Welcome Leona Diggs & Looking Ahead to Our 2026 Board Leadership
We are excited to welcome Leona Charisma Diggs, M.Ed., B.S. to the Uniting Distant Stars (UDS) Board of Directors.
Leona brings more than 15 years of experience across K–12 and higher education, with a strong background in school leadership, charter school authorization, compliance, strategic planning, and student success. Her work with the Minnesota Department of Education has focused on strengthening oversight systems and supporting continuous improvement—experience that will be invaluable as UDS continues to grow.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. Her research centers on educator well-being and the often unseen demands placed on teachers and school leaders in post-pandemic environments.
Leona discovered UDS through the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits job board and was immediately drawn to our mission. Her passion for educational equity, youth empowerment, and global connection aligns deeply with our work, and she is committed to strengthening the systems that support both educators and students—locally and globally.
Leona joins a committed and forward-thinking Board dedicated to advancing the UDS mission. We are excited to share our 2026 Board leadership:
Rich Berkley, Board Chair (2026) – providing strategic leadership and vision
Paul Ostrow, Treasurer – ensuring strong financial stewardship
Philip Kaleewoun, Board Member – bringing continued leadership and global community insight
Together, this leadership—alongside Leona and our growing Board—reflects the strength, diversity, and vision guiding Uniting Distant Stars forward.
As we continue to build, we are actively seeking additional Board members who are ready to contribute their skills and passion to our mission. We are especially looking for individuals with experience in:
✔ Vocational / technical education
✔ Green jobs & climate-smart development (Africa)
✔ Youth-centered and equity-driven leadership
✔ Strategic, systems-thinking leadership
✔ Fundraising & sustainability
✔ Liberia or diaspora connection
Our Board is more than a governance body—it is a collective of leaders committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and empowering the next generation. If you’re ready to be part of that work, we invite you to join us. ✨