journey has been shaped by both hardship and resilience, giving him a firsthand understanding of how barriers can limit opportunity—and how support, mentorship, and education can change the direction of a young person’s life. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and his Master’s degree from Michigan State University, continuing to build a foundation rooted in service and leadership. Today, he is committed to giving back through scholarships and programming that uplifts graduating seniors across Kalamazoo Public Schools. Zonnie has served in local and federal public safety, military service, and coaching roles, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, with a lifelong focus on community empowerment and creating pathways for the next generation to thrive.
Founder & President
Marcella Lipsey
Vice President & TreasurerMarcella Lipsey serves as Vice President & Treasurer of The Weekley Legacy Project and is a proud Kalamazoo native and Kalamazoo Central alumna. As the owner of Loc’d in Royalty LLC on Kalamazoo’s Eastside, she has built more than a business—she’s created a space where people feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged. Marcella is a graduate of West Michigan Barber and Beauty School and is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at Western Michigan University, driven by her desire to serve others on a deeper level. She is known throughout the community as a genuine, friendly face; someone who believes in people even when they don’t believe in themselves yet. Marcella’s passion for uplifting others, mentoring through life, and helping people grow makes her a powerful part of the heart behind this mission.
Emilee Schaub
SecretaryEmilee Schaub, a Grand Haven, Michigan native, serves as Secretary of The Weekley Legacy Project. She is a Grand Haven High School alumna, earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Michigan University, and currently works as an SLP for the Bronson Healthcare System. Emilee is passionate about improving community health, supporting families, and giving back to Kalamazoo through service and outreach. Her career is rooted in compassion, patience, and helping people find their voice again—both literally and figuratively. She believes every person deserves to be seen, supported, and given a real opportunity to thrive. Emilee is proud to help advance a mission that uplifts local students and strengthens the future of the community.
Management Team
Thomas Larthridge
Digital Marketing ManagerThomas Larthridge is the newest Digital Marketing Manager for The Weekley Legacy Project. A proud Kalamazoo Central High School graduate and Kalamazoo Promise Scholar, Thomas’s journey has been shaped by meaningful involvement in athletics and school activities, giving him firsthand insight into the importance of encouragement, mentorship, and positive school environments. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Business from Western Michigan University and is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration (MBA), continuing to build a strong foundation in strategy, communication, and leadership. Thomas brings a passion for digital storytelling, branding, and strategic outreach to The Weekley Legacy Project, supporting scholarship awareness, community engagement, and organizational growth. Today, he is committed to using his skills to amplify student voices, strengthen community connections, and give back to the city that helped shape his journey.
Qwantalla Aguirre
Director of OperationsQwannie Aguirre is the newly appointed Executive Director of The Weekley Legacy Project. A proud Kalamazoo Central High School graduate raised on the Eastside of Kalamazoo, Qwannie’s journey has been shaped by leadership, service, and a deep commitment to empowering others. Her involvement in athletics and school activities provided firsthand insight into the value of mentorship, confidence-building, and strong community support systems. She attended Western Michigan University, majoring in Business and Communications, where she joined an organization dedicated to uplifting minority students and fostering inclusive leadership. In addition to completing aesthetician school, Qwannie is a driven entrepreneur and owner of three businesses, bringing experience in marketing, brand management, business development, and startup operations. She also has a strong background in community service, including volunteer work, fundraising, youth mentorship, and disability support. Today, she is committed to leading The Weekley Legacy Project with vision and purpose, strengthening scholarship initiatives, expanding partnerships, and investing in the growth and success of future generations.
Program Support Members
Kianna Bigby
Kianna Bigby joins The Weekley Legacy Project as a Program Support Member, bringing a genuine heart for youth and a passion for helping students feel supported, seen, and empowered. She earned her Associate Degree in Social Work from Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Social Work at Western Michigan University. Kianna serves as a Job Coach for students with disabilities and a Youth Development Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club, and she also volunteers with the Loy Norrix PTO. With a long-term vision rooted in service, Kianna hopes to become a Behavioral Technician in public schools and one day open a safe house for children—creating a place of safety, healing, and opportunity for those who need it most.
Program Support Member
McKinley Underwood III
McKinley Underwood III serves as a Program Support Member of The Weekley Legacy Project and is a proud Kalamazoo Central High School graduate who was raised on the Northside of Kalamazoo. With a strong passion for business, leadership, and community advancement, McKinley brings a thoughtful and analytical perspective to supporting the organization’s programs and initiatives. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Wayne State University and later obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Data Analytics from Northern Michigan University. He has also pursued graduate studies in Organizational Leadership at Northwood University, continuing to build a foundation rooted in growth and service. McKinley aspires to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and is committed to using his knowledge of finance and data to help strengthen opportunities for students and families across the Kalamazoo community.
Program Support Member
Chenia Hughes
Chenia Hughes serves as a Program Support Member of The Weekley Legacy Project and is a proud Kalamazoo native who graduated from Loy Norrix High School. With a strong commitment to community wellbeing and personal growth, Chenia brings a compassionate and service-driven perspective to supporting the organization’s mission and initiatives. She earned her Master of Social Work from Spring Arbor University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), developing a strong foundation in mental health practice and community outreach. Chenia has remained dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate challenges while connecting them to meaningful resources and support. Her lived experiences fuel her passion for empowering others and fostering opportunities for growth within the community. Chenia brings valuable insight, relationships, and a deep commitment to advancing The Weekley Legacy Project’s vision of uplifting students and families across Kalamazoo.
Program Support Member
My’kail Bigby
Mykail Bigby joins The Weekley Legacy Project as a Program Support Member, bringing compassion, resilience, and a strong commitment to serving others. A proud graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, he currently serves as a Suicide Prevention Coach at Gryphon Place, providing crisis support and connecting individuals to critical community resources. With prior experience at the Boys & Girls Club of Kalamazoo, Mykail is passionate about creating safe, encouraging spaces where young people can grow and thrive. He is currently pursuing his Associate Degree at Lansing Community College and continues to strengthen his foundation in service and leadership. Above all, he is dedicated to making a meaningful impact by supporting youth and families when it matters most.
Program Support Member
Cartier Brown
Cartier Brown serves as a Program Support Member of The Weekley Legacy Project and is a proud Battle Creek, Michigan native who has called Kalamazoo home for more than a decade. With a deep passion for youth advocacy, personal development, and community empowerment, Cartier brings energy, empathy, and lived experience to supporting the organization’s programs and outreach efforts. He earned his high school diploma from Gateway Academy of Gull Lake Schools in 2022 and is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, with plans to transfer to a four-year institution to continue his education and earn his Master’s degree in Social Work. Cartier is especially committed to working within school systems, supporting juveniles, and advocating for communities in need, using his voice and leadership to help create lasting change across the Kalamazoo community.
Program Support Member
Kambreion Bigby
Kambreion Bigby joins The Weekley Legacy Project as a Program Support Member, bringing resilience, purpose, and a passion for uplifting others through mentorship and service. A graduate of Phoenix High School, he is currently pursuing a degree in Business Marketing at Muskegon Community College, developing the skills to support aspiring first-time business owners. Having faced significant hardships from a young age, Kambreion remains committed to giving back through community volunteer efforts, including supporting individuals experiencing homelessness with food and clothing. He is dedicated to mentoring young people and demonstrating that no matter their background, there are meaningful pathways to success built on integrity, discipline, and perseverance.
Program Support Member
Tajh Smith
Tajh Smith joins The Weekley Legacy Project as a Program Support Member, bringing a steady commitment to service, mentorship, and community impact. A proud Kalamazoo, Michigan native and Loy Norrix High School graduate, Tajh has built a strong educational foundation with an Associate Degree in Arts from Southwestern Michigan College and an Associate Degree in Applied Science as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist from Bay de Noc Community College. He is currently focused on continuing his career in the healthcare field, using his skills and training to serve patients with excellence and compassion. Beyond his professional work, Tajh is passionate about giving back through nonprofit involvement, youth mentorship, and community-centered organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club. Through The Weekley Legacy Project, he is committed to supporting initiatives that create opportunity, promote wellness, and strengthen the next generation.
Program Support Member