Founder and President
Patrice S. Bowman
As the Founder and President of Payton’s Path, my life’s dedication revolves around uplifting and supporting youth through education, mentorship, and sportsmanship. This journey stems from a deeply personal tragedy—the loss of my cherished son, Jamari Payton Freeman, in a tragic accident in March 2023. Jamari’s vibrant spirit and limitless potential inspired the establishment of Payton’s Path, shaping its foundation and guiding principles.
My commitment to this cause isn’t merely a professional role but a profound personal mission ignited by Jamari’s memory. Motivated by his legacy and the boundless potential inherent in every young person, my focus is on cultivating a nurturing environment where youths can unearth and nurture their talents. The ethos of perseverance, integrity, and kindness embodied by Jamari forms the guiding ethos of Payton’s Path.
Driven by a career marked by a passion for people, from serving as Associate Director with DC Government overseeing thousands of students with disabilities to being COO of the DC Divas, my leadership at Payton’s Path aims to create avenues for educational growth, mentorship, and sportsmanship. Our initiatives, aligned with Jamari’s values, span scholarships, mentorship programs, and community collaborations to foster inclusive spaces where young individuals thrive and belong.
Looking ahead, my vision for Payton’s Path entails expanding our influence while ensuring Jamari’s legacy lives vibrantly through the successes and development of the youth we support. This commitment transcends a mere title; it’s a lifelong dedication to honoring my son’s memory by empowering the next generation and fostering positive change through Payton’s Path—a living tribute to Jamari, a source of hope, and a catalyst for the betterment of young lives.
Foundation Board Member
Emerald B. Fulmore, Ed. D
Dr. Emerald Fulmore is an educator, public speaker and author who works with a diverse network of professionals in sports, technology, equity, and community engagement. Dr. Fulmore supports Payton’s Path Foundation through the Educational and Athletic Development of our young professionals.
In addition to her work with Payton’s Path Foundation, Dr. Fulmore is the Assistant Professor of Sports Management at Bowie State University and CEO/Founder of Empower With Purpose where she engage, connect and empower Women of Color within the sports field. In 2022 she was featured in the Significance In Athletics & Sports Magazine.
Dr. Fulmore a native of Lumberton, NC, earned her Doctor of Educational Leadership from Bowie State University (May 2021), after successfully defending and publishing her dissertation entitled “A Seat at the Athletic Administration Leadership Table: Collective Narratives from African American Women Who Beat the Odds”. Dr. Fulmore received the Bishop and Mrs. Melvin Subryan Community Award in Educational Leadership. In 2022, Dr. Fulmore received the distinguished 40 Under 40 Business Elite Award for her commitment of Empowering With a Purpose and helping others grow, flourish, and connect in the sports world.
Dr. Fulmore has over 20 years in Higher Education within athletic administration and served on numerous community, University and NCAA committees. Dr. Fulmore is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated founded in 1913.
Director/Secretary
DeAndre Baker
DeAndre is an advocate for education reform, wealth and wage equity, and community investment. As a supporter of bridging access to opportunities for marginalized communities, he actively contributes to the mission of Payton’s Path Foundation, aiming to nurture the holistic development of young minds.
Alongside his involvement in Payton’s Path Foundation, DeAndre is a member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA), and serves on the board of Gwen’s Harvest—a Georgia-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating food deserts by establishing community gathering centers. Holding a master’s degree in executive leadership from the Catholic University of America and dual master’s degrees in public policy and public administration from American University, DeAndre has conducted research on “Addressing the Racial Wealth Divide in Urban Communities through Direct Public Offerings of Community Investments” and “Mitigating the Mental Health Crisis through Community Engagement” in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Emergency Response Team (ERT).
DeAndre has pursued one year of research for a Ph.D. in Urban Government and Political Leadership. His research encompasses economic policy analysis focusing on reducing inflation through tax subsidies for domestic production and advocating for global trade reform. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute and holds a license in social and behavioral research.
Director
Melissa Green-Peterson
Melissa Green-Peterson is a native Washingtonian, whose life’s mission has been to support the children of the District of Columbia, one child at a time, using her gifts and strengths through education and volunteerism.
Melissa started her career as a Special Educator in the DC Public School System, working with the district’s most vulnerable students, after receiving a Bachelor of Psychology from Clark Atlanta University. Urning to have a greater impact on the community she served, Melissa decided to further her education at the Trinity University, obtaining a Master of Teaching, with a specialization in Special Education. Melissa’s hard work and commitment to families was quickly recognized, and she was quickly promoted to Special Education Coordinator (SEC). Servicing as a SEC, Melissa grew more and more interested in the policies and procedures which had a direct impact of how schools supported at risk and exceptional youth and vulnerable families. Needing more understanding, Melissa returned to school, obtaining an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed. S) in Educational Leadership and Development. Melissa currently works as a Management Analyst with the District government, where she continues to serve the children of the district.
Melissa is a longtime volunteer throughout the metropolitan area with DC Parks and Recreation, her sorority affiliation, as well as her local church community. The mission of the Payton’s Path Foundation aligns perfectly with Melissa’s personal life commitment as mother, education reform agent, and community servant.