Brandon P. Fleming
Nationally-acclaimed educator, award-winning author of MISEDUCATED, former debate coach at Harvard University, and Founder & CEO of The Veritas School

Over the past decade, Brandon P. Fleming has become one of the most highly awarded and sought-after educators, entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers in the world.  Fleming’s miraculous story of transformation, captured in his book Miseducated, has become such a national hit that it is currently being optioned for television and film, and it is in the process of becoming a major theater production.

An at-risk youth and college dropout turned award-winning educator, Fleming is a former debate coach at Harvard University and Founder & CEO of the Veritas School of Social Sciences, a prestigious private school in Atlanta, GA.

In 2017, Fleming was recruited to become Harvard University’s assistant debate coach at the age of 26.  Fleming soon made history at Harvard as the founder of the first pipeline program called the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, which was designed to increase Black and brown enrollment at Harvard’s residential debate program where hundreds of gifted young scholars from over 25 different countries study and compete in an international academic debate competition.  

Over seven years, Fleming has raised millions of dollars to enroll more than 250 students of color into Harvard’s summer debate residency on full scholarship.  But there was one challenge that Fleming faced: How would he take Black and brown youth from mostly under-resourced schools in Atlanta, who had never been exposed to the rigors of academic debate, and prepare them in just one year to compete against some of the most elite debaters from across the globe?  Fleming created a transformative curriculum that is designed to level the playing field for underserved students.  And it did.  For seven consecutive years, since the program’s inception in 2017, every cohort trained by Fleming has won the international competition as seven-time consecutive champions. News of the achievement has gone viral and broke national headlines, being featured on CNN, Good Morning America, the Steve Harvey Show and many more. Fleming’s school has gained the financial backing of Fortune 100 companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, UPS, Chick-fil-A, and many more. 

Madelyn Hurst
B.A. Educational Studies - Special & Elementary Education

Madelyn Hurst is a Florida transplant, raised 3,000 miles away in Oregon. Her lifelong dream of working for The Walt Disney Company finally came to fruition in 2021. This dream come true took her on various journeys from the exclusive neighborhood of Golden Oak, over 25 merchandising locations across all Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, and not one, but two stints in Walt Disney World Entertainment.

Madelyn received her Associates of Arts Degree from Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon on a full scholarship in 2021. She vowed she would not return to school unless she could graduate completely debt-free. She kept her promise and is graduating debt-free with her Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies - Special and Elementary Education after 171 days.

Currently, Madelyn is working as a 4th grade language arts teacher at Knights Point K-8 in Kissimmee, Florida, which just opened in August of this year. She is also a house manager for a residence in Celebration, Florida.

Madelyn has taken her free time outside of work to develop new sewing projects, learning line dances, traveling independently to locations such as Washington DC and Los Angeles, attending concerts and music festivals by the plenty, occasionally playing Fortnite, and planning her first international teaching trip for summer of 2025 to India.

Ralene Berry
M.Ed Education Technology and Instructional Design & M.S. IT Management

Ralene F. Berry is a Technology Executive and Senior Instructional Designer with over 20 years of experience in higher education. She recently served as the Senior Director of Technology Services and Chief Technology Officer at Grace School of Theology, where she was instrumental in transforming the institution’s technology landscape. Ralene is known for her strategic vision and ability to lead cross-functional teams in implementing innovative IT solutions that enhance academic experience for students and faculty alike. 
 
Ralene's educational journey is a testament to her passion for learning and growth. She holds a Master of Science in Information Technology Management and a Master of Education in Educational Technology and Instructional Design from Western Governors University. She is an active member of WGU’s Women in Technology Ambassador Mentor program. Her commitment to lifelong learning is further reflected in her pursuit of a Doctorate in Education, specializing in Instructional Design and Technology. This dedication underscores her passion for advancing the field of educational technology. 
 
Beyond her professional achievements, Ralene's life is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She is an international motivational speaker, minister, author, and life coach. She is a member of her local church, where she frequently  

Paige Olson-Cramer
M.S. HR Management

Paige grew up with an appreciation for beautiful music and accomplished musicians and has a passion for singing. Her husband, father, brother, grandmother, and niece all share a love for singing, learning instruments, and experiencing music of all genres. Paige earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education for Vocal Music and taught for nine years as an elementary music teacher - it was a blast! 

After feeling an itch to change careers, Paige took the leap and moved in a completely different direction: business. She has earned two Master's Degrees in WGU's School of Business: a Master of Science in Management and Leadership, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. There is so much to learn and she is excited to take on new challenges.  

Since leaving the public education system, she has worked for North Dakota's Department of Health and Human Services and continues to learn about the world of Social Services.

Paige and her husband, Cory, live in a small town in North Dakota with their three mischievous dogs: Pickles, Feeny, and Sassy.  

Paige is very thankful for all of the support she has received from her family, friends, and program mentors at WGU. It's been a great experience and she's hoping to continue to grow in her education and skills - the sky is the limit!