Our Team

Shane Battier

Founder

As the Founder of Take Charge, Shane is actively involved in our daily operations, and is proud to take on an active mentoring role with the scholars in our programs.

Duke University, Religious Studies

Heidi Battier

Founder & Chief Program Officer

Heidi has dedicated herself to helping young leaders, through her work in education and volunteer positions with youth-focused organizations. Take Charge has become her passion – one she juggles while raising her two children.

Villanova University, Communications

Newell Fleming

Executive Director

Newell’s experience, drive, and ability to connect with people are qualities that make her so successful as the Executive Director of Take Charge. She’s been at the helm since day one, and epitomizes the foundation’s motto of “Do Well. Do Good."

University of Mississippi, English & Art History

Tiffany Graver-Smith

Director of Philanthropic Impact

Tiffany joins our team with a deep understanding of the philanthropic and educational landscapes in Miami. In matching generous support of our donors with the specific needs of our mission, she plays a critical role in enhancing educational equality and access for our youth.

University of Miami, Psychology

Hannah Hays

Associate Director of Programs

Hannah’s decade of experience in college access programming made her a perfect fit to run our first expansion Program in Camden, NJ. Her commitment to education enables her to connect with students across our programs and support them in pursuit of their goals.

Boston College, Higher Education Policy and Administration

Raqqya Adside-West

Program and Operations Manager

Raqqya’s unique perspective and experiences at all levels of the Battier Take Charge Foundation are an invaluable asset. She now oversees daily programming for the GUIDE Program she was once part of.

Florida International University, Environmental Studies