STAFF
Since the founding of ckingknowledge Institute on 2020 June 25 it has been operated by volunteers. These are human beings who live as the change they want to see in the world. The courage of our volunteer Staff inspire each of us to be versatile engineers who advance humanity. Thank you to these shining lights!
Social Media & Marketing Assistant
Cherished Kirkland
Cherished Kirkland is a passionate creative and digital strategist currently serving as the Social Media & Marketing Assistant at ckingknowledge Institute. With a background in media, film, and content creation, she uses her skills to amplify the organization’s mission, engage diverse audiences, and build a strong, authentic online presence. Cherished is deeply committed to creating spaces—both virtual and in-person—where people feel seen, connected, and inspired. She believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inform, uplift, and spark meaningful change.
Cherished brings a fresh perspective and vibrant energy to every project she takes on. Dedicated to continuous learning, she is actively expanding her expertise in digital marketing, branding, and creative communications.
Outside of her work with ckingknowledge, Cherished offers freelance services in digital marketing, social media strategy, and media production. To inquire about contracting services, you can reach her at ck@hiddenbeautymedia.com.
Robotics Coach
Alex Foster
​​Hello, my name is Alex Foster. I was born and raised in Southfield, MIchigan. I attended Southfield public schools through grade school. I graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and graduated from Wayne State University with a Masters of Business Administration. My background in community service involves being a mentor at the Southfield Boys and Girls Club, and participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Detroit. I find my passion rooted in community service by providing the youth with the education necessary to advance humanity.
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Dauan Hendley Jr.
Mr. Hendley earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University. He currently works as a Battery Developer Engineer for electric vehicles in the automotive industry.
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Mr. Hendley has had a passion for engineering and technology since deciding to pursue engineering in 2020. As the treasurer for the National Society of Black Engineers at Michigan State University in 2023 and 2024. He was able to bring opportunities to students on campus through networking events and professional development workshops with over 15 prospective employers.
In addition he participated in multiple youth initiatives to teach children about STEM careers and show them through hands on activities. Through his team’s leadership they were able to take a total of 78 students to NSBE’s national and regional conferences. In addition, he raised scholarship funds for 6 students. His NSBE collegiate chapter won 2nd best chapter in the region out of 92 chapters and multiple awards on campus for being an outstanding professional and academic organization.
Secretary, Board of Directors
Di'Quan Ishmon
Mr. Ishmon is the first-ever graduate of Northern Illinois University's Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics; which enabled the university to become accredited. He works with robots professionally, teaches youth about about robotics, and flies drones for money and for fun.
Co-Founder & Vice-President, Board of Directors
Jenell Kelly, Ph.D
Dr. Kelly has been a robotics club coach since 2016. She started coaching in the F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League Jr league, then moved to the VEX IQ league in 2020. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Human and Community Development from the University of Illinois.
"In addition to teaching at the university level, I have several years of experience working with young children as an intern, volunteer, mentor, teacher, and robotics coach. Whether I am working with preschoolers or college students, I enjoy tapping into my inner child to help students learn and I always try to make learning fun! As a mother of three, I become excited when I witness my children learning about the world around them. I feel the same excitement watching all human beings stretch their thinking, cultivate their talents, and tap into their full potential to make the world a better place."
Co-Founder & President, Board of Directors
Will Hill
Mr. Hill has been a Youth Robotics Competition Team Coach since 2014. He started coaching in the F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League Jr league, then moved to the VEX IQ league for his 5th season… where his rookie team earned a trophy at a tournament out of 40+ teams and won 4th place at a separate tournament out of 30+ teams.
Mr. Hill earned a B.S. in Computer Engineering from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has over 19 years of sales & product management experience for small and large multinational electronics and software technology companies. He shares wisdom from 42 jobs since 14 years old, 24 addresses in & outside the USA, and over 100 cities visited globally.
Mr. Hill created the ckingknowledge brand around the year 2000 as a personal email address. It was invented to express a deep-rooted passion for lifelong learning. Carrying this fire into becoming a parent while living as a proud nerd, he knew he needed to 'show his children engineering' if he was serious about influencing them to choose engineering as a career. So, he created ckingknowledge Robotics Club in 2016; then, created ckingknowledge Institute on 2020 June 25.
Mr. Hill can be reached at will.hill@ckingknowledge.org