Meet the Founders

Dominique Nziffa, Executive Director, Founder

Dominique brought the idea to start a scholarship to her high school group chat back in the fall of 2020. With their buy-in and ideas, The Black Seed Scholarship was formed. Her main focuses on the board are to strategize, organize, and provide a helping hand wherever needed. Dominique is a 2013 graduate of CRHS and received her bachelor degree from Temple University. She currently resides in NYC where she works as a Senior Financial Analyst. 

Tariq Hacker, Director of Finance and Operations

Tariq is all about the money. He leads fundraising and the financial structure for The Black Seed. He comes up with fun new ways to diversify the way we raise money. Tariq also makes sure we keep up with our non profit, 501 (c)(3) status. He is a 2012 graduate of CRHS. Tariq currently resides in Dover, DE where he has mastered his electrician trade and is a Jorneyman wireman.

Whitley Hatton, Director of Programming

Whitley is the lead for our mentorship programming. She comes up with questionnaires for best matching students with mentors, the overall outline of the program, and comes up with new approaches for reaching the students. She is a 2013 graduate of CRHS. She has earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a masters from Tulane University. Whitley currently resides in Washington D.C. where she is a Genomic Science Liaison.

Kayla Boyd, Director of Marketing 

Kayla is the marketing and promotions whiz behind The Black Seed. She brings thoughtful and creative ideas to enhance the branding of this scholarship program across our social media platforms as well as this website. Kayla is a 2013 graduate of CRHS and received her bachelor degree from Delaware State University. She currently resides in Baltimore, MD where she works as a Marketing Analyst.