About Us
22 Ways Leadership Academy is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit organization that started as a Historically Black College club in 2004.
Since its humble beginnings as a Historically Black College club in 2004, our organization has flourished, embarking on 18 years of empowering high school and community college students through workshops and college tours. Our journeys have encompassed visits to HBCUs, Ivy League institutions, and local CSU and UC campuses. By cultivating an inclusive environment, we strive to empower individuals of diverse abilities, fostering awareness, understanding, and acceptance. Our commitment to equality underscores the recognition that everyone possesses unique strengths and challenges.
Through collaborative efforts, we work towards ensuring the success of every individual, paralleling our dedication to empowering under-resourced, underprivileged, and underrepresented students.
This aligns with our broader mission, exemplified by the impact we’ve made on over 1000 students, providing workshops, scholarship assistance, and diverse academic opportunities to inspire and propel them toward achievement. It’s worth noting that the financial backing for these initiatives has been made possible by the unwavering dedication of students’ fundraising efforts, the generosity of families and volunteers, and the valuable in-kind sponsored donations we have received.
Financial aid
Resume Writing
College Applications
Forms
Scholarships
"Measuring Success"
We measure success by the number of students who are accepted into colleges and universities. Our success rate is 90%. This means that 90 of the 100 students who have toured with us have been accepted and enrolled in higher education, including vocational education.
Our Leadership Team
Rodney Crozier Sr.
Board President
Electric Operations Supervisor with PG&E for 25 years. An avid lover of sports and supports students year round. Rodney enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time with his children.
Tiffany Sellers
Board Treasurer
A Fresno native, mother of two beautiful girls, and is a trained cosmetologist and self care instructor in the community for 22 years. Currently, as a property manager, she enjoys meeting new people to facilitate their transition to apartment style living. Her oldest daughter, who is now a freshmen at an HBCU, was introduced to 22 ways 2 years ago. The information that was provided through this amazing program made Tiffany want to take part and help students and parents find success in college resources in the Central Valley.
Tara Wills
Board Secretary
Wills Family Real Estate
A former educator and mother of four, Wills has dedicated her life to supporting and nurturing children. Whether it be on a stage, in a classroom or on a sports field or court, Tara has worked to help students to pursue their goals. Now, as a business owner, she’s excited to help members of this community achieve homeownership as a means of building generational wealth.
Ronda Turney -
Chief Executive Officer
High school educator, mentor, and advisor for 20 years. Ronda has committed her life to encouraging students to reach their fullest potential. She is a wife, and mother of 3 fantastic young men, Tyler, Travis, and Chauncey.
As CEO, Ronda oversees the overall management and direction of the 22 Ways organization. Leading 22 Ways towards accomplishing our mission: To provide all students more affordable options and opportunities to attend institutions of higher education.
Favorite Quote: “It All Seems Impossible Until It’s Done!” Nelson Mandela
Diane Allison -
Chief Financial Officer
Retired Engineer for AT&T
Diane has dedicated many years to supporting our youth within Fresno County in sports, and children of incarcerated parents. Under the Family Community Church Missions Ministry Diane also assists With The FCC Christmas Giving Tree, she truly enjoys giving back to our community.
As CFO, Diane provides Accountability for the financial affairs of 22 Ways regarding fiscal resources. Diane performs a variety of bookkeeping, accounting, and financial monitoring duties.
Favorite Quote: “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t “- Jerry Rice
Dr. Sonja Wilson Lawrence
Chief Operations Officer
A k-12 public school educational counselor for 22 years and a Juvenile Correctional Officer for 10 years. For thirty plus years she has enjoyed serving the Fresno Community by expanding economic, personal, social, and emotional goals and opportunities for individuals and families. She is inspired by helping others find their passion in love and life, and as the C00 of 22ways Inc., Sonja looks forward to increasing cultural & travel opportunities for students in Fresno and the surrounding communities!
As the COO, Sonja manages and handles the daily business operations of 22 Ways, working closely with students and supports the day-to-day activities of the organization.