About After 3 AmplifiedWho We Are?
After 3 Amplified (A3A) is a DC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization expanding extracurricular access for Title I school students.
We exist to amplify the potential of every student through access to extracurricular activities, because what happens after school shapes who they become. But we don't just provide access to extracurriculars. We cultivate student confidence by empowering student leadership of their passions through extracurriculars.
EIN: 33-2143727
Our Mission
After 3 Amplified exists to amplify the potential of every student through access to extracurricular activities, because what happens after school shapes who they become.
But here's what really sets us apart. A lot of programs stop at access. They hand a student an opportunity and call it done. We don't stop there.
At A3A, students aren't just the ones showing up. They're the ones leading. We invest in training and mentoring students to organize their own clubs, run their own programs, and shape their passions in a way that's true to them, not a version handed down by an adult who thinks they know best.
And it doesn't end with just leading themselves. Our students grow into the ones who bring other students in. They become the mentor a younger student needs. They become the reason someone else's spark gets lit too.
That's the model. Students leading students. Passion multiplying passion.
The need for this is real. A national study from the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics found that students who don't participate in any extracurricular activities are 57% more likely to drop out of school. A club, a team, a passion, it isn't extra. For a lot of students, it's the thing that keeps them here.
Our Core Values
Access
Every child deserves the opportunity to participate, regardless of income, neighborhood, or background.
Amplification
We don't just provide programs, we turn up the volume on each child's unique gifts, talents, and potential.
Student Leadership
We don't stop at access. We train and mentor students to organize their own clubs, run their own programs, and lead other students, so passion multiplies passion.
Community
We build belonging. Every student who walks through our doors is part of something bigger than themselves.
Excellence
We hold our programs, our partners, and ourselves to the highest standard because these students deserve nothing less.
Equity
We go where the need is greatest and ensure no student is left behind because of circumstance.
Who We Serve
The students we serve
Ages 12-18, particularly those in underserved and low-to-moderate income communities who lack access to quality after-school programming.
The families
Parents and guardians, primarily working parents who need safe, enriching after-school options for their children.
The funders and donors
Individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation grant makers passionate about youth development, education equity, and community impact.
LeadershipBoard of Directors
Kiara J. Stewart
Founder & Board Chair
Kiara, known to many as KJ, is an educator at her core and a lifelong learner committed to growth, equity, and excellence. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Southern University and A&M College, then pursued graduate studies in Educational Leadership and Management at Roehampton University in London.
KJ built her career in classrooms and campus leadership, teaching secondary science before moving into roles as a K to 12 educator, Vice Principal, and Science Team Lead. Across each role, she used data not just to measure progress but to drive meaningful change, shaping instruction, coaching teachers, and building school culture around real student growth.
That belief is what led her to found After 3 Amplified. Years in schools showed her that the hours after the bell hold as much power to shape a young person's future as the hours inside it, and that students themselves are an underused resource in closing opportunity gaps. A3A puts that belief into action: young people are trained to lead after school programming for their peers across music, arts, sports, academics, and mentorship, not just participate in it.
As Founder and Board Chair and CEO of A3A, KJ brings the same rigor to this work that defined her time in education: a belief that equity is built through access, that leadership is a skill young people can be taught, and that data should always serve real, measurable growth.
"I've spent my career watching young people rise to the level of responsibility we give them. After 3 Amplified exists because I believe the hours after school shouldn't be an afterthought, they should be where young people discover they're capable of leading. When we hand students the mic, the stage, and the playbook, they don't just show up differently for themselves. They show up differently for each other."
Kiona Davis
Vice Chair
Kiona Davis serves as Vice Director of After 3 Amplified, where she is committed to expanding high-quality after-school programming that empowers young people to thrive academically, socially, and personally. In her leadership role, she helps guide the organization's strategic vision, governance, and community partnerships to increase access to meaningful opportunities for youth throughout the DMV region.
Drawing on experience across the nonprofit, education, and federal sectors, Kiona brings a unique perspective to youth development and organizational leadership. For more than a decade, she has designed programs, developed leaders, and built partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for students and communities. She currently serves as a Lead Training Manager with the Department of the Air Force's Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, where she leads strategic learning initiatives and organizational development. Prior to her federal service, Kiona dedicated nearly a decade to education through Teach For America and YES Prep Public Schools, serving as a teacher, Dean of Students, and Director of Student Support. Throughout those roles, she developed innovative programs that strengthened school culture, increased student engagement, and improved academic outcomes for students.
Kiona holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership from Georgia State University. She is passionate about educational equity, collaborative leadership, and ensuring every young person has access to enriching opportunities beyond the school day.
" Every student has something to offer. Our job is to hand them the mic and get out of the way."
Justin Johnson
Treasurer
Justin Johnson brings a sharp analytical edge to any workspace, grounded in a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Houston–Downtown (2012) and a master's degree in sports administration from the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor (2019). That numbers-driven foundation shows up in how he builds a program.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Johnson currently works for Fort Hays State after serving as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the track and field program at Biola University in California. Before Biola, he was head coach of track and field and cross country at Westcliff University, an NAIA program, where he built competitive teams from the ground up.
“At After 3 Amplified, we're making sure every young person in Washington, DC has somewhere to go and something to do after the school day ends. The afternoon hours shape kids just as much as the classroom does, but they're rarely given the resources they deserve.”
Samantha Grimes
Secretary & Site Leader
Samantha is an educator and environmental advocate with expertise in science education, curriculum development, and stakeholder engagement. She currently teaches AP Environmental Science and Chemistry. Before her career in education, she was a sea turtle biologist. Outside of the classroom, she served two years as a National Climate Fellow, using her scientific and educational expertise to advance climate policy literacy through communications, outreach, and collaboration.
“My vision is to strengthen existing clubs by helping students take on authentic leadership roles, while teachers provide guidance and support from the sidelines. Student ownership in their extracurricular programs can increase their confidence to lead in the classroom both now and in the future.”
Jaishri Shankar
Member at Large
Bio coming soon...
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Danielle Washington
Member at Large
Danielle Washington serves as the Director of College Counseling at St. Agnes Academy in Houston, Texas. She is passionate about helping students navigate the college admissions process with confidence while supporting their academic, personal, and leadership development. In addition to her work in education, Danielle is the founder of Style x Grace Collective, a wellness community focused on helping individuals reconnect with themselves through movement, mindfulness, and intentional living. Her work reflects a commitment to empowering others, building meaningful relationships, and creating spaces where people feel supported to grow and thrive.
“I believe every young person deserves access to opportunities that help them discover their strengths, build confidence, and explore new possibilities beyond the classroom. Through my work in education and student development, I hope to support After 3 Amplified’s mission by helping create meaningful after-school experiences that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life while ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and empowered.”
Shanita Newman
Member at Large
Shanita Newman, LCPC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland, entrepreneur, and founder of Myndful Therapy LLC, a private practice dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care to adolescents and adults. With a passion for expanding access to quality behavioral health services, Shanita combines clinical expertise with leadership to support individuals, families, and communities.
Beyond her work as a therapist, Shanita is committed to advocacy, mentorship, and strengthening community partnerships that promote mental wellness and equitable access to care
“As a mental health therapist it is my intention to bring my expertise as a mental health professional to this role. Mental health is a crucial component for the success of students.
Tarrence Hughes
Member at Large
Mr. Tarrence A. Hughes is a proud native of Southeast Washington, DC, and an alum of the renowned Duke Ellington School of the Arts. With a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Virginia State University and a Master of Arts from Morgan State University, Mr. Hughes is a staunch advocate for historically Black colleges and universities, making it his mission to introduce his students to the power and possibilities of college life. With years of experience teaching vocal music in Baltimore City and DC Public Schools, Mr. Hughes has earned a reputation for directing award-winning choirs in both districts. Currently, he serves as the Dean of Culture for 9th grade at Legacy College Preparatory in DC, teaching choir and music. His passion for inspiring and mentoring students is evident in the success stories of those he has guided-students who have graduated from college and become productive members of society. An accomplished performer, Mr. Hughes has made his mark in the arts with yearly concerts, recitals, and performances with the Baltimore Summer Opera Workshop and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. He also performs with his band, T Arnett with Top Shelf, throughout the DC metropolitan area. A committed member of The Alfred Street Baptist Church, he ministers with the Caya Praise Team and the VOT. A lifetime member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and a proud member of the 100 Black Men Maryland Chapter, Mr. Hughes is deeply invested in mentorship and relationship-building, believing these elements are key to shaping strong, empowered men. His work continues to uplift, inspire, and impact the lives of many.
" From my perspective as an educator and youth leader, I envision After 3 Amplified as a transformative force that ensures every young person has access to enriching opportunities beyond the classroom. By investing in high-quality after-school experiences, we can help scholars discover their passions, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create pathways to lifelong success-regardless of their background or circumstances."