Who We Are

Dr. Cokethea Hill

Founder + CEO

Dr. Cokethea Hill brings over 15 years of experience working in the non-profit sector and fighting for Black children. A native of Kansas City, she has held elected offices on the Kansas City Public School Board and The Kansas City City Council. Currently, Dr. Hill also serves as the Chair of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, Vice-Chair of the City Planning Commission, and board members for Turn The Page KC and The Urban Neighborhood Initiative.

Dominic Davis

Director of Communications

Dominic is the Director of Communications. He is a KCPS alum and is passionate about positively improving outcomes for youth in Kansas City. His love for branding and elevating the Black voice and experiences through communications pairs well with the mission of BLAQUE.

Sabrina Dowdy

Chief of Staff

Sabrina Dowdy is a Kansas City native and a proud Lincoln alumna. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She continued her education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and earned her master’s degree in Public Affairs with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and Public Policy.

Semaj Jones

Director of Education & Advocacy

Semaj Jones is the Director of Education and Advocacy. He is a KCPS alum and has a passion for education. He has over 10 years of experience in education, including work as a behavioral/reading interventionist and an education program site leader. He earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Child and Family Development, a master’s in education, Comm/Language Arts, and is now pursuing a Higher Education Administration EdD at KU.

"I felt called to work at BLAQUE. Being a product of KCPS, I understand firsthand the importance of improving the outcomes for Black kids."

Nichol Smith

Director of Operations

Nichol is the Director of Operations. She is an analytical professional with more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector. Mrs. Smith diverse experience in finance equipped her with financial oversight and budgetary tracking ability to support strategic growth.

“BLAQUE has claimed the mantle as the Kansas City Educational Leaders in Kansas City, no one comes close.”