our board of directors
Divine Goddess Queen Mother Brenda Allen
I am founder and President of Ma'at Sankofa, LLC, African Learning Temple. I'm a retired IT Training Supervisor from the Los Angeles Unified School District. I relocated to Tampa, Florida in 2012.
Derrian Burns, Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Derrian Burns is a visionary leader and COO at Ma’at Sankofa, dedicated to preserving and promoting African history. With a deep passion for African culture, he spearheads initiatives, empowers communities, and challenges misconceptions. Derrian's commitment and leadership shape a future where Africa's heritage is celebrated and cherished.
Devion Burns, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Devion Burns serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Ma’at Sankofa African Learning Temple (MSALT), a transformative mobile African learning initiative committed to nourishing the world with truth, knowledge, and divine wisdom. With over a decade of expertise in finance and accounting strategy, Devion is a vital source of financial insight and expertise. He is dedicated to leveraging his skills to ensure MSALT remains financially sound and poised for sustained profitability.
Devion envisions expanding Ma’at Sankofa from its roots in Florida to a global platform, sharing its invaluable teachings with the world. His passion for finance is matched only by his desire to build a strong financial foundation for MSALT, guiding its evolution into a global hub for African knowledge and wisdom.
As CFO, Devion is committed to mentoring, guiding, and promoting financial literacy both within the organization and beyond. His ultimate goal is to create a legacy at MSALT—one that endures for generations to come.
On a personal note, Devion is the proud father of three boys and one daughter, who are his greatest source of joy and motivation. He is an avid reader and writer, with Walter Mosley being his favorite author. A dedicated member of the California Army National Guard for over 12 years, Devion has served as a Financial Management Technician/Budget Analyst, exemplifying a commitment to excellence in all aspects of his life. His dedication and expertise make him an invaluable asset to MSALT as he embarks on this mission.
Calvin Angel, Senior Board Member
I am a successful entrepreneur in the fields of real estate investing, product development, and other business ventures. My professional background includes working for multiple nonprofits: Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, District Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and I'm a veteran of the US Army, 82nd Airborne Division.