Our board of directors

 “As a passionate advocate for equal access to education and opportunity, I founded this organization to spread the information I know to those in my community with fewer opportunities than me. I am fortunate to have the chance to attend and be a boarding student at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. It is often easy to forget about those at home who have different opportunities than me. With over several years of experience in charity work, including my current position as a Mercy University STEP tutor, charitable travel abroad work, leader of numerous clubs and positions at my school and caretaker of two baby sisters and one younger brother, I am committed to driving positive change and being a mentor to those who are just like me, who want to strive and make a change in the world. 

My journey towards founding Locked and Stocked began with a walk I had on Thanksgiving day with my aunt and David, my older brother. We walked past the middle school where our aunt and uncle lived nearby. It shocked me how those who looked exactly like me and grew up in the same neighborhood as me and my family are not able to access the same level of education nor receive the same opportunities as me, and in return, not able to fulfill their hopes and dreams, because of the lack of funding within the school. That thought has stuck with me since then, and the idea of creating a nonprofit organization to help those in my community sprouted up around my sophomore year in high school in February of 2024. 

Since then, my older brother and I have quickly increased the pace of creating and promoting our organization. We aim to partner with schools and other nonprofit organizations to help kids achieve their academic and future goals. We envision a future where kids, no matter what institution they attend or the neighborhood they live in, have the same opportunity to pursue and achieve their future goals. 

Together, we can make a difference. I invite you to join us in our mission. Whether you spread our name to schools or other organizations we could partner with, let us know about students in need, or donate to us in the future, your support is invaluable in creating lasting change. Thank you for being a part of our journey.” 

 “As a recipient of inherent advantage and a witness to inborn disadvantage, I strive to combat inequality. Raised in Windsor and Simsbury, CT, I never had to worry about my security, whether from violent neighbors, group rivalries, over-policing, or even the daily stroll to school. As someone who had attended one of the most prestigious public schools in the country and one of the most dangerous and distressing middle schools in CT, I have experienced the significant disparity in quality between schools a mere district away in the distance. The fate and attitudes of the contrasting student bodies are so radically different, all because of unfair resource allocation influenced by school districts. Redefining districts in hopes of equal resource distribution is out of hand, but at the very least, I want to provide students who dare to face this inequity with assets that give them a fair chance. 

Colby College is one of the most robust and most liberal colleges in Maine. Being a liberal college means requiring students to take many courses to graduate. A student won’t be able to get away with only taking STEM or only taking humanities classes. This is a controversial learning philosophy, but it ensures that students receive a diverse education. If you’re a student who knows their goals 20 years from now and has a set career path, then this probably isn’t your preferred educational pathway, but most people aren’t as firm in this manner. For them, this philosophy enables exploration while simultaneously fulfilling graduation requirements. This prepares me for challenges in any field since I understand most industries and general worldwide affairs. I hope to pass this learning to my siblings and those in Locked and Stocked.”

- David Roberts 

 “To me, community has always been important, especially building one that empowers and serves. As a black girl attending a PWI for the majority of her life, I quickly realized the importance of finding my community and mentors who were willing to uplift me and challenge me to become better. This is why I was not just inspired to work with Locked and Stocked but to serve the community that it has created. To me this organization is an opportunity to give back all of the time and work that was put into me to get me to where I am today. I want to serve the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow, uplift them and show them that it is possible to go above and beyond what they have envisioned for themselves. I celebrate the ability to be a part of dynamic young leadership ready and able to change this world, our world–better.”

 "As the social media strategist for Locked and Stocked, I am proud to support an organization dedicated to empowering children in underprivileged communities. Through my role, I amplify our message to inspire and connect with others. This is only the start of an incredible journey with this amazing organization. Locked and Stocked is already making a huge impact, and I’m so excited to see how much more we’ll achieve together!"