In a world of uncertainty, Students need more than academic scores. They need resilience, a global perspective, and the will to try.
The goal was never recognition
TOMA BAṜRE Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating a certified Pearson Edexcel Testing Centre, delivering service-based educational trips on the Texas Frontier, and advancing a collaborative model to address the Global Learning Crisis.
From the start, the goal was never recognition for oneself, but to try again and again, no matter the odds. This mindset changed families, communities, and even whole systems because we’re not preparing students to cope with the world — we’re preparing them to shape it.
In 2013, the founder of TOMA BAṜRE made a bold decision—leaving behind a successful career in IT/Telecommunications to return to the barre, as in the ballet barre.
What started as ‘taking the barre’ became so much more. Over the past decade, that single choice has blossomed into TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION, a space where a culture of learning, serving, and building brings people worldwide together.
From dance floors to classrooms, from local communities to cross-cultural worlds—this journey proves that one brave step can change everything.
Origin Story, Yesterday and Today
Board of Directors
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Alysa Iyana
Founder and President (Ex-Officio)
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Dr. Naresh Seetharam
Vice President, Global Partnerships and Emerging Opportunities
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Seanny Canning
Secretary, Education and Media Production
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Javian Trotman
Digital Strategy, Infrastructure, and Innovation
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Shaunna Gilmore
Business Development, Impact and Sustainability
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John Nwoke
Health, Wellness, and Accessibility Initiatives
Global Strategy Council
TOMA BAṜRE Global Strategy Council is a visionary body that brings together select leaders from each Advisory Committee to guide the organization’s long-term direction. Acting as a bridge between the Board of Directors and the specialized committees, the Strategic Council ensures that TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION’s mission remains forward-thinking and deeply connected to emerging cultural, economic, and humanitarian realities.
Advisory Committees
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The Diplomacy & Governance Committee strengthens TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION’s ability to build meaningful cross-cultural relationships and foster ethical decision-making. This committee explores global governance trends, navigates the complexities of diplomacy, and forges strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, and cultural institutions. By guiding internal governance practices and promoting intercultural dialogue, it ensures the organization remains transparent, accountable, and aligned with international standards.
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The Economic Futures & Global Industries Committee explores the intersection of education, emerging industries, and the evolving global workforce. It provides insights into how economic trends shape decision-making, self-management, and cultural relationships, ensuring TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION stays aligned with future global needs. By building partnerships with key industries and identifying new areas of growth, this committee helps position education as a catalyst for innovation, adaptability, and sustainable development worldwide.
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The Humanitarian & Crisis Response ensures TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION remains responsive and relevant in times of disruption. It focuses on integrating education into humanitarian efforts, supporting vulnerable communities, and fostering resilience during social, cultural, or environmental crises. Through innovative programming, rapid-response initiatives, and collaborations with relief organizations, this committee helps empower communities to recover, adapt, and rebuild through education and cultural understanding.
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We explore how the human brain, shaped by millions of years of evolution, learns and connects in diverse cultural settings. By blending brain science, anthropology, and the lessons of history, we uncover what unites us — and how movement, the arts, and storytelling can spark meaningful learning. Our work helps TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION design experiences that inspire self-awareness, empathy, and connection across cultures and generations.
