
HEAD OF SCHOOLS/
CO-FOUNDER
MICHELLE LAMESE WILLIAMS
Lamese Williams is a seasoned figure in the entertainment industry, boasting over 15 years of experience in casting,
production, and consulting. As a founding member of Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School in partnership with
Sean Diddy Combs and Dr. Steve Perry, Lamese played a pivotal role in establishing an institution focused on academic excellence and community empowerment.
Starting her career as a casting and executive assistant to renowned casting director Reuben Cannon, Lamese
contributed to the success of iconic projects like “The Bernie Mac Show” and “My Wife and Kids.” She later co-founded
Freeze Frame Entertainment, producing notable films such as “Moola” and “Blackout,” starring Michael B. Jordan.
Throughout her career, Lamese has lent her expertise to various film and TV projects, including “Question of Faith,” “The Sin Seer,” and “The Suspect.” Her latest film, "Holiday Hideaway," premiered on BET+ Thanksgiving 2022.
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Lamese earned her Bachelor’s in Mass Communication from Rollins College in Florida. Her commitment to underserved communities was solidified during her tenure with Bad Boy Entertainment, where she co-founded Capital Prep Harlem. Currently based in Los Angeles, CA, Lamese is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA), continuing her mission to make a positive impact through her work in the entertainment industry and education

CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER/
CO-FOUNDER
APRIL RENEE MOYE
With over 17 years of experience in education, I have over 5 years as a specialist in Curriculum and Instruction. Earning myMaster in Teaching from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical Institution, I earnestly understand that experience in the fieldis necessary to support the knowledge. With my education career beginning in Charlotte, North Carolina, I have been committedto scholars as a classroom educator, earning Teacher of the Year within 5 years of teaching, being a coach to entry leveleducators, leading a school as Dean of Academics, leading a cohort of schools as Curriculum Specialist in History and SocialJustice.With my knowledge as a Curriculum Specialist, we will ensure that we are including past, present, and current events in all subjectareas along with equity,equality, and social justice being at the forefront of our academic curriculum. Each curriculum will bedesigned to ensure that each scholar has a plan of study that is relative to their academic success and their growth in the arts.As a person with an affinity for vocal performance and over 15 years of vocal training, I understand the importance of consistencyand the resiliency required to accomplish achievements in the arts. Although each respective artistic expression varies in itsspecific approach, the character of being steadfast, diligent, consistent, and resilient permeates through all of the arts and in life.With my depth of knowledge in education, curriculum and instruction along with my training and achievements in vocalperformance, I am thrilled to embark on this journey to engage and encourage scholars academically with an additional focus ondeveloping a creative journey that will change their lives and aid in them becoming change agents for our community.
Meet the Founders:
Michelle Lamese Williams and April Moye
Together, Michelle and April are leading the charge to establish Divergent Academy as a premier educational institution dedicated to empowering scholars and fostering creativity. With their combined expertise, passion, and dedication, they are shaping the future of education in South Los Angeles and beyond.
Our team of dedicated educators and support staff are committed to providing students with a supportive and nurturing learning
environment. With expertise in their respective fields and a passion for teaching and mentorship, they play a crucial role in guiding and inspiring students to reach their full potential.
From experienced teachers to talented artists and industry professionals, our faculty and staff bring diverse perspectives and
backgrounds to the classroom, enriching the educational experience and creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed.
At Divergent Academy, we believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration to achieve our goals and make a positive impact in the lives of our students and the community. We are proud to introduce our team and invite you to join us on this exciting journey of learning and discovery.
THE BOARD
The Board of Directors at Divergent Academy plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction, governance, and financial sustainability of the school. By providing leadership, oversight, and support, the Board contributes to the school's mission of empowering scholars through creative education and making a positive impact in the community.
Chairperson
Emory Green

Treasurer
Daphne Daville

Secretary
Maieka Saint
albin

Member
Efuru Flowers

Member
Michelle Lamese
Williams

Member
Lemorn Gossett
MISSION STATEMENT
Cultivating a vibrant learning community where creativity thrives...
At Divergent Academy, we are committed to cultivating a vibrant learning community where creativity thrives and every scholar is empowered to explore, express, and excel.
Our mission is to provide a transformative education that empowers scholars from 8th to 12th grade to realize their full potential as artists, scholars, and changemakers. Through a comprehensive curriculum integrating acting, dancing, music, art design, copywriting, and other creative arts, we will foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness in every student. Rooted in the heart of South Los Angeles, CA, we strive to serve underserved communities by providing access to high-quality arts education and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our diverse range of disciplines will ensure that every scholar can pursue their passions and interests.
By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we inspire our scholars to embrace their unique talents, challenge conventional norms, and become catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond.
Through innovative curriculum, dedicated mentorship, and access to professional opportunities, we empower our scholars to make meaningful contributions to the world through their artistic endeavors.
At Divergent Academy, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to ignite passion, drive change, and illuminate paths to success for every scholar."
VISION STATEMENT
Cultivating a vibrant learning community where creativity thrives...
We envision operating a private school catering to students in grades 8 through 12, offering acomprehensive educational experience that integrates both traditional academic subjects and thearts.At our institution, students will have the opportunity to explore and excel in disciplines such asActing, Dancing, Music, and Creative Arts (including Art Design and Copywriting).Our primary goal is to provide accessible education to all students, regardless of their financialcircumstances. To achieve this, we will adopt a sliding-scale tuition model, allowing families tocontribute based on their ability to pay. Through fundraising efforts and community support, we willensure that no student is denied the opportunity to attend our school due to financial constraints.In addition to fostering artistic talent, we recognize the importance of building a strong academicfoundation to prepare students for life beyond high school. Our curriculum will prioritize core subjectsessential for success in higher education and the workforce, while also providing ample opportunitiesfor students to pursue their passions and interests.Moreover, we aim to create a supportive and nurturing environment where students feel empoweredto pursue their dreams and aspirations. Our dedicated faculty and staff will guide and mentorstudents, helping them develop both academically and personally. By nurturing their talents andfostering a love for learning, we strive to equip our scholars with the skills and knowledge necessaryto thrive in an ever-changing world.In essence, our private school will serve as a beacon of opportunity, empowering students to pursuetheir passions while building a solid academic foundation for their future endeavors. We arecommitted to providing a high-quality education that not only enriches the lives of our students butalso strengthens our community as a whole.
Address
500 Terry Francine St.
San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone
123-456-7890