The OCF Board
A group of hard-working, dedicated professionals from across the country focused on serving the community through educational and economic opportunities.
Board President- Dr. Carmella Morton *
Dr. Carmella Morton is one of the Founding Members of OCF. She is the founder and Executive Director of RISE Education Schools, Inc. and RISE Education Management, LLC. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Curriculum and Instruction and has extensive experience in professional development, teacher training, and the school improvement process. As the former Senior Vice President of Education for the 2nd largest educational management company in the nation, she has been a part of the start-up and operation of more than 30 Charter Schools [nationally]. She has over 35 years of experience at each level of education from early childhood through graduate school as a classroom teacher, professor, and administrator. Dr. Morton has delivered professional development workshops for teachers, students, and parents throughout the nation, on various topics from creating student success to being a highly effective parent. Dr. Morton is an Educator, Education Consultant, and Philanthropist residing in South Florida.
Board Vice President- Jasmine Morton, Esq.*
Jasmine is one of the Founding Members of OCF. She has over a decade of experience with not-for-profit service and she is passionate about social justice, education, and economic empowerment in underserved communities. She currently works as a Board Member and volunteer with MLER, Inc. and the NAACP to continue local and national efforts to increase diversity in the workplace, educate, and fight for equity and justice. Jasmine is a Litigation Associate at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP in Chicago, Illinois.
Board Treasurer- Tracey Thomas *
Tracey is one of the Founding Members of OCF. Tracey started her not-for-profit, Party with a Purpose, Inc., nearly 10 years ago to support hospitalized children in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She is excited to help more children and families through the OCF mission. Tracey has 30 plus years of government service and resides in New Jersey.
Board Secretary- Robin Fisher *
Robin is one of the Founding Members of OCF. Robin’s journey of service began some twenty years ago when she became a part of a non-profit organization that was formed to help afford children the opportunity to join the Amateur Athletic Union. Now, she is committed, with OCF, to improving educational and economic opportunities for children and families on a larger scale. Robin Fisher has worked in New Jersey Title I public schools for over 20 years and she currently resides in New Jersey.
Board Members:
Albert Fisher, III *
Allante’ Thomas, APRN *
Charita Cooper, M.Ed. *
Christopher Cooper *
Derrek Morton, II *
Darius Rogers
Thomas “Ed” Sellers, Jr. *
Geralda Sellers *
Pamela Sellers, BSN
Tierra Sewell, M.Ed.
Jennifer Morton *
Rick Morton *
*Founding Board Member
Our Board
Board Meetings are held six (6) times each year on the 1st Tuesday of the Month. Board meeting minutes are available upon request. Please contact us at obsidianfoundation@gmail.com for more information.
A Message from the Board
Thomas “Ed” Sellers Jr. was an exceptional engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader, extraordinary husband, father and friend. The OCF Board is eternally grateful for the service and support of Ed, as one of our founding members. We miss him dearly and will carry on his legacy of integrity, honor, and grace.
Obsidian Charitable Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit charitable foundation organized under 501(c)3.
Mission. OCF’s mission is to partner with underserved communities that lack networking, financial and educational opportunities.
Vision. OCF envisions a world in which no gaps or lack of opportunity exist within the community we serve. We WILL give back by empowering minds and ensuring opportunity.
Our Core Values.
Integrity
We maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and value transparency and honesty in our communication, relationships, and actions.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable for the quality and lasting results of our work and for the commitments we make to our participants, partners, and community.
Respect
We value and celebrate the unique and diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives of everyone, and treat our participants, partners, and community with sensitivity and respect.
Creativity
We go beyond conventional ideas and approaches so new possibilities and innovation can flourish to ensure real and lasting positive changes.
“There is so much untapped talent in underserved communities. OCF creates opportunities for others to succeed.”
— Thomas “Ed” Sellers, Jr.
OCF Founding Board Member
A message from OCF
We stand with refugees trying to enter this country to seek asylum.
We stand with DREAMERS.
We stand with those fighting to protect the Constitution's guarantee that individuals who are incarcerated retain basic rights, including the right to free speech, the freedom to practice their religion, and the right to access the courts and counsel.
We stand with those fighting for safe, proper, and healthy living conditions for detainees and those imprisoned.
"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.” - Statue of Liberty
A message from OCF
We stand with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, and the countless other victims who have been brutalized and/or killed.
We stand for equity, equality, access, and justice.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
OCF is born from the unequivocal DEMAND for equity and access for underserved communities. OCF stands with Black Lives Matter!
Yours Truly in the Struggle,
The OCF Board