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

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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

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Treasurer

Marcella Lipsey

Marcella Lipsey serves as 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.

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Emilee 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.

Secretary

Emilee Schaub

Management Team

Thomas Larthridge

Digital Marketing Manager

Thomas 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.

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

My’kail Bigby

Mykail Bigby, a proud graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, joins The Weekley Legacy Project as a Program Support Member, bringing compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others. Mykail currently serves as a Suicide Prevention Coach at Gryphon Place, providing critical crisis support, emotional coaching, and connecting individuals to life-saving community resources. With prior experience supporting youth 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 working toward his Associate Degree at Lansing Community College and is known for being an empathetic listener, dependable teammate, and strong advocate for community well-being. Above all, Mykail is committed to making a meaningful impact by supporting youth, families, and individuals when it matters most.

Program Support Member

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, Kambreion is currently pursuing a Business Marketing degree at Muskegon Community College, building the skills needed to help others understand the journey of becoming first-time business owners. Having faced significant hardships from a young age, he has remained committed to giving back through informal community volunteer work—supporting individuals experiencing homelessness by providing food and clothing. With a heart for youth development, Kambreion is dedicated to mentoring young people and showing them that no matter their background, there are real pathways to success built on integrity, discipline, and perseverance.