Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce, One Skill at a Time.

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Logo of Americans for Equality with text 'The MLK Gandhi Empowerment Initiative'. Empowering underserved communities with free tech training & digital equity programs. Americans 4 Equality opens doors to careers in IT, cloud, and cybersecurity.

Transforming Lives Through Tech Education

Diverse group of Americans 4 Equality team members and community partners collaborating to advance tech education and workforce opportunities for underserved populations.

Empowering Possibility. Advancing Skills. Inspiring Leadership.

At Americans 4 Equality, we believe that talent is universal—but opportunity is not. That’s why we offer free, high-impact technical training to communities historically left out of the innovation economy. From cloud computing and cybersecurity to AI, data analytics, and programming, our immersive, hands-on curriculum is designed not just to get people hired, but to help them lead with confidence.

Our mission is rooted in passion for communities and driven by purpose. We don't just teach technology—we unlock the potential of individuals, families, and entire communities. Every learner we empower becomes a catalyst for change, shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for all.

Empowering Talent. Expanding Access. Transforming Futures.

What Makes Us Different?

Mission-Driven

We use education to drive economic mobility, generational uplift, and systemic change.

Whole-Person Support

Mentorship, coaching, and connection build not just skills—but leadership and resilience.

Community-Powered

Our inclusive environments foster peer growth, collaboration, and collective success.

Measurable Outcomes

Our grads earn certifications, land tech roles, and take charge of their futures.

We believe when underrepresented communities are equipped with the tools of tomorrow, they don’t just catch up—they leap ahead. We’re rewriting the narrative—one empowered student at a time.

Education with intention. Training with purpose. Opportunity—for all.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at Americans 4 Equality drives our mission forward with strategic vision and steadfast leadership. Comprising CEOs of community organizations, tech leaders, and civic changemakers, our board brings unmatched expertise and a deep commitment to access, integrity, and public good. They shape priorities, ensure accountability, and amplify our impact through trusted networks across tech, philanthropy, education, and public service—keeping us bold, mission-aligned, and community-rooted.

Eddie Rye Jr.

Eddie Rye Jr. is a prominent civil rights activist and radio host, known for his dedication to racial justice and political advocacy. He played a key role in renaming Seattle’s Empire Way to Martin Luther King Jr. Way and helped establish King County’s official dedication to Dr. King’s legacy. As the host of Urban Forum Northwest, he engages in discussions on social justice, politics, and community empowerment.

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Founder & Chairperson
Omer Qureshi

Omer Qureshi is a problem-solver with 22 years of experience in the tech industry, now leading change as CEO of Americans 4 Equality. His career spans Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups, with a strong focus on cloud, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. He brings a proven track record of driving growth, building strategic alliances, and leading high-impact initiatives.

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CEO & Founding Member
Carolyn Riley-Payne

Carolyn Riley-Payne is a dedicated civil rights advocate with a history of leadership in community organizations. She has served as President of the Seattle chapter of the NAACP and currently contributes her expertise to further Americans 4 Equality’s mission as Treasurer.

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Board Member & Treasurer
Ernie Dunston

Ernie Dunston brings a background in public service and community development. With experience in government and nonprofit sectors, he helps shape equitable programs and policies that align with the organization’s mission.

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Board Member
Dominique Davis

Dominique Davis is the Founder and CEO of Community Passageways, an organization focused on alternatives to incarceration for youth. As a board member of Americans 4 Equality, he brings deep knowledge of restorative justice and community empowerment.

LinkedIn
Board Member

Our Supporters: Sponsors, Endorsers & Allies

From grassroots organizers to Fortune 500 executives, our mission is powered by a growing coalition of community leaders, educators, employers, and policymakers who believe in the transformative power of expanding access and opportunity in technology.

Here’s what our partners are saying about the impact of Americans 4 Equality:

Whether through sponsorships, advocacy, or hands-on collaboration, our supporters are helping us drive real, measurable change.

Adam Smith

“I believe that talent is equally spread across the population, but not everyone gets the opportunity to develop their skills.”

Congressman
D-WA 9th District
Sharon Santos

“Americans 4 Equality is breaking down systemic barriers and building direct pathways to employment.”

State Representative
D-WA District 37
Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson

“Programs like this are essential to fulfilling the promise of equity and inclusion for all of God’s children.”

Senior Minister
First AME Church
Toshiko Hasegawa

“What sets this program apart is its people-first approach meeting learners where they are, reducing barriers through stipends and support systems, and building pathways into good-paying, future-ready careers.”

Commission President
Port of Seattle
Marie Kurose

“We are not just preparing people for jobs we are helping build future taxpayers, thriving households, and strong local economies.”

CEO
Workforce Dev. Council of Seattle
Jon Bersche

"We need partners like Americans 4 Equality who are deeply embedded in the community and committed to delivering results."

Executive
Workforce Dev. Council of Seattle
Dr. Brent Jones

"By introducing students early to emerging technologies, we are helping them envision and create a future where they belong."

Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools
Dominique Davis

“At Community Passageways, we believe in providing real alternatives and opportunities for our youth—not just to survive, but to thrive. That’s why we are proud to announce a strategic partnership with Americans 4 Equality.”

Founder & CEO
Community Passageways
Reggie C Witherspoon

“This is not just a workforce training initiative, it is a ministry of empowerment, restoration, and opportunity for people across our communities.”

Senior Pastor
Mt. Calvary Christian Center

Trustees and Advisors

Our Trustees and Advisors provide strategic counsel, governance support, and trusted guidance to Americans 4 Equality.

This group includes civic leaders, philanthropists, legal and financial experts, and advisors from tech, education, and social justice. Their insights help shape our vision, expand our partnerships, and ensure our work remains impactful, accountable, and mission-aligned.

Education Leaders
Dr. Georgia McDade
Educator
Dr. Donald Felder
Educator
Rev. Derrick Harris
Executive Director, Black Education Strategy Roundtable (BESR)
Nonprofit & Community Leaders
Angela T. Rye
Native Land Pod
Gwen Allen Carston
Executive Director, Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC)
Erwin Chappel
President, Seattle Chapter 100 Black Men
Hayward Evans
Co-convener, MLK Commemoration Committee
Shaude' Moore
President, Seattle MLK Organizing Coalition & CEO, McKinney Center for Community and Economic Development
Vivek Malhotra
Advisor, Tech Entrepreneur and Leader
Chris B. Bennett
Publisher, Seattle Medium Newspaper
Government Leaders
Ed Prince
Renton City Council & Executive Director, WA State Commission on African American Affairs
Jesse Johnson
WA State Treasurer's Office
Derrick Wheeler-Smith
Director, Seattle Office of Civil Rights
Sheley Secrest
Attorney & Area Conference Chair NAACP, WA, OR and Alaska
Faith Leaders
Bishop Reggie Witherspoon
Bishop, COGIC – Seattle Tacoma Area
Rev. Lawrence Willis
President, United Black Christian Clergy
Bishop Garry L. Tyson
Pastor, Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Paul A. Stoot Sr.
Executive Director, Rise Up Academy
Rev. Dr. Carey Anderson
Pastor, Seattle First AME
Rev.Dr. Robert L. Jeffrey
Pastor, New Hope & Founder, Black Dollar Days Task Force
Bishop Zachary Bruce Sr.
Pastor, Freedom Church
Apostle James E. Sears III
Pastor, Grace Temple Church
Rev. Dr. Linda M. Smith
Pastor, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Baptist Church

What Our Students Say About Us

Americans 4 Equality students sharing positive testimonials about their experience gaining tech skills and career support through the program.