Speaker

Brittinie Jermon, artistically known as “Tierra Kahli” is a visionary leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering individuals through education, mentorship, and community development. With a career spanning both academic and nonprofit sectors, she has made a lasting impact on students, educators, and organizations by fostering innovation, leadership, and strategic growth.

Educator

Brittinie's education led her to work with juvenile and at-risk youth. She has facilitated workshops for juvenile detention staff and teachers on transformative practices and pedagogy throughout the state of Ohio for Children’s Defense Fund. As the former Dean of Arts at the Cleveland School of the Arts, Brittinie has played a pivotal role in transforming the institution, driving student engagement, and increasing academic success. Under her leadership, student enrollment grew by 35% in one academic year, and the school’s graduation rate rose to 98% from 2022 to 2024. She spearheaded initiatives that enhanced the school’s production rating from 3.0 to 4.5 stars, ensuring a stronger reputation and increased student opportunities. Additionally, she has led coaching and development programs for over 75 staff members and independent contractors, strengthening instructional effectiveness and institutional efficiency. In 2020 the state of Ohio recognized her work in education with “The Educational Excellence Award” in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Poet

Beyond her role in academia, Brittinie is the founder of Project 9:17, an initiative dedicated to urban community development through education and civic action. Through this platform, she has designed and implemented programs that support youth empowerment, leadership development, and social justice advocacy. Her work bridges the gap between education and community engagement, ensuring that students—particularly those from historically underserved communities—have the resources, mentorship, and support they need to thrive. With a Master’s in Cultural Foundations and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and International Relations from Kent State University, Tierra’s academic background informs her work in institutional leadership, policy development, and community-building.

As a proud member of the illustrious sorority of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Brittinie continues to make an indelible impact in the fields of education, leadership development, and advocacy. Whether through institutional transformation, student mentorship, or community-driven initiatives, her mission remains the same: to create pathways for success, amplify voices, and uplift the next generation of changemakers. She is the daughter of Vinnell Aitken and James Jermon and the sister of seven siblings. She honors her late brother Blake Jermon every time she touches a microphone.