About Us
Our team is committed to making life better for others by providing the technology to do so, whether it's helping a student's education, or giving someone an opportunity to create a brighter future for themselves. We believe in giving the disadvantaged a chance to better themselves, which means everything.
Brenda Powell
Executive Director
Brenda was introduced to Laptops 4 Learning (L4L) while working as a high school guidance counselor in the Phoenix Union High School district (PUHSD). She worked in PUHSD for 11 years, guiding students in their effort to successfully navigate through high school and onto college or a career. In her effort to help a student who needed a laptop, in order to get back on track with his credits needed for graduation, Brenda reached out to Mr. Dwayne Baker, L4L founder. Over the next two years, Mr. Baker teamed up with Ms. Powell in support of other students who needed a laptop to achieve their dreams. Upon her retirement in 2018, Mr. Baker reached out to Ms. Powell to request that she assume the role of L4L Executive Director. Prior to becoming a high school guidance counselor, Ms. Powell worked in corporate sales for companies such as Xerox, Honeywell and TRW Credit Reporting.
Greg Powell
Program Development Director
As a Business Development professional, Greg has over 40 years experience in technology sales, sales management and channel program development. He successfully sold products and services to corporate enterprise clients, Federal, State and Local government entities and education institutions. As a Sales Manager, Greg created and implemented business plans to deliver profitable growth, while simultaneously building long term business relationships.
The L4L Story
In 2015, Laptops 4 Learning founder, Dwayne Baker, recognized the need for students he mentored to have access to technology, for educational and employment opportunities. He observed that for many students, school-sponsored technology resources were the only tools available to them to keep up with their assignments. As a veteran, Mr. Baker also wanted to help fellow veterans pursue education and employment opportunities.
Baker formed L4L in direct response to those students he encountered, and the military veterans, who did not have the means to obtain a laptop. This initiative has evolved into a nonprofit organization focused on supplying ANY student and veteran that needs support, with this essential technology tool. Students and veterans are able to set up an account on the L4L website to solicit tax-deductible donations from family, friends, and community members. As soon as the student generates or self-funds laptop total cost, the computer is delivered.
Our Board members
Evelyn Baymon
Evelyn Baymon has been in the IT industry for 40 years. Currently, she is the Vmware Learning Manager for the Americas West. She is a graduate of Western New England University in Massachusetts, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering. Evelyn enjoys traveling, jazz, and spending time with her family.
Jennifer Kahtz
Jennifer Kahtz fuels business growth by implementing emotional connection strategies since 2014. Her company is known for effectively driving buying behavior by bridging the connection between her clients and their target audience. She also has a background in sales, copywriting, marketing and publicity and has worked with an array of small to midsize business owners since Emotive Pull was born.
Paul Janis
Paul is President of Janis Management, Inc., a management consultancy firm. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer – International of TransUnion, where he was responsible for the technology space, including strategy, security, applications, operations, infrastructure and delivery. He has served in senior leadership roles with JanPro of Northern Chicago, Accenture, Exelon, and RR Donnelly & Sons. Paul volunteers with several organizations focused on small business, education and hunger.
James Lavorato
Jim is the founder and principal at 4M Performance, a business advisory and coaching firm. He is active in Fund-House Ventures, an angel investment company. He also has prior experience in the entertainment, banking, high-tech, and consumer products industries. Jim authors a blog on the cinema industry and is a Contributing Editor at ScreenTrade Magazine. He is also a Certified SCORE mentor.
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Eddie Little
Eddie is Senior Director of Enterprise Operations at SwitchThink Solutions, an IT services organization. His IT experience spans over 14 years with companies such as Desert Schools Credit Union, Love Outreach Housing and Community Centers, Sherwood Food Distributors, and Fiserv Galaxy Plus. Eddie is also a Certified Coach, Teacher, and Speaker trained by the John Maxwell Company.